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Carnival Ship Unable to Dock Due to Windy Conditions

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 2, 2024

Carnival Ship Unable to Dock Due to Windy Conditions

Despite weather that may have looked picture-perfect to guests, Carnival Magic was still unable to call on Grand Turk on Friday, March 1, 2024 due to unfavorable winds and instead spent the day at sea.

Fortunately, the ship has been able to arrange an alternative port visit and will be calling on Nassau, The Bahamas on Saturday, March 2.

Itinerary Change for Carnival Magic

On her current 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing, Carnival Magic has largely enjoyed sunny skies and fine temperatures. It is the winds, however, that have caused some weather-related challenges for the ship and she was unable to visit Grand Turk as planned on Friday, March 1. The ship was close to docking when the attempt was called off for safety concerns.

“We’re sorry we were not able to visit Grand Turk today. Although not clearly noticeable, wind conditions were a bit higher than expected, impacting our ability to safely dock the vessel,” a letter signed by Captain Francesco La Farina and delivered to guests’ staterooms, said. “We recognize this change impacts your plans and we appreciate your understanding.”

Instead, Carnival Magic spent Friday at sea, and to make up for the missed port of call, will visit Nassau from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. That visit is the last full day of the cruise and was originally planned as a day at sea before Carnival Magic returns to Miami on Sunday, March 3.

Carnival Magic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: NAN728)

No delay is expected with the ship returning to PortMiami nor should there be any impact to her next sailing, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary.

All shore tours purchased through Carnival Cruise Line for the cancelled call to Grand Turk will be automatically refunded back to guests’ onboard accounts, while tours for Nassau will be available for purchase via the Carnival Hub App or at the Carnival Adventures desk on Deck 3 (Lobby Deck), on the port side just outside the Showtime Theater.

But Another Ship Visited!

One thing that may have caused confusion to guests aboard Carnival Magic is that as they approached the dock in Grand Turk but ultimately turned away, Carnival Vista was already successfully docked.

“Some of you may have noticed that our sister vessel, Carnival Vista was in port. The ship arrived earlier today under more favorable weather conditions and was able to complete docking,” the letter to guests explained.

It should be noted that the two ships, while both part of the Carnival fleet, are not classmates and Carnival Vista is slightly larger – 133,596 gross tons compared to Carnival Magic‘s 128,000 gross tons.

Carnival Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock

This may make Carnival Vista slightly less susceptible to wind effects, depending on the strength and speed of the winds. Carnival Vista is the lead ship of the Vista class, while Carnival Magic is part of the Dream class.

Whenever docking conditions may be challenging, it is wise to either delay docking or abandon the attempt altogether. In early February, while Carnival Magic was already docked in Jamaica, when bad weather – including swells as well as high winds – caused a partial dock collapse and damage to the ship, which was forced to temporarily leave port.

To be clear, the docking attempt in Grand Turk was called off well before the ship was close to the pier and there was no damage to either the ship or the pier.

Carnival Magic can welcome 3,690 passengers at double occupancy on each sailing, or up to 4,724 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is homeported from Miami year-round, offering primarily Eastern Caribbean cruises, but also with the occasional Southern Caribbean or Western Caribbean itinerary as well.

Bar Harbor Gets Approval to Radically Limit Cruise Ship Passengers

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Mar 1, 2024

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Bar Harbor Gets Approval to Radically Limit Cruise Ship Passengers

In a landmark ruling, the picturesque town of Bar Harbor, Maine, has secured the right to implement a daily cap of 1,000 passengers from cruise ships, aiming to balance tourism with environmental and community well-being.

Federal Court Upholds Passenger Cap in Bar Harbor

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, led by Judge Lance Walker, upheld Bar Harbor’s legislative initiative to limit the daily disembarkation of cruise ship passengers to 1,000.

This ruling comes as a response to long-standing concerns from residents about the environmental and infrastructural impact of the surge in tourists brought by the cruise industry.

However, local businesses, reliant on tourism for economic survival, raised objections, fearing stricter controls could adversely affect their livelihoods.

In his ruling, Judge Walker said the 1,000-person cap “is a significant downshift from the passenger caps previously observed in Bar Harbor.”

He continued to say, “But that downshift also promotes noneconomic interests,” emphasizing that the regulation aligns with Bar Harbor’s interests in reducing congestion and maintaining the town’s character.

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

Said Judge Walker, “This noneconomic benefit, while not precisely measurable, is both real and reasonably well calibrated to ameliorate the particularized excesses of modern cruise tourism and how it interfaces with Bar Harbor’s waterfront.”

Following the ruling, the town of Bar Harbor released a statement saying it was “pleased with the outcome of the lawsuit.”

“The Council will provide a public statement concerning the decision after it assembles and meets with legal counsel in executive session on March 4, 2024,” the statement continued.

Community Support and Legislative Background

Bar Harbor, a picturesque coastal town on Mount Desert Island, Maine, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and access to Acadia National Park. As of the 2020 census, the town’s population is 5,089, yet Bar Harbor plays host to more than 4 million tourists annually.

A 2021 survey revealed a community deeply concerned about the negative impacts of cruise tourism, with 55% of respondents viewing it more negatively than positively for Bar Harbor. The survey also revealed that 53% of the population felt cruise tourism negatively affected their quality of life.

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

A November 8, 2022, referendum, approved to impose a 1,000-person daily disembarkation cap on cruise ships starting in the 2024 season, encountered resistance from the local business community.

Represented by the Association to Protect and Preserve Local Livelihoods (APPLL), these businesses filed an appeal with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine in December 2022, just one month following the measure’s approval.

Despite the challenge, the court’s February 29, 2024, ruling affirmed the legality of the cap, marking a significant victory for proponents of the measure.

Cruise Schedule Conundrum for Bar Harbor

With the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine upholding the ordinance to cap the number of cruise ship passengers allowed to disembark daily, the 2024 cruise schedule for Bar Harbor is now under scrutiny.

As it stands, Bar Harbor is poised to welcome over 100 ships during the town’s cruise season. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem is the first set to arrive on May 2, 2024, carrying up to 2,394 passengers.

The last ship scheduled to visit Bar Harbor, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, on October 28, 2024, has a passenger capacity of over 3,100.

Cruise Ship at Bar Harbor — Photo Credit: Eric Jeremiah photos / Shutterstock

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas, accommodating up to 2,048 guests, and Liberty of the Seas, holding up to 4,375 passengers, are also slated to call on the port during the summer and fall.

Other big names in cruising are set to visit Bar Harbor, as well, including Holland America’s Volendam, with up to 1,839 guests, and Zuiderdam, with up to 1,916 guests. Princess Cruises will bring Emerald Princess and up to 3,577 guests beginning in July, and Enchanted Princess will bring up to 3,660 passengers in August.

The ruling now puts the spotlight on cruise operators. They must navigate the new regulations by possibly limiting passenger disembarkation or altering their schedules to comply with the town’s mandate.

In light of the new constraints, some ships may bypass Bar Harbor by visiting nearby ports that do not impose such limitations, including Portland, Maine, or Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Cruise Line Announces New Voyages to Caribbean Destination

Cunard News

Catie Kovelman

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Mar 1, 2024

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Cruise Line Announces New Voyages to Caribbean Destination

It’s been nearly a decade since Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth called on Barbados. But between 2025 and 2026, the British vessel will make up for her absence with nine separate visits to the island paradise.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Will Return to Barbados

Cruisers will have plenty of chances to have fun in the sun over the next few years thanks to Cunard Line’s newly announced roster of 13 Caribbean sailings, in addition to six itineraries that have already been announced, all of which include stops at the island paradise of Bridgetown, Barbados.

None of Cunard’s four “Queens” will sail to Barbados quite as much as Queen Elizabeth, which is slated to visit the Caribbean destination nine times between 2025 and 2026 according to the new itineraries. It will be the first time the 2,092-passenger ship returns to the island country since November of 2015.

“Barbados is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and we are thrilled to announce that we are significantly increasing the number of times our guests will be able to explore the breath-taking shores of this gorgeous island in the coming years,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.

“We are proud pioneers of luxury ocean travel and there are few experiences more luxurious than sailing to the charming port of Bridgetown to sample a unique slice of Caribbean culture,” added McAlister.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: KJ Stylus / Shutterstock

For the purpose of the Caribbean voyages, Queen Elizabeth will homeport in Miami, with the first roundtrip cruise embarking on October 16, 2025. In addition to Barbados, the 21-night sailing will be calling on ports like Belize City, Belize; Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten; among others.

The subsequent Barbados-bound cruises will fluctuate between 12 nights and 21 nights, with more details to be announced when the voyages officially go on sale on Cunard Line’s website on March 7, 2024.

Already on sale are six previously announced cruises onboard Queen Mary 2, the flagship of the Cunard fleet, and three cruises onboard Queen Victoria that will visit Barbados between 2024 and 2026.

Where Is Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth?

With over 300 new voyages announced between September 2025 and January 2027, Queen Elizabeth and her older sister ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will be keeping busy. Queen Anne, the first new ship to join the Cunard Fleet in 13 years, is scheduled to enter service in May of 2024.

Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock

With plenty of time until October of 2025 rolls around and the Caribbean voyages begin, Queen Elizabeth is taking cruisers to other destinations around the world. Currently, the British vessel is operating a series of 12-to-14 night New Zealand and South Pacific Cruises from Sydney and Melbourne through March 5, 2024.

Following a 31-night sailing from Melbourne to Tokyo that begins on March 7, the luxury ship will offer a series of 9-to-19 night sailings around Japan, sailing to destinations like Akita, Kagoshima, Kochi, and Nagasaki.

At the end of May 2024, the Vista-class ship will sail to Canada to begin the 2024 Alaska Cruise season, which will consist of 9-to-11 night cruises throughout the summer, which can also be paired with 4-night pre-cruise rail trips or 3-night post-cruise train tours in Canada as part of a partnership with the iconic Rocky Mountaineer Train.

In late September, Queen Elizabeth will sail back to Australia, where she will remain into the new year.

New Kick Added to Special Carnival Jubilee Boots Auction

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 1, 2024

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New Kick Added to Special Carnival Jubilee Boots Auction

As a unique fundraiser leading up to Carnival Jubilee‘s naming ceremony, Carnival Cruise Line auctioned off a custom-made pair of cowboy boots with a special cruise line design.

Now, in a new kick to the fundraiser, the winning bid has been matched and the original winner has graciously agreed to a second pair of the unique boots, doubling the amount of money raised for Operation Homefront.

These Boots Are Made for Fundraisin’

Carnival Cruise Line recently concluded a special online auction fundraiser for a pair of custom-made cowboy boots from Parker Boot Company in a theme that matches their new Texas-based flagship, Carnival Jubilee.

Bidding was open for three weeks on the boots, which would typically retail for $8,000, with the winning bid ultimately coming in at $25,000. With that incredibly generous bid – made by Emerson Hankamer, CEO of the cruise-oriented Vacations to Go travel agency headquartered in Houston, also went a 7-night sailing aboard Carnival Jubilee in a balcony stateroom.

Hankamer’s winning bid was announced as part of the ship’s official naming ceremony on February 24, 2024.

But there has been an update to the auction. The fundraiser was always intended to offer just a single pair of boots – to match the pair Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy wore when welcoming the first guests aboard Carnival Jubilee on December 23, 2023 – meaning there would only be two pairs of these very unique boots ever made.

Now, however, the second place bid has been revealed to be “just shy” of Hankamer’s winning bid. To encourage more donations, Hankamer graciously agreed to a second pair of custom-made boots if his $25,000 bid was matched, for a total of three pairs of Carnival Jubilee-themed boots ever made.

Richard Hoefs, a Diamond-level Carnival VIFP cruiser from Granbury, Texas stepped up to meet that fundraising challenge, and donated an additional $25,000. The second pair of fundraiser boots will now go to Hoefs’ wife, Carol.

“We are so proud that through the generosity of a travel advisor and a guest, we have raised $50,000 for this great cause!” Carnival Cruise Line said of the surprise second donation.

The donations will go to Operation Homefront, a charity that supports military families through a variety of programs, including housing assistance, school supplies, holiday toy drives, and more.

The cruise line also raises additional funds for Operation Homefront through programs such as the sale of the special “Heroes American Pale Ale” made in Carnival’s onboard breweries, and the sale of special pint glasses at the Heroes Tribute Bar.

About the Boots

Handcrafted by the Parker Boot Company of Houston, Texas, the Carnival Jubilee boots are a one-of-a-kind (soon to be three-of-a-kind) style featuring the iconic Carnival winged funnel, the Star of Texas, an outline of the state featuring the Texas state flag, and other details.

The design for the boots, which also has the Carnival name on the collar area of the shaft, was created by Petu Kummala, Associate Vice President of Interior Design and Architecture for Carnival Cruise Line.

The pair of boots worn by Duffy will be on permanent display aboard Carnival Jubilee, likely alongside other treasured mementos such as the ship’s ceremonial coins or inaugural visit plaques and other items.

Undoubtedly, the two winning pairs of boots will walk onboard Carnival Jubilee one day in the future, with great fanfare for their unique appearance and their generosity.

Port Canaveral Not Renewing Marina Lease Due to Terminal Plans

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

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Mar 1, 2024

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Port Canaveral Not Renewing Marina Lease Due to Terminal Plans

Port Canaveral has confirmed that Cape Marina will not have their lease renewed when the agreement expires in February 2026. Dock space can be used more efficiently if the two marinas at the port – Cape Marina and Bluepoints Marina – are merged into one facility.

Ultimately, with the space now occupied by Bluepoints Marina is being eyed for a new cruise terminal large enough to accommodate some of today’s largest cruise ships.

Port Canaveral Marina Lease Agreements Changing

Cape Marina has been a fixture on the south side of Port Canaveral since it was founded by Jerry Seaman and William Parker in 1976. The facility covers nearly 10 acres of land with 115 wet dockage slips, 100 storage units, and both active and inactive yard space for local commercial and private watercraft, along with an extensive marina store.

Port officials have described the intention to move the Bluepoints Marina vessels to Cape Marina, better utilizing the overall space. According to WKMG 6 News, the Bluepoints Marina facility, then, would be able to make way for a new cruise terminal.

“We’ve advised [Cape Marina] that we’re not going to renew their lease in this existing format,” said Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray. “First step would be to take over what’s there, and then, ultimately, bring in the Bluepoints footprint over to that side.”

The two marina facilities are less than a half-mile apart, but the Bluepoints Marina waterfront space is conveniently located further east, in a better position to service large cruise ships.

Locals Concerned About Changes

Local commercial fishermen have expressed some concerns about the marina changes with hopes that Port Canaveral does not stop supporting the commercial fishing industry.

Cape Marina has also expressed its concern and willingness to work with port authorities to meet future goals, without compromising on the unique nature of Port Canaveral’s mixed patrons.

View of Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

“Cape Marina recognizes the premium nature of property in Port Canaveral, and we are committed to working collaboratively with the port to meet its objectives while preserving its unique character,” an open letter on the marina’s website reads.

“While we acknowledge the importance of the cruise ship industry and the revenue it generates, we also believe in preserving the hometown flair that businesses like Cape Marina bring to the port.”

Port Canaveral has also indicated that Cape Marina is welcome to submit a bid for the property’s redevelopment once that stage of the project is reached, though at this point there is no established timeline for the overall port redevelopment of that area.

Expansion at Port Canaveral

Adding a new cruise terminal has been a goal for several years, ever since Cruise Terminal 3 – which services Carnival Cruise Line’s first Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras – opened in 2020 (unfortunately, amidst the cruise industry shutdown).

Already the busiest passenger cruise port in the world, Port Canaveral is continuing to see phenomenal growth with more cruise lines expanding operations to the Space Coast with convenient access to Orlando.

Royal Caribbean International’s sixth Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, is scheduled to debut from Port Canaveral in July 2024, offering short cruises aboard the massive vessel, a unique option for cruise fans.

Cruise Ship at Port Canaveral, Florida — Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

In November 2024, Princess Cruises will begin operations from Port Canaveral for the first time in the line’s history, with Caribbean Princess offering a variety of itineraries across 38 different departures.

Quickly following Caribbean Princess, Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming Disney Treasure – sister ship to Disney Wish – is also scheduled to homeport from Port Canaveral. Disney Treasure will welcome her first guests on December 21, 2024.

Finally, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is also planned to be homeported at Port Canaveral when she launches in the summer of 2025.

With so much amazing growth and larger-than-ever ships coming to Port Canaveral, it is no surprise that a new cruise terminal would be a welcome addition to the facilities, so long as local fisherman still have dock space and all the port’s needs can be balanced.

Passengers on Flight Given Free Cruise from Sir Richard Branson

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 29, 2024

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Passengers on Flight Given Free Cruise from Sir Richard Branson

In a stunning collaboration, Virgin Voyages teamed up with Delta Air Lines to offer unsuspecting passengers a free vacation aboard Resilient Lady, celebrating the ship’s new itineraries from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A High-Flying Celebration

Virgin Voyages orchestrated a surprise for more than 160 passengers on a Delta flight from Atlanta to San Juan, gifting them with a free cruise vacation aboard Resilient Lady to commemorate the launch of its just-announced itineraries from San Juan.

Before the flight, a captivating departure gate takeover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport set the celebratory mood with entertainment, photo ops, and a prize roulette game.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, was on hand to greet astounded passengers and share his deep connection to the Caribbean.

The pre-flight entertainment featured original choreography from Virgin Voyages’ entertainment team and specialty drinks and music, creating an anticipatory atmosphere of the vibrant party scene travelers could expect to find on an adults-only Virgin Voyage cruise.

Participants at the roulette table walked away with prizes, including Virgin Atlantic flights, Virgin Hotel stays, a Virgin Voyages cruise, a Delta Vacation package, gift cards, and premium swag.

Richard Branson Gives Free Virgin Voyages Cruise

“The Caribbean has been my home for many years, and I’m very excited to welcome Resilient Lady as she sails from San Juan to visit the region’s most beautiful destinations,” Branson said before revealing an even bigger surprise.

Fueled by his enthusiasm, Branson revealed, “My excitement clearly couldn’t be contained, so we came up with a way to celebrate with a personal invitation and surprise for some unsuspecting guests on a Delta flight to San Juan.”

Branson then boarded the plane, extending his generosity by personally offering all Delta SkyMiles Members on the flight, 18 and older, a free voyage during the Resilient Lady’s inaugural season, which begins in December 2024.

Branson’s Tradition of Surprises

The event is not the first time Branson has surprised passengers to commemorate the inaugural voyages of Resilient Lady, which debuted in Greece on May 14, 2023.

In November, Branson presented Virgin Airline passengers on a flight between Melbourne, Australia, and Hobart, Tasmania, with free cruises, aligning with Resilient Lady’s similar route on her December 11, 2023, maiden voyage.

During the ship’s debut in Australia, Branson made a memorable entrance, meeting Resilient Lady in a classic wooden speedboat to escort her into Syndey Habour. He then ascended to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge to witness the 110,000-gross-ton ship’s arrival and docking.

Richard Branson Welcomes Resilient Lady (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)

Following a season in Australia, Resilient Lady returns to the Mediterranean for the summer. Originally planned to reposition through the Middle East, departing Sydney on March 27, 2024, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea prompted Virgin Voyages to chart a new course around Africa.

Branson’s recent surprise coincides with Virgin Voyages’ announcement that Resilient Lady will not return to Australia due to the Red Sea conflicts. Instead, for winter 2024-25, the 2,700-passenger ship will navigate the warm Caribbean waters.

Resilient Lady’s inaugural journey begins on December 6, 2024, with a “Pre-Holiday Caribbean Refresh.” The roundtrip cruise will call on Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

The season’s additional offerings include “Saint (Isles) & Seas of the Caribbean,” “Resilient Caribbean Holidays,” “Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles,” “San Juan, St. Vincent, Barbados & More,” “Idyllic Caribbean Isles and Colombia,” “San Juan, Barbados & Beyond,” “Puerto Rican Daze & Caribbean Nights,” and “Colombia & Caribbean Islands.”

Carnival Sets Sights on Massive Fundraising Goal

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 29, 2024

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Carnival Sets Sights on Massive Fundraising Goal

Carnival Cruise Line set an ambitious new fundraising goal, aiming to contribute $50 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by 2030, bolstering the fight against life-threatening diseases in children.

New Pledge Announcement By Carnival

In a significant philanthropic commitment, Carnival Cruise Line has announced a new fundraising goal of $50 million by 2030 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The new pledge was unveiled during the naming ceremony for the cruise line’s new Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas, on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

To kick off the new effort, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, marked the occasion with a symbolic $50,000 donation presented to Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.

The donation was made in honor of the ship’s godmother, global music superstar Gwen Stefani, who is renowned for her support for numerous charitable causes, including Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. This organization is dedicated to providing medical care to children with life-threatening conditions, mirroring the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“The unwavering devotion from our guests and team members is the reason we’re able to make an impact in supporting St. Jude’s important mission,” said Duffy. “Thanks to our crew and guests’ continued generosity, we’re able to raise our fundraising goal and extend that impact.”

She continued by celebrating the long-standing partnership with St. Jude, saying, “As the cruise line that serves more children and families than any other, we look forward to seeing the good that will come from reaching this new and ambitious goal.”

More Than a Decade of Partnership

Since forming a partnership in 2010, Carnival Cruise Line and St. Jude have collaborated on numerous fundraising initiatives, both onboard and ashore.

These include the Groove for St. Jude dance party, the Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea, where kids can create their own St. Jude-themed keepsake bear; and a cookie amenity package with proceeds going to St. Jude, engaging passengers in contributing to the cause.

Carnival recently surpassed its previous goal of $33 million to St. Jude ahead of schedule in 2024, resulting in the new pledge that continues to solidify a lifesaving partnership.

Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to St. Jude is also evident through patient-inspired and designed artwork on Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Celebration, and Mardi Gras.

Shadyac expressed profound gratitude for Carnival’s support, “We’re deeply thankful for Carnival committing to helping children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases through financial support and for honoring our patients by featuring their art-inspired sculptures on new ships.”

A Fun-Filled New Cruise Ship

Carnival Jubilee, now the line’s flagship, embodies the spirit of Carnival’s commitment to St. Jude in the very fabric of its offerings.

The ship itself is a floating gallery of hope, featuring patient-inspired artwork, and introducing a special sculpture depicting sea life, inspired by a St. Jude patient named Ty.

Based in Galveston, Carnival Jubilee offers an array of kid-friendly entertainment and amenities, including the debut of a reimagined Seuss at Sea experience with a Dr. Seuss Breakfast and Carnival’s signature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.

Carnival Jubilee Arrives in Galveston (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

The ship also features a space-themed Camp Ocean, designed in collaboration with Kennedy Space Center to provide engaging, hands-on experiences.

For teens, the 5,400-passenger Carnival Jubilee introduced the Panagbenga Festival, an authentic Filipino cultural experience with a flower parade and jewelry-making activities.

Additional kids’ programming includes an updated Night Owls Camp Out and the introduction of the space-theme Planet Play at Sea playground.

The 183,521-ton Carnival Jubilee followed the naming ceremony and fundraising pledge with the first in a series of 7-night Western Caribbean roundtrip cruises, visiting Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Luxury Retail Concepts to Entice Cruisers on New Cunard Ship

Cunard News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 29, 2024

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Luxury Retail Concepts to Entice Cruisers on New Cunard Ship

As the countdown begins to the May 2024 launch of Cunard’s new luxury ship, Queen Anne, details are emerging about the upscale shopping concepts being prepared for guests. Chic brands, a new gallery-style display space, and a personal shopping concierge are among the experiences guests can enjoy.

Jewelry, Other Treasures Await Queen Anne Guests

Cunard, a Carnival Corporation brand, is pulling out all the stops when it comes to high-end shopping onboard its new-build Queen Anne, set to launch in May 2024. The 3,000-guest ship, soon to become the fourth in the Cunard fleet, will feature new retail spaces and more than two-dozen new brand partnerships sure to tempt guests.

Guests can shop in a boutique by Garrard, the UK’s first official crown jeweler, founded in 1735, and browse goods by top brands such as Hugo Boss, Raishma, Chapel Down, Whittard, and 886 Royal Mint — all among the new partnerships with Cunard.

Other brands to be featured on the ship include members of the prestigious Walpole group, reflecting the top-of-the-line in British goods, such as Burberry; Fortnum & Mason; Gleneagles; Harrods; The Macallan; The Savoy, and Wedgwood, among many other notable names.

French designer Sybille de Margerie, known for her design projects at top hotels, restaurants, and spas, created Queen Anne’s retail spaces to link seamlessly together through a series of pathways from one area to another.

The focal point of the retail space is the Grand Lobby Boutiques, where guests will find the ship’s Cabinet of Curiosities, and the Experience Lounge. The Cabinet of Curiosities promises to be a highlight of the space, with its rotunda-style gallery design showcasing nearly 40 display cases of high-end jewelry, clothing, art, and collectibles.

“Nowhere else will travellers be able to find such a beautifully curated collection of luxury brands at sea, or learn about heritage brands in such an engaging way as with Queen Anne’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.

In the Experience Lounge, Queen Anne’s guests can embrace the luxe treatment from dedicated shopping hosts, or personal shopping concierges, who will offer expertise and knowledge of the goods for sale and the brands behind them. A personalization desk will assist guests who wish to personalize a product with an engraving or embossing.

Final Prep Under Way as Ship Launch Nears

Queen Anne reached one of her final construction milestones earlier this month, when she completed her sea trials, a set of rigorous tests that evaluate a ship’s speed, navigation, safety, and other systems.

The 113,000-gross ton ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. She will make her debut as she arrives in her homeport of Southampton, UK, in late April 2024, ready to sail her maiden voyage on May 3, 2024. The inaugural cruise will be a 7-night sailing to Lisbon, calling at La Coruna, Spain.

Queen Anne Ship Sea Trials (Credit: Cunard Line)

Queen Anne’s naming ceremony will be held a month later, on June 3, 2024, in Liverpool, following a 14-night British Isles cruise that will visit Edinburgh, Invergordon, Greenock, and Belfast.

The ship will spend the summer and fall of 2024 sailing a mix of voyages to the Canary Islands, the Norwegian fjords, and other Scandinavian and Northern Europe destinations, plus the Mediterranean.

Luxury amenities and services aboard Cunard’s new ship will extend to accommodations and dining. Like the other Cunard vessels, Queen Anne will offer four cabin categories: Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, and Queens Grill.

The line has partnered with two Michelin star chef Michel Roux, best known for his former restaurant in London, Le Gavroche, to create a unique menu for Queen Anne‘s Queens Grill restaurant, the most exclusive dining venue onboard. Roux will also revamp the Golden Lion pub’s menu, retaining the comfort of a pub meal but with an upscale twist.

New Itinerary Confirmed for Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 29, 2024

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New Itinerary Confirmed for Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise

In light of the tensions in the Red Sea that make it unsafe for cruise travel for the foreseeable future, Royal Caribbean International has opted to let guests aboard the Ultimate World Cruise on Serenade of the Seas vote between two radically different Africa itineraries.

The votes have now been counted and the winner is the unique “Immersive Africa” option that will visit a wide range of ports from the Seychelles to the Canary Islands.

Serenade of the Seas Itinerary Change

It’s official, Serenade of the Seas will be visiting 15 different ports of call along the southern and western coasts of Africa as the ship continues her 274-night Ultimate World Cruise.

The new route is the “Immersive Africa” itinerary option presented to passengers when it was decided the planned passage through the Red Sea and Suez Canal was no longer feasible, due to ongoing tensions in the region that are threatening marine traffic.

Instead of Royal Caribbean International simply deciding on a new itinerary and presenting it to passengers, those aboard the epic sailing were given the unprecedented opportunity to vote on two different options.

First was the “Immersive Africa” route that would visit ports in 11 different nations and territories in Africa, compared to an “Africa and Greece” itinerary that had far fewer port visits in Africa but included more extensive exploration of the Greek Islands.

Guests had several days to ask questions and cast their votes, and the clear winner was the first option for a deeper exploration of Africa and more unique ports of call.

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)

“The new segment will take place between May and June 2024 and visit destinations such as Madagascar, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa and more,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said. “We look forward to continuing to make once-in-a-lifetime memories with our adventurous guests as we visit another lineup of incredible destinations.”

Guests onboard the ship reported cheering and general celebration when the winning route was announced. While the exact vote tallies have not been revealed, the response seems to have been overwhelming.

Now, passengers can look forward to amazing destinations such as La Digue Island, Seychelles; Diego Suarez, Madagascar; Port Louis, Mauritius; Mossel Bay, South Africa; an overnight at Cape Town, South Africa; Luderitz, Namibia; Luanda, Angola; Takoradi, Ghana; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Dakar, Senegal; and more.

Potential Difficulties

While there is much celebrating aboard Serenade of the Seas for the phenomenal itinerary to come, there are also some concerns.

For example, the recent quarantine of Norwegian Dawn over fears of a possible cholera outbreak could indicate greater scrutiny from local health authorities, which might mean that not all the planned ports of call could happen. Fortunately, Norwegian Dawn was cleared by additional health testing and able to continue sailing, despite a two-day delay.

Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise — Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise (Photo Credit: Diego O. Galeano)

Some travelers may also lack specific vaccinations recommended or required to visit some African nations, such as yellow fever or malaria vaccinations.

Undoubtedly, Royal Caribbean International will help make arrangements to ensure all travelers are properly protected for the new itinerary, and guests are also being given the option to discontinue their sailing if they prefer not to take the new itinerary.

More Information to Come

Three segments of the Ultimate World Cruise are now cancelled with this itinerary change: the “Ultimate Jordan, Egypt & Israel” (May 9-27) segment, the “Ultimate Bulgaria, Romania & Turkey” (May 27 to June 7) segment, and the “Ultimate Greece, Turkey & Italy” (June 7-20) segment.

“Compensation will be provided to our guests who are sailing and those who choose to cancel as a result of the update,” Royal Caribbean said.

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

Guests impacted by the now-cancelled segments, as well as travelers aboard, will be contacted with more information in the days to come. Fortunately, the change has been made far enough in advance that there is ample time for the cruise line to help guests smoothly adjust their travel plans.

At the moment, Serenade of the Seas is enjoying time in the South Pacific en route to New Zealand and Australia, after which she will sail to the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and other amazing destinations on one of the most amazing world cruise itineraries ever created.

Despite the alterations to the Middle East segments of the cruise that have had a knock on effect on her Greek Island destinations, Serenade of the Seas will still visit stunning ports in the Mediterranean, Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Bermuda, and The Bahamas before ending the Ultimate World Cruise in Miami on September 10.