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Disney Makes Important Change to Specialty Dining Experience

Disney Cruise Line News

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Feb 23, 2024

Disney Makes Important Change to Specialty Dining Experience

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.”

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.

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 dinner at 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.

New Cunard Ship Glides Through Final Sea Trials

Cunard News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 22, 2024

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New Cunard Ship Glides Through Final Sea Trials

With Captain Inger Thorhauge at the helm, Cunard Line’s Queen Anne has concluded her final sea trials and is poised to embark on her inaugural 2024 summer season, launching in May.

Triumphant Final Sea Trials

Queen Anne, Cunard Line’s newest ship, has completed her final sea trials this month. Over the course of 16 days in February, the ship underwent a series of rigorous tests, including full-speed maneuvers and intricate navigational challenges, to ensure every system operates at peak performance.

After setting sail from Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Queen Anne was subjected to an extensive program designed to scrutinize, test, assess, and calibrate all her major systems.

The trials encompassed everything from the propulsion pods, which are crucial for powering the vessel, to the bow thrusters that enhance maneuverability, and the stabilizers that ensure a smooth journey. In addition, all complex electronic systems controlling the hardware were thoroughly tested.

Cunard’s first female captain, Captain Inger Thorhauge, shared her excitement and satisfaction with the outcomes of the trials, saying, “I am thrilled to report, [Queen Anne] passed with flying colors!”

The primary focus of the sea trials was to examine how Queen Anne handles a variety of situations, from full speed ahead to full speed astern, including tight turns, fast turns, slow turns, and emergency stops.

Part of the sea trials also involved taking the ship into dry dock at Palermo, Italy, for hull painting to prepare the new Queen for her official debut. Queen Anne now moves into the critical final phase of preparations for her delivery in April.

From Vision to Voyage

The journey of Queen Anne from concept to her successful completion of sea trials began when the first plans were drawn up by the renowned shipbuilders at Fincantieri and the visionary team at Carnival Corporation, which owns Cunard Line.

Construction of Queen Anne officially commenced in 2019, but was delayed by two years due to the global pandemic.

As the 249th ship to bear the Cunard standard and fourth ship in its current passenger fleet, Queen Anne stands out as a Pinnacle-class vessel. This designation makes her larger than her Vista-class sisters, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, at 113,000 gross tons.

Queen Anne Ship Sea Trials (Credit: Cunard Line)

Although not as big as the flagship Queen Mary 2, which tips the scales at 149,500 gross tons, Queen Anne is designed to carry more passengers. When she embarks on her maiden sail to Lisbon, Portugal, on May 3, 2024, she will have the capacity to hold 3,000 passengers.

Queen Anne’s float-out ceremony took exactly one year before her maiden cruise is set to depart, followed by an official naming ceremony that will take place in Liverpool on June 3, 2024, during the British Isles Festival Voyage.

Ready for Summer

Queen Anne is poised to make her grand arrival in her home port of Southampton, England, by the end of April 2024. The vessel is gearing up for a much-anticipated 7-night maiden voyage, charting a course to La Coruña, Spain, and Lisbon.

After her inaugural journey, Queen Anne will navigate towards the Canary Islands in May, and then again in November and December. These trips will explore the lunar-like terrains of Lanzarote, the white sands of Fuerteventura, and the historical depths of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Queen Anne Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Cunard Line)

As the season unfolds, Queen Anne will transition from the sun-drenched Canaries to embrace the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. The 7-night voyage in June will call on Bergen, Ålesund, Geiranger, and Flåm for breathtaking explorations. Additional voyages in the region later in 2024 will introduce guests to more Norwegian ports, including Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, Haugesund, Narvik, and the Lofoten Islands.

From the rugged coasts of Norway, Queen Anne will begin a Mediterranean leg and whisk passengers to the shores of Italy, Spain, and Portugal, along with the charming island of Mallorca. Highlights include calls in Barcelona, Cadiz, and Palma de Mallorca.

From there, Queen Anne will pivot towards the British Isles with voyages designed to reveal the diverse landscapes and rich histories of Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.

Rounding out the summer itinerary, Queen Anne will explore Northern Europe, including calls in Hamburg, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Tallinn, Estonia.

Wife of Officer Explains Pros and Cons of Living on a Cruise Ship

Holland America Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Feb 22, 2024

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Wife of Officer Explains Pros and Cons of Living on a Cruise Ship

When Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise took over social media, part of the allure was that 274 nights – or nine months at sea – seems like an incredibly long time. But that’s nothing for the Kesteloos, who have spent a combined 45 years living and working at sea.

The Pros Of Living On A Cruise Ship

Christine Kesteloo and her husband, Pete, consider themselves to be lucky. Christine is allowed to sail for free with her spouse, who is a staff chief engineer on one of Holland America Line’s 11 ships, while he works at sea for six months of the year. This is an unusual set up, as typically crew members are separated from their loved ones for the duration of their contracts, which usually range from two to nine months.

Once a cruise director herself, Christine has a lot of experience with life at sea and has been documenting her travels on her TikTok channel for more than two years now – long before Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise turned cruising into a social media sensation.

At the time of this publication, Christine’s TikTok (@dutchworld_americangirl) has 887.5K followers, and her most popular video, which details the pros and cons of living on a cruise ship for months at a time, has over 14 million views – and ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons for this sailor.

@dutchworld_americangirl
I go through four things I can, and cannot do it while living on the cruise ship with my husband #weliveonacruiseship #4things #alaskacruise #cruiseship #cruiseshiplife #cruise #alaska #caribbeancruise #cruiselife #livingstsea #getreadywithme
♬ Chill in a good mood, calm and fun(1263486) – zukisuzuki

As “wife on board,” Christine experiences many perks, essentially living a hybrid life where she qualifies as both a guest and a crew member and can enjoy both guest areas and behind-the-scenes areas that are usually restricted to employees.

Some of Christine’s favorite parts is that she gets to wake up in a new place every day (and has already visited more than 100 countries and most recently took her followers with her to St. Lucia), doesn’t have rent or home bills to pay, and every meal of the day is free in the ship’s main dining rooms.

The Cons Of Spending Months At Sea

Most of the downsides that come with being a “cruise wife” are things that Christine can easily live with, especially as someone who is able to see the rules from the perspective of a former crew member. While Christine mostly gets free reign onboard, she isn’t allowed to gamble, deals with spotty internet service (which she does get a discount on), and has to prioritize guest experience above her own – meaning she can’t disembark in ports before paying guests are done.

In a video that’s been liked more than 15,000 times and has over 400,000 views, Christine also jokes that being surrounded by so much free food is a test of her will power to preserve her waist line.

“One of the hardest things about living on a cruise ship is that I know right now, if I just leave my cabin, I can go and have cookies, pizza, a shake, I could have anything I wanted, and I want it, I absolutely want it,” she said in the TikTok.

But the hardest aspect of spending so much time away from home is being far away from friends and family. Luckily for the Kesteloos, Christine’s parents were able to join the cruise for two months to spend time together. That said, their cruise hasn’t all been smooth sailing – as her dad suffered a medical emergency onboard.

@dutchworld_americangirl
It is cake day on board the cruise ship. It is day 59 of living on board. Our parents are living on board with us pretty soon we start heading towards the Amazon. We have another month to go on board but if you’d like cake stick around. #cake #cakeday #cruiseship #cruise #weliveonacruiseship #cruisetok #cruisefood #foodtok #caketok #hollandamericaline #wifeonboard
♬ 10 minutes ver beat & electric bass stride(1117152) – Aruma

“He didn’t eat properly and the sun here is strong, so dad fell unconscious while eating Cheetos here in this bed and we had to call medical. It was a scary incident for all of us,” Christine shared on TikTok.

While cruise ships are equipped with medical centers on board, the Kesteloo family wasn’t planning to visit it. Thankfully, the emergency ended up being a false alarm caused by low blood sugar from too much sun and not enough nutrition.

This does bring up another interesting point of Christine’s tenure at sea, which is that cruise ship medical centers do not always take the health insurance policies that are used on land. Indeed, Christine has to pay for her own special traveler’s insurance – which is something that may also apply to more typical cruisers on shorter vacations, too.

But while life at sea may have its hiccups, it’s ultimately like living in a constant vacation – and that does come with a lot of perks. A lot of older solo travelers and couples choose to retire on cruise ships because food and entertainment is included in the cost, guests never have to cook or clean, and they get to see the world.

Holland America Line — Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock

If you aren’t sailing for free like Christine, you have a few options to become a long term cruiser. First, some ships offer permanent residences onboard, which is good for cruisers who don’t want to be tied down to a mortgage, property taxes, and home maintenance bills on land. The cost of a permanent residence at sea ranges from $352,000 to $36 million.

For cruisers who want an extended vacation but might not be ready to sell their homes or give up their leases, Snowbird cruises are a good option. These last from 58 to 116 days and cost anywhere from $16,000 per guest to $250,000 – and includes an airfare stipend, beverages, up to 42 free shore excursions, and up to $4,200 in ship credit.

Worth Reading: Woman Explains Why She Decided to Live on Cruise Ships

Lastly, cruise lovers can opt to book back-to-back cruises on the same ship. This is ideal for guests who may be elite members of loyalty programs, and may reap more cost savings by taking a DIY approach to their cruise planning.

New Private Carnival Destination Already Planning Expansion

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 22, 2024

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New Private Carnival Destination Already Planning Expansion

Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key, is already planning for expansion and the ability to conveniently welcome more ships simultaneously.

A new pier extension has been announced, which will allow up to four ships to dock at once, including the largest vessels in the fleet, the Excel class.

New Pier Expansion for Celebration Key

More than a year before the destination is scheduled to welcome its first guests, expansion is already being planned for Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming private destination on Grand Bahama Island.

Carnival Corporation & plc, the parent company to Carnival Cruise Line, has announced a planned extension to the pier at Celebration Key, which will be able to host two more ships visiting the destination. The $100 million (USD) project will be completed by 2026, one year after Celebration Key opens to guests.

The initial plans for the destination already include a pier, and this new project will further expand the destination’s capacity. All four berth spaces will be large enough to support Excel ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, as well as the recently announced fourth ship in the class, due for delivery in 2027.

“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line President.

The pier extension demonstrates Carnival’s commitment to the new destination and The Bahamas, fostering growth for Grand Bahama’s cruise tourism and offering great itinerary options for Carnival guests.

“Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island,” Duffy said.

Celebration Key is being deliberately designed not only as a fun destination, but also to showcase authentic Bahamian culture with dedicated retail spaces, artwork, music, and more.

The initial plans for Celebration Key have already been revealed, which include five “portals” with dedicated purposes, similar to the themed zones onboard the Excel class ships. At the center of the destination will be the Welcome Portal with an immense sand castle to immerse guests in the celebratory atmosphere.

A mile-long white sand beach, the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, and various different activities and amenities will all be part of what is sure to be a popular destination for Carnival guests. Initial itineraries have already been released for Celebration Key, with 12 ships from eight different homeports visiting the port in 2025 and 2026, on cruises from 3-14 nights.

Local Enthusiasm for Expansion

The pier expansion project as well as the overall growth of Celebration Key has the support of local leaders as well, who are eager for the partnership with Carnival Cruise Line and how the destination will highlight Bahamian culture.

“This is a momentous day for Grand Bahama and bodes extremely well for its future,” said The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation in The Bahamas.

“The incredible level of new investment on the pier extension highlights the partnership between The Bahamas and Carnival Corporation and demonstrates the popularity of The Bahamas as a destination. Celebration Key will play a vital role in supporting the future prosperity of Grand Bahama and the country at large.”

Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key — Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key

“Carnival Corporation’s dedication to our island’s growth is both commendable and inspiring – we applaud their expanded investment in Celebration Key in Grand Bahama and welcome the imminent exponential boost to the Grand Bahama economy,” added Minister for Grand Bahama, The Honorable Ginger Moxey M.P.

In total, the development of Celebration Key – the initial phase of the project, as well as the pier extension and phase two on land – is projected to cost $600 million, the largest development ever undertaken by Carnival Corporation.

When complete, more than 700 permanent jobs are expected to support Celebration Key, with more than 2,500 jobs generated through the development and construction of the destination. In total, the project may bring as much as $9.7 billion worth of economic impact to The Bahamas.

When complete, 2.2 million guests are expected to visit Celebration Key annually beginning in 2025, with that number rising to as many as 4 million by 2028 when both piers are welcoming ships frequently.

MSC Cruises Unveils New Sailings From the Canary Islands

MSC Cruises News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 22, 2024

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MSC Cruises Unveils New Sailings From the Canary Islands

In a move to enhance its winter season offerings, MSC Cruises announced a brand-new itinerary for MSC Opera, focusing on the picturesque Canary Islands and Madeira, Spain.

A New MSC Cruises Winter Adventure

MSC Cruises has announced its plans to position MSC Opera in the Canary Islands for the winter 2024-25 season, opening sales for a 7-night itinerary that connects travelers with the Spanish islands nestled off the coast of the coast of Africa.

Running from November 3, 2024, until March 16, 2025, the cruise will navigate between six iconic ports of call, starting and concluding in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife.

“As the Canary Islands and Madeira are a popular warm-weather destination in the winter months, the new programme is easily accessible with regular international flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira, and Lanzorote,” MSC Cruises detailed on its website.

The new itinerary comes as a strategic replacement for MSC Opera’s previously planned Red Sea winter 2024-25 sailings, which were cancelled due to the geopolitical turmoil currently taking place in the region.

Unveiling New Experiences

MSC Opera, a Lirica-class vessel weighing just over 59,000 gross tons and capable of hosting nearly 2,700 passengers, will depart from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibrant capital of Tenerife and one of the archipelago’s two capitals, on its new winter route through the Canary Islands.

Here, passengers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Laguna, a 15^th-century town with a well-preserved grid pattern of streets that influenced the layout of cities like Old Havana, and ascend Spain’s highest mountain, Teide Peak, in Teide National Park.

MSC Opera Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: CeltStudio)

MSC Cruises will also take passengers to other notable destinations, including Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. The city offers a chance to explore the golden sands of Las Canteras beach, delve into history at Casa de Colón museum, and wander the charming streets of the Vegueta historical quarter.

Next, the cruise will sail to Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura, showcasing its artistic streets, lively harbor, and pristine beaches, before making its way to Santa Cruz de la Palma, the capital of La Palma. Passengers here can visit the El Salvador Church and venture into the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

An additional highlight includes a call to Arrecife, Lanzarote’s vibrant capital known for its volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage.

The itinerary is further enhanced by a stop in Madeira, Spain, where passengers can explore botanical gardens, take a cable car to the hilltop town of Monte, and descend back to the port via the Monte Toboggans.

While MSC Cruises is now taking bookings, the full schedule and online booking system are not yet published on MSC Cruises’ website as of press time.

A New Direction

The unveiling of MSC Cruises’ new itinerary to the Canary Islands represents a redirection necessitated by the unforeseen cancellation of MSC Opera’s voyages through the Red Sea. This crucial maritime corridor, bridging the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, has recently been at the epicenter of escalating geopolitical tensions.

The region has witnessed a significant uptick in hostiles, largely attributed to activities by Houthi rebels employing armed drones and sea mines to disrupt maritime traffic. Although primarily targeting oil tankers and cargo ships, these disruptions have raised safety concerns for passenger cruises, forcing MSC Cruises and other cruise lines to seek safer waters.

By rerouting MSC Opera to the Canary Islands, MSC Cruises ensures a secure travel experience for passengers.

Cruise Line Shuts Down and Cancels All Sailings

Cruise News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 21, 2024

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Cruise Line Shuts Down and Cancels All Sailings

American Queen Voyages, an operator of river and expedition ships based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shut down on February 20, 2024, after it was unable to overcome the financial challenges of the pandemic era. The company said that guests who have paid deposits for future sailings will receive full refunds.

Cruise Line Unable to Recover From Pandemic’s Impact

American Queen Voyages, a cruise brand with seven ships that include a mix of authentic paddlewheel riverboats, and boutique and expedition vessels, is no longer operating as of February 20, 2024. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and all cruises have been cancelled.

“We are saddened to share that American Queen Voyages (AQV) has made the difficult decision to shut down. The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and related changes in travel preferences. Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, demand has not recovered, and AQV has become financially unsustainable,” the company said in an announcement.

American Queen Voyages owns American Queen, a 417-guest ship built in 1995; American Countess, a 245-guest ship that launched in 1996; American Duchess, with a capacity for 166 guests and built in 1996; and American Empress, a 217-guest ship that entered service in 2003.

Additionally, it owns the expedition ship Ocean Victory, which carries 186 guests and was the company’s newest ship, having debuted in 2021. The company’s river ships operated on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, Cumberland, Tennessee, Columbia, and Snake rivers. Ocean Victory typically sailed Central America itineraries in winter and Alaska cruises in summer.

American Queen Voyages Ocean Navigator Ship — Photo Courtesy: American Queen Voyages

The company was in the process of decommissioning and preparing to sell two more expedition ships, Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager. Ocean Navigator was in the news in October of 2023, when an explosion onboard the vessel as it was docked in Portland, Maine, caused all guests and crew to be evacuated. One crew member was injured.

The cruise line’s future looked brighter just a year ago: In February 2023, the line became one of the industry’s first to implement SpaceX Starlink Maritime, the satellite-based internet service, across its fleet.

However, in recent weeks, several major travel agencies have suspended sales of American Queen Voyages cruises due to slow payment of commissions and service problems, according to trade reports. The agencies included AAA Travel, Pleasant Holidays, Virtuoso, and Signature Travel Network.

Guest Refunds to Come Through Insurance Agency

The American Queen Voyages website provides instructions to booked guests, who will now have to apply for refunds of deposits already paid for future cruises. The cruise line’s deposits are insured by Argo Surety, and all applications for refunds must be made to that outfit.

Read Also: What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Families?

Guests can print a claim form, or fill it out online, and must provide supporting documentation, including proof of payment. Guests will receive a denial notice from American Queen Voyages, and can then file a refund claim with Argo Surety.

According to the cruise line, guests cannot submit a request for a refund directly to Argo Surety unless American Queen Voyages first denies their claim or 180 days have passed since they submitted a claim to the cruise line.

American Queen Voyages was founded as the Great American Steamboat Co., when John Waggoner bought the 436-guest riverboat American Queen from the United States Maritime Administration in 2011.

In September 2021, the company was rebranded American Queen Voyages. Its parent company is Hornblower Group, based in San Francisco.

Cunard Unveils Global Voyages for 2025-2027

Cunard News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 20, 2024

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Cunard Unveils Global Voyages for 2025-2027

Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a sweeping array of new itineraries to set sail from September 2025 through January 2027. The iconic Cunard fleet, including the flagship Queen Mary 2, will traverse 184 unique destinations worldwide.

Cunard’s Expansion

Cunard Line has revealed plans for an ambitious expansion of its voyage offerings, encompassing more than 300 new journeys across its prestigious fleet of four Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.

From September 2025 to January 2027, these vessels will explore 184 distinct destinations in 70 countries, including 108 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

“We are incredibly excited to have both Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 offer full World Voyages in 2026. We are so thrilled that our guests will, for the first time ever, have the opportunity to transit the Panama Canal on Queen Mary 2,” said Kate McAlister, president of Cunard.

She added Queen Elizabeth will take on a new itinerary to the Caribbean, stating the ship will sail roundtrip from Miami, “giving guests expanded opportunities to delve into this tropical region while experiencing the unparalleled luxury of sailing aboard a Cunard ship.“

World Voyages and Maiden Calls

Highlights of the new itineraries are the simultaneous World Voyages by Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2, starting in January 2026.

As Cunard’s newest ship, the 3,000-passenger, 113,000-ton Queen Anne, will visit 102 unique ports with 23 maiden calls during her roundtrip “Full World Voyage,” including Phuket, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa; and Marseilles, France.

The 109-night odyssey departs on January 11, 2026, from Southampton, England, providing passengers with overnight calls in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and more before returning to England on April 30, 2026.

Additionally, Queen Anne will navigate Norway’s fjords on a 14-night “Norway and North Cape” itinerary. This cruise, slated for June 21 through July 5, 2026, will visit the Arctic with calls in Honningsvaag and Tromso, Norway.

Meanwhile, ocean liner Queen Mary 2, with a capacity to hold 2,620 passengers, will also sail on an epic 109-voyage that includes her signature Transatlantic Crossing, the Caribbean, Canada, and New England itineraries.

Her 7-night “Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing” will depart from New York City on September 13, 2026, arriving in Southampton on September 20, 2026.

From there, Queen Mary will launch a 51-night itinerary from “Southampton to Sydney.” During this voyage, the ship will transit the Panama Canal for the first-time ever, leading to visits to exotic destinations such as Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand.

Exploring the Mediterranean and Caribbean

Also announced, Queen Elizabeth will debut a Caribbean program, offering 33 voyages from Miami and calling on ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Montego Bay, Jamaica. These sailings will take place from September 2025 through April 2026, ranging from 9 to 21 nights.

The ship’s longest voyage, “Caribbean Celebration” at 21 nights, will embark on December 18, 2025, with visits to St. Lucia, Antigua, and Puerto Rico, spending Christmas Eve in Bridgetown, Barbados, before calling on Honduras, Jamaica, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe / Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Queen Victoria will take passengers on Mediterranean voyages and Atlantic explorations, including an “Italy, France and Spain” 14-night itinerary sailing from Barcelona to Rome, starting June 15, 2026.

Queen Victoria will also embark on a 35-night “Eastern Caribbean” cruise from Southampton on January 4, 2026. Calling in Madeira, Portugal, before crossing the Atlantic, passengers will visit the Azores and Caribbean beaches of St. Vincent, Aruba, Curacao, and Dominica.

In total, the ship will visit 73 unique destinations with overnight calls in Istanbul, Madeira, Amsterdam, Narvik, Norway, and more. Cunard’s new voyages open for World Club members for bookings on March 5, 2024, with general public access on March 7, 2024.

Celebrity Cruises to Permit Kids in Adults-Only Space Onboard

Celebrity Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 20, 2024

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Celebrity Cruises to Permit Kids in Adults-Only Space Onboard

Celebrity Cruises has made an interesting decision that may not be too popular with some guests, as the cruise line has decided to open the adults-only Solarium venue to guests under the age of 16.

Young cruisers will only be permitted in the space during certain hours on certain itineraries, however, in a way that makes sense given the conditions of each sailing.

Celebrity Cruises Opens Solarium to Kids

Many cruise travelers enjoy adults-only spaces as quieter venues onboard and may look forward to some relaxation away from their own younger cruisers on a family getaway.

Aboard Celebrity Cruises’ ships, there is the Solarium space, which features a pool, hot tubs, and luxurious loungers enclosed under glass panels for use in all weather, perfect for those quiet moments.

The cruise line has now announced, however, that the Solarium will be opened to guests under the age of 16 for certain hours on certain sailings. The announcement was made in a newsletter sent to travel agents on February 20, 2024, and will undoubtedly be posted in the cruise line’s app and with onboard signage.

“To accommodate guests under the age of 16 during colder weather, Celebrity Cruises’ adults-only Solarium will offer Solarium Kid hours on select sailings in Alaska, The Baltics and Antarctica from 5-7 p.m. daily,” the announcement read.

No further details about exactly which sailings will offer Solarium Kid hours have been confirmed, but it should be noted that this offering will not apply to warm-weather destinations such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

It is possible, however, that the Solarium Kid hours could be expanded to include either more time or more destinations in the future, or it may depend on individual conditions on each cruise.

For example, if a sailing experiences extended poor weather that might close outdoor pools for long periods, or if outdoor pools are closed for maintenance, the Solarium might offer an impromptu Solarium Kid opportunity.

The Solarium is a featured space aboard all Celebrity Cruises ships, including the upcoming Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the innovative Edge class due to join the fleet in November 2025.

Is This a Dangerous Precedent?

While this new policy has not been extensively tested as yet, and there is no strong guest feedback, it is sure to generate both positive and negative reactions.

Families may appreciate the opportunity, as it will give young cruisers on very unique itineraries to still enjoy pool time on the impacted sailings. Because the hours for kids to use the Solarium are limited, the impact on adult usage may be minimal.

Cruisers without children, or even parents who prefer some adults-only spaces, however, may resist the change as it definitely makes the space different if young passengers are playing in the area, and could destroy the quiet, relaxing vibe the Solarium is supposed to offer.

Celebrity Cruises Deck (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Furthermore, it could be challenging to adequately keep to the stated guidelines. While the Solarium is supposed to be open to kids only from 5-7 p.m., will onboard crew members really prohibit children from entering at 4:45, or staying until 7:15? This might be especially true if they are accompanying their parents already. How strictly the policy will be enforced is something that is yet to be determined.

With one adults-only space opening up to children, even if only in a limited capacity, this may also lead to other venues or activities permitting children in different ways, such as if accompanied by adults or during certain hours.

It is also possible that if this pilot program is successful, it could be expanded to other cruise lines in the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company that owns Celebrity Cruises.

What do you think about opening the Solarium to kids for limited times on some cruises? Share your reactions on the Cruise Hive boards!

Bahamas Destination to Offer Free WiFi For Cruise Passengers

Port News

Catie Kovelman

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Feb 20, 2024

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Bahamas Destination to Offer Free WiFi For Cruise Passengers

One popular Bahamas cruise port is undergoing some “smart” upgrades over the next few months to deliver a better, more connected experience for cruise passengers. Expected to begin during the second quarter of 2024, cruise passengers will get to enjoy free high-speed internet during their port calls.

Nassau to Become “Smart City Pilot” In the Caribbean

Already one of the most popular cruise destinations, Nassau, Bahamas has set its sights on becoming the ‘Center of Innovation for the Caribbean’ in recent years. The next step in its plan is to improve technology on the island, something which tourism officials are eagerly investing in.

As one of many projects stemming from a competition called Innovate242, which is designed to bring entrepreneurs, researchers, and business leaders together to solve tech-related challenges in the Bahamas, Nassau will be outfitted with high-speed WiFi for guests to use throughout the port as a “smart city pilot.”

The installation began on February 14, 2024, with plans to have WiFi available at the cruise port at some point during the second quarter of the year. The service will be free and is expected to extend as far west as Arawak Cay and as far east as the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.

According to Nassau officials, the WiFi installation will be a win-win. The local tourism sector will be able to collect data from the roughly 12,000 cruise guests that visit each day to better market to them while also improving their experiences in the port – and of course, visitors get to use the WiFi for free.

“The tripartite collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Aliv/Cable Bahamas and the Department of Information and Communications Technology brings about the installation of the most up-to-date internet infrastructure in our city center,” said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.

Cruise Ships Docked in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Courtesy: Nassau Cruise Port)

“This technology will facilitate seamless connectivity that will allow us to collect key data on the thousands of cruise guests to our city, so that we can more efficiently enhance their experience of our city,” added Deputy Prime Minister Cooper.

The access to free WiFi in port is also a nice break for passengers, as WiFi on board cruise ships can be expensive and slow. Depending on the cruise line, internet packages can range from $7 (USD) per day to $89. Princess Cruises, for example, recently raised its premium WiFi package prices from $60 per day to $80.

Cruise ship WiFi is also notoriously slow, but is improving as more and more cruise companies switch over to Starlink Maritime, a program from SpaceX that provides faster internet using satellites that orbit Earth in outer space. That said, the faster coverage isn’t available everywhere (Alaska, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are excluded, for example) and not all ships are equipped with Starlink just yet.

Nassau Makes Big Improvements To Cruise Port

Installing free WiFi is only one step in Nassau’s plan to boost cruise tourism on the island. In fact, the Bahamas destination has already spent four years and $300 million renovating the cruise port.

The rejuvenated port, which had its grand opening on May 26, 2023, boasted expanded cruise facilities – featuring a brand new berth and newly refurbished piers, allowing the port to accommodate up to six cruise ships at a time – including extra large vessels like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

Looking more closely at the numbers, the increased capacity at the cruise port means the island can welcome 10,000 additional cruise passengers per day, going from a maximum capacity of around 20,000 guests to 30,000.

Additional enhancements, aside from the WiFi, are also in the works for 2024. While phase 1 of Nassau’s improvement plan focused on accommodating more and larger cruise ships, phase 2 is more focused on improving the experience on land. For example, a new signature restaurant and several other family-friendly attractions are also scheduled to be completed in 2024.

So far, Nassau’s efforts have been paying off – with more growth expected in 2024. The Bahamian island welcomed nearly 4.5 million cruisers in 2023, a new annual record. It also set the highest one-day visitor record on December 27, 2023 with 29,316 passengers in port – surpassing the previous high of 28,554 passengers on February 27, 2023.