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Baltimore Harbor Reopening Update – What About Cruise Ships?

Melissa Mayntz
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Baltimore Harbor Reopening Update – What About Cruise Ships?

Port of Baltimore has issued an update on reopening plans for different channels that are being made available to marine traffic, less than one month after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge.

While different channels are now being opened to accommodate some of the port’s maritime operations, it is unlikely that cruise ships will be able to operate from the Port of Baltimore for several more weeks at least.

Port of Baltimore Reopening Channels

In an update posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Port of Baltimore has clarified the reopening dates for several limited access, shallow channels in Baltimore Harbor.

The US Coast Guard Captain of the Port has announced that the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel will be open from Thursday, April 25, until either Monday or Tuesday morning, permitting some larger marine traffic in and out of the port.

As the temporary channel has only a 35-foot depth, vessel access is limited and all transits will be at the discretion of the Coast Guard. After the short opening, that channel will not be available again until approximately May 10. Three other temporary channels are already available, with depths of 20, 14, and 11 feet.

“The US Army Corps of Engineers expects to reopen the Port of Baltimore’s permanent 700-foot wide, 50-foot deep channel by the end of May,” the port update read.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse
Baltimore Bridge Collapse (Photo Credit: Andrew Leyden / Shutterstock)

An exact date for that reopening has not been established, and will depend on the continued work as well as any delays from inclement weather or other circumstances.

“We thank all of our incredible federal, state, and local partners who continue to work around the clock on this incident,” the statement said.

What About Baltimore Cruises?

While reopening the shallow channels to resume maritime traffic in under a month from the initial bridge collapse is great progress, none of the shallow channels have sufficient clearance for even a small cruise ship’s draft.

Read Also: How Ship Draft Affects a Ship’s Performance

The draft of a ship is the part of the vessel below the waterline, and there must be appropriate clearance so the ship can safely sail without any risk of rubbing on debris or the harbor bottom, no matter what the tidal or weather conditions.

Cruise ships typically have a draft of 25-30 feet, with larger vessels having even deeper drafts. This is deeper than most cargo vessels, but is essential to minimize the rocking of the ship and provide better stability for the safety and comfort of passengers.

Because of their draft and how much room cruise ships need to safely maneuver, they cannot operate in the shallow temporary channels currently available through Baltimore Harbor. When the permanent channel reopens, however, cruise travel should be able to resume from the Port of Baltimore.

Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride (Photo Credit: Mario Hagen)

Cruise lines are being cautious with their plans for sailing from Baltimore. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has confirmed that the May 5 departure of Carnival Pride will operate from Norfolk, Virginia rather than Baltimore.

Carnival Pride has a maximum draft of 26 feet. A cruise ship’s draft can vary based on how fully loaded the ship is with supplies, equipment, and whether or not all berths are filled with passengers.

Carnival Pride is scheduled as homeported from Baltimore, but is continuing to temporarily operate from Norfolk until the Port of Baltimore can fully reopen to cruise ship travel. Any guests booked on sailings in the next few weeks should stay in close contact with Carnival Cruise Line for updates on their specific departures.

It can be frustrating when one’s exact travel plans are in flux with the embarkation port unknown just days or weeks ahead of sailing, but this is an unprecedented situation and travelers must be flexible.

Carnival Cruise Line is providing complimentary shuttle transportation for registered guests for each cruise that must embark or debark from Norfolk, and travelers are being given as much advance notice as possible.

The state of the port is ever-changing, however, and it is better for the cruise line to confirm plans a week or two ahead of time instead of on the last day, when it would be more challenging to ensure adequate transportation is available.

Two Cruise Passengers Reported Missing in the British Virgin Islands

Melissa Mayntz
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Two Cruise Passengers Reported Missing in the British Virgin Islands

Two cruise guests who arrived in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands aboard Norwegian Sky on Friday, April 19 have been reported missing, as neither man returned to the cruise ship for departure.

Local authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the missing men, and have noted that neither one has departed the territory in any legal means that would involve their paperwork being officially documented.

More Cruise Guests Missing in Tortola

Two men, Pascal Bosman of the Netherlands and Martire Cabrera of the Dominican Republic, have been reported missing in Tortola after they failed to return to Norwegian Sky when the ship visited on Friday, April 19.

The Government of the Virgin Islands Immigration Department has asked the public for assistance in locating the men. Anyone with information about either man should contact the Department of Immigration or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

No details about the men or the circumstances by which they are now missing have been released, other than the fact that Cabrera is carrying a St. Kitts & Nevis passport.

Norwegian Sky was in Tortola from approximately 6:30 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. on Friday, April 19. The British Virgin Islands was the last port of call before the ship returned to La Romana in the Dominican Republic, where the vessel had set sail from on Wednesday, April 10, for the 10-day Caribbean cruise.

The ship had previously visited a variety of destinations on the port-intensive itinerary, including Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and more.

Missing Norwegian Sky Passengers
Missing Norwegian Sky Passengers

There have been no reports from family members or other concerned individuals about either of the missing men, and it is not known whether or not they were traveling together or had some other connection to one another.

Read Also: What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

The men did debark the ship in Tortola and this is not a situation where they may be presumed overboard, but rather they failed to return to the vessel before its scheduled departure. In the days since, they have not been seen nor have they been recorded leaving the island by any other legal means, such as via air travel.

The 77,104-gross-ton, Sun-class Norwegian Sky is homeported from La Romana in the Dominican Republic just through the end of April. At that time, the ship will reposition to Miami to offer a selection of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from 3-9 nights, visiting ports such as Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, Key West, Puerto Plata, San Juan, and more, depending on the itinerary length and departure date.

Not the First Missing Passengers

While all cruise travelers are familiar with the concept of “pier runners” – individuals who return to the ship at the very last minute, and sometimes may miss departure to be left behind in the port – Bosman and Cabrera are the most recent case of travelers who do not return at all.

Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship
Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Just a month ago, also in Tortola and also from Norwegian Sky, three passengers – two women and one man – failed to return to the ship and were reported missing in the same manner. While all three were from Colombia, it is not known whether they were traveling together or involved with one another.

Recently in Cozumel, Mexico, a man with dementia who had been traveling with family aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas failed to return to the ship, and exhaustive search efforts were coordinated to locate him. Unfortunately, those efforts have not proven successful.

It can be confusing in busy ports of call, and families or groups occasionally get separated. In one incident in December 2023, a 15-year-old girl went missing from Norwegian Spirit during a visit to Dunedin, New Zealand, but social media posts helped safely locate her before the ship’s departure and she was reunited with her anxious family.

At this time, foul play is not yet being noted for the missing men, and it is hoped they can be safely located.

Newest Princess Cruise Ship Officially Christened in Spain

Melissa Mayntz
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Newest Princess Cruise Ship Officially Christened in Spain

Port of Barcelona was truly brighter than the sun on Monday, April 23 as the new Sun Princess was officially christened in a stunning ceremony befitting the first Sphere-class vessel.

Local officials, cruise line executives, VIPs, and more were in attendance to bring the new ship into the fleet with all the glamour of her heritage at a naming ceremony that also included time-honored maritime traditions.

Sun Princess Officially Named

While she has already been welcoming guests for several weeks since her maiden voyage began on February 28, 2024, it wasn’t until Monday, April 23, that Sun Princess was officially christened at a lavish ceremony in Barcelona, Spain.

The ceremony included remarks from executives and traditional elements, including blessings for the vessel and good wishes for all who sail on her during what will hopefully be a long and distinguished service life.

The event was held onboard the ship while visiting Barcelona, with actor and magician Michael Carbonaro as master of ceremonies. Also in attendance were various celebrities and notable personalities, including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin, Rob Floyd, and beloved original “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Ted Lange (Isaac), and Bernie Kopell (Doc).

Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Sun Princess Cruise Ship

English singer Natasha Bedingfield also held a performance onboard for the occasion, performing several hits for enthusiastic audiences.

Godmother Does the Honors

Sun Princess‘s godmother, award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham, had the honor of officially proclaiming the ship’s name and releasing the celebratory bottle of champagne to smash against the vessel for good fortune.

“I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her,” Waddingham said at the moment of the christening.

Waddingham herself has deep connections to nautical traditions, as her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II and she grew up with weekends spent boating in Dunkirk.

“As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical,” said Waddingham. “It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.”

Sun Princess naming Ceremony
Sun Princess naming Ceremony (Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises)

Waddingham is best known for her role as Rebecca Welton in “Ted Lasso” as well as appearances in “Game of Thrones” and “Benidorm” among other television shows and movies. She has received many notable awards for her work, including a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award, plus Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations.

Read Also: Princess Cruises Unveils Senior Officers for New Cruise Ship

“Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

“We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”

A New Class of Princess Ship

The long-awaited Sun Princess is bringing forth a new era for Princess Cruises with the innovative Sphere class. Among the new features onboard are unprecedented culinary opportunities such as Makoto Ocean, Spellbound by Magic Castle, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, and The Catch by Rudi.

The Princess Arena – where the naming ceremony was held – is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering a variety of performances on every sailing, including mesmerizing Cirque Éloize acrobatic productions.

The ship is also home to the largest casino in the Princess Cruises’ fleet, a two-story Lotus Spa, an expanded high-end retail area, and so much more.

The 175,000-gross-ton vessel can welcome 4,300 guests onboard, and is the largest vessel ever constructed for Princess Cruises. The first Princess ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), she is currently offering a diverse selection of Mediterranean itineraries through the summer, and will make her first transatlantic crossing to homeport at Fort Lauderdale from mid-October 2024.

How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise

A cruise can be enjoyable, exciting, entertaining – and exhausting. At the same time, you’ll need restful sleep every night so you don’t miss any of the different onboard activities and ports of call.

Strange beds, unfamiliar cabins, and unexpected motions of the ship can disrupt even the heaviest sleeper, so how can you be sure you’re getting the very best shut-eye on board?

In This Article:

Choose Your Cabin for Good Sleep

The first step toward good rest on a cruise ship is to be sure your cabin is in the best possible spot for good sleeping conditions. If you are concerned about your sleep quality, choose your stateroom location accordingly.

The motion of the ship, for example, is more pronounced in the extreme fore and aft locations, and if you are sensitive to that motion, you’ll want to choose a stateroom in the center of the ship for less rocking.

Take note of local noise as well – if your cabin is right underneath the gym, you may hear the noises of weights or machines from early morning workouts (I made that mistake on my very first cruise!). Similarly, a cabin near a major intersection or elevators will have many more people passing by the door, often in conversation, whereas a stateroom in a more isolated area will have much less foot traffic.

Virtual Balcony Cabin on Odyssey of the Seas
Virtual Balcony Cabin on Odyssey of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Cabins on lower decks closer to the rear of the ship may hear a bit more engine noise, while cabins near children’s areas may hear more shouts and excitement from the youngest cruisers.  Likewise, staterooms near show lounges or theaters – including Boardwalk or Central Park balconies on Royal Caribbean’s popular Oasis-class ships – might be louder during performances and rehearsals.

Also, check deck plans when choosing your cabin. If there are many adjoining cabins nearby, you may be near larger groups of passengers, such as a family reunion or a bachelor or bachelorette party. In some cases, those celebrations can be louder than you may appreciate for good sleep.

Personally, I always try to book what I call a “sandwich” deck, with my cabin on a deck with nothing but a full deck of staterooms on both the deck above and the deck below. This makes my cabin the “filling” of the sandwich and ensures a much quieter space. If that placement isn’t possible, I opt for a stateroom much closer to the front or back of the ship so there is less foot traffic.

Pack for a Familiar Bedroom

You’ll get the best rest if your stateroom is as close to your familiar, home sleeping conditions as possible. But how can you do that when you don’t know what the stateroom will be like?

Bringing your own pillow or pillowcase along on the cruise can help be sure your head rests easy every night, or you may want to bring along a favorite blanket if you’re sensitive to different bedding textures. You can also ask your stateroom attendant for an extra blanket or extra pillows if necessary. If you prefer a softer mattress, you can also ask for a mattress topper if there are any available.

Carnival Cruise Ship Stateroom
Carnival Cruise Ship Stateroom (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

If you sleep with a fan, sound machine, or soft music to serve as white noise, bring along what you need to replicate that condition in your cabin. On the other hand, if you are a light sleeper who might be disturbed by slight noises – or if your travel partner might be a heavy snorer – consider packing along earplugs to ensure sound sleep.

Personal tip! If you forget earplugs or decide you want to try them, contact the Guest Services desk or your stateroom attendant to politely ask for a pair. Cruise ships carry a large supply for crew members who work in the engine room, laundry facilities, or other LOUD areas, and they can usually give you a pair or two without trouble.

Read Also: What a Cruise Ship Cabin Steward Really Does

A small travel fan can also be useful to help air circulate in your cabin and keep it cooler, essential if you prefer to sleep in a cool room. Take care, however, that the fan is permitted onboard – larger fans are prohibited by most cruise lines.

Towel Animals in Cruise Ship Cabin
Towel Animals in Cruise Ship Cabin (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)

The light level in your cabin can easily affect your sleep. Do you need a very dark room to sleep well? Consider choosing an interior cabin, or be sure your window or balcony drapes are tightly closed – a hair clip, binder clip, or clothespin can keep them that way.

Use an extra towel to block light under the cabin’s door, and tuck a tissue into the peephole to eliminate that bright spot of light. More personal tips – bring along a few small pieces of electrical tape to cover up the brighter-than-you-expect indicator lights on the temperature controls, telephone, or television.

On the other hand, if you need a bit of subtle light in your cabin, you may want to pack along a night light or leave the curtains cracked to give your cabin a cozy glow.

Get Tired

No matter where you are, you won’t sleep well if you aren’t tired. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to wear yourself out on a cruise.

Join in different activities and don’t be afraid to try something new. Consider visiting the gym or taking a good walk around the decks so you are getting enough exercise to wear your muscles out, or opt for more active shore tours. My favorite option? Just take the stairs more often and avoid the elevator lines while getting your exercise.

A nice afternoon nap may be a wonderful way to relax on vacation – especially napping in a deck chair on a cruise ship – but try not to nap too much if you have trouble sleeping at night.

MSC Virtuosa Stateroom
Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar

Keeping your familiar bedtime routine can give your body clues that it’s time to sleep so you will rest more easily. Pack your comfiest pajamas or otherwise sleep like you’re accustomed to at home (just be sure your stateroom door is locked and the do not disturb sign is out if you sleep au naturel!).

If you normally shower at night or have a regimen of beauty cream, hand lotion, tooth brushing, or other tasks before bed, keep up that routine while you’re on board the ship. Do you normally read before bed, or always write in a journal? Bring along a favorite book or notebook so you don’t miss that clue to good sleep.

Avoid Overdoing – Anything!

It is tempting to do a little too much on vacation – overeating, a few extra drinks, stretching yourself beyond your limits – but when you overdo, you won’t sleep as well.

Indigestion or digestive trouble can have you spending more time in the bathroom than in your bed, and if you’ve drunk too much, you may be sitting on the bathroom floor instead.

Worth Reading: What Is a Pullman Bed On a Cruise Ship?

A strained muscle, twisted ankle, or other injury from pushing yourself too hard can keep you up at night, and so can that wicked sunburn from enjoying too much sun with too little sunscreen. Take care to pace yourself, respect your limits, keep hydrated, and you’ll be sure to get enough sleep that you won’t miss any of the fun on every day of your cruise.

Propulsion Issue Forces Royal Caribbean Ship to Cancel Ports

Melissa Mayntz
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Propulsion Issue Forces Royal Caribbean Ship to Cancel Ports

A technical issue affecting Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas is causing the ship to miss her scheduled port visits on a one-way repositioning cruise between Los Angeles, California and Vancouver, British Columbia. The ship is now arriving back home earlier than expected.

Guests are being compensated for the dramatic itinerary adjustment, and the current plan is that the ship will be able to sail her next cruise as scheduled.

Propulsion Issue Affecting Radiance of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas is currently making her way from Los Angeles to Vancouver to start the Alaska season, but a technical issue impacting the ship’s propulsion has made it necessary to slow the maximum speed. As a result, the ship will no longer be able to make the scheduled ports of call on the itinerary.

“Radiance of the Seas is experiencing a technical issue with one of its propulsion systems, resulting in a slower maximum speed,” a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read. “Unfortunately, this means we’re no longer able to make our scheduled calls.”

The ship was scheduled to visit Astoria, Oregon on Wednesday, April 24 and Victoria, British Columbia on Thursday, April 25. Instead, the vessel will now head directly to Vancouver, with an anticipated arrival of 9 p.m. on Thursday.

This is ahead of the ship’s original arrival on Friday morning, but will permit extra time for the required maintenance to correct the issue prior to the next sailing. It must be noted that no safety systems, hotel operations, or other onboard systems are impacted.

“Our ship remains seaworthy and safe, just slower,” the letter confirmed.

At the moment, Radiance of the Seas is sailing north along the California coast at approximately 16 knots (18 miles per hour). The ship’s maximum speed is 25 knots (29 mph).

Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship
Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: Stories In Light)

The nature of the technical issue has not been disclosed, but the cruise line does note that work is already being done to correct the malfunction.

“Our teams are hard at work to correct this issue and our current progress is meeting our timeline,” the letter explained. “However, we’ll need to be docked to complete the required repairs.”

Compensation Offered

Royal Caribbean is being generous with compensation for this dramatic itinerary change, as the ship will now have no port of call visits until arriving in Vancouver.

All pre-paid Royal Caribbean shore excursions for Astoria and Victoria will be fully refunded as onboard credit, and all guests will also receive a 50% refund of their cruise fare as another onboard credit.

Any unused, refundable credits will be returned to guests’ credit cards on file within 14 business days of debarkation. Guests should be aware, however, that some banking institutions may take a bit longer to process those refunds.

Because the ship will arrive in Vancouver ahead of schedule, there will be no need for changes to onward, post-cruise travel plans. Debarkation remains as planned on Friday, April 26.

Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: VIDEOVISTAVIEW / Shutterstock)

It should be noted that on the ship’s most recently completed cruise, the April 8 departure from Tampa (a 14-night sailing that brought the ship to Los Angeles), there was a mild norovirus outbreak reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 67 cases were reported during the 2-week cruise, out of 2,917 guests and crew aboard.

The norovirus outbreak is not related to the current technical issue or the cancellation of the ports of call.

Next Sailing Still Scheduled as Planned

As is common with many repositioning cruises, there are a number of back-to-back guests onboard Radiance of the Seas who are understandably concerned about whether or not the next sailing will move forward as scheduled.

Read Also: Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

While the technical work is yet to be completed and cannot be finished until the ship is docked in Vancouver, all indications are that there should be no further impact to the April 26 departure.

“At this time, we intend to sail as planned on April 26th, 2024, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way,” the letter stated.

The April 26 cruise is Radiance of the Seas‘ first Alaska cruise of the year, with visits planned for Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan. Full sailing speed will be necessary to ensure the ship can make those visits as scheduled.

The 90,090-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,501 travelers aboard, and is also home to approximately 900 international crew members.

Carnival Firenze Arrives In Long Beach After Extensive Journey

Lissa Poirot
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Carnival Firenze Arrives In Long Beach After Extensive Journey

In an exciting turn of events, the Carnival Firenze, a cruise ship inspired by the Italian city of Florence, has finally made its grand entry into Long Beach, California. This marks the beginning of its new chapter as the latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet based in the U.S. 

Carnival Firenze Debuts at Long Beach Homeport

The new Carnival Firenze cruise ship, embodying Italian elegance, arrived at Long Beach, California, on April 23 to start its new journey as part of Carnival’s American-based fleet. 

The 135,156-gross-ton ship, capable of hosting 4,126 guests, traversed from Europe and journeyed around South America, with a departure from the shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, earlier in April. The ship will now become a permanent resident at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. It will offer year-round, multi-day cruises, primarily targeting the Mexican Riviera.

John Heald, brand ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line, is aboard the ship and shared first looks through video on his Facebook page. He wrote of the arrival, “Today the crew of the Carnival Firenze will arrive in Looooooong Beach after a 30-day journey. Hopefully, the crew will be able to go ashore at some point but today, upon arrival, they have…”

Heald went on to detail the busy schedule the crew faces as Carnival Firenze prepares to home base. These include a full U.S. Coast Guard examination with various inspections of technical areas and the engine room, along with a full “abandon ship” enactment for the crew to perform.

“There could also possibly be an unannounced United States Public Health inspection, which each cruise ship will undergo multiple times a year,” Heald added. “Plus, there will be a whole dollop of beards joining today to be here to support the Captain and crew and to prepare for the ceremony tomorrow.”

The April 24 ceremony will be an official naming ceremony, livestreamed on Carnival’s Facebook page, beginning at 5:30 p.m. PST. The event will feature Carnival Firenze’s godfather, actor Jonathan Bennett, of “Mean Girls” and Hallmark Channel movie fame.

An Italian-Style Welcome and Mexican Riviera Season Ahead

Originally a member of Carnival Corporation’s Costa Cruises, Carnival Firenze was received by Carnival Cruise Line in February 2024 and underwent extensive refurbishments during dry dock in Cadiz, Spain.

Renovations included creating an Italian-style environment akin to its sister ship, Carnival Venezia, which sails out of New York City, also originally a Costa ship. Following the dry dock, Carnival Firenze took the long way to arrive in California, sailing around South America’s Cape Horn on its 30-day journey.

As the ship arrived at the Port of Long Beach, the harbor was filled with Italian gondolas and a “Welcome Carnival Firenze” sign in the red, white, and green colors of the Italian flag, with many on land also waving a warm welcome.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Handover
Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Handover

Following the naming celebration, Carnival Firenze will jump into its busy season, embarking on its inaugural cruise on April 25. The 7-night cruise will travel on a round-trip voyage to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

As the 27th fun ship in Carnival’s fleet, guests will find traditional Carnival favorites like Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 for kids and teens; the all-ages WaterWorks waterpark and SportSquare recreation area; and the adult-only Serenity Retreat and Cloud 9 Spa. 

Read Also: What Cruise Lines Does Carnival Own?

As an Italian-style ship, it will also feature special touches like the exclusive Terrazza Moda lounge for the upscale Terrazza experience, a Piazza Duomo-themed entrance, and Italian décor, dining, and entertainment mixed with other Carnival signatures. For example, even Guy’s Burger Joint will offer a touch of Italian flair.

Carnival Firenze will continue to offer 4- to 7-night roundtrip cruises throughout the year, with additional calls in Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island, California, just off the coast of Southern California.

Another Sailing for Carnival Pride Has Its Homeport Adjusted

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Sailing for Carnival Pride Has Its Homeport Adjusted

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked aboard Carnival Pride‘s scheduled May 5, 2024 departure with confirmation that the ship will be sailing from Norfolk, Virginia rather than Baltimore, Maryland.

The ship’s departure plans have been in question since the tragic bridge collapse on March 26 that closed Baltimore Harbor, and while work on reopening the harbor is progressing, it will not be possible for Carnival Pride to operate from Maryland for that upcoming sailing.

Carnival Pride Embarkation Port Changed

Carnival Cruise Line has notified booked guests that Carnival Pride will be unable to set sail from Baltimore as planned for the ship’s May 5 departure on a 7-night Bahamas cruise.

“We continue to stay in close contact with the U.S. Coast Guard, state of Maryland and Port of Baltimore officials regarding plans to resume maritime operations in Baltimore Harbor and appreciate your patience,” the notification email read. “We have been advised that we will not be able to operate your cruise from Baltimore.”

This news is not unexpected, as Baltimore Harbor remains closed to marine traffic following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. Debris continues to impact traffic in the harbor, and it is not yet safe for cruise operations to resume from the Port of Baltimore.

Instead, the sailing will both embark and debark from Norfolk, Virginia, which has been substituted for homeport operations since the end of March.

Carnival Pride Cruise Ship
Carnival Pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: PIXAS / Shutterstock)

Carnival Pride will be sailing a 7-night cruise to The Bahamas, with visits planned for Nassau, Princess Cays, and Bimini. The ship will enjoy two days at sea while heading south to the island nation, and another day at sea while returning to Norfolk.

The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class ship is homeported year-round from Baltimore, offering diverse itinerary options that include The Bahamas, Bermuda, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean routes, Greenland voyages, and select sailings to the Panama Canal. Carnival Pride can welcome 2,124 travelers aboard at double occupancy.

Compensation and Transportation Provided

Despite the situation being well outside of the company’s control, Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to provide guests sailing from Norfolk with a $100 (USD) onboard credit for each stateroom in appreciation for their understanding of the unusual circumstances.

Furthermore, as with other cruises that have been transferred to Norfolk, Carnival Cruise Line is providing complimentary bus service between Baltimore and Norfolk. The transfers are available to both debarking and embarking guests, but travelers must register to reserve their space. Registration details will be made available the week of April 29.

Norfolk Cruise Terminal
Photo Credit: Kyle J Little / Shutterstock

Because of the fluid nature of the situation, cruise lines are making decisions about Baltimore operational needs on a limited future basis rather than switching cruise homeports permanently.

Read Also: How Is the Baltimore Bridge Collapse Impacting Cruises?

Cruise travelers booked from Baltimore over the next few weeks and months should stay in close contact with their cruise line to be notified of updates to embarkation and debarkation plans as needed.

When Will Port of Baltimore Reopen?

“Thank you to all of our valued business partners for your continued support of the Port of Baltimore during this incredibly difficult time,” the port said in a recent operational update.

At this time, there is not yet any confirmed date for when Port of Baltimore may reopen for cruise ship traffic. It is hoped that a small channel will be reopened by the end of April, though this may not be sufficient for cruise ships. A larger, 700-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep channel is expected to be available by the end of May.

Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Donna Tunney
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Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Norwegian Cruise Line’s first Prima Plus-class ship, Norwegian Aqua, touched water for the first time when she was floated out of her construction dock at the Fincantieri shipyard on April 23, 2024. The milestone event signals the completion of the ship’s exterior hull as the vessel moves closer to its debut.

Traditional Maritime Ceremony Held at Shipyard

Officials of Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri celebrated the float out of Norwegian Aqua at the Marghera, Italy, shipyard, where the vessel is under construction. A traditional maritime ceremony featured the welding of two ceremonial coins into the ship as an offering in exchange for the future safety and good fortune of the ship.

A local chaplain blessed the ship and a bottle of champagne was smashed against Norwegian Aqua’s hull. The ship will be a sister vessel to Norwegian Prima, which launched in 2022, and Norwegian Viva, which debuted in 2023, although she will be slightly larger, at 156,300-gross tons.

“We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“Building upon the guest-favorite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua,” added Herrera.

Norwegian Aqua Floats Out at Shipyard
Norwegian Aqua Floats Out at Shipyard

The additional space will enable the 3,500-guest ship to offer more activities, such as the industry’s first hybrid rollercoaster/waterslide, called the Aqua Slidecoaster, revealed in November 2023, along with a digital sports complex, and the cruise line’s largest outdoor promenade, named Ocean Boulevard.

Fincantieri executives attending the maritime ceremony cited the ship’s innovations as the line pushes existing boundaries and elevates industry standards.

“We are excited to mark this significant moment with Norwegian Cruise Line as we witness the float out of Norwegian Aqua, which represents a new chapter in our long-lasting partnership,” stated Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division.

Norwegian Aqua Floats Out at Shipyard
Norwegian Aqua Floats Out at Shipyard

Now that the exterior of the ship is completed, construction will shift to the interior design of public spaces, staterooms, suites and other areas. Before delivery to the cruise line in 2025, Norwegian Aqua will undergo a series of sea trials, when navigational, propulsion, safety, and other operational systems will be tested.

Design Details Include New Dining Venues

With the launch of Norwegian Aqua just a year away, the cruise line is revealing more details about the spaces, amenities, and services it will offer. In early April 2024, the line disclosed some exciting plans for dining venues the ship will feature.

They include the introduction of a Thai specialty restaurant called Sukhothai — the first to be offered on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Situated on Deck 17, the eatery will serve dishes such as Thai Cashew Chicken, Salt and Pepper Prawns, and Thai Grilled Steak Salad.

It was also revealed that the ship’s Indulge Food Hall will showcase a new station called Planterie, offering plant-based food bowls with healthy options such as spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots.

Norwegian Aqua Floats Out at Shipyard
Norwegian Aqua Floats Out at Shipyard

The Commodore Room, the ship’s main dining room that also is featured onboard sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will be reimagined, with a new nautical motif, and Cagney’s, the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, will be expanded on the new ship to enable more seating.

“We hear from our guests following every cruise, and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship for them to relax in or explore while on vacation,” commented Mark Kansley, senior vice president of hotel operations of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Once launched in April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida, and sail 7-day itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas before repositioning to New York for a series of cruises from August to October 2025. After that, she will be based in Miami until April 2026.

Princess Cruises Details New Exclusive Ship-Within-a-Ship Spaces

Lissa Poirot
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Princess Cruises Details New Exclusive Ship-Within-a-Ship Spaces

Princess Cruises announced the launch of its exclusive “Sanctuary Collection” aboard the Sun Princess and Star Princess. The new offering features premium accommodations and elevated amenities.

Princess Cruises Details New ‘Sanctuary Collection’ Exclusive Areas

Introducing a new luxury tier aboard the Sun Princess and Star Princess, Princess Cruises has unveiled its Sanctuary Collection. The premier category, debuting in October 2024, will provide passengers access to private areas and high-end amenities on the cruise line’s newest ships.

As part of the Sanctuary Collection, guests will enjoy access to the Sanctuary Club, a spa-inspired retreat on the top deck reserved exclusively for them. The collection also includes various stateroom options designed to offer supreme exclusivity and comfort.

Jon Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, said of the new offerings, “Our new Sanctuary Collection offers guests those ultra-private, tucked-away spaces that rival any high-end resort and surpasses the offerings of comparable cruise lines featuring similar ship-within-a-ship amenities.”

He added that the spacious and well-appointed cabins and premium extras “deliver the ultimate in access and indulgence to deliver an unparalleled experience.”

Sun Princess Sky Suite, part of the Sanctuary Collection
Sun Princess Sky Suite, part of the Sanctuary Collection (Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises)

Setting Sail in Style on Sphere Class Cruise Ships

The Sanctuary Collection will first appear onboard the 4,300-passenger Sun Princess in October. Collection guests can access the Sanctuary Club through a private entry with their Princess Medallion. This exclusive area aboard the 177,882-gross-tonnage ship is designed for adults only and offers amenities such as plush lounge furniture, private cabanas, a pool and Jacuzzi, and service focused on relaxation.

The new Sphere-class ship — the largest in the Princess fleet — embarked on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean in February and is the first Princess cruise ship to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). The new luxury collection will be available when Sun Princess begins its winter Caribbean sailings, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on October 14 on a roundtrip adventure to Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos.

Among the ship’s 2,157 passenger cabins, Sun Princess’ Sanctuary Collection will offer three stateroom categories, including 80 suites, 123 mini suites, and 12 deluxe balcony accommodations, all with large balconies. The cabins will spread across three stateroom decks.

Guests will also enjoy a private restaurant with a custom chef’s menu and a dedicated dining room and waitstaff, as well as sunrise yoga classes and special sail-away receptions held in the Sanctuary Club.

Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Sun Princess Cruise Ship

Sanctuary Collection bookings also receive the Princess Premier all-inclusive package. This package features multi-device Wi-Fi, premium drinks, two specialty dining meals, no-fee anywhere delivery through OceanNow, and pre-paid tips included in the price. The bundle also includes unlimited casual dining, premium desserts, room service delivery, reserved theater seating, and digital images.

The Sanctuary Collection will also debut on Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-class ship, Star Princess, which is currently under construction at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Anticipated to set sail in the fall of 2025, the 175,500-gross-tonnage ship mirrors Sun Princess with 2,150 guest cabins and 1,500 balconies. The premier offerings will also include three stateroom choices across three decks.

Star Princess Cruise Ship
Star Princess Cruise Ship (Render Credit: Princess Cruises)

Currently, Princess Cruises’ highest premium offerings are through its Reserve Collection, formerly known as Club Class. Available for mini-suite passengers, the Reserve Collection includes premium services and amenities, including expedited seating in the exclusive Reserve Dining area, priority reservations for specialty restaurants, and a bottle of wine and canapes delivered to staterooms.

Read Also: Princess Cruises Adds New Perks for Two Inclusive Packages

Passengers who have previously booked Reserve Collection staterooms on Sun Princess and Star Princess will keep their bookings and receive the additional Sanctuary Collection amenities at no additional cost. However, the premier, all-inclusive package will be an additional charge, currently priced at $80 per day per guest.

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