Marella Cruises, owned by Germany’s TUI Group, has unveiled its winter 2025 program, introducing new ports of call and expanded itineraries across its fleet.
Beginning on December 16, 2025, the 2,076-passenger Marella Discovery will include Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic and Ponce in Puerto Rico in its “Tropical Isles” itinerary. This marks the first time Marella Cruises will port in these locations.
The Tropical Isles itinerary will embark from La Romana, Dominica Republic, and include stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Charlotte Amalie and Frederiksted in the U.S. Virgin Islands before visiting the new ports. The journey will conclude back in La Romana.
“We’re excited to be announcing our winter 2025 programme, with our more remote island ports of call in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, allowing our guests to discover more,”said Chris Hackney, managing director of Marella Cruises.
In addition to these new ports, the 1,832-passenger Marella Discovery 2 will launch its “Exotic Islands” itinerary on January 8, 2026. This route includes stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Aruba, Curacao, and Grenada.
Notably, the itinerary features new overnight stays in Willemstad, Curacao, and cruise-and-stay options at the Hilton Barbados Resort and Radisson Aquatica in Hastings, Barbados.
Another new itinerary, the “Island Explorer,” will commence on November 28, 2025, on the 1,886-passenger Marella Voyager and the adults-only, 1,814-passenger Marella Explorer 2. This route covers Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madeira, and La Palma, Spain, with overnight stays in Funchal, Madeira. Guests can choose to sail from Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
In addition, to celebrate the New Year, Marella Voyager will offer a special Spanish itinerary, “A New Year’s Dream,” which includes the Madeira firework display and cruise-and-stay options in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Said Hackney, “By expanding our overnight onboard stay offering in the Curacao and Canary Islands and cruise-and-stay options in the Caribbean and Canary Islands, it will give guests a chance to explore the sights, with a change to stay at our TUI hotels pre- or post-cruise.”
The new itineraries will be available for booking starting July 18, 2024.
A Similar Lineup for 2024
The 2025 lineup is similar to Marella Cruises’ 2024 winter schedule, in which three of the cruise line’s five ships spend the season in the Caribbean, and two will be positioned in the Canary Islands.
Marella Voyager, the newest ship that debuted in 2023 in Malaga, Spain, is scheduled to enjoy a 2024 winter in the Caribbean, calling on ports in Barbados, Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Antigua, and Dominica.
The 77,302 gross ton ship is currently summering in the Mediterranean until November 17, 2024.
Marella Explorer Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)
Marella Explorer 2, also currently in the Mediterranean, will also reposition to the Caribbean on December 7 for its 2024 winter season, visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time since 2017.
Sister ships Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2, both weighing 69,130 gross tons, are currently in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
While Marella Discovery will move to the Caribbean on November 10 and visit similar ports, Marella Discovery 2 will spend this winter in the Canary Islands following a cancellation of original plans to sail in the Middle East and Asia due to ongoing strife in the Red Sea.
It joins Marella Explorer, which is slated to spend its 2024 winter in the Canaries. Although Marella Explorer is scheduled to sail in Greece and Turkey through October 31, 2025, it is not included in the 2025 winter schedule. Last refurbished in 2022, perhaps the 1,924-passenger ship will be in dry dock.
Southampton Cruise Port, also known as the Port of Southampton, is one of the busiest and most important cruise ports in the United Kingdom.
Its strategic location along the south coast of England allows it to serve as an important hub for both departing and visiting cruise ships. It serves as a departure point for cruise ships bound for the Mediterranean, fjords of Scandinavia, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Today, we will take an in-depth look at everything Southampton Cruise Port has to offer, including terminal facilities, nearby amenities, and much more. Not only will this help you plan your upcoming visit, but understanding the port and its facilities will help you enjoy a smooth experience.
The Southampton Cruise Port is in Hampshire, situated along the south coast of England. As you have probably guessed, the port sits on the edge of the city of Southampton.
Located just 80 miles southwest of London, the city and the port that bears its name are easy for cruise passengers to get to. Plus, the port’s direct access to the English Channel makes it a perfect departure point for cruises headed to various coastlines along continental Europe and those even further abroad.
Not only does the location make it perfect for cruise ships, but the fact that the Isle of Wight acts as a natural barrier against rough seas and storms means that it has been an important port as far back as medieval times. This rich maritime history only adds to the port’s charm.
Port Address
Southampton Cruise Port actually consists of five distinct cruise terminals. These terminals all line a natural estuary that leads to the city called Southampton Water.
Although the five terminals are relatively close to each other, a 3.1-mile distance separates the Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal and the Mayflower Cruise Terminal, which are the two furthest from each other.
Port of Southampton Entrance (Photo Credit: Ben Gingell)
To make things easy, here are the addresses of the five terminals that make up the Southampton Cruise Port:
Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal: Eastern Docks, Southampton, UK, SO14 3GG
City Cruise Terminal: Herbert Walker Avenue, Western Docks, Southampton, UK, SO15 1HJ
Horizon Cruise Terminal: 102 W. Bay Road, Western Docks, Southampton, UK, SO15 1AW
Mayflower Cruise Terminal: Western Docks, Southampton, UK, SO15 1HJ
Your cruise line will clearly indicate where your ship will dock. As long as you arrive at the correct berthing location, boarding will be straightforward.
Southampton Cruise Terminals and Berths
Each of the five-passenger terminals features either a single or double deep-water berth, enabling them to handle at least one full-size cruise ship at any given time. There are a total of six berths spread across the five terminals, with the Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal hosting two berths.
Due to the unique double high tide that occurs as a result of the distorted tidal flow of Southampton Water, most of the terminals are not built around piers. Instead, they are designed to allow cruise ships to dock parallel to the shore, allowing gangways to enable passengers, crew, and supplies to access the ships.
Ocean Cruise Terminal’s Berth 46 is an exception, as it is based around a man-made pier. The only other pier in the port is the Hythe Ferry Terminal, which provides regular ferry service between the town of Hythe and Southampton.
1. Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal
Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Jane Rix)
Location: Eastern Docks (Berths 38 and 39)
Features: Close proximity to the center of the city. Three comfortable seating areas, including a VIP waiting area. On-site food and drink services. Has its own on-site parking lot and covered taxi waiting areas.
Cruise Lines: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises
Features: A spacious waiting lounge with over 1,000 seats on the first floor, a priority boarding area, two security desks, and on-site luggage porters. The Café Ceanos offers a food and drink menu that includes alcoholic beverages.
Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Saga Cruises
3. City Cruise Terminal
City Cruise Terminal, Southampton (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
Location: Western Docks (Berth 101)
Features: Designed to accommodate the largest ships, it is easily accessible to the Southampton Central Train Station, which services all major rail lines. It features its own café and pub, as well as a magazine stand that offers a variety of complimentary magazines and newspapers. Luggage porters are available, as are priority check-in desks.
Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line
4. Horizon Cruise Terminal
Horizon Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ana del Castillo)
Location: Western Docks (Berth 102)
Features: The newest terminal, constructed at a cost of £55 million ($95 million USD), features a comfortable main lobby with waiting areas, a restaurant, several shops, and luggage porters. It is located less than one mile from Southampton Central Station, enabling straightforward access to public transit and airports. It is also a completely green terminal, which makes it the first carbon-neutral cruise port in the UK.
Cruise Lines: MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises
Features: It is roughly a 20-minute walk to Southampton Central Station. It also features a covered taxi pickup and drop-off area. The spacious and comfortable waiting area is also open to the public and features a café. On-site short—and long-term parking is also available through AB Parking Services. This was the departure point for the RMS Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage, so the terminal features murals and interactive displays about the infamous ocean liner.
Cruise Lines: P&O Cruises and Cunard Line
All five passenger terminals are also equipped with numerous washroom facilities, including disabled toilets and other wheelchair-friendly amenities. Every cruise terminal also offers unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.
Terminal Parking
Four of the five cruise terminals offer on-site parking. The newly constructed Horizon Cruise Terminal is the only terminal without its own parking lot; however, a complimentary shuttle service is provided to the West Quay Road Parking Lot, which is under a mile away from the terminal.
These paid lots are open to the public and operated by three providers: AB Parking, CPS Cruise Parking, and Southampton Cruise Passenger Services.
Parking at Port of Southampton (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)
Options are available for both short-term and long-term parking, with pre-booking strongly recommended for anyone planning to leave their vehicle overnight.
Parking rates are affordable, with fees for the first 24 hours running between £9 and £11, depending on whether you opt for indoor or outdoor parking. After the first day, the rate drops down to a flat £5 per day rate. Keep in mind that there is a one-time surcharge of £39 for parking beyond seven days.
How Busy Is Southampton Cruise Port?
Southampton Cruise Port is the busiest cruise port in the United Kingdom. Handling an average of over 1.9 million passengers per year, it is not only Britain’s main embarkation and disembarkation point, but it is also one of the busiest cruise ports in all of Europe.
The port’s strategic location is the main reason why it is such an important cruise location. It also explains why the port has been one of the most important maritime junctions in all of British history.
Cruise Ships Docked in Southampton, UK (Photo Credit: Ben Gingell / Shutterstock)
Beyond the relatively simple and safe accessibility of numerous European destinations, the location also offers a wide range of natural advantages that make it the perfect location for docking and boarding large passenger vessels, like its calm waters.
As a cruise port, it is also outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, including efficient passenger services and close proximity to major public transportation hubs, like Southampton Central Station and Southampton Airport.
The accessibility of the National Express Rail System and the A33 Highway also means it is easy to get to the port from all parts of the United Kingdom, including the nation’s main airports, like Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport.
Distance and Directions from the Major Airports
As mentioned, one of the many reasons why Southampton is such a popular embarkation point for cruise ships is how accessible it is to some of Europe’s busiest airports.
Not only can you conveniently get to the port from bothLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) via the national railway network, but Southampton Airport (SOU) is also nearby.
Southampton Airport (Photo Credit: Adam Loader)
Southampton Airport
Distance: Roughly 5 miles away from the port
Accessibility: This relatively small international airport is just a few short miles north of the city, making it accessible to cruise ship passengers via a short taxi ride or direct commuter train from the airport to Southampton Central Station.
Driving Duration and Directions: (Roughly 16 minutes) Take Mitchell Lane to Wide Way for 0.3 miles, then follow Wide Lane, A335 and Ring Rd/A3024 to West Bay Road until you reach the Port of Southampton.
London Heathrow Airport
Distance: Approximately 66 miles away from the port.
Accessibility: You can drive from the airport to Southampton via the M3 Motorway. The South Western Railway also connects London Heathrow to Southampton Central Station.
Driving Duration and Directions: (Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes) Take the M25 for 3.8 miles, then merge onto the M3. After 58 miles, exit onto the A33. Watch for cruise terminal signs and turn right to arrive at your destination.
London Gatwick Airport
Distance: Approximately 88 miles away from the port.
Accessibility: You can drive to the port by taking the M23 Motorway South. A train service connects the airport to Southampton Central Station.
Driving Duration and Directions: (Roughly 1 hour 36 minutes) Drive southwest on Airport Way Roundabout East toward Ring Road South, then take M25 and M3 to A27 for 83.8 miles. Exit from M3 on exit 14, then at junction 14, exit toward Southampton/A33. The cruise terminal will be on your right in 4.1 miles.
Getting to Southampton Cruise Port from London
Given that many cruise passengers arrive in London, either from other parts of the country or abroad, it is useful to quickly explain how affordable and convenient public transportation can be.
Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock
The total distance between the port and central London is roughly 80 miles. To make things easy, here are just a few of your options:
Train
Direct trains run between London Waterloo Station and Southampton Central. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs between $40 and $70 per person. As with all train tickets in England, rates vary depending on the time of day and date and how far ahead of time you book.
Bus
Long-haul bus services, or coach services as they are known in the UK, are provided via the National Express Coach Service. Buses depart from Victoria Coach Station and have drop-off points near Southampton Central Station. One-way travel costs approximately $25 to $30, but it only takes about 2 hours, making it a budget-friendly and reasonably quick option.
Private Vehicle
If you have your own vehicle or plan on renting one, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Most of the drive will be along the M3 Motorway, making it a relatively straightforward trip.
As mentioned, make sure that you pre-book parking at or near your terminal ahead of time, as spots can book up quickly, especially during peak travel season.
Transportation Available at the Port
Plenty of transportation options are available directly from the port, whether you need transportation between your terminal and the train station or want convenient access to the city and the attractions in the surrounding area.
Shuttle Buses
London Cruise Transfers provides low-cost shuttle services between all five passenger terminals and various destinations within Southampton and beyond.
Cruise Ships in Southampton (Photo Credit: Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock)
Rates vary from roughly $15 to over $300 per person, depending on where you are traveling to. The company also provides sightseeing trips and simple pickup and drop-off journeys, so you can fully customize your travel.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at all five cruise terminals. Rates vary from roughly $10 to $15 for trips to the city center of Southampton. You do not need to pre-book taxis from the port, as each terminal has its own taxi pickup area that operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Rideshare Vehicles
Uber operates in Southampton, allowing visitors the flexibility of booking on-demand transportation to and from the port. Rates are similar to cabs, but you have the advantage of avoiding the taxi lines.
Trains
As mentioned, Southampton Central Station is relatively close to all five cruise terminals. This means visitors can take a short taxi to the station and then explore just about any major population center in the United Kingdom, including popular tourist cities like London, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
Best Time to Visit Southampton, UK
The summer months between June and August offer the best weather, making this the most popular time to visit the city. With average temperatures ranging between 65° and 75°F and minimal rainfall by British standards, it is the clear peak of the tourist season along England’s south coast.
View of Southampton Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ssisabal)
If you are visiting another time, here is a basic rundown of the other three seasons:
Fall: Average temperatures drop between 50° and 65°F. Rainfall increases, but the weather is still pleasant.
Winter: Temperatures can drop to 40°F but tend to stay closer to 50°F. Rainfall can be quite heavy, with occasional frost in the mornings.
Spring: Temperatures increase to the 50° to 60°F range, but rain showers are common.
It is also worth noting that there is also a spike in tourist activity around Christmas and New Year.
What to Do Near the Port
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy some incredible attractions when you visit Southampton Cruise Port. The following are just a few of the many options available to visiting cruise passengers:
Tudor House and Garden
This historic building was opened as a museum in 1912, but the former Tudor residence dates back to 1491. This popular tourist attraction is also just one mile away from the port, making it possible to walk to or take a short cab ride.
Tudor House and Garden in Southampton (Photo Credit: Andreas Vogel)
Learn about the building’s storied past and take in the serene atmosphere of the perfectly manicured gardens. You will even learn how the house was built on the remains of a 12th-century Norman home, so it even predates the Tudors.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Also located just over a mile from the port, this unique gallery features a diverse collection of fine art dating from the Renaissance to the present day. With stunning and priceless pieces from throughout Europe, it is a must-see. It also makes a perfect activity for a rainy day.
Explore Old Town
Wander through over 800 years of history by visiting Southampton’s Old Town. For visiting cruise passengers, the Old Town area stretches from Ocean Village to Palmerston Park, making walking from any terminal easy.
Old Town, Southampton (Photo Credit: Evannovostro)
Not only are the area’s cobblestone streets, medieval city walls and gatehouses, and numerous examples of historical architecture enough to make you feel like you have traveled back in time, but the area is also home to a variety of modern restaurants and attractions.
You will also find the city’s main market here and the Solent Sky Museum, a must-see for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs.
SeaCity Museum
This hands-on, interactive museum is dedicated to the city of Southampton’s long-standing maritime history. Learn all about Southampton’s involvement in the tragic Titanic story and other famous vessels that passed through the port at some point in its history.
Sea City museum and civic centre in Southampton (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
The museum was constructed in 2012 to mark 100 years since the Titanic set sail from Southampton, so even the building itself is impressive. Given that it’s only a 2.6-mile journey from the furthest cruise terminal, it is easy to fit it into your visit.
Dining Near Southampton Cruise Port
In addition to a few cafés and pubs within the terminal buildings themselves, there are plenty of great dining options within walking distance of the port.
For a true taste of the city,try The Jetty, which specializes in traditional British dishes and fresh seafood. Situated in Ocean Village, it is roughly one mile away from most of the terminals, and it offers waterfront dining with an emphasis on local ingredients.
The PIG in the Wall is another option if you want to try traditional British comfort food, like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and more. This unique gastro pub is built directly into the city’s medieval-era walls, giving it an old-world feel.
The Platform Tavern, Southampton
Given that it is less than a mile away from most of the terminals, it’s a great spot for a delicious meal and a few pints of traditional English ale.
If you find yourself walking around Old Town, the Platform Tavern is another great option. It’s located right along the dockyards, making it easy to walk to from the cruise port.
Enjoy classic pub lunches, all-day full English breakfasts all day, and a huge selection of traditional ales and lagers. Plus, it often has live music, especially in the evening. It’s only an 8-minute walk from Ocean Cruise Terminal and only a little more than that from the others.
Shopping Southampton Cruise Port
Shopping within the terminal buildings is very limited, with most having little more than a newspaper stand, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options nearby.
Westquay Shopping Centre is just 0.3 miles away from the port. This indoor mall offers a wide range of stores. With everything from designer retailers to more casual department stores, it’s a one-stop destination for your pre-cruise shopping needs.
Westquay Shopping Centre (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
The Marlands Shopping Centre is a little further, but it is still less than a mile from most of the terminals. It tends to be a little bit less busy, but it still offers a variety of designer retailers and some more unique independent shops.
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir that you can only get in Southampton, we recommend walking around the Old Town. There are plenty of independent vendors, art galleries, and souvenir stores. The Southampton Market is also held in this area, and it is the perfect place to find vintage items, antiques, and handmade goods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do the cruise ships leave from in Southampton?
Cruise ships depart from Southampton Cruise Port, which consists of five passenger terminals along the southwestern side of the city.
How far is it from London to Southampton cruise port?
Southampton Cruise Port is roughly 80 miles southwest of London. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive between the two locations.
Which train station is best for the Southampton cruise terminal?
Southampton Central Railway Station is the best option, between 1.1 miles and 2.6 miles from each of Southampton Cruise Port’s five passenger terminals.
Royal Caribbean International’s upcoming Star of the Seas, second in the overwhelming Icon class, has reached a critical step in her construction.
In the early hours of Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland, the ship received her AquaDome. The brilliant glass structure was lifted into place in a precise engineering operation, bringing the ship one step closer to completion.
“Last night in Turku Finland the AquaDome was lifted and placed onto Star of Seas. Amazing engineering. Star of the Seas arrives next year,”confirmed Michael Bayley, President of Royal Caribbean International.
Star of the Seas Dome Installation (Credit: Royal Caribbean)
The AquaDome weighs approximately 363 tons, measuring 82 feet high and 164 feet long. The geodesic glass structure is comprised of 673 glass panels and covers the forward part of the ship.
This encloses a gigantic space that is home to the vessel’s signature aquatheater shows as well as luxurious open space with unparalleled 220-degree views, dining and bar options, comfy seating, whirlpools, and more.
Lifting the AquaDome into place requires a specially engineered crane and very patient conditions to be sure the structure is fitted properly on the ship’s hull before it is welded securely. Once in place, the bold feature makes the ship’s profile instantly recognizable, ensuring Star of the Seas will stand out no matter where she sails.
With the characteristic dome now in place, the interior outfitting of the AquaDome neighborhood will begin in earnest. This includes installing lighting, the central waterfall, eating, restaurants, bars, lounges, sculptures, decorative details, and much more to bring the space to life. The transformative space is designed as a gathering place for relaxation during the day, and a lively hotspot at night.
Star of the Seas has been physically under construction since steel was first cut for her hull on February 5, 2023. In December 2023, the first block was lowered into place to start bringing the ship’s hull together.
The ship was originally scheduled to debut in mid-August 2025, but early delays indicated that Star of the Seas would not be ready to meet that production timeline. In early 2024, it was announced that her inaugural voyage was cancelled and the ship delayed until August 31, 2025.
It should be noted that the construction of the third, as-yet-unnamed Icon class ship has already begun with a steel cutting in January 2024. All three Icon-class ships have been or are being built by Meyer Turku. All three ships are powered by liquefied natural gas, and are the largest cruise ships in the world.
Sailing on Star of the Seas
When she launches in just over a year, Star of the Seas will be homeported year-round from Port Canaveral, Florida. The immense ship will offer 7-night itineraries including both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean routes.
Depending on the sailing date and itinerary, the new ship will visit such top ports as St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, San Juan, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.
Each cruise – both Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries – will also visit Royal Caribbean International’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Days at sea will also be part of each sailing, giving guests onboard plenty of time to enjoy all the activities and amenities the 250,800-gross-ton ship has to offer. Itineraries are already on sale for eager travelers to book.
Star of the Seas will be able to welcome 5,610 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship will also be home to approximately 2,350 international crew members, including one very special four-legged teammate – a “Chief Dog Officer” named Sailor.
Carnival Cruise Line has updated a popular but often frustrating loyalty perk after years of feedback from repeat guests.
The perk in question is a complimentary drink offered to Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members of the cruise line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program.
The drink has been offered as a “thank you” for returning guests ever since the current VIFP program was first implemented in 2012-2013. To the frustration of many guests, however, there have been complicated restrictions on redeeming the drink.
For Gold passengers, the “appreciation drink” was available only on sailings of five nights or longer, and could only be redeemed after 5 p.m. on the last night of the cruise.
For Platinum and Diamond guests, the drink has been available on every cruise, but could only be redeemed during the Sea Day Brunch in the Main Dining Room, or at breakfast or lunch if no brunch event was offered.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald has confirmed that the majority of the restrictions have been removed and guests who have earned their appreciation drink will be able to raise a glass with much more flexibility.
“We’re making our complimentary beverage perk for Gold, Platinum, and Diamond VIFP members more flexible, and I think, easier to enjoy,”Heald said.“Gold members will be able to redeem their appreciation drink on 5+ day cruises at any of the bars, at any time. Platinum and Diamond members can also order their complimentary cocktail at any time at any bar.”
This means the specific time, day, and location restrictions are lifted for VIFP guests to enjoy that complimentary drink for all sailings beginning on or after July 20, 2024. It should be noted, however, that for Gold VIFP guests, the drink is still only available on sailings that are at least five nights long.
Heald made this announcement during a recent “Coffee With Me Live” he offers on his popular Facebook page each week. This will be welcome news to many VIFP guests who have forgone the perk due to what have seemed to be unnecessary restrictions.
For example, many Gold VIFP travelers may not realize they could get a free beverage on the last evening of a cruise. Similarly, not all Platinum and Diamond guests attend the Sea Day Brunch or visit the Main Dining Room for breakfast or lunch.
Heald also expressed thanks to the cruise line’s “beards” for approving this highly requested change, and notes that he will always advocate for guest requests to the appropriate executives, even if not every request can be granted.
“I am your mouthpiece,”he said.“I may not always deliver the right tune, but I will always deliver the right message.”
What Other VIFP Changes May Be Coming?
Heald also confirmed that the new loyalty program – a massive update to the VIFP program that has been hinted at for months – is still being worked on and will be forthcoming in the next few months, though there are no confirmed dates or other details available at this time.
It is possible that additional changes to loyalty tiers or other perks will be part of the program’s revamp.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Several other changes have been noted in the past few months, such as the removal of the $25 FunPlay credit in the ship’s casino, which was a popular perk for Platinum and Diamond guests. That offer was always intended as temporary following the pandemic, but has now been discontinued.
Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line has also removed the Diamond level perk of a one-time donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Heald confirmed those donations had become too difficult to arrange and track, but the cruise line remains committed to St. Jude.
For one family, their cruise nightmare has only gone from bad to worse.
The Gaults were near the end of their family reunion vacation onboard Norwegian Encore when a mishap from a local tour operator caused them to miss their cruise ship, stranding all nine members of the group in Ketchikan, Alaska.
The nightmare began when the Oklahoma-based family was trying to return to the 4,004-passenger ship at the conclusion of an excursion to see a lumberjack show in the rural port that took place on July 12, 2024.
The family alleges that the tour operator wasn’t checking to make sure everyone on the shuttle back to the port had the proper tickets, relying on headcounts instead.
This allowed potentially non-ticketed passengers to take the places of people (like the Gaults) who had the proper credentials.
“We see the chaos getting onto the buses. We go to get on the bus and one of the attendees is like ‘The bus is full, and you know you got to wait for the next bus,’”Joshua Gault told KJRH, a local news outlet in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The family was told to wait for another bus, which never came.
With the all aboard time looming, they called the port authority for help, and a van was sent to retrieve the family – but the ride came too late.
The cruisers returned to the port just in time to watch as the Breakaway Plus-class ship sailed away with their belongings, including clothing, important medications, and their passports.
“You know, it was a nightmare. Six kids on board, minor children, and a 78-year-old mother-in-law, all on medication. We all had to quit cold turkey medication these last few days because it was all on the cruise ship,”added Joshua.
Because all members of the family didn’t have their passports with them, they were also unable to meet the ship at the final stop of the 7-night cruise – a call on Victoria, British Columbia in Canada the following day on July 13.
Rejoining the 169,116-gross ton vessel would have enabled them to retrieve their belongings and sail back to the homeport of Seattle, Washington, with a bit less angst than what they ultimately endured.
Eight of the nine passports were transported off the ship, but one was left onboard – and this is really an all-or-nothing type of situation.
The ship returned to Seattle on July 14, 2024, and embarked on its next 7-night Alaska sailing the same day.
The Alaskan Nightmare Continues
While being left behind in port is a nightmare in its own right, the Gault family was not expecting to wake up to a charge of nearly $9,000 from Norwegian Cruise Line the next morning.
Citing the Passenger Vessel Services Act, the cruise line charged $971 (USD) per passenger for fees incurred from violating US Customs and Border Protection policies by missing the ship.
Norwegian Encore Docked in Alaska (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
“The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) prohibits the transportation of passengers between two different U.S. ports on any vessel other than a U.S.-flag vessel that meets all requirements for U.S. coastwise transportation,”reads a notice regarding the PVSA.
“Any passenger who unexpectedly disembarks the ship at a U.S. port of call, i.e., Alaska, due to any reason, which results in a violation of the PVSA, may be charged by the cruise company supplying the transportation,”continues the memo.
This expense was understandably an unpleasant surprise – especially as the family had already spent around $30,000 on their vacation and was quickly running up the bill trying to pay for meals, hotels, and new travel arrangements to get home.
Initially, all new expenses had to be paid out of pocket by the family, before Norwegian offered reimbursement and it was unclear if they would.
After a grueling ordeal to get home, which included stops in numerous cities, overnight airport stays, cancelled flights, and baggage pick-up, the family has made it back to their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Even so, the nightmare continues as several family members have been diagnosed with COVID-19, although it’s unclear where they were exposed to the virus.
Norwegian Cruise Line Tries To Make Things Right
While it wasn’t directly stated as such, context clues suggest that the family’s Ketchikan shore excursion was likely booked through the cruise line.
While cruise lines don’t usually wait for tardy guests due to a need to stay on schedule and the potential for hefty port fees that come with docking longer than anticipated, most ships offer a reassurance that they will wait for delayed guests if they are on an excursion booked through the cruise company.
However, the Gault family feels like NCL simply forgot about them and didn’t act quickly enough to help.
“‘We’re still looking into it, we haven’t forgotten about you,” Cailyn Gault said Norwegian kept telling them as they struggled to find a new way home. “And I was like, ‘No, we feel like you pretty much forgot about us when you left us in port and told us to go figure it out.’”
“You know, Norwegian treating this like it was a customer service issue rather than it was an emergency, is, I think, the worst part about it,”added Joshua.
That said, the premier cruise line has been making a concerted effort to make things right.
First, NCL says that they attempted to contact the guests before the ship departed and assisted the family in making new hotel and travel accommodations, which differs from the family’s recollection of the story.
“When the guests did not return to the ship at the published time, we attempted to contact them but were unable to reach them. As such, we alerted the local port agent in Ketchikan and requested that they assist the family with booking a hotel for the night,”a spokesperson from the cruise line said to Cruise Hive.
“As the guests would be unable to downline in the next port of call, Victoria, British Columbia, the port agent also helped the guests with securing flights to Seattle the following day, July 13,” continued the statement.
Norwegian went on to add that the family will be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the incident pending delivery of receipts to the cruise line, and that the family will be refunded for the two days of their sailing that they missed.
Additionally, the cruise line has begun the process to reverse the nearly $9,000 charge incurred by violating the Passenger Vessel Services Act, although it’s unclear when the refund will finish processing.
Last but not least, the company is providing all nine guests with a future cruise credit in the form of a 20% discount on a future sailing as “a gesture of goodwill.”
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has warned that cruise liners might boycott popular Spanish destinations, including Barcelona and Mallorca, if anti-tourism protests and hostile actions towards tourists continue to escalate.
Protests have been particularly intense in places like Barcelona, where tourists have been sprayed with water and pelleted with debris by demonstrators carrying signs that read, “Tourists go home.”
Similar demonstrations have taken place in Mallorca, where beaches have been blockaded by angry locals. Residents of Spain argue that tourism is driving up housing costs and making it unaffordable to live in city centers.
A protest anti-tourist graffiti in Barcelona. (Photo Credit: VD Image Lab)
They also say the influx of visitors often outnumbers residents in smaller vacation destinations like the Canary Islands. This increased traffic is affecting roads and infrastructure and diminishing quality of life.
However, CLIA highlighted that protestors’ behavior is damaging the reputation of Spain and other destinations and could lead to changes in cruise itineraries.
“Tourism-phobia is not only a problem in Spain, but also in France and other Mediterranean countries, but visitors are increasingly sensitive and the scenes that have been seen in places like Barcelona have an impact on the reputation of the destination,”said CLIA’s European director, Marie Caroline Laurent.
Despite the ongoing protests, CLIA does not foresee a drop in turnover for the cruise industry, which anticipates a 10 percent increase in capacity over the next five years. However, the shift in the destinations cruise ships visit may favor locations that are more welcoming to guests.
Countries in the Middle East and Asia are making significant investments to boost their cruise tourism sector and are welcoming guests with open arms. Saudi Arabia first welcomed cruise ships into its ports in 2021 and plans to welcome 1.3 million passengers annually by 2025.
The Arabic nation will launch its first cruise line in December, 2024.
Efforts to Limit Passengers in Spanish Ports
In response to rising frustrations, several Spanish ports are implementing or considering new restrictions on cruise ship entries.
In Majorca, authorities are advancing plans to further limit the number of cruise ships allowed to dock. The Balearic Islands have already set a cap of three ships per day in Palma, but local officials are pushing for even stricter measures.
In the Canary Islands, residents are increasingly vocal about the need for sustainable tourism solutions to address overtourism. Nearly 57,000 people across all seven islands held a protest at the end of April. Proposals include implementing stricter controls on cruise ship entries.
Barcelona’s mayor also recently publicly supported limiting the number of cruise ships and passengers. The city council is examining ways to manage the influx of tourists. This includes potential caps on daily arrivals and exploring alternative docking locations to distribute the tourism load more evenly across the city.
Despite these local efforts, national authorities in Spain have shown reluctance to impose outright bans on cruise ships. The Spanish government rejected calls for blanket restrictions, arguing that the cruise industry is a significant contributor to the economy.
Similar debates are unfolding in Valencia. While some local leaders push for partial bans on cruise ships, others emphasize their economic advantages.
In 2023, Spain received nearly 4,500 cruise ships and welcomed over 12 million cruise passengers, setting a new record. The figures are expected to rise when the season concludes in 2024.
Norwegian Cruise Line has begun announcing new itineraries and cruise destinations for its 2026 deployment, including the exciting addition of the Port of Philadelphia as a new US homeport.
Norwegian Jewel will be based from the City of Brotherly Love from April through October, offering coveted Bermuda itineraries for passengers to enjoy.
The ship’s first sailing will be from April 16, 2026. Norwegian Jewel’s itineraries will be from 7-9 nights to Bermuda, offering overnight calls to Royal Naval Dockyard so visitors have ample time to explore the beauty of the destination and its iconic pink sand beaches.
Norwegian Jewel Cruise Ship in Asia (Photo Credit: Morumotto)
The sailings also include a call to Charleston, South Carolina, for guests to enjoy that historic city’s unique southern hospitality.
“We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories, so they can vacation better with us,”said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.“We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”
In addition to the Bermuda sailings, Norwegian Jewel will also offer two fall foliage Canada and New England sailings from Philadelphia, departing on Saturday, September 5 and Saturday, September 26, 2026. These 11-night, one-way cruises to Quebec will visit charming ports along the way, including Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, and more.
No other cruise lines utilize Philadelphia as a homeport or port of call. The closest homeports to the city are the ports in New York and New Jersey, as well as Norfolk, Virginia. By offering sailings from Philadelphia, Norwegian Cruise Line is making cruising even more convenient for the 1.6 million residents of the city, as well as providing another convenient homeport for the mid-Atlantic region.
“The Port of Philadelphia is extremely excited to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premier cruise lines,”said Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort.“Philadelphia has so much to offer, as the birthplace of freedom and the home to much of our nation’s history, we look forward to connecting cruisers with our world class city.”
This gives travelers the outstanding opportunity to also spend time in Philadelphia either before or after their sailings, exploring all the unique city has to offer – from immersing in US history at Independence Hall to sampling authentic Philly cheesesteak, to running up the famous “Rocky Steps.”
The new sailings from Philadelphia are now available for booking, with great deals for guests eager to set sail from the new homeport.
New Cruise Terminal Being Developed
Norwegian Cruise Line’s sailings from Philadelphia are nearly two years away, and in the meantime, the city is developing a new cruise terminal at the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.
The original cruise terminal closed in 2011, following an economic downturn and dwindling cruises in the area owing to the challenges of navigating the Delaware River.
The new terminal is just downriver from the SS United States at Pier 82, which is currently embroiled in a legal battle over docking fees. The iconic ship is searching for a new home, and it is possible that the return of cruising to Philadelphia may help highlight the aging ocean liner’s struggles and raise awareness of her needs.
Ahead of her move to Philadelphia, the 93,502-gross-ton Norwegian Jewel is currently offering Alaska itineraries from Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, before the ship will move to Tampa to spend the winter of 2024-2025 in the Caribbean. The summer of 2025 will see her homeported from Boston, before another winter in Tampa before she arrives in Philadelphia.
Norwegian Jewel can welcome 2,376 guests aboard at each sailing, and is also home to approximately 1,100 international crew members.
When cruisers may be rushing back to their ship at the very last minute, guests already onboard may cheer, jeer, laugh, or applaud their efforts.
While this can be entertaining to some travelers, others have raised concerns that to make fun of these last-second arrivals is unkind and even cruel. Carnival Cruise Line has reached out for feedback from guests, but also notes that the cruise line will not stop such behavior.
The concept of a “pier runner” is often unknown to first-time cruisers, but is a well-known phenomenon to frequent cruisers.
Cruise Passengers Heading Back to Ship (Photo Credit: Yingna Cai)
Pier runners are those individuals returning to the ship in a port of call just as the gangways are raised and the ship is ready to sail. In some instances, pier runners are even left behind as the ship pulls away from the dock.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald recently addressed such late passengers on his popular Facebook page, following comments from guests who have found themselves in that unfortunate position.
“It is always fascinating when people get upset with the ship and then with me because they were late back and were applauded and cheered as they entered the Pier Runners Society,”Heald explained.
Different guests have apparently asked that other travelers not be permitted to cheer, applaud, jeer, catcall, or otherwise make fun of those guests running late to the ship.
It should be noted that this is never an “official” activity listed in the Carnival Hub app or in the printed FunTimes newsletter, but many experienced cruisers find a good spot on the deck to watch the pier as the ship’s all aboard time approaches.
“It must feel awful, but when you’re late back to the ship because you ‘lost track of time’ it really is not feasible for us to tell the thousands of other guests please don’t applaud, please don’t cheer,”Heald said.
Again, Carnival Cruise Line does not officially endorse this activity, but it is a well-known form of entertainment among cruisers, especially at ports better known for a party scene, such as Cozumel and Nassau. Pier runners, however, can happen at any port of call.
Sentiment among commenters is not kind to pier runners, and in fact, many of Heald’s fans have even more colorful, creative ways to “welcome” pier runners back to the ship at the last second.
“I yell out to them ‘Last one on buys a round for the whole ship!’ If Carnival adopted this as official policy, everyone would be on board half an hour before sailing.”
“I laugh my big booty off when folks don’t make it. I’ve been a pier [runner] before, but made it.”
“Making fun of pier runners is the main reason I get a balcony. Hubby and I grab a pizza, a beer, and get our cameras and best jeers ready.”
There are, however, more kindhearted travelers who genuinely wish the best for their tardy cruise companions.
“I am just glad they made it back to the ship and did not get left behind!”
“I haven’t been fortunate enough to see any but I would cheer them on in hopes they make it back on.”
Commenters Offer Tips
Many commenters also offered tips for how to avoid becoming one of those cheered – or jeered – at the last minute. While every Carnival ship does put the all aboard time prominently in signage near the gangway and in the Carnival Hub app, as well as make onboard announcements when the ship docks, different time zones or a late tour can make even the most conscientious guest tardy to return.
Instead of relying on the time on a cell phone, for example, set an alarm for the number of hours the ship is in port, being sure to subtract an additional hour just in case you need to hustle back. This will ensure you are alerted well before the ship must leave even if your phone adjusts automatically for local time.
Similarly, consider wearing an old-school (non-smart) watch that will not reset itself to local time, and set an alarm when you will need to head back to the ship.
Booking shore excursions through Carnival Cruise Line will keep the ship informed if your tour is late, and for most tours, the ship will be able to wait for your return from an authorized excursion.
Guests who book independent arrangements should allot sufficient time to be sure they are back to the ship well before the all-aboard time, which is typically 30 minutes before the ship sails away.
As Disney Treasure moves closer to welcoming her first guests, construction crews in the Meyer Werft Shipyard have been working hard to make sure these passengers will be greeted with top notch accommodations.
On July 16, 2024, the family-oriented cruise line announced that the cruise cabins—all 1,246 of them—had officially been installed after a long and tedious process that started outside of the shipyard.
Indeed, each stateroom was carefully prefabricated at an off-site factory using a slow-moving conveyor belt.
Disney Treasure Cabin at Meyer Werft (Credit: Disney)
As the rooms moved down the line, experts efficiently brought the cabins to life, taking care of everything from installing plumbing to placing furniture in just the right place.
Once the cabins were ready, they were transported to the shipyard, which is located in Papenburg, Germany, and slotted into place onboard using cranes – sort of like completing an intricate (and very expensive) puzzle.
Once the 144,000 gross-ton vesselenters service on December 21, 2024, these staterooms will be shared across a maximum of 4,000 cruisers per sailing, which averages to approximately three guests per stateroom.
Of course, this number will vary based on the type of traveler and party size – as Disney has options to accommodate everyone from solo travelers and couples to big families and large friend groups.
For context, this is the same capacity offered by Disney Wish, the Wish-class vessel’s older sister that entered service in summer of 2022.
Like the other ships in Disney’s fleet, the staterooms will include nods to classic Disney animation. The newly released concept art photos show off a painting inspired by “Aladdin,” which is also the theme for the new vessel’s Grand Hall.
Disney Treasure Verandah Staterooms
“Built with families in mind, the luxurious accommodations and amenities aboard the Disney Treasure strike an inviting balance between modern design and nostalgic charm,” reads the Disney Cruise Line website.
“Each stateroom offers a fresh, natural color scheme with custom artwork that entices Guests to peer beyond their stateroom into fantastical Disney adventures,” continues the description.
It’s unclear if all staterooms will follow the “Aladdin” theme, or if they will broaden to pay homage to other beloved movies and characters with additional artwork.
Construction Crews Make Progress Elsewhere Onboard
Of course, guests are on their cruise to have fun – not to spend all their time in their cabins.
Earlier this month Disney Cruise Line revealed that crews have surpassed amajor milestone in the completionof one key destination for fun onboard: the swimming pools.
On July 5, 2024, DCL unveiled new, first-look photosof decks 11 and 12, which will eventually be home to six different pools, Disney’s famous Funnel Vision stage and screen, and the AquaMouse water-coaster.
Disney Treasure at Meyer Werft Shipyard
As seen in the photos, the foundation for all six different pools has officially been laid, which is arguably the hardest part of the construction process.
Additionally, the Funnel Vision stage, which is used for parties and performances onboard during events like the embarkation day celebration and Pirate Night, is already installed.
All that seems to be left is installing the jumbo LED screen, which is used to add some extra magic to the shows and for pool-side movie viewing.
Perhaps most exciting is that the installation of the AquaMouse, a hybrid water slide and roller coaster that features its own story like a theme park ride, is well underway.
Once complete, the 760-foot long ride will take guests on a whole new tubular adventure, which has been titled “The Curse of the Golden Egg,” transporting guests from their two-person rafts to a mysterious temple while at sea.
