Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has issued a reminder to the cruise line’s most loyal guests about the extent of one of the most popular benefits, the ability to access one’s cabin immediately upon boarding the ship. This can be a confusing benefit to some, but it is important to know exactly what it means and not abuse the privilege.
Loyalty Benefit Is Not Absolute
Loyalty benefits are designed to give extra privileges to a cruise line’s most frequent cruisers, and one of the most sought-after benefits of Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program is the ability to access one’s cruise ship cabin right away when boarding the ship.
This benefit is also extended to guests who have booked suites, as well as those who purchase the exclusive Faster to the Fun (FTTF) program.
It must be noted that this benefit is described only as “once on board, you will be able to drop your bags in your stateroom until your room is ready.”
This does not mean that guests may remain in their cabins from the moment they board the ship. Instead, they do not need to be encumbered by toting bags around the ship for lunch, checking in to their muster station, and getting oriented before staterooms are made available to everyone.
Unfortunately, some travelers misinterpret this benefit and the confusion can lead to an unpleasant beginning to one’s cruise. Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has issued a reminder to guests, hoping to clarify the benefit and encourage proper use of the privilege.
“You can go directly to your cabin to drop off your carry-on bags. Please can you leave straight away,”Heald said.
This is essential because before the overall stateroom availability time – usually at about 1:30 p.m. – cabin attendants and other crew members are very busy turning over the rooms so they are clean and stocked for new guests to enjoy.
“I am asking you this on behalf of the crew who are doing everything they can to make sure that the room is ready to the very highest of standards,”Heald explained.
In addition to stateroom cleaning, crew members may be restocking towels and toiletries or attending to minor maintenance concerns, such as a broken showerhead, burned-out lightbulb, or other small tasks that are nevertheless necessary to ensure that each guest has a great cruise.
Abuse of the Privilege
Unfortunately, some passengers prefer to remain in their cabins with this early access, despite being asked not to. Heald has noted that different guests have tried a variety of tactics and excuses about why they need to stay in their staterooms.
“Some have tried to have a shower, some have tried to unpack, and one gentleman literally decided to show his loyalty card very close up to the housekeeping staff demanding she leave the cabin, which was yet to be prepared because, ‘he needed to take a nap,'”Heald described.
All the early access benefit permits guests to do is enter their stateroom to leave their carryon bags in a safe place before they get started on their cruise vacation fun.
Ideally, guests should have just one or two travelers take their bags to their room – rather than a whole large family going to the stateroom – and the bags should be placed out of the way in the closet, under the bed, or in a far corner so the luggage is not in the way for the cabin attendant’s continued work.
Guests should then leave their cabin right away, heading out for lunch, to visit their muster station for the mandatory safety check-in, or to enjoy numerous activities such as spa tours, embarkation day trivia, a first dip in the pool, or a trip down a waterslide, and much more.
Some Carnival cruisers have responded to Heald’s reminder with concern that if abuse of this very convenient privilege continues, the benefit may be removed, and no stateroom access may be permitted before all rooms are open for guests’ use.
Heald has hinted in the past that a revamp to the VIFP program is likely in the near future, though no timeline or other details about such adjustments have been released. At this time, there is no discussion about removing the early cabin access benefit, but it is possible that such a step might be considered.
Every experienced cruise traveler has a list of must-haves for their vacation packing. What items should you be adding to your travel gear for your next cruise vacation?
With your ship on the water hundreds of miles from the nearest convenience store and ports of call in foreign countries with different languages and currencies, you’ll want to be sure you pack these items along instead of leaving them behind.
Few cruise passengers will forget basics such as sunscreen, a swimsuit, or formal attire, but once you’re onboard, you may wish you’d found room in your bags, totes, and carry-ons for these cruise essentials.
Outlets are notoriously sparse in cruise ship cabins, and if you have several devices to recharge, need a CPAP machine, or use different hair styling tools, you’re going to be juggling those few plugs. A couple of short, simple extension cords can help you arrange what you need exactly where you need it.
At the same time, don’t forget the appropriate chargers and USB adaptors for your devices, especially if your cruise ship will be departing from a foreign port. Take care not to pack along power strips with surge protectors, though, as they’re not permitted on most cruise ships and will be confiscated.
2. Pen and Paper
Whether you want to jot a note to your stateroom steward or leave a note for a friend or family member to let them know where you’re going on the ship, a pen and a small pad of paper can be invaluable.
It can also be easier to have your own comfortable, reliable pen or pencil if you enjoy onboard trivia, Sudoku, or other games instead of trying to write with a tiny and possibly not-too-sharp pencil when a coveted keychain, ship-on-a-stick or other prize may be at stake.
3. Small Currency Bills
Your cruise ship card is your room key, on board identification, and ship-wide charge card, but it won’t be useful off the ship, such as renting a locker during a beach excursion, tipping a fabulously funny bus driver, or paying for that quirky little souvenir. Instead, bring along small bills suitable for minor onshore purchases or tips as needed. Also, if you want to tip your cabin steward or room service attendants a bit extra for their hard work, cash is most appreciated.
Photo Credit: RomanR / Shutterstock
Cash is also necessary for playing games of skill in the casino or arcade, where just $1 can win you fabulous prizes – if your hand-eye coordination is good enough. As a special note, if you prefer to carry larger bills for the convenience, the casino cashier or Guest Services desk can usually break bills into smaller denominations.
4. Air Freshener
The sea air may be fresh and bracing, but your cabin and its teeny bathroom won’t smell so good with wet and dirty clothes, smelly shoes, room service food, or the inevitable results of overeating or overindulging on alcohol. A simple room spray, Poo-Pourri toilet spray, or a hanging freshener can do wonders to keep your cabin smelling clean and fresh.
Do not, however, bring scented candles, incense, or anything that requires heat or flame to release a pleasing aroma, as these are prohibited items that will be confiscated at check-in and not allowed on any cruise ship.
5. Alarm Clock
Most cruise ship cabins do not have any alarm clocks, and while you can arrange a wake-up call through the ship’s phone service, it is a good idea to have a backup alarm ready so you don’t miss the early departure time for a popular shore excursion or your scheduled debarkation time.
Setting an alarm can also help you enjoy an afternoon nap without missing any upcoming activities, but avoid smart watches, cell phone alarms, or any clocks that automatically reset when you move between time zones. Many cruise ships remain on “ship time” which doesn’t always match local time zones.
6. Ship Shoes
A comfortable pair of slip-on shoes, sandals, flip-flops, or slippers will be welcome footwear on board the ship. Instead of lacing up sneakers or putting on uncomfortable heels for a quick trip to the buffet, a round of miniature golf, or wandering over to a trivia contest or craft project, you’ll be glad you have more casual footwear to make walking across hot or slippery decks safer and easier.
Before setting sail, make sure to break in any footwear, so it is comfortable and won’t cause blisters or sore feet. On bigger and bigger cruise ships, you’re bound to do more walking than you might anticipate!
7. Travel Fan
Cruise ship cabins are air-conditioned, but the power of the air conditioner can vary greatly depending on the ship and individual cabin locations. A small travel fan can create a nice breeze to circulate air and keep your cabin much cooler, and the fan’s white noise can make sleeping even easier as you rest up for another fun-filled day.
Travel Fan (Photo Credit: studio_24 / Shutterstock)
A fan can also help you dry off swimwear or damp shoes much more quickly so you can wear them again. For a fan that will do double duty, look for a design that can also charge USB devices, but be sure the fan is small enough to meet cruise lines’ individual guidelines for what can be brought onboard.
8. Playing Cards or a Travel Game
There is always a packed schedule on a cruise vacation, but there are times when you want to arrive at activities early – to get the best seats for the nightly show or to be in the lounge for a comedy act, for example. While you’re waiting for the fun to start, a pack of playing cards or a fun travel game can pass the time.
This will also be very helpful on both embarkation and debarkation day, when you may spend an hour or two waiting in the cruise terminal or a lounge before it is your turn to board or leave the ship. Furthermore, if any shore tours you choose have long bus rides, you will welcome the diversion!
9. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential on a cruise, when exposure to salt water, not to mention warmer temperatures, can dry your skin out. Staying hydrated will also help keep you healthier and more energetic, so you don’t miss a moment of your vacation.
Travel Water Bottle (Photo Credit: Darya Lavinskaya / Shutterstock)
Instead of paying for increasingly expensive bottled water or struggling to bring your own water on board (which is not permitted by every cruise line), just bring a reusable bottle you can easily refill whenever you’re thirsty. The ship’s water is perfectly safe to drink, so have no fear on those refills.
10. Binoculars
There is so much to see in port and just watching over the side of the ship, you’ll wish you had better eyesight. A pair of binoculars can be the best thing you pack, whether you plan to use them while watching for whales or dolphins from the ship, scouting out ports as you dock, or taking them along on shore tours for an even better view of everywhere you visit.
Binoculars do not have to be expensive to offer you a better view, and opt for a travel pair or even a monocular to save space in the luggage as you pack everything you need for your cruise.
What essential items do you always bring along on a cruise? Share your must-pack tips on the Cruise Hive boards!
Guests aboard the one-way repositioning cruise of Carnival Pride that was to take the ship from Tampa to Baltimore have now learned for certain that they will, instead, be disembarking the ship in Norfolk, Virginia.
Since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, there has been uncertainty about whether or not marine traffic would be able to access the Port of Baltimore in time for the ship’s embarkation on April 21. Now, the cruise line has confirmed that reaching Baltimore will not be possible, and the ship is instead going to debark in Norfolk.
Carnival Pride Heading to Norfolk
It has been an uncertain time for guests aboard Carnival Pride for a rare repositioning sailing, as their cruise itinerary was immediately called into question when the Port of Baltimore was closed following the tragic bridge collapse.
Carnival Cruise Line has remained in contact with guests, hopeful that Port of Baltimore would still be reachable, but that has not been possible. Even when the cruise set sail on Sunday, April 7, where the cruise would end was not yet certain.
“Thank you for your continued patience as we finalized debarkation plans for the sailing,”a notification letter sent to guests’ staterooms on Saturday, April 13 said.“Our shoreside leadership team has spent the last week having some personal discussions with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Port of Baltimore Officials regarding the harbor traffic plans so we can make informed decisions.”
“While progress on the bridge accident recovery is being prioritized and progressing well, your cruise itinerary will end in Norfolk on Sunday morning, April 21.”
Carnival Pride in Baltimore (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Cruise Line is arranging complimentary bus transportation to all four major airports in the region – Norfolk International (ORF), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), Reagan National (DCA), and Dulles International (IAD).
As space is limited on the shuttle buses, however, the cruise line is asking that guests complete a debarkation questionnaire to confirm their travel needs and arrangements so transportation can be arranged. Guests are also asked to note if a fully accessible vehicle for a scooter or wheelchair is needed.
Help Rearranging Flights
To assist guests with rearranging flights to later times if necessary – a drive to the DC-area airports could be roughly 5 hours from the Norfolk cruise terminal – all guests are able to access the ship’s Wi-Fi for 24 hours so they can make appropriate travel plans.
If passengers have booked airfare through Carnival’s Fly2Fun program, those flights will be automatically updated and individual guests will be notified of their new flights once arrangements are confirmed.
The cruise line is also offering up to $200 (USD) per person for any non-refundable air travel change fees. Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement consideration.
Carnival Pride in Dover (Photo Credit: Port of Dover)
Guests should note that the shuttle buses will be prioritized for the airports further away, and if guests are able to rebook flights from Norfolk, they may not be debarking the ship as early as anticipated. The drive from Port of Norfolk to Norfolk International Airport is just 20 minutes.
“We will work to get everyone off as quickly as possible,”the letter stressed.
Guests are asked to return their debarkation questionnaires to the ship’s Guest Services desk, on Deck 2 in the Atrium, no later than 8 p.m. on Monday, April 15.
Next Cruise Embarking From Norfolk
Carnival Pride‘s next sailing – the April 21 departure, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing to Grand Turk, Princess Cays, and Freeport – will depart from Norfolk, and guests booked on that cruise have been notified of the change.
Shuttle service is also being provided for both embarkation and debarkation, though travelers do have to register for the service in advance. Further details of how to do that will be communicated to guests in the next few days.
At this time, it is unknown when the Port of Baltimore may reopen to cruise ship traffic, but guests booked on any sailing from the city in the next few weeks should stay in close contact with their cruise line for changes and updates.
The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class Carnival Pride is scheduled to remain homeported from Baltimore year-round, and will undoubtedly shift operations to that planned homeport as soon as safely and reasonably possible.
Authorities have begun search operations for a crew member reported missing and overboard from Holland America Line’s Rotterdam. At the time of the incident, the ship was sailing eastward in the Florida Strait south of Marathon, roughly midway along the Florida Keys, while finishing a 6-night Western Caribbean sailing.
Crew Member Missing From ms Rotterdam
A crew member has been reported missing from Rotterdam and search operations have been initiated to try and locate the individual. At this time, the identity – age, gender, crew position, nationality – of the individual has not been released, in order to safeguard their privacy.
“A team member on Rotterdam was reported missing after the ship docked in Fort Lauderdale, FL on April 13. A review of closed-circuit TV footage indicates the person went purposefully overboard around 9:45 p.m. on April 12 while the ship was sailing off the Florida Keys. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified and began a search of the area, which remains underway,”a statement from Holland America Line to Cruise Hive read.
It is not known how the crew member was discovered missing, though it may be a failure to report for a duty shift or to check in with a supervisor or roommate. Once it was known the crew member was not aboard, the ship’s security footage was reviewed, and the individual was seen going overboard on the previous evening.
#Breaking@USCG crews are searching for a crew member of the cruise ship Rotterdam who went overboard 20 miles south of Marathon.
This detail will help concentrate search operations, as the ship’s exact location at that time can be pinpointed. By using known weather data and knowledge of local water currents, it is hoped the search may prove successful.
At this time, both marine and air assets from the US Coast Guard are involved in the search 20 miles south of Marathon, Florida. Undoubtedly, Holland America Line is also providing support to other team members onboard as well as impacted family members and friends at this troubling time.
“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member’s family at this difficult time,”the cruise line statement concluded.
No Impact to Sailings
Rotterdam returned to Fort Lauderdale as scheduled on Saturday morning, finishing a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise that had departed on Sunday, April 7 and visited Belize, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.
The ship has already departed on its next sailing with no delay. The current cruise is a 14-night one-way repositioning transatlantic sailing from Fort Lauderdale to the ship’s namesake city, Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.
Holland America Line’s Rotterdam Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock)
Rotterdam will remain homeported from Rotterdam through mid-October, offering a range of Norway, Norse Legend, and Viking-themed voyages to top ports such as Alesund, Flam, Bergen, Oslo, Kristiansand, and Sandnessjoen, depending on the exact itinerary and departure date.
The 99,863-gross-ton, Pinnacle-class vessel is the newest ship in the Holland America Line fleet, and can welcome 2,668 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 4,173 travelers if fully booked with all berths filled. Also onboard are approximately 1,050 international team members.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the Rotterdam crew, as well as the friends and family members of the missing team member, at this very difficult time.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests at the highest levels of the past passenger loyalty program, alerting them that some of their benefits are unavailable for specific sailings in April 2024.
The impacted cruises are all longer Carnival Journeys voyages, which often have such benefits curtailed due to the logistics of having higher-than-typical numbers of high-level loyalty passengers aboard.
Some Loyalty Benefits Removed From Highly Desirable Sailings
Three Carnival cruises aboard two different vessels will not be able to provide all the anticipated benefits for Diamond and Platinum guests, due to high numbers of those guests joining the select voyages.
The impacted sailings are the April 6 departure of Carnival Miracle, a 15-night Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Long Beach, California. The April 7 departures for Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit are likewise affected.
Carnival Pride is sailing a 14-night repositioning cruise from Tampa to Baltimore (now to Norfolk as a temporary homeport), while Carnival Spirit is on a 16-night repositioning from Tampa to Seattle ahead of the Alaska season.
Longer sailings, especially repositioning cruises, are often popular with frequent cruisers. Because of this popularity, it can become logistically impossible for any cruise line to successfully offer elite benefits to a large number of cruisers on the same sailing.
“Due to the high number of Diamond and Platinum guests joining us on this voyage, we will not be able to provide priority embarkation or debarkation (including at any ports of call),”the notification emails read.
One additional Diamond-level benefit is also rescinded for these three sailings. Diamond is the highest current level in Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP loyalty program, requiring 200+ points to reach that status.
“Related to Diamond guests, due to capacity limitations, we cannot guarantee main dining room seating requests for dinner,”the emails explained.
It should be noted that Platinum guests still receive “priority reservations” at the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, but these have never been a guaranteed benefit, only a priority consideration.
“This operational change is consistent with other Carnival Journeys cruises where we have a very large number of Diamond and Platinum guests,”the emails explain.“We apologize for any disappointment and thank you for your understanding.”
While many Carnival Journeys cruises have similar limitations based on ship capacity and the overall numbers of high level loyalty guests, any restrictions are based on evaluations of the logistics for an individual sailing. If one of these longer, more immersive itineraries had fewer high level VIFP guests, the benefits would remain intact.
No Other Benefits Changed
At this time, no other benefits have been restricted for any of these three cruises. Blue (first sailing), Red (second sailing to 24 cruise points), and Gold (25-74 points) passengers have no changes to their benefits, and all other upper tier benefits remain intact.
For example, benefits such as free bottles of water – especially notable as Carnival Cruise Line recently increased the price of bottled water – Carnival logo gifts, free wash and fold laundry services, collectible pins, and other loyalty amenities will still be available.
Changes to Loyalty Program Coming Soon
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has hinted several times in recent months that a significant overhaul to the loyalty program may be in the works.
Details of such a change have not yet been released, nor is there any firm date for when changes to the program may take effect. It is possible that Carnival Cruise Line may add new levels with different requirements of points earned, or the benefits available to each level may be adjusted.
Cruise lines do regularly adjust their loyalty programs, including available perks, based on guest feedback, program growth, and operational needs.
What loyalty benefits do you enjoy the most, and which ones wouldn’t you mind changing? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Princess Cruises has announced a comprehensive revamp of its dining options across all ships. The program introduces flexible dining choices integrated with an anywhere service. Designed to enhance guest convenience, the new dining plans will take effect on voyages departing September 14, 2024.
Expanded Dining Choices Unveiled
In a major weekend announcement, Princess Cruises revealed an extensive enhancement to its main dining services across its entire fleet, slated to provide flexibility in dining choices. Starting September 14, 2024, the cruise line will offer three distinct table service options in its Main Dining Rooms: Traditional, Reservable, or Walk-in Anytime.
Options will include traditional dining with a consistent waiter, table, and time each night or more flexible dining, which allows for dinner at any available time and table size in either the Reservable or Open-Seating dining rooms.
Designed to cater to every guest’s preference, the new dining options are also integrated with the OceanNow service, which allows guests to enjoy their meals wherever they choose onboard.
The new dining strategy follows the successful implementation aboard the newly launched 4,300-passenger Sphere-class Sun Princess, where passengers first experienced the flexibility of choosing from multiple dining formats in a unique three-story dining room. Each floor is sectioned to accommodate traditional, reservable, or anytime diners.
Sun Princess Dining Room (Photo Credit: Vintagepix / Shutterstock)
Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage at Princess Cruises, said about the expansion,“Our guests have been delighted with the dining flexibility aboard Sun Princess, and we’re pleased to extend the concept to all the other ships in our fleet.”
He added, “Now whether guests prefer an early seating every evening, or change things up every night, or even change their mind, these flexible dining options ensure that their dining preference is effortlessly accommodated.”
A Smooth Transition
The transition to the new dining system across the fleet will begin with cancellations of existing main dining reservations for voyages sailing on or after September 14, 2024, except for those already booked on Sun Princess, which set off on her inaugural voyage in February with the program in place.
The cancellations include reservations on the Alaskan itineraries of Discovery Princess’ 7-night “Inside Passage” departing from Seattle; Royal Princess’ 7-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” departing from Whittier, Alaska; and Sapphire Princess’ 10-night “Inside Passage” cruise departing from Vancouver. Each are scheduled to embark on September 14.
The September 14 departure of Enchanted Princess’ 7-night “Canada & New England” cruise from New York City, as well as subsequent September cruises aboard Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Emerald Princess, and Grand Princess are also welcoming the dining program.
Starting June 17, passengers booked on upcoming cruises can use the Princess Cruises app to select their preferred dining style. The Main Dining Rooms aboard the fleet, which provide an all-inclusive, multicourse gourmet meal set in a restaurant-style dining room, will be divided into the three new selections.
However, Coral Princess and Island Princess will combine Reservable and Walk-in Anytime Dining into one Main Dining Room, due to space.
Reservations will not be cancelled at specialty dining areas such as Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the Catch by Rudi, Churrascaria Brazilian Grill, Kai Sushi, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Crab Shack, Harmony, the Salty Dog Gastropub, Bayou Café, and the seven-course 360 and Chef’s Table experience.
As suites and reserve collection cabins have dedicated dining rooms with no need for reservations, passengers booked in these will not have any changes. Reservations for trips through September 13 will also remain unaffected.
Carnival Pride, which is currently sailing a 14-night, one-way repositioning cruise that was to have moved the vessel from Tampa to Baltimore, will instead be sailing from Norfolk, Virginia, at least for her first planned Baltimore departure.
Carnival Cruise Line reached out to guests with the notification and is arranging complimentary bus service from Norfolk to Baltimore as needed, as well as providing additional compensation to guests.
Carnival Pride to Sail From Norfolk
Guests setting sail aboard Carnival Pride‘s April 21, 2024 departure will not be embarking nor returning to the planned homeport, as the Port of Baltimore remains closed to marine traffic following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. Instead, the ship will operate from Norfolk, Virginia at least for this upcoming sailing.
“Thank you for your patience as we worked through the plans regarding your upcoming cruise,”the email notification began.“We have spent the last week having some personal discussions with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Port of Baltimore officials regarding the harbor traffic plans so we can make informed decisions.”
At the moment, debris is still being cleared from the Patapsco River, including removing concrete and other materials from the bridge itself as well as containers from the ship Dali, which collided with the bridge following a power failure, resulting in the collapse.
“While progress on the bridge accident recovery is being prioritized and progressing well, we must assume that your cruise cannot operate from Baltimore,”the email explained.“Therefore, we have made arrangements to sail from and return to Norfolk, Virginia.”
As the Port of Baltimore and Port of Norfolk are approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) apart, roughly a 4-5 hour drive depending on traffic conditions, this can significantly impact passengers’ pre- and post-cruise travel plans.
Carnival Pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock)
Carnival Cruise Line is providing complimentary bus service between Baltimore and Norfolk, both for embarking as well as debarking guests. The service is limited, however, and travelers need to register to ensure their space on the shuttle. For guests on the April 21 departure, information about shuttle registration will be provided the week of April 15.
Guests are also being provided a $100 (USD) onboard credit per stateroom as a courtesy for the inconvenience of the changed homeport.
Further details about the shuttle buses and both embarkation and debarkation plans will be provided in the days to come as the cruise departure date draws closer.
Where Is Carnival Pride Sailing?
Carnival Pride‘s April 21 departure is her first roundtrip sailing from the region, following a one-way repositioning cruise from Tampa to Norfolk (Baltimore). Guests onboard that cruise are also being provided with details of their Norfolk debarkation.
The April 21 cruise is a 7-night, Eastern Caribbean sailing that is planned to visit Grand Turk, Princess Cays, and Freeport, with several days at sea. The ship’s new deployment alternates these Eastern Caribbean itineraries with Bahamas cruises, as well as three special 14-night sailings to Greenland – one departing on May 26, another on August 18, and the last on September 8.
The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class Carnival Pride is also offering several Bermuda sailings planned from Baltimore, beginning with the August 11 departure and following with departures on September 1, September 22, October 6, and October 27.
Carnival Pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: PIXAS / Shutterstock)
The ship is scheduled to remain sailing from Baltimore through April 2026, though it is possible that deployment may change if plans to reopen the port to cruise traffic take longer than expected. At this time, however, there is no indication that such a dramatic change may be necessary.
Carnival Pride can welcome 2,680 guests aboard at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 900 international team members.
When Will the Port of Baltimore Reopen?
No firm schedule has been announced for the reopening of Port of Baltimore and it is not yet known when cruise operations may restart from Charm City.
When the bridge collapsed on March 26, cruise lines immediately shifted operations to Norfolk as the nearest possible homeport that could handle the traffic as well as ensure itineraries were preserved as much as possible.
Any cruise passengers – from any cruise line – with plans to sail to or from Baltimore in at least the next few weeks should be prepared for changes and keep in close communication with their cruise line for updates about their individual sailings.
In the 10 days since cruise passenger Brad Solomon disappeared during a port call in Cozumel, his family have teamed up with local military and rescuers to pull out all the stops to bring him home safely.
Rescue teams are now shifting strategies in their search for the 66-year-old passenger, who suffers from a form of dementia and may be confused in his unfamiliar surroundings.
Missing Passenger Might Be In The Jungles Of Cozumel
Brad Solomon was celebrating his birthday with his wife, Mimi Hyer Solomon, by taking a family cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Their 7-night voyage to Mexico was meant to be their last big vacation, as Brad Solomon suffers from frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disease that causes cognitive difficulties, such as difficulties communicating.
Unfortunately, the couple’s dream trip turned into a nightmare when Brad went missing shortly after disembarking in Cozumelwith Mimi on April 3, 2024. His worried wife notified local police immediately and the family – along with local military and rescue teams, as well as representatives from Royal Caribbean – have been searching for the 66-year-old man ever since.
The couple’s adult daughter, Savannah Miller, has also joined in the search and has been working to keep her dad’s name in the press by posting updates on her social media accounts. She hopes that her posts will help spread awareness to bring him home safely.
Initially, the family suspected that their father and husband has been staying hydrated and using the bathrooms at local churches, but they weren’t sure if he had access to food.
Edmond Bradley Solomon
While the locals have been extremely helpful with reporting possible sightings of Mr. Solomon, the family hasn’t yet been able to catch up to him, potentially because he has a habit of walking quickly and with purpose, even when he is flustered or confused, and likely would not accept help from a stranger.
Miller asked that if anyone does spot her father, they trail him from a distance and call local authorities to report the sighting.
“He has a generally calm or apathetic attitude, and will probably refuse help if offered. Especially from a stranger. This affect, along with his quick walking pace, makes him seem confident or focused, like he knows where he is going and is walking with conviction. But he is not. He is lost and scared. He cannot show or process emotions like a healthy person would,” Miller posted on Facebook on April 7.
“Unfamiliar people or situations are intimidating to him. He does not know how to respond and will avoid instead. So, he will likely visit the same areas repeatedly,” added Miller.
While the search for the missing passenger has largely focused on Cozumel’s more populated city areas, the family and rescue teams are shifting tactics because Brad hasn’t been captured on surveillance cameras since the afternoon of Wednesday, April 10.
Cozumel Island, Mexico (Photo Credit: MarioBaltazar / Shutterstock)
As Cozumel is only about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide (the whole island can be driven in an hour or less), it’s entirely possible Brad may have made his way to another part of the Mexican island. The new theory is that a kind citizen may be caring for him in the ejido areas of the jungle, which is a communally owned agricultural sector.
The local military and civilian search and rescue leaders are focusing efforts in the jungle now. Since he hasn’t been seen on camera since Wednesday afternoon, it’s possible that he is being cared for by local, more rural Cozumel citizen in ejido areas of the jungle. I know that not a single person on this island would have mal intent upon approaching him,” Miller wrote in her latest Facebook post on Thursday, April 11.
Hopefully, Brad will be reunited with his loved ones very soon. In the meantime, anyone who would like to support the family from home can share his image and missing persons fliers on social media or donate to the GoFundMe, which has already raised over $27,000 (USD) to bring Brad home.
A Cruise Gone Wrong
Brad and Mimi Solomon, who both hail from South Carolina, were well into their 7-night Western Caribbean sailing on the world’s largest cruise ship, which embarked from Miami, Florida, on March 30, 2024, when Brad went missing.
It seemed only fitting to celebrate a birthday as big as 66 on the gigantic Icon of the Seas, which can accommodate a whopping 7,600 passengers per sailing, along with 2,350 crew members. The massive vessel, which weighs in at 248,663-gross tons, is still brand-new, only just entering service earlier this year on January 27, 2024.
Icon of the Seas Size Comparison (Photo Credit: Multiverse)
Icon of the Seas had already called on Costa Maya, Riviera Maya, and Roatan Island, Honduras, before Brad disappeared in Cozumel on April 3. The ship had one more port call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas, before returning to Miami on April 6, 2024.
Of course, the Solomons didn’t get to experience Perfect Day at CocoCay. Instead, Brad went missing shortly after arriving in Cozumel and the search began.
After disembarking around 1:30 p.m. local time, the Solomons stopped to use the bathroom before they were going to explore the port. When Mimi came outside again, she couldn’t find Brad. After waiting a few minutes, another family checked the bathroom only to discover he was not there. Immediately, Mimi sounded the alarm.
The family theorizes that Brad likely exited the restroom first, and became confused when he didn’t see his wife. He likely wandered off into the busy cruise terminal to try to find her.
The family also took safety precautions to keep track of Brad, such as by having him wear an air tag, but the air tag’s range is minimal and it’s unknown if he is still wearing the device.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the Solomon family during this distressing time, and we hope that he is found safe and sound very soon.
For those of you ready to embark on this type of journey, there is a good chance your voyage will involve a stop or even an embarkation departure at Whittier Cruise Port. It’s about a 90-minute drive southeast of Anchorage (and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Anchorage Cruise Port).
We’re going to take an in-depth look at the popular Alaskan port. Not only will you learn all of the essential information you should know about the terminal and its facilities, but we will also dive into nearby amenities and attractions, seasonal conditions, and directions.
Whittier Cruise Port Location and Transportation Options
The Whittier Cruise Port is about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. If you are interested in an Anchorage excursion or visiting the city independently, you have a few options. By car, it takes about 90 minutes to travel between the port and Anchorage.
Your cruise line will likely provide transportation from the port to the various excursions, and private sightseeing tours are available. You also have the option to take the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour journey.
Cruise Lines Using Whittier Cruise Port
Several major cruise lines, as well as others, make use of the Whittier cruise ship terminal, including ships operated by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises. Cruise lines will often use the port as a departure terminal for Alaska itineraries.
Whittier Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
The accommodations at Whittier Cruise Port are somewhat sparse. Public restrooms are available inside the terminal. There are no shops or restaurants inside, but there are a few stores and small cafes nearby.
Whittier Cruise Port Terminal (Photo Credit: Paul Brady Photography)
Seating is also very limited inside the terminal, so passengers with mobility concerns should check with their cruise lines for assistance.
As for luggage, while there are no porters at this cruise ship terminal, there are luggage carts available for use. If you’re boarding your cruise at Whittier Cruise Port, there will be a luggage drop-off in the parking lot, and the cruise line will take care of loading your bags onto the ship. Note that there is no public Wi-Fi at the port area.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Whittier, Alaska
Adding to the wild atmosphere of the Alaskan experience is that weather conditions can vary dramatically depending on when you visit. Here’s a basic seasonal guide so you can know how to pack and what to expect:
Portage Glacier Near Whittier, Alaska (Photo Credit: MollieVerdick / Shutterstock)
Summer Season (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Alaska, especially in July. Temperatures during this period range from 50° to 70° F. With days stretching to as long as 20 hours of sunlight, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Wear layered clothing, as temperatures can drop suddenly. While it is a dryer season by Alaskan standards, you can still expect rain showers.
Fall Season (September to November)
Fall brings cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. Expect temperature ranges between 30° and 50° F. With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation. Again, wear layers and pack a warm, water-resistant jacket.
Unsurprisingly, winter in Whittier and the surrounding area is cold. Temperatures tend to range between 5° and 25° F, so make sure you pack warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors. You should also anticipate snow and ice, so winter-appropriate footwear and outerwear is a must.
Spring Season (March to May)
Spring brings the return of milder temperatures in the 30° to 50° F range. Expect wet conditions, both from rainfall and the melting snow. Waterproof clothing and footwear are essential.
Cruise Check-in Process and Security Procedures
If you are boarding at the Whittier cruise port, you will want to follow your cruise line’s specific boarding instructions. Regardless of the cruise line, you should be able to quickly present valid photo identification and travel documents upon arrival at the port.
Whittier Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: dvlcom)
The port adheres to high-security standards, so you should leave plenty of time for luggage and bag checks and metal detector scans. You should know where your cruise ship is docked and which terminal you should report to ahead of time.
Navigating Between Anchorage and Whittier
Transportation is relatively straightforward for those arriving in Alaska by plane but needing to travel to their cruise port. Most cruise lines will provide a shuttle service from the Anchorage airport to the port or terminal you must travel to. The main way is via the AK-1, known as the Seward Highway. You’ll head south to Whittier and past Portage, and there will be some stunning views along the way!
The closest airport to the Whittier cruise terminal is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), about a 90-minute drive away. You’ll find many taxis and ride-share services at the airport to get you to Whittier, but be prepared. They can be expensive.
If you exit the Anchorage airport at the North Terminal, you’ll get a taxi near the arrivals area; from the South Terminal, you’ll get a ride near departures. Local shuttles offer direct transportation to the Whittier cruise ship terminal or half-day tours to sneak in a bit of sightseeing before boarding your cruise ship.
Seward Highway South (Photo Credit: Earl D. Walker / Shutterstock)
For those booking cruise itineraries that make stops in various Alaskan ports, transferring between ports will be handled for you. When booking your cruise, you will discover this is a relatively common occurrence on an Alaskan cruise.
Those booking back-to-back Alaskan cruises to enjoy everything the most northern state offers will find a cruise transfer relatively simple. This is thanks to the well-maintained highway system, railroads, and short-haul flights.
During your voyage, you may dock at other ports, like Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. Each port will offer its own unique attractions, from picturesque fjords and glaciers to historic Alaskan landmarks.
Walking Distance Amenities and Attractions
Whittier is a small town and home to only a few hundred people, but there are some amazing things to do there, like day cruises into the Prince William Sound, where you can see glaciers, whales, otters, and thousands of seabirds. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities, including kayaking, jet skiing, and hiking.
View of Whittier, Alaska (Photo Credit: dvlcom / Shutterstock)
If you want something more cosmopolitan, spend some time in Anchorage. You can enjoy shopping in designer stores and exploring the city’s many art galleries and souvenir shops. You will also find a surprising number of restaurant options, from basic fast food chains to independently-owned, world-class restaurants.
Downtown Anchorage is also home to the Anchorage Museum, where you can view artifacts relating to Alaska’s native population, as well as its pioneer heritage, natural history, and even the state’s surprising involvement in World War II. If the weather cooperates, you can rent bikes and take a ride downtown or try taking in the views along the bike trails surrounding the city.
Dining and Shopping Recommendations in Anchorage
If you travel to Anchorage, you will find that the city offers a diverse range of culinary options. We strongly recommend sampling some fresh seafood and classic Alaskan dishes at ORSO, Ginger Restaurant, and Crush Bistro. Make sure you try the fresh Alaskan king crab and wild-caught salmon!
4th Avenue Downtown Anchorage (Photo Credit: Andrew F. Kazmierski)
For more casual dining experiences, there are plenty of burger joints and breweries within relatively close proximity to the cruise port. 49th State Brewing is an excellent option for trying local beer and picking up a souvenir.
For shopping, the port area and downtown core offer plenty of stores. You will not have trouble finding boutique shops selling souvenirs and unique Alaskan art. Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall is located downtown, and it offers five levels. It can be a great option when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Distances to Popular Attractions and Outdoor Activities in Anchorage
Day trips to various outdoor activities from the Whittier cruise port to nearby Anchorage areas are also fairly straightforward. You might feel overwhelmed by just how much there is to do, so here are just a few of our top recommendations:
Alaska Native Heritage Center (Photo Credit: jet 67 / Shutterstock)
Kincaid Park
If you visit in winter, you can try cross-country skiing in Kincaid Park. The 20 miles of maintained trails are open to skiers in the winter but are also suitable for a hike when the snow melts. The park is just over 10 miles from the port, so it’s easy to get to.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Located just 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, this immersive cultural center allows you to learn more about Alaska’s native population through demonstrations and interactive exhibits. It’s well worth the drive or cab ride.
Chugach State Park
While joining a trailhead directly from Anchorage is possible, Chugach State Park offers different starting points, so you can see Alaska’s lush forests, towering peaks, and famed wildlife exactly how you would like to.
Flattop Mountain is also located within the park. Hikers can enjoy the stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding wilderness from the top of the trail.
Portage Glacier
If you want to see this iconic glacier firsthand, you can travel to it from Anchorage in roughly 1.5 hours by car. Although it’s 50 miles southeast of the city, numerous shuttle services offer affordable rides to and from the glacier. Once there, you can even take a boat tour across Portage Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier itself.
Excursions Offered by Cruise Lines
Another draw of Alaskan cruises is the abundance of excursion providers and activities that take advantage of Alaska’s unique outdoor wilderness. As always, make sure you are booking through your cruise line if you are only making a port of call stop in the area.
Crow Pass, Alaska (Photo Credit: Milan Sommer / Shutterstock)
These partnered excursion providers work with your cruise line to ensure that you and other passengers will return to the ship in time for departure. You will find that most cruise lines that routinely stop in the port offer the following shore excursions and activities:
Fishing Experiences
Thanks to Alaska’s famed salmon fishing, you can enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences just outside Anchorage. The Kenai River is located just a few hours outside the city and offers some of North America’s most famous salmon runs. Freshwater lake trout fishing excursions and various forms of fly fishing during the summer months are also popular.
Guided Hiking and Wildlife Tours
You will find no shortage of guided shore excursions that enable participants to view some of Alaska’s famed wildlife and terrain. Popular tours include hiking to Crow Pass Trail and Eagle River Nature Center. Many offer views of glaciers, historic collapsed mines, and snow-capped mountains.
Some tours are aimed directly at wildlife viewing, so you will be taken by vehicle or boat to try and get up-close views of bears, moose, bald eagles, and other species native to the state.
Sea Kayaking and Boat Tours
In the warmer months, you can book guided kayak tours that allow you to paddle along the coastline. Smaller boat tours also take guests along scenic shorelines and in search of whales and other marine life, like otters, seals, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions on Whittier Cruise Port
Where in Anchorage do cruise ships dock?
Cruise ships don’t actually dock in Anchorage. They use Whittier Cruise Port or other nearby ports, including Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port.
Do any cruise ships leave from Anchorage?
Cruise ships don’t leave Anchorage directly, but most popular cruise lines have cruises that depart from one of the ports close to Anchorage.
How do I get from Whittier to Anchorage after the cruise?
The most common way to get between Whittier and Anchorage is by car, which takes about 90 minutes. You can also ride the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour scenic train journey.
