Royal Caribbean International has just notified guests onboard Radiance of the Seas that the ship will not, in fact, be departing as hoped for an abbreviated Alaskan sailing. The voyage is now cancelled and guests will be debarking the ship to be sent home.
As originally planned, the ship was to have departed from Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, April 26, but an earlier adjustment due to technical difficulties meant that guests were permitted to board on embarkation day while the ship was to spend two days in port undergoing repairs.
The revised plan was to have the ship depart on Sunday, April 28, with an adjusted route and calls to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, along with scenic cruising in the famed Inside Passage, before returning on May 3 as per the original schedule.
Now, the entire sailing has been cancelled while the ship continues to undergo repair for a technical issue impacting its propulsion.
“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further,”the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms said.“Your patience throughout this time [has] not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your understanding.”
To compensate for the difficulties and late change of plans, all passengers will be provided with a 100% refund of their cruise fare as well as a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) that may be applied to any future Royal Caribbean sailing.
Internet service onboard the ship is also open and complimentary to permit guests to more easily arrange onward travel plans, and the ship is offering an open bar – no charge for drinks – until debarkation. Reimbursement is also being provided for change fees for airline reservations, as well as to help cover hotel costs.
The 90,090-gross-ton ship first developed propulsion difficulties on her repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver just days ago. Visits to Astoria, Oregon and Victoria, British Columbia were scrapped to accommodate the ship’s slower cruising speed, and so she would reach Vancouver with extra time to implement repairs before her first Alaska cruise of the season.
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: VIDEOVISTAVIEW / Shutterstock)
That first cruise was then shortened as more time was needed to complete repairs.
“While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on our previous sailing are still underway, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship in tip-top shape for you,”the notification letter for shortening the cruise read.
Guests were still permitted to board, with the expectation of finally setting sail and leaving Vancouver on Sunday, April 28. It should be noted that due to US Customs and Border Protection restrictions, travelers have not been permitted off the ship to explore Vancouver once they boarded the vessel on Friday.
Two days, however, does not provide enough time to implement appropriate repairs. Now, the entire cruise is cancelled, and guests will indeed be off the ship in Vancouver – to head home on Sunday. Passengers were notified of this decision on Saturday afternoon, just 24 hours before they will be required to debark the ship.
Eerie Similarities to Earlier Problems
These problems, including the shifting plans, shortened cruise, and last-second cancellation are eerily similar to propulsion problems Radiance of the Seas experienced at the end of August 2023.
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: meunierd / Shutterstock)
For those cancellations, Radiance of the Seas was undergoing repairs in Seward, Alaska, as she had been alternating northbound and southbound cruises for the Alaska season, just as is planned for her 2024 season in the Last Frontier.
While there is no word yet on the ship’s next planned departure – the May 3 departure, a one-way voyage from Vancouver to Seward – guests booked on that sailing will want to stay alert for potential adjustments or possible cancellation in the days to come.
Radiance of the Seas is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, having first debuted in 2001. The vessel can welcome 2,143 travelers at double occupancy, or up to 2,466 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. She is scheduled to remain in Alaska through the end of September, then will make her way to Tampa to offer Bahamas and Western Caribbean itineraries.
While many assume that Bermuda is one of the many island nations in the Caribbean, it is actually a British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Unsurprisingly, Bermuda is also a popular destination and departure point for many cruise lines. If you are considering booking a cruise in Bermuda, you will almost certainly stop at the Bermuda Cruise Port. To help you know what to expect, we will explain everything you need to know about the port. From the port’s location to descriptions of nearby attractions, this guide will equip you with all the essential information you need.
Do you want to learn how to make the most of your time in Bermuda? Let’s get started!
The Bermuda Cruise Port is a part of Bermuda’s historic Royal Naval Dockyard. The port was first built by Britain’s Royal Navy in 1795, so it almost acts as a fully functional naval museum. In addition to acting as Bermuda’s busiest cruise ship port, it is also home to the Bermuda National Museum and two major piers – King’s Wharf and Heritage Wharf.
Cruise ships almost exclusively dock along Kings Wharf, located along the small island nation’s western edge at 5 Freeport Drive, Sandys MA 01, Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.
When discussing the location of anything in Bermuda, it’s important to remember that it is a tiny nation, so everything is relatively close. In fact, the entire land area of the entire archipelago is just 21 square miles.
The port’s cruise terminals are approximately 20 miles from Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport, which cruise passengers can easily access via taxi, shuttle, or rental car. This drive usually takes about 45 minutes, mainly on the country’s main transitway, Middle Road.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Docked in Bermuda (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock)
For perspective on just how small Bermuda is, the airport is on the other side of the country, but you can still easily reach it in under an hour. Although you can take the island-wide public transit bus, we recommend taking a taxi to and from the airport, as you will save a lot of time.
While traveling to and from the airport via taxi or rental car, you will enjoy some truly stunning views of the country’s coastal beauty. Once you arrive at the cruise port, you will have no trouble finding one of the three public parking lots within a short walk of the two main wharves.
Parking is also free; however, those leaving a car overnight must use the long-term lot beside the Clocktower Mall, a duty-free shopping destination built directly into an old British Navy facility.
Cruise Lines Operating Out of Bermuda Cruise Port
Since Bermuda is uniquely and conveniently located off the United States East Coast, it is an incredibly popular stop for many of the world’s most reputable cruise lines.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Most of the major cruise lines offer itineraries that either visit or depart from Bermuda, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line.
Terminal Facilities and Services
Despite its small size, Bermuda punches above its weight economically. With one of the highest GDPs in the world, it is no surprise that Bermuda’s main port boasts modern infrastructure and well-equipped cruise terminals.
Expect a wide range of amenities to ensure you can enjoy a seamless and comfortable embarkation and disembarkation process. With spacious, air-conditioned waiting areas, modern restrooms, and public Wi-Fi, you will not have trouble navigating the terminals. With that said, Wi-Fi is not free, but multi-hour packages can be purchased through your device.
Bermuda Cruise Port and Terminal Facility (Photo Credit: Viktor Hladchenko / Shutterstock)
The cruise facilities are also designed to be mobility scooter and wheelchair-friendly, so all passengers can enjoy a convenient experience in the port. There are also well-marked taxi pickup lines just outside of the port facility.
As we will discuss in greater detail, there are also plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, duty-free shops, and even a museum located within the 24-acre Royal Naval Dockyard where the cruise terminals are situated, so there is plenty you can do if you arrive too early to board your cruise ship.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Bermuda
Bermuda is a year-round travel destination, but knowing what temperatures and weather conditions you should anticipate is important. Not only will this help you decide when to book your cruise, it will also help you pack appropriately. Here’s a quick breakdown:
View of Bermuda Cruise Port from Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Nazar Skladanyi / Shutterstock)
Summer Season (June to August)
Daytime temperatures usually range between 75° to 85° F, providing visitors with warm and pleasant conditions for exploring the island.While this is the most popular time to visit, the summer months also happen to be Bermuda’s wet season, with brief showers occurring at least once per week. Thunderstorms also occur; however, Bermuda rarely experiences serious tropical storms or hurricanes during the summer.
Pack light, breathable clothing. Don’t forget sun protection, as the UV rays can be quite intense during the summer in Bermuda.
Fall Season (September to November)
Bermuda cools off during the fall, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 70° to 80° F. The weather is still comfortable for outdoor exploration and activities, but it can cool off a bit at night, so you may want to pack warming clothing for the evenings.
Rainfall decreases, but showers can still occur. Light layers are recommended if you plan on being outdoors.
Winter Season (December to February)
While the temperature drops slightly, winters are still mild in Bermuda, especially compared to New York City, USA, where many visitors fly in from. Expect daytime temperatures between 65° and 70° F, with it dropping a further 10° F in the evenings. Rainfall is rare during the winter, but gusty winds can make it feel cooler than it is.
Light jackets and sweaters are a good idea; however, you may want short sleeves and light pants for the daytime.
Spring Season (March to May)
Temperatures slowly warm throughout the spring, with the average sitting between 70° and 75° F. With these warmer temperatures, tourism begins to ramp up. Rainfall also increases during the spring, but showers are brief and shouldn’t impact your outdoor plans.
While major storms are rare, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on notifications from your cruise line about potential departure delays. Make sure you pack light, comfortable clothing and a sweater for the cooler evenings. Packing a rain jacket is also a good idea if you spend time outdoors in Bermuda.
Nearby Amenities and Attractions
We have already discussed the fact that it is possible to drive across the entirety of Bermuda in less than an hour, so it’s likely to enjoy everything the island has to offer, even if you are only there for a short time.
The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda (Photo Credit: Gemma Fletcher / Shutterstock)
With that said, visiting cruise passengers can enjoy a wide array of shops, restaurants, cafés, and more just within walking distance of the port. The port serves as a gateway to Bermuda’s rich and unique history, with the Royal Naval Dockyard and the National Museum of Bermuda sitting directly beside the cruise port.
The Royal Naval Dockyard is Bermuda’s most visited site, which is unsurprising when you learn just how much you can do within the grounds.
History buffs can discover the important role the Dockyard played for the British Empire, as well as the role it played during the War of 1812 and the American War of Independence, by visiting theNational Museum of Bermuda. This vital link between the New and Old World functioned as the Royal Navy’s supply and staging point.
National Museum of Bermuda (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock)
The museum is less than a 10-minute walk from Kings Wharf and built into an oceanside fortress. The gardens and grounds surrounding the museum are well-maintained, and you can read plenty of outdoor exhibits to discover the island’s rich maritime history. The museum has two playgrounds on its grounds, so it is also a kid-friendly way to spend an afternoon.
If museums and statues aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to stay entertained. Dolphin Quest Bermuda is beside the museum, making it closer to the cruise port.
Here, you can watch dolphin shows, feedings, and even pay extra to swim with dolphins! We highly recommendbuying your tickets online ahead of time, as they are in high demand.
By walking 10 minutes in the opposite direction of the museum and dolphin park, you can visit the Clock Tower Shopping Mall for duty-free shopping. There’s also the Bermuda Craft Market, Bermuda Fun Golf Park, and FryDay’s Trampoline Park.
Take time to try some Bermuda favorites at Anchor Restaurant, Bar & Lounge or Frog & Onion Pub. You’ll also find plenty of stands selling ice cream, cold drinks, and various other treats.
Port Distance from Popular Bermuda Attractions
If you want to go beyond the Royal Naval Dockyard and see more of the island, you can easily take a taxi or shuttle bus to some of the island’s most iconic sites and attractions.
We highly recommend visiting the picturesque town of St. George’s. Here, you’ll find the first English settlement and a functioning town that acts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Given that the town and its well-preserved colonial buildings are just 12 miles from the cruise port, it is worth visiting.
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse (Photo Credit: Hillbillypirate / Shutterstock)
Horseshoe Bay Beach and Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse are both about 8 miles away, so even with Bermuda’s notoriously slow speed limits, you should be able to reach them with a 20-minute cab ride.
Turtle Hill Golf Club can also be found here, so if you’d like to rent some clubs and enjoy golfing island-style, the area is a great place to spend the day.
We also recommend visitingthe Crystal Caves to see one of the island’s most incredible natural features. This underground cave system has inspired artists for centuries. Even though it is on the other side of the archipelago, it’s still less than an hour’s drive.
Popular Beaches and Transportation to Them
Beachgoers will rejoice when they discover just how many pristine beaches Bermuda is home to.
Snorkel Park Beach is located within walking distance of the cruise port, while others will require taking a taxi or shuttle. Horseshoe Bay Beach is renowned for its pink sand and turquoise waters. As discussed, it’s about a 20-minute cab ride.
Elbow Beach is another popular spot, as it’s just outside Hamilton, the capital city of Bermuda. Hamilton and the beach are about a 30-minute cab ride away, so they’re easily accessible.
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Hamilton, Bermuda (Photo Credit: Deron Levy / Shutterstock)
If you really want to explore the full breadth of the island, you can find your way to Tobacco Bay Beach, which is on the other side of the island. While quieter than the other beaches, it offers amazing snorkeling and unique rock formations.
The rocks protect the beach from major waves, making it a breeding ground for tropical fish and sea turtles. It may be nearly an hour’s drive away, but the beach is also bookended by Fort St. Catherine and the Five Forts Golf Club, so there is plenty to do nearby.
Transportation in Bermuda
Bermuda may be small, but there areplenty of ways to get around. One of the most interesting ways to explore the island is to rent an electric microcar. These little cars are an affordable and fun way to whiz around the island and explore everything it has to offer. Rentals are available just outside of the cruise port.
Bermuda Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Gemma Fletcher / Shutterstock)
You can also download the Hitch App, a Bermuda-specific ride-share app that functions like Uber. You will get fare estimates and live updates on arrival times. You’ll also notice plenty of taxis hanging around the ferry terminals, and they can take you anywhere on the island.
There are also four public ferries that can take you around Bermuda. They save time and offer a unique way to get around. A major ferry terminal is right beside the cruise terminals, so you can easily get from one side of the island to the other.
Shopping Near Bermuda Cruise Port
Unlike many of the islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda has a high standard of living. This means the island is covered with stores and shops selling designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
If you want an iconic memento of the island, visit stores carrying Bermuda’s most notorious exports. Lili Bermuda Perfumery has been selling locally-made perfumes in St. George’s since the 1730s.
Downtown Hamilton, Bermuda (Photo Credit: Colin N. Perkel / Shutterstock)
No visit to Bermuda is complete without picking up a pair of Bermuda’s most iconic fashion stable – Bermuda shorts. TABS Bermuda is known to carry the most authentic pairs and is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton. However, you can find TABS shorts in just about any clothing retailer on the island.
Remember, shoppers don’t have to travel far, as there is a full-scale mall right inside the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Dining Near Bermuda Cruise Port
Again, Bermuda has a high GDP, so dining out at restaurants is normal for residents and visitors alike. You’ll find upscale restaurants scattered throughout the island, especially in the main population centers.
If you want to try a true taste of the island, fried fish sandwiches are a national obsession. Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy arguably serves up the most authentic Bermuda-style fish sandwich, and it is located in Hamilton. There’s also The Swizzle Inn, the oldest pub in Bermuda.
The Swizzle Inn Pub, Bermuda (Photo Credit: Big Blink Creative / Shutterstock)
For a more formal dining experience, check out Village Pantry Restaurant. With locally sourced ingredients and a refreshingly unique atmosphere, this island favorite can also be found in Hamilton.
For those not looking to travel far, Anchor Restaurant Bar & Lounge or Frog & Onion Pub are great options located within the Royal Naval Dockyard just steps away from the cruise port. Make sure you order a Rum Swizzle, the official cocktail of Bermuda.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you walk to the beach from Bermuda cruise port?
Yes, Snorkel Park Beach is just a short walk from the cruise port, while other beaches require transportation via taxi, ferry, or microcar rental.
What part of Bermuda do cruise ships dock?
Cruise ships dock on the island’s western end in the parish of Sandys. It’s the same port the British settlers and navy used for hundreds of years.
Do you have to book an excursion in Bermuda?
While booking ahead of time isn’t mandatory, it’s a good way to ensure that you get to experience the exact type of excursion you would like. Bermuda is a popular destination, so certain activities can be booked ahead of time. Most cruise lines allow you to book through them, which is a good idea, as it ensures you will be returned to your ship in time for departure.
As with the majority of the mainstream cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line has been prioritizing sustainability measures, including moving up its greenhouse gas reduction goal of 20% by four years from 2030 to 2026.
Of course, one of the best ways to combat pollution-induced climate change is by planting trees, which remove carbon dioxide from the air and release clean oxygen back into the atmosphere. This is something Carnival is keeping in mind for its new private destination in the Bahamas, Celebration Key.
The 27-ship cruise line has completed the first phase of its ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative, which launched in October of 2023 and has met its goal in April of 2024, taking just about six months.
Throughout the process, the company has been collaborating with local farmers and growers to beautify its part of Grand Bahama Island while also supporting the local economy. During Phase One, the company bought 5,000 palm trees, all of which were grown on the island from seed, with 40% coming from small-scale community growers.
Throughout Phase One, Carnival also hosted a tree planting event weekly, during which top growers involved with the initiative were given awards for their contributions and gifted commemorative shirts and free dinners. All honorees will also be invited to visit the fruits of their labor in Celebration Key when the private destination opens in 2025.
“We are very thankful for this initiative as it has allowed us to profit from working on the land. I want to thank Carnival for believing in Bahamians and supporting the efforts of local growers in a meaningful way. It is also a source of pride to know that the development will be beautified by native plants, born and raised in Grand Bahama,”said Leslie Saunders, a local grower who has sold more than 200 plants to Carnival Corporation through the initiative.
Tree Planting at Celebration Key
Carnival is now kicking off Phase Two of its program, and is seeking a variety of 200,000 locally grown plants to continue to bring Celebration Key to life. Instead of palm trees, the cruise line is shifting its focus to gathering Gumbo-Limbo, Seagrape, Silver and Green Buttonwood, Green Island Ficus, and Bougainvillea in different colors.
“Once again, we are calling on the Grand Bahama community to participate actively. “We are looking for plants with good foliage and roots, among other quality requirements so bring us your best green thumb efforts,” said Raquel Mota, Senior Port Services Manager with Carnival.
“We want to showcase the very best of the natural splendor of Grand Bahama at Celebration Key to our guests, while also creating economic opportunities for Bahamians. Together we can create a vibrant, sustainable environment that benefits both locals and visitors alike,”added Mota.
Phase two of the ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative will officially kick off on May 9, 2024, with Carnival encouraging local growers to reach out in advance to start discussing landscaping needs and what they can offer to the project.
Carnival’s New Private Destination Is Expanding Before It Even Opens
Guests will get the chance to enjoy the beautiful foliage, as well as a variety of luxurious experiences and amenities, when Celebration Key opens in Summer of 2025.
Carnival’s new flagship cruise port destination, which is located on Grand Bahama about 200 miles west of Nassau and 55 miles from Southwest Florida, will likely be very popular from the get-go.
Carnival has already unveiled itineraries that include more than 500 visits to the Bahamian destination across 12 ships, with sailings scheduled from the beginning of July 2025 and into 2026. The cruise line expects to welcome 2.2 million guests to Celebration Key in its first year, and estimates that number will rise to as many as 4 million in 2028 – largely because an expansion for the island is already in the works.
In addition to the $600 million (USD) the cruise company has already invested in the island destination, it’s already shelling out another $100 million to extend the pier so that it can accommodate up to four ships at a time, including the extra-large members of the Carnival Excel-class.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key
In addition to enjoying the locally grown plant life, visitors to the island will get to experience different aspects of Bahamian culture through five unique portals. Guests will enter the destination through the first portal, Paradise Plaza, which is a boldly colorful entryway that leads the way to idyllic vacation selfies and waterslides galore – including the 10-story high “Suncastle” from where the slides will originate.
Adults will also be able to enjoy the water or relax on loungers or in cabanas at Calypso Lagoon, which will also feature private restaurants, casual snacks, and Bahamian food trucks.
Meanwhile, those looking for authentic souvenirs to take home can pay a visit to the marketplace in Lokono Cove, which will offer a variety of souvenirs, jewelry, and art meant to allow guests to take a piece of Grand Bahama’s rich heritage and creativity home with them.
However, as guests enjoy the island, Carnival will continue to work to support the local economy. To start, 75% of all Celebration Key outlets will be owned and operated by Bahamaians, including those in Lokono Cove.
Additionally, Carnival expects its new destination to provide over 700 permanent jobs for locals in food and beverage, retail, and transportation – adding to the more than 2,500 jobs already created as part of Celebration Key’s development and construction.
A 65-year-old male guest was successfully evacuated from Holland America Line’s Koningsdam on Thursday, April 25 as the ship was sailing approximately 175 nautical miles (201 miles / 324 kilometers) west of Tillamook, Oregon, while the ship was en route to Victoria, British Columbia. The guest had been injured several days earlier and required greater continuing medical care than was available on the ship.
Other passengers onboard Koningsdam reported that there had been announcements made seeking blood donors, though the nature of the guest’s injury was not disclosed.
The US Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest sector responded to the call for an evacuation and dispatched an aircrew from Astoria, including two members from the Life Flight Network, to meet the ship and airlift the guest while an aircrew from Sacramento provided support.
The challenging operation was carried out safely, and the guest was transported to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland. Details on the guest’s condition have not been released in order to safeguard his privacy and that of his family members and traveling party.
Holland America Coast Guard Airlift (Credit: US Coast Guard)
Outstanding video footage of the incident was captured by the rescue and evacuation team, giving a firsthand perspective of what these operations entail and how difficult maneuvering safely can be. At all times, however, the patient’s safety and that of the team remain a top priority.
“We were onboard and witnessed the professionalism and precision as both the Crew and Coast Guard coordinated this operation,”passenger Cindy Gilbert posted with another brief video of the incident.
Koningsdam was nearing the end of her 22-night sailing that departed from San Diego on Friday, April 5. The ship visited Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan in Mexico before heading to Hawaii for several days, then turning north toward Canada. The call to Victoria on Friday, April 26 is the last on the current itinerary, and the ship will arrive in Vancouver as scheduled on Saturday, April 27.
We were onboard and witnessed the professionalism and precision as both the Crew and Coast Guard coordinated this operation….well done team 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BqIdbn1cnT
Despite the slight diversion for the medical evacuation, the ship did turn toward the coast to meet the USCG team as quickly as possible, and there was no delay in reaching Victoria. The ship’s arrival in Vancouver is also unaffected.
This sailing is Koningsdam‘s repositioning voyage to put the ship in position for the Alaska sailing season. The 99,863-gross-ton ship will remain homeported from Vancouver through September, offering 7-night Inside Passage cruises with visits to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, and other top Last Frontier destinations. The Pinnacle-class ship can welcome 2,650 guests aboard for each sailing.
Amazing At-Sea Rescues
Several notable at-sea rescues have been carried out in recent months, showcasing the dedication and skill of USCG rescue teams.
In May 2023, a hazardous rescue was safely accomplished when a 76-year-old man was airlifted from Carnival Dream on rough seas. Conditions for that incident were so treacherous that the aircrew had to abort the first rescue attempt and another crew returned when the weather eased.
While no cruise traveler expects a medical emergency during their oceangoing vacation, those that do find themselves in dire circumstances can rely on the expertise and dedication of cruise ship medical personnel and USCG rescue teams to ensure that safe evacuations are possible when necessary.
Venice, Italy, has introduced an access fee for day tourists to manage over-tourism on its busiest days. The fee aims to reduce crowds in the historic city and preserve its fragile sites. This also includes visitors coming from cruise ships.
Venice’s New Strategy Against Over-Tourism
Starting April 25, 2024, Venice has implemented an access fee for tourists visiting the city on select high-traffic days, aiming to mitigate over-tourism. This fee applies to all day visitors, including cruise ship passengers, except those exempt, such as local residents, minors under the age of 14, and cruise passengers staying overnight.
Tourists will need to register online and obtain a QR code, paying €5.00. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage visits during less congested periods and ensure the preservation of Venice’s cultural heritage as a World UNESCO site.
However, there is no cap on the number of people who may access the city each day. Venice has witnessed surges of 30,000 to 40,000 people arriving daily during spring and summer months. The majority of traffic descends upon the main island, Centro Storico, nearly doubling the population of the island, measuring just over one square mile.
“The whole world would like to visit Venice, and this is an honor for us. But not everyone in the world is able to do so on the exact same day,” stated Simone Venturini, the city’s tourism councilor, to CBS News.
Venice has implemented an access fee for day visitors (Photo Credit: Oleg Senkov)
The fee will not apply to travelers from late afternoon until the next morning, allowing flexibility for visitors arriving or departing outside peak hours. The fee does, however, affect cruise passengers who arrive for a day on ships calling in the area.
Understanding the Tourist Fee Implications on Cruise Passengers
The Venice Access Fee is operational from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 29 designated days in 2024. These periods are peak times for ships to call in a port and for passengers to go ashore for excursions.
Passengers arriving between April 25 through May 5; May 11 and 12, 18 and 19, and 25 and 26; June 8 and 9, 15 and 16, 22 and 23, and 29 and 30; and July 6 and 7 and 13 and 14 will have to pay €5.00 per person.
Exemptions are available for cruise passengers embarking or disembarking in Venice who have proof of overnight accommodations, as well as persons with disabilities and their travel companions.
The first cruise scheduled to arrive during the designated days are MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia and MSC Lirica, each weighing just over 65,000 gross tons and calling on April 27.
MSC Lirica in Venice
Sinfonia accommodates 2,646 passengers and 721 crew members, many of whom also go to shore during calls. MSC Lirica houses up to 1,984 passengers and 721 crew. If every person on a sold-out cruise were disembarking for the day, it would result in €23,150 in access fees.
The introduction of the fee has been met with mixed reactions, with many arguing it will not significantly deter tourists from arriving in the city. Protestors argue the fee without limitations to the number of visitors will turn Venice into a “theme park.” Residents marched through Venice’s main bus terminal and entryway as the fee was implemented with banners reading, “No to Tickets, Yes to Services and Housing.”
This isn’t the first time Venice has made significant adjustments that have affected cruises. In August 2021, the city imposed a ban that specifically stops ships over 25,000 gross tons, longer than 180 meters, and taller than 35 meters from docking in the historical city center.
This regulation affected a broad group of cruise lines, particularly Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. The ban redirected the cruise lines’ large vessels to nearby Porto Marghera.
The Radiance of the Seas sailing scheduled to depart from Vancouver on April 26, 2024, has been postponed, with a new departure set for April 28. However, passengers have been asked to board the ship as scheduled and spend the first two days of the cruise in port.
Royal Caribbean Alters Schedule of Radiance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International has announced a change to the Radiance of the Seas departure schedule. Originally slated to set sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 26 to start a summer season in Alaska, the ship will now depart on April 28.
The postponement is due to ongoing propulsion repairs that caused Radiance of the Seas to cancel port calls on this week’s repositioning journey from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
Royal Caribbean said in a letter to booked guests, “While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on our previous sailing are still underway, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship in tip-top shape for you.“
The ship cancelled port calls in Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia, to head straight to Vancouver to address the issue, but repairs are taking longer than anticipated to correct. With continued propulsion issues, the ship’s maximum speed of 25 knots was drastically reduced to 16, delaying the repositioning cruise’s arrival.
Royal Caribbean added, “We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change. We understand this news is disappointing, but we hope you’ll join us on the alternate itinerary planned.”
Itinerary Changes Will Keep Passengers on Board Docked Ship
The revised 7-night Alaska itinerary will see Radiance of the Seas spend two extra days in Vancouver, with passengers aboard the ship while it remains in port for repairs. The ship will depart at 4 p.m. on April 28 to begin its journey.
Originally slated to sail to Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan on the roundtrip voyage, Radiance of the Seas will now offer a scenic cruising of the Inside Passage before reaching Ice Strait Point, Alaska, on April 30 and Ketchikan on May 1.
Radiance of the Seas In Vancouver (Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway / Shutterstock)
The ship will cruise through the Inside Passage a second time before concluding in Vancouver on May 3. This altered route eliminates the call in Juneau, initially slated for April 28.
The delay is compounded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection restrictions, necessitating the terminal’s closure at 5 p.m. on boarding day. While the boarding process is not be affected and proceeded as planned on April 26, guests cannot leave the ship once they have checked in and are boarded.
In response to the delay, the cruise line has extended activities available to guests. These include special curated programs to entertain guests staying on the ship during the extended stay in Vancouver. The opening of the onboard shops and casino will occur after setting sail on April 28.
“Our Activities Team is putting together some incredible programming to entertain you,” said the cruise line.
Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: Stories In Light)
The original setback for Radiance of the Seas began on April 23, forcing the ship to bypass stops and head directly to Vancouver in hopes of arriving ahead of schedule. The early arrival was planned to allow for the necessary maintenance and repairs before the Alaskan sailing.
Passengers currently onboard the weakened ship have been assured the ship remains seaworthy and safe, albeit slower, and were provided full refunds for pre-shore excursions in the missed ports as onboard credit, as well as a 50% refund of the cruise fare, also as onboard credit.
Passengers aboard the Alaskan cruise have not been offered compensation or refunds.
Following a successful winter series of Caribbean cruises from Florida, Celebrity Ascent, the newest Celebrity Cruises’ ship and fourth in the line’s popular Edge class, is about to arrive in Europe for her inaugural summer season. Itineraries will feature exotic destinations across the Mediterranean, with multiple embarkation ports.
Celebrity Ascent Will Spend Summer 2024 in the Med
Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, the 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent, is completing a transatlantic crossing from her winter homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is due to arrive in Barcelona on April 27, 2024.
The fourth in the line’s Edge class, Celebrity Ascent offers guests a premium experience, with high-end dining venues, entertainment, and The Retreat, an exclusive, luxury area with spacious suites and private sundeck, restaurant, and lounge spaces.
Her first sailing in the Mediterranean will be a 9-night Italian Riviera and France itinerary, departing on April 27, 2024 and featuring an overnight at La Spezia, where guests will have ample time to tour Florence and Pisa, Italy.
“We’re bringing our latest and greatest Edge Series ship to Europe, enabling guests to discover this diverse region with its stunning coastlines, while enjoying Celebrity Ascent’s premium facilities, elevated food and drink experiences, and wonderful entertainment.” Said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Ascent will operate 7- to 12-night voyages in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, and the Aegean, while offering three embarkation ports — Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Athens (Piraeus).
A 7-night Greece, Turkey, and Italy cruise, for example, with two departures in July, will depart from Rome and call at Naples, Italy; Mykonos and Santorini, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey; before concluding in Athens.
Celebrity Ascent Resort Deck
The ship has a special connection to Greece since the vessel’s two co-captains are Greek — and they are brothers as well. In an industry first, Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and Captain Tasos Kafetzis each will serve three-month rotating assignments at the helm of the ship.
In another industry first, Celebrity Ascent had two godmothers when she was christened in December 2023 at Port Everglades. The co-godmothers were Captain Sandy Yawn, from the well-known TV series “Below Deck,” and her sister Michelle Dunham, the founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism.
The ship will sail European itineraries until October 26, 2024, when she departs on a transatlantic voyage back to Fort Lauderdale. Her winter 2024-25 season from the Florida port will feature 7- and 9-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. The ship is scheduled to return to Europe for summer of 2025.
Celebrity Ascent Features Edge-Class Favorites
Celebrity Ascent offers guests a choice of 32 dining venues, bars, and lounges. Known for its cuisine, the cruise line partners with celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, who serves as the line’s Global Culinary Ambassador.
Boulud has created many of the fleet’s menus and launched the restaurant at sea called Le Voyage, which debuted onboard Celebrity Beyond, the line’s third Edge class ship that launched in 2022. The fine dining venue was given a new look for Celebrity Ascent.
Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
New experiences aboard Celebrity Ascent include a plant-based tasting menu at the Eden dining venue and an outdoor space that was added to Blu, the restaurant reserved for AquaClass guests.
AquaClass is a premium accommodations option that provides guests with access to the ship’s SEA Thermal Suite and a spa concierge, plus a free fitness pass, special rates on spa packages, bottled water service, and other perks.
The new ship also features another Edge-class favorite — The Magic Carpet, a cantilevered multi-purpose space that serves as a bar and al-fresco dining venue offering scenic views of land and sea. It is a popular spot for sailaway events as well.
Entertainment options include three theater productions, nightclub-style deck parties, a Las Vegas-style casino, and a variety of performances featuring singers, dancers, and other artists.
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.
