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Danish Port Celebrates Rise in Cruise Ship Calls

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 7, 2024

Danish Port Celebrates Rise in Cruise Ship Calls

The Port of Copenhagen, famous for its maritime heritage and its environment-friendly policies, is marking a robust cruise tourism recovery with an enviable rise in cruise ship calls.

Known as the gateway to the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic, the port operates three cruise terminals at Ocean Quay, and is close to the city center and Copenhagen Airport.

Copenhagen Welcomed Nearly 300 Ships in 2023

The Port of Copenhagen welcomed more than 750,000 cruise arrivals and close to 300 cruise ships in 2023. The numbers reflect a robust recovery from the pandemic era, but do not quite reach the arrival levels of 2019, when the port received 348 ship calls and about 940,000 cruise arrivals.

Port officials are bullish about 2024, expecting similar ship and guest arrivals, and with ship visits anticipated year-round. In fact, 50-plus ship calls are slated from October 2024 to April 2025, a healthy number considering it is the winter season.

Also in 2024, a number of high-profile cruise ships will call at the port, including the new Cunard ship, Queen Anne, which will be christened in June 2024; TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7, a new-build will debut in June 2024; Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Onward; Albatross Expeditions’ Ocean Albatross; and Villa Vie Residences’ Villa Vie Odyssey, to name a few,

Copenhagen Malmö Port AB operates the port in Copenhagen and in Malmö, Sweden; the two ports are located on opposite sides of Øresund, the strait that separates the two countries.

For the fifth time in its history, the Port of Copenhagen was named Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2024 by the World Travel Awards, held March 6, 2024 in Berlin. The port previously won the honor in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The award is seen as a major boon to the port and to the city of Copenhagen, which is rich in cultural and historical sites.

Cruise Ships Docked in Copenhagen — Cruise Ships docked in Copenhagen (Photo Credit: Jens Zielke)

“This is just what we need when we travel around the world to promote Denmark as a cruise destination. Especially at a time when we are working hard to get more – especially the American cruise lines – to come back to Copenhagen and the Baltic Sea region,” said Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise at CruiseCopenhagen.

“This award helps to convey that there is so much else and more to experience, especially in our capital Copenhagen,” added Bondam.

Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Cruise Director of Copenhagen Malmö Port, accepted the award, offering his thanks to the cruise lines and the local companies and stakeholders that create memorable experiences for the cruise arrivals.

Environmental Policies Buoy Port’s Reputation

The Port of Copenhagen is known for its environmental policies that will make it climate neutral by 2025. The policies were among the reasons why MSC Cruises chose the site for the christening of the new-build MSC Euribia in June 2023.

The 6,334-guest ship is the cruise line’s second vessel powered by LNG (liquified natural gas), one of the cleanest marine fuels available. The cruise line said the Danish port was chosen specifically for Denmark’s efforts in environmental sustainability.

Cruise guests who visit Copenhagen have a wealth of attractions to visit, including historic sites such as Amalienborg Palace, seat of the Danish monarchy, and Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1420 and famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Other major tourism sites are Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum, and the 17th century Round Tower, said to be the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

Holland America Line Announces Spring Savings With Onboard Credit

Holland America Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 7, 2024

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Holland America Line Announces Spring Savings With Onboard Credit

For travelers scrambling to book the perfect vacation for Easter or Spring break, one cruise line has some good news. Holland America is slashing prices and offering generous onboard credits for last minute getaways to destinations all over the world, from Alaska to Northern Europe, and all the way down under to Australia and New Zealand.

Almost 100 Cruises Discounted in Holland America’s Spring Sale

If you missed out on wave season, which takes place during the first few months of the year and is when cruise lines typically offer their best deals, don’t fret. Holland America Line is offering another chance to save on nearly 100 cruises that are scheduled to embark between March 30, 2024 and the end of May 2024.

Cruisers will be able to save up to 50% off the price of their vacation and will receive up to $50 of onboard credit per person for standard staterooms, or up to $100 per person for suites.

The sale can also be combined with the “Have it All” premium package that is offered by the Carnival-owned cruise line. The “Have it All” fare comes with benefits like free excursions based on the length of the cruise, a signature beverage package that covers up to 15 drinks per day, the WiFi Surf package, and specialty dining in up to three onboard venues, again depending on cruise length.

“For travelers who are considering a last-minute getaway, our Spring Sale offers amazing fares plus a generous onboard spending credit,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line.

“Some of our most exciting trips are featured, including Alaska Cruisetours, Northern Europe and the Panama Canal,” added Bodensteiner.

To take advantage of the deal, cruises must be booked by March 19, 2024, with the code “SPRINGSALE” redeemed at checkout.

Where To Sail With Holland America’s Spring Sale

Holland America Line’s Spring Sale will include cruises ranging from seven to 35-days long across its fleet of 11 ships, and will sail to popular destinations like Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the US Pacific Coast, Canada/ New England, US; Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.

Just to highlight a few of the nearly 100 itineraries, there will be a 15-day Panama Canal cruise that embarks from San Diego, California, on April 6 on Volendam, which can carry up to 1,432 passengers.

Later, Zaandam will set sail on a 7-day tour of Wine Country and the Pacific Northwest in the US. This ship, which can also accommodate 1,432 guests, will embark from San Diego on April 20.

For travelers looking to go abroad, Holland America’s newest ship, Rotterdam, will offer a 21-day cruise that sails to England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, and Belgium beginning on May 4. The cruise will be a round-trip sailing based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Arguably most exciting is that Holland America Line is including Alaska cruises and Alaska Cruisetours in the sale – and the Carnival-owned cruise line is gearing up for a big Alaska season.

For over 75 years, Holland America has been carrying travelers to Alaska, usually sailing from Vancouver and Seattle. In addition to traditional cruises, the cruise line also offers popular land and sea combinations in Denali and Yukon that vary in length from nine to 18 days.

The cruise line, which operates medium and large-sized ships, is expecting 2024 to be one of its busiest Alaska seasons yet – and will be sending six of its 11 vessels to Alaska to prepare for the season, starting with Koningsdam on April 27, 2024.

Holland America has also upgraded the land portion of its Alaska Cruisetours with upgraded accommodations at the McKinley Chalet Resort, which is located within the Denali National Park, and a new Gold Rush-themed experience in Dawson City, Yukon.

Carnival Cruise Line Cracking Down on Mobility Scooters

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 7, 2024

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Carnival Cruise Line Cracking Down on Mobility Scooters

Carnival Cruise Line has begun reaching out to guests booked in accessible cabins to alert them to mobility scooter policies onboard, noting that the assistive vehicles must be stored inside the stateroom and may not be stored in corridors or public areas.

While the policy has been in place for some time, enforcement is becoming more stringent and guests with larger scooters that cannot be accommodated in the booked stateroom will be denied boarding for their cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line Amping Up Enforcement on Scooter Policy

In emails sent to select passengers based on the stateroom they’ve booked, Carnival Cruise Line is bringing greater visibility to its mobility scooter policy and what is required if guests travel with a scooter.

For example, for an upcoming sailing aboard the Excel-class Mardi Gras, the email outlines options for guests with respect to scooters.

“This message is being sent only to guests booked into specific staterooms aboard Mardi Gras and is intended only for those travelling with a scooter,” the email begins.

Some guests will occasionally book larger accessible cabins due to other accessibility needs – wheelchairs, knee scooters, canes, etc. – or simply because the rooms are generally more spacious. At times, travelers may be unaware that the stateroom they’ve selected is an accessible room.

If guests are not traveling with a scooter, the email does not apply and they may disregard the notice. Otherwise, the guidelines in the email outline what is necessary to accommodate a scooter.

“The stateroom you have secured does not accommodate all types of scooters,” the email explained. “If you or another guest in your stateroom will be traveling with a scooter, it must collapse for safe storage in a designated area inside the stateroom.”

Guests with scooters are being given several options: to use a collapsible scooter that will fit comfortably in the stateroom, to travel without a scooter if they are able, to change their ship or sailing date in order to reserve a stateroom that will accommodate the scooter, or to cancel their cruise for a full refund. The email goes on to note several guidelines regarding scooters onboard.

“Scooters cannot be stored in corridors or public areas,” the email specifically notes. “Guests must be able to collapse or fold them for storage in a way that allows for safe exit from the stateroom.”

It should be noted that if multiple guests in the same stateroom use scooters, a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway must be booked, or guests will need to rent a smaller scooter.

Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras Cruise Ship — Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has also recently addressed the issue of scooters onboard, noting that enforcement both onboard and during cruise check-in is being strictly followed.

“We do need to try hard now to not allow anyone to leave their mobility scooter outside in the guest corridors at any time. We are testing this on one of the ships as we speak with guests sailing being sent emails with all the implications and rules ahead of time,” Heald said.

“We really are going to be working to make sure that for the safety of everyone on the ship that scooters must be kept in the cabins and never in the corridors.”

Oversized Scooters Not Allowed to Board

Special attention will be given to scooter sizes at check-in on embarkation day to ensure they meet the appropriate size measurements for safe storage in a guest’s stateroom.

“Scooters that do not fit will not be allowed on board,” the email states. “Should a guest be unable to make alternate arrangements to rent a smaller scooter or travel without one, boarding will be denied, and a refund issued to the original form of payment.”

Heald confirmed that guests may be turned away at embarkation if they do not have an appropriately-sized scooter.

“The embarkation team will check if the cabin of any guest that comes with a scooter can accommodate the scooter meaning if it is one of the extra large ones then they will not be allowed to board the ship,” he explained.

Cruise Ship Mobility Scooter (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)

Carnival Cruise Line is trying to make it easier for travelers to rent smaller scooters at embarkation if necessary.

“We will offer guests a chance to rent a new mobility scooter from Scootaround (our preferred vendor) who will have collapsible scooters available at the pier for guests to rent at their cost if needed,” Heald said.

While the refund would likely cover not only the cruise fare but pre-paid purchases for onboard amenities – Wi-Fi and drink packages, shore tours, spa treatments, specialty dining, etc. – there is no indication that the cruise line would provide any compensation for airfare change fees or other travel arrangements if guests are not able to set sail.

Why Strengthen Enforcement Now?

Carnival Cruise Line has not offered an explanation about why the sudden increase in enforcement of the mobility scooter policy, but frequent cruise travelers have noted a dramatic increase of how many scooters are seen onboard all types of sailings.

When scooters are parked improperly in corridors or other public spaces, they are blocking potential emergency evacuation routes and can cause difficulties for other travelers to move around the ship.

Furthermore, crew members who have to move carts or other equipment may not be able to maneuver around parked scooters. Similarly, other scooter users may not be able to move around any parked mobility scooters.

No details have been given about any potential penalties or repercussions for guests onboard who do leave scooters parked in corridors. What are your thoughts on mobility scooters onboard a cruise ship? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!

New Details Confirmed About Port Cruise Ship Limits

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 7, 2024

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New Details Confirmed About Port Cruise Ship Limits

Just days after Bar Harbor, Maine received federal judge approval to limit cruise ship tourists to no more than 1,000 visitors per day, new details have been confirmed about how cruise ships will be handled moving forward into the 2024 summer season and beyond.

The Bar Harbor Town Council issued some clarifications in a statement on Wednesday, March 6, addressing items such as when enforcement will begin, how ship reservations will be handled, and the status of future reservations.

Bar Harbor Town Council Reacts to Ruling

On February 29, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, led by Judge Lance Walker, upheld the local ordinance in Bar Harbor to limit daily cruise ship guest disembarkation to no more than 1,000 visitors. This landmark ruling gives unprecedented control to the community to decide how they will handle the ever-increasing sizes of cruise ships and their growing passenger capacities.

The ordinance went through the local legislature and all appropriate legal channels, including public comment periods and community surveys, though it was challenged by local businesses, many of whom rely heavily on tourism.

The cap of 1,000 cruise guests per day is scheduled to begin with the 2024 sailing season, which runs from early May through late October. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem and Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas are the first and last ships of the season, respectively.

Now, Bar Harbor Town Council has clarified how the ordinance will be handled as the season’s cruise ships are just weeks away from arriving.

“Enforcement will begin immediately,” the council said. “This Council has already directed the Harbor Master to cancel, or reject, requests for reservations made after the day of the vote for all ships with lower berth capacities greater than 1,000 passengers.”

“However, the Council will honor reservations made before the town voted. Passengers from these 2024 ships will not be subject to the disembarkation limits of the Ordinance.”

Cruise Passengers In Bar Harbor — Cruise Passengers in Bar Harbor (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Any new reservations made will be confined to the terms of the ordinance. The town voted on the ordinance on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Of 3,053 total votes cast regarding the ordinance – a 61% turnout for the town’s registered voter population on that date – 1,780 (58%) voted for the ban while 1,273 (42%) voted against.

Because cruise lines generally plan and secure itineraries years in advance, it is likely that most of the 2024 calls will not be changed. Calls for 2025 and beyond are likely to see greater impacts and cruise lines will have to adjust their itineraries to other destinations without similar visitation caps.

How Much Will Cruise Visitation Be Cut?

For 2024, it is expected that the visitor reduction will be approximately 50% from peak year numbers. If the proposal were fully implemented, the reduction could be as much as 80% or higher.

“This will be a good opportunity for us all to experience the impact of such a reduction on our quality of life and Town operations,” the council said. “This is the fairest and most legally responsible approach, based upon careful consideration of costs and risks associated with enforcement.”

“Cancelling the bulk of the 2024 season now would be fundamentally unfair, would potentially expose the Town to additional legal liabilities, and would have a drastic fiscal impact on an already strained and nearly complete municipal budget.”

Cruise Ship Visitors in Bar Harbor (Photo Credit: New England Photo)

The council is already reviewing the 2025 season, confirming that reservations made and accepted after March 17, 2022 will be subject to the ordinance. If necessary, the town will pursue legal action in the event of visitor cap violations.

Rules for enforcement are still being drafted and will be made public as soon as they are ready for a public hearing. Should there be a need for any additional amendments to the ordinance, they will require a town meeting vote to be confirmed.

“The Council remains committed to listening to all individuals, parties, and stakeholders to ensure that the regulation of cruise ship tourism works for the entire community,” the statement from the town council concluded.

Sailing Line’s Flagship Vessel Arrives in The Bahamas

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 6, 2024

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Sailing Line’s Flagship Vessel Arrives in The Bahamas

Sea Cloud Cruises’ flagship, Sea Cloud Spirit, makes its inaugural call at Nassau Cruise Port, announcing full-masted immersive cruises for 2025.

A New Chapter in Bahamian Sailing

Sea Cloud Cruises, an operator of sailing expeditions, celebrated a milestone as its largest and newest ship, Sea Cloud Spirit, made its first call at Nassau Cruise Port.

The event, marked by a traditional plaque exchange ceremony, saw Nassau Cruise port executives, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism officials welcoming the vessel and its crew.

Sea Cloud Spirit, known for its three-mast, full-rigged design, is embarking on a roundtrip journey from Nassau, offering an “immersive Bahamas experience” from March 4 through 12, 2024. The itinerary includes stops in the pristine locales of the Exumas and Eleuthera.

Mike Maura, Jr., regional director of Global Ports Holding (Americas) and CEO of Nassau Cruise Port Ltd., expressed excitement about hosting Sea Cloud Spirit.

“We are delighted to join the Ministry of Tourism in welcoming Sea Cloud Spirit to Nassau and in celebrating the launch of this exclusive Bahamian itinerary, which will certainly charm its guests,” he said. “We look forward to many more visits from this exceptionally crafted vessel and others from the Sea Cloud Cruises fleet.”

Sea Cloud Sailing Ship in Nassau, Bahamas.

During the ceremony, Cooper emphasized the importance of such tall-ship voyages for The Bahamas’ tourism sector. “This voyage on Sea Cloud Spirit symbolizes not only the strength of our cruise industry but the enduring allure of the Bahamas as a destination of choice for travelers around the world.”

Innovative Itinerary and Experience Announced

In response to the warm reception and burgeoning partnership with The Bahamas, Sea Cloud Cruises President Mirell Reyes shared plans for a new 2025 itinerary starting from Miami, designed to offer passengers a deep dive into the culture and history of The Bahamas through visits to boutique ports.

The special voyage aboard Sea Cloud Spirit, March 27 to April 4, 2025, draws inspiration from New York Times Bestselling author Les Standiford’s works, “The Last Train to Paradise” and “Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and the Rise of America’s Xanadu,” exploring the legacies of Henry Flagler and the iconic duo, E.F. Hutton and Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Worth Reading: I Spent Seven Days on a Sailing Cruise Ship in the Caribbean

Standiford, serving as the Special Guest Lecturer, will guide passengers through tales of these influential figures, enhancing the voyage with stories that span from Miami’s vibrant shores to the serene islands of Eleuthera, the Exumas, and Key West.

Said Reyes, “Our guests are continually enamored with the earliest chapter of Sea Cloud’s history and there is no more charming expert and storyteller of this golden age than Les Standiford.

“We are delighted to welcome him once again as we feature The Breakers, Brightline and The Bahamas for an exclusive travel experience with limited availability.”

The special itinerary will begin with a pre-cruise stay at The Breakers Palm Beach, followed by a PREMIUM transfer to Miami on Brightline, the new train system on the same corridor as the original Florida East Coast Railway.

The Sea Cloud Experience

With 69 cabins housed on the three-masted windjammer, Sea Cloud Spirit stands as the pinnacle of Sea Cloud Cruises’ fleet. At 452 feet in length and boasting a capacity for 136 passengers and 85 crew, it is the largest vessel among the company’s sailing ships.

Currently navigating the Caribbean, Sea Cloud Spirit is on course to deliver unique sailing adventures, including its anticipated visits to The Bahamas.

Before these special itineraries begin, the ship will enjoy voyages from San Juan in January 2025, featuring an overnight stay in Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, a stop at St. Barts, and a full-sail passage through the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Royal Caribbean Photoshoot to Cause Disembarkation Delay

Royal Caribbean News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 6, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Photoshoot to Cause Disembarkation Delay

Silver Nova’s arrival in Fort Lauderdale will be delayed until 11 a.m. on March 15, 2024, due to a special photography event at sea with Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent.

Itinerary Change for Group Ship Gathering

In an announcement that may affect the travel plans of many, Silversea Cruises has informed passengers aboard Silver Nova of a slight itinerary adjustment resulting in a delayed disembarkation in Fort Lauderdale.

The cruise line is coordinating a unique celebration that will bring together three of Royal Caribbean Group’s latest marvels: Silver Nova, Icon of the Seas, and Celebrity Ascent. As all ships will be sailing near each other for the first time, Royal Caribbean will use the opportunity to take photos of the ships together on March 13, 2024.

Silver Nova is making a navigational change to accommodate the event, which will cause the ship to miss its originally scheduled 7 a.m. docking time. The ship will now dock four hours behind schedule at 11 a.m.

In a letter addressed to guests, Silversea Cruises said the alteration would not impact the current itinerary as the ship sails its “10-Night Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida” itinerary, which departed on March 5, 2024.

However, Silversea Cruises acknowledged that “some passengers may need to reconsider their travel plans following the cruise.”

Silver Nova Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Silversea)

The letter concluded with an invitation to join the early morning celebration on the pool deck, which will feature drone photography taking place from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m.

“We hope you’ll join us to celebrate this first reunion. Please meet on the pool deck at 6:15 a.m. on March 13, and let’s toast together,” the letter invited.

Support and Reimbursements for Affected Passengers

Passengers received the itinerary change after departing on the 10-day cruise from Bridgetown, Barbados, with calls in Bequia, Grenadine; Roseau, Dominica; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For passengers who made air arrangements through Silversea, the cruise line has promised to review all schedules and communicate new arrangements promptly, ensuring a smooth transition for affected travelers.

Silver Nova (Photo Credit: Silversea Cruises)

Additionally, Silversea has pledged to reimburse “reasonable” out-of-pocket costs for guests who arranged their travel independently and who now face changes, cancellations, or different fees due to the revised schedule.

Passengers affected by the delay are encouraged to contact their travel advisors or reach out directly to guest relations for assistance with any adjustments.

New Vessels Converging at Sea

Royal Caribbean International, which owns Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, recently expanded its fleet with the introduction of three new ships, set to converge in the Caribbean Sea on March 13.

With a capacity for 7,600 passengers, 2,805 staterooms, and a gross tonnage nearing 250,000, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas emerged as the world’s largest cruise ship, debuting in Miami on January 27, 2024. The ship will be on its “7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day” itinerary, March 9 through 16.

Celebrity Ascent, launched in Fort Lauderdale on November 26, 2023, is an Edge-Class ship with a capacity for 3,260 passengers and 140,600 gross tons. It will be on its “7 Night San Juan, Tortola & St. Kitts” voyage between March 10 and March 17, 2024.

With a gross tonnage of 54,7000, Silver Nova, debuted on August 14, 2023, in Venice. She can accommodate 728 passengers.

Carnival Cruise Ship Returns to Service With New Venue

Carnival Cruise News

Donna Tunney

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Mar 6, 2024

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Carnival Cruise Ship Returns to Service With New Venue

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunrise is fresh out of her dry dock at a Spanish shipyard and sailing her first cruise with a new public space onboard, the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, a venue that honors members of the military.

The ship has returned to her homeport in Miami, now with a special place where active-duty troops and veterans will be warmly welcomed.

Military Decor Salutes Active Duty Troops, Veterans

Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,984-guest Carnival Sunrise re-entered service on March 5, 2024 following a dry dock from February 1 to March 3, 2024 at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, and one of the ship’s upgrades is the addition of the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, a venue the line introduced back in 2019. The lounge replaces the SkyBox Sports Bar.

The venue, which has been added to most of the line’s ships since then and welcomes all guests, honors those currently serving in the military as well as veterans, and features American decor representing the branches of the US military.

Military memorabilia on the walls features messages and photos covering the three themes of “Welcome Home,” “Thank You for Your Service,” and “America’s Heroes.” For each guest who purchases an exclusive souvenir glass from the venue, the cruise line donates $1 to Operation Homefront, an organization that supports military families.

The addition of the special military lounge matches the ship’s patriotic red, white, and blue livery and hull design, which was added during a 2022 dry dock.

The latest dry dock improvements to Carnival Sunrise were completed just in time for spring break, and the ship offers multiple itineraries from PortMiami, including 4- and 5-day Western Caribbean sailings, 5-day Eastern Caribbean cruises, and 4-day Bahamas getaways.

Four-day Western Caribbean cruises call at Key West, Florida, and Cozumel, Mexico, while 5-day sailings visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Five-day Eastern Caribbean voyages call at Nassau, Bahamas, Princess Cays, the cruise line’s private island, and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. Bahamas cruise visit Half Moon Cay, also a private island, and Nassau.

Along with adding the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, other work completed during the dry dock included routine hotel maintenance and cosmetic upgrades across public areas, plus improvements to make public areas and certain staterooms ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant.

Earlier Dry Dock Added Fun Ship 2.0 Venues

The just-completed dry dock was scheduled back in 2022, when the line announced the plan and cancelled several cruises to accommodate the needed timeframe. Carnival Sunrise originally entered service in 1999 as Carnival Triumph, but underwent a $200 million, bow-to-stern renovation in 2019. She emerged from that refit with a new livery as the renamed Carnival Sunrise.

The renovation of the 101,509-gross ton ship brought the vessel a slew of Carnival Cruise Line’s Fun Ship 2.0 venues that had debuted on other ships several years earlier. The additions were substantial, and kept the ship dry docked for two months. The renovation was done by the same Navantia shipyard that completed her most recent upgrade.

Read Also: Drinking Ages on Cruise Ships: The Rules

The Fun Ship 2.0 venues added to the ship included Cucina del Capitano, the Italian restaurant; the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse; Bonsai Express; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse; the Lido Marketplace; and Pizzeria del Capitano, among others. Bars that were added included RedFrog Rum Bar and Piano 88.

Other public spaces added were SportSquare, with its ropes course and recreation complex, WaterWorks, featuring the AquaTunnel and Twister slides, and the Serenity adults-only retreat. The refit also added a Cloud 9 Spa, and a series of new facilities for children and teens.

Royal Caribbean Requiring App-Based Check-In for One Homeport

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 6, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Requiring App-Based Check-In for One Homeport

Royal Caribbean International has notified travel agents that 2024 departures from Vancouver, Canada will require passengers to check-in via the cruise line’s app.

This will impact guests setting sail for the immensely popular Alaska sailing season as well as select other cruises, but if travelers are unable to use the app, they will still be able to check in at the cruise terminal.

Royal Caribbean Requires Check-In on the App

In a newsletter sent to travel agents, Royal Caribbean International has announced that app-based check-in will be required for sailings departing from Vancouver, Canada.

“Effective immediately, select 2024 sailings departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, will require app check-in only,” the email stated. “If guest[s] cannot check in via the app, they have the alternative option to check in once at the terminal.”

This appears to indicate that online check-in using a computer will no longer be possible, but only on departures from Vancouver. Guests booked on ships sailing from other homeports can still use online check-in if they prefer.

The check-in window opens 45 days before sailing, and guests will be able to use the app up to 9 a.m. local time on their departure date. After that time, they will need to check-in manually at the cruise terminal.

Checking in on the app is intended to make the process of verifying passengers’ identities, setting up onboard accounts, and completing health questionnaires smoother and easier. This will ultimately save time at the cruise terminal, moving crowds along more quickly and getting guests on vacation faster and more efficiently.

To make the app-based check-in even easier, booked guests should log in to the app several days before their check-in window opens to be sure the app is updated and working properly. If they have trouble, uninstalling and reinstalling the app may be effective at correcting errors.

The app can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the App Store, and is compatible with a variety of mobile platforms.

Before arriving at the cruise terminal, guests should ensure their phones are fully charged and keep their paper documentation, including their passports, close at hand in case they are needed.

Which Ships Are Affected?

Though the change is to be implemented immediately, it should be noted that no Royal Caribbean International ships are sailing from Vancouver until Radiance of the Seas opens the cruise line’s Alaska sailing season on Friday, April 26 for a 7-night “Alaska Adventure” itinerary calling on Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan.

Quantum of the Seas will follow three days later with her first and only Vancouver departure of the year after she arrives from Brisbane, Australia. The ship will leave Vancouver on Monday, April 29 for a 7-night Alaska cruise that will reposition the ship to Seattle for the season.

Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mohd Syis Zulkipli / Shutterstock)

Brilliance of the Seas will also be sailing from Vancouver for the Alaska season, but will not arrive until early May, along with Ovation of the Seas, which will do a one-time Vancouver departure similar to Quantum of the Seas before homeporting from Seattle.

Ovation of the Seas will also depart from Vancouver for a second time at the end of the season as she heads to Hawaii on her return trip to Sydney, Australia.

Will More Cruise Homeports Require App Check-In?

At this time, the requirement to check on via the Royal Caribbean app is only for departures from Vancouver. The cruise line even indicates it is only for “select departures” but further details are not yet available.

It is possible that this may be a testing period for whether or not app check-in has a strong impact on embarkation processing. If it is successful and receives a positive response, Royal Caribbean may choose to roll out the requirement to other cruise homeports, though no such plans have been announced or confirmed at this time.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Debuts at Western Caribbean Cruise Port

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 6, 2024

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Royal Caribbean’s newest ship has been making waves throughout the Caribbean with cruise ports eager to welcome Icon of the Seas. As of March 4, 2024, Roatan became the latest destination to receive an inaugural call from the world’s largest cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas debuts in Roatan

Being one of the newest ships on the high seas comes with a lot of firsts. The latest milestone for Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which officially entered service on January 27, 2024, was making its debut in Roatan, Honduras.

Roatan celebrated the arrival of the world’s largest cruise ship, which has the ability to carry up to 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members to the Western Caribbean Island. This is great news for the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

“It is a historic day for tourism in Honduras with the arrival of the largest cruise ship in the world to the beautiful island of Roatán; It is great news because of the economic benefits and benefits it will bring to the islands and without a doubt we will continue to receive cruises of this size,” said Yadira Gómez, Minister of Tourism.

The historic visit comes just a day after the 250,800 gross-ton ship made headlines for a heroic rescue at sea. On March 3, 2024, Icon of the Seas was sailing near Honduras when it came across 14 individuals who had been stranded for eight days on an ill-equipped raft.

The luxury cruise liner transformed into a maritime miracle worker to bring all 14 people safely onboard. From there, crew members provided them with sustenance and medical attention.

Icon of the Seas in Roatan (Photo Credit: Honduras Tourism)

At the instruction of the U.S. Coast Guard, Icon of the Seas brought the refugees to its next port of call to meet up with the Merchant Navy of Honduras, which just so happened to be the ship’s debut in Roatan.

A life-saving rescue mission and an inaugural port call are a lot of excitement for one cruise, but all of this has already happened on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing that embarked from Miami on March 2, 2024.

With several more days to go and a trip to CocoCay in the Bahamas before the ship returns to Miami on March 9, it will be interesting to see what other excitement might unfold.

Roatan Reports Welcomed Growth In Cruise Tourism

Roatan, Honduras, is already home to two cruise ports, making it well equipped to handle increased numbers of cruise passengers.

Royal Caribbean ships, like Icon of the Seas, dock at Coxen Hole Roatan Cruise Port, which is also managed by Royal Caribbean International. The port is located in the Town Center of Coxen Hole, the capital of Roatan, and can service up to three cruise ships at once. In addition to Royal Caribbean Cruises, the port is also utilized by Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises.

Icon of the Seas in Roatan (Photo Credit: Honduras Tourism)

The other cruise port, called Mahogany Bay, is only about 8 km, or 5 miles away, located in Dixon Cove. Mahogany Bay is owned by Carnival Corporation, and is typically only used by Carnival and its sister cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and Costa Cruises.

According to the Honduran Government, cruise tourism in the Caribbean country has been trending upward. In 2023, Honduras welcomed 1.4 million passengers to Roatan – an increase of 47.6%.

“Every week, more cruise ships choose Roatan as an important stop on their itinerary, and this is a clear indication of the increasingly prominent status that the island of Roatán has achieved in the Caribbean tourism landscape,” the Institute of Tourism stated.

Icon of the Seas will also return to Roatan as the vessel continues to alternate between Western and Eastern Caribbean Cruises, inevitably making more maiden calls along the way. So far, the world’s largest vessel has also already made noteworthy inaugural calls to destinations like St. Kitts and Nevis on January 30; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on January 31; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten on February 13.