Two popular cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, have partnered with Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming to provide reciprocal benefits and exclusive discounts, offers, and other perks to members across all brands. This will create amazing options for travelers at top casinos on land and sea all around the world.
Gaming Partnership With Two Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are teaming up with Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming in a first-of-its-kind partnership. Millions of members of the different brands’ casino rewards benefits will now enjoy some reciprocal perks and exclusive opportunities, both at Hard Rock locations as well as onboard the combined Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises fleets.
“Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming are thrilled to help our valued guests and team members bring their love of entertainment, traveling, dining and gaming to the high seas through this incredible ‘no limits’ partnership with our South Florida neighbors at Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises,”said Jeff Hook, Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services.
“Whether extending their cruise vacation at one of our port-adjacent properties, visiting one of the participating Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe locations worldwide or enjoying the cruise lines’ ships sailing around the world, travelers will have new ways to enjoy the best of what Hard Rock, Seminole Casinos and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have to offer.”
It should be noted that while both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are part of Royal Caribbean Group, no other cruise lines owned by the parent company are currently included in the partnership.
Royal Caribbean Hard Rock Partnership
The new partnership will be celebrated with an exclusive kick-off party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Guitar Hotel Pool on Friday, April 26, with a cruise giveaway on the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.
The celebration will continue with live music and giveaways at Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A at PortMiami on Saturday, April 27, and will move onboard Icon of the Seas to Basecamp, portside on Deck 16, with Hard Rock Cafe’s legendary Messi Burger free throughout the sailing.
The burger is inspired and created by the Icon of Icon, Lionel Messi, and features two seared patties, provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion, and other toppings on a toasted brioche bun.
Other giveaways will include mini soccer balls and sunglasses during the 7-night Western Caribbean sailing as Icon of the Seas visits Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and CocoCay.
Benefits for Players
By combining the gaming loyalty programs, players will benefit immensely with a range of unique benefits. For example, special discounts on select Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises sailings as well as free cruise or hotel vacation offers are just some of the exclusive benefits created by the partnership.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
“Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming are the perfect partners for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. This partnership expands the ways our guests can enjoy their vacations and experience entertainment, dining and gaming from ship to shore,”said Jesse Hopfinger, Senior Vice President, Onboard Revenue, Royal Caribbean International.
“We are also excited to welcome Hard Rock fans to make memories with us on amazing vacations that serve up everything they could want and more while visiting beautiful destinations around the world, including our award-winning private island – Perfect Day at CocoCay – in The Bahamas.”
More than just players will benefit from this new partnership. Team members for the companies will also have access to special discounts at participating properties, as well as opportunities for discounted cruises with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
While cruise lines work hard to keep their guests and crew members safe and healthy, sometimes the spread of disease is inevitable when so many people from around the world are brought together in a confined space. Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess is the latest ship to report an outbreak of norovirus.
Norovirus, which can spread quickly and easily in close quarters, is no stranger to the cruise world. While crew members work hard to keep communal spaces sanitary, it only takes one sick guest to be at the wrong place at the wrong time to start the spread of disease.
The gastrointestinal illness found its latest victims aboard Sapphire Princess’s 32-day voyage to the South Pacific Islands and Hawaii, which embarked from Los Angeles, California, on April 5, 2024. As of April 25, 94 guests and 20 crew members have become infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While this may sound like a lot of cases, it’s actually a low number when you consider the amount of passengers and crew members onboard who remain unaffected. The ill passengers account for only 3.71% of the 2,532 guests on board and the 20 crew members account for less than 2% of the 1,066-person crew.
Additionally, norovirus is rarely serious, although the stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea it causes are unpleasant. Thankfully, symptoms almost always resolve on their own within one to three days – which gives passengers plenty of time to re-join the fun when their symptoms subside.
Since embarking on April 5, the Gem-class cruise ship has already called on Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii; Kahului (Maui), Hawaii; Apia, Western Samoa; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Suva, Fiji; and Dravuni, Fiji.
Before the cruise concludes in Los Angeles on May 7, the 115,875-gross ton vessel will also sail to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, and Moorea, French Polynesia. No outbreak-related itinerary changes have been made as of the time of publication, and there likely will be no alterations for this reason.
Crew Members Work Hard To Stop Spread Of Disease
While cruise lines work hard to prevent outbreaks from happening in the first place, they have protocols in place that allow them to act quickly when these events do occur. In the case of Sapphire Princess, crew members have collected stool samples from those affected to confirm the diagnosis, immediately isolated ill passengers and crew members, and increased cleaning and disinfecting measures throughout the ship.
Qualified crew members have also stayed in close contact with the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which is operated by the CDC. This allows medical experts to closely monitor the outbreak and help provide the right advice to mitigate the situation.
In fact, experts with the VSP monitor all cruise ship outbreaks that occur, with all cruise ships required to make a report when a disease impacts 3% or more of the people on board. The outbreak on Sapphire Princess is the sixth of 2024, which is a very low number when one considers that millions of cruisers vacation on the high seas every year. For context, there were only 14 outbreaks in 2023 and four in 2022.
Photo Credit: Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com
Prior to Sapphire Princess, the most recent outbreaks impacted Silversea Cruises and Holland America Line. Earlier this month (April 2024), Silversea Cruises’ newest ship, Silver Nova, reported that 28 guests and one crew member suffered from an unknown gastrointestinal illness during a 16-night sailing from Lima, Peru, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A month prior, in March 2024, Holland America Line’s Koningsdam saw 98 guests (out of 2,522) and 12 crew members (out of 961) fall ill from norovirus during a 35-night Pacific Ocean cruise.
According to reports from guests onboard Koningsdam, the outbreak had little impact on the voyage – and in both cases, the mitigation and sanitation protocols were able to stop the spread and clear up the outbreaks quickly. There were no reports of anyone needing to be hospitalized or dying due to the stomach virus.
But if any potential cruisers are feeling a bit weary about potential contagions, there are plenty of steps you can take to make sure you stay healthy on your cruise, starting with washing your hands.
Make sure to use sanitizer or stop by a sink anytime you touch high-contact areas, such as railings or elevator buttons, and before you eat. Similarly, consider keeping small sanitizing wipes on hand to clean frequently touched surfaces, such as tables in the buffet.
In addition, it’s important to practice healthy habits even while on vacation, such as getting enough sleep, taking prescribed medications and vitamins, and taking time to enjoy the fresh air on deck.
Nestled within the southernmost point of the continental United States, Florida’s Key West is a tropical paradise that offers a uniquely laid-back lifestyle, culture, and some truly stunning natural beauty.
Due to the unique shape of the archipelago, as well as its convenient proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Islands, it is no wonder that the Florida Keys are home to a bustling cruise port.
Today, we will take a deep dive into the Key West Cruise Port. Whether planning a cruise vacation that departs from Key West, Florida or briefly visiting as part of your cruise itinerary, you’ll learn everything you need to know. We’ll cover detailed descriptions of the cruise terminals and provide lists of must-see attractions, dining recommendations, and excursion options.
The Key West Cruise Port, also known as the Port of Key West, is located on the west side of Key West’s historic Old Town District. Not only does this allow for convenient access to some of the region’s most iconic attractions, but it also means that the cruise terminals are just 3 miles west of the Key West International Airport.
Those arriving at the airport can easily make their way to the cruise terminals via taxi or dedicated shuttle service. While traffic conditions can impact your arrival time, typical travel time from the airport to the port drop-off points is about 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Key West Port Terminal Facilities
Since the Key West Port caters to privately owned yachts and other vessels, it isn’t strictly reserved for cruise ships. That said, the port is equipped to handle full-sized cruise ships and has piers dedicated to this task.
Cruise ships tend to dock in one of three piers – Pier B, Mallory Square Pier, or Navy’s Outer Mole Pier. Pier B is by far the most commonly used, so there is a very good chance that your cruise will either arrive or depart from here.
Holland America Ship Docked in Key West (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
The terminal facilities at Pier B are pretty modern and comfortable. While they are smaller than Pier B, the same can be said for the cruise terminals in the other two cruise piers. Modern amenities, like dedicated check-in counters, luggage services, and public washrooms, are all available.
Unfortunately, the port terminals are not equipped with free Wi-Fi, but cell phone reception in the area is reasonable. Plus, they are located so close to Old Town that you can easily find a hotel, coffee shop, or restaurant offering public Wi-Fi.
All three cruise piers are also wheelchair-friendly, so those with mobility issues will not encounter any problems as they make their way to and from their respective cruise ships.
Cruise Lines Using Key West Cruise Port
Given that Florida is a popular departure point for American cruise travelers, Key West cruise port is a high-traffic hub for some of the most well-known cruise lines. With so many cruise lines using the port, there is a diverse array of itineraries, schedules, and cruise line options.
Cruise Ships at Key West Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
Popular cruise lines that use the port include the Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Key West Seasonal Weather Conditions
Choosing when to visit Key West is an important decision. While the region tends to get plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, tropical storms, hurricanes, and other severe weather events can be an issue at certain times of the year.
As you’d expect, the summer months can be hot and humid. Average daytime temperatures tend to sit between 85 and 95° F. Despite the heat, it remains an extremely popular time to visit.
Visitors arriving in the summer should avoid activities during the heat of midday. Instead, relax during the day and explore during the morning and afternoon. You can also escape the heat by enjoying the water. Scuba diving and snorkeling are both popular activities during the summer months.
Fall (September to November)
Cruise passengers stopping in Key West during the fall can expect cooler temperatures and limited rainfall. Temperatures tend to sit in the high 70 to low 80° F range. While these conditions are comfortable, there is a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, especially in October and November.
Monitor weather conditions and be prepared for the risk of departure delays or itinerary disruptions.
Winter (December to February)
The winter months are considered the peak season for Key West. Cruise passengers and other travelers flock to the area to enjoy the mild temperatures and sunshine. Expect similar temperatures to the fall but with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Enjoy strolling down historic Duval Street and enjoying the bustling excitement of street festivals and the holidays.
Spring (March to May)
Temperatures rise steadily throughout the spring. This causes the tropical plant life to bloom, which makes Key West even more picture-perfect. With temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s F, it’s an ideal time for watersports and enjoying the beaches.
Spring showers can be an issue during the day but tend to be brief. We suggest taking an evening spring stroll to enjoy the beauty of a Key West sunset.
Attractions Near the Port
Once you exit the terminals at the Key West Cruise Port, you will discover various historic sites, exciting outdoor amenities, and various other attractions, all within walking distance. While you can explore and discover your own fun, we recommend making time for the following highlights:
Ernest Hemingway Home Museum
Located just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the cruise port, the Hemingway Museum is easily accessible. This former home of the famous American author is one of Key West’s top landmarks.
Ernest Hemingway Home Museum (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
It also happens to be a fascinating stop for history buffs and literary fans alike. On your way to the museum, you can also make a quick stop to see the historic Key West Lighthouse, just 200 feet away!
Visit the Beaches
While the beaches aren’t as spectacular as those found on some of the Caribbean Islands, there are some nice beaches where you can spend the day. South Beach is located on the southern end of Duval Street, while the area’s largest beach, Smathers Beach, is 3 miles away near the airport.
Higgs Beach is also about 2 miles from the cruise port, but its playground is worth the trip for those with kids. If you are limited on time, Straw Hat Beach is located within Fort Zachary Taylor Park, just 1 mile south of the cruise port.
Mallory Square
Situated on the north end of Duval Street, Mallory Square is roughly a 25-minute walk or 5-to-10-minute taxi ride from the main cruise terminals. Watch street performers, visit local vendors, and take in the sights and sounds of Key West.
Mallory Square Key West (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
Fort Jefferson
Located within Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson can be visited from Old Town via a dedicated ferry. Given that it’s on a separate island located 70 miles away, you won’t be able to walk or drive to the historic fort, but it is well worth your time. Explore the fort and take in the views of the turquoise waters and coral reefs surrounding the island.
Key West Aquarium
Across from Mallory Square, you will find the Key West Aquarium. With a wide range of tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more, it is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon in Old Town.
Key West Aquarium (Photo Credit: Peter Etchells / Shutterstock)
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Located just 1 mile from the cruise piers, this historic state park features a well-preserved pre-Civil War fort, water sport rentals, nature trails, and picture-perfect views from Straw Hat Beach.
Old Town Trolley Tours
For those looking for a relaxing way to explore Old Town, you can hop on a trolly tour by visiting the departure point at 6810 Front Street. This is just a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminals. Iconic red street trolleys make a loop around the town. These narrated tours will take you past some of the area’s most iconic points of interest, so it is a great way to see everything if you are limited on time.
Key West Trolleys (Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock)
If guided tours aren’t your thing, you can also rent a scooter or bike and explore what Old Town offers. Short-term rentals are readily available throughout the area.
Transportation Options from Key West Cruise Port
For those visiting as part of an itinerary stop or shore excursion, you will be relieved to learn that transpiration to and from the cruise port is very simple and affordable. For those looking to stretch their legs, the port facilities are conveniently located within walking distance of many of Old Town’s top tourist attractions.
Just outside of the port, you will also see a well-marked taxi line. Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Key West, especially in Old Town. Again, you can also enjoy guided trolly tours and pedicab rides through Old Town.
Dining
Key West leans into its reputation as a place where people can kick back and relax. To enhance this reputation, it is a true culinary paradise. Only a short walk from the port terminals, you can find a wide variety of restaurants serving local seafood, tropical cocktails, and just about any other type of dishes and drinks you can think of.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar In Key West (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
From major chain restaurants and well-known fast-food establishments to more unique, family-owned options, it’s easy to find something that will appeal to your cravings.
For those looking for a unique taste of Key West, we recommend Blue Heaven for brunch and Sloppy Joe’s Bar for live music and cold beers. Both establishments are Key West icons. In fact, Sloppy Joe’s was even a regular stop for Hemingway and other famous residents of Old Town.
For a more casual option, try exploring the many food vendors of Mallory Square. Here, you will also find plenty of nearby waterfront restaurants. Best of all, they’re all located within walking distance of the piers.
Don’t miss your opportunity to try some truly iconic Key West dishes, like Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie, conch fritters, white chocolate cake, and more.
Shopping
Despite its relatively small size, Key West boasts a wide array of options for shoppers. From upscale designer stores to humble souvenir and antique shops, you will find exactly what you want by taking a stroll down Duval Street. The Duval Square Mall, located on the south end of the street, is a good option if you are looking to shop for clothes.
Duval Street, Key West (Photo Credit: travelview / Shutterstock)
There are also a few jewelry and accessories stores just outside the main piers on Front Street and the north side of Duval Street. Here, you will find unique jewelry pieces, designer sunglasses, and much more.
Excursions and Cruise Line Policies
If you are just briefly visiting the port as part of a larger itinerary, you may be interested in booking one of the many excursion options available through the main cruise lines. Just make sure you book through your cruise line, or at least pay close attention to departure times, meeting points, and other policies your cruise line has in place.
Not only can booking through your cruise line help you secure your spot ahead of time, but the excursion provider will understand exactly when you need to return to the port, which can help you avoid missing the departure time.
Southern Most Point in Key West (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock)
Here are just a few of the options available through the main cruise lines operating in Key West:
Water Sports
Given the tropical waters surrounding Key West, plenty of water sports excursions are available. Snorkeling, catamaran rides, scuba diving, dolphin spotting tours, kayak tours, sailing lessons, jet skiing, and more are all fairly easy to book through cruise lines using the port.
Guided Tours
From guided walking tours of Old Town to narrated trolley and Conch Train rides, there are plenty of excursions that allow you to take in the unique history, architecture, and lifestyle of Key West in a limited amount of time.
Fishing Excursions
Key West is famous for fishing, so it’s no surprise that fishing experiences are available. From deep-sea fishing tours to basic pier-based fishing and cooking lessons, there’s something for anglers of all experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you walk around Key West from the cruise port?
Absolutely! Key West’s Old Town is a highly walkable destination. Many of the main attractions and iconic restaurants are just a short walk from the cruise ports.
How far is the beach from Key West Cruise Port?
Several beaches are scattered throughout Key West, but the closest to the cruise port would be Straw Hat Beach, just over a mile away. Or you could make your way to Smathers Beach via taxi. Although the beach is larger, it’s roughly 3 miles from the piers.
Do you tender in Key West?
While some ships will choose to tender in other parts of Key West, especially if the port is overly busy, most cruise lines will actually dock within the port.
Carnival Luminosa‘s very first Alaska itinerary for the 2024 sailing season will not be the same as originally published. The cruise line has reached out to booked guests to advise them of the change. While the ship will be visiting all the planned ports of call (weather permitting), the exact times in those ports have been adjusted.
Carnival Luminosa Itinerary Change
On May 1, 2024, Carnival Luminosa will depart Seattle for the first official sailing of her Alaska season. While this will not be the first time she has visited Alaskan ports of call this year – they are part of the itinerary for the ship’s 30-night repositioning from Brisbane to Seattle that departed on April 1 – this is the ship’s first exclusive Alaska voyage of 2024.
The 8-night sailing will depart Seattle, Washington on Wednesday, May 1, with scheduled visits to Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, and Victoria before returning to Seattle on Thursday, May 9. Booked guests have now received an email notification that the first two ports of call will be slightly altered.
“We have made an adjustment to the itinerary for your cruise – port times for Icy Strait Point and Juneau have been modified,” the email said.
The exact modifications have not been disclosed, but should be updated on the cruise line’s website, and most likely the Carnival Hub app as well, within 24 hours.
The original schedule had Carnival Luminosa visiting Icy Strait Point from 12-8 p.m. on Friday, May 3, followed by the visit to Juneau from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.
It should be noted that neither port of call is cancelled, only that the times are going to be adjusted. Carnival Luminosa should still be visiting each destination on the appropriate scheduled day.
Shore Tours to Be Adjusted
Any pre-booked shore excursions through Carnival Cruise Line will automatically be adjusted to accommodate the new port times, the email confirmed.
If any tours must be cancelled because they cannot be suitably adjusted, they will likely be refunded either as onboard credit or back to the original form of payment. Unless the port time changes are drastic, however, it is unlikely that many tours would need to be cancelled.
Travelers who have booked independent tour arrangements will need to reach out to their tour operators for rescheduling or cancellation as necessary.
No Reasoning Explained
No details about why the time changes are necessary have been confirmed. Cruise lines often adjust port times based on navigational challenges, weather, or port congestion. In Alaska, local restrictions on travel speeds to protect whales and other wildlife may also impact exactly when ships can arrive or leave different destinations to keep their itineraries intact.
At this time, there are no technical difficulties with Carnival Luminosa, and these changes do not appear to be related in any way to the ship’s operational capability.
The 92,720-gross-ton vessel joined the Carnival fleet in 2022 and operates from Seattle for the Alaska season and sails from Brisbane during the summer months down under. Carnival Luminosa is just finishing her transpacific cruise from Brisbane to Seattle, having already visited Guam, Japan, and Alaska on her way to her summer homeport, where she will offer 7-night sailings through mid-September.
The ship can welcome 2,826 guests, and is also home to approximately 1,050 international crew members.
Chalk up another big win for Carnival Corporation as a top global employer, following a leading business publication’s announcement that the company earned a place on one of its prestigious “best employer” lists. The honor is one of many the company, which employs more than 160,000 people, has received in recent years.
Forbes Ranking Honors Cruise Industry Giant
Forbes, the global business news outlet, revealed on April 25, 2024 that Carnival Corporation was named one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024. The company, a giant in the global cruise industry, was among 500 companies included in the list, which spans 24 industries.
Carnival Corporation took the top ranking for travel and leisure and leads the list’s top 100 companies overall. The corporation is the parent company of nine well-known cruise brands operating 87 ships, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in the US, plus AIDA Cruises, Cunard, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises UK, and P&O Cruises Australia.
Statista, a statistics portal and industry ranking provider, also was a presenter of the annual list, which is compiled from independent surveys of 170,000-plus U.S.-based employees who work for companies that employ at least 1,000 people.
The survey included employee reviews of their employers, judged on statements about age, gender, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA+, and general diversity in the workplace. Respondents also could evaluate other employers in their industries that project positive or negative behaviors regarding diversity.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
In addition, Forbes and Statista evaluated best practices in the diversity space, such as a company’s record of releasing diversity data and the number of women in high-level positions, for example, and considered those findings in their final selections. From thousands of businesses evaluated, just 500 are ultimately recognized.
The cruise industry sources employees from across the globe for its wide range of at-sea and shoreside jobs, and it is common for a cruise line to employ staff from 100-plus countries.
“We are a better company when the diversity of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, culture, beliefs, and other backgrounds are celebrated,” said Bettina Deynes, global chief human resources officer for Carnival Corporation.
“We strive to be the travel and leisure industry’s employer of choice by providing our team members with an inclusive and supportive company culture and work environment, and we’re honored to see our efforts recognized among others who share in our commitment,” Deynes added.
Long List of Accolades For Carnival Corporation
This is not the first time that Carnival Corporation has been honored for its employee diversity policies.
Last year, it made the list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 in a program sponsored by Newsweek. The ranking resulted from a survey of 1,000 top-performing companies in a three-part evaluation.
Photo Credit: LisaCarter / Shutterstock
The company was recognized for its operations, commitment to diversity, and success in cultivating an inclusive working environment, and was the only cruise company to earn five stars, the highest possible score in the evaluation.
In 2022 it was named to two prestigious Forbes lists — the World’s Best Employers and Best Employers for Diversity. Also, Latino Leaders Magazine named it one of the Best Companies for Latinos, and it earned the top score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index.
As a result of that score, the foundation designated Carnival Corporation as the Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. It was the sixth consecutive year the company earned the designation.
Virgin Voyages is set to sail into its second annual “Virgin Celebration Voyage,” featuring legendary guests like Sir Richard Branson and Boy George. The expanded series includes three tailored voyages.
Virgin Voyages Celebrates at Sea Across Its Lady Ships
The second annual “Virgin Celebration Voyage” makes its return aboard Virgin Voyages ships with three distinct cruises scheduled across the brand’s global fleet of Lady ships.
The annual event honoring Virgin Group’s over five decades will include appearances by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson and the singer, songwriter, and musician Boy George.
Other special guests will include astronauts from Virgin Galactic and a lineup of Virgin company executives. The cruises will feature exclusive workshops, Hosted Shore Things, fitness classes, daily events, immersive experiences, and exclusive fireside chats with Virgin leaders.
“Once a year, our Sailors have the unprecedented access to immerse themselves in the magic of both Virgin Voyages and the Virgin brand,”said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.“They’ll be rubbing elbows with visionary leaders from across the Virgin family and this year’s very special guests.”
The celebrations will include daily happy hours, culinary events, and evening entertainment curated around Virgin’s musical heritage.
Distinguished Leaders and Unique Destinations on Voyages
This year, the Virgin Celebration Voyage series will set sail across all three of the 110,000-gross-tonnage ships, Valiant Lady, Scarlet Lady, and Resilient Lady, each with its own theme and destinations.
The first celebration cruise will kick off from Miami on August 30 aboard Valiant Lady. The 5-day cruise will sail to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Virgin’s private destination, Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas.
Guest speakers aboard the 2,700-passenger Valiant Lady include Michelle Bentubo, Virgin Voyages’ chief operating officer; Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand officer for Virgin Voyages, David Tait of Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Galactic astronauts Jamila Gilbert and Ron Rosano.
Virgin Voyages Open Deck Event (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)
Scarlet Lady, which can accommodate up to 4,400 passengers and crew, will embark on her celebratory cruise from Barcelona on September 1. The ship will navigate through the heart of the Mediterranean with stops in Marseille and Cannes, France, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, with an overnight stay in Ibiza.
Guests speakers on this Mediterranean leg will feature Rosenberg; Frank Weber, senior vice president, Fleet Operations for Virgin Voyages; Will Whitehourn of Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Management, and Virgin Galactic; and Virgin Galactic astronaut and vice president of government affairs, Sirisha Bandla.
The final celebration sailing will launch on September 3. Departing from Portsmouth, U.K., the 2,700-passenger Resilient Lady will explore Amsterdam and Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium, focusing on picturesque settings in Northern Europe.
Resilient Lady in Australia (Photo Credit: FiledIMAGE)
On this voyage, guest speakers include Virgin Galactic astronauts Colin Bennett and Mike Masucci; Rosenberg; and former Virgin Atlantic CEO and Virgin Challenger leader Steve Ridgeway.
The Virgin Celebration Voyages will begin with a Sail-Away Party with Nirmal, an intimate discussion with Branson, and a dance party with Boy George curating the music. Speaker sessions, hosted cocktail parties, and a charity raffle with prizes from Virgin Group’s offerings will also be included.
Passengers can also join leaders and guests for hosted activations like cocktail hours with astronauts and fitness classes with senior Virgin leadership. Exclusive, behind-the-scenes offerings for Sailing Club members will be announced at a later date.
Besides the Virgin Celebration Voyages, Virgin Voyages is also hosting its second-annual Eat & Drink Festival across its fleet during the month of July. The special sailings will feature a variety of culinary and cocktail experiences through the ships’ casual and signature restaurants and bars, as well as special events.
Carnival Cruise Line has officially welcomed Carnival Firenze to the fleet with a ceremonial naming for the vessel held in Long Beach, California, on the evening of Wednesday, April 24.
As the ship will sail year-round from the California homeport with a variety of itineraries, the location of the naming ceremony was especially meaningful, and adds significant capacity to the cruise line’s Golden State operations.
Carnival Firenze Christening Ceremony
All the Hollywood stars aligned on Wednesday, April 24 to welcome Carnival Firenze to the Fun Ship fleet with her official naming ceremony in Long Beach, California. This welcomes the ship at a critical time, just ahead of the busy summer sailing season when more travelers will be taking to the waves for oceangoing getaways.
The star-studded naming ceremony featured actor Jonathan Bennett as the ship’s official godfather, joined by the ship’s master, Captain Enzo Palomba, pouring champagne over the ship’s bell to christen the vessel.
Other elements of the momentous occasion included entertainment performances, live music, an Italian blessing by Father Charbel Grbavac of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in nearby San Pedro, California, and remarks by various VIPs, including Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president.
Carnival Firenze Naming Ceremony
The ship combines the best of elegant Italian styling and the popular fun of Carnival Cruise Line, with decorative elements from her days as Costa Firenze preserved in her luxurious venues. The vessel has undergone extensive, 49-day renovation in Cadiz, Spain to be transformed to a Carnival ship with popular venues and features characteristic of the line.
“The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”said Duffy.
Carnival Firenze Naming Ceremony
Rapid Growth for Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Firenze represents the culmination of the rapid growth of Carnival Cruise Line in the post-pandemic era. During the industry shutdown, the cruise line retired and sold a number of older vessels in an accelerated refresh of the fleet, but the addition of Carnival Firenze brings the entire fleet back to 27 active ships, equal to the number of Carnival ships sailing before the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we had to say goodbye to some of our ships that were retired and sold and sent to that desolate and heartbreaking beach in Turkey,”explained John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador.
“Since the return of the fun, we have added more ships to the fleet. So before Covid arrived, we had 27 ships, then we lost some during Covid and now today with the official naming of Carnival Firenze we once again have 27 ships in the fleet.”
Carnival Firenze Naming Ceremony
That achievement is well worth celebrating. Carnival Firenze is the fifth ship added to the fleet since the restart, joining Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Celebration (2022), Carnival Venezia (2023), and Carnival Jubilee (2023).
Carnival Firenze is especially significant as the ship will be homeported year-round from Long Beach, dramatically increasing Carnival’s sailings from California.
“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,”said Duffy.
Carnival Firenze joins Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance. As all three ships begin full calendars, Carnival Cruise Line expects to offer more than 200 sailings from Long Beach in 2025, welcoming more than 750,000 total guests. This is more than 100,000 guests higher than 2019’s passenger load from the homeport.
Carnival Firenze is offering a diverse schedule of itineraries through January 2026, with cruises ranging from 3-7 nights visiting outstanding ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán.
Her inaugural sailing under the Carnival brand is a 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary that departs on Thursday, April 25. The 135,156-gross-ton, Vista-class ship can welcome 4,126 guests at double occupancy, or up to 5,245 travelers when fully booked.
Among the superstitious, there is a saying that bad things come in threes. While there is no actual proof to backup the superstitions, it’s certainly unusual that two Royal Caribbean cruise ships were diverted to Bermuda in the same 24-hour time period for three unrelated medical emergencies.
A Guest And Crew Member Evacuated from Odyssey of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra-class ship had to make not one, but two diversions to Bermuda due to two separate medical emergencies that occurred on board within several hours of each other.
According to updates from the Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports Services, Odyssey of the Seas was diverted to Bermuda’s East End to evacuate the ailing passengers, with the first incident taking place on April 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. local time and the second at approximately 5 a.m. on April 24, 2024.
The first medical emergency impacted an Indonesian crew member, one of the 1,551 employees onboard. The crew member’s identity, role onboard, and the nature of their condition were not disclosed, but it was determined that the 31-year-old needed more urgent care than the cruise ship medical team could provide
The crew member was safely transferred to Ordnance Island by the Pilot/Rescue Boat in St. George’s Harbour, and subsequently taken by ambulance to King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Photo Credit: Theodorie / Shutterstock.com
Not long after, a 74-year-old passenger began to experience their own medical crisis, with symptoms starting in the late evening. As the Belgian guest’s condition worsened, the cruise line made the decision to return to Bermuda’s East End. The unnamed passenger, accompanied by a member of the ship’s medical staff, was also safely transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital to receive urgent care.
The condition of the two affected people remains unknown, as does how two separate diversions will affect the rest of the sailing. When the medical emergencies occurred, the 4,198-passenger ship was in the midst of a 14-night Spanish Transatlantic cruise, which had only just begun three days earlier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 21, 2024.
Guests were enjoying a series of sea days, with the first port call scheduled at Ponta Delgada, Azores, on April 28, when the medical diversions became necessary. The 169,000-gross ton vessel is also scheduled to visit Malaga, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy, before concluding in Rome, Italy, on May 5.
With four sea days still to go before the ship is due to arrive in Ponta Delgada, hopefully, the ship will be able to make up time and stay on schedule – assuming there are no more medical emergencies.
Oasis of the Seas Experiences Her Own Emergency Diversion
Also on April 23, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas had to make her own emergency stop in Bermuda due to a medical emergency, arriving at the port’s East End at approximately 1 a.m. local time.
This time, the guest in question was a 69-year-old US resident. As with Odyssey of the Seas, the passenger was transported by ambulance to King Edward Memorial Hospital to receive treatment. Likewise, their identity and the nature of their condition has not been released in order to protect their privacy.
Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Artesia Wells)
The 5,602-passenger Oasis-class vessel embarked from Miami, Florida, on April 21, 2024. Like her fellow Royal Caribbean ship, Oasis of the Seas was only three days into her voyage when the medical incident began.
The cruise is mostly at sea until the 226,838-guest ship is due to call on Cadiz, Spain on May 1. The itinerary then calls for stops at Malaga, Spain; Alicante, Spain; and Valencia, Spain, before concluding in Barcelona, Spain, on May 5.
It’s unknown if there will be any itinerary changes due to the diversion, but there’s a good chance the ship will be able to make up enough time in the coming days to stay on schedule.
Guests eager to board Carnival Elation on Thursday, April 25, 2024 will have a few extra hours to wait as the ship is delayed in her return to Jacksonville, Florida. Because of the delay, embarkation has subsequently been revised and boarding guests have been advised to adjust their arrival time to the cruise terminal.
Carnival Elation Delayed
Carnival Elation has not been able to return to JaxPort at her scheduled arrival time, and embarking guests have been advised of the delay and asked to adjust their arrival times. Text and email notifications were sent to impacted guests alerting them to the change.
“The ship will be arriving later than scheduled and embarkation for your cruise has been revised,”the text message explained.“Please delay your terminal arrival appointment by three hours.”
The email notification has a bit more information. “The ship is experiencing an issue that is limiting its cruising speed and will be docking later than scheduled Thursday morning,”it said.
Both communications have the same details for embarkation to be delayed by three hours.
Guests choose their terminal arrival appointments in the days leading up to their sailing date, opting for the time that best suits their travel plans. This is the time when they will be checking in and verifying documentation as they board the ship.
With the delay, all guests will now be boarding the ship later than expected. For example, if a traveler had selected an 11 a.m. arrival time, they should now plan to be at the cruise terminal at 2 p.m. instead.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
The delay is not only to accommodate the ship’s late arrival, but also to ensure debarking passengers can smoothly exit the cruise terminal and leave the parking facilities before embarking guests arrive. This will help avoid overcrowding that could cause further delays.
Despite the delay, all travelers must be onboard Carnival Elation no later than 5:30 p.m. so the ship can depart JaxPort. That departure time has been pushed back to accommodate the ship’s late arrival, as the vessel was originally scheduled to depart Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m.
Why the Delay?
Various reasons could cause such a delay, such as heavy fog that limits visibility as the ship navigates up the St. Johns River, propulsion difficulties that impact the ship’s maximum speed, thruster problems that may limit maneuverability, or tidal conditions that require schedule adjustment for safer sailing.
Carnival Elation will be sailing a 4-night Bahamas itinerary, visiting Freeport and Nassau before returning to Jacksonville on Monday, April 29. It is possible that one or both port visits might be adjusted, or one port call could even be cancelled to accommodate a slower sailing speed.
The 71,909-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Elation is one of the oldest ships in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet and has been welcoming guests since 1998. The ship has been upgraded and refit several times in her long service life, and is a popular ship for travelers who prefer a smaller, more intimate cruise experience instead of the more recent, much larger ships.
Carnival Elation can host 2,190 passengers at double occupancy, and up to 2,697 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is the only vessel currently homeported from Jacksonville, Florida, and offers 4- and 5-night Bahamas cruises.
In July 2025, the ship is scheduled to be one of the first to visit the new Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s private destination on Grand Bahama island that will offer a distinctly Bahamian ambience along with Carnival’s characteristic fun.
