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Norwegian Cruise Ship Delayed Due to Technical Issue

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 17, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Ship Delayed Due to Technical Issue

Norwegian Getaway developed a mechanical issue on her current sailing and will be delayed several hours returning to New York, which is having a knock on effect for embarkation on her next cruise.

Guests have been advised of the situation, including guests onboard the ship as well as travelers eager to begin their sailing.

Norwegian Getaway Delay

Norwegian Getaway has been delayed as she finishes her current sailing, a 10-night Bermuda & Caribbean itinerary that departed New York on Thursday, March 7. While the cruise has had smooth sailing, a technical issue has now impacted the ship’s cruising speed, meaning the vessel will be delayed back to her homeport on March 17.

Guests onboard received a letter explaining the situation and offering assistance for their post-cruise travel arrangements, as well as noting when new debarkation times will begin. The ship’s captain and cruise director have also made announcements to ensure all guests are fully informed of the situation.

“Due to a technical issue which has impacted the speed of our beautiful ship, but will not impact your safety or that of our crew, we will be delayed arriving back into port tomorrow, by about 4 hours,” the letter explained. “Our estimated time of arrival is 12:30 p.m.”

Because the ship will still need to clear customs and immigration processing before debarkation can begin, guests have been advised that the earliest debarkation times will begin at 1:30 p.m. for self-assist guests who carry off all their own luggage, and at 2 p.m. for Haven and VIP guests. The latest debarkation time should begin no later than 3:30 p.m.

The nature of the technical issue affecting Norwegian Getaway‘s speed has not been disclosed, but it is not related to the ship’s navigation, safety systems, or maneuvering. These situations do develop, but the ship’s engineers are well-equipped to conduct repairs even as the ship is underway.

Assistance With Post-Cruise Travel

Due to the delay, any guests onboard Norwegian Getaway who made airfare arrangements through Norwegian Cruise Line will have their flights automatically adjusted by the NCL Air team. Confirmation will be provided to impacted guests as soon as the new tickets are arranged.

Similarly, airport transfers arranged through Norwegian Cruise Line for guests with adjusted air travel will also be rescheduled as necessary.

Norwegian Getaway Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis Gross)

If passengers arrange their own airfare, they are asked to work directly with their airline and travel insurance provider, if possible, for reimbursement. Norwegian Cruise Line will also reimburse any change or cancellation fees not covered by the airline or travel insurance, up to $300 (USD) per person. Receipts must be submitted for review, as is standard procedure in these situations for any cruise line.

To help travelers make adjustments to their post-cruise travel plans, or to contact family and friends and alert them to the delay, the ship’s onboard internet cafe was opened free of charge for guests’ use. The internet cafe is located midship on the starboard side of Deck 6, in the ship’s atrium.

Next Cruise Embarkation Delayed

Guests boarding Norwegian Getaway on Sunday, March 17, 2024 have also been alerted to the delay and asked to likewise delay their arrival to the cruise terminal.

This will be necessary so the ship’s debarkation can proceed smoothly and parking availability will open up for arriving guests as debarking travelers leave the cruise terminal and head for home. Embarking guests are advised not to arrive at the cruise terminal before 3 p.m.

At this time, there is no confirmation that Norwegian Getaway‘s next cruise itinerary will be significantly impacted. The ship’s next sailing is a 7-night sailing to Bermuda with an extensive, double overnight at Kings Wharf from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19 until 7 a.m. on Friday, March 22.

It is possible, however, if the technical issue has not been able to be fully corrected, that the ship will need to sail at reduced speed and the time in Bermuda may be trimmed. Guests on the cruise will be notified as soon as possible if such changes are necessary.

The 145,655-gross-ton, Breakaway-class Norwegian Getaway joined the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in 2014. The ship can welcome 3,963 guests at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 1,600 international crew members who work to ensure that every passenger has an amazing cruise getaway.

Carnival Cruise Ship Changes Registry Ahead of California Debut

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 16, 2024

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Carnival Cruise Ship Changes Registry Ahead of California Debut

The newest addition to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, Carnival Firenze, has officially been registered under the Panamanian flag. The change occurred as the ship undergoes final transformations in Cadiz, Spain, ahead of its journey to California.

New Registry and Transformation

In a notable development for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Firenze marked its entry into the final stages of preparation with a ceremonial raising of the Panamanian flag, signifying the ship’s new registration under Panama.

Currently dry docked at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Carnival Firenze is undergoing the final stages of its transformation following its delivery from Costa Cruises last month. Boasting a gross tonnage of 135,156 and stretching 1,061 feet in length, the ship will accommodate 4,126 passengers and a crew of 1,424.

Said the cruise line, “Carnival Firenze is the latest addition to Carnival’s fleet of 27 ships and joins several other sisters that are also registered and flagged in Panama.”

Upon completion, Carnival Firenze will embark toward its homeport of Long Beach, California, on March 22, 2024. As the second vessel within the fleet to offer the exclusive Carnival Fun Italian Style experiences behind its sister, Carnival Venezia, which debuted in 2023 to offer Caribbean and Bahamian sailings from New York City, Carnival Firenze is scheduled to launch its year-round operations on April 25, 2024.

Carnival Firenze Features

Carnival Firenze’s impending arrival in California is eagerly anticipated, as it is set to offer a fresh perspective on cruising with its Italian-themed experiences and expansive array of itineraries along Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

The vessel, inspired by the rich history and artistry of Florence, Italy, is designed to provide passengers with an immersive cultural and leisure experience.

As the heart of Carnival Firenze is its diverse dining options, which range from fine dining to casual eateries. The Palazzo and Medici Restaurant will present passengers with an upscale dining experience meant to be reminiscent of Florence’s eateries, offering gourmet Italian dishes.

For a more laid-back atmosphere, La Strada Grill wills serve a variety of Italian street food favorites in a casual setting, while Tomodoro, a novel fusion restaurant, will blend the culinary traditions of Italy with the tastes of Mexico, creating unique Mex-Italian dishes.

Carnival Firenze’s entertainment options will be equally diverse. The Teatro Rosso, inspired by the opulent theaters of Italy, will host an array of performances, from musicals to comedy shows, while the Tuscan Lounge, will celebrate the ship’s Italian heritage with themed events and live music.

The introduction of exclusive Terrazza staterooms will provide passengers seeking elevated amenities with access to private decks, all-day lounging options, entertainment, and whirlpools.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship — Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The ship will also boast an array of recreational facilities, like the WaterWorks waterpark and SportsSquare, complete with a ropes course, jogging track, mini-golf course, and outdoor fitness center.

In addition to these amenities, Carnival Firenze will also feature popular attractions such as Camp Ocean, Circle “C”, and Club O2 spaces designed specifically for children and teens. For adults, the ship will offer favorite venues like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88, and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

Carnival Firenze’s inaugural journey will be a 7-day voyage from Long Beach through the Mexican Riviera. The itinerary includes stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The ship will offer eight different itinerary options in 2024, including 3- and 4-day “Baja Mexico” cruises. Both itineraries will call in Ensenada, Mexico, with the longer duration visiting Catalina Island, California. Its “Mexican Riviera” cruises will vary from 5- to 7-nights.

Cruise Line Creates New Sailings After Rescheduled Ship Dry Dock

P&O Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 16, 2024

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Cruise Line Creates New Sailings After Rescheduled Ship Dry Dock

Because of a necessary shift in the dry dock schedule for P&O Cruises’ Iona, the cruise line has been able to create two new sailings for the ship to fill in the initial dates of the dry dock.

Guests onboard have a great opportunity to book these new sailings, which will offer new opportunities for travelers to enjoy amazing ports of call.

New Cruises Fill in Former Dry Dock Dates

Just days after two cruises were cancelled for Iona due to a shift in the dry dock schedule, P&O Cruises has released two new sailings for the ship to fill in what was to have been her initially scheduled time out of service for maintenance and upgrades.

Guests currently onboard the 184,089-gross-ton, Excel-class ship have the first opportunity to book the new sailings with special onboard booking benefits and onboard credit offers, but the sailings will be available for all to purchase in the coming days.

Up first is a 5-night sailing departing Southampton on March 13, 2025, visiting Rotterdam for an overnight call and with a port visit to Zeebrugge as well. This makes for a great long weekend getaway and a chance to enjoy one of the newest ships in P&O Cruises’ fleet.

The second new sailing is a spectacular 14-night exploration to the Canary Islands, with additional stops in both Spain and Portugal. First, the ship will visit La Coruna before heading for the tropical islands, where she will visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto del Rosario/Fuerteventura, and Arrecife de Lanzarote.

P&O Iona Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Karis48 / Shutterstock)

Funchal Madeira and Cadiz will be further visits as the ship heads back to Southampton. The itinerary also includes five days at sea, giving travelers ample time to enjoy all that Iona – one of the largest ships sailing for P&O Cruises – has to offer.

Depending on which sailing guests book and what type of stateroom they select, they may be eligible for onboard credit or other bonuses as well.

Dry Dock Rescheduled

These new sailings are being made available because Iona was originally scheduled for a “warranty refit” – a type of regular dry dock maintenance common with newer ships – for March 13 through April 1, 2025.

The original dates, however, have become “no longer possible” according to notices sent out by the cruise line, due to shipyard delays. The nature of those delays has not been disclosed, but could relate to supply chain issues, labor shortages, equipment issues, berth availability, or other factors.

Instead, the planned dry dock has been moved to October and two cruises were cancelled to accommodate the new maintenance schedule. Guests booked on those now-cancelled cruises will be receiving full refunds, as well as an onboard credit incentive for rebooking on a different sailing on any P&O Cruises ship.

While Iona has only been in service since August 2021 – her initial sailings were delayed due to the pandemic-related industry-wide shutdown – it is not uncommon for a ship to have a dry dock update every few years. This is an opportunity to refresh flooring, update fixtures, replace worn upholstery, repaint, and do minor technical updates to keep the ship at peak efficiency.

Because this particular dry dock is listed as a “warranty refit” it is likely scheduled within a timeframe where the workmanship on the vessel is still covered by either the shipyard or the materials manufacturer, and these updates may then be at a lower cost.

Iona debuted as the largest ship ever built for the UK market, and along with her sister ship Arvia, is the largest in the P&O Cruises fleet. She can welcome 5,206 passengers aboard at double occupancy, and is also home to more than 1,700 international crew members.

Carnival Cruise Line Warns Cruise Passengers to Behave

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 15, 2024

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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 (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.

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 Travel Trends

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 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.

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

Holland America Line News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 15, 2024

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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 (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

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 14, 2024

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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.

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 (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

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 14, 2024

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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 (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

Port News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 14, 2024

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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.

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 (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.

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

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 14, 2024

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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 (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.