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Construction Milestone and Name Announced for New Disney Ship

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 20, 2024

Construction Milestone and Name Announced for New Disney Ship

Disney Cruise Line has revealed the name of the third Wish-class ship on the same momentous day that the keel has been laid for the new vessel, planned for delivery in 2025.

The new ship will have a “Heroes and Villains” theme and will be named Disney Destiny, bringing amazing Disney imagineering to every guest and making all travelers the superheroes of their own cruise vacations.

Disney Destiny Announced and Construction Begins

The cruise line announced on March 20, 2024, that the newest Disney ship and what will be the third ship in the updated Wish class—sister ship to Disney Wish and the upcoming Disney Treasure—will be known as Disney Destiny.

This is the same day that the keel has been laid for the vessel, now officially under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship is projected to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2025, though her deployment and itineraries have not yet been announced.

Ceremonial coins have been laid under the keel in a time-honored maritime tradition, with the hopes of bringing good fortune to the vessel’s construction. Portfolio Project Management Executive Philip Gennotte and Project Management Executive Mike Davie from Walt Disney Imagineering Germany laid the newly minted coins.

More Details Revealed

In addition to announcing the name of the new ship, Disney Cruise Line has also revealed that “Hero Minnie” will adorn the bow in the ship’s filigree detail. The classic character is posed in a valiant superhero stance, ready to take on the world with Disney Destiny, and is wearing a new superhero outfit complete with monogram, cape, and gloves.

This complements the ship’s overall design theme of “Heroes and Villains” and sets the tone for an adventurous ship filled with the legends and lore of decades of the company’s most popular heroes and most lovable, love-to-hate villains.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line.

Inspired by the dynamic duality of both classic and modern Disney tales, heroes and villains will be found throughout the vessel in artwork, venues, activities, entertainment, and more. Such popular Disney stories as “The Lion King,” “Hercules,” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” will all be present on Disney Destiny.

Undoubtedly, the ship’s spaces will also include popular Marvel characters and other superheroes found throughout the company’s large body of work, such as the ever-popular Incredibles family.

More Expansion for Disney Cruise Line

After a 10-year gap in new cruise ship construction, Disney Cruise Line began expanding in 2022 with the launch of the amazingly popular, 144,000-gross-ton Disney Wish, the largest ship in their fleet, and the next few years will see amazing growth for the cruise line.

“As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising as we offer even more ways for families to experience Disney magic and world-class service at sea,” said Siskie.

Up next will be Disney Treasure, slated to debut in December 2024 and homeported from Port Canaveral, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Disney Adventure – the former Global Dream cruise ship – is scheduled to debut in spring 2025 and at 208,000 gross tons will be the largest ship in the fleet. She will homeport from Singapore, offering magical Disney cruise vacations in an entirely new region.

Finally, Disney Destiny will join the fleet in 2025, though exact dates have not yet been confirmed. It is possible the ship will be delivered in late 2025 but may not welcome guests until early 2026, depending on her construction timeline and any potential delays in the next year.

Ultimately, however, it will be the ship’s destiny to bring outstanding cruise vacations and Disney oceangoing magic to eager travelers, no matter where the ship may sail.

Royal Caribbean Cancels at Least Another Month of Labadee Visits

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 20, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Cancels at Least Another Month of Labadee Visits

Royal Caribbean International has begun reaching out to guests booked on further upcoming visits to their private destination in Haiti – Labadee – to inform them that their itineraries have changed and the port of call has been removed.

This is in addition to recent cancellations of the port that were being evaluated on an individual basis, and now appears to affect sailings at least for the next month.

Labadee Visits Continue to Be Cancelled

With tensions in Haiti not appearing to ease in the near future, Royal Caribbean International is making the bold move to preemptively cancel calls to its private destination of Labadee at least a month in advance.

This gives the cruise line ample time to arrange alternative ports of call as well as to notify impacted guests so they can adjust their travel plans if desired. While changing any itinerary on short notice is not ideal, the safety of guests and crew members is the top priority.

All ships sailing to Labadee – which is a popular port of call on nearly all of the cruise line’s Eastern Caribbean itineraries – are impacted. Depending on the ship, sailing date, and cruise route, a variety of alternatives are being confirmed.

It should be noted that these itinerary changes are being made “in an abundance of caution” and not because of any direct violence reported in Labadee.

Royal Caribbean Ship in Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

It is always the cruise line’s goal to keep everyone safe as well as to offer fulfilling port experiences. With the “evolving situation” in Haiti, this is not possible in Labadee at the moment. Royal Caribbean had previously cancelled a wide range of shore excursions to keep guests closer to the port area, and such a visit does not offer much for visitors to choose from.

Various Alternatives Offered

Instead of Labadee, Royal Caribbean is arranging different options that will have minimal impact on guests’ cruise itineraries. These options vary for different ships and sailing dates, and must factor in port berth availability, sailing time, and other considerations.

Explorer of the Seas‘ 5-night cruise from Miami departing on March 31, for example, will now call at Grand Cayman in lieu of Labadee, and will also enjoy a longer visits to Falmouth, Jamaica. Meanwhile the ship’s April 14 departure will also have extra time in Jamaica but will be visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay rather than Labadee.

Likewise, Independence of the Seas‘ April 4 departure from Miami – which was only supposed to visit Labadee, with no other ports of call – will now visit Grand Turk, while the rest of the time at sea is not affected.

Pier at Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: kanndibimbam)

Odyssey of the Seas‘ March 24 departure from Fort Lauderdale will now visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic – 110 miles (178 kilometers) east of Labadee, across a heavily guarded international border between the countries. At this time, no cruise lines are adjusting visits to the Dominican Republic, as the border is secure and those destinations are not impacted.

Where alternative ports are not feasible, particularly on longer sailings that may already include CocoCay and other nearby ports, the cruise may instead substitute a day at sea or a second day at CocoCay. This is the case for Oasis of the Seas‘ March 31 departure from Miami, a 7-night cruise that is already visiting Nassau, CocoCay, and Jamaica. The ship will now enjoy two full days at CocoCay.

Regardless of the alternatives, all pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore tours booked for Labadee will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts. These credits will be fully refundable and returned to the card on file if there is any amount remaining after the cruise.

Undoubtedly Royal Caribbean will be closely monitoring the situation and will reinstate visits to Labadee as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so. Any travelers with port visits to Labadee in the coming months will want to stay in touch with the cruise line for updates affecting their sailing, and remain flexible with their travel plans and expectations.

Familiar Face Confirmed Aboard Upcoming Carnival Ship

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 19, 2024

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Familiar Face Confirmed Aboard Upcoming Carnival Ship

Carnival Cruise Line has released the first photos of the ongoing refurbishment of Costa Firenze into the upcoming Carnival Firenze, and a familiar face has appeared!

The replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David has been installed on the ship, ready to welcome guests with an authentic touch of Italian art and culture as they enjoy the ship.

Famous Statue Onboard Carnival Firenze

Costa Firenze is currently in Cadiz, Spain undergoing her extensive renovation that will transform the ship into Carnival Firenze. Now, just days after the ship’s registry was changed to Panama in a step that brings her closer to her Carnival debut, a familiar statue and piece of Carnival history has appeared onboard.

The famous replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David—a pivotal piece of Italian Renaissance sculpture—is now aboard Carnival Firenze and showcased in the ship’s Michelangelo Restaurant.

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald had previously hinted at the statue’s planned reappearance aboard Carnival Firenze when sharing photos of President Christine Duffy aboard Costa Firenze over the holidays.

“Now, take a look at the photo and the Christmas Tree because when the ship becomes Carnival Firenze there will be something else standing where that tree is now. It’s an old friend from another ship. Can you guess what it is that will have pride of place there?” he said.

It is particularly appropriate for the statue to have a place of honor aboard Carnival Firenze, as the ship’s namesake city – Florence, Italy – is the home of the original 17-foot marble masterpiece, which can be seen at the Academia Gallery.

David’s Former Home

The occasionally controversial statue was a focal point aboard Carnival Pride for nearly 20 years, showcased in the ship’s specialty steakhouse, David’s. In May 2023, however, Carnival Pride underwent a dry dock renovation that included rebranding the steakhouse, and the statue was removed at that time.

Now, the near-replica will be a great meeting spot for guests onboard Carnival Firenze when she debuts from April 25, 2024 for the first of two inaugural sailings to celebrate her addition to the fleet.

Carnival Pride Cruise Ship — Carnival pride Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mario Hagen / Shutterstock)

Cruise guests familiar with Renaissance sculptures will note that the cruise ship replica statue isn’t quite the same as the original, and sports a delicately positioned fig leaf to keep the anatomically-correct statue family-friendly. This type of addition is commonly made to Renaissance artwork when different cultural mores shift.

More to Come Onboard Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze will bring more than just a statue for guests to enjoy with each sailing. The 135,156-gross-ton, Vista-class ship will feature top Carnival favorites, including the adults-only Serenity Retreat, the Cloud 9 Spa, the exciting SportSquare, a top-of-the-line casino, and delicious dining such as Bonsai Teppanyaki, Pizzeria del Capitano, and the Seafood Shack.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the ship’s unique Italian-inspired architecture and themed artwork, along with exclusive options such as Amari, Frizzante, and Rococo for Italian-inspired cocktails.

Carnival Firenze will be homeported year-round from Long Beach, California, offering a selection of 4-, 5-, and 7-night Mexican Riviera and Baja Mexico itineraries. Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, the ship will visit vibrant and lively ports of call such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Catalina Island.

More details about Carnival Firenze are sure to be released in the weeks leading up to the ship’s debut, including milestones of her renovation, a special naming ceremony to celebrate her rebranding, and more.

Virgin Voyages Announces the Return of Onboard Festival

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 19, 2024

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Virgin Voyages Announces the Return of Onboard Festival

Virgin Voyages is relaunching its celebrated Eat & Drink Festival this July, introducing first-ever experiences alongside returning favorites for a month of culinary exploration.

Culinary Exploration at Sea

Relaunching its passenger-favorite Eat & Drink Festival across its fleet, Virgin Voyages will offer a series of unique, month-long onboard activations designed to celebrate the culinary arts and cocktail crafting. Taking place in July 2024, the festival will introduce several first-at-sea experiences, such as the fleetwide Asian Night Market, where guests can explore the vibrant flavors of Eastern street food.

Additionally, in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Matt Lambert, a new six-course menu will debut across each ship’s Test Kitchen, Virgin’s unique dining concept that is designed as part cooking school and part restaurant.

Popular events like the Seven Seas Sippers, a cocktail ship-wide treasure hunt, are also making a comeback across the fleet.

Charles Steadman, director of Food & Beverage Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages, said, “This year’s Eat & Drink Festival is a celebration of epic innovation, creativity, and passion for exceptional gastronomic experiences.”

With more than 20 special activations planned, including wine pairings, hidden speakeasy pop-ups, spirited dinner series, culinary demos, and dedicated food and drink happenings aboard each ship, Steadman claims the event will be “the most immersive F&B experiences for our Sailors.”

A Festival of Firsts and Favorites on Virgin Ships

The Eat & Drink Festival’s extensive lineup includes the fleetwide “Shhh…” where Sailors can enjoy an immersive, phone-free experience. This event will feature top bartenders from cities like Miami, Barcelona, and Athens who turn the pop-up experience into an intimate cocktail space.

At Virgin Voyages signature eateries, guests will be treated to “Amuse Bouche,” featuring inventive small bites prepared by the chefs in Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Collective. Meanwhile, the “Spirited Dinner Series” at The Wake, the fleet’s signature aft-located steakhouse, will feature a four-course meal crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. The latter’s exclusive dining event will also feature a pairing of fine spirits, beers, or wines.

Outside the dining rooms, passengers will find the “Afternoon Tea Cocktail Extravaganza” at Sip, combining traditional British tea with innovative mixology. This fleetwide offering includes tea-infused cocktails and a whiskey and chocolate pairing.

Chocolate will also feature in the “Let’s Get Choco-Lit” event, which will take place on Scarlet Lady. Catering to chocolate lovers, the event will offer a culinary demo focused on the art of making chocolate pralines and Rocher treats.

Additionally, passengers will find the “Meat & Cheese, If Your Please” culinary demo on board Valiant Lady, which teaches how to make the perfect charcuterie board, and the “Acai What You Did There,” which will promote customizable acai bowls aboard Resilient Lady.

For drink enthusiasts, Virgin Voyages will offer a number of special programs around wines and cocktails. The “Master the Art of Wine” sessions, for example, will delve into the nuances of white, red, or rose wine, varying by ship. At the same time, “Shot for Shot,” only on Resilient Lady, will provide a blend of cocktail crafting and photography skills.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EQRoy)

Besides the special offerings, Virgin Voyages’ fleet features five signature restaurants, including Razzle Dazzle for casual dining, breakfast, boozy brunch, and dinner; Pink Agave for shareable Mexican cuisine; Gunbae for a lively Korean BBQ experience; and Extra Virgin, which offers homemade Italian fare.

For casual bites, passengers will find Lick Me Till… Ice Cream; Mediterranean-inspired bites at The Dock; from-scratch personal pizzas at The Pizza Place; fun, carnival fare at The Social Club; and a food court dining concept called The Galley, with create-your-own salads, a pastry shop, bakery, burger grill, panini shop, taco shack, and 24-hour American-style diner.

Passengers who book now will receive up to a $200 Bar Tab to be used on specialty drinks, Seven Seas Sippers, and “Shake for Champagne,” Virgin Voyages unique app tool that allows users to receive a glass of Moet & Chandon anywhere on board with just a shake of the phone.

Norwegian Ship Itinerary Impacted Due to Worsening Conditions

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 19, 2024

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Norwegian Ship Itinerary Impacted Due to Worsening Conditions

Lately, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing aboard Norwegian Getaway. After getting a late start to a cruise to Bermuda on Sunday, March 17, 2024, the Breakaway-class vessel had to make a last-minute itinerary change due to stormy conditions.

Norwegian Getaway Will Miss First Day In Bermuda

Despite embarking on St. Patrick’s Day, Norwegian Getaway’s 7-night Bermuda sailing has been experiencing a lot of bad luck.

First, embarkation from New York City was delayed by several hours due to a mechanical issue on the previous sailing. Now, only one day into the cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the ship’s itinerary had been altered due to bad weather.

The itinerary originally included four days in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the largest cruise port in Bermuda, beginning on March 19. Instead, cruise guests will be spending an extra day at sea and will arrive in the port on March 20 at approximately 8 a.m. local time.

According to local weather reports, the region is predicted to experience thunderstorms and up to 36 mph winds on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, when the 145,655-gross ton vessel was originally due to arrive in the port. While large cruise ships can handle high winds and rough seas with little issue at sea, the windy conditions make docking in the cruise port dangerous.

“Due to worsening weather conditions forecasted in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, on March 19, 2024, preventing us from entering the port safely, our call has been delayed,” read a letter from Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Bermuda cruise port can host up to two ships at one time between two piers. Norwegian Getaway is meant to dock at King’s Wharf, while Oceania Cruises’ Vista is scheduled to be nearby at Heritage Wharf from March 19 to March 20. However, Oceania has not announced any weather-related itinerary changes of its own as of the time of publication.

Norwegian Getaway Cruise (Photo Copyright: Wojciech Wrzesien)

In an effort to make up for the lost time, Norwegian Cruise Line delayed the ship’s scheduled departure time from 7 a.m. on March 22 to 2 p.m. to give guests more time to explore the port on the backend.

“In an effort to provide you with the best experience possible, despite the weather conditions that are outside of our control, we are happy to share that we have extended our call to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, on March 22, 2024. We will now depart at 2 p.m. local time; affording you an additional seven hours to explore all this fascinating destination has to offer,” continued the letter.

In an acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused by the multiple delays, cruise guests onboard the 3,963-passenger vessel will also receive a $100 credit per stateroom to use during the remainder of their sailing.

Norwegian Getaway Plagued By Technical Difficulties

Cruise lines work hard to keep their ships in good condition. But even with the best maintenance, things can still go wrong.

Prior to Norwegian Getaway’s current sailing to Bermuda, the almost 10-year-old ship experienced technical difficulties on a 10-night Bermuda and Caribbean itinerary that was also out of New York. The cruise embarked on Thursday, March 7, and concluded in New York on March 17 – albeit several hours later than planned.

Norwegian Getaway Departing New York (Photo Copyright: Mariusz Lopusiewicz)

The vessel, which joined Norwegian’s fleet of 20 ships in 2014, experienced a maintenance issue that impacted her speed. This caused the ship to arrive in New York about 4 hours later than expected, which also resulted in a delayed departure for her current Bermuda cruise.

It’s unclear what exactly went wrong with the 1,600-crew vessel, but the cruise line clarified that it’s not related to the ship’s navigation, safety systems, or maneuvering. No further announcements have been made about the technical hiccup, but it can likely be assumed that the issue has been addressed by the ship’s skilled engineers.

As of now, Norwegian Getaway’s next sailing, which is another 7-night Bermuda cruise sailing to and from New York beginning on March 24, has not been impacted by the technical or weather delays. This sailing will also include a 4-day port call to King’s Wharf in Bermuda.

Celebrity Cruises Ship Gets Updated Venues and New Suites

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2024

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Celebrity Cruises Ship Gets Updated Venues and New Suites

Celebrity Infinity has returned from refurbishment with new upgrades in the ultimate luxury, perfect for pampering guests as the vessel heads around Europe with top Mediterranean and Greek itineraries in the months to come.

The ship spent more than two weeks in January in dry dock, with upgrades to her public areas and top luxury features that guests will love.

Updated Luxury on Celebrity Infinity

Just in time for exploring Europe in style, Celebrity Infinity is fresh from her January dry dock that not only refreshed public areas and did general maintenance, but also upgraded and enhanced her luxury areas. This includes the Retreat Lounge and other exclusive areas as well as adding more suites onboard.

“We strive to exceed guest expectations – from elevated service onboard and thoughtful amenities through to interior spaces designed to make guests feel at home in their surroundings,” said Keith Lane, Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President Hotel Operations.

“The enhancements to Celebrity Infinity, particularly the transformation of The Retreat Lounge, epitomizes our commitment to providing an unmatched experience for our guests, ensuring that every journey with Celebrity Cruises is memorable.”

Of special note is that the exclusive Luminae restaurant for guests of The Retreat has been expanded, offering more space to accommodate travelers with the most sumptuous of meals. Signature dishes are curated by Chef Daniel Boulud, ensuring exquisite tastes on the modern eclectic menu.

The Retreat Lounge on Celebrity Infinity

Read Also: Who Owns Celebrity Cruises?

In addition to the attention paid to the ship’s luxury areas, all public areas have been refreshed with new carpeting and wall coverings, new furniture, updated lighting, refreshed decking, and new whirlpools. These type of dry dock updates also include a variety of behind-the-scenes technical updates to ensure the ship’s most efficient operation.

New Suites Added

To offer even more luxury to discerning travelers, the ship’s aft Ultra Deluxe or Family Veranda staterooms have been converted to Sunset Suites, offering extra-large private balconies for phenomenal sunset views. These exclusive views will be especially sought after for the ship’s European itineraries, where sweeping vistas offer unending looks at local culture and history.

Guests staying in the new Sunset Suites will also enjoy the exclusive amenities of The Retreat, such as dedicated butler service, access to The Retreat Lounge, and dining in Luminae if they prefer.

Now Sailing in Europe

Celebrity Infinity is already back in service and welcoming travelers after her refreshment. The 91,000-gross-ton vessel can host 2,170 passengers per sailing at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 1,000 international crew members.

The ship is currently homeported from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offering a range of Greece itineraries including ports of call not only around the Greek Islands but also in Turkey and Cyprus. Santorini, Mykonos, Hydra, Kusadasi, and Rhodes are just a few of the amazing ports on offer, depending on itinerary length and sailing date.

Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: RoxTravels / Shutterstock

When originally scheduled, Celebrity Infinity‘s summer cruises were to have included port visits in Israel and Egypt as well, but the itineraries have been altered due to ongoing tensions in the Red Sea.

Celebrity Infinity will move to Barcelona in early November, offering a short series of 12-night roundtrip cruises to the Canary Islands, with visits to Morocco on each itinerary.

The ship will then return to Piraeus (Athens) in early February 2025, with more Greek Island options for guests eager to explore the rich and diverse Aegean region.

One of the oldest ships in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, Celebrity Infinity first debuted in March 2001. Still sailing strong after her recent refurbishment, the ship offers unparalleled luxury with the intimacy of a smaller vessel, the perfect way to sail the Greek Isles and a wonderful option for discerning travelers.

First International Cruise Line Resumes Sailings From Mainland China

MSC Cruises News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 18, 2024

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First International Cruise Line Resumes Sailings From Mainland China

MSC Cruises becomes the first international cruise line to return its ships to mainland China and begin home port operations since the pandemic as MSC Bellissima arrives in Shanghai for her maiden call.

A Historic Return to China

MSC Cruises has achieved a significant milestone by being the first international cruise line to resume operations from a mainland China home port since the global pause in cruise operations due to the pandemic.

With MSC Bellissima set to home port in Shanghai, a special onboard event was held on March 18, 2024, attended by government officials, travel agents, media, and partners. The event celebrated the ship’s maiden call and MSC Cruises’ return to the Chinese market.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said of the event, “MSC Bellissima’s maiden call in Shanghai reaffirms our commitment to a market that continues to play an important strategic role for us.

“We are fulfilling our commitment to bring to the region a modern Asian flagship and we are dedicated to further invest in China and benefit the local economy. We want to push high-quality development of the cruise industry in the region, promote the cultural tourism industry and related home port markets.”

The inauguration was commemorated with exclusive culinary creations by world-renowned Chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea, of MSC Cruises’ Da Vittorio. Entertainment across the ship and a spectacular drone show were also part of the festivities.

MSC Bellissima Leads the Fleet

Serving as the flagship for MSC Cruises’ operations in Asia, the Meraviglia-class MSC Bellissima will home port in Shanghai, Keelung, and Shenzhen throughout the summer of 2024.

The ship’s first scheduled departure will be a 5-night Asia voyage on April 24, 2024, calling on Kagoshima, Kochi, and Yokohama, Japan, in late April.

MSC Bellissima Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Additional 2024 itineraries will see MSC Bellissima visit Cheju and Busan, South Korea; Ishigaki, Osaka, Miyakojima, and Naha, Japan; and Keelung, Taiwan. The 171,598-gross-ton MSC Bellissima will return to Shanghai in January 2025. It can hold 5,665 passengers and 1,595 crew members.

MSC Cruises also announced during the Shanghai event that MSC Splendida would be arriving for its winter 2024-2025 season. Home porting in Shenzhen and Xiamen, the addition makes MSC Cruises the only international cruise line to deploy two ships in China.

Currently sailing in South Africa, MSC Splendida will enjoy summer and fall in the Mediterranean before transitioning to Asia.

Expanding Competition in China’s Cruise Market

Although the first to home port in China, MSC Cruises will not be the only international cruise line returning following the pandemic. Royal Caribbean International will arrive in late April with its Quantum-Ultra-class Spectrum of the Seas.

Spectrum of the Seas will also operate out of Shanghai to visit Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nagasaki, Osaka, and Tokyo, Japan, on 4- and 5-night voyages, beginning April 27, 2024.

Major cruise lines have also included Hong Kong on their itineraries, with 138 ships calling on the island location in 2023. Prior to the pandemic, Hong Kong witnessed 218 cruise ships calling in 2019. Its 2023 numbers represent 75% of annual pre-pandemic levels, showing a steady rebound.

Carnival Cruise Line also welcomed Adora Magic City in Shanghai earlier this year. The first cruise ship ever built entirely in China, Adora Magic City was built specifically for the Chinese market and does not sail internationally.

MSC Details Naming for New Ship at World’s Largest Cruise Terminal

MSC Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 18, 2024

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MSC Details Naming for New Ship at World’s Largest Cruise Terminal

MSC Cruises has announced plans to welcome their newest ship, the upcoming MSC World America, into the fleet next spring with a naming ceremony at what will be the largest cruise terminal in the world.

This will demonstrate and solidify the cruise line’s commitment to the North American market in a large and spectacular way, bringing MSC Cruises to eager travelers from the Cruise Capital of the World – PortMiami.

MSC World America Naming Announced

More than a year before she is scheduled to enter service with MSC Cruises, the naming ceremony for MSC World America – sister ship to MSC World Europa and second in the cruise line’s World-class of vessels – has been announced.

The ship will be officially christened in grand style on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at a ceremony at MSC Cruises’ new, state-of-the-art terminal at PortMiami, which will be the world’s largest. This connection will demonstrate the company’s commitment to the North American market and the new experiences that MSC Cruises brings to US cruisers.

“There is no better place to welcome MSC World America than the cruise capital of the world. We look forward to seeing her sail out of our new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal built in partnership with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA.

At the moment, MSC World America is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, and she will be homeported from Miami when she debuts in 2025.

“As we build upon our offering in the North American market and help attract more international guests to the Caribbean, we are excited to bring our newest and most remarkable ship yet to Miami,” said Rodríguez. “We eagerly await April 2025, when we can welcome guests on board to experience the world of choice that our new flagship has to offer.”

Few details of the ceremony have yet been confirmed, though the event will include many traditional elements such as breaking a champagne bottle over the ship’s hull as a time-honored way to welcome her to the fleet and wish good fortune to all who sail on her.

MSC Cruises has also revealed that the event will include a variety of immersive onboard events to highlight the ship’s features. Undoubtedly, this will include live music, VIP speeches, production show previews, and more.

The naming ceremony will be followed by a short sailing with an extended call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the cruise line’s private island destination and nature sanctuary in The Bahamas. At this time, that sailing is not available for booking and it will likely be open to VIPs, media members, and travel agents, as is a common practice in the travel industry.

New Ship to Homeport From Miami

MSC World America will set sail on her maiden voyage from Miami on April 12, 2025. That first cruise is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that will visit the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

The 215,863-gross-ton ship will offer alternating Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruises. The Western Caribbean itineraries will visit Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, along with MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

The ship will be sailing from MSC Cruises’ new terminal for a wholly immersive experience for guests, with the cruise line’s signature European-style service from start to finish.

“We are thrilled to welcome MSC World America to PortMiami. I also want to commend MSC Cruises for their investments in our community,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County. “Their new terminal has created many jobs for our residents and positively impacted our local economy. We look forward to a successful partnership and continued growth at the Cruise Capital of the World.”

Once completed, the new cruise terminal will be the world’s largest cruise terminal – actually a pair of terminals that can operate simultaneously for two ships – with the capability of managing up to 36,000 passengers per day.

At the same time, MSC Cruises is also planning a $100 million (USD) new headquarters in downtown Miami, which highlights the cruise line’s commitment to growth in the US market.

New MSC World America Details

Powered by liquefied natural gas, MSC World America will be one of the most energy-efficient ships in the world when she debuts next year. Not only are her engines more efficient, but she will also feature above-industry-standard facilities to manage wastewater and to reduce overall waste onboard.

While the ship’s environmental standards are impressive, guests will be even more impressed by all the vessel has to offer, including 20 bars and lounges along with 13 restaurants, all specifically designed with American comfort and preferences in mind.

The ship’s indoor World Galleria will feature a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling, while the outdoor World Esplanade combines unparalleled ocean views with LED light shows. Passengers will also be able to enjoy an expansive water park, six onboard pools, 14 hot tubs, dedicated Kids Clubs, and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, along with much, much more.

Entertainer Sues Cruise Line Over Passenger Action On Stage

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 17, 2024

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Entertainer Sues Cruise Line Over Passenger Action On Stage

A year after a passenger tackled an entertainer onstage aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, the entertainer is now suing the cruise line and Royal Caribbean Group for damages.

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court, Southern District of Florida on December 19, 2023, and is progressing toward a court date.

Magician Files Suit Against Royal Caribbean

Well-known Australian magician Ben Murphy has filed suit against Royal Caribbean Group, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. and the assailant who tackled him during a performance on March 1, 2023, during a 5-night cruise out of Brisbane, Australia.

The incident happened during one of Murphy’s onboard performances, approximately halfway through the interactive magic show. Murphy regularly invites audience members on stage to participate in his tricks and illusions, and a female passenger was onstage with him at the time.

Now, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. (LM&W) has filed a lawsuit for its client (Ben Murphy) seeking damages in excess of $75,000 (USD), not including legal costs and interest. The lawsuit includes a demand for a jury trial. The case has been assigned to Judge Jonathan Goodman and is now being processed via affidavits, discovery, and other appropriate legal processes.

Murphy’s attorney alleges that the magician suffered bruises and blurry vision as a result of the incident onboard Quantum of the Seas, which included hitting his head on the stage floor. This lawsuit is intended to be compensation for those injuries and other effects of the incident.

What Happened During the Show?

Murphy—well known for his “Interactive Comedy Experience Shows”—was a guest entertainer aboard Quantum of the Seas during the five-night cruise that departed Brisbane, Australia, on February 26, 2023. As is customary for cruise ship entertainers, Murphy had several performances scheduled during the sailing, each time bringing new tricks to the audience.

During one of his March 1 shows, a female guest was sitting on the edge of the stage to perform a card trick with Murphy when another male passenger – who was not invited on stage – quickly approached the stage and pushed Murphy. The woman tried to stay between them, but the man walked away after a couple of seconds, his body language indicating he was upset or angry.

The incident happened in the Royal Theater, the ship’s main show lounge, in front of hundreds of passengers enjoying the evening’s entertainment. Video footage was captured of the incident, and at the time, Murphy shared the footage on his social media accounts.

“Entertainment, comedy, and magic are NOT contact sports,” he said.

It is not clear whether the two passengers—the woman who volunteered to participate in the show and the man who physically pushed Murphy—knew one another or were traveling together.

Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Mohd Syis Zulkipli / Shutterstock.com

Though the incident was startling for everyone attending the show, Murphy continued the performance and also offered multiple performances later in the sailing. He has since continued performing in a variety of venues, including both public and private functions. It is not known whether Murphy has since performed aboard any other Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The cruise line did not comment on the incident at the time, and multiple guests onboard the sailing noted that the man who caused the incident was able to continue enjoying the cruise until it returned to Brisbane on March 3.

“This guest should not have been allowed to enjoy the rest of his cruise,” Murphy commented at the time.

The incident is a clear violation of Royal Caribbean International’s Guest Conduct Policy, which clearly states that guests may not engage in “uninvited physical contact” with any crew member. Nor is “discourteous or disruptive” behavior permitted, and interrupting and shoving an entertainer certainly would be seen as uninvited, discourteous, and disruptive.