Carnival Cruise Line will be relocating its Miami office space within the next two years as the company has engaged real estate services to list the existing property in a skyrocketing real estate market.
While the cruise line does not appear to be relocating outside of the Miami area, the downsizing in office space can be a smart financial step as office roles have changed since the company first started in the location more than 30 years ago.
Carnival to Sell Miami Headquarters
Carnival Corporation & plc is currently based in Doral, Florida, a city in the Miami metropolitan area just west of Miami International Airport and 12 miles (19 kilometers) from PortMiami, through the often congested downtown region. The cruise company will soon be moving, however, as the space is being listed with commercial real estate broker Cushman & Wakefield Plc.
According to Bloomberg, the current headquarters of Carnival Corporation & plc has now been listed for sale as the company is seeking to downsize its overall office space.
The current space measures roughly 470,000 square feet, whereas a space of 300,000 square feet is being sought for the relocation. This reflects changes in office use in several ways, such as the greater use of digital meetings and virtual spaces in the post-pandemic area as well as more efficient staffing, streamlined equipment, and an online or remote workforce that requires less of a physical office footprint.
Carnival Headquarters in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock)
Carnival Cruise Line first moved into the Doral office space – located at 3655 NW 87th Avenue, Miami – in 1983, having paid $16.6 million (USD) for the real estate at that time.
While no listing is yet publicly active for the space, skyrocketing real estate values in the area could mean a significant profit to be made from a successful sale, which could help the company’s overall financial status and provide a boost for further investment.
New HQ Not Yet Purchased
At the same time, however, the company will need to search for new office space. There is no indication yet where that might be, though it would be logical to secure a space closer to the cruise terminals, if possible. There is no hint that the cruise line might relocate to a completely different area, such as moving closer to Port Canaveral or another busy cruise port.
The report also says that Carnival plans to remain at the same space in Doral for roughly the next two years, so there is time to both secure a new space that will meet evolving, updated needs as well as court a suitable buyer for the existing space at a good price.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
It is possible that Carnival will look for a new space that could woo employees with upgraded features and amenities, encouraging greater office use at a time when remote work remains high.
Carnival Corporation & plc has more than 100,000 employees, and while the crews aboard its cruise ships on multiple lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, etc. – make up the bulk of the company’s workforce, shoreside employees are also a valuable part of the team.
Shoreside positions include research and development, management, weather operations, interior design, data analysis, accounting, payroll, recruitment, software engineering, marketing, and much more, as well as teams at cruise homeports, staff for the cruise line’s private islands – including the upcoming Celebration Key – and other destinations.
MSC Cruises’ goals of growing its fleet are coming to fruition. The cruise line, along with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, are celebrating construction milestones for MSC’s new World-class ships: MSC World America and MSC World Asia.
The milestones were commemorated during a special press conference at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
MSC World America Floats Out
MSC World America, the second of MSC Cruises’ World-class ships, officially floated out at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ceremony, which took place on April 7, is a huge construction milestone – as it’s the first time the 215,863-gross ton vessel has touched the water and no longer needs to be in a dry dock.
“MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform,”said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.
“With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience,” added Vago.
The future flagship of MSC’s World-Class fleet will now enter the final phase of construction, which will also be completed in France. The next big milestone for the ship will be the sea trials, where crew, shipyard officials, insurance company representatives, and other appropriate officials will supervise as the vessel completes various maneuvers at sea to be certified as sea-worthy.
Also during the final phases of construction, workers will also put the finishing touches on the decorations and decor. MSC Cruises has already shared that the new mega-ship will be divided into seven unique districts, which include both family-friendly and adult-only spaces, and a comedy club, which is something no other MSC ship has.
MSC World America Float Out
MSC Cruises is targeting an April 2025 launch for the 6,762-passenger ship, giving workers about a year to complete work. The ship’s naming ceremony is scheduled for April 9, 2025, at MSC Cruises’ dedicated terminal at PortMiami, which is also the world’s largest cruise terminal.
The naming ceremony will be followed by a short sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island destination and nature sanctuary in the Bahamas. As of the time of publication, that sailing is not available for booking and it will likely only be open to VIPs, members of the press, and travel agents, as is common practice in the travel industry.
But rest assured, anyone who wants to sail on MSC World America will get the chance to when she begins offering 7-day cruises throughout the Caribbean from her Miami homeport at the end of April 2025.
Constructions Officially Begins on MSC World Asia
MSC World Asia, which is meant to become the third World-Class ship when it’s delivered in 2026, is officially in the works at France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The ship has just had its steel-cutting ceremony, which is essentially the cruise ship equivalent of a groundbreaking ceremony on land and signals the start of production.
Up next will be the ship’s keel-laying ceremony, which is when the bottom of the ship is lowered into the dry dock. Typically, gold coins are also laid in the keel for good luck.
While not many details are known about MSC World Asia just yet, she is expected to be able to accommodate over 5,400 guests and be 215,863-gross tons. It’s also unknown where she will sail on her inaugural itineraries, but the cruise line has made it clear that the ship’s design and unique experiences will be influenced by the continent she’s named after.
MSC’s World-Class: Big And Green Cruise Ships
Once complete, MSC’s World-class fleet will be the second largest class of cruise ships in the world, after Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class. MSC World Europa, the first ship in the fleet, entered service in December of 2022. MSC World America and MSC World Asia will join the fleet in the next few years, before an unnamed fourth ship is expected to complete the set of four in 2027.
Although each ship in the new World-Class will be unique in the way they pay homage to the continents they are named for, they will all share a signature plumb bow, 22 decks of fun, 420,000 square feet of public space, more than 2,600 cabins and suites, and MSC Cruises’ largest ever Yacht Clubs.
MSC World Europa Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
But not only are these some of the biggest ships sailing the high seas, they are also among the most environmentally friendly, too. MSC Cruises has been a pioneer in introducing sustainability within the cruise industry, and is well on its way to meeting the International Maritime Organization’s objective of a 40% carbon reduction by 2030. The cruise line is also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
All of the World-class ships are powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which offers immediate greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to more conventional fuel sources. The ships will also be ready to use renewable fuel sources like Bio and Synthetic LNG as soon as they become commercially available.
Additionally, the new ships will also be fitted with shore power connectivity, which allows their engines to be switched off while calling on ports that provide shore power.
Currently, MSC World Europa and MSC World America deliver some of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry, according to the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). As technology continues to evolve rapidly, MSC Cruises plans to make MSC World Asia even more energy-efficient than its sister ships.
Aiming to revolutionize its cruise tourism sector, Thailand is focusing on Koh Samui. Plans for a new cruise terminal and infrastructural improvements aim to make the island a top global destination.
Setting Sail for Growth in Thailand
In a strategic push to expand Thailand’s footprint in the global tourism market, the government has unveiled ambitious plans to enhance Koh Samui’s appeal as a leading cruise destination. Central to the initiative is developing a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure and attract a larger international visitor base to the island and the Surat Thani Province.
Prime Minister Srethha Thavisin emphasized the initiative’s potential impact, stating, “Koh Samui is an island with great potential, having been ranked in the top 20 of the world’s most popular islands in every travel ranking.”
During a visit to the area, the Prime Minister said his visit “aims to address issues to help Koh Samui reach its full potential, setting KPIs with the Minister of Tourism and Sports that Koh Samui must enter the top 10 of the world’s most attractive islands.”
Prime Minister Srethha Thavisin
Prime Minister Thavisin also proposed introducing seaplanes to diversify travel options, directing the Minister of Transport to include this in the Cabinet meeting before the year’s end “as a New Year’s gift to the people of Koh Samui.” He also mentioned discussions with private airport owners about expansion to accommodate more tourists.
The Prime Minister plans to revisit Koh Samui later in the year to monitor progress. He mentioned that if the cruise terminal, marina, and seaplane terminal are established, leading to increased tourist arrivals, it would benefit the private sector to bid for Duty-Free operations.
Navigating New Horizons
The Tourism and Sports Ministry’s data claims that 1,800 to 2,400 tourists currently arrive in Thailand on cruise ships between the high season of October through March. The data finds cruise travelers spend 10 times more than traditional tourists.
The planned cruise terminal is envisioned to become a key gateway for international tourists, providing them with direct access to the island’s renowned beaches, cultural sites, and hospitality offerings. It will also continue the 10-year development plan launched in 2018 to enhance Thailand’s port facilities and prepare the nation for increased cruise ship arrivals.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is dotted with tourist hotspots, such as Chaweng Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife, and the more serene Lamai Beach. Koh Samui is also home to landmarks like the famous 12-meter-tall golden Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai Temple.
Cruise ship in the Andaman Sea, Thailand (Photo Credit: Semachkovsky)
The island’s port is currently welcoming Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Cruise Line, Viking Oceans, and AIDA Cruises. Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Insignia will arrive on the island on April 20 as the last big cruise line of the season. The 2024-25 season will resume in October, with Princess Cruise’s Coral Princess the first to arrive on October 19.
Currently, Thailand’s additional cruise calls include Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand, scheduled as a call in 2024 by Viking Oceans, Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Aida, Silversea, Azamara Club Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line; and Phuket.
As the nation’s largest island, Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Located in the Andaman Sea off the southwestern coast, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas cruise lines are scheduled to visit in 2024.
Comprehensive plans for infrastructural improvements to support the anticipated increase in tourist flow accompany the Prime Minister’s cruise terminal project.
Lokono Cove is set to join Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive private destination, Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama Island, emphasizing Bahamian culture and craftsmanship.
A New Marketplace in the Bahamas
Carnival Cruise Line revealed its latest addition to the much-anticipated Celebration Key by announcing details of Lokono Cove during the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conferencein Miami Beach on April 9.
One of Celebration Key’s five portals, Lokono Cove will be an exclusive retail portal offering a variety of stores and kiosks featuring everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry, designed to immerse guests in the richness of Bahamian heritage and creativity.
During the announcement of the new portal, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said, “Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove, a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come.”
Duffy added that Lokono Cove will honor the beauty and culture of The Bahamas.
The chosen name, Lokono, pays homage to the Lucayans, the island’s original inhabitants, and was submitted by Deidre Rahming, in a naming competition held by Carnival Cruise Line. Rahming received $5,000 for the winning name and will have the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including transportation, food, and beverages, as well as a day-pass to Celebration Key with drink vouchers, food, and a cabana.
Winning Lokono Cove Submission
The area will be a departure point for passengers visiting the private port, located 20 miles east of Freeport on Grand Bahama. The port will be dedicated specifically to Carnival Corporation cruise ships, mainly Carnival Cruise Line, but not exclusive from Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, or Cunard Line, which are also a part of the Carnival family.
Celebration Key’s Newest Addition
The unveiling of Lokono Cove marks just the beginning of what’s to come on Grand Bahama’s latest gem, which represents Carnival Corporation’s most significant investment to date at $600 million for the phased development.
In addition to Lokono Cove, Celebration Key will feature four more distinct “portals,” mirroring the themed zones found on Carnival’s Excel-class ships. At the heart of the port lies the Welcome Portal, to be called Paradise Plaza, which will feature a towering sandcastle and live music as a gateway to the island.
Celebration Key Lokono Cove
The Family-Friendly Portal will feature a sprawling freshwater lagoon, splash pad, and shallow pool, with waterslides embedded in a grand sandcastle for the adventurous. The area will also feature sports courts, dedicated areas for kids and teens, a beach adorned with various loungers and exclusive cabana rentals, and a diverse selection of dining options.
For adults, Calypso Lagoon, the Adult-Friendly Portal, will set a tranquil escape by another freshwater lagoon, complete with a swim-up bar and tunes from a live DJ. Cabana offerings include beach cabanas, floating cabanas, or villas with private waterslides. The area will also offer a full-service restaurant focusing on Bahamian delicacies.
Carnival’s Celebration Key
For those seeking exclusivity and luxury, the Private Club Portal will provide an additional adults-only sanctuary featuring an infinity pool with views of the Bahamian sea. The club will elevate the experience with sophisticated dining options.
Lokono Cove and Celebration Key are scheduled to open in July 2025. More than 500 Carnival itineraries are already scheduled to call at the port, with 12 ships from eight different homeports in its initial years.
A guest on a recent Carnival cruise has reached out to the cruise line’s brand ambassador, upset because their stateroom attendant ignored the do not disturb sign on the door and entered their cabin all the same.
While this may seem like a violation of guests’ privacy, it is actually part of the cruise line’s policy and the attendant was taking the appropriate steps to ensure the guests’ wellness.
Why would a cruise line ignore a do not disturb sign, and how should a guest react if this happens on their cruise vacation?
Do Not Disturb Sign Ignored
A guest on a recent Carnival cruise had their “Snoozin'” door hanger outside their stateroom, indicating they did not wish to be disturbed. To their dismay, however, their attendant knocked on the door and proceeded to enter the cabin anyway, despite the sign.
The guest – who has not been identified – reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, to notify him of the incident and express their displeasure at the sign being ignored.
“How would you like it if the cabin cleaner walked in on you John Heald. Our cleaner knocked and walked in on us ignoring the do not disturb sign we had out. This was not acceptable,”the guest wrote.“Is this how Carnival trains their workers?”
Heald, who routinely answers thousands of questions each week on his popular Facebook page, investigated the incident to determine the circumstances, and responded to the guest to explain the situation.
“I have since spoken with the Housekeeping Manager who explained what had happened. The guests had their ‘SNOOZIN’ sign out for more than 24 hours. So it is company policy that we check the safety and well being of the guests and that is what happened here,”Heald explained.
Carnival Cruise Door Signs (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Carnival Cruise Line provides two-sided “Cruisin'” and “Snoozin'” signs for each stateroom so guests can indicate their privacy or service needs. The red “Snoozin'” side also states “Privacy Please” while the blue “Cruisin'” side says “Service Please” so stateroom attendants can adjust their attention to each cabin as desired.
It is Carnival Cruise Line’s policy, however, to ensure there has been direct contact with each guest onboard in every 24-hour period. This is to ensure there have been no medical emergencies, accidents, or injuries that might leave someone unable to summon help. If a “Snoozin'” sign is not removed so the cabin attendant can check the room, they will ask permission to enter despite the sign.
“The state room attendant did knock as they always do before entering and as there was no reply they entered the room with the floor supervisor also there,”Heald confirmed.“The crew member was simply doing her job.”
Stateroom attendants do have a guest checklist to keep track of having seen travelers to confirm they are okay. This does not mean they must always enter a cabin, however – if an attendant sees “their” guests in the corridor, they can mark the checklist for that day as having seen the passenger.
When it is necessary to enter a stateroom despite the presence of a privacy sign, a floor supervisor or security personnel will accompany the stateroom attendant just in case help is needed. This is also to serve as a witness that the wellness check was done in accordance with the cruise line’s policy.
How Can You Guarantee Privacy?
There are several ways that cruise guests can ensure their “Privacy Please” requests are not violated. If the guest is not in the stateroom, remove the sign so the attendant can easily check the room to know that no one is in distress inside.
If a guest passes their attendant in the hallway, a simple “Hello” is sufficient to ensure they have been adequately seen and their privacy in the stateroom will not be violated, as they are indeed well and out and about enjoying their cruise.
Some travelers prefer not to have housekeeping services daily in their stateroom, and making contact with their cabin attendant in the corridor is the best way to ensure they will not be disturbed.
What Not to Do
A further wrinkle to this incident is that the impacted guest was upset enough at the situation to remove gratuities from the housekeeping staff.
“We took away the gratuity and gave it to other crew people,”the guest said.
While it is Carnival Cruise Line’s policy that travelers are always welcome to adjust gratuities onboard (though prepaid gratuities cannot be adjusted), the cruise line prefers that if there is something wrong, the matter be addressed through Guest Services before such a drastic step is taken.
This gives the crew an opportunity to either explain the policy or correct the incident without punishing the crew member by impacting their hard-earned paycheck. This is especially important when an incident like this is a misunderstanding of cruise line policy.
It can be difficult, especially for first-time cruisers, to understand the ins-and-outs of how a cruise ship operates and what services to expect onboard. Crew members are always happy to explain and will work hard to accommodate requests, and polite communication would go a long way to ensure everyone understands what service they may encounter during their cruise vacation.
As MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia at the Port of Quebec on April 10, Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) marks the official beginning of the region’s cruise activities. More than 46 cruise ships are planned across nine-member ports in 2024.
Quebec’s Season Poised for Growth
With more than 400 visits scheduled across nine ports representing more than 400,000 passenger days, Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) is set to embark on what will be a record-breaking year for cruise tourism to Quebec, Canada.
Across the nine ports of call included in CSL are Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspe, and Iles-de-la-Madeleine, in Quebec, Canada. Each is expected to welcome 10 vessels on inaugural cruises to the region, with 46 different ships spanning 29 cruise lines scheduled to arrive.
“Once again this season, the nine member ports of call of Cruise the Saint Lawrence will welcome many thousands of visitors eager to discover the wonders of the Saint Lawrence, to immerse themselves in our culture, and to partake of the myriad attractions on offer in our communities,”said Yves Gilson, president of Cruise the Saint Lawrence.
Port of Montreal (Photo Credit: Denis Roger)
CSL reports bookings will bring approximately 500 days in port and close to 70 embarkation and disembarkation operations between early April and late October. Traffic is forecasted to increase, with overall figures comparable to 2023.
Ports Ready to Shine
The arrival of MSC Poesia in Quebec City on April 10 marks the opening of the 2024 cruise season. After touching the historic ports of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada, on its 114-night World Cruise, MSC Poesia will visit Quebec’s capital city before continuing to Greenland.
Quebec City, one of the most popular of the region’s calls, is set to host a diverse roster of ships, including Holland America Line’s ms Volendam, which embarks on multiple 7-night “Canada & New England Discovery” voyages beginning April 30. The city will also welcome Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest on August 16, kicking off a series of 12-night “Canada & New England Discovery” journeys.
The fall season will see an array of prestigious vessels, including offerings from Celebrity Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Viking Oceans, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2, extending the cruising excitement into the cooler months. Notably, Queen Mary 2 will also make her appearance in Sept-Îles and Saguenay.
The Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City (Photo Credit: Gabe Shakour)
Saguenay stands out with its first ship call on June 3, benefiting from its strategic location at the mouth of the Saint Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord. This northern locale is attracting a variety of cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and P&O Cruises.
Trois-Rivières, which is named for its geographical location at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the Saint Lawrence River, where the former splits into three channels, will receive 18 calls, beginning with the May 31 arrival of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ms Europa 2 on a 14-night “Montreal-Hamburg” cruise. The port will also host several visits from Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn, beginning in August.
Baie-Comeau, a smaller but no less significant port, will welcome multiple ships from Oceania Cruises and other luxury lines. Meanwhile, Montreal, despite being the least visited of the nine ports, anticipates nine calls from an international array of cruise ships.
The season extends to the edge of Newfoundland with Havre Sainte Pierre, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and Gaspe each hosting a varied lineup of cruise ships. Îles-de-la-Madeleine will end its season with Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride on October 12; Havre Sainte Pierre’s last call will be October 21’s arrival of Oceania’s Insignia; and Crystal Cruise’s Crystal Serenity will arrive in Gaspe on October 24 to conclude its season.
MSC Cruises has announced a first-of-its-kind thrill attraction to be found aboard the upcoming MSC World America. Cliffhanger is an over-water swing ride, dangling above the ocean from the ship’s top deck and giving thrill seekers an unparalleled view along with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
This announcement comes exactly one year before the ship’s anticipated naming ceremony on April 9, 2025, and will undoubtedly help build excitement and interest in the new mega-ship, with even more new features to be revealed in the months to come.
Cliffhanger to Debut on MSC World America
Guests sailing aboard MSC World America will be able to indulge their thrill-seeking urges with a new and exclusive ride, Cliffhanger, the world’s only over-water swing ride at sea.
The ride features two two-person swing seats (guests can ride individually if they prefer) that will be lifted over the side of the ship by powered arms before the swing begins to propel back and forth 160 feet above the ocean. Riders will be secured by a t-style lap bar restraint that fits over the thighs.
Other features of the ride – such as a weight limit or minimum height requirement – have not yet been announced. Also unknown is whether or not the ride will be an extra-charge attraction or if it will be free for guests to enjoy. Similarly, the duration of the ride is not yet known and may vary depending on wait times and operational needs.
MSC World America Cliffhanger Ride
The exact extent of the powered swinging motion has not been determined, but guests’ views will oscillate between the broad blue sky above and the wide blue ocean below – if riders are brave enough to keep their eyes open during the thrilling experience! Cliffhanger will be located off the ship’s upper deck on the starboard side, just aft of the funnel and next to the ropes course.
Guests interested in riding Cliffhanger should note that the attraction’s operation is likely to be subject to weather, and it may not operate in windy or rainy conditions.
When Can You Ride Cliffhanger?
MSC World America is scheduled to debut in April 2025 from Miami, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with each cruise having a visit to MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Most likely, the new ride will be operated on port days, though it is possible that it may be run while the ship is at sea as well, depending on operating guidelines and tolerances.
MSC World America Cliffhanger Ride
The new ship will also offer much more than just one new thrill ride. MSC World America will be themed into seven distinct districts with unique vibes and offerings, including dining, attractions, and entertainment, including the first dedicated comedy club aboard any MSC Cruises’ ship.
MSC World America is the cruise line’s second World-class ship, following MSC World Europa that debuted in 2021. The sister ships are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and offer a variety of environmental innovations to be among the most sustainable ships at sea.
MSC World America Cliffhanger Ride
MSC World America is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. When she sets sail, the the 215,863-gross-ton ship will be able to welcome 6,762 guests aboard, and will also be home to approximately 2,100 international crew members.
Thrill Rides on Cruise Ships
Cliffhanger will be the latest in a line of thrill rides and thrilling attractions available on cruise ships. Also planned for MSC World America are bumper cars, a roller rink, an 11-deck spiral dry slide, waterslides, and a ropes course.
Image: Courtesy MSC Cruises
Many of the major cruise lines have added thrilling rides to their newer vessels, such as the Bolt rollercoaster onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, bumper cars on select Royal Caribbean ships, and go-karts on several Norwegian Cruise Line vessels.
Waterslides are a key feature on many cruise ships, from racing slides to funnel slides to twisty slides. Observation pods, rock climbing walls, ropes courses, dry slides, zip lines, and other features are fun options many guests enjoy on different ships.
Will you be brave enough to try Cliffhanger? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will receive new ships representing 25,000 additional berths, says parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The announcement includes news of an expanded pier at Great Stirrup Cay.
Unveiling a Bold Vision
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is embarking on an ambitious journey, revealing a comprehensive expansion strategy on April 8. The vision will unfold over the next decade and includes the introduction of eight state-of-the-art new ships and the development of a multi-ship pier at the company’s private island of Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.
This extensive growth initiative is set to bring nearly 25,000 new berths to the company’s fleet. The strategic blueprint spans from 2026 to 2036 in a phased approach.
“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,”said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
He added, “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation, and enhance our ability to offer guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”
8 New Cruise Ships Planned Across Norwegian Brands
Amidst the excitement generated by this announcement are four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships being developed for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Each ship, subject to financing, will be capable of accommodating nearly 5,000 passengers. The plans are to stagger delivery on these ships in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.
For Oceania Cruises, which is wrapping up the build of its final Allura Class ship in the latter half of 2025, the cruise line is scheduled to receive two 86,000-gross-ton ships. These 1,450-capacity ships will arrive in 2027 and 2029.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also take delivery of two new ships. The anticipated 2026 and 2029 deliveries will feature 77,000-gross-ton ships able to host 850 passengers.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Norwegian has received credit financing to fund 80% of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. Norwegian Cruise Line is currently seeking financing for its NCL orders, with Mark A. Kempa, chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, optimistic.
“With a favorable payment structure that includes pre-delivery financing and modest initial installment payments for these ship orders, we still anticipate strong Net Leverage reduction of 1.5 turns by the end of 2024, relative to 2023, and expect the company to continue reducing Net Leverage each year for the foreseeable future,” he said.
The ships will be built at Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy, with details on the ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining, recreational offerings, and other features announced in the coming months.
NCL has already been busy at Fincantieri, expanding its fleet with the creation of a total of six Prima Class ships. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva were the first launched, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Construction remains underway for Norwegian Aqua, slated to set sail between Bermuda and New York City in 2025. Three additional ships are set to arrive by 2028.
A New Pier for Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also unveiled it will invest $150 million for a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, allowing the private island call to accommodate two large vessels simultaneously.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock)
“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island,”said Sommer.
The enhancement is expected to improve guest experience on the island and, along with Harvest Caye in Belize, position the islands as premier year-round destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The new pier will break ground in the summer of 2024 and will be completed by late 2025.
The cabin steward onboard a cruise ship is undoubtedly among the hardest working crew members and is the most visible face of the crew that most guests meet.
They perform numerous regular duties, take on extra challenges, meet special requests, and do a great deal more to ensure that every traveler has a wonderful and relaxing vacation.
Find out what a cabin steward does and how to make the stewards’ job just a little easier.
A stateroom steward is much more than just a housekeeper. Yes, they clean cabins – empty trash, exchange towels, make beds, scrub toilets, refill toiletries – but they actually do much more.
On the first day of the cruise, stewards typically introduce themselves and may offer a cabin orientation by describing how to adjust the air conditioning, lock the balcony door, change the shower settings, or use the in-room safe.
If passengers request extra pillows or hangers, fresh ice, or little extras to celebrate a special occasion, the stewards attend to those requests as well, and they are also the first crew members to contact in case of any problems in the cabin, such as a clogged toilet or flooding shower.
In addition, stateroom attendants make those quirky towel animals, pick up and deliver laundry, provide copies of newsletters, deliver printed announcements, and may attend to other special needs.
Need an emergency wardrobe repair, such as a popped button on a dress shirt or a stubborn wrinkle on a formal gown? Ask the steward for help. Need recommendations for port activities? The steward has been there dozens of times and can suggest unique options.
Stewards do all this and more with unending smiles and politeness, always representing the service of the cruise line and all the best an oceangoing vacation can be.
Lightening Your Cabin Steward’s Load
Because cruise ship housekeepers do so much, anything you do to make their work a tiny bit easier will be appreciated, from fewer duties to simply staying out of their way at the right time.
The easiest way to help your cabin attendant is to make sure they can do their work quickly and efficiently. Before you leave your cabin, put away your personal belongings so surfaces are easy to wipe down. Group used towels together in the bathroom (toss them on the shower floor so it’s easy to see which towels need changing), and be sure your toiletries are not cluttered in the sink.
Other ways to give your housekeeper easy access to refresh your cabin include putting your luggage out of the way under the bed or in a closet so the floor can be vacuumed, and making sure your clothes are put away in the closet or drawers so they don’t need to be moved for cleaning.
Next, don’t make unnecessary requests. Do you really use fresh ice twice a day? Don’t ask for it if you won’t be needing it. It’s not necessary to have sheets replaced daily, and if you don’t have excess clothes that absolutely must be hung, don’t ask the steward to track down extra hangers.
One of the best ways to help your cabin steward is to give them adequate time to do their job. Leave your cabin for several hours each day when the stewards are servicing cabins, and you won’t be disappointed by a rush job or missed cleaning.
Use door hangers, magnetic signs, or indicator lights to note when you do not want to be disturbed or when your cabin is empty, and let your steward know about your habits – if you are an early riser, for example, they will know to tend your cabin first thing.
Cabin Door on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Shutterstock)
Similarly, if you prefer evening service, be sure they know your dining time and they will be able to coordinate later services when you are out of the stateroom.
Time is especially critical on debarkation day, when every stateroom must be thoroughly cleaned and all bedding must be changed. Leave your cabin to wait in common areas or debark the ship as early as possible so your steward has enough time to turn the cabin over for the next passenger.
Communication can go a long way toward helping out your cabin steward. Whenever you see your steward – you’ll likely pass them in the halls several times a day – say hello. Greeting them by name is friendly and respectful, and if you have a moment, ask about their day or engage them in conversation.
How long have they been working with the cruise line? How are their families? What do they miss most about home? What do they enjoy most about the next port of call? Those personal touches are incredibly meaningful to crew members who work seven days a week for months at a time and can make a tough work day much easier.
Not all communication with your steward will be spoken, however. If you need to write them a note – asking for an extra blanket after a cold night, for example – be sure your handwriting is clear, and say please and thank you in the note.
Gratuities and Gifts
Rewarding a steward’s service is a great way to make their work easier and enjoy great service. Depending on their experience, position, and cruise line, a stateroom steward typically makes $1,200-2,200 (USD) per month.
Some cruise lines also offer bonuses for certain contracts or assignments, which may be contingent on successful contract completion, guest ratings, or performance evaluations.
Gratuities are often pooled and divided among the housekeeping staff (along with other positions onboard), but if your steward did something extraordinary to make your cruise even better, consider increasing their tip or leaving them extra cash on the last night of the cruise or on debarkation morning.
While many travelers want to bring a gift for their stateroom attendant, this can be tricky to do. Not all cruise lines permit crew members to accept gifts, especially any homemade food items. Prepackaged treats – candy or chocolates – can be a good option, but not everyone enjoys these items.
It is also important to note that crew member cabins are very small, and there isn’t always room to keep gifts. Instead, extra cash is appreciated the most.
You can also mention your attendant by name in a review or survey about your cruise or email the cruise line to compliment their work. Those personal recognitions can lead to paycheck bonuses, contract renewals, and promotions.
Insights Into a Cruise Ship Cabin Steward
Stateroom steward, cabin attendant, housekeeping staff – the titles for these crew members vary for different cruise lines. There may also be assistants and managers for the staff as well – assistant steward, senior cabin attendant, housekeeping manager, and so forth.
Whatever they are called, these crew members typically work a split shift every day. This means they are on call for several hours each morning and again for several hours each evening, with time off in the afternoon. This allows them to meet guests’ varying preferences throughout the day.
Towel Animals in Cruise Ship Cabin (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
Each attendant has a set number of staterooms they service, though the exact number will vary based on cruise line, ship size, and overall occupancy. A steward who services suites, for example, may have fewer assigned staterooms than a steward who services interior cabins.
On most cruise lines, a business card may be left in the cabin or in a holder on the wall giving the name of the assigned steward. This may also have instructions for how to contact your attendant with any questions, concerns, or requests.
All cabin attendants will speak English, but cruise guests should be aware that English is not likely their first language. When speaking with your steward, be patient and kind, use common words (rather than slang), and pronounce clearly so they can understand your requests and deliver the service you prefer.
Stateroom stewards do so much to make your cruise comfortable, relaxing and amazing – won’t you do a little in return to make their jobs that much easier?
