Following an original suspension of visits to Royal Caribbean International’s private destination in Haiti in mid-March, the cruise line has once again announced it is canceling all sailings to Labadee through May 2024.
Extended Labadee Cancellations by Royal Caribbean
In response to ongoing tensions in Haiti, marked by armed attacks on citizens, Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of all visits to the private resort of Labadee through May 2024. The proactive measure was announced in a statement to cruise line passengers.
The statement said, “We have suspended all visits to Labadee fleetwide through May 2024, and we continue to monitor the situation with our Global Security & Intelligence team.”
The cancellation affects the May 1 arrival of Allure of the Seas; Adventure of the Seas’ May 2, 7 and 20 calls; the May 3 call of Wonder of the Seas; visits by Symphony of the Seas on May 6 and 21; the May 11 and 25 arrival dates for Independence of the Seas; and calls scheduled for May 15 and 29 on Liberty of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean is currently deciding between an alternative destination, such as its other private resort, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, or an added sea day. It will provide updates as new arrangements are finalized.
All guests booked for the original Labadeevisits will receive automatic cancellations and refunds of any pre-paid activities to their onboard accounts.
Responding to Political Crisis
Labadee is a private resort on Haiti’s northern coast, offering an array of adventures, including Adrenaline Beach, Dragon’s Beach, Nellie’s Beach, Columbus Cove, and Buccaneer’s Bay. An exclusive Barefoot Beach Club is reserved for Pinnacle Club members, and the resort features a Town Square.
Although utilized as a private destination for Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Haiti maintains sovereignty over the resort.
Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle / Shutterstock)
The decision to cancel calls in Labadee follows a siege of the government by powerful gangs on March 12. The siege forced the prime minister of Haiti to step down and was followed by a deadly rampage that left dozens of people dead, as well as a prison break, where 4,000 inmates escaped.
Since the upheaval, the Associated Press reports more than 53,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, and food shortages are taking place across the island.
Royal Caribbean immediately suspended all calls in Labadee on March 14, despite the resort being secured by private barriers. The cancellations affected Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas, each set to visit within days of the initial unrest, as well as Grandeur of the Seas.
By March 20, the cruise line proactively cancelled calls scheduled in April, rerouting Explorer of the Seas to Grand Cayman, Independence of the Seas to Grand Turk, and Odyssey of the Seas to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Royal Caribbean has iterated passenger safety as the reason it is avoiding Labadee, saying, “Please know that the safety and comfort of our guests are always our highest priority. We are committed to keeping you informed, and itinerary modifications are being communicated directly to guests ahead of their sailings.”
No additional cruise lines sail to Haiti and remain unaffected by the political tension. As of this date, June sailings to Labadee aboard Adventure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas remain on course.
The Associated Press reports a transitional council has been selected to choose a new prime minister, and that a newly established Presidential Council has been created to tackle gang violence and address security needs.
The days when cruising meant a seven-day voyage in the Caribbean are well and truly behind us, with destinations worldwide becoming more and more popular. One destination that has seen a steady increase in cruise arrivals, including even a naming ceremony for a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, is Iceland.
The impact that the growing number of visitors is having is becoming increasingly noticeable according to the municipal council of Isafjordur, Iceland, and has announced a limit on the number of passengers that can visit per day. The limit is not imposed because the ships are not welcome, but simply because the local infrastructure is not built for the increasing number of visitors.
Cruise Ship Passengers Limited
Isafjordur, Iceland, might not be on the list of obvious choices to cruise to when booking a voyage. However, the town still expects to welcome up to 255,000 cruise ship passengers. While the town welcomes these guests, there will be some limitations.
According to the new cruise ship policy that has been implemented by the municipality of Isafjordur, the maximum number of cruise passengers allowed to visit each day will be capped at 5,000. The town will also ban the tradition of blowing the horn when arriving or leaving the port in the Westfjords region of northwest Iceland.
Isafjordur, Iceland (Photo Credit: Julia Bjornsdottir / Shutterstock)
According to a spokesperson for the town council, the new policy will safeguard the long-term relationship between locals and the cruise industry.
Cruise Ships Still Welcome
While many cities and ports have implemented a cap on the number of cruise arrivals, this has typically been done to limit cruise ships because of local discontent with the number of cruise ships arriving, environmental concerns, and the overflow of passengers. Ísafjördur is preemptively solving the issue, allowing the town time to invest in growth.
Gylfi Ólafsson, the chairman of the municipal council of Ísafjördur, said to RUV: “The most significant change in this policy is that we set a limit on the number of passengers we can accommodate each day.”
“If the tourism industry continues to enhance its infrastructure by purchasing more buses, improving services, and doing better for the people, ensuring there are restrooms and that services are open and available, then we can accommodate more guests with ease.”
Isafjordur is the third largest cruise ship port in Iceland, closely trailing behind Akureyri and Reykjavík in terms of size and capacity. The cruise season in Iceland runs from the end of winter in April, until the start of winter in September. The first cruise ship of the summer arrived in Isafjordur earlier this month.
195 cruise ships are expected to visit Isafjordur this year with a maximum of 255,000 passengers, according to the port authorities, known best for its enchanting fjords and rich Viking history. Included in the cruise ships that will visit this year are both smaller expedition cruise ships, and large passenger ships.
Norwegian Prima, which was christened in Reykjavik, Iceland, will be the most frequent visitor to Isafjordur with 14 calls this summer. Other cruise ships that will be making frequent calls are Norwegian Star, which will make 10 calls; Viking Mars, which will make nine calls; and Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride, which will make nine calls.
The strategy employed by Isafjordur’s local council demonstrates effective management of increasing cruise passenger numbers in a sustainable manner, a model that many other ports overwhelmed by mass cruise tourism now wish they had adopted earlier.
Stockholm’s cruise season launched April 16 with the arrival of AIDAmar, marking the beginning of what will be a busy season set to mirror last year’s in calls and passenger numbers.
Stockholm Season Sets Sails
As it prepares to welcome a total of 121 cruise ship calls in 2024, Stockholm is embracing its new cruise season that will continue through the end of October. The season is expected to closely reflect the 2023 cruise season in both the number of ship calls and the volume of passengers.
Receiving its first cruise call of the season, Ports of Stockholm welcomed German cruise line AIDA Cruises’ 71,300-gross-ton AIDAmar on April 16. AIDAmar‘s call brought nearly 2,200 passengers to Stockholm on a 4-night roundtrip cruise from Warnemunde, Germany, with an additional call in Visby, Sweden.
Cruise ship entering Stockholm (Photo Credit: Jan Ohrstrom)
“It’s great to see that Stockholm is maintaining its attractiveness and continues to be one of the most popular cruise destinations,”said Stefan Scheja, marketing manager of Ferries and Cruises at Ports of Stockholm.
Ports of Stockholm will see the return of AIDAmar multiple times throughout its season, including other April arrivals on April 20, 24, and 29. AIDAdiva will also make its first of multiple stops of the season in Stockholm on April 29 during its 14-night tour of Scandinavia and Poland, also from Warnemunde.
Additional cruise lines gracing Stockholm’s port include Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises.
The 2024 season will conclude in October, with AIDAmar also the last ship to call on October 29 during a 7-night sailing to Swedish and Danish ports.
Enhancing Sustainable Technology
The spotlight in Stockholm’s season is not only on the traditional aspects of cruising but on significant technological advancements and sustainability efforts. For instance, the Ports of Stockholm is nearing the competition of a pioneering onshore power connection facility at the Stadsgården quay, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of visiting cruise ships.
Once operational later this year, it is anticipated that approximately half of the cruise ships docking at Ports of Stockholm will be able to utilize the facility. The shift is expected to lower emissions, noise, and overall pollution in the surrounding areas.
Cruise ship in Stockholm (Photo Credit: Evgeniyqw)
All of the quay-berths at Ports of Stockholm’s Värahamnen and Norvik ports are currently enabled for onshore power connection.
Added Scheja,“The cruise shipping companies are committed to sustainable development and work actively on sustainability initiatives. They are upgrading their fleets with new technology that reduces the impact of their vessels on the environment.”
Key among these is the introduction of newer vessels like Mein Schiff 7, owned by German-based TUI Cruises, and British Cunard Line’s Queen Anne. These vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art technology allowing them to connect to onshore electricity supplies and operate on alternative fuels like methanol. Both ships are scheduled to call on Stockholm this year.
Adding to the region’s sustainability efforts, the Cruise Baltics network continues to operate on a sustainability manifesto introduced in 2022. The manifesto aims to make the Baltic Sea the most sustainable cruise destination globally.
A collaboration between countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia, Cruise Baltic has received a signed Memorandum of Understanding from 19 cruise lines. Cruise ships within the fleets, including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Group, have pledged to utilize onshore power connection facilities at Baltic ports like Ports of Stockholm whenever available.
Alaska cruise enthusiasts have heard of Glacier Bay, no doubt, and now Holland America Line has come up with “Glacier Day,” a new set of experiences that guests sailing with the line to the Great Land can enjoy during the 2024 season. The roll-out of new amenities is part of the cruise line’s “We Love Alaska” program.
New Amenities Enhance Glacier-Viewing Experience
Holland America Line is set to launch its 2024 Alaska season, with six ships offering a wide range of itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle. The season, which kicks off in late April, will feature several new and exciting onboard events and lifestyle enhancements.
The line’s new “Glacier Day” program is designed to boost the guest experience by providing sighting times, commentary and presentations by experts, special viewing stations with information about the glaciers, and plenty of Insta-worthy photo opportunities.
The glacier-viewing experience will be further enhanced with the serving of Dutch Pea Soup on the decks, specially-made Glacier Ice cocktails, and lectures by Glacier Bay National Park rangers and Native American cultural representatives. An open-bow policy also will make for fantastic viewing from the ship.
And there are plenty of glaciers to see, since every Holland America Line Alaska cruise features a visit to at least one glacier destination, including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions provide more chances to get up close with glaciers, specifically the Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line
“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day,’” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line.
Among the new experiences the line will offer on all of its Alaska sailings this season are a set of Alaska cocktails created by celebrity bartender Sam Ross, including Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun, and Frontier Champagne Flip. Additionally, the line will introduce a new beer, created in partnership with Pike Brewing, called Killer Whale Pale Ale.
Upgrades to the onboard experience extend to cuisine as well, as Holland America Line expands its pioneering Global Fresh Fish program, launched in 2023, using a global network of sustainable seafood providers in dozens of ports around the world.
In early April 2024, the cruise line became the first to earn certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council, recognizing Holland America’s success in sourcing seafood in sustainable ways.
As a result, guests onboard its ships will find certified-labeled seafood dishes, marked with specific logos indicating the type of certification, in the ships’ main dining rooms, Lido Market, and specialty restaurants.
Photo Credit: Vladimir Ramljak / Shutterstock
The cruise line’s Fresh Fish Ambassador, Japanese celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto, has created new, exclusive dishes for Alaska cruise guests, and as a special treat offered once on each Alaska cruise, guests can enjoy an Alaskan Seafood Boil in the Lido Market.
The dining option, which will charge a fee, will feature a menu that includes clam chowder, Dungeness crab, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams and Mussels, and a Shrimp Bucket. If that’s not enough, wait for dessert: Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream.
Six Ships Set to Deploy to Alaska in 2024
Holland America Line ships that will deploy to Alaska for the 2024 season are Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. The season gets underway on April 27 from Vancouver and on May 4 from Seattle.
Seven- and 14-day itineraries are offered, along with a new Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage, which will call at a dozen Alaska ports during the 28-day cruise.
The cruise line also offers a full slate of Alaska cruisetours, ranging from 9 to 18 days, with all providing a 1- to 3-day stay in Denali National Park. Several cruisetours include visits to Canada’s Yukon region.
Holland America Line has already announced new cruisetours for the 2025 season. These tours include one complimentary day tour of Denali National Park.
Carnival Cruise Line might be considering a world cruise itinerary in the future, according to a hint dropped by the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald.
While such a cruise would likely be several years away, it could prove to be a very popular sailing and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Carnival cruise fans.
Will Carnival Sail a World Cruise?
On his popular Facebook page, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has brought up the idea of a possible world cruise in the works, with great response from his followers and Carnival cruise fans.
“I wonder if it’s time for us to consider doing a world cruise? 150 days,”Heald asked.“Could anyone, would anyone do this with us?”
A world cruise is a lengthy itinerary for a single ship, often following a route that either circumnavigates the globe or else does a very extensive region, such as completely covering both North and South America, for example.
Longer world cruises are often segmented, permitting embarkations and debarkations for shorter portions of the cruise in order to not only ensure the ship is sailing close to full capacity, but also to give more travelers the opportunity to enjoy the unique itinerary even if they cannot commit to a complete sailing.
A 150-day itinerary would be the longest ever in Carnival Cruise Line’s history, and is certainly extensive enough to permit a complete global circumnavigation, visiting both North and South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Carnival Legend Cruise Ship
While no itinerary hints have been given, it is likely that such a cruise could depart from PortMiami, one of the world’s busiest passenger cruise ports. As Miami is a convenient city for guests to fly in to join the ship, this also makes sense as convenient for travelers.
Spirit-Class Ship Hinted for Possible Carnival World Cruise
Heald also hinted that a Spirit-class ship might be the best candidate for a Carnival Cruise Line world cruise, if such a voyage were to be crafted. The 88,500-gross-ton vessels in the class are some of the cruise line’s most popular vessels and are a fan favorite for frequent Carnival cruisers.
“I wonder if we could fill a Spirit Class ship?”Heald asked.
Carnival Cruise Line operates four Spirit-class ships: Carnival Spirit was the lead ship in the class and debuted in 2001, followed by Carnival Pride (2002), Carnival Legend (2002), and Carnival Miracle (2004).
Each Spirit-class ship can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy, or up to 2,680 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. These ships are also sturdily built to handle harsher sailing conditions, and are frequently tapped for Greenland itineraries, Panama Canal transits, and long-haul repositionings such as between Australia and Alaska.
Carnival Luminosa is also classified as a Spirit-class ship but is significantly different than others in the class, with a gross tonnage of 92,600 and a guest capacity of 2,260 at double occupancy (2,826 passengers when fully booked). The ship joined Carnival Cruise Line from Costa Cruises in September 2022, and does not yet have all the characteristic Fun Ship features.
Competing With Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise
It is not a surprise that the idea of a world cruise is being hinted at by Carnival Cruise Line, given that their top competitor – Royal Caribbean International – has received a great deal of publicity and attention from their Ultimate World Cruise.
The 274-night voyage, which began on December 10, 2023, was originally scheduled to visit all seven continents and more than 150 ports of call in 65 countries. As is to be expected, there have been several changes to the itinerary already due to weather, as well as a significant deviation due to the Red Sea tensions.
Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: Diego O. Galeano)
The Ultimate World Cruise is aboard the 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas. Coincidentally, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class ships are the closest comparable size and capacity to Carnival Cruise Line’s Spirit-class vessels.
Guest Reaction
Responses to Heald’s world cruise hints have been spectacular, with great enthusiasm being expressed for such an opportunity. While some travelers note they’d need to retire before setting sail, there is a lot of positive response.
“Sounds amazing!” “It’s a bucket list item for us.” “I would be on it!!” “YES!!!! Sign me up!” “Let’s do this!” “This would be very tempting.” and “In a heartbeat.” are just a few of the comments on Heald’s questions.
Would you set sail on a world cruise with Carnival Cruise Line? Share your thoughts, dream itinerary options, and preferred ship on the Cruise Hive boards!
TUI Cruises set a June christening date onboard its new ship, Mein Schiff 7, now undergoing her final outfitting at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The cruise line also revealed who the ship’s godmother will be, and her identity confirms the brand’s commitment to green technologies.
Mein Schiff 7 Readies For June Debut in Germany
TUI Cruises, a joint venture of the TUI Group and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., set June 22, 2024, as the christening date for the new-build Mein Schiff 7. The ceremony will be held at sea, as part of a 2-day christening cruise.
The cruise will depart Kiel, Germany, on June 21, 2024, and sail in the Danish South Sea, also known as the South Sea Islands, an archipelago off southeast Denmark. Following the onboard naming ceremony, the ship will return to Kiel on June 23, 2024, the capital city of Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein state, where the annual Kiel Week festival will be underway.
Kiel Week is a major sailing regatta, with competitions, live music, food, and other entertainment. Guests will be able to enjoy the event after debarking the ship.
“After the christening of the Mein Schiff 4 in 2015, we consciously decided to have a christening in the Bay of Kiel again, because it is the perfect place to start wonderful journeys north and discover seventh heaven at sea. And this is exactly what we are inviting the guests of Mein Schiff 7 to do from June,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.
Mein Schiff 7 was floated out of her construction bay in late 2023, and work on her final interior design was launched. In a nod to the ship’s environmental protection policies and systems, the cruise line named Fenia Kalachani, the environmental officer of the Mein Schiff fleet since 2022, as godmother.
Working with her environmental officer team, Kalachani is responsible for the implementation and compliance of all environmental regulations.
The 111,500-gross ton Mein Schiff 7 is designed to use lower-emission marine diesel with a sulfur content of just 0.1%. Equipped with catalytic converters, the ship will achieve a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions of about 75% vs. traditional fuels.
The ship is also being fitted with a system that will enable it to eventually run on green methanol, a climate-friendly fuel that can be derived from renewable energies.
Moreover, the 2,900-guest ship will have the infrastructure for shoreside power connectivity, as well as a “HydroTreat” system that processes organic waste using thermal treatment.
“As an environmental officer, I am pleased to be able to contribute to ensuring that our guests experience how seriously we take environmental protection and the responsible and sustainable use of resources on board,” said Fenia Kalachani, godmother and environmental officer of Mein Schiff 7.
“It is a particularly great honor for me that I am now the godmother for the Mein Schiff 7 – on behalf of the entire Mein Schiff crew. This sister ship of Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 is a good example of how innovative cruising can be in the area of environment and sustainability,” added Kalachani.
Ship Will Sail Northern Europe in Maiden Season
Mein Schiff 7‘s inaugural season will feature voyages in the Baltic region, and the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle, calling at ports such as Stavanger, Eidfjord, Molde, North Cape, and Longyearbyen on Spitzbergen.
Like her sister ships, the new vessel will feature mostly ocean-view cabins, 12 restaurants and 17 lounges, a gym, sports courts and a climbing wall, a full spa, and an outdoor pool. A number of single cabins also will be available.
TUI Cruises has two more ships under construction. The 160,000-gross ton, LNG-powered Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff 9 are being built at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. They are slated to launch in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region have continued to impact cruises, and Royal Caribbean International has reached out to guests booked aboard Anthem of the Seas for fall sailings to let them know that one voyage is now cancelled and another shortened to accommodate the ship’s repositioning needs as she leaves Europe for a season in Asia.
Anthem of the Seas Cruise Cancelled
Guests booked on the October 14, 2024 departure of Anthem of the Seas have been informed that their cruise must be cancelled. While this does provide guests with six months’ notice of the change, the news will undoubtedly be disappointing to many travelers.
“We have all been closely monitoring the unrest in the Red Sea and were hopeful everything would settle down,”the email notification explained.“Unfortunately, due to security risks and with the safety of our guests and crew top of mind, we’ve made the difficult decision that Anthem of the Seas will instead have to transit around the southern tip of Africa.”
The original itinerary had the ship sailing from Southampton to Rome (Civitavecchia), and guests might question why this leg of the voyage must be cancelled as it does not come close to the Red Sea. In fact, Civitavecchia is approximately 1,400 miles from the Suez Canal and the start of the Red Sea.
If this voyage were to move forward, however, Anthem of the Seas would need to backtrack significantly to transit around Africa – at least 1,500 miles. This would be a massive investment of time and fuel in order to move the vessel.
Photo Credit: LD Media UK / Shutterstock
Instead, by cancelling the voyage altogether, Anthem of the Seas can move directly from Southampton down the western coast of Africa, ultimately a more fuel efficient and faster way to move the ship from Southampton to Dubai.
Undoubtedly, the ship’s October 23 departure – from Civitavecchia to Dubai, through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea – is likewise cancelled, and impacted guests will be contacted with details and options as necessary.
No Africa Cruise Planned
At this time, there are no alternate Africa-oriented sailings planned for Anthem of the Seas. Instead, it is most likely that the ship will sail from Southampton to Dubai (or Singapore, if the cruise line opts to also cancel the Dubai-to-Singapore sailing on November 7) without passengers aboard.
Given the tremendous increase in distance, Anthem of the Seas will need to sail at top speed to make her schedule and have as little impact as possible on future itineraries.
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
For comparison, the original combined routes from Southampton to Dubai total roughly 7,900 miles when moving through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. From Southampton to Dubai via the coast of western Africa and around the tip of South Africa, however, is roughly 12,800 miles – approximately 62% longer.
This means there would be little or no time for possible port visits en route. Instead, the ship will move with all possible speed in order to reach Dubai (or the next planned embarkation port) on time to preserve future itineraries.
Previous Cruise Shortened
To facilitate the repositioning and ensure Anthem of the Seas has enough time to traverse the route, guests on the previous cruise have also been informed that their sailing is now shortened.
The October 2, 2024 departure was originally planned as a 12-night “Discover the Canaries” cruise but has now been shortened to an 8-night sailing. While the ship will still be returning to Southampton, this will give the vessel four extra days to make up the extra distance as she moves around Africa.
Anthem of the Seas Open Deck (Photo Credit: Go My Media / Shutterstock)
Guests on that now-shortened sailing are being contacted with their options, including an offer of onboard credit for the inconvenience and the choice to move to alternative sailings if preferred.
Are More Itineraries at Risk?
Guests booked on upcoming sailings of Anthem of the Seas may be rightfully concerned whether or not their future cruise could also be shortened, cancelled, or rerouted, but such additional changes – while certainly possible – are unlikely.
Changing these three voyages – October 2, October 14, and October 23 – will then see the ship positioned in Dubai, ready for her sailing to Singapore. At the moment, the November 7 departure from Dubai to Singapore, remains on sale and available for booking.
The 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum-class Anthem of the Seas will remain homeported from Singapore through mid-April 2025, offering a range of Vietnam, Thailand, and Southeast Asia itineraries. In spring 2025, the ship will be moving to Seattle to offer Alaska cruises for summer 2025, and her future deployments beyond that date have not yet been determined.
A Carnival Cruise Line fan built a stunning (and huge) model of Carnival Miracle for Bricks Cascade 2024, an annual LEGO Fan Expo event in Portland, Oregon.
The ship included scale dimensions and outstanding details such as lifeboats, waterslides, deck chairs, and of course, the iconic Carnival whale tale funnel, all rendered in LEGO bricks.
Young Cruiser Builds Cruise Ship
Ryder Gray built a scale model of Carnival Miracle entirely from LEGO bricks, displaying his masterwork at Bricks Cascade 2024 in mid-March. Gray was inspired to build the ship when he saw her sail into Portland, Oregon – home of the annual event – for refurbishment.
Gray’s model is 7 feet, 3 inches long and is built in two sections, each weighing more than 21 pounds.
The details included in the model are the Serenity adults-only area, Carnival Waterworks water park, the two main deck pools, the ship’s basketball court and golf course, as well as the bridge wings, deck chairs throughout, flags, people, lifeboats, and even the proper red-white-and-blue livery on the hull.
Overall, the ship’s shape proved to be one of the most difficult aspects of the design, particularly the proper tapering and angles for a realistic model when working with square and rectangular bricks. Gray used ship deck plans and his own photos of the vessel as a basis to build his model.
“The nautical design is really really difficult,”said Gray in an interview with Beyond the Brick.“Achieving these shapes is a lot of trial and error.”
It isn’t just the model that Gray is well versed in. He knows about ship operations and which boats are tenders and standard lifeboats, how the covered pool is used, and more.
The real 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class Carnival Miracle joined the fleet in 2004, and is able to welcome 2,124 guests aboard at each sailing. She is currently homeported from Long Beach, California until early May, when she will move to San Francisco to offer 10- and 11-night sailings to Alaska for the summer season.
After finishing the Alaska season in September, the ship will reposition to Galveston to offer Eastern, Southern, and Western Caribbean itineraries, as well as the occasional Panama Canal cruise.
Carnival Miracle is not the first cruise ship Gray has built from LEGO bricks. In 2023, he constructed the former Carnival Tropicale, which debuted as the cruise line’s first new build ship and the first to sport the iconic whale tail funnel.
Next up, Gray wants to build Carnival Paradise, one of the fleet’s only two remaining Fantasy-class vessels. He has sailed on Carnival Elation and loves the smaller cruise ships.
“That’s just such a wonderful ship,”he said.“For any cruisers out there, smaller is better.”
About Bricks Cascade
The annual event in Portland, Oregon draws more than 7,000 attendees, and in 2024, featured 552 builders exhibiting 1,354 amazing creations. Awards are voted on for People’s Choice recognition and Best in Show creations.
Along with Carnival Miracle, other amazing creations at this year’s event included a variety of castles, the starship USS Enterprise 1701-A, complete scenes of communities, underwater vistas, Star Wars-themed murals, the Intercontinental Marseilles Hotel, Camden Yards baseball stadium, Dodger Stadium, spacescapes, and so much more.
While Gray’s Carnival Miracle recreation did not win the awards, it’s truly a favorite of cruise fans!
Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years. Aside from being conveniently located along the East Coast of the United States, the city’s peninsular layout, fascinating history, and uniquely Southern charm have made it the perfect place to begin a cruise adventure from or to Charleston cruise port.
Despite the port’s popularity as a departure point, the South Carolina Ports Authority recently announced that cruise ships will no longer start their journeys from Charleston as of the end of 2024. With that said, plenty of the 2024 cruise season is left, and cruise ships are still expected to visit Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal as a port of call.
Whether you are departing from Charleston, SC, this year or you plan on visiting as part of a cruise itinerary in the future, we want to provide you with all of the essential information you need to make the most out of your experience. Not only will we cover practical details, like the port’s location and proximity to the airport, but we’ll also explain some of the most exciting things to do in the city and the surrounding area.
Charleston Cruise Port, a section of the Port of Charleston, is located in the city’s historic downtown area. Not only does the location make it convenient and easily accessible for passengers arriving by air or car, but it also allows passengers to explore one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States.
Despite its popularity, Charleston Cruise Port is a relatively small part of the main seaport, with only one cruise ship pier capable of handling full-sized cruise ships. Given its limited capabilities, it is only used as a homeport for a single cruise line – Carnival Cruise Line.
The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations.
Those departing from Charleston Cruise Port must arrive at Union Pier Terminal Main Gate. This gate’s address is Union Pier Terminal 32 Washington Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401.
Distance from the Airport
For cruise passengers arriving by air, Charleston International Airport is located roughly 12 miles from Union Pier Terminal, making it easy for passengers to arrive on the same day as their cruise.
Taxis take about 20 minutes, but it is a good idea to set off early, as traffic can be an issue if you arrive on weekdays and get stuck in commuter traffic. Most taxis will charge a $35 flat rate from the airport to the cruise port, but it is a good idea to ask before departing, as the meter rate can be higher.
Charleston International Airport (Photo Credit: University of College / Shutterstock)
If you are driving from the airport, take the I-26 E towards downtown Charleston. The cruise terminal is well-marked, so just make sure you are following the signs. You will eventually take the exit towards Morrison Drive, then turn right onto Washington Street, where you will find the main parking area and entrance to Union Pier Terminal.
Overnight parking costs $17 per day, but we recommend pre-booking your spot, as you can save money and guarantee you will have a parking space. The parking lot is patrolled overnight by port police, so it is a safe location to leave your vehicle.
If you are driving to the city and its port, rather than flying into Charleston, there are plenty of simple ways to get there by bus or car.
Cruise Lines Operating or Calling at Charleston Cruise Port
As mentioned, Carnival Cruise Line is the only cruise line that uses Charleston as a homeport; however, others make temporary use of the port by featuring it as an occasional departure point and port of call.
There are some cruise lines that do make calls at the port, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
Charleston Cruise Port offers relatively basic terminal facilities, as there has not been any concerted effort to renovate and update the main terminal. With that said, you will still find clean and serviceable bathroom facilities to the right of the main entrance and within the main terminal building.
Top View of Charleston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock)
Free Wi-Fi is also available to the public and is not password protected. You will also find plenty of benches and vending machines that can be used to pass the time before boarding your ship. Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage lockers in the port due to security concerns.
Despite its basic layout, the port is surprisingly accessible. They even offer porter agents to help direct and assist those with wheelchairs and other mobility needs. As a bonus, the port even offers complimentary parking and shuttles from the parking lots to those with vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or identification card.
Transportation Options Around Charleston
Charleston is a major city, so cruise passengers have plenty of transportation options. The most popular way to get around the city is to take taxis, which are available directly at the cruise terminal.
View of Charleston Port from the Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: marlin goodwin / Shutterstock)
Ridesharing services, particularly Uber and Lyft cars, are also becoming a popular and affordable alternative. Although there are limited shuttle services, the city has plenty of public buses operating in its downtown core, which can help you save a bit of money while you explore.
For those looking to spend more time in the city, three car rental services are located just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.
Use of the Port After 2024
Following the failure to renew Carnival Cruise Line’s deal with the South Carolina Ports Authority, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to start journeys from the city. With that said, cruise ships will still be allowed to dock at Charleston temporarily, but only for same-day port of call stops rather than overnight stays.
Even those ships that are allowed to use the port will be limited to 104 cruise ship visits per year. Ships carrying over 3,500 passengers will also be prohibited from using the port.
Port of Charleston (Photo Credit: Enrico Della Pietra / Shutterstock)
Eventually, the land will be sold to a private developer, with the hope being that the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal into commercial and residential properties will help push the continued growth of Charleston as a vibrant city rather than just a temporary visiting place.
Although Charlotte’s tourism economy may suffer from the decision, officials believe it is the right decision for the city’s future. They speculate that there will be future opportunities for a more developed cruise port capable of welcoming visitors to the city. In the meantime, cruise ships will continue to use the port as usual.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and fairly pleasant falls and springs. To help you know what to expect and pack appropriately for your visit, here’s a basic breakdown of conditions by season:
Cruise Ship Docked Near the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Charleston (Photo Credit: Joanne Dale / Shutterstock)
Summer (May to August)
Average daytime temperatures range between 75° to 80°F. The humidity can make it feel warmer, so pack light, breathable clothing to explore the city. Sun protection is also important.
Fall (September to November)
Temperatures drop to an average of 60° to 80°F. Although it is relatively dry, you might want to pack light layers, as it can get cooler in the evenings.
Winter (December to February)
Winter temperatures drop down to the 40° to 60°F range. Dress in layers, and pack a warmer jacket for the evening.
Spring (March to April)
Spring temperatures usually sit between 60° and 80°F, but rainfall can be an issue. Pack light layers and a rain jacket. Even though Charleston gets plenty of springtime rain, showers are usually brief, so you can still enjoy exploring the city and everything it has to offer.
Things to Do Near the Charleston Port
Although there isn’t much to see within the immediate vicinity of the port, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities and amenities within the city of Charleston itself. With a short taxi ride into the city or roughly a 20-minute walk, you can enjoy a full day of fun and exploration.
Explore the Historic Downtown
Charleston’s lack of skyscrapers and other types of tall buildings gives the entire city an older look and feel. If you want to revel in the city’s unique history, we recommend exploring the historic downtown core. At just over half a mile from the port, you can easily walk to the city center.
Carnival Sunshine docked in Charleston Harbor (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock)
Here, you’ll find Charleston City Market, the city’s most visited attraction. Established in the 1790s, the market and the surrounding streets make you feel like you have been transported back in time. The colorful yet muted buildings are adorned with Roman-style columns and other early American architectural features. For shoppers, the market is packed with stalls selling locally-made goods and food items.
While exploring the city’s historic streets, consider booking a horse-drawn carriage tour or a guided walking tour.
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium
If you stick to the waterfront and walk 12 to 15 minutes north, you can find the South Carolina Aquarium. View marine species from all around the world, as well as local species. You can also explore the Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Center, which is attached to the aquarium.
Discover the International African American Museum
Located just a five-minute walk from the aquarium is the International African American Museum. Built on the site where Gadsden’s Wharf once sat, this is where at least 40% of all enslaved Africans arrived in the United States. The newly constructed museum now stands as a testament to the history and contributions of black Americans.
Distance to Other Popular Attractions
Charleston is a beautiful city filled with exciting things to do and see. While you may not have time to do everything if you are just stopping in Charleston as a port of call, you can always make time to explore everything the city has to offer before and after your cruise, especially if you are departing from the city’s port.
The Battery Seawall, Charleston (Photo Credit: Joanne Dale / Shutterstock)
Here are just a few exciting sights and activities you can explore.
The Battery
A historical landmark that once served as a defensive seawall and promenade. It played an important role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. It’s just one mile from the cruise port and worth visiting.
Rainbow Row
This series of colorful, historic houses are lined along Tradd Street. It’s a popular destination for carriage tours and is located less than 2 miles from the cruise port.
The Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum showcases and celebrates the city’s history and the American South as a whole. History buffs will enjoy learning about the city’s role in some of the nation’s most iconic wars and battles. Located just under 1.5 miles from the port, it’s an easy place to visit.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter is a well-preserved sea fort built on an artificial island off the mainland of Charleston. View gun emplacements and a Civil War Museum on the exact location where the war’s first shots were fired.
You’ll need more time to visit the fort, but it can be accessed via dedicated ferries from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center. Located half a mile from the Cruise Port, this departure point is the closest to the Charleston Cruise Port.
Beaches Near Charleston Cruise Port
While other parts of South Carolina are better known for their beaches than Charleston, the city is still close to some clean and enjoyable beaches offering swimming, walkable piers, and plenty of opportunities for peaceful, sandy strolls.
Folly Beach, Charleston (Photo Credit: Cvandyke / Shutterstock)
Folly Beach
Located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, this beach is popular with surfers and those looking to take in stunning sunsets. The beach is also surrounded by independently owned-restaurants and snack bars.
Isle of Palms Beach
Located a 30-minute drive opposite Folly Beach, you can find the picture-perfect Isle of Palms Beach. Its white sand and sand bar make you feel like you’re in a tropical beach town rather than just being a short drive from the state’s most populous city.
Dining in Charleston
Charleston is a foodie’s paradise. You will have plenty of options, with numerous restaurants showing off the city’s renowned culinary scene. Particular highlights are the many soul food and Southern cuisine restaurants in the historic downtown area.
For a more upscale take on traditional Southern cooking, we recommend Magnolias. Make sure you try the shellfish over grits, a true Charleston classic.
Aerial View of Charleston (Photo Credit: Red Lemon / Shutterstock)
FIG (Food is Good) is another favorite among locals and visitors. With locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and an ever-evolving menu, this trendy bistro is always worth checking out.
No matter where you end up eating, if you want a true taste of Charleston, make an effort to try some of the city’s most iconic food items and dishes, like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, okra soup, Charleston-style fried chicken, and country fried steak.
Shopping in Charleston
Charleston has all of the designer stores you would expect of a major American city, but if you want a truly unique souvenir or memento of your time there, we highly recommend exploring some of the many antique shops and artisanal stores. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items that will always remind you of your time in this historic town.
The Charleston City Market (Photo Credit: Melissa Herzog / Shutterstock)
The Charleston City Market is the perfect place to find these items. Other unique items that are widely available are handwoven sweetgrass baskets. You can also bring back some locally grown and dried teas. Since Charleston once served as a major tea exporter thanks to the many tea plantations surrounding the city, it continues to be a tea drinker’s ideal city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Charleston cruise port closing?
Charleston is closing its port to overnight cruise ships in an attempt to revitalize the waterfront that is currently being occupied by cruise ship facilities. It will continue to function as a port of call, and a new terminal will probably be constructed in the future.
How far is downtown Charleston from the port?
The port is located just 0.7 miles from downtown.
What is the Port of Charleston known for?
The Port of Charleston is known for its historic significance and as a gateway to the city’s trade and tourism industries. For cruise passengers, it is known as a fairly basic but efficient homeport for Carnival Cruise Lines.
