In a decisive response to escalating tensions in the Red Sea, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of select sailings for Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sky at the end of 2024.
Voyage Disruptions in Conflict-Affected Waters
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the cancellation of sailings for two of its ships due to escalating conflicts in the Red Sea, affecting Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sky’s planned voyages.
Norwegian Dawn’s sailings between October 27, 2024, and November 22, 2024, have been cancelled. Similarly, Norwegian Sky’s sailings between November 4, 2024, and December 4, 2024, will no longer proceed as planned.
In a detailed statement, the cruise line expressed its ongoing concern for the situation in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have been targeting cargo ships with drone attacks and sea mines.
“We have been monitoring the situation in the Red Sea and despite our best hopes that it would de-escalate, we have made the decision to alter published itineraries scheduled to transit through the region,” the statement read.
It continued, “We share your disappointment and want to assure you that this modification was made with great consideration, as the safety of our guests and that of our crew is always our No. 1 priority.”
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship in Portland (Photo Courtesy: Portland Port)
NCL’s decision mirrors that of other major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Silversea, Carnival Corporation, Azamara, P&O Cruises, and Viking Cruises, who have also announced adjustments and cancellations to avoid the conflicted region.
NCL’s Cancelled Itineraries
The recent itinerary cancellations impact two specific sailings aboard Norwegian Dawn, a Dawn-class ship capable of accommodating 2,340 passengers in double capacity and boasting a gross tonnage of 92,250.
The affected sailings include the “10-Night Greek Isles: Santorini, Istanbul & Mykonos” voyage, which was scheduled to depart from Piraeus (Athens) on October 27, 2024, featuring stops in destinations such as Iraklion, Santorini, and Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; and Alexandria, Egypt.
Additionally, the “16-Night Middle East: Egypt, Jordan & UAE” cruise, set to depart from Athens on November 6, 2024, has been cancelled. This voyage was planned to explore key locations across the Middle East, including Alexandria, Port Said, and Safaga, Egypt; Aqaba, Jordan; and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, incorporating a passage through the Suez Canal.
Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EQRoy)
Norwegian Sky, classified as a Sun-class ship with a capacity to host 2,004 passengers at double occupancy and a gross tonnage exceeding 77,000, has seen all of its November sailings withdrawn following the completion of its “14-Night Transatlantic: Spain & Azores,” concluding in Barcelona on November 4, 2024.
Looking ahead to the resumption of operations, Norwegian Dawn is still scheduled to embark on a “16-Night Africa: Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania & Oman” voyage, with a departure from Dubai scheduled for November 22, 2024.
In a similar vein, Norwegian Sky is slated to begin its “17-Night Asia: Maldives, Thailand & Seychelles” itinerary on December 20, 2024. The cruise will depart from Port Louis, Mauritius, and conclude in Singapore.
Red Sea Challenges
The Red Sea, a crucial maritime corridor connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, emerged as a hotbed of geopolitical tension at the start of the year. Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have intensified their efforts to disrupt maritime traffic in recent months.
Utilizing armed drones and sea mines, they have targeted oil tankers and cargo ships, aiming to compromise the safety and security of international shipping lanes also utilized by cruise liners.
In light of the cancellations, Norwegian Cruise Line has committed to refunding all affected passengers to their original form of payment.
Elevators can be the scenes of much drama onboard a cruise ship, but Carnival Cruise Line is seeking to help guests better understand the new smart elevators onboard updated ships with video tutorials.
The new elevators are intended to smooth floor-to-floor operations by assigning the appropriate elevators to different parties, ensuring enough space and faster service.
Smart Elevator Instructions
Smart elevators are equipped with touchscreens and smart apps to specifically schedule different cars to different floors based on capacity. Instead of operating simply with up and down buttons accompanied by buttons for each floor, these elevators have more intelligent plans to keep crowds moving more smoothly.
Because of confusion with the introduction of smart elevators, Carnival Cruise Line has created instructional videos near the elevators to help guests learn how to use them properly.
Furthermore, the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has posted a real-life demonstration video to help guests see the new elevator operation in action.
“It really works when used properly,”Heald said.“I thought this might help.”
Heald demonstrates using the smart elevator aboard Carnival Horizon at the conclusion of his recent FFS cruise, showing just how the process works to get the exact elevator you need.
In each elevator lobby, a touchscreen next to the elevators shows the available decks the cars can reach. Guests use that touchscreen to indicate the deck they want to go to. The deck guests are currently on is not displayed, as there would be no need to use the elevator on the same deck.
It is important that guests press the floor indicator one time for each passenger, so there will be enough room in the indicated car to accommodate everyone. If just one guest needs the elevator, they will indicate the deck just one time, twice for two guests, three times for three guests, and so on.
The touchscreen will then show the letter of the elevator car that will be able to accommodate the passengers and take them to the appropriate floor. The car assignment – A, B, C, D, etc. – is also announced audibly to be sure the process is accessible to all passengers.
Elevator car letters are prominently displayed above each set of elevator doors.
Once the appropriate elevator car arrives, the doors automatically open and guests can board. There are no floor indicator buttons inside the elevator car, as the smart elevator has already been programmed with the requested floors and will proceed automatically to the correct floor.
Which Ships Have Smart Elevators?
Smart elevators are the latest in upgrades being added to Carnival cruise ships, and are now present aboard Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, as well as Carnival Venezia.
Interestingly enough, smart elevators have not been introduced aboard the fleet’s newest ships, the Excel-class vessels – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and the newly christened Carnival Jubilee.
It is possible the new technology will be added to more ships as they enter dry dock for upgrades and updates, depending on how easy it is to retool the existing elevators with the smart system.
Avoiding the Biggest Problems With Smart Elevators
Unfortunately, there is a learning curve with the transition to smart elevators, but travelers can easily avoid the biggest problems that continue to cause delays and traffic jams when using the elevators.
First and foremost, guests must indicate how many passengers will be boarding the elevator by touching the screen one time for each person. If three people are going from Deck 4 to Deck 9, for example, the Deck 9 indicator must be pushed three times on the touchscreen on Deck 4.
If this is not done, the elevator system may not select the appropriate elevator car with enough space to accommodate everyone, causing frustration and confusion.
Carnival Conquest Cruise Elevators (Photo Credit: gary yim)
Second, guests must be sure to board the appropriate elevator car as assigned. The touchscreen will indicate the proper car letter after the floor indicators are touched, and the elevator car numbers are displayed above each set of doors.
If passengers board the wrong elevator car, there are no buttons inside the car to indicate the desired floor and the elevator will not necessarily stop where guests hope to get off.
Furthermore, using the wrong car will remove space planned for other guests, overcrowding the elevators and making it harder for each passenger to get where they wish to go.
It is also important for guests to remember that they always need to use the touchscreen to indicate their elevator needs, rather than doing the quickstep rush to get on an elevator that has just arrived. While it can be tempting, that elevator car does not necessarily have the assigned space for each guest, nor does it know which floor to reach.
Have you used the new smart elevators? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
Guests aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn are being denied debarkation at the conclusion of the current sailing, a 12-night one-way sailing from Cape Town, South Africa to Port Louis, Mauritius.
Local authorities have made the difficult decision to quarantine the ship due to gastrointestinal illness onboard and are exercising an abundance of caution to ensure it is not a cholera outbreak.
Gastrointestinal Illness Onboard Norwegian Dawn
A “small number” of guests onboard the 92,250-gross-ton Norwegian Dawn have developed gastrointestinal illness, which the cruise line describes as “mild symptoms.” The exact symptoms have not been disclosed, but are likely to include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea – common symptoms of norovirus.
Because these symptoms can also be indications of cholera or other, more serious illnesses, however, authorities in Mauritius are requiring additional testing and a 2-day quarantine period before guests aboard Norwegian Dawn are allowed to debark.
“Upon the ship’s return to Port Louis, Mauritius, the vessel’s management team met with local authorities to confirm precautions and actions were being taken to ensure the wellbeing of all on board,”a statement from a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said.
“Due to additional testing being required by local authorities before being allowed entry, the government of Mauritius has delayed disembarkation for the current cruise and embarkation for the next cruise by two days to February 27, 2024.”
While port officials sampled approximately 15 passengers for additional testing, there is no information about whether that includes all onboard guests reporting symptoms or if that is just a representative sample to confirm the type of illness. A statement from the Mauritius Ports Authority also clarifies the situation.
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
“Officers from the Ministry of Health and Well-being this morning took samples from around fifteen passengers on board the cruise ship ‘Norwegian Dawn’ due to a health risk,”the Mauritius Ports Authority said.“These passengers had been placed in isolation on board the cruise ship due to their state of health.”
It will take approximately 48 hours for test results to be verified. Until that time, guests already onboard the ship must remain there, while travelers who were hoping to board Norwegian Dawn to begin their cruise – a return 12-night itinerary back to Cape Town – must delay their embarkation.
Assistance Offered for Impacted Guests
Norwegian Cruise Line is working with guests onboard Norwegian Dawn to make alternative plans.
“As a result of a decision made by local government officials, we will not be arriving in Port Louis, Mauritius [on February 25] and you will not be disembarking the ship,”a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read.“We are working closely with all relevant parties to try to expedite disembarkation.”
“We have been informed that we will most likely be able to disembark on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.”
The cruise line has provided telephone access and free internet packages for onboard guests to make necessary arrangements for their travel after the cruise, including adjusting air travel plans or contacting family members.
Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship in Portland (Photo Courtesy: Portland Port)
If passengers had arranged airfare through Norwegian Cruise Line, their flights will be automatically shifted to the new embarkation date and new flight itinerary confirmations will be provided as soon as they are available.
Guests who have made independent flight arrangements will need to contact their airlines or travel arrangements, and work with any travel insurance provider for possible reimbursement options. Norwegian Cruise Line is also offering up to $300 (USD) per person of reimbursement for any travel change fees not covered by insurance or the airline, with appropriate documentation.
Furthermore, all guests being held aboard Norwegian Dawn will now receive a 15% discount (in the form of a future cruise credit) for any published sailing through December 31, 2025.
Guests waiting to board the ship to begin their cruise are being accommodated in local hotels until the ship is cleared and the next cruise can begin.
Norwegian Dawn can welcome 2,340 guests aboard for each sailing, and is also home to roughly 1,000 international crew members.
With an impressive line of 96 ships calling in 2024, Port Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, is set to host a historic number of visitors, marking a milestone in its cruise sector.
Historic Leap in Cruise Operations
Port Charlottetown, the port of call for Canada’s picturesque Prince Edward Islands, is expecting its most bustling year yet, with 2024 projections showing a record-breaking 96 cruise ships docking at the port.
This fleet will bring over 165,000 passengers to the island, alongside a dedicated crew totaling over 74,000 individuals.
“We are thrilled to unveil the 2024 cruise schedule, marking a historic milestone for Port Charlottetown,” said Mike Cochrane, CEO of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority.“The impressive increase in ship visits and passenger numbers underscores the growing appeal of our destination.”
With 2023’s cruise revenue coming in around $21.5 million, the port anticipates a greater economic impact for 2024 to coincide with the increase in ships.
A Dynamic Spring and Summer Season Ahead
The 2024 cruise season at Port Charlottetown is set to make waves with 18 double cruise ship days, three triple cruise ships, and a monumental day hosting four ships simultaneously on October 1. The record-breaking day will bring up to 6,000 passengers into port.
While the fall months are traditionally the peak period for Charlottetown’s port, the 2024 season brings a refreshing change, showcasing a significant increase in cruise ship bookings during the spring and summer months. Cochrane highlights the shift as “fantastic.”
The season kicks off in April with the arrival of MSC Poesia‘s World Cruise on April 8, bringing up to 3,013 passengers and 987 crew members, setting the tone for an extraordinary few months ahead.
Viking Cruises’ Viking Polaris and Holland America Line’s Volendam follow closely, arriving in late April and contributing to a robust start with a combined capacity of 3,391 passengers and 1,247 crew.
The momentum continues into May with multiple calls from these ships and the introduction of the Canadian cruise line Pearl Seas’ intimate Pearl Mist, enhancing the diverse lineup.
As summer unfolds, Volendam emerges as a frequent visitor, complemented by appearances from Silversea’s Silver Shadow, which can accommodate 392 passengers and 302 crew, and Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess, which can hold 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew.
Charlottetown
July further diversifies with the arrival of Holland America’s second ship, Zuiderdam, and the smaller Adventure Canada ship, Ocean Endeavor, showcasing the port’s appeal to both large-scale operations and boutique cruise experiences.
The pace picks up in August with a varied roster of returning ships, including significant calls from Princess Cruises, Holland America, Silversea, and Viking Cruises. Seabourn also enters the scene with Seabourn Quest, bringing up to 450 passengers and 335 crew members on its two visits.
Fall Cruise Extravaganza
The onset of Port Charlottetown’s fall season heralds the arrival of some of the cruise industry’s biggest names, including Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises.
The Norwegian fleet sailing in Prince Edward Island, comprising Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Sky, is set to make a significant impact, bringing up to 10,734 passengers and just over 4,800 crew members on each of their calls.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Serenity further elevate the season’s offerings, potentially adding nearly 9,300 passengers and 2,778 crew during their stops.
October will stand out as the season’s climax, enriched by Canada’s peak fall foliage. The lineup of ships includes Princess Cruises, NCL, Holland America, Silversea, and Celebrity Cruises.
The month is further highlighted by the arrival of Viking Cruises’ Viking Neptune and Viking Mars, P&O’s Aurora, German-based Phoenix Reisen’s Artania, and Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure.
A cruise vacation is an opportunity to see the world’s most stunning waterways in style and comfort. While navigating the open seas by cruise ship is an adventure unlike any other, there are unfortunate instances where passengers jump or fall off these massive ships into the treacherous waters below.
Even though accidentally falling off of the decks of a cruise ship is almost impossible, people still find a way to put themselves in danger. Whether falling off was an intentional decision or simply an alcohol-induced blunder, the results can be terrifying for everyone involved.
Today, we will take a deep dive into what happens if you jump off a cruise ship. Not only will we explore real-life incidents and their outcomes, but we will uncover overboard statistics and survival rates, onboard safety protocols, and the legal ramifications of these incidents.
What Happens if Someone Jumps Off of a Cruise Ship?
Regardless of the circumstances, when someone decides to jump off of a cruise ship, the consequences can be dire. From the individual’s perspective, hitting the churning and seemingly endless expanse of water would be extremely disorienting. If the water is cold enough,the impact and temperature could also trigger shock.
Unfortunately, survival is far from guaranteed. The person would be forced to deal with the elements and the terrifying thought that they are now in a fight for their life. Survival is unlikely if the incident went completely unnoticed and the ship was out at sea rather than in port. The waves, current, and water temperature would quickly challenge even the strongest swimmers.
Photo Credit: Sergey Saulyak
If the person’s decision to jump off the cruise ship’s deck was spotted by passengers, crew members, or even the ship’s security camera system, onboard response teams would immediately take action.
Rescue boats could be deployed to search for the overboard passengers, but the window of opportunity to save them is very short. The outcome of these incidents varies depending on environmental conditions, the location of the cruise ship, and how quickly and efficiently response teams are dispatched.
In the following sections, we’ll take a more detailed look at survival statistics and complex factors that can determine how emergency procedures are conducted.
Survival Statistics and Incident Rates
First, it’s important to clarify that these incidents are extremely rare. Very few passengers decide to jump off a cruise ship, and even fewer fall off accidentally, thanks to the safety measures put in place.
In 2020, a study examining cruise ship deaths between the years 2000 and 2019 discovered that overboard incidents, either as a result of falling, jumping, or being pushed off, had resulted in the deaths of 620 individuals. While this statistic is alarming, the same study found that 40% of those who fell or jumped overboard were rescued.
Man off cruise ship (Photo Credit: ShotPrime Studio)
While death rates before 2000 were higher, many cruise lines have since installed man-overboard detection systems, which involve sensors and cameras that can alert the crew when a person or large object has fallen off the vessel. In addition to improvements in detection, overboard rescue training and equipment have improved substantially.
Overboard Safety Protocols
Despite how uncommon these incidents are, all major cruise lines have rigorous safety measures to prevent and respond to overboard incidents.
As mentioned, surveillance cameras along all passenger decks, as well as V-MOB overboard motion detection sensors and infrared cameras that function at night, are designed to alert the crew immediately if someone falls overboard.
Cruise Ship Bridge (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
All crew members are drilled in emergency response procedures. Fromsounding alarms to security team rescue drills, each member of the ship’s crew will have a role to play when these incidents occur.
Legal Repercussions of Jumping Overboard
Maritime law plays a significant role when it comes to overboard incidents. This applies to the individual as well as the cruise lines themselves.
Cruise lines must adhere to strict safety standards that ensure passengers cannot accidentally fall overboard. Adequate deck railings, lifeboat dispatching capabilities, detection sensors, and response times must meet set standards.
US Coast Guard Plane (Photo Credit: CarlaVanWagoner / Shutterstock)
Ships must immediately report these incidents to relevant authorities, like theUnited States Coast Guard. The cruise lines must also conduct thorough investigations into any incident and report their findings to law enforcement.
Those individuals who are rescued after intentionally jumping overboard are subject to serious lawsuits and fines, as their actions could have put rescue teams in danger.
Take, for example, a Turkish national was arrested after jumping off the MSC Cruise Ship Bellissima on Wednesday, February 1, 2024. Even though he could swim ashore, coast guard officials in Okinawa, Japan, still arrested and charged him. MSC Cruises also banned the individual from ever traveling with them again.
Survival Rates and Influencing Factors
Regardless of circumstances, survival rates are relatively low for those who jump off a cruise ship. Studies vary, but the general belief is that the survival rate for jumping off sits between 25% and 40%, but numerous factors influence this rate.
Environmental factors play a significant role in determining the likeliness of survival. Cold water temperatures are extremely dangerous, as hypothermia can result in losing consciousness and the ability to swim within minutes.
Photo Credit: Toni Arsovski / Shutterstock
Rough seas and distance from shore also play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the incident. As you would expect, daytime incidents tend to have a higher survival rate than those that occur at night.
The speed of rescue efforts and whether or not the overboard incident was reported quickly are also major influencing factors.
Why Do People Jump Off of Cruise Ships?
While motives can vary, some of the most common reasons why people decide to jump off of a cruise ship include the following:
Suicide attempts
Pranks and social media stunts
The influence of alcohol or prescription drugs
Mental health episodes
Accidents related to climbing or sitting on railings
Attempting to rescue someone else who has gone overboard
Part of what makes prevention so difficult is that the profile of the guest who decided to jump never seems to follow a set standard. A seemingly happy and perfectly typical-looking passenger could suddenly jump without warning. This is why all major cruise lines take prevention efforts and response actions so seriously.
Tips to Surviving Falling Off a Cruise Ship
Before we cover some tips that could help a person survive if they fell overboard, it’s important to clarify that these incidents are extremely rare.
Modern cruise ships are designed so that it is almost impossible to fall off. Unless a person intentionally tries to jump or hang off railings in a dangerous way, their safety while onboard the ship is virtually guaranteed.
Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jarp2)
With that said, if a person finds themselves in the water, the following strategies would give them the highest possible odds of survival and rescue:
Stay Calm: In any survival situation, panic can impair your judgment and reduce your chances of survival. Take deep breaths and remain focused on staying afloat.
Preserve Your Energy: Rather than trying to catch up with the ship by swimming against the current, focus on keeping your head above water.
Stay Visible: Your chances of survival will be drastically higher if rescuers can see you. Try to signal for help with your arms. If you are wearing bright clothing, try to make it visible.
Follow Rescue Instructions: If you are lucky enough to be found by rescuers, listen to everything they say.
Finally, if you are close enough to shore that you can safely swim towards it, do so in a calm and controlled way.
Real-Life Overboard Examples
1. Symphony of the SeasCruise Ship Bahamas Incident
On Sunday, January 6, 2019, a video of an irresponsible passenger jumping off a Royal Caribbean ship in Nassau, Bahamas, went viral. The incident occurred in port as the passenger jumped for a social media stunt.
Video Footage By: Zachary Garrett Reed
NBC News detailed how the man, Nick Naydev, was removed from the ship after being rescued. The guest’s family was also kicked off the ship, and he was given a lifetime ban from traveling with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
2. Carnival Glory Cruise Ship Incident
On Monday, November 13, 2023, security footage taken from a Carnival Cruise Line ship depicted a passenger intentionally jumping into the water. The passenger, Tyler Barnett, was reported missing. After an exhaustive onboard search, US Coast Guard teams thoroughly scanned a search area spanning 200 square miles but could not locate the missing person.
Part of what made searching so difficult was the fact that the Houma, Louisiana, native jumped at approximately 1:40 a.m., so the rescue mission was conducted in the dark. On top of that, rescuers were advised that Barnettcould be wearing a different shirt than he wore in onboard security footage prior to the jump, so rescuers didn’t even know what color to search for.
Carnival Glory Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
In a statement on the incident, a Carnival spokesperson expressed the cruise line’s deepest condolences, as well as prayers for family members of the missing passenger. They also explained how they would conduct a detailed review of security camera video to ensure incidents like it would not occur in the future.
3. Star Princess Cruise Ship Incident
Another viral video depicts an irresponsible passenger intentionally jumping off of the bow of the Princess Cruises vessel, the Star Princess. The incident occurred in 2016. While the passenger survived following rescue, he faced severe legal consequences for his actions.
4. Carnival Elation Cruise Ship Incident
On July 23, 2023, a search was conducted after 30-year-old Jaylen Hill was reported to have jumped off a Carnival Cruise Line vessel. During the four-day trip from Florida to the Bahamas, the man’s travel companion alerted crew members that his friend was missing. After exhaustive efforts, US Coast Guard officials called off the search.
The Carnival Care Team provided support to the family, but it was determined that rescue teams did everything they could to locate and rescue the missing passenger.
5. Carnival Fascination Cruise Ship Incident
On May 19, 2019, a passenger jumped off a Carnival Cruise Line vessel off the shore of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fortunately, the irresponsible 19-year-old guest was rescued by Carnival’s rescue team, but he was held legally responsible for the incident and for putting the rescue team at risk.
Video footage of the man’s lifeboat rescue went viral, but it will be the last time he was able to travel on a Carnival cruise ship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you survive jumping off a cruise ship?
While jumping off a cruise ship is extremely dangerous and often deadly, it is possible to survive. Chances of survival will depend heavily on environmental conditions, the passenger’s swimming abilities, and how quickly rescue teams can react.
What are the legal consequences of jumping off a cruise ship?
Legal consequences can depend on where the incident took place and whether or not the passenger was deemed to have jumped off intentionally or as a result of an accident or mental health episode.
Cruise lines often investigate the incidents to determine if they should press charges. Most cruise lines will immediately ban the passenger. The passenger may also face serious consequences from various legal bodies, as intentionally jumping from a ship is considered a major offense under maritime law. Criminal charges, heavy fines, and other consequences can occur.
How often do people jump off cruise ships?
While the number of passengers who jump from cruise ships varies year to year, the average number tends to sit around 25 incidents per year. While it is almost impossible to fully prevent this from happening, onboard safety measures and surveillance systems help reduce the risk of accidental overboard incidents.
It’s a day for celebration for Carnival Cruise Line as the fleet’s newest ship has been officially christened on what would have been the 100th birthday of Carnival Cruise Line founder Ted Arison.
In true celebratory style with larger than life Texas-sized festivities, Carnival Jubilee has officially been named as the 26th ship in the Carnival fleet.
Carnival Jubilee Officially Christened
Hosted by the ship’s own resident Texan, cruise director Kyndall Fire, the naming ceremony was held at Carnival Jubilee‘s official homeport, Galveston, Texas. In fact, the Excel-class vessel is the first ship to ever have been named in Galveston, which befits Carnival Jubilee’s connection to the Lone Star State, including the Texas star on her bow, special venues and events onboard, and more.
Also present were cruise officials and special guests, including Carnival Jubilee‘s ceremonial godmother, Gwen Stefani and Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy, along with Craig Brown, the Mayor of the City of Galveston.
A special surprise is that Brown declared February 24 as officially “Carnival Jubilee Day” while presenting Duffy with a key to the City of Galveston, further cementing the connection between Carnival Cruise Line and the Texas homeport.
In true Texas fashion, the larger-than-life festivities included a rope trick and whip cracking performance by Will Fitzpatrick, as well as more traditional elements, such as a performance of the Star Spangled Banner, blessings for the ship and all who will sail on her, and special remarks thanking and acknowledging those involved with bringing the ship to Galveston.
Carnival Jubilee naming Ceremony
“Building a ship is very complicated, it takes a long time. Things do not always go the way we planned,”Duffy said while acknowledging those who helped bring Carnival Jubilee to life.“This ship would not have happened without you and the amazing, amazing team.”
Duffy also gave hearty thanks and acknowledgments to the crew members of Carnival Jubilee, noting that the ship itself is just the hardware, but the crew is the heart of any vessel.
“What makes Carnival truly special is the passion of the 1,700 crew members aboard the ship,”Duffy said.
During the ceremony, Duffy also showcased Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to giving back by presenting $50,000 on behalf of Gwen Stefani – Carnival Jubilee‘s godmother – to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
The donation was accompanied by a commitment to raise a total of $50 million for the charity by 2030, which Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with since 2010. To date, Carnival Cruise Line has raised $33 million for St. Jude.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Donation
With so many memorable moments packed into one naming ceremony, of special note was the official christening with Gwen Stefani. A Texas-sized lever, capped appropriately with a cowboy hat and lassoed by Will Fitzpatrick, was used to release the oversized champagne bottle that crashed against the ship’s name for the official instant of naming.
The full ceremony was livestreamed online as well as through social media, permitting not only the 6,000 passengers onboard the ship for her next sailing, but also Carnival cruise fans around the world, to enjoy the special moment.
Winning Bid for the Boots
Part of the naming ceremony included announcing the winner of the specially made Carnival Jubilee cowboy boots. The cruise line ran an auction for the custom-made, handcrafted boots earlier in the month, with all proceeds going to support Operation Homefront.
Carnival Jubilee Boots
Ultimately, the winning bid came in at $25,000, which will not only give the winner the very special, very unique boots from Houston-based Parker Boot Company, but also a 7-night cruise aboard Carnival Jubilee in a balcony stateroom.
The winner of the boots with that highest bid is Emerson Hankamer, Chief Executive Officer of Vacations To Go, the world’s largest cruise travel agency.
More Texas Connections
Carnival Jubilee has a wide variety of Texas connections to celebrate. Carnival Cruise Line is now the Official Cruise Line of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a partnership that was announced in December 2023, the day before Carnival Jubilee first arrived in Texas.
The ship will also feature a unique celebration of all things Texas with the Lone Star Tailgate Party, an exclusive event only found on this one special ship. Offered aboard every sailing, the party celebrates all things fun and family – the epitome of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Jubilee Arriving in Galveston (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Onboard music by Texas artists, Texas-themed trivia events, and more are all part of the special vibe the new ship brings to the fleet.
Carnival Jubilee is now the fourth of five ships to join the Carnival fleet in less than 20 months, amazing growth by the cruise line. The new additions include not only her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, but also the three transfers from Costa Cruises that have been converted into Carnival ships – Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Venezia, and the soon-to-debut Carnival Firenze.
Carnival Jubilee will remain homeported in Galveston year-round at least through April 2026 (future itineraries past that date have not yet been released), offering 7-night Western Caribbean sailings visiting Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, with amazing Texas-sized fun along on every voyage.
In a year that exceeded all expectations, The Bahamas has solidified its status as a premier global destination, breaking previous tourism records with over 9.65 million arrivals in 2023.
A Historic Milestone in Tourism
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announced a record-breaking 9,654,838 visitors in 2023. This remarkable achievement represents a 38% increase over 2022 and a 33% increase from the previous record set in 2019.
This surge in tourism was driven by a significant 17% increase in foreign air arrivals and an unprecedented 43.5% rise in sea arrivals, highlighting The Bahamas’ popularity as a cruise destination.
Sea arrivals alone jumped from 5,530,462 visitors in 2022 to 7,934,858 in 2023.
“The Bahamas has not only surpassed its targets but has set new benchmarks in the tourism industry,”said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.“This record-breaking year is a clear indication of The Bahamas’ position as a top-tier destination for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences.”
The distribution of visitors across the 16-island destination additionally broke tourism records. New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands all saw substantial increases in visitor numbers.
New Providence, featuring the impressive Nassau Cruise Port and terminal, received 4,441,540 total visitors, marking a 36% increase from the previous year.
Grand Bahama followed with an impressive 44% surge, welcoming a total of 559,812 tourists. Cruise arrivals call on Freeport’s Lucayan Harbour.
The Family, or Out, Islands that include Eleuthera, Bimini, Great Abaco, Pig Beach and Harbour Island, experienced a 40% rise in visitor numbers, with 4,653,486 arrivals via both sea and air.
The Gateway to Bahamian Tourism
As The Bahamas main port of entry, Nassau Cruise Port, played a pivotal role in The Bahamas’ tourism success in 2023, recording its own numbers as slightly higher than the totals from the Ministry’s record recordings.
The cruise terminal, which can accommodate up to eight ships at once, announced it has witnessed 4,490,802 passengers across 1,210 vessels. This record bested the previous high set in 2019 by 14%.
Noteworthy achievements for the port included breaking its single-day passenger record twice, with the peak reaching 29,316 visitors in December. These milestones contributed substantially to The Bahamas surpassing its annual tourism target, boosting the local economy with over $6 billion in visitor spending.
Cruise Passengers in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
In January 2024 alone, Port Nassau welcomed 38 Royal Caribbean ships, 34 Carnival Cruise Line ships, 13 Celebrity Cruises ships, 10 Disney Cruise Line ships, 9 MSC Cruises ships, 7 Norwegian Cruise Line ships, 3 Holland America ships, and one ship from Virgin Voyages, Azamara Cruises, and Fred Olsen Cruise Line.
February’s arrivals nearly mimic the previous month, and the Nassau Cruise Port aims to welcome 5.6 million passengers in 2024.
Latia Duncombe, director of general tourism, said,“As The Bahamas continues to welcome visitors with open arms, we look forward to building on this momentum. With our commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism sector, The Bahamas is poised for even greater success in the years to come.”
As many large cruise lines also operated private islands in The Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (Little Stirrup Cay), Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, Holland America’s Half Moon Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, and Princess Cruises’ Princess Cay (Eleuthera), The Bahamas is poised to generated even more revenue from cruise tourism with the implementation of a new Value-Added Tax (VAT) going into effect on March 1.
Ending a nine-year VAT exemption, the reform introduces a standard 10% VAT rate on services provided on private islands. Cruise lines owning private islands or exceeding $100,000 in annual taxable sales are required to register for VAT, which is applicable to a wide range of services, including food and beverage, recreational activities, equipment rentals, and spa services.
Carnival Legend has developed a technical issue impacting its cruising speed, which will delay the vessel’s return to her Baltimore, Maryland homeport on Sunday, February 25.
This will likewise delay embarkation for the next cruise, and Carnival Cruise Line reached out to guests late Friday evening to alert them to the developing situation.
Carnival Legend to Be Delayed
Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests for the February 25 departure of Carnival Legend that due to an issue impacting the ship’s overall cruising speed, the vessel is expected to be delayed in her return to Baltimore. Therefore, embarkation for that sailing will now be delayed as well.
“Earlier today, Carnival Legend developed an issue that is affecting its cruising speed,”the notification explained.“The vessel has stopped to allow our engineers to make the repairs. As a result, it is now clear that our scheduled return to Baltimore will be impacted and your embarkation will be revised.”
The ship was originally scheduled to return to Baltimore at 8 a.m. on Sunday, February 25. For now, the length of the delay is unknown, but as Saturday, February 24 is planned as a day at sea, the ship may be able to make up some lost time if the repairs proceed smoothly.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with an update by 2:00 PM (ET) [Saturday],”the notification stated.“Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update.”
Guests are urged to sign up for text alerts to be sure they receive updates in a timely manner.
The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class Carnival Legend is currently sailing a 7-night Bahamas itinerary that departed Baltimore on February 18, with calls to Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport. The ship is homeported in Baltimore through mid-April, at which time she will offer a transatlantic cruise to Barcelona prior to a planned dry dock and several months sailing in Europe.
The vessel can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 2,680 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled. Also aboard are more than 900 international officers and crew members working to ensure all guests enjoy truly legendary sailings.
What Repairs Are Necessary?
The nature of the issue impacting Carnival Legend‘s cruising speed has not been disclosed. Satellite tracking data shows the ship moving at approximately 4 knots (4.6 miles per hour / 7.4 kilometers per hour), off the coast of Florida roughly 900 miles’ sailing distance from Baltimore. At that speed, it would take the ship 195 hours – or more than 8 full days – to return to Baltimore.
Of course, the ship’s engineers are already working on the issue, and undoubtedly, the ship will resume a faster speed as soon as possible. Carnival Legend‘s top cruising speed is 22 knots (25 mph / 41 kph).
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
At this time it is unknown how long the repairs may take, or if the ship will be able to maintain her top speed once they are complete. It is possible that a temporary repair may be able to restore only part of the ship’s speed, but additional repairs may be able to be made once the ship is docked to fully correct the issue.
Depending on the nature of the issue and the complexity needed for repairs, the ship may need to sail at reduced speed until her planned dry dock at the end of April, but this has not yet been determined.
Guests booked on any upcoming Carnival Legend sailing will want to pay close attention to this developing story in case additional itineraries may be impacted.
Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates on the ship’s return to Baltimore, embarkation changes, and possible itinerary adjustments as they are confirmed.
Early in the afternoon of Friday, February 23, 2024, a single-engine seaplane overturned while landing and crashed at PortMiami with seven passengers aboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and local Miami-Dade Police Harbor Patrol boats were able to respond quickly, evacuating the passengers safely.
Traffic was backed up for some time near the cruise port, but no ship departures were impacted by the incident, which is now under investigation.
Seaplane Crashes at PortMiami
At approximately 1:40 p.m. on Friday, February 23, a single-engine Cessna 208 seaplane overturned while attempting to land at the Miami Seaplane Base on Watson Island at the west end of the cruise port’s main channel, near the turning basin. The plane came to rest partially submerged in the channel near the cruise ship terminals.
None of the seven passengers aboard the seaplane were injured and all were successfully rescued from the damaged seaplane by Miami-Dade Police Harbor Patrol boats and a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue boat. The emergency boats were able to respond quickly as they were already on hand for routine cruise ship security.
Flight tracking data confirms that the plane had departed Palm Beach International Airport, 70 miles (113 kilometers) north of Miami Seaplane Base, just after 1 p.m.
The circumstances of the crash are unknown, but the incident will be investigated by Miami-Dade Police, the Federal Administration Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
No Cruise Ships Impacted
Five cruise ships were docked in PortMiami at the time of the crash: Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas; Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl; MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica; and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Conquest. Explorer of the Seas and Carnival Conquest were closest to the crash site.
Cruise Ships at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Marcio.Duarte)
All the ships were on turnaround days, debarking guests from one sailing and taking aboard passengers for the next cruise.
While eastbound traffic along MacArthur Causeway was temporarily delayed and traffic to and from Miami Beach was diverted to accommodate rescue personnel, most traffic into the cruise port was unaffected.
Later in the afternoon, the seaplane was towed the short distance to a dock at Miami Seaplane Base, and work was underway to remove the plane from the water.
Some more video of the seaplane crash. Looks to me like it will be back flying in no time. Glad everyone is okay! pic.twitter.com/k6Z6zAIQJW
All five cruise ships were able to depart as scheduled, with no delays or changes to their itineraries anticipated due to the seaplane crash.
Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Conquest, MSC Magnifica, and Norwegian Pearl are all beginning three night weekend sailings. Carnival Conquest and Norwegian Pearl will be visiting Nassau, while Freedom of the Seas is visiting both Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. MSC Magnifica is visiting Key West and MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. All four ships will be back in Miami on Monday, February 26.
Explorer of the Seas is beginning a 9-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, with visits to Amber Cove, St. Thomas, St. Johns, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts before the ship will return to Miami on Sunday, March 3.
No debris remains in the port channel and there should be no impact on any cruise ship through the weekend or into next week.
