Guests aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade will not be sailing the cruise they anticipated when they embarked at Port Canaveral on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Due to Hurricane Beryl’s projected path and intensity, the ship will now be sailing an eastern Caribbean itinerary instead of the original western Caribbean route.
Guests were notified of the change on Sunday, June 30, while enjoying their day at Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas.
Photo Credit: David Fowler / Shutterstock
“To circumvent the path of Hurricane Beryl and forecasted inclement weather, we have made the decision to take a safer, alternative route,”the notification read.“Despite our best efforts, and with the wather disturbances out of our control, we have canceled our calls to Falmouth, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico.”
Norwegian Jade was to have visited Jamaica on Tuesday, July 2, followed by Grand Cayman and Cozumel on Wednesday and Thursday. At those times, Hurricane Beryl would be approaching each destination. If the storm were to accelerate in the coming days, that could have put the cruise ship at risk.
Instead, Norwegian Jade will now visit San Juan, Puerto Rico from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
This will keep the 93,558-gross-ton, Jewel-class ship well out of the storm’s reach and will provide a much smoother and more pleasant cruise experience for guests.
Shore tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel will be automatically cancelled and full refunds posted to guests’ onboard accounts. If guests would like to book tours for their new destinations, the team at the Shore Excursions Desk on Deck 7 (port side near the Java Cafe & Bar) is ready to help.
The ship’s return to Port Canaveral, as well as her day at sea on Friday, July 5, remain unchanged at this time.
Norwegian Jade can welcome 2,402 travelers at double occupancy, or up to 3,590 guests when fully booked, as is common during the busy summer vacation season. Also onboard are approximately 1,000 international crew members.
Hurricane Beryl Now Affecting More Cruises
Norwegian Jade is not the first ship to completely shift itineraries to avoid Hurricane Beryl. Ironically, while the Norwegian Cruise Line ship has changed from an Eastern Caribbean itinerary to a Western Caribbean route, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas did the opposite, switching from east to west to avoid the storm.
Icon of the Seas, however, is visiting her ports of call, including Cozumel, Mexico, earlier and well ahead of the hurricane’s projected arrival.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond has also shifted routes due to the storm, but is able to reverse the order of her ports of call to avoid the poor weather while still preserving the same destinations as the original itinerary.
Hurricane Beryl (Credit: NOAA)
Additional ships may yet be impacted by the storm, now a major Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds recorded at 120 miles per hour. The storm’s center is located approximately 125 miles east of Grenada, moving west at 20 miles per hour.
Storm warnings and watches are now in effect along the Lesser Antilles as far north as Dominica, and also on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Hurricane Beryl may yet intensify further as she moves through the Caribbean, and she is projected to reach Jamaica on Wednesday and Mexico by late Thursday.
Guests on any cruise line with sailings in the Caribbean this week should be prepared for itinerary changes that may include port swaps, day adjustments, or extra days at sea.
As Hurricane Beryl rapidly strengthens and approaches the Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises has opted to adjust the week’s itinerary for Celebrity Beyond to keep the ship further from the storm’s impact. The good news for guests is that they will still enjoy all their ports of call, just in a different order than originally planned.
The 141,420-gross-ton, Edge-class Celebrity Beyond is currently sailing a coveted A-B-C (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) itinerary in the southern Caribbean. The ship left Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Saturday, June 29, 2024 for the 8-night sailing.
Photo Copyright: Doctor Alonso / Shutterstock
After two days at sea, Celebrity Beyond was to have visited Bonaire – the easternmost of the islands – on Tuesday, July 2, followed by Curacao and Aruba on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Unfortunately, Hurricane Beryl is also scheduled to be closest to Bonaire on Tuesday.
Guests aboard Celebrity Beyond were notified of their itinerary change onboard the vessel. To keep better distance from the storm, the itinerary will be reversed with the ship visiting Aruba first, followed by Curacao and then Bonaire last.
“Our Captain along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, have been closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Beryl,”the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read.“To ensure that we increase the distance & stay clear from the Hurricane Beryl offering comfortable sailing conditions we’ll swap Kralendijk, Bonaire with Oranjestad, Aruba on July 2nd and move Kralendijk, Bonaire to July 4th.”
Pre-paid Celebrity Cruises shore tours for both Bonaire and Aruba will be automatically updated to their new days. The time in each port – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Aruba and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Bonaire – are unchanged.
Guests have have arranged independent tours will need to contact their tour operators to make changes, and Celebrity Cruises is offering a complimentary phone call to each guest to make such changes.
While at this time Celebrity Beyond will still be visiting all three ports of call for her full port time as planned, the notification letter does note that further changes may yet be necessary.
“This situation remains very fluid, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way,”the letter read.“Please know being onboard is one of the safest places as we can avoid inclement weather.”
Celebrity Beyond can welcome 3,260 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 3,937 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are approximately 1,400 international crew members to ensure everyone has a cruise vacation that truly goes beyond.
How Close Will the Ship Be to the Hurricane?
Guests aboard Celebrity Beyond may be concerned that they will not be leaving the region entirely, but instead will stay nearby as Hurricane Beryl moves through the southern Caribbean.
The storm is a strong one that currently has maximum sustained winds of around 130 miles per hour, making it a major and extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Further strengthening is also possible as Hurricane Beryl continues to move west-northwest at 18 miles per hour.
Hurricane Beryl (Credit: NOAA)
“Fluctuations in strength are common in major hurricanes in conducive environments, and it is expected that Beryl will also fluctuate in strength for the next day or so,”NHC Forecaster Cangialosi said in the latest update discussion.
The overall impact of the storm is fairly compact, however, with hurricane-force winds extending only up to 30 miles from the enter, and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 115 miles.
Because the storm’s track is well north of the ABC islands, it is likely that impacts felt on the islands will be minimal. In fact, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is predicting just a 5-10% chance of tropical storm winds impacting those islands in the coming days, and no watches or warnings have yet been issued. If the storm’s track shifts south, however, those odds could increase.
By Wednesday morning, Hurricane Beryl will be past the ABC islands and approaching Jamaica, well away from Celebrity Beyond. It is likely that additional cruise lines will make itinerary adjustments throughout the week, either for Jamaica or for Thursday and Friday as the storm passes close to Cozumel.
While the 300-foot vessel only became partially submerged, the crux of the problem was that she was leaking substantial amounts of diesel fuel and oil into the waterway, as was indicated by the tell-tale sheen on the surface of the water.
The United States Coast Guard quickly formed a Unified Command to address the situation, which also included The California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) and the City of Stockton Government.
The coast guard also brought in a team of specialists from Global Diving and Salvage as contractors to better address the pollution quickly.
But after several weeks of intense clean up, the crisis has ended and the 1955-launched vessel has officially been refloated – after an involved process of patching the hole that caused her to sink in the first place and slowly pumping out water.
“Over the last several weeks, response contractors, Global Diving and Salvage and subcontractors, successfully refloated the vessel and removed an estimated 21,675 gallons of oily water, 3,193 gallons of hazardous waste, and five 25-yard bins of debris was removed from the vessel,” the OSPR wrote in an update on social media.
“Extensive surveys suggest that no recoverable oil remains onboard,”continued the post.
As of June 27, 2024, the Unified Command has been disbanded. That said, a containment boom, which was put in place to reduce the spread of oil, will remain for the foreseeable future out of an abundance of caution.
Additionally, there has been no evidence of any negative impact to marine wildlife discovered throughout the response.
What Will Happen To Aurora Next?
Now that Aurora is back above water, the historic vessel won’t just be on her own. The City of Stockton has hired contractors to maintain the pumps used to refloat the ship and will continue to monitor the vessel.
Then it will be up to the mid-size ship’s current owner, who has not been identified, and local agencies to decide the fate of the ship.
Aurora was most recently owned by a former tech developer named Christopher Willson, who brought the ship on Craigslist in 2009. However, she changed hands shortly before the incident.
Sinking Aurora Ship (Photo Credit: California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Typically, in these types of situations, the decommissioned vessels are either refurbished by a financier willing to make the hefty investment or are scrapped and recycled for parts. Regardless of the final plan, it seems like the next steps will be to remove Aurora from her current berth.
“Relevant agencies are assessing options for potential removal of the vessel,”wrote the OSPR.
Hopefully, the old vessel’s historic legacy can be preserved in some way. Originally christened as Wappen Von Hamburg, Aurora was the first large-scale ship building project completed by the Blohm Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, after World War II.
After a successful career as a cruise ship, operating under the flag of several brands, she retired from cruising after over 20 years in service in 1977.
Today, she is most known as the inspiration for the hit “Love Boat” TV show in the 1970s and for appearing in the James Bond Film “From Russia With Love” in 1963.
With a tropical depression brewing and moving toward the Caribbean, cruise lines are likely to need to make itinerary changes in the coming week to stay clear of rough waves and strong winds.
Royal Caribbean International is now the first to make such changes, switching Icon of the Seas‘ complete itinerary to keep out of the storm’s path.
Icon of the Seas was scheduled to depart from Miami, Florida on Saturday, June 29, 2024 on an Eastern Caribbean sailing that would bring the 248,663-gross-ton vessel uncomfortably close to the storm’s projected track. Instead, the cruise line has reached out to guests the evening before embarkation to inform them of a complete itinerary change.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Departing Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Deutschlandreform)
“Our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, along with the National Hurricane Center, are tracking a system expected to become Tropical Storm Beryl heading into the Caribbean early next week,”the notification email explained.“As we’re monitoring the inclement weather around our intended path and are expecting high waves and strong winds, we’ve modified our itinerary to provide you with the most enjoyable sailing.”
Instead of visiting St. Maarten and St. Thomas as planned, the ship will now visit Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. The call to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, remains the same and even on the same day – Friday, July 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. By that time, the storm is projected to be well past the area.
The new itinerary features a full day at sea on Sunday, visiting Cozumel from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, another day at sea on Tuesday, Costa Maya from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a sea day on Thursday, CocoCay on Friday, and an on-time return to Miami on Saturday, July 6.
Pre-booked shore tours through Royal Caribbean International for St. Maarten and St. Thomas will be automatically cancelled and refunded, and guests can book excursions for Cozumel and Costa Maya onboard.
“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather,”the notification reads.
The area of tropical development only formed into a tropical depression on Friday, but the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that further development will lead to a hurricane by the early hours of Monday morning, likely east of the Lesser Antilles. Of course, the storm’s impact could be felt some distance away from its center.
As of Friday evening, the storm’s center is located roughly 1,300 miles east of Barbados, moving west at 17 miles per hour. The maximum sustained winds are 35 miles per hour, but the storm is expected to continue strengthening in the coming days. Once the system becomes an official tropical storm, she will be named Beryl.
Tropical Storm Beryl (Credit: NOAA)
The first official tropical storm of the season, Alberto, affected Galveston earlier this month, but never developed into a hurricane and did not cause any significant impact to cruise ships in the region.
It is interesting to note that this storm has formed further east than is typical at this time of year, which may give the storm more time to strengthen before it reaches land.
“Development this far east in late June is unusual, in fact, there have only been a few storms in history that have formed over the central or eastern tropical Atlantic this early in the year,”the discussion from NHC Forecaster Cangialosi explains.
“Typically, the atmospheric environment is unfavorable for intensification in this portion of the Atlantic basin in late June. However, the overall atmospheric and oceanic conditions appear conducive for steady strengthening during the next few days.”
Undoubtedly, other sailings in the eastern or southern Caribbean will also see itinerary changes over the next few days. Next week, destinations like Jamaica and the Cayman Islands are also likely to be impacted, and by the end of the week, Cozumel, Belize, and other nearby ports may also see the storm’s effects.
Any cruisers with sailings over the next week should stay in close communication with their cruise line about potential itinerary changes, delays, or other adjustments, and remain flexible with their plans to enjoy their cruise vacation, no matter where it sails during hurricane season.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has responded to guest concerns about an unusual – and tricky – situation onboard. Should children be permitted in the adults-only Serenity space? Specifically, what about a young infant that may be breastfed?
The issue was brought to Heald’s attention through his popular Facebook page on Friday, June 28, 2024. Heald responds to hundreds of comments, questions, and requests daily, but this is a more unique one to have been raised. Furthermore, the answer is not a simple one.
Carnival Cruise Line Serenity Adults-Only Area (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)
The initial comment was posted by a woman as a direct comment to Heald, the simplest way to reach out to the brand ambassador.
“This is a mother that is carrying their child in a sling. They are not continually feeding. It is a breaking of the rules because it is only a convenience for the mom. Not having to have a sitter while on serenity. You don’t allow it for any age that is bottle fed,”the poster said.
From her comment, the poster may have initially attached a photo of the mother with her child in a sling or baby wrap, but that photo was not available.
Heald typically removes photos where guests might be identified, unless someone posts a photo of themselves. Otherwise, privacy considerations apply and such photos are removed.
No further details are provided about the incident, such as which ship it is on or when it may have occurred. With the fast Starlink Wi-Fi access now available onboard all Carnival cruise ships, it is possible the photo was sent to Heald just moments after being taken, or it could be several days or even weeks after a cruise has ended.
Heald does respond to the inquiry, albeit with caution.
“If a mother is breast-feeding a child we are not going to have a crew asked them to stop,”Heald confirmed.“Honestly, I’d can’t say any more than that until somebody gives me a specific detail about when this is happening and if it’s happening now, I will pass it onto the management.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s website also directly notes the breastfeeding policy.
“Nursing mothers have the right to breast feed in public or private areas and are not required to cover themselves while doing so,”the website reads.
However, the issue does not seem to be whether or not the woman was breastfeeding, but the fact that she had the young child in the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, which is designated for adults age 21 years or older.
Infants Onboard
There could be many other factors at play with this type of incident. For example, was the woman with her child just passing through the Serenity space, perhaps looking for another traveling companion? Or was she lounging at the time? Was the child fussing, crying, or otherwise disturbing the peaceful area, or simply sleeping?
From the limited details available, it is also unknown how old the child may have been. According to the cruise line’s “Traveling With Infants and Toddlers” information, infants must be at least 6 months old at embarkation for all sailings, and at least 12 months old for any transatlantic or transpacific cruises, or if the itinerary has more than two consecutive sea days.
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Responses to the situation have varied, with most commenters believing the Serenity space to be fully reserved for adults.
Parents can easily enjoy cruise time with their child at a wide range of other public spaces onboard, including Carnival WaterWorks, the arcade, the miniature golf course, and the public pool and open deck areas.
Commenters also noted that there are plenty of other quiet spaces onboard any ship if a child needs to be breastfed in peace, such as unused lounges, niches on the promenade, or the lovely hidden garden walks on Spirit-class ships.
Carnival Cruise Line does not offer in-stateroom babysitting services. There is a Night Owls program available for evening babysitting for an extra fee, but it is held in the Camp Ocean area rather than private cabins.
Other than Night Owls services, children under 2 years old are not permitted to participate in most youth activities, except during designated “Under 2” times.
Do you think infants should be permitted in Serenity? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Princess Cruises has introduced a new dining venue onboard Sun Princess that takes the line’s “Love Boat” theme to new heights.
The specialty restaurant called Love by Britto mixes the artistry of Romero Britto with the culinary creations of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin to create a seven-course dinner in a romantic setting.
The 68-seat venue on Deck 17 is adorned with Britto’s colorful and upbeat artwork and illustrations that blend pop art with Cubism, the early 20th-century avant-garde art movement pioneered by artistic giants like Pablo Picasso.
Love by Britto High-End Specialty Restaurant
Britto is a celebrated global artist whose works are displayed in museums and galleries in more than 100 countries. The founder of the Happy Art Movement, Britto is known for creating public art installations, including the amazing sculpture of Tutankhamun’s Pyramid in Hyde Park, London.
Guests dining at Love by Britto will pay a cover charge of $79 per person to indulge in romantic appetizers such as Oysters with Lemongrass Kafir, and heart-shaped entrees like Succulent Beef Tenderloin and Truffle Jus and Tail of Lobster Thermidor, plus desserts including Chocolate Lava Cake. Even the dinner napkins are heart-shaped.
Chef Sodamin, who has his own seafood dining venue on Princess Cruises’ ships, The Catch by Rudi, created the gala menu.
“The art of Romero Britto makes people happy with his unique expression of the universal language of love and his creative inspiration blends with my culinary passion to deliver a high-end, meticulously curated menu that guests full of memories overflowing with love was a transformative experience,” said Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts for Princess Cruises.
“We’re both proud to see Love by Britto come to life with Sun Princess guests celebrating this exclusive dining event, showcasing the harmony between food, art and love,” Sodamin added.
Besides the delectable dishes at Love by Britto, the venue also features specialty, love-themed cocktails such as Strawberry Love Potion, with Tequila Rose, Disaronno Amaretto, Chambord, and Strawberries; Expresso My Love, made of Jameson, OM Chocolate Liqueur, Disaronno Amaretto, Demerara, Chocolate Bitters, and Espresso; and Britto Coupe, with Grey Goose Strawberry and Lemongrass, Aperol, Cointreau, Lime, and Strawberries.
Other Features Guests Will Find Aboard Sun Princess
Sun Princess, the first of the cruise line’s Sphere class and the first in the Princess Cruises’ fleet to be powered by liquified natural gas, entered service in February 2024 with an inaugural cruise from Rome.
The ship, with a gross tonnage of 177,882 and the capacity to accommodate 4,300 guests, features as its centerpiece a glass-enclosed space called The Dome, a multilevel and multipurpose area inspired by the terraces of Santorini, Greece. Guests can relax poolside in The Dome during the day and at night the space hosts entertainment such as Cirque Éloize performances.
Sun Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Vintagepix)
Besides Love by Britto and The Catch by Rudi, Sun Princess offers many additional dining and lounge spaces, including Spellbound by Magic Castle, a venue that combines magic with food and drink; Makoto Ocean, serving Japanese specialties; The Butcher’s Block by Dario, a pop-up eatery from Dario Cecchini; and Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd, serving unique cocktails created by mixologist Rob Floyd.
Sun Princess is sailing 7 to 21-night Mediterranean cruises until September 14, 2024, when she will cruise to Southampton to operate an Iberian coast itinerary before deploying to her new homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship will spend the winter 2024/25 season cruising the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Love by Britto is not the last innovation that will be added to Sun Princess. The line announced in April 2024 that it will debut a luxury ship-within-a-ship area, called The Sanctuary Collection, starting in October. The adult-only space will offer private cabanas, a pool, and high-end amenities and services.
The space also will be offered on Star Princess, a sister ship to Sun Princess that is under construction and due to launch in 2025.
Royal Caribbean International has reached out to guests booked on several sailings of Brilliance of the Seas in April and May 2025 to alert them to cancellations due to dry dock schedule changes.
The 22-year-old vessel is scheduled for a significant update at that time, but will now be entering dry dock earlier than planned. This means several voyages must be cancelled to accommodate the schedule change.
The most popular voyage impacted is the ship’s transatlantic sailing departing Miami, Florida on April 12, 2025.
That 15-night, one-way cruise was to have visited the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Azores, Portugal, and Spain before arriving in Portsmouth, UK on April 27, ahead of the ship’s removal from service. Royal Caribbean is offering several options to booked guests due to the unfortunate cancellation.
“The time and effort you took to plan your cruise is important to us, and we apologize for the inconvenience,”the email notification read. “Every aspect of your time with us should be enjoyable, so we’ve put together some alternative options that we hope will work for you and those in your party.”
Travelers may rebook on Brilliance of the Seas‘ new transatlantic voyage that will now depart Miami on April 7. The sailing is 14 nights rather than 15, and does not have the stops in the Bahamas or Bermuda.
While the ship will still be visiting Ponta Delgada in the Azores, the calls in Portugal and Spain are different. Furthermore, the voyage will end in Barcelona rather than Portsmouth.
If that option does not work, guests may also choose transatlantic options from Miami to Barcelona aboard either Allure of the Seas (departing February 10) or Explorer of the Seas (departing April 30).
Impacted guests can also opt to rebook on any other Royal Caribbean International sailing without any deposit change fees or other penalties.
Exact details of other compensation, including onboard credit, fare price protection, and additional options are being provided to guests and vary based on which cruise they were originally booked on and what type of stateroom had been reserved.
In addition to the transatlantic sailing that is being shifted a week earlier, the prior cruise – a 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary from New Orleans – will also likely need adjustment, as it was not scheduled to return to Louisiana until April 10.
After the ship’s time in dry dock, sailings departing on May 13 and May 21 have also been cancelled, with guests offered similar options and alternatives.
Why the Dry Dock Change?
Royal Caribbean International has not offered details about why the ship’s dry dock dates have been moved up.
“We’re taking Brilliance of the Seas into dry dock for routine maintenance and exciting improvements,”the email said with no further explanation.
Brilliance of the Seas
The 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance-class ship has recently suffered propulsion issues while sailing in the South Pacific, which resulted in a cancelled sailing at that time. While repairs were made successfully, it is possible that a more permanent repair is now planned for the ship’s time in dry dock.
Shipyard operations, other fleet changes, labor and supply availability, and other factors can all influence dry dock schedules. Many of those considerations are out of the cruise line’s control.
The exact updates planned for Brilliance of the Seas have not yet been announced. The ship’s last major dry dock refit was in 2013, though the vessel has undergone regularly scheduled maintenance updates in the years since.
The ship first debuted in 2002, and can welcome 2,140 guests at double occupancy or up to 2,543 travelers when fully booked.
As the home to one of the biggest cruise ports in the country, the Port of Los Angeles is preparing for the future – and this future includes the rise of mega cruise ships.
Throughout its decades of service, the Los Angeles World Cruise Center – which is located within the port – has welcomed ships from mainstream cruise brands since 1907.
Most of these ships are more modestly sized – with the average vessel carrying around 3,000 passengers. The increasingly popular mega-ships can host over 4,000 cruisers at a time.
The current largest cruise ship in the world – Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas – can accommodate 7,600 guests at maximum capacity.
The San Pedro-based cruise port needs to prepare for an expected increase in calls by mega-cruise ships with changes to its infrastructure – and the port has issued a request for proposals from vendors who are up to the task.
The first part of the plan is to redevelop the existing World Cruise Center, which currently has two cruise berths, two terminal buildings, and a baggage handling structure that is shared by multiple cruise lines.
As part of a recently approved San Pedro Waterfront Connectivity Plan, the port is also looking for proposals to build a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, which will come with Berths 46 to 50 in San Pedro Bay.
The proposed location also includes access to 20 acres of land that could easily be developed into a parking structure with more than 2,000 spaces.
“Over the past 20 years, our Port has invested over $1 billion in enhancing, operating and programming LA Waterfront infrastructure,”said Mike Galvin, the Port’s Director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate Development.
“These two proposed cruise terminal projects represent the next stage of that investment, and the continued transformation of the waterfront into a dynamic and multi-use visitor destination,” continued Gavin.
It’s unclear when a vendor will be chosen or when the work will be completed, although proposals from interested firms are due by November 12, 2024.
Demand For Cruises Out Of Los Angeles Is Growing
The Port of Los Angeles, which is located about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, is arguably the more popular of the two major cruise ports in LA. The Port of Long Beach, which is only about 5 miles away, is often referred to as San Pedro’s sister port.
In the past two years, the World Cruise Center has welcomed more than 200 cruise ships – with each vessel’s arrival generating more than $1 million in local economic activity – and a record number of cruise guests.
Cruise Ship at Port of Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Underawesternsky / Shutterstock)
“We have seen increased demand for cruises out of the LA Waterfront over the last several years, with a record 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka.
Of the two major ports serving the LA area, San Pedro is arguably the more popular option, likely because it seems to be a gateway to more destinations.
While cruises out of Long Beach primarily sail to the Mexican Riviera, the World Cruise Center is the starting point for voyages to destinations like the Pacific Coast, the South Pacific, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Europe, as well as Mexico.
The other factor is that Long Beach primarily services Carnival Cruise Line, and occasionally ships operated by Carnival’s sister brands, while The Los Angeles World Cruise Center welcomes more of the major players in the cruise industry.
Celebrity Cruise Line, Costa Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, and Royal Caribbean all sail out of San Pedro.
Despite St. Lucia’s small size, it is one of the most popular ports of call in the entire Caribbean. If you are taking a cruise around the Eastern Caribbean, there is a good chance you will visit St. Lucia for yourself.
To help you enjoy a stress-free visit to this tropical paradise, we have created this comprehensive guide to the St. Lucia Cruise Port. We’ll also cover nearby attractions and activities so you can make the most out of your stay in sunny St. Lucia!
St. Lucia Cruise Port is strategically situated on the edge of Castries, the island’s capital city. This offers visitors easy access to many of the island nation’s most iconic attractions.
Castries itself centers around a picturesque bay bordered by lush hillsides. This means that visiting cruise passengers are immediately struck by St. Lucia’s stunning beauty.
While it may sound somewhat confusing, St. Lucia Cruise Port actually consists of two distinct terminals:
Pointe Seraphine Cruise Terminal is a 20-minute walk from the downtown core of Castries— 2273 QW8, Castries, Saint Lucia.
La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal is located directly on the edge of downtown. Its address is 4B Bridge Street, Castries, Saint Lucia.
St. Lucia Cruise Terminal Locations
The two cruise terminals can both handle full-sized cruise ships, but Pointe Seraphine tends to be the most commonly used of the two. Each of the two terminals features a single pier, meaning there is one pier on each side of the bay.
There is also an industrial port within the bay, but that is not used for cruise ships. Pointe Seraphine’s single pier has two berths for cruise ships, while La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal’s single pier can only handle one ship at a time.
While La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal is more convenient for those looking to explore the city, those docking at Pointe Seraphine Cruise Terminal can easily access Castries by taking a short and affordable taxi or a 20-minute walk along the harbor footpath.
There are also some small tendering ports on the city’s edge and the island’s north side, but these are only used during the busy season.
Cruise Lines that Visit St. Lucia Cruise Port
As mentioned, St. Lucia is one of the most popular ports of call in all of the Caribbean, so it is no surprise that it is visited by some of the most recognizable cruise lines in the world.
La Place Carenage Cruise Pier (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
The following are just some of the many with regular cruise itineraries that visit the country’s cruise port:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America
MSC Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Distance and Directions from the Airport
Travelers arriving at St. Lucia’s primary airport, Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in View Fort, take roughly 75 minutes to drive by road. While this may seem fairly lengthy, the journey is incredibly scenic.
It’s also worth mentioning that there is a smaller airport in Castries called the George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). In some cases, visitors will take a smaller plane from UVF to SLU to avoid the drive.
Hewanorra International Airport. St. Lucia (Photo Credit: Galina Savina)
Taxis and private shuttle services are readily available at the airport, while some larger cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, offer complimentary shuttle services.
If you find yourself driving the 35-mile journey yourself, these straightforward directions will get you from the airport to the Point Seraphine Cruise Terminal:
Exit the airport onto Micoud Hwy and head South for 29 miles.
When you see signs for Castries, turn right onto John Compton Hwy.
From John Compton Hwy, you will see a roundabout exit for Point Seraphine Cruise Terminal. Take the first exit and arrive at your destination.
Terminal Facilities and Services
Both main terminals in St. Lucia offer modern facilities that ensure a comfortable embarkation and disembarkation process for visiting cruise passengers.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at both terminals, but connecting can be somewhat difficult, especially if the port is busy during your visit. If you are struggling to connect, there are a number of cafés and restaurants in Castries that offer free Wi-Fi for customers.
Port Castries, Saint Lucia (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)
The terminals also offer clean and accessible restrooms and comfortable seating areas for waiting to board your ship. They are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps ensuring all visitors can navigate the terminals with ease.
The terminals’ comfort reflects the importance of visiting cruise passengers to the Saint Lucian economy. The tourism sector accounts for over 33% of the nation’s GDP, and Carnival and Royal Caribbean have both invested significant funds in the port.
Transportation Options
From either of the main terminal buildings that make up the St. Lucia Cruise Port, visitors can walk into the downtown Castries. With that said, several transportation options can be used to explore the island’s more distant attractions:
Taxis
Government-regulated taxis are readily available outside of each terminal, offering convenient, affordable, and safe transportation to all of the island’s landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Ask about a flat rate if you are traveling to a particular attraction.
There is no need to hail a cab, as both terminals have designated taxi pickup lines directly outside. All you have to do is get in line and tell your driver where you want to go.
Shuttle Buses
While St. Lucia does not offer a free shuttle from its port, as some of the other Caribbean nations do, there is a paid shuttle called the St. Lucia Shuttle, which can be booked ahead of time.
It is a good option for larger groups looking for an affordable, stress-free way to get anywhere in the country. With fixed rates and free cancellation, it’s a really useful option.
Excursion Shuttles
If you have booked an excursion for your time in St. Lucia, it’s worth noting that they will include free transportation from the port. Most use air-conditioned mini buses and vans, so the ride is fairly comfortable.
Ride-Share Apps
Uber is the only ride-sharing app currently operating in St. Lucia. The app can be a useful option if you want the flexibility of being picked up at a specific location.
What Is the Best Time to Visit St. Lucia?
St. Lucia enjoys a warm and tropical climate throughout the entire year, making it the ideal year-round cruise destination. Although you can visit any month of the year, peak tourist season typically runs from December to April.
MSC Cruise Ship Docked in St. Lucia (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)
These are generally considered to be the best time to visit, as you get the same sunny skies as the summer months, but you avoid the rain and the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months. Plus, there tends to be far less rainfall in the winter and spring than during the summer and fall months.
Still, some people prefer to travel to St. Lucia between June and November, as these months can provide a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. Booking during these less popular months can also mean lower prices.
Seasonal Weather Conditions
Like many places in the Caribbean, St. Lucia experiences two informal seasons: the “dry season” (December to May) and the “wet season” (June to November). As the names imply, each season is characterized by the amount of rainfall the island receives.
While the drier months are certainly more popular for tourism, even the wetter months offer their own charm, with the country coming alive with vibrant foliage.
Beaches Near the Port
Part of the reason St. Lucia is such a popular island to visit is the sheer number of pristine beaches surrounding its coastline. While you can certainly find more secluded beaches if you are willing to travel, there are nearby options for those with limited time on the island:
Vigie Beach
Located roughly two miles north of Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port, Vigie Beach offers white sand, shady palm trees, and a laidback atmosphere. Thanks to the fact that the beach surrounds a calm bay, it really has that tropical paradise feel that many people are looking for when they travel to St. Lucia.
Vigie beach (Photo Credit: avilledorsa)
The beach sits adjacent to the Castries airport, so beachgoers can sit back and enjoy plane spotting from the sandy shores. There are also plenty of snack vendors and beach bars to choose from. Given that it can be reached within a 25-minute walk from the port, it is a good option for those with limited time.
La Toc Beach
Situated three miles south of the port, La Toc Beach lies roughly the same distance but in the opposite direction. The beach offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is a popular option for snorkeling. It is more challenging to reach than Vigie Beach, but this helps keep the crowds to a minimum.
La Toc Beach (Photo Credit: Sherry Talbot)
Unfortunately, most of the beach is privately owned by Sandals Resort, so public space is limited. If you choose to visit, you can also take some time to visit La Toc Battery, a historical landmark once a British artillery battery used to protect Castries from invasion.
Day Passes to Beaches in St. Lucia
Since many of St. Lucia’s most beautiful volcanic beaches are owned by the resorts, some visiting cruise passengers will purchase day passes. These day passes provide temporary access to these stunning beaches and grant the holder access to various resort amenities, including pools, swim-up bars, restaurants, and more.
Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia (Photo Credit: fokke baarssen)
While prices vary depending on the resort, you can expect to pay roughly $100 per person. While it may sound steep to use a beach, it isn’t a bad price when you consider that this also provides you with access to all of the resort’s amenities and dining options, as well as Wi-Fi.
Amenities Within Walking Distance
If beaches aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions that are within walking distance of the port:
Castries Market
Located less than a mile from both port terminals and just a 3-minute walk from La Place Carenage Cruise Port, Castries Market is a must-see.
Castries Market (Photo Credit: fokke baarssen)
With fresh produce, handmade crafts, and various vendors selling one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the market will give you an authentic feel for what life is like for locals. Plenty of food vendors will offer local delicacies, so it’s a great place to stop for a casual lunch.
The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
One of the most well-known structures on the island, the Cathedral allows visitors to view the Saint Lucian icon up close. Not only is the historical structure stunning, but it is just 0.3 miles from La Place Carenage and 0.9 miles from Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port, making it incredibly easy to reach.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Photo Credit: Studiof20)
Given that the two cruise terminals are located close to downtown Castries, you also don’t need much of a plan. Simply walk or take a taxi ride to Castries Market, then explore the city’s vibrant streets for yourself.
Distance to Popular Attractions
If you have more time on your hands and want to explore more of what St. Lucia has to offer, we suggest booking an excursion or simply taking a registered taxi to one of the following attractions:
Pitons
Sitting roughly 20 miles southwest of the port terminals, the Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic symbols of St. Lucia. These towering natural peaks are former volcanic spires. The two spires reach nearly half a mile in height and are fully covered in lush plant life.
Pitons (Photo Credit: C.J Rossi)
Visitors can take a 3.2-mile hike to the top of Gros Piton, the larger of the two. However, if you’re not up for the hike, you can still enjoy the stunning view of the Pitons rising from the waters of nearby Sugar Beach.
Sulphur Springs
Located approximately 15 miles south of the port, Sulphur Springs is another geological wonder and iconic symbol of the island. These waters are known for their therapeutic properties, so many visitors enjoy splashing around and rubbing silt on their skin in a mud bath.
Sulphur Springs (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
You can enjoy a full spa treatment, take a tour of the area, and learn about its volcanic past. Entry to the spa area is just $11 for adults, so it’s an affordable and fun activity.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths
The Diamond Botanical Gardens are home to the stunning Diamond Waterfall and the nation’s oldest botanical garden. Located within the town of Soufriere, the gardens are about 25 miles from port, so they are easiest to reach by taxi.
Diamond Water Falls (Photo Credit: Alleyn Ross)
The six-acre property showcases the best of the island’s tropical flora and fauna. Not only are the gardens beautiful and a photographer’s dream, but you can also relax in the warm and soothing waters of several mineral baths.
Visiting will also allow you to learn about the property’s history, including the fact that King Louis XIV of France gifted it to three brothers in 1713.
Dining Near St. Lucia Cruise Port
The port terminals are located on the edge of Castries, so finding delicious and authentic Caribbean cuisine couldn’t be easier. Thanks to the country’s unique French and English colonial past and the seemingly boundless supply of fresh ingredients, Saint Lucian cuisine is delicious.
Dining in St. Lucia (Photo Credit: Rafa E)
If you want to sample as much as possible, head to the market around lunchtime. Numerous food stalls serve up local favorites, like lambi, bouyon, pepper pots, and callaloo soup, so you’ll have no shortage of unique options to try. Plenty of food vendors line the city’s most popular beaches, so a beachside lunch consisting of local dishes is also a great option.
If you don’t have time to wander around the market and would prefer to have a sit-down meal, you can always head to The Pink Plantation House for delicious Caribbean cuisine.
Although it is nearly four miles from the port, it is one of the most famous restaurants in St. Lucia, and it rarely disappoints. The Coal Pot is slightly more casual but also offers delicious food in a stunning setting.
Shopping Near St. Lucia Cruise Port
Castries’ shopping scene also reflects the city’s popularity as a tourist destination. With numerous duty-free shops outside of the two port terminals, you will have no trouble finding them.
You can also venture to Cheers Boutique or Scott’s Underground Boutique near the harbor side of Castries if you want clothing and small gifts. There are also plenty of places for duty-free shopping in Castries, so you don’t have to feel constrained by the port.
Cruise Passengers in St. Lucia (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
For those looking for more unique, handmade souvenirs, the Castries Market is your best bet. With plenty of vendors selling local artwork, rum cocktail ingredients, handcrafted pottery, unique hot sauces, local honey, and wood carvings, you’ll be sure to find a fitting souvenir.
Keep in mind that the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, but many of the vendors will accept the US Dollar. Just don’t expect favorable rates if you are paying in US dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far is the beach from the cruise port in St. Lucia?
Vigie Beach, one of the closest beaches to the port, is approximately 2 miles north of Castries, while La Toc Beach is located 3 miles south of the port.
Can you walk around Castries?
Yes, you can walk around Castries and explore its attractions and landmarks on foot. The city center is easily accessible from the St. Lucia Cruise Port, and the city is relatively safe by Caribbean standards.
Can you swim in St. Lucia?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity in St. Lucia, thanks to its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Remember, not all public beaches have lifeguards, so you should always follow local warnings and only go deep if you are a strong swimmer.
