Blog Page 410

Carnival Cruise Line Warns Cruise Passengers to Behave

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Carnival Cruise Line Warns Cruise Passengers to Behave

Carnival Cruise Line has proactively sent out a comprehensive letter to its passengers outlining a stringent code of conduct for the spring break season.

Conduct Guidelines Issued to Passengers

In a comprehensive, two-page letter to passengers scheduled to sail on a Carnival cruise in March and April, Carnival Cruise Line emphasized respectful and considerate behavior for the upcoming Spring Break season, essentially reminding passengers to behave or face consequences

“We want you to have a fun vacation but please remember a cruise ship is a shared space,” the letter from Colleen Oliverio, Carnival Cruise Line’s VP Guest – Services, began.

“Our experience has taught us that everyone has a better time when children are supervised, noise in the hallways is kept to a minimum, guests follow queues, and that a spirit of community and neighborliness is shown by all.”

The letter instructed passengers to acknowledge Carnival’s Code of Conduct during the check-in process and to become familiar with the guidelines before embarking on a voyage.

“If you are sailing as a group or family, please make sure you have a conversation so that everyone understands how they can support the shipboard leaders in creating a fun and safe environment,” continued Oliverio.

This isn’t the first time Carnival has sent a warning, having sent a similar letter to passengers in 2023, ahead of the Spring Break season.

Strict Policies on Board

The directive detailed specific conduct requirements passengers, including the banning of all speakers and radios to prevent interference with essential public announcements. Any speakers, including Bluetooth, wireless and portable, brought aboard during a cruise will be confiscated.

Worth Reading: Carnival Issues Unusual Advisory for Popular Mexican Port

“Public announcements must be heard by all guests and crew,” Oliverio wrote of the ban.

Passengers will also not be able to reserve sun loungers or seats using towels or other personal belongings. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, Carnival staff will remove unattended towels and belongings “if it is clear that guests are not actively using the pool or surrounding area.”

Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

Addressing concerns commonly associated with Spring Break festivities, Carnival underlined policies on alcohol, beverages, tobacco, and marijuana.

No hard liquor or beer is permitted to be brought aboard, and guests may only bring a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans or cartons of 12-ounces (354 ml) each or less of non-alcoholic beverages.

Passengers 21 years of age or older could also bring one bottle (750 ml) of wine or champagne. Violations of the beverage policy will result in confiscation without compensation to the passenger.

Read Also: What If You Get Caught Sneaking Alcohol on a Cruise?

Carnival also called to attention that smoking in undesignated areas, including staterooms and balconies, is prohibited. Anyone throwing butts and other items overboard will be charged a $500 fine per violation.

Although some U.S. states have legalized marijuana, cruise lines are required to follow U.S. federal law, which states marijuana is illegal. Carnival advised passengers not to bring marijuana onboard, and not to purchase items while at port.

Spring Break in the United States typically occurs between early March and mid-April, with varying dates across regions and educational institutions. Colleges and universities often schedule their spring breaks earlier in March, while schools for younger students may have theirs later in March or in early April.

Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Spring breakers tend to flock to destinations that offer a mix of beach relaxation, cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife, making cruises an ideal choice for a getaway.

Carnival’s March and April cruise itineraries that are popular for spring breakers include its 3- to 7-day voyages to the Caribbean from Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and Baltimore, as well as Bahamas’ cruises from Baltimore and Charleston, South Carolina.

More From Cruise Hive

Amidst Carnival’s advisory, popular spring break destinations are sending similar notices. In Florida, for example, Miami has instituted curfews, checkpoints, and patrols to manage the crowds; Volusia County, home to Daytona Beach, has warned of drug-related dangers; and Governor Ron DeSantis reminded visitors that Florida is a “law and order state.”

Cruise Line Opens New Pacific Voyages, Details Very Rare Itinerary

Donna Tunney
-
0
Cruise Line Opens New Pacific Voyages, Details Very Rare Itinerary

Holland America Line has opened for booking dozens of 2025-26 voyages along the US, Mexican, and Canadian west coasts, including an intriguing new rare itinerary exploring the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia.

The roster of sailings also features several one-night getaways, perfect for newbie cruisers who want to see what life is like aboard a cruise ship.

New Itinerary Features Wildlife Sanctuary in Canada

A wide range of Pacific Coast voyages aboard five Holland America Line ships from August 2025 to May 2026 are now open for sale, offering itinerary lengths of just one day up to 29 days.

Of particular note is a new rare 7-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary, where guests can experience the culture and wildlife found in the 21 million-acre temperate forest and nature preserve along the north and central coast of British Columbia.

The rare cruise will operate twice aboard Noordam, a Vista-class ship that entered service in 2005. With capacity for 1,916 guests in double occupancy, the ship sails roundtrip from Seattle, calling at Ketchikan, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Victoria, British Columbia, combining the Inside Passage with an in-depth tour of the British Columbia coast.

Scenic cruising, with opportunities to spot wildlife from the ship, will feature the Greenville Channel, Johnstone Strait, and Seymour Narrows — all on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest, which is home to black bear, grizzly bear, cougar, wolf, and the rare white bear, also call the spirit bear. Marine life in the cruising grounds includes whales and seals.

“This is the true Inside Passage, the storied route between Seattle and Alaska that ships have been sailing since as far back as the gold rush era. It is a first for our company to plan a sailing focused on this fjord-like waterway that maximizes a daylight transit to allow best opportunities for wildlife sightings,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line.

Holland America Noordam
Holland America Noordam (Photo Credit: GTS Productions / Shutterstock)

Ten more itineraries along the Pacific Coast offer multiple departure port choices, such as San Diego, Seattle, and Vancouver. An unusual one-day cruise, between Seattle and Vancouver aboard the 2,100-guest Eurodam, is offered several times and can be an opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with cruising to give it a try.

At just $89 for an inside cabin on the May 2, 2025 departure, from Vancouver to Seattle, the trip is a good investment for curious travelers who want to try an at-sea getaway but do not wish to commit to several days or a week on a ship. The cruise fare rises to $119 for a balcony cabin.

Read Also: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska

Besides Eurodam and Noordam, other ships that will deploy to the North American and Mexican west coasts are Koningsdam, a Pinnacle-class ship that launched in 2015 and accommodates 2,650 guests; Nieuw Amsterdam, a Signature-class ship that debuted in 2009 and has capacity for 2,100 guests; and the Rotterdam-class Zaandam, which entered service in 1999 and carries 1,432 guests.

Plenty of Options to Visit Sun Destinations, Too

Cruisers looking for sun and fun can choose from a big selection of Mexican Riviera and California coast cruises aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. Seven- to 12-day voyages are either roundtrip from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver.

Holland America Line Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

California port calls are to feature Santa Barbara and San Francisco, along with Astoria, Oregon. Mexican Riviera cruises call at exotic ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Guaymas, Santa Rosalia, and Loreto.

“Our Mexico cruises are favorites among many guests due to the incredible weather and beautiful landscapes, with ports boasting on average 300 days of sunshine a year,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. 

The cruise line earlier this month opened its 2025-26 sailings to Hawaii and the Panama Canal, with five ships offering cruises from 15 to 22 nights.

All of the Pacific Coast and Mexico voyages are eligible for the line’s Have It All premium package, which covers shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, Surf Wi-Fi, and prepaid Crew Appreciation tips, among other items.

Disney Cruise Line Releases New Cruises and Firsts for Summer 2025

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Disney Cruise Line Releases New Cruises and Firsts for Summer 2025

Disney Cruise Line has released an amazing lineup of itineraries for summer 2025, including first-ever cruises to top destinations, from the Bahamas and the Caribbean to Alaska and Europe.

One special ship will sail in the Mediterranean for the first time, and favorite options will still set sail from Florida, giving Disney cruise fans plenty of options for unforgettable getaways.

Favorite Destinations for Summer 2025 Include First Season in Europe

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled outstanding itinerary options across the fleet for summer 2025, with a variety of stunning destinations that families will be thrilled to experience around the globe.

Most exciting is that Disney Fantasy will spend her first-ever summer season in Europe, offering sailings as short as 5 nights and as long as 12 nights to top ports of call, with both Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries on offer.

The 129,690-gross-ton vessel will offer departures from several European ports – Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Southampton. Depending on the departure date, the ship will offer varied itineraries, including one special 12-night Greek Isles itinerary that includes stops not only in Greece but also in Italy and Malta.

Later in the summer when sailing from Southampton, Disney Fantasy will be visiting top destinations in Spain, Norway, and the British Isles, offering diverse experiences for travelers to enjoy.

Disney Wonder Returning to Alaska

For travelers looking for a wonderful adventure in the Last Frontier, look no further than Disney Wonder, spending the 2025 summer season in Alaska. From May through September, the 84,130-gross-ton vessel will homeport from Vancouver, Canada, offering options for 5-, 7-, 8-, and 9-night itineraries.

Disney Cruise in Alaska
Disney Cruise in Alaska

Read Also: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska

This variety gives passengers more choices to suit their travel plans, while offering outstanding opportunities to visit top Alaskan ports of call such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Along the way, port adventures will give all ages the chance to get up close and personal with majestic glaciers or try their hands at authentic gold mining.

Tons of Tropical Getaways to Choose From

For Disney Cruise Line fans who prefer tropical destinations, the four remaining Disney ships will homeport from Florida in the summer of 2025 for Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

The oldest Disney ship, the 83,969-gross-ton Disney Magic will offer truly magical getaways from Port Canaveral for the first time since 2016, with 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas with stops at both Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

In July 2025, one special Disney Magic sailing is a 10-night Southern Caribbean journey that will go to both private destinations as well as Antigua, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Tortola, a phenomenal opportunity to explore these more unique islands with Disney’s unique flair.

Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Rescue
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Rescue (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

Disney Wish will continue homeporting from Port Canaveral as well, with 3- and 4-night sailings to Nassau and Castaway Cay, classic itineraries all cruise travelers love aboard the 144,000-gross-ton vessel.

Disney Dream will be sailing from Fort Lauderdale, giving departing guests an alternative south Florida homeport for greater travel flexibility. The 129,690-gross-ton ship will offer both 3- and 5-night itineraries, visiting one or both of the cruise line’s private islands along with stops in Nassau or Cozumel, depending on departure date.

First Summer Season for Disney Treasure

Of special note through summer 2025 is Disney Treasure, sister ship to Disney Wish. While the new vessel is not due to debut until December 2024, she is already planned to have her first summer sailing from Port Canaveral offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Each sailing of the new vessel will include at least two days at sea for travelers to enjoy all the new features and amenities of the highly anticipated sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Depending on the departure date and itinerary, the ship will be visiting Castaway Cay, Tortola, St. Thomas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

With so much on offer from the iconic cruise line, Disney cruise fans have plenty to choose from to make the most of their summer vacation plans in 2025.

Fast-Growing Texas Cruise Port Aims to Smooth Traffic Flow

Donna Tunney
-
0
Fast-Growing Texas Cruise Port Aims to Smooth Traffic Flow

The fast-growing Port of Galveston is taking steps to ease the flow of traffic to and from its busy cruise terminals, making it easier for cruisers to access the port, park their cars, and make their way to their terminal.

The port, now the fourth-busiest in the US in terms of cruise arrivals, has seen significant expansion in recent years and is building its fourth cruise terminal.

Will Expand ‘Best Practices’ to Older Terminals

While the glamour of cruising always gets the spotlight, the behind-the-scenes activity at major ports of call is a complicated piece of the industry most cruisers happily ignore. However, port officials continually look for ways to improve access, traffic flow, provision delivery, parking, and other key processes.

At Galveston Wharves, the location of three cruise terminals in the Texas Gulf Coast city, officials are set to expand use of the best practices at the newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 10, to its older terminals, 25 and 28.

In his most recent update message on March 13, 2024, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees pointed to several big changes the port will make to Terminals 25 and 28, and implement at Terminal 16, which is under construction and slated to open in late 2025.

First, the Cruise Terminal 10 complex, home to Royal Caribbean ships, was designed with on-site cruise parking, which cuts down on traffic on Harborside Drive, a busy, five-mile stretch of road that connects the port to Interstate 45.

Galveston Cruise Port
Galveston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: BUI LE MANH HUNG)

On-site parking enables cruisers to drop off their luggage then park nearby. That is not the case currently at Terminals 25 and 28, where mainly off-site lots are available. It means cruise guests make two trips along Harborside Drive, first to drop off luggage, and then again to drive to the parking lot, where they wait for a shuttle to return them to their terminal.

Under the new plan, the port will expand its park-and-walk Express lot, located adjacent to Terminals 25 and 28, allowing more guests to park on-site. The new Cruise Terminal 16 will have two on-site parking lots, one in a parking garage and another with surface parking.

A second change coming to the port addresses the problem of cars lining up to drop off luggage or wait to enter the parking lots for Terminals 25 and 28. At Cruise Terminal 10, multiple lanes are provided inside the complex for these purposes, preventing traffic back-ups on Harborside Drive. 

Going forward, more traffic lanes will be added on the access road to the two terminals, and a new traffic flow will be implemented.

Carnival Vista Cruise Ship in Galveston
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line

The port also will take aim at managing the presence of the provisioning trucks that deliver food and other supplies to cruise ships on turnaround days. The trucks, typically large tractor-trailer style, can hinder the traffic flow into the port.

One solution port authorities are considering for Terminals 25 and 28 is to direct the trucks to a more remote access road, where they would wait their turn to pull up to a terminal for unloading.

Big Profits, Rising Cruise Arrivals Boost Port

The Port of Galveston is growing rapidly, and in January 2024 posted the highest profits in its history, with net incoming soaring 55.4% over the previous year. The port welcomed 1.49 million cruise arrivals in 2023 and is on track to receive 1.6 million in 2024.

In 2023, the port, in partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines, made more than $50 million in improvements to Terminal 25 in preparation for homeporting the line’s new ship Carnival Jubilee.

Earlier this year, it reached an agreement with MSC Cruises to build Terminal 16, which will be the home port for MSC Seascape starting in November 2025. The 5,200-guest whip will be the first in the MSC Cruises’ fleet to be based in Texas.

Cruise Passengers Go Missing In British Virgin Islands

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Cruise Passengers Go Missing In British Virgin Islands

On March 10, 2024, crew members onboard Norwegian Sky sounded the alarm when three passengers didn’t come back after a day in Tortola. With no sign of the missing cruisers, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the Department of Immigration is seeking help from the public to locate them. 

Three Cruisers Disappear In Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Cruise ships are generally considered one of the safest forms of travel, and incidents of passengers or crew members going missing or falling overboard are rare. According to Maritime Injury Guide, only around 400 people have gone missing from cruise ships in the past two decades, which is quite low. 

However, three passengers who were sailing on Norwegian Sky went missing during a port call to Tortola on March 10, 2024. Their absence was noticed when they didn’t return to the ship at the end of the day. 

The missing passengers include two women and one man, named Jean Carlo Ospina Cano, Pamela Mesa Escobar, and Yesica Yojana Marin Ramirez. All three missing persons are citizens of Colombia, but it’s unclear how they are related or if they are traveling together. 

As of the time of publication, it’s also unknown if the three passengers missed the cruise ship on purpose or if something happened to them. Local authorities are asking anyone who may know their whereabouts to contact the Department of Immigration.

Missing Cruise Passengers
Missing Cruise Passengers

Generally, the British Virgin Islands are considered to be safe, especially during the daytime. According to the UK government, levels of crime are low, but there have been some incidents. This sentiment is echoed by the Government of Canada, who say the risk level of traveling to the British Virgin Islands is low. 

Norwegian Sky Moves On Without Missing Passengers 

When the missing guests didn’t return at the all aboard time, which was 2:15 p.m. local time, Norwegian Sky was forced to leave them behind – and it is actually quite common for cruise ships to leave tardy passengers behind. 

It’s typically the responsibility of the cruisers to make sure they return on time. Unless guests are taking part in an excursion booked through the cruise line, which cruise lines will wait for, most cruise lines will only wait about 15 minutes before leaving without delayed guests – and even then it’s at the discretion of the captain.

It may sound cruel, but cruise lines have a responsibility to the passengers who do return on time to continue on with the itinerary as planned. Additionally, the longer a ship stays in port, the more fees the cruise line incurs.

Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship
Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EQRoy)

In the case of Norwegian Sky, the 2,004-passenger ship needed to return to La Romana in the Dominican Republic, from where the Sun-class ship has been operating a series of cruises sailing to the Caribbean, Curacao, Aruba, and Barbados. 

Read Also: Social Media Helps Locate Missing Cruise Ship Passenger

The missing Colombian Nationals were onboard a 14-night sailing that also visited destinations like Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; Aruba, Netherlands Antilles; Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia Island; St. Johns, Antigua; St. Kitts and Nevis; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten; among others. The trio was meant to disembark with the rest of the passengers when the cruise concluded in La Romana on the following day, March 11, 2024. 

While the search continues locally, the 77,104-gross ton vessel has begun another, slightly shorter, Caribbean voyage, which also started on March 11. This 9-night sailing won’t call on Tortola, but will return to other destinations like Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia. 

Royal Caribbean Suspends All Visits to Labadee, Haiti

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Royal Caribbean Suspends All Visits to Labadee, Haiti

Royal Caribbean is notifying guests on current and upcoming sailings that the cruise line has suspended all calls to Labadee, Haiti due to continuing unrest in the Caribbean country.

This comes just a day after the cruise line started canceling planned tours at the destination to keep guests safe while visiting the private port of call.

Royal Caribbean Cancels All Calls to Haiti

Royal Caribbean International has begun reaching out to guests booked on sailings with visits to its private destination of Labadee, Haiti to notify them that the port will no longer be visited at this time. This follows a recent prison break during which approximately 4,000 inmates escaped from two prison facilities.

“Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we’re temporarily suspending our visits to Labadee for our entire fleet,” the email notifications read.

Safety is always the first priority aboard any cruise ship, whether for inclement weather, such as during hurricane season, due to global tensions, those impacting sailings in the Red Sea, or for crime or violence at a port of call, which is now impacting Labadee.

It should be noted that Labadee is on the nation’s north shore, 128 miles (206 kilometers) from where the prison breaks occurred. While this is approximately a 6.5-hour drive from the private cruise port, and the port area itself is secured with private barriers and additional security, concern has been growing among guests about the safety of visiting the port.

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

The last ship to visit Labadee at this time has been the 155,889-gross-ton, Freedom-class Liberty of the Seas, which enjoyed a call to the port on Wednesday, March 13.

Oasis of the Seas Among First Ships Impacted

The first ships to be affected by these port cancellations will be Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas, with Labadee visits scheduled on Thursday, March 14; Friday, March 15; and Sunday, March 17, respectively. Each of these cruises is already underway but will adjust en route.

All three vessels will now enjoy an extra day at sea instead of their visits to Labadee. Extra activities, games, and performances will be added to the daily activity schedules to be sure all guests have plenty of fun to enjoy onboard.

In addition, each ship is adding extra time to other ports of call where possible to give passengers extra time ashore to explore other destinations in safety. This can give guests time to take advantage of a longer shore tour or both morning and afternoon tours, or simply provides more time to enjoy local shopping, restaurants, and attractions.

Royal Caribbean's Labadee, Haiti
Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

Royal Caribbean does note that the suspension of visits to Labadee is intended to be temporary, and future sailings will continue to be evaluated in the days ahead of each visit to make the safest choice for passengers. Upcoming sailings aboard Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas have already had the port cancelled as well.

“We have suspended calls into Labadee, Haiti for the next 7 days and will continue suspension on a rolling basis with 3 days advance notification to our guests sailing on itineraries impacted and changed as we monitor and evaluate the situation,” explained Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

If guests had booked any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore tours for Labadee, full refunds for those excursions will be processed to travelers’ onboard accounts and may be used for onboard purchases, spa treatments, or tours in other ports of call. Any amount remaining at the end of the sailing will be returned to the card on file within 14 business days from debarkation.

Decision Follows Cancellations of Tours at Labadee

It is somewhat surprising that Royal Caribbean has made the decision to outright cancel complete visits to Labadee just one day after cancelling select shore tours at the destination.

While not all tours were cancelled, most options that had any potential to stray from the immediate vicinity of the port – such as jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, etc. – were cancelled. This would dramatically reduce the activity options available for guests and could have created some backlash about the lack of opportunities at the port, while raising questions about how safe a visit could be.

There have been no immediate reports of escalating violence close to Labadee, but in a situation as tense as the one in the troubled country, it is undoubtedly best to be cautious and wait for the situation to cool before resuming visits.

New Benefit Added for Most Loyal Royal Caribbean Passengers

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
New Benefit Added for Most Loyal Royal Caribbean Passengers

Royal Caribbean International has reached out to top tier members of its Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program to notify them of an enhancement to their benefits, one that will allow them to enjoy their cruise vacations with friends, loved ones, and family members.

The new benefits take effect from all sailings beginning Friday, March 15 and onward, just in time for spring break and summer sailings.

New Pinnacle Club Benefit

The most elite Royal Caribbean past passengers – those who have earned 700+ cruise points and are now members of the exclusive Pinnacle Club – will now be able to enjoy a new benefit to share with the special people they sail with, even if those special people are not themselves members of the Pinnacle Club.

“Effective on sailings beginning March 15, 2024, and onwards, each Pinnacle Club member may now bring one guest staying in their immediate stateroom to accompany them into the Suite/Concierge Lounge, Suite Sun Decks, and Coastal Kitchen!” the email announced.

This means that Pinnacle Club passengers who may be traveling with other friends, family members, or loved ones can effectively share their benefits – at least in the limited access capacity – so they can continue to enjoy special moments without sacrificing the benefits they have earned from their cruise line loyalty.

The new guest access can be a great attraction for generational cruise passengers, such as grandparents who may be traveling with their grandchildren, or if a couple is cruising together but each passenger has earned different loyalty levels.

There are some limitations, however. For example, non-Pinnacle Club guests must always be accompanied by a Pinnacle Club member, unless they are also staying in an eligible Suite stateroom. Guests under 21 years old must always be accompanied by an adult.

Royal Caribbean Loyal Passengers
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

If the guests are Diamond or Diamond Plus members, they can redeem their daily drink vouchers in the exclusive areas, but other guests will have any beverages charged to their respective onboard accounts.

It should be noted, however, that this new guest benefit will not be available at all times, but instead will be based on availability and may vary from cruise to cruise depending on how many high level loyalty passengers are on each sailing.

Capacity Will Vary

The notification email does note when these benefits may not be available. For example, if the eligible number of Suite and Pinnacle Club guests exceeds the venue capacity on a particular sailing, access will be determined by cruise points, and guests will be notified of their access 48 hours before embarkation and will also receive a Welcome Letter with a reminder.

Similarly, access to Coastal Kitchen – Royal Caribbean’s specialty Mediterranean-California fusion restaurant – will be based on space and availability, and reservations are required. Those reservations can only be made once onboard and are not available for pre-booking online or through the Royal Caribbean app.

Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge
Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)

One venue that will continue to remain exclusive only to those Crown & Anchor Society members who have earned the privilege is the Crown Lounge (formerly the Diamond Crown Lounge). That venue is only accessible by Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members.

“We are committed to ensuring your cruise experience is exceptional, and we believe these updates contribute to that goal,” the email said. “Thank you for your unwavering loyalty – we look forward to welcoming you onboard as we continue creating unforgettable memories together.”

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society – What You Need to Know

Royal Caribbean has built its brand on family togetherness and cruise vacations that all ages can enjoy together, and these new benefits will permit the most loyal guests to enjoy their loyalty with those whom they love the most – exactly what the cruise line is all about.

Celebrity Cruises Reaches Out to Guests About Itinerary Change

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Celebrity Cruises Reaches Out to Guests About Itinerary Change

Guests sailing aboard Celebrity Millennium for a stunning “Best of Japan” cruise in March 2025 have been informed of several itinerary adjustments, including the addition of an overnight visit in a new port of call.

Other port times are also adjusted, but as the sailing is over a year away, passengers have plenty of time to review their plans for each destination and make changes as needed to any tour options.

Celebrity Millennium Itinerary Change

Celebrity Cruises has begun to reach out to guests booked on the March 27, 2025 departure of Celebrity Millennium to alert them to itinerary changes for their “Best of Japan” sailing. A new port of call and several port time adjustments are all part of the changes.

Of greatest interest is the addition of an overnight call early in the sailing, which has a slight knock-on effect for later ports of call on the 12-night cruise.

“We are excited to announce that we have added an overnight stay in Kobe, Japan,” the email explains. That overnight stay is from 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 29 to the early morning hours of Sunday, March 30.

To make the next port visit in Kyoto (Osaka), Celebrity Millennium will depart Kobe at 5 a.m., moving over to Kyoto for an 8 a.m. arrival. The two ports of call are just 20 miles (33 kilometers) apart across Osaka Bay.

The ship will depart Kyoto at 3 p.m. rather than 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31, as originally planned, but will arrive in Hiroshima at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1. To compensate for arriving in Hiroshima three hours later than the original schedule, the ship will also remain in port three hours later, until 10 p.m., so the overall time in Hiroshima is not shortened.

Celebrity Millennium Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

The remaining destinations on the itinerary are not affected. The ship will bring guests to Nagasaki from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3; Jeju Island in South Korea from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4; Kagoshima from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 5; and Mt. Fuji (Shimizu) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 7.

The cruise will end as scheduled in Tokyo (Yokohama) on Tuesday, April 8, with no anticipated change to its 6:30 a.m. arrival time. It will take further time for authorities to clear the ship before debarkation can begin, as is standard with any cruise vacation.

Shore Tours Impacted

With the new port of call and different time changes for following destinations, any shore excursions that have been booked through Celebrity Cruises will be automatically rescheduled to comparable times.

If guests have already made independent tour arrangements for this trip, they will need to reach out to their tour operators for rescheduling or cancelling if necessary.

Celebrity Millennium Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: shorex.koss / Shutterstock

Because the cruise is more than a year away, however, any impact to tours is likely to be minimal and guests should not have difficulty adjusting their plans so they don’t miss a minute of the amazing destinations on the itinerary.

Why the Change?

There have been no details provided about why Celebrity Millennium‘s itinerary has been adjusted, but it is not uncommon for cruise lines to tweak itineraries somewhat well in advance of a cruise departure date, especially if new options may become available.

Celebrity Cruises made several similar changes to another “Best of Japan” itinerary aboard Celebrity Millennium, the ship’s June 8, 2024 sailing – those changes were announced in July 2023.

Berth schedules, port management, fuel adjustments, and other factors can all contribute to such itinerary changes. Guest feedback from similar sailings could also prompt itinerary changes for the time in port or the most popular ports to visit.

The 91,000-gross-ton Celebrity Millennium, the oldest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, is based year-round in Asia, offering sailings from Yokohama, Singapore, Mumbai, Incheon, and Benoa, depending on sailing date and cruise length.

The lead ship of the Millennium-class can welcome 2,138 guests aboard for such amazing adventures and is also home to approximately 950 international crew members who work diligently to ensure everyone has a fabulous and memorable cruise vacation.

Billionaire Clive Palmer Revives Titanic II Project

Donna Tunney
-
0
Billionaire Clive Palmer Revives Titanic II Project

An Australian billionaire who pledged more than 10 years ago he would build a replica of Titanic has emerged with an updated plan, after being sidelined by various obstacles that included the pandemic.

In an announcement on March 13, 2024, a theoretical blueprint of the ship was revealed, showing that Titanic II will be as grand as her namesake.

Replica of Titanic to Sail Global Itineraries

Clive Palmer, who made his fortune in the Australian mining industry and who has served as a member of the Parliament of Australia, disclosed plans to revive a long-held goal — the building of a to-scale replica of Titanic, with all of the luxurious details the ill-fated ship offered before sinking on her maiden voyage in 1912.

Palmer is chairman of Brisbane-based Blue Star Line, the cruise line that will build and operate Titanic II, and on March 13, 2024 he announced three business partners had joined the project. They include Deltamarin, a Finnish ship design firm, V. Ships, which provides ship management services, and Tillberg Design, a Swiss interior design firm. 

Palmer did not announce a shipyard, but said the nine-deck vessel would weigh 56,000 gross tons, slightly more than Titanic’s 46,329 gross tons, with a length of 882 feet, one foot shy of Titanic. The new ship will accommodate the same number of guests, 2,435, with the main difference being she will have sufficient lifeboats to carry all passengers and crew.

“We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin,’’ said Clive Palmer, chairman of Blue Star Line.

“The government lockdowns sent the cruise industry into a long-term shutdown but shipping is back in full business with passenger numbers now surpassing pre-COVID levels. We are getting the best ship-builders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic ll,’’ Palmer added.

Worth Reading: Titanic Replica Project Resurfaces With 2027 Launch Date

While Titanic was mainly to serve as a scheduled transatlantic liner, Titanic II will eventually sail global voyages in addition to east and westbound service between New York and Southampton, UK, according to Palmer’s plans.

Ship to Feature Three Accommodation Levels

The new ship, which is reported by media outlets to cost between $500 million and $1 billion, will have contemporary safety and navigation systems, and modern technology while offering the opulence of the original Titanic. 

However, not everything will be modernized: Titanic II will be powered by diesel engines, and have four smoke stacks, just like Titanic. That puts the ship at odds with other cruise lines’ trends, and goals, to reduce emissions and become a carbon-neutral industry.

Read Also: The Grandeur of the Titanic Interior Design

Titanic II
Titanic II

Like Titanic, the new vessel will have three classes of accommodation. From a total of 835 cabins, there will be 383 in first class, 201 in second class, and 251 in third class. The bridge of the new ship will be an exact replica of Titanic’s bridge.

“Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort,’’ Clive Palmer said.

The blockbuster movie, “Titanic,” brought the splendor and lavishness of a first-class voyage to the big screen, and documented the sinking of the ship after its hull was flooded after smashing into an iceberg. The ship broke in half and sank just hours later, killing more than 1,500 people.

Palmer, who announced his plans to revive Titanic II at the Sydney (Australia) Opera House, did not specify a timeline for construction or launch.

1...409410411...600Page 410 of 600