Guests setting sail with Holland America Line will soon be able to join in on the fun with a popular game show as the cruise line is bringing Deal or No Deal to nine of its vessels. The new entertainment offering is already available on other cruise lines and is regularly one of the most popular activities onboard.
Deal or No Deal Coming to Holland America Line
Cruise travelers aboard select Holland America Line ships will soon have the opportunity to join in one of the most popular onboard game shows with Deal or No Deal, an interactive entertainment show being brought to nine of the line’s 11 ships.
The game is managed by interactive technology leader TimePlay, who has created the game show in a format that is unique to each player and offers guests in the audience the chance to play along with pre-purchased game cards.
“With the growing demand for entertainment options, Deal or No Deal is a perfect addition to Holland America’s offerings,”said Aaron Silverberg, SVP of Entertainment, TimePlay.
The new game will not completely replace production shows, trivia contests, informative lectures, live music, or other entertainment onboard, but will instead be another option on the daily show schedule.
Holland America Line Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
“We’re excited to add this program to our lineup and we look forward to guests enjoying this interactive game,”said Daniel Materassi, senior vice president of guest commerce for Holland America Line.
The cruise line has not announced which ships will feature Deal or No Deal or when the game may debut, though it is likely to be offered once or twice per sailing, depending on the ship, departure date, and cruise length.
How Cruise Ship Deal or No Deal Works
The popular game show is already a highlight of cruise entertainment schedules on more than 85 vessels worldwide, including ships with Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
Deal or No Deal may either be featured as an evening entertainment show or possibly as an afternoon option, depending on the individual cruise activity schedule. Onboard Holland America Line ships, the game show will be hosted on the World Stage or Rolling Stone Lounge.
Before the game begins, passengers can buy cards that both enter them into the drawing to become the featured contestant as well as the chance to play along in the audience if they aren’t on stage.
Holland America Line Ships in Victoria, British Columbia (Photo Credit: The Bold Bureau / Shutterstock)
The selected contestant – chosen randomly based on the unique numbers assigned to game cards purchased – has the chance to win a cash prize based on which “case” they select, in the same manner as the popular television game show. Offers made by a mysterious banker are designed to tempt players to abandon their gameplay for a guaranteed win.
Simultaneously, guests in the audience can also play along on their own game cards. The more cases they match to the contestant’s play, the better prize they can win, ranging from free onboard options to cash prizes or even a free cruise.
This creates a high-energy, enthusiastic environment, as the changing results of audience winners are highlighted after each turn, letting everyone see what the winner standings may be. Guests in the audience can reuse their cards for each contestant in a single game session, making it an even better value for driving audience participation.
Game Shows on the Rise
Game show experiences are on the rise on cruise ships, as they offer greater interaction for crowds and bring more passengers into the excitement, as well as improving revenue for the cruise ship (depending on how play is organized).
Popular favorites such as The Price is Right, Family Feud, Press Your Luck, Wheel of Fortune, and other game shows are all making appearances as cruise ship activities.
Have you had the chance to try your hand at winning an onboard game show? Share your game play experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
The usually serene waters of the Red Sea, a popular haven for cruise ships and their passengers seeking exotic destinations, have recently been stirred by escalating geopolitical tensions.
This unrest, primarily stemming from conflicts involving Houthi rebels in Yemen, has caused numerous cancellations and itinerary changes on the world’s largest cruise lines.
Conflict in the Red Sea
The Red Sea, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, has recently become a focal point of geopolitical tensions. The root of the current unrest lies in the escalating conflict involving Houthi rebels.
In recent months, these rebels, backed by Iran, have been using armed drones and sea mines to disrupt maritime traffic, targeting attacks on oil tankers and cargo ships with attempted hijacking of commercial vessels.
Strategically positioned, the Red Sea is pivotal for ships facilitating trade between Asian and European nations. In fact, according to the Associated Press, 40% of trade between the continents passes through this region, including essentials like oil, fuel, and food.
According to Freightos Group, a global freight booking platform, the Suez Canal facilitates the daily passage of over 1 million barrels of crude oil, underscoring its critical importance in the international shipping and energy sectors.
As such, the attacks on commercial ships have raised alarms across the globe, prompting responses from major world powers. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have increased their naval presence in the region, conducting patrols and escorting commercial vessels to ensure safe passage.
On January 12, the Allies began airstrikes, with the most recent strike by U.S. and U.K. forces in Yemen in late February, sparking protests and threats of more violence from rebels, significantly heightening the uncertainty and risk in the Red Sea region. This tense atmosphere has caused numerous cruise companies to reassess their operations in these waters.
Cruise Lines Respond to Red Sea Tensions
Cruise ships traverse the Red Sea to visit ports of call in the Middle East, including Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. For instance, Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady has cancelled her return to Australia following a successful inaugural run due to the tensions in the Red Sea. Instead, Valiant Lady is being redirected to the Caribbean.
“Based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months,” Virgin Voyage said in a statement.
“This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew, and vessel. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to cancel our 2024/25 voyage season plans for Resilient Lady, impacting the late 2024 and early 2025 repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia and a second sailing season in Australian waters.”
Cruise Ship Sailing the Suez Canal (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)
Carnival Corporation, which owns Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, Seabourn, and AIDA Cruises, rerouted itineraries for 12 ships across all its brands.
The changes include the cancellation of several spring 2024 sailings on AIDAbella, AIDAblu, and AIDAprima, as well as the itinerary changes to avoid the Suez Canal on Costa Deliziosa and P&O Cruises’ Arcadia.
P&O Cruises has publicly stated they are in constant contact with relevant authorities.
“We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis, and we will advise guests should any changes to the itinerary become necessary. The safety, security, and well-being of guests and crew is our absolute priority,” a P&O spokesperson said to Cruise Hive.
Cunard Line also provided Cruise Hive with a similar statement, “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests and crew. Our global security team is actively monitoring the situation in the region and working in close consultation with global security experts and government authorities to make decisions that prioritise safety, including adjusting our itineraries if necessary.”
Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cancelled Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sky itineraries, which were scheduled to sail in the Red Sea between late October and early December, indicating the belief the turmoil will last well into the year.
“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,” NCL said in a statement.
MSC Cruises, the largest cruise operator in the Middle East, cancelled three “Grand Voyages” set to sail in April, returning MSC Spendida, MSC Opera, and MSC Virtuosa to Europe via a Cape Horn route without passengers. It also rerouted MSC Poesia’s 115-day voyage to avoid the Suez Canal.
“Considering the risks of sailing in the Red Sea due to the ongoing attacks on ships, we have been obliged to cancel the Grand Voyage from South Africa to Italy,” MSC Cruises said in a letter to passengers scheduled to cruise on MSC Splendida. “We know that you spent time planning your cruise and we sincerely apologize for the disappointment that this will likely cause, and we want you to know that this decision was made with your safety and well-being in mind.”
Currently, Holland America’s Zuiderdam is still scheduled to travel the Red Sea during its 2024 “Grand Voyage.” The cruise line says, “Our global security team is closely watching the situation in the region. We will continue working in consultation with global experts and authorities to make decisions that prioritize safety, including adjusting our itineraries if necessary. If itineraries are adjusted, we will directly notify affected guests.”
P&O Iona Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: E.R. Images)
Understanding Passenger Rights and Options Amid Itinerary Changes
Cancellations and itinerary changes have raised questions about passenger rights and available options. The policies in these scenarios can be complex and vary by cruise line, but there are some general guidelines that passengers can consider.
If passengers cancel their cruise booking, they will typically be subject to the usual cancellation charges outlined by the cruise line’s policy.
Cruise Ship Passengers (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer)
However, the situation is different if there are official advisories against travel to the region, such as those issued by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and the U.S. Department of State. In such cases, cruise companies are generally expected to offer an alternative sailing or a full refund, providing a safety net for passengers affected by these extraordinary circumstances.
All cruise lines announcing cancellations have also specified full refunds to passengers, while those rerouting are less clear. Some lines have offered flexibility in rebooking a new cruise, while others simply change the itinerary and apologize for any inconvenience to passengers.
In light of these changes, passengers are advised to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and communicate with their cruise line for specific policies regarding itinerary changes, cancellations, and refunds.
After recently making significant changes to Resilient Lady‘s repositioning cruise from Australia to the Mediterranean, Virgin Voyages has continued to monitor Middle East tensions and now decided to cancel the ship’s return to Australia after her Mediterranean summer.
Instead, the cruise line’s newest vessel will offer new Caribbean itineraries, and options are still being considered for a return to Australia and the Asia Pacific region once repositioning sailings become more tenable.
Resilient Lady Not Returning to Australia
Resilient Lady – currently enjoying a warm welcome with Virgin Voyages’ first ever season in Australia – will unfortunately be unable to return to Australia as planned, due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East that post a significant threat to the safety of planned repositioning cruises.
“Based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months,”the cruise line said.
“This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to cancel our 2024/25 voyage season plans for Resilient Lady, impacting the late 2024 and early 2025 repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia and a second sailing season in Australian waters.”
This means that all Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific itineraries after the ship completes her current season in March will be cancelled. The ship will leave Sydney, Australia on March 27 on the already-altered repositioning voyage to the Mediterranean, now looping around western Africa rather than sailing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Resilient Lady Arrives in Sydney (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)
The ship’s 2024 season in the Mediterranean is not affected, but instead of returning to Australia as originally planned, Resilient Lady will instead undertake a transatlantic cruise to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she will homeport for the winter in the Caribbean. Itineraries are not yet confirmed, but will include amazing destinations like St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.
“To say that we are disappointed to have come to this tough conclusion is an understatement,”the statement from Virgin Voyages said.
The cruise line is planning a diverse arrangement of Caribbean itineraries for Resilient Lady to enjoy with lengths ranging from 7-11 nights, depending on itinerary route and sailing date.
Why Make Changes Now?
It is clear that the geopolitical situation surrounding the Red Sea is unstable, but changes could happen at any time that would bring greater peace and stability to the region.
Virgin Voyages is opting to make these itinerary cancellations now – months in advance – in order to permit both travel agents and interested guests as much time as possible to adjust their own travel plans, rather than risk last-minute changes.
“These adjustments are happening now in order to minimize potential future disruption to our passengers’ holiday plans knowing there is a high likelihood that changes would need to happen in the future,”the cruise line said.
Resilient Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Alex Anderson / Maritime Filming UK)
Last-minute itinerary changes on such a massive scale often leave travelers scrambling with non-refundable airfare, hotel reservations, or other arrangements, as well as fewer choices for alternative sailings in other regions.
Guests on the now-cancelled cruises will have the option to rebook on another Virgin Voyages cruise or a full refund for their reservation. Details will be sent to impacted guests and travel agents as soon as options are finalized.
Travelers who had already booked for the 2025 Australian season will also have priority for future Down Under sailings should they become available.
Many different cruise lines have already adjusted itineraries in or near the Red Sea. Most recently, Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled select late 2024 Red Sea regional sailings for Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sky, joining similar alterations by Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, and other lines.
There is good news for passengers aboard Norwegian Dawn as well as those about to set sail on the ship’s next cruise.
Test results have shown no cases of cholera and the ship is now cleared to resume service ahead of schedule, albeit with itinerary modifications due to the two lost days and being quarantined.
Embarking guests are also being offered significant compensation for the inconvenient changes and delay to their sailing.
Norwegian Dawn Ready to Sail
After the ship was initially quarantined due to gastrointestinal illness and unable to debark as planned in Port Louis, Mauritius, Norwegian Dawn has now been cleared by local authorities after additional health testing confirmed there were no cases of cholera onboard.
“Despite previous reports and speculations, there were no confirmed cases nor any evidence of cholera on board the vessel,” a statement from Norwegian Cruise Line read. “Although only six guests were being monitored due to mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness, the government of Mauritius required testing in an overabundance of caution, thereby delaying the ship’s original disembarkation.”
Because the test results have come back earlier than expected, new plans are now in place for embarkation to give guests as much time aboard the ship as possible.
“Now that the ship has been cleared ahead of what we previously communicated, we are happy to advise that you will be able to board the ship earlier than originally thought,”the email notification to guests read.
Norwegian Dawn (Photo Credit: Toni Arsovski / Shutterstock)
Embarkation will now take place on Tuesday, February 27. Norwegian Cruise Line has arranged transfers from local hotels to the embarkation port from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for guests who were staying in the accommodations organized by the cruise line, while guests who made their own hotel arrangements should plan to arrive at the cruise terminal from 1-3 p.m.
All guests need to arrive at the embarkation port no later than 5 p.m. for check-in and the ship’s departure.
“We appreciate our guests’ patience during this time, as we navigate this fluid situation,” said David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line President. “We greatly value our onboard leadership team and crew, as well as our global shoreside team for going above and beyond to ensure the comfort of our guests during this unanticipated event.”
Itinerary Changes
Due to the two-day delay in embarkation, it is still necessary to make adjustments to Norwegian Dawn‘s next sailing, now a 10-night voyage instead of a 12-night cruise.
“Regrettably we are unable to call on Madagascar,”the email explained.“We have maintained the integrity of the remaining highly valued ports of call such as Richard’s Bay, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, South Africa.”
The ship will still be visiting Pointe des Galets, Reunion as the first port of call, followed by three days before reaching South Africa. Each port of call in South Africa has been adjusted, largely to give guests even more time ashore.
At Richard’s Bay on Sunday, March 3, for example, Norwegian Dawn will now be visiting from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., an extra 90 minutes in the morning compared to the original 9 a.m. arrival time. Likewise, the ship will arrive at Port Elizabeth 30 minutes early on Tuesday, March 5 – at 5:30 a.m. instead of 6 a.m.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
The visit to Mosselbay on Wednesday, March 6, is trimmed by one hour, however, as the ship will now leave at 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.
The visit to Cape Town remains an overnight call, with the ship now arriving at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 7 and not leaving until 8 a.m. on Friday.
All shore tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line for the now-cancelled calls in Madagascar will be fully refunded back to guests’ onboard accounts, while tours for the remaining ports of call will be adjusted to the new port times as necessary.
Travelers who have made independent tour arrangements will need to contact their tour operators for adjustments or refunds as needed.
Further Compensation
Due to the shortening of the cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line is providing additional compensation for guests.
All travelers are receiving a pro-rated refund of their cruise fare based on the shortened duration, as well as similar refunds of pre-paid options such as beverage packages and gratuities. Those refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Guests will also receive a $200 (USD) non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom, as well as a 20% discount in the form of a future cruise credit (FCC) based on the cruise fare to be used on any future sailing through December 31, 2025.
Impacted guests can also submit receipts for $75 per person, per day reimbursement covering meals while staying in Port Louis, Mauritius due to the embarkation delay.
Health Precautions Still Emphasized
While Norwegian Dawn has been cleared to sail, crew members are still taking precautions onboard and guests are urged to do the same to ensure the health and safety of everyone during their cruise.
“As expected, there were no cholera cases onboard Norwegian Dawn,”the email to guests said.“This has been confirmed by the Mauritius government health officials. In addition to the incredibly high level of standards we have on the ship, we have taken additional precautions to ensure the health and safety of our guests and crew.”
The email encourages passengers to wash their hands frequently throughout the day, as well as be cautious about what foods or drinks are safest to enjoy ashore.
All travelers are urged to notify the ship’s medical center if they experience any stomach-related symptoms during the sailing, and they will receive consultations and treatment in the privacy of their staterooms if necessary.
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.
