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.
Preparing to set off on a cruise vacation can be an incredibly exciting time. With the anticipation of exploring picturesque destinations, basking in the luxury and relaxation the ship offers, and eagerness to enjoy all the onboard activities, anyone would count down the minutes before departure.
Amidst all the excitement, it is also important to ensure you are ready and prepared for boarding when that time comes. Not only do you have to make sure that you have packed everything that you will need, you have to ensure that you will arrive at the departure point on time.
Today, we will address a question that has many first-time cruise passengers anxious – what happens if you miss your cruise ship? We will discuss potential scenarios and how they would be resolved and provide you with some tips you can follow to ensure that your cruise experience goes smoothly and you don’t become one of those pier runners!
What Happens if You Miss Your Cruise at the Original Departure Point?
Before we get into what will happen if you miss your cruise ship’s departure time, it is important to establish that arriving on time is always your responsibility. This is true regardless of the cruise line you are traveling with.
No matter your reason for being late, the consequences for failing to arrive on time can be quite severe. Cruise ships have to cater to thousands of people and adhere to specific itineraries, so they cannot afford to delay the entire voyage for a few late passengers.
Unfortunately, if the captain and crew decide that the ship cannot wait any longer, they will leave without you. While this may seem harsh to those who have spent thousands of dollars booking their trip and waited months for the date, cruise ships must arrive at ports at very specific times.
Cruise Ship Gangway (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)
Once the ship has sailed away, the responsibility to catch up with the ship and join the voyage would depend entirely upon your actions. If you can make your own arrangements to meet the ship at one of its ports of call, there is a chance you will be able to board and enjoy the remaining voyage; however, this is not always feasible or allowed. In most cases, passengers who have failed to board on time are simply out of luck.
What Would Happen if You Missed Your Cruise at a Port of Call?
The situation is slightly different for those who fail to return to their cruise ship on time at a port of call. Since cruise ships take responsibility for their passengers once they have been accounted for at the original departure point, they make more of an effort to wait for your arrival.
That said, it would remain your responsibility to return to the ship on time. If, for whatever reason, you do not make it back to the ship in time, the first action would be to contact the cruise line immediately.
They will guide you on the next steps you will need to take. They may also help you contact the relevant organizations if it is an emergency situation.
Cruise Passengers Heading Back to Ship (Photo Credit: Yingna Cai)
If you fail to make contact with the ship, but your cruise card has not been scanned by security personnel, there is a good chance that they will wait a reasonable amount of time before filing a missing person report with local authorities and embassy personnel.
While there is a good chance that they will work with you to make the proper arrangements to rejoin the voyage, any costs associated with doing so would still fall upon you rather than the cruise line itself, so be prepared to take on these expenses.
Report to a Port Agent
Once you have established that your cruise ship has departed, or if you suspect you might be late, you need to report to the port agent as quickly as possible. The port agent is a certified expert who serves as a liaison between cruise ships and the shore.
Given that they coordinate services between the ships and the local port, they can assist you if you have managed to miss your ship while visiting a port of call.
Most cruise lines station a port agent within the port to assist their passengers. In situations where it is clear you will not be able to return to the ship on time, they can even have your essential items, like passports, smartphones, and medication, removed from the ship and held at the port agent’s office for your retrieval. They can also help you make the appropriate travel arrangements by communicating with the ship on your behalf.
For most cruise lines, you will be able to find information relating to port agents within the cruise ship’s daily newsletter, as well as your cruise line’s smart app. Failing this, you can contact your respective cruise line’s customer service line, as they will be able to offer you guidance about locating and reporting to the relevant port agent.
How Can You Avoid Missing Your Cruise Ship’s Departure?
While it may sound pretty obvious, the most effective way to ensure you do not miss your cruise ship is to simply arrive early. Even if it seems tedious, arriving with plenty of time to spare is the only way to guarantee that you can board the ship and enjoy your vacation.
You can also do yourself a massive favor by ensuring you are organized ahead of time. Don’t wait for the day of your cruise to begin packing!
Have everything, including passports and other relevant travel documentation, packed well ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to have your transportation needs organized ahead of time, including your rides to and from airports or hotels.
Passport for Cruise (Photo Credit: Ricardo Reitmeyer / Shutterstock)
Another seemingly obvious tip many travelers forget to do is check with your cruise line for updates. Most cruise lines and airlines have smart apps that will provide real-time updates about delays and other issues. By staying informed, you can help reduce the chances of encountering any last-second issues.
If you are traveling to a departure point from out of state or out of the country, make sure that you consider the time zone your departure time is listed in.
Many people have mistakenly arrived at the wrong time because they didn’t consider the departure time was listed in the local time zone rather than the one they traveled from.
Speaking of timing, make sure that you set multiple alarm clocks and regularly check your watch or phone. The more time you give yourself, the less stress you will experience on your departure day.
Checking Time in Port (Photo Credit: New Africa)
Finally, purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Even if you have planned everything perfectly, some situations are out of your control. Whether it is a last-minute emergency or simply a delayed flight you have no control over, travel insurance will help you avoid the financial burden of paying for a cruise you could not join.
Avoiding Missing Your Ship at Ports of Call
To avoid returning to the ship in time, you must pay close attention to the time. When you disembark at a port of call, you will be given clear instructions regarding when you should return and where you should meet.
While it may sound pretty obvious, many cruise passengers find themselves distracted by the fun and excitement of stretching their legs and enjoying the sights and sounds of a new location.
In addition to paying close attention to the clock and giving yourself plenty of time to return to the ship, we recommend only booking excursions and shore experiences that your cruise line recommended.
For a cruise line to work with a shore-based excursion provider, they will have been vetted beforehand. This means that the excursion operators will be fully aware of your departure time and when they need to return you to the ship.
NCL Cruise Ship in Port (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
While these excursions can be more expensive than those booked within the port of call itself, purchasing ahead of time through your cruise line is a worthwhile expense when you consider the panic and financial burden that would result from missing your cruise.
Plus, not only will the excursion provider make every effort to return you to the ship in time, cruise lines will wait as long as possible for delayed shore excursions that are booked through them. The same cannot be said for excursions that are booked independently.
Another important tip is to always stick to ship time, rather than adopting the local time, which could be in a different time zone than the time your ship keeps.
While this may sound obvious, it is incredibly important to stick to the same time your ship keeps, as this will determine when they depart. To avoid confusion, don’t rely on clocks within the port. Instead, keep ship time on your watch or smartphone and stick to that.
Keep Important Information on You
Take photocopies of all of your essential travel documents when you leave the ship at a port of call. This includes passport books or passport cards, both sides of your driver’s license, as well as credit cards you can use in the event of an emergency, or if you miss the ship.
US Passports (Photo Credit: Chiara Sakuwa / Shutterstock)
We also recommend writing down important phone numbers, including emergency contacts and contact information for your cruise ship. Even if these numbers are saved within your phone, you should still bring a paper copy, as your phone could be lost, damaged, stolen, or it could simply run out of battery power.
Having contact and location information for the port agent can also be incredibly useful if you manage to miss your cruise ship. Again, this information will be listed on the daily schedules you will receive onboard the ship each day.
Can You Catch a Cruise Ship at the Next Port of Call?
If you manage to miss your cruise, either due to travel delays, an emergency situation, or simple disorganization, it may be possible to rejoin it at the next port of call.
In order to do so, you would need to coordinate this with the cruise line, as well as make sure that you had all of the relevant documentation to both board the ship and explain your absence.
Typically, you would contact your cruise line and get in touch with their response team. They might be able to discuss potential options you could follow to join the cruise at its next port of call.
Video Footage: Laszlo Bagi
Unless you have coverage through a travel protection package, any costs associated with meeting the cruise ship at the next stop on its itinerary would be your responsibility to cover.
While it may sound like a fairly simple process to rejoin a cruise ship, it is vital that you only do so in cooperation with the cruise line you are traveling with.
Not only do you want to avoid traveling to a port of call only to be denied the ability to board the ship, it is essential that doing so would be in compliance with the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which is something your cruise line would ensure.
How Long Will a Cruise Ship Wait for Missing Passengers?
Wait times will vary depending on your circumstances. As mentioned, a cruise ship will typically wait as long as they are able to do so for missing passengers who have booked an excursion experience through the cruise line itself.
On the other hand, cruise ships will not wait for tardy passengers who have not made any effort to contact the ship. As a passenger, it is your responsibility to return to the ship before the final all-aboard time is called.
Cruise Ship Gangway in Port
On the other hand, if you are missing but you have managed to contact the ship or the relevant port agent, the ship may extend you the courtesy of waiting for your arrival, but this will depend on circumstances within the port itself. Typically, port schedules are tightly controlled, so ships cannot afford to spend time waiting for missing passengers.
In situations where an individual or several passengers are missing, cruise ships usually only delay departure for around 15 minutes, and even that is up to the discretion of the captain.
Late Carnival Cruise Passenger (Credit: @designsbyd1)
One exception to the typical delay occurred when a cruise passenger kept the Carnival Vista waiting for 45 minutes! Her casual attitude in returning to the ship even made a recording of the situation go viral. While this careless passenger got lucky, do not assume your cruise ship will do the same for you. Always make every effort to arrive on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it expensive to rejoin a cruise?
If you missed your cruise, the costs and headaches associated with rejoining the voyage can be incredibly expensive. Not only will you have to pay for flights and hotels, but you will also have to spend hours organizing travel arrangements.
In short, these expenses can vary, but you should anticipate having to spend a significant amount of money, especially if you are with a big group.
It’s important to remember that being on time is always your responsibility, so you should not expect the cruise line to provide any compensation, even if your lateness was not your fault.
How long will a cruise ship wait for late passengers?
While each situation is different, most cruise lines have strict policies regarding passenger tardiness. Not only does each ship have strict deadlines and a cruise itinerary to adhere to, but it would not be fair to the thousands of other passengers if their vacation was delayed because of a few late passengers.
Typically, you should not expect the ship to wait any longer than 10 to 15 minutes for late passengers. While there are exceptions, some will not wait at all. Again, make sure you are on time!
While this can be amusing for spectators, it can also be incredibly frustrating if the cruise ship has had to delay its departure due to disorganized and unpunctual passengers. Obviously, it can also be incredibly stressful and embarrassing if you find yourself in the situation where you have become a ‘pier runner’ yourself.
Final Words
While it may seem stressful, arriving on time for your cruise does not have to be a nerve-racking experience. Use the potential consequences of lateness to motivate you to be extra organized.
Give yourself plenty of time and make the necessary preparations ahead of time. If you take the right steps, your travel experience can be smooth sailing!
P&O Cruises, a UK cruise brand owned by Carnival Corporation, is expected to soon announce a new airline partner to provide charter services for its lucrative and popular Caribbean fly-cruise packages from UK airports. The cruise line is home-porting two ships in Barbados during the current winter 2024 season and the fall/winter 2024-25 season.
Charter Service Prompted Complaints From Cruisers
P&O Cruises appears poised to walk away from Maleth Aero, one of the air charter services it has used to transport cruisers from the UK to Bridgetown, Barbados, where it seasonally homeports two mega-ships, Arvia and Britannia.
The anticipated change follows complaints from travel agents and cruisers about Maleth Aero’s lack of premium seating and inflight entertainment on long-haul flights from the UK to Barbados.
Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises and Carnival UK, referred to the problems in a video posted on X on February 20, 2024. Along with Maleth Aero, the cruise line has also been using TUI Airways for its charter services, and that arrangement appears steady.
“I know that we’ve had some flight issues this season and for anyone who has been impacted by those, we are so sorry. We are delighted to be partnering again with TUI next season and we are also confirming our airline partner and will update you as soon as possible,” Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises and Carnival UK, said in the video.
We’re pleased to share some updates from Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, from our community efforts with local organisations in Barbados to celebrating our second year as the proud headline sponsor of the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises… and more pic.twitter.com/59G4VYOZ5e
Ludlow did not indicate which airline might replace the charter flights serviced by Maleth Aero, which is described on its LinkedIn page as a Maltese wet lease company, part of the AELF group, based in Chicago. It fleet consists of six wide-body passenger and cargo aircraft.
Maleth Aero had been contracted to provide some charter flights from the UK’s Gatwick and Manchester airports to Barbados and Antigua. Arvia and Britannia are deployed to the Caribbean until late March 2024.
It is unclear whether Maleth Aero is continuing to operate the UK charters, however, TUI Airways is expected to keep operating its charter services for the cruise line.
Seasonal Homeports Beckon UK Cruisers
P&O Cruises’ 5,200-guest Arvia is an Excellence-class ship that entered service in March 2023, and was christened in Barbados, which became her seasonal homeport. The ship operates 7-day cruises between Bridgetown, Barbados, and St. John, Antigua. Port calls include St. Kitts, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Tourism Saint Lucia
Britannia, with capacity for 3,647 guests, is an older ship, having debuted in 2015. Notably, she was christened by Queen Elizabeth II. The ship, based in Barbados, operates 14-night sailings that call at Curacao, Bonaire, St. Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, and St. Maarten.
Both ships will sail transatlantic voyages to Southampton in April 2024, and begin a series of summer cruises. Arvia will sail Mediterranean itineraries while Britannia will offer Northern Europe and Scandinavia cruises.
Arvia and Britannia will return to their Caribbean homeports in late October 2024 and remain there for the 2024-25 winter season.
In the world of modern cruise ships, size really matters! Some of the most iconic passenger vessels of all time continue to be remembered for how they broke records for size and redefined what a ship could be.
On this front, a new engineering marvel has emerged that promises to set a new standard for both luxury and physical proportions – Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s new colossal vessel stands out as the largest cruise ship ever made.
If you’re ready to discover everything you need to know about Icon of the Seas, it’s time to get started!
Icon of the Seas is a massive cruise ship and is 250,800 gross tons, making it the largest cruise ship in the world. The ship has a passenger capacity of 5,610 at double occupancy and is 1,196 feet long.
To appreciate the true scale of the Royal Caribbean’s giant cruise ship, you need to look at how each measurement dwarfs the Oasis-class ships that joined the fleet much earlier and one of the largest ships from the rival cruise line, Carnival.
Icon of the Seas Size Facts and Stats
Icon of the Seas Length
In terms of sheer numbers, Icon of the Seas measures a mind-boggling 1,198 feet in length, or 365 meters. This makes it roughly the same length as three-and-a-half full-sized NFL football fields. Even at a reasonable pace and without obstacles, this distance would take the average adult about 10 minutes to walk!
Icon of the Seas Width
In terms of the massive cruise ship’s width, its maximum beam–or the distance between the most outer sides of the hull–measures 225.5 feet across!
Icon of the Seas Height
With 20 decks, Icon of the Seas also sits an incredibly high 196 feet above the water line. That is roughly the same height as an 18-story apartment building; plus, a huge section of the ship sits below the water.
Icon of the Seas Weight
The gargantuan cruise ship tips the scales at 248,663 gross tons, making her the heaviest and largest cruise ship by gross tonnage that has ever been built. In fact, Icon of the Seas weighs roughly 5% more than the previous holder of the title of the biggest cruise ship in the world – Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
How Does the Icon of the Seas Measure Up to Other Major Cruise Ships?
While the sheer numbers can be impressive, they can also lack context when they are not compared to other cruise ships on the water today. The world’s third largest cruise ship, the Wonder of the Seas, is still an enormous vessel, but it only measures 1,187 feet to the 1,198 feet of the Icon of the Seas.
Icon of the Seas Size Comparison
Stats
Icon of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Carnival Jubilee
Gross Tonnage
248,663
236,857
183,521
Length
1,198
1,188
1,130
Passenger Decks
18
16
18
Total Decks
20
18
20
Maximum Guest Capacity
7,600
6,988
5,374
Total Cabins
2,805
2,874
2,541
Crew Capacity
2,350
2,300
1,735
The fact that Icon of the Seas is noticeably bigger and heavier than the previous title holders for the world’s largest cruise ship is truly incredible, but it still makes it difficult to understand just how large it really is.
To have a more informed understanding, you need to compare the Icon of the Seas to the average cruise ship, which tends to come in at roughly 900 to 1,000 feet in length.
Is Icon of the Seas Really That Much Bigger Than Other Cruise Ships?
Given that Icon of the Seas is a full 10 feet longer than the next biggest cruise ship, it truly is a larger-than-life vessel. While 10 feet may not sound like too much if you are unfamiliar with ship dimensions, you also have to remember that Icon of the Seas also offers an extra two decks over the next largest ship.
Icon of the Seas Docked in US Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: Virgin Islands Port Authority)
With two extra decks and an enormous length, the Icon of the Seas has the extra room required to outfit her with hundreds of additional cabins and observation decks, plus a much wider range of amenities. It is no wonder that industry experts have been referring to her ambitious design as being bolder than anything ever built.
Icon of the Seas Capacity – Passengers and Crew
With a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600 guests, Icon of the Seas is almost a floating city. When you consider that the crew capacity of 2,350 takes the total number of people up to a maximum of 9,950, you truly begin to realize just how massive the ship truly is.
While it may not sound like an overly glamorous record, Icon of the Seas also takes the record for the cruise ship with the highest number of crew members. As you would expect, more crew members are needed to service a larger ship, but the giant cruise ship goes beyond what is purely necessary.
Icon of the Seas Delivery (Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
This is because it was intended to be the most luxurious and enjoyable cruise ship on the planet, not just the largest. This immense number of crew and staff ensures that passengers are always attended to and that everything about the voyage goes smoothly.
What About Accommodations on the Icon of the Seas?
The ship’s numerous cabins are designed to offer comfortable accommodations for families and groups of all sizes. With family-specific staterooms and cabins that can accommodate families of three, four, five, and even six people, Icon of the Seas offers options for just about anyone hoping to enjoy a vacation with their whole family.
This is no surprise when you consider that Royal Caribbean has advertised travel on the massive vessel as the best family vacation in the world.
Not only do guests have plenty of options for choosing how many people their cabin can comfortably accommodate, but there are plenty of options for layout and interior design. In fact, the Icon of the Seas features 28 unique categories of room options, which is only possible thanks to the cruise ship’s immense size!
As mentioned, Royal Caribbean had families in mind when they came up with the cabin design for the Icon of the Seas. In doing so, they introduced eight new suite categories specifically designed for groups larger than two passengers.
Icon of the Seas Ocean View Balcony
With over 82% of the rooms onboard Icon of the Seas being able to accommodate three or more guests at a time, passengers have more options than ever when it comes to group travel.
Not only are the cabins larger and more capable of handling multiple guests than the accommodations on a typical Royal Caribbean ship, but over 70% of the rooms will feature balconies.
Breakdown of the Accommodations on the Icon of the Seas
Of the mind-blowing 2,805 passenger cabins and suites on the Icon of the Seas, 179 are classed as luxury suites, 1,815 are listed as staterooms with balconies, 276 are ocean-facing staterooms without balconies, and the remaining 535 are interior-facing staterooms.
Even within those cabin and suites categories, there is a wide range of sub-categories, so passengers can truly pick the exact type of room they would like to enjoy during their voyage. With so many options, it is easy for passengers to find their own home away from home. This is just one of the many ways Icon of the Seas brings luxury and customization to cruise travel.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse
While having so many options may seem somewhat overwhelming to first-time cruise vacationers, it is hugely beneficial when it comes to choosing an experience that matches your preferences as well as your personal budget.
The choice is all yours, whether you are looking for a budget-friendly inside cabin, which will measure the standard 156 square feet, or you want the luxury and spacious interior of a full-sized suite, like the 1,772 square foot Ultimate Family Townhouse suite. This suite features everything from multiple rooms and floors to in-cabin entertainment, like karaoke machines and movie theater-style projectors.
How Is the Interior of the Ship Divided?
Given the immense scale of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean divided it into eight unique “neighborhoods.” Essentially, these are themed sections of the ship, which feature different types of attractions and dining options, as well as themed stores, décor, and cabin types.
Pearl Cafe on the Royal Promenade
This is not unique to the cruise ship, as Royal Caribbean has a reputation for dividing their larger cruise ships into neighborhoods; however, the sheer number and size of the neighborhoods make you realize just how large the ship is.
Three of the “neighborhood” themes featured on Icon of the Seas are borrowed from her sister ships, while five are completely new and exclusive to the ship.
Icon of the Seas Neighborhood Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of the ship’s eight different neighborhoods to help you grasp the scale and layout of the world’s largest cruise ship. To make things easier to visualize, we are starting from the bottom deck and working upwards:
1. The Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade has already been featured on numerous Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and it is a staple neighborhood on all of their Oasis-class vessels. Just like this section of the other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the Royal Promenade will feature a variety of bars, restaurants, food stalls, and a massive staircase; however, this version is much larger in scale.
Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas
Walking through the Royal Promenade, you will find a double-piano bar where guests can make requests or watch rehearsed performances. You will also find an outdoor/indoor running track, bars with full-sized dance floors, a spa, a music hall for concerts, a comedy club, a fully-equipped fitness center, an escape room, an ice rink, and more.
Considering this is just the first neighborhood, you can really see how it would be nearly impossible to feel bored on the Icon of the Seas!
2. Surfside Neighborhood
Above the Royal Promenade and towards the back of the ship, you will find the Surfside Neighborhood, dedicated to families with young children.
Surfside Neighborhood
Guests can take giant slides down from one level to the next. There is also an arcade, daycare for under 7-year-olds, a candy store, and numerous child-friendly themed restaurants.
You will also find many cabins and suites designed for young families in the neighborhood, a splash area, several pools, and a carousel.
3. Central Park
Like the famous NYC park it is named after, the ship’s Central Park neighborhood is massive in scale. It stretches upwards several floors and has an open-air design in its center. Live trees and other plants help bring the outdoors inside the ship. Guests can wander down the winding paths or take a seat at one of the many restaurant and café patios.
Central Park neighborhood
This neighborhood also has numerous themed restaurants, including an upscale restaurant with a retro NYC theme, several bars, and two coffee shops. Jazz clubs, cocktail bars, and upscale shops also help give the neighborhood a real New York City feel.
One of this neighborhood’s unique features is that it is where you will find many of the ship’s inward-facing cabins, so even those not looking out onto the water feel like they are outdoors.
4. The AquaDome Neighborhood
The AquaDome is located at the front of the ship, and it takes its name from one of the ship’s central entertainment features, the massive dome that sits above the AquaTheater. This massive dry and wet theater stage will host a variety of shows. From acrobatic shows to pool diving demonstrations, this unique theater will entertain guests of all ages.
AquaDome Neighborhood
The stage of the AquaTheater is also bordered by computerized water fountains, while the ceiling above the stage features an enormous 363-ton glass and steel dome equipped with sprinklers and ceiling-mounted fountains.
Beyond the theater, the AquaDome Neighborhood also houses a variety of themed restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that will provide views of the ocean and help drive the ‘aqua’ theme home.
5. Chill Island
Behind the AquaDome towards the aft of the ship, you can find Chill Island, home to four of the ship’s seven major pools. You will also find popular features, like a swim-up bar, an adults-only pool, numerous hot tubs, and plenty of poolside snack bars.
Chill Island
For those just hoping to catch some rays, there are several open-air decks that are dotted with free loungers and paid cabanas. Unsparingly, you will also find several restaurants serving ice creams, frozen cocktails, and other treats that will help you cool off. Chill Island also features a huge buffet restaurant for those who work up an appetite for swimming.
6. The Hideaway Neighborhood
Right at the back of the ship, you will find the Hideaway, designed to replicate a beach resort. With a major infinity pool that looks out onto the horizon, you will forget you are even at sea.
Hideaway Neighborhood
As you would expect, you will also find plenty of lounge space and cocktail and champagne bars. This section of the ship is meant to cater more to adult passengers than those traveling with children.
7. Thrill Island
As the name suggests, you will find some of the ship’s most exciting amenities in this neighborhood. From rock climbing walls and a FlowRider surf simulator to miniature golf courses and multi-purpose sports courts, it is the perfect area for those looking to get a thrill while they are at sea. Plus, there are plenty of walk-up drink and snack bars for when you work up an appetite.
Thrill Island
Thrill Island is also where you will find the ship’s most visually striking feature – the largest waterpark at sea, named Category 6. With a record-breaking six full-sized water slides weaving in and out of each other, you will completely forget that you’re on a cruise ship instead of inside a water park on land.
8. The Suite Neighborhood
The final neighborhood covers decks 16, 17, 18, and 19. These are also the top decks open to passengers, with impressive views. As the name implies, this is where most of the ship’s suites and some of the lower-cost passenger cabins can be found.
The Grove
In addition to passenger accommodations, there are open-air lounge areas, some smaller pools and hot tubs, and several restaurants and bars that are only accessible to those passengers who have booked suite-style rooms.
Final Words
Icon of the Seas has redefined what a cruise ship can be, but it is important to remember that it is not the first ship to do so. The cruise industry constantly evolves and pushes the boundaries of how large, sophisticated, and luxurious its passenger vessels can be.
While the Icon of the Seas might astonish the general public with its record-breaking dimensions and a seemingly endless number of amenities, we won’t be surprised when the cruise industry announces something even bigger and better.
With that said, a week-long cruise on the Icon of the Seas would be an amazing experience. With week-long cruises throughout the Caribbean, the Icon of the Seas offers families a vacation unlike any other.
Celebrity Cruises has begun reaching out to guests booked aboard various sailings on Celebrity Apex about itinerary changes for upcoming voyages. Multiple cruises are impacted with changes such as adjusted port times, altered sailing routes, and changed ports of call.
While the majority of the adjusted cruises are in northern Europe, some Caribbean itineraries are also being altered and all guests booked on Celebrity Apex should be prepared for possible changes.
Itinerary Changes for Celebrity Apex
Guests booked on a variety of sailings for Celebrity Apex have been informed of itinerary changes for their upcoming cruises. The nature of the changes varies for different departure dates, but includes such alterations as adjusted times in port and alternative ports of call that result in different sailing routes.
For example, the ship’s July 8, 2024 departure – a 12-night “Norwegian Fjord Arctic Circle” sailing – has three port time changes, as well as a change in departure from Southampton, UK. Now, the ship will leave Southampton at 5 p.m. instead of at 4 p.m. as originally planned.
Three Norwegian ports on the itinerary have been adjusted with different times. Now, the call to Flam will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (originally 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Tromso will be from 1-8 p.m. (originally 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.); and Honningsvag from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (originally 12-9 p.m.).
In total, these changes amount to a loss of seven hours in ports of call. The other port visits – Stavanger, Olden, and Kristiansand – are not affected, and the cruise will still be sailing above the Arctic Circle as planned.
Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: The Hungarian Sailor)
Pre-booked shore excursions arranged through Celebrity Cruises are being automatically adjusted to the new port times as needed. Travelers who have made independent arrangements will need to contact their tour operators for cancellation or rescheduling as appropriate.
Why So Many Changes?
While the impacted sailings are several months away, Celebrity Cruises is not offering details about the need for the changes.
“Due to sailing speed restrictions, we’ve adjusted some of our arrival and departure times,”the notification email read.
The nature of the “sailing speed restrictions” has not been explained, but it is possible that new regulations in Norway are causing the adjustments. Many areas, particularly where delicate marine environments can be put at risk with increased cruise travel, are imposing such restrictions to safeguard local habitats and wildlife.
Booked guests are also noting similar changes to sailings departing in both May and June, with some sailings swapping port visits as well as adjusting overall port times.
What is more concerning, however, is that some travelers have also noted similar changes for Caribbean itineraries once Celebrity Apex repositions to Fort Lauderdale in November.
Speed restrictions to protect environments are less common in the Caribbean, though they are not unheard of. It is also possible there may be some technical issue with Celebrity Apex that requires slower sailing for maximum efficiency, though this has not been confirmed.
The 130,818-gross-ton, Edge-class Celebrity Apex is currently homeported from Fort Lauderdale, offering a variety of 7-night Caribbean itineraries. In early May, the ship will depart on a transatlantic cruise to move to Southampton for a season sailing Scandinavia, Norway, and northern Europe cruises, before returning to Fort Lauderdale in November.
Celebrity Apex is scheduled for dry dock in March 2025, and it is likely that any technical updates will be made at that time. Hopefully, if there is an issue with the ship, the small adjustments being made now will be sufficient so she does not need to be removed from service for emergency repairs.
While some travelers are sure to be disappointed in these minor port changes, a last-minute full cruise cancellation would be much more of a disappointment!
One of Disney Cruise Line’s most popular specialty dining options, Palo and Palo Steakhouse, is known for its strict dress code that requires guests to look their best.
But now, cruisers have one more wardrobe choice if they’re planning to have brunch at the Italian venue on their next cruise, which should make sticking to the dress code a little easier.
Disney Cruise Line Changes Dress Code For Brunch At Palo
Palo and Palo Steakhouse, is available on all five ships in Disney’s fleet. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the first ships operated by DCL, both feature the original Palo, as do Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
The newest ships, Disney Wish, which set sail in 2022, and Disney Treasure, which will debut in December of 2024, offer Palo Steakhouse, which is modeled after Palo and combines Italian fare with steakhouse cuisine.
As part of preserving the fine dining atmosphere at the venue, only adults can dine in the restaurant and are required to dress up. Disney Cruise Line recommends formal or semi-formal attire consisting of items like dress pants, nice blouses, collared shirts, jeans in good condition with no rips or holes, and lifestyle shoes.
But as of February 22, 2024, the cruise line has expanded the Palo dress code to include dress shorts for brunch reservations, which will add flexibility and certainly be nice for warmer sailings.
“Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences. Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s sophistication,” Disney Cruise Line states.
“Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes. For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable.”
Disney Cruise Line Palo
The change only applies to brunch at the Palo, not dinner, and does not impact the other specialty restaurants found on the ships: Remy and Enchanté. Clothing such as casual T-shirts, swimwear, and sports or gym attire are still not allowed.
When I was a kid accompanying my parents on Disney cruises, I was always so jealous of the fancy adults who got to dine at Palo. When I finally got my turn to try the specialty dining experience with my fiancé while onboard Disney Dream, it was every bit as luxurious and delicious as I imagined – but it wasn’t smooth sailing for everyone.
While waiting to be seated, we watched as another couple was asked to change before they could enter the dining room – as the casual T-shirts and sandals this couple was wearing weren’t up to snuff.
This couple had to make the walk of shame back to their stateroom to change into something nicer – and we saw a host guide them to their table in fresh outfits about 15 minutes later.
Disney Cruise Line Palo
Every Disney Cruise includes dinner across three main dining rooms as part of a rotational dining system, where servers follow their guests to their assigned dining room each night to cultivate a personal and customized experience for passengers.
But for guests looking for something extra special or who simply want more variety, they can make a reservation at one of the specialty dining restaurants onboard for an additional fee. Palo, which costs $45 for brunch and $50 for dinnerat the time of this writing, is one of the most popular specialty options available.
Dress Codes On Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line gives many opportunities to dress up, both formally and for fun, or to dress as casually as guests would like. Aside from the specialty dining restaurants, the dining venues onboard are “cruise casual.” This means that relaxed attire like shorts and T-shirts are permitted, with the exception of swimwear and tank tops.
Disney Cruise Ship Funnel (Photo Credit: Theodore P. Webb)
That said, almost every Disney cruise features a themed night, where costumes are encouraged, and a formal night. For example, 3-night sailings have a “cruise casual” dress code for the first night, a pirate-themed dinner and deck party on the second night, and an optional “dress-up night” on the third.
On 4-night sailings, Disney Cruise Line includes two “cruise casual” nights, one pirate night, and one formal night.
For longer sailings, such as a week or longer, DCL mixes up the dress code a bit more. The first night is casual, with the second night designated as pirate night or given another fun theme, complete with a deck party.
There is also at least one formal night and one semi-formal night on longer sailings, which are always optional. If guests do not want to dress up, there are always other dining options available onboard, including room service, the buffet, snack and juice bars, and grab-and-go meals.
