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Cruise Ship Held in Barcelona Due to Improper Visas

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 3, 2024

Cruise Ship Held in Barcelona Due to Improper Visas

MSC Cruises’ MSC Armonia and its 1,500 passengers have been halted at the Port of Barcelona due to visa discrepancies faced by 69 Bolivian travelers. Spanish authorities and the Bolivian Embassy are working to resolve the impasse.

Visa Hitch at Barcelona Port for MSC Armonia

In a surprising turn of events, MSC Armonia, which has journeyed from Brazil through the Mediterranean, finds itself anchored at the Port of Barcelona. The detention is attributed to visa issues encountered by a contingent of Bolivian passengers, making it impossible for them to disembark.

Spanish officials told the cruise line that the snag has affected 69 Bolivians who, despite appearing to have the correct documentation upon departure in Brazil when the cruise first departed on March 17, 2024, have been found ineligible to enter the Schengen zone.

“As a result, these guests have not been able to disembark in Barcelona, which was their final destination,” said a spokesperson for MSC Cruises. “The ship has remained in the port while we work with the relevant authorities to find a solution to this complex issue.”

Complications Affect Itinerary and Plans

The 58,600-gross ton MSC Armonia departed on a 16-night Grand Voyage from Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 17. It continued to Rio de Janeiro and Maceio, Brazil, before crossing the Atlantic to call in Tenerife, Funchal, and Malaga, Spain, before officials in Barcelona discovered the visa issues on April 2.

MSC Armonia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer)

“We are currently working with the Spanish authorities to manage a situation with a number of guests from Bolivia that includes families and children,” MSC’s spokesperson stated.

Echoing MSC, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry released a statement saying Bolivia’s Consulate General in Barcelona “are carrying out the pertinent steps to address this case.”

The Associated Press has reported that 69 Bolivians are among the 1,500 passengers affected by the delay. Although the Bolivians were set to disembark in Barcelona, the ship’s Grand Voyage extended through April 8, keeping other guests stuck in the Spanish port.

As MSC Armonia was set to depart Barcelona at 4 p.m. for Ajaccio, Corsica, the fate of its Corsica arrival, slated for 10 a.m. on April 3, as well as its following call in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, on April 4, are now in question. The voyage is also scheduled to continue to Corfu, Greece, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, before concluding in Venice, Italy.

MSC Cruise Ship in Barcelona, Spain — Photo Credit: Enrico Powell / Shutterstock.com

Traditionally, when cruise lines are forced to reschedule port calls, passengers who booked excursions through the ship will automatically be refunded or rebooked. Passengers who have booked private excursions are left to reschedule or seek refunds from their private operators.

No updates have been given on MSC Armonia’s itinerary as the cruise line works with officials to first get the visa situation under control.

Schengen Visa Requirements

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa within the coalition of 29 mostly European Union countries that allows for passport-free travel across borders. Bolivians looking to enter the Schengen Area would need to apply for a Schengen Visa, which includes proving the purpose of the visit, having a valid passport, securing travel insurance, and demonstrating sufficient financial means during the duration of the stay.

Travel documents that do not meet entry requirements of the Schengen Agreement prevent entry into a Schengen country. Invalid visas could be due to the visa being expired, bring for a different Schengen country without multi-entry rights, or being a type that does not permit entry into Spain specifically.

The international news of the detainment comes on the heels of eight passengers stranded on the African island of Sao Tome after missing the all-aboard call on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn.

Atlantic Canada Set for Another Record Cruise Season in 2024

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 3, 2024

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Atlantic Canada Set for Another Record Cruise Season in 2024

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association announced an optimistic outlook for the 2024 cruise season, with over 600 ship calls anticipated across Atlantic Canadian ports. The surge aims to surpass the record-breaking numbers seen in 2023.

A Positive Outlook for Atlantic Canada

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) is poised for a groundbreaking year as it prepares to host over 600 cruise ship calls in 2024. The association reported a forecasted growth of 10% in cruise passenger visits for the upcoming season, launching on April 6, 2024.

Atlantic Canada ports include Halifax, in Nova Scotia’s capital city; Sydney, located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, in the capital city of Prince Edward Island; Saint John, in New Brunswick; and Corner Brook, located on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Said Sarah Rumley, ACCA executive director, “We are thrilled to welcome over 600 cruise ship calls to Atlantic Canada this year.”

She added, “Visitors are drawn to our region for its unique culture, hospitable nature, and breathtaking landscapes. It is through embracing these differences that ACCA has successfully positioned Atlantic Canada as a premier cruise destination.”

The season kicks off at the Port of Halifax with the arrival of the 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia, which is arriving in Nova Scotia on its 2024 World Cruise. The ship will continue to Sydney and Charlottetown before a call in Quebec City, leaving Canada for Greenland on April 11.

Halifax Leads Atlantic Canada

This year, the ports across Atlantic Canada are gearing up for a substantial increase in ship calls and passenger visits. The leader of ports will be Halifax, which anticipates 204 calls, including 12 vessels making their first appearance.

Following MSC Poesia is an impressive lineup of ships, with Holland America’s ms Voldendam and ms Zuiderdam and Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess, Emerald Princess, and Island Princess dominating the waterways.

Celebrity Cruise Ship at Port of Halifax (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

The lineup also includes Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Geyaway; Oceania Cruises’ Insignia; Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner; Royal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas; Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest; Silversea’s Silver Shadow; and Viking Oceans’ Viking Mars and Viking Star.

Worth Reading: Cruise Ships Banned in Canada for an Entire Year

MSC Cruises also adds MSC Meraviglia as a second ship to call on the northern port, while Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 will make an appearance. As multiple ships call on Halifax, the port will see a 35.7% surge in visits, particularly in its peak months of June, July, and August.

Ports Brace for an Influx

Also set to break records for its second consecutive year is Port Sydney, which plans to welcome seven new ships during its summer season. The port anticipates a 17% increase in calls, with 119 calls scheduled in 2024.

Besides MSC’s World Cruise, Oceania Cruises’ World Cruise on Insignia will arrive in port on July 5. ms Volendam, Coral Princess and others visiting Halifax will include Syndey on their routes. Cape Breton will also welcome Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Pride and the new Carnival Venezia, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse and P&O Cruises’ Arcadia to its hefty season.

With a forecast of 96 calls, Port Charlottetown aims to welcome over 166,000 passengers. The calendar features five inaugural visits and notable multiple-ship days. On June 25, the port will experience its first multiple ship day with Silver Shadow and ms Volendam arriving simultaneously.

Over 170,000 guests are expected across 75 calls in Port Saint John, enriched by 10 first-time visits and several overnight stays. At the same time, Corner Brook will follow a banner year with 37 ships and 57,000 passengers anticipated. It will also receive 10 inaugural calls.

MSC Cruises Unveils 7 Unique Districts on New Mega Ship

MSC Cruises News

Donna Tunney

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Apr 3, 2024

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MSC Cruises Unveils 7 Unique Districts on New Mega Ship

MSC Cruises provided the first glimpse into the design of its newest ship, MSC World America, unveiling seven districts that will offer unique experiences for guests of all ages. The ship, under construction at a French shipyard, is due to enter service in April 2025.

Interior Design of MSC World America Revealed

For the first time since announcing the construction of MSC World America, parent company MSC Cruises revealed details about the ship’s various public spaces, exclusive areas, and the unique experiences that await guests. It also disclosed the ship will feature a brand new venue that no other MSC Cruises’ ship has – a comedy club.

The 215,863-gross ton ship that can accommodate 6,762 guests at full capacity is MSC Cruises’ second World-class ship, following the 2021 launch of MSC World Europa. Both ships are environmentally advanced, powered by LNG (liquified natural gas), and with shoreside power connectivity.

The cruise line announced seven districts, which include activities for families and children as well as adult-only spaces, and dining and shopping areas.

MSC Yacht Club, the line’s ship-within-a-ship luxury area, is among the districts. The popular concept was introduced in 2008 and is offered on about half of the line’s 23 ships. As with the existing clubs, the private retreat space on MSC World America will provide butler service, exclusive dining and lounge venues, priority services, and other special perks.

Also revealed as a district is the Family Aventura space. An outdoor park called The Harbor will be the focal point of this area and will feature a playground modeled on the line’s private destination in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Family Aventura will offer water and dry slides, bumper cars, a roller rink, and other fun spaces for children and teens.

The ship’s Aqua Deck Promises to lure guests looking for the perfect pool day. The space will provide two pools, and the deck area will transform into an entertainment space at night.

MSC World America will cater to adults in the Zen district, where guests can relax in a quiet atmosphere with expansive ocean views.

The fifth and sixth districts will be focused on dining and retail. Galleria will offer a variety of shopping spaces, and eateries will include the Dolce Vita Bar, the Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café, and Luna Park Pizza & Burger. High-tech entertainment and game shows will be offered in this space as well. The Terraces also mixes dining and shopping, with nine dining venues and several retailers, and adds the comedy club and a karaoke bar.

The final district is the World Promenade, which will surround an 11-deck-high spiral dry slide. Offering ocean views, the promenade will house the Emporium coffee bar, where evening entertainment will be offered.

Read Also: Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World

All told, the 22-deck ship will feature 13 restaurants, including six specialty venues, six pools and 14 hot tubs, a sports bar, a mixology bar, and clubs for children and teens with age-appropriate, supervised activities.

Christening Ceremony Set for PortMiami

Under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, MSC World America marked a milestone in May 2023, with her keel-laying and coin ceremony. During the traditional maritime event, commemorative coins are placed within the keel of the ship as a sign of blessing and good fortune.

The ship will be christened on April 9, 2025, at a ceremony at MSC Cruises’ new, state-of-the-art terminal at PortMiami, the vessel’s homeport.

MSC World America is slated to sail her maiden voyage, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on April 12, 2025, calling at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The ship will sail 7- and 14-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, with port calls to Amber Cove; San Juan; Ocean Cay; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras.

Carnival Cruise Line Increases Price on Popular Item for Third Time

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 3, 2024

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Carnival Cruise Line Increases Price on Popular Item for Third Time

For the third time in just 17 months, Carnival Cruise Line has increased the price of bottled water purchases, this time to $14.95 for a 12-pack of individually-sized bottles.

When all the price increases are combined, this amounts to a 202% increase in the price for one of the most popular purchases travelers make before or during their cruise.

Water Price Increasing – AGAIN

Carnival Cruise Line has once more increased the price for a 12-pack of bottled water (each bottle is 16.9 fluid ounces). The current price is now $14.95 (USD) per package, the equivalent of $1.25 per bottle.

This is the third price increase on this popular beverage product since November 2022. Initially, the 12-pack was $4.95 ($0.42 per bottle), but at that time, it was doubled to $9.95 ($0.83 per bottle). Then, in December 2023, the price was increased again, to $11.95 per 12-pack (a drop under $1 per bottle).

No explanation has been given for the dramatic price increases in such a relatively short time period. Manufacturer costs, supply chains, delivery costs (to bring the water to the ship), and onboard costs (to have water delivered to staterooms) have likely all been factors in the increase.

Guest demand is also most likely a consideration when setting prices, and so long as guests continue to purchase the bottled water at a given price, further increases may be unavoidable.

For comparison with major retailers, a 12-pack of 16.9 ounce-bottles of water from Walmart ranges from $3-12, depending on the brand label. From Amazon, the same products are listed for roughly $6-7.

Carnival Cruise Line Bottled Water Price Increase

Carnival Cruise Line offers Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water, a US brand that claims to be 100% natural and only from “geographically remote” water sources, microfiltered for “the ideal balance of minerals and natural flavor.” The water sources utilized are found in New York, New Hampshire, Tennessee, South Carolina, Arkansas, and California.

Purchased in bulk pallets from Amazon, that exact brand of water, in the same size bottles, is $700 for 1,890 bottles, or $0.37 per bottle.

Other Water Prices Not Impacted

While the price of the 12-pack of bottled water has increased, it should be noted that the prices of the larger, single 1.5 liter bottle and the 8-pack of 1.5 liter bottles remain the same as from the December 2023 prices at $4.50 and $24.95, respectively.

It is possible, however, these prices may be increased in the weeks to come, depending on how the latest price increase is received for the 12-packs and what other factors must be considered for pricing adjustments.

Some guests are likely to resist further purchases of bottled water as prices continue to rise, but other travelers will still order their bottled water even with the increase.

Carnival Cruise Ship Cabin (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

For passengers who use CPAP machines, bottled water is essential to ensure the equipment functions appropriately. Similarly, guests with other medical equipment or medication that may require mixing with water, bottled water is often recommended to ensure purity.

Bottled water may also be preferred for mixing baby formula, and some travelers simply prefer the taste. Bottles are also convenient for carrying into ports of call to stay hydrated on busy, adventurous days.

Travelers should be aware that water from the ship’s sinks is filtered, treated, and perfectly safe to drink. Water dispensers are also available on the Lido deck at beverage stations, though guests are asked not to refill bottles there in order to ensure adequate supplies for everyone and to keep lines minimized.

Drinking fountains are also often found near pool areas or sports courts, to ensure everyone can stay hydrated with all the fun they have onboard.

American Cruise Lines Gains Four New Ships From Bankrupt Fleet

Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Apr 3, 2024

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American Cruise Lines Gains Four New Ships From Bankrupt Fleet

One cruise line’s loss is another cruise line’s gain. American Cruise Lines, the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the United States, has gained four new ships as part of American Queen Voyages’ bankruptcy proceedings.

Four New River Ships to Join American Cruise Lines’ Fleet

American Cruise Lines (ACL) just grew its fleet of 19 small ships and river vessels to 23 essentially overnight. The cruise line, which is based in Guildford, Connecticut, emerged victorious in an auction for American Queen Voyages’ (AQV) ships and assets.

American Queen Voyages offered overnight river cruises and expedition cruises throughout the US and beyond, calling on destinations like Alaska, the Heartland Rivers in Mississippi, New Orleans, Columbia, the Snake Rivers of the Pacific Northwest, Central America, and even Antarctica. The cruise line operated from 2011 until February 20, 2024, when it declared bankruptcy and shuttered its doors.

The now closed-down cruise line, which was originally called the Great American Steamboat Co., was unable to recover after the Coronavirus pandemic. AQV was ultimately put up for sale and its parent company, the Hornblower Group, got a new majority owner: Strategic Value Partners, a global alternative investment firm. As part of the sale, the cruise line’s assets had to be sold off – which is how American Cruise Lines acquired its newest vessels.

The cruise line purchased four paddlewheelers from the dismantled cruise line, including American Queen, a 436-guest ship launched in 1995 and the largest paddlewheel steamboat ever built; American Countess, a 245-guest ship that was built in 2017 using the hull of a 1995 casino ship; American Duchess, with a capacity for 166 guests and built in 2017 using a hull from a 1995 casino ship; and American Empress, a 224 guest ship that entered service in 2003.

America Queen Cruise Vessel (Photo Credit: Vicki L. Miller / Shutterstock)

“American Cruise Lines is pleased to be the successful bidder for AQV’s river vessels. We look forward to announcing additional details as we move through the bankruptcy process,” Alexa Paolella, American Cruise Lines Public Relations Manager, told Cruise Hive.

While the sale still needs to be approved and finalized in the court system, ACL will be shelling out a collective $5.55 million (USD) to complete the sale. The river cruise provider also paid an additional $750,000 for AQV related assets, including trademarks, website domain names, and relevant business records.

AQVs two coastal vessels, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, also went to auction on April 1, 2024 – although no winner has been announced.

American Cruise Lines’ Expanding Fleet

American Cruise Lines is the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the US. The cruise line was founded in 1972 by Charles A. Robertson, a shipbuilder, who dreamed up the business with his wife, Carol. Together, the couple built the cruise line from the ground up.

While Robertson passed away in 2020 at the age of 72, the company he built continues to flourish. In the past five years, ACL has nearly tripled its fleet, while also introducing new riverboats on the Mississippi River every year since 2018.

American Glory (Photo Courtesy: America Cruise Lines)

These vessels will call on more than 125 ports throughout the 2024 season, visiting destinations like New England, Mississippi, national parks throughout the US, Alaska, Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Hudson River in New York.

Currently, the cruise line operates a US-flagged fleet of 19 ships, which consists of a mix of coastal ships that sail around America’s East and West Coasts, Columbia and Snake River Boats, Mississippi Riverboats, Modern Riverboats, and Coastal Cats.

In addition to gaining four new ships from AQV, American Cruise Lines has already ordered a mix of five new riverboats and Coastal Cats to be delivered over the next two years, bringing their fleet of 19 to 28 by the end of 2025.

With the popularity of river cruising on the rise, ACL is not the only cruise line to be expanding its fleet either. Saga Cruises also ordered the construction of a new river ship, Spirit of the Moselle, which is scheduled to enter service in July of 2025.

MSC Cruises Achieves Record-Breaking Season in Brazil

MSC Cruises News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 2, 2024

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MSC Cruises Achieves Record-Breaking Season in Brazil

MSC Cruises announced a record-setting achievement for the 2023-2024 season, witnessing more than 670,000 passengers on its cruises embarking from and visiting Brazil. The company also unveiled plans for an even more ambitious 2024-2025 season in the region, featuring the return of MSC Grandiosa.

Celebrating a Historic MSC Season

In an impressive end-of-season celebration, MSC Cruises revealed it enjoyed remarkable success over the 2023-2024 season, hosting more than 670,000 guests on its voyages in Brazil. The announcement was made during a special awards event aboard MSC Seaview, which took place March 25 to 27, 2024.

Adrian Ursilli, general director of MSC Cruises in Brazil, shared his enthusiasm over the growth of MSC Cruises in South America’s largest nation, saying, “This was a period of remarkable growth and, above all, of strengthening our work and our partnerships in Brazil.”

The 2023-2024 season featured the deployment of seven MSC ships, including the 6,334-passenger MSC Grandiosa, the largest cruise ship to navigate Brazilian waters. Five of the ships embarked in Brazil, while two visited Brazil from embarkations in Argentina and Uruguay.

The ships embarking from Brazil departed from Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Salvador, Maceió, and Itajaí, as well as a first embarkation from Paranaguá. MSC Cruises also made inaugural stops in Belém, Manaus, and Alter do Chão, enriching the MSC World Cruise 2024 with unique Brazilian destinations.

MSC Preziosa Cruise Ship in Brazil (Photo Credit: Joa Souza)

The season also witnessed 15 full-ship charters, 669 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and affinity groups, and celebrated 69 weddings.

During the season-ending celebration, MSC Cruises held its 15th annual TOP MSC awards program, which honored the best travel agencies of the season. Four hundred people were in attendance, including presenters Andre Coutinho, a seasoned journalist from Grupo Bandeirantes, and Flávia Cavalcante, a journalist and former Miss Brazil.

Expanding Horizons in Brazil

As MSC celebrated the end of its most successful Brazilian season yet, it revealed plans for an exciting 2024-2025 season, remaining the exclusive provider of cruises to the northeast of Brazil. The cruise line is bringing back the 181,541-goss-ton MSC Grandiosa and 153,516-gross-ton MSC Seaview. Joining them are the smaller 92,409-gross-ton MSC Orchestra and the 58,600-gross-ton MSC Armonia.

MSC Grandiosa will offer 6- and 7-night itineraries departing from Santos, which can be found on the coast of São Paulo. Heading northeast, the 6-night journey will visit Búzios, Salvador, and Ilha Grande, while the 7-night voyage will call in Búzios, Salvador, and Maceió.

MSC Grandiosa, the largest ship sailing in Brazil. (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)

Shorter cruises will also embark from Santos aboard MSC Seaview, which can accommodate more than 5,100 passengers. The 3- and 4-night journeys will alternate visits to Búzios, Ilha Grande, Balneário Camboriú, and Porto Belo.

Two 7-night itineraries will also be available. The first will stay in Brazil to call on Salvador, Ilhéus, and Rio de Janeiro while the second will travel abroad to visit Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as Balneário Camboriú.

MSC will also feature cruises from Rio de Janeiro through voyages on the 2,550-passenger MSC Orchestra. Alternating between Ilhabela, Ilha Grande, Ilhéus, and Salvador for 3 to 5 nights, the ship will also provide longer 6- to 8-day journeys.

These will also alternate to provide stops in Salvador, Ilhéus, Búzios, and Ilha Grande, with the longer cruise extending to Buenos Aires, and Montevideo and Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

After the success of embarkation from Paranaguá, MSC Cruises will return with MSC Armonia, setting off from the Parana port on journeys to Punta Del Este and Buenos Aires. The cruise line will also feature Paranaguá as a port of call on the 2,579-passenger MSC Armonia’s 4-night cruises embarking from Itajaí.

Celebrity Cruises Ship Rescues Stranded Boat in the Caribbean

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 2, 2024

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Celebrity Cruises Ship Rescues Stranded Boat in the Caribbean

While sailing near Cuba en route to Belize on Monday, April 1, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex rescued seven migrants from a small boat signaling distress.

All seven individuals were brought safely onboard the cruise ship and have been given appropriate care, and they will be turned over to the authorities at the earliest opportunity.

Celebrity Apex Rescues Migrants

Celebrity Apex was in the right place at the right time to safely rescue seven migrants – four men and three women – from a small boat adrift near Cuba on Monday, April 1.

The rescue happened in the morning during the ship’s day at sea, and according to information provided by the rescued individuals, they had been at sea for five days. They departed from Cuba, and were attempting to reach Mexico.

“They were lost at sea, we were able to find them,” the ship’s cruise director, Lewis, confirmed with videos posted to TikTok. “Most importantly, we were able to save them. Seven lives at sea were saved today.”

The migrants appeared to be in a small rowboat equipped with a makeshift sail, but one video does show water being bailed out of the boat as the cruise ship approached. Furthermore, few supplies are visible in the boat, and it is unlikely they would have been able to safely continue for much longer without assistance.

The migrants were taken aboard Celebrity Apex and given medical care as needed, as well as food and water. Onboard the cruise ship, they are provided with cabins “allocated specifically for them” and watched by ship’s security. To be clear, they are not being held in the ship’s brig, but nor do they have full access to the ship and guest areas.

Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)

At the next possible opportunity, they will be turned over to authorities. According to Lewis, this will happen at whichever port will accept the migrants, as different ports have different restrictions.

“If they don’t accept them, then we’ll take them back to Fort Lauderdale and we’ll hand them over to the CBP [US Customs and Border Protection] officers there,” Lewis said.

The 130,818-gross-ton, Edge-class Celebrity Apex is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean Easter cruise that departed Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, March 30. The itinerary includes stops in Key West, Belize City, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman before the ship returns to Florida on April 6.

Other Recent Rescues

Rescues either north or west of Cuba are not uncommon, especially in the late winter and spring after the worst of winter storms have ended and before the Atlantic and Caribbean hurricane season begins on June 1.

The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, rescued 14 Cuban refugees near Honduras on March 3, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Celebration rescued 20 refugees in the Florida Straits on February 24.

Carnival Jubilee Rescue (Photo Credit: Lance Roche)

This is not the first rescue Celebrity Apex has performed, as the ship rescued three people from a small craft in February 2022. That incident also took place off the coast of Cuba.

Celebrity Apex may yet perform additional rescues in the next few weeks, as the ship remains homeported from Fort Lauderdale through the end of April. On May 2, the vessel will depart for a 13-night, one-way transatlantic cruise to Southampton, where she will remain for the summer sailing season, offering diverse itineraries to Iceland, Scandinavia, Scotland, the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Spain.

In late October 2024, Celebrity Apex will return to Fort Lauderdale for the winter Caribbean season, followed by another summer sailing from Southampton in 2025 before the ship relocates to Port Canaveral in November 2025.

UK Cruise Tourism Celebrates Remarkable Rebound

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Apr 2, 2024

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UK Cruise Tourism Celebrates Remarkable Rebound

Great Britain’s cruise data from 2023 is officially in, and the results show a full and powerful recovery, with ship calls and guest arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. At ports across the UK, records were broken for embarkations as well as for daily transit port calls.

Cruise Arrivals Break Pre-Pandemic Records

Cruise Britain issued a cruise tourism status report on April 2, 2024, showing that the sector enjoyed record-breaking cruise ship calls, guest arrivals, and embarkations. In 2023, 2,499 ships called at ports across the UK, exceeding the number from 2019.

The number of cruisers embarking on a voyage from a British port broke the 1.5 million mark for the first time, reflecting a 26% spike versus the previous record set in 2018.

Port calls brought 2.16 million cruise guests onto British shores, a 24% increase over the previous record set in 2019. Each guest who books a shore excursion or tours a port area on his own injects an average of £70 ($88 USD) into the local economy. With the cruise arrivals numbers from 2023, the sector provided a substantial £150 million ($189 million USD) for Britain’s coastal regions.

Taken together, 123 ships from 53 cruise lines made port calls or embarked guests — many of them doing so multiple times. The ships visited a total of 57 ports across Great Britain.

Cruise Britain’s research also found that more than 75% of transit guests were non-UK nationals. The key inbound markets were the US and Germany.

Cruise Britain, a joint initiative between British cruise ports and service providers such as ground handlers and port agents, this year marks its 15th anniversary, and noted that since its launch transit passengers have increased by an astounding 500%. The organization also covers major hubs, such as Southampton.

Carnival Pride Ship Docked in Liverpool, UK (Photo Credit: Sergii Figurnyi)

“Cruise is now an important part of the tourism landscape for many ports and destinations, and we are seeing the rewards for an industry that has consistently worked together to recover, regenerate and develop,” said Ian McQuade, chairman of Cruise Britain.

“Looking ahead to this year, we see the growth trajectory continuing with England’s south coast and Scotland continuing to underpin national cruise growth. Regional ports in all four of our nations reported record 2023 figures and all will look to build on that growth,” added McQuade.

Scotland and the south coast of England have been reporting phenomenal cruise numbers for months. Portsmouth International Port, located about 25 miles west of Southampton, recently completed a new terminal at South Harbor and is attracting larger ships. It welcomed 75 ship calls in 2023 and expects that number will increase this year.

The cruise industry has been gangbusters at several Scottish ports. The Port of Cromarty Firth, for instance, considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, received a record 130 ship calls and 221,000 cruise arrivals, representing an economic infusion of £29 million ($36 million USD) into the local economy.

Cruise Ship Visiting Port in Scotland (Photo Credit: ATGImages)

The port is gearing up to welcome several notable ships in 2024, with many making their inaugural calls. They include Cunard’s new Queen Anne, due to launch in May 2024, along with Viking’s Viking Saturn, Compagnie du Ponant’s Le Lyrial, Albatross Expeditions’ Ocean Albatros, TUI Cruises’ MeinShiff 7, and Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Onward.

Smaller Ports Also Reaping Cruise-Tourism Benefits

Even Great Britain’s smaller ports are posting encouraging cruise-tourism numbers. Aberdeen, a North Sea port 125 miles north of Edinburgh, attracted 43 ship calls in 2023 and is on target to receive at least 55 in 2024, with vessels from AIDA Cruises, Silversea, Azamara Cruises, and Oceania Cruises booked to call.

“The UK continues to offer and expand our incredibly diverse cruise holiday experience for guests and this is one of the most powerful reasons for the growth that we are seeing,” said Cruise Britain’s McQuade.

More remote ports also are enjoying a cruise recovery, including Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands. The destination, located about midway between Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and the Scottish mainland, is on track to experience its busiest season yet, with 149 ships slated to call.

Norwegian Offering Further Assistance to Stranded Guests in Africa

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 2, 2024

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Norwegian Offering Further Assistance to Stranded Guests in Africa

Difficulties have continued for eight guests who missed the all-aboard time for Norwegian Dawn while visiting São Tomé and Príncipe on March 27, but Norwegian Cruise Line is helping with expenses as the travelers work to rejoin the ship as soon as possible.

Due to weather conditions, the impacted guests were unable to rejoin the ship in Gambia as expected on Monday, April 1, and instead had to travel to Senegal to meet the ship on Tuesday, April 2.

Guests Unable to Rejoin Ship at First Port

When cruise passengers miss returning to their ship before the vessel departs a port of call, it is common policy that they are then responsible for travel arrangements and expenses either to return home or to meet the ship at the next available port of call on the itinerary.

Eight guests who were late returning to Norwegian Dawn from a privately arranged tour while the ship was visiting São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation 175 miles (282 kilometers) off the coast of Gabon in western Africa, found themselves in that exact situation on Wednesday, March 27.

“While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,” a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line read.

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol.”

The passengers – which include travelers with a variety of challenging health conditions – struggled to make their own arrangements to the ship’s next scheduled port of call, which was to have been Banjul, Gambia on Monday, April 1.

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

However, the ship was unable to visit that port as planned, which meant the guests were unable to rejoin the ship at that time.

“Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage,” Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed. “While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority.”

Where to Next?

This has meant the guests needed further travel to reach the next port of call on Tuesday, April 2 – Dakar, Senegal – which is a nearly six-hour drive from Banjul. The drive requires crossing the River Gambie and moving into a new country, with all the immigration and paperwork considerations of yet another international border crossing for the already stressed travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line is being very generous, however. Even though the protocol is for guests to be responsible for all expenses to rejoin the ship, the cruise line is planning reimbursement for what will hopefully be the last segment of travel for the passengers to reboard the 92,250-gross-ton Norwegian Dawn.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal,” Norwegian Cruise Line said.

Satellite tracking data confirms that Norwegian Dawn has been able to successfully visit Dakar, but there is no update as to whether or not the eight travelers have been able to reboard the ship. The cruise line has authorized them to do so, but not all guests are convinced they want to continue their cruise.

“After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly,” said Jill Campbell, one of the American guests involved in the ordeal.

UPDATE: Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that all eight passengers were able to successfully rejoin Norwegian Dawn in Dakar, Senegal.

“I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and the well-being of the customers should be their first priority, and that should be placed first,” she said. “We believe there was a basic duty of care that they’ve forgotten about so it does concern us.”

This presents a slippery slope, however, if cruise lines were to be anything but “rigid” with their policies. For example, how long should a ship wait for late guests to return in a port of call? What about travelers who may miss that later deadline by just a few more minutes?

Furthermore, the “safety and the well-being” of guests is always top priority, but cruise lines do need to consider the hundreds or thousands of guests already onboard a vessel ready to depart when compared to a few who were unable to abide by the all aboard time. A departure delay might create greater navigational difficulties with tides, currents, and weather that could impact the entire ship.