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Carnival Cruise Line Names Godmother of Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 8, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line Names Godmother of Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Cruise Line announces Gwen Stefani as the godmother of its newest flagship, Carnival Jubilee. The naming ceremony, set in Galveston, promises to be a spectacular event celebrating Stefani’s contributions to music, fashion, and philanthropy.

A Stellar Honor

In an announcement that has set both the cruise and music industries abuzz, Carnival Cruise Line has named global music superstar Stefani as the godmother of Carnival Jubilee. The christening ceremony is slated for February 24, 2024, at the Port of Galveston in Texas.

Stefani, a Grammy-winning artist with over 60 million units sold worldwide, will play a pivotal role in the ship’s naming event. “I am honored to be the godmother of the new Carnival Jubilee,” Stefani said, praising Carnival’s commitment to fun and charitable efforts.

Said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, of the decision to make Stefani its newest godmother, “[Stefani] has demonstrated her commitment to our Carnival values, including promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting charitable causes, being a leader in her field, and of course, having fun.”

She added, “We are going to show her an enthusiastic welcome in only the way Carnival can when she joins us on February 24.”

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship — Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas

Stefani joins the ranks of esteemed women who serve as Carnival godmothers, including Grammy-winning artist and actress Queen Latifah (Carnival Horizon) and television host and singer Kathie Lee Gifford (Carnival Celebration).

The naming ceremony, exclusive to invited guests and formally welcoming Carnival Jubilee into the Carnival fleet, will be partly live-streamed on Carnival’s Facebook page at 3:30 CST on February 24.

Time Honored Traditions

The christening of a ship is a ceremonial tradition steeped in history. It serves as both a blessing and a formal naming of a vessel.

This ritual, which dates back thousands of years, is intended to bring good luck and safe passage to a ship and all who sail aboard her. The ceremony typically involves breaking a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.

Traditionally, a woman of distinction is chosen for this honor, and Stefani is a three-time GRAMMY Award winner, songwriter, performer, and charismatic frontwoman of the band No Doubt, as well as a multi-platinum solo artist.

She has also gained acclaim as a coach on the Emmy-winning NBC series, “The Voice,” bringing her expertise to aspiring musicians. Beyond her impressive list of awards, Stefani is celebrated for her philanthropy, especially in supporting children’s causes and music education programs.

Her role as godmother will extend beyond the ceremony, with her presence and persona intertwined with Carnival Jubilee’s identity and legacy.

A New Era of Cruising

Carnival Jubilee, which started service on December 23, 2023, is the third vessel in Carnival’s Excel class. Leveraging advanced liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, the ship sets a new standard for a cleaner, more efficient operation.

Based in Galveston, Carnival Jubilee can accommodate 6,500 guests alongside 1,750 crew members and has quickly become a favorite, including voted Best New Cruise Ship of 2023 by Cruise Hive.

The ship’s extensive range of dining options expands from gourmet meals to casual eateries, with live shows, themed bars, and clubs providing boundless entertainment. For relaxation, passengers can indulge in spacious cabins, serene spa facilities, and multiple pools and lounges.

Among its standout features is BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, offering adrenaline-packed rides with ocean views.

Bahamas to Impose New Tax on Cruise Line Private Islands

Port News

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Feb 8, 2024

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Bahamas to Impose New Tax on Cruise Line Private Islands

In a landmark decision, the Bahamian government will impose a Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services at private islands operated by cruise lines. This initiative, set to commence on March 1, aims to align the operations of cruise line private islands with those of local businesses.

Bahamian Government Announces Taxation Overhaul

A new tax reform, which ends a nine-year VAT exemption and affects major cruise lines, was announced by the Bahamian government and confirmed by the Bahamas’ Financial Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Simon Wilson, in The Tribune, the Bahamas’ 155-year-old news outlet.

The change intends to place cruise line private island activities on equal footing with local Bahamian businesses by introducing a standard 10 percent VAT rate on all passenger transactions.

The affected islands include notable destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay.

Wilson told The Tribune, “When we implemented VAT originally we were under the impression given to us by the cruise lines that any commercial activity on the private islands was an extension of the package purchased [by passengers] on ship – they were indistinguishable. That’s not the case.”

He went on to say, “The private islands are much bigger, much more diverse in their operations, and they actually compete with Bahamas-based businesses for onshore excursions.”

The revenue implications of this VAT implementation are unclear due to limited financial data from the private islands. However, the move underscores the government’s intention to increase transparency and fairness in the tourism sector.

Compliance and Industry Adaptation

Cruise lines must register for VAT if they own a private island or surpass $100,000 in annual taxable sales.

The VAT will apply to a wide range of services, including food and beverage offerings, recreational activities, equipment rentals, and spa services. Even lease agreements for space usage or goods and services provided by separate corporate entities operating on the islands fall under the VAT.

MSC Cruises Private Island in the Bahamas (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

Furthermore, transactions such as cabana rentals, shore excursions, and the sale of recreational activities supplied by Bahamian vendors to cruise passengers will attract VAT. This stance comes after previous attempts to adjust VAT treatments for private islands were not enacted.

The cruise industry has until February 16 to provide feedback on the VAT changes, although Wilson anticipates the March 1 implementation date will stand.

Impact on Cruise Lines and Passengers

Owned and operated by some of the world’s major cruise lines, the private islands in the Bahamas are now facing a new financial landscape due to the upcoming VAT changes. The VAT introduction is expected to increase cruise lines’ operational costs, potentially affecting customer pricing.

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Nazar Skladanyi)

Given the industry’s advanced booking practices, typically 12 to 18 months, cruise lines may absorb these VAT costs initially, as altering prices for already booked cruises could prove difficult.

Among the islands impacted are Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre island exclusive to Disney Cruise Line passengers; the 140-acre Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean International lease since 1990; Great Stirrup Cay, a 250-acre island in the Berry Island chain owned by Norwegian Cruise Line; and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.

Half Moon Cay, once Little San Salvador, was purchased by Holland America Line in 1997 to serve as a 2,400-acre private retreat and is also affected. Owned by Carnival Corporation, Holland America shares the island with Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

Cruise lines will benefit from input tax credits for certain purchases and zero-rated port-side supplies, offering some relief amidst these changes.

Carnival Magic Resumes Sailing After Rough Visit to Jamaica

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 8, 2024

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Carnival Magic Resumes Sailing After Rough Visit to Jamaica

Carnival Magic is on the move, having departed Ocho Rios, Jamaica after a longer-than-expected visit with greater-than-expected drama due to foul weather. Fortunately, the ship is sound and already back to delivering a magical experience to those onboard the special ShipRocked sailing.

Carnival Magic Departs Ocho Rios

After her planned stay in Ocho Rios was extended following inadvertent contact with the pier that caused cosmetic damage to the vessel during rough weather, Carnival Magic has been thoroughly inspected and permitted to continue safely on her 6-night sailing.

“I’m told Carnival Magic has been cleared to sail and will be departing for Bimini shortly,” reported Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald shortly before 4 p.m. on Carnival Magic‘s ship time.

Despite the delays due to the incident in Jamaica, the ship will be in Bimini in the Bahamas on schedule for her planned itinerary. While originally, Bimini was to have been the ship’s first port of call after departing Miami on Sunday, February 4, forecasted poor weather in the region prompted a proactive itinerary change before the ship set sail.

Carnival Magic Damage and Pier in Ocho Rios

At that time, the schedule was shifted to take the ship to Jamaica first, followed by Grand Cayman and Bimini. The poor weather and pier impact in Jamaica forced the cancellation of Grand Cayman, but Thursday, February 8, was always intended as a day at sea. This will give Carnival Magic plenty of time to reach Bimini as planned for an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. visit on Friday, February 9.

What About the Next Cruise?

While Carnival Magic will return to Miami for debarkation on Saturday, February 10, guests booked on the next sailing have expressed concern about whether the ship will be able to offer that sailing or if an unscheduled dry dock will be necessary for repairs.

To be clear, if the ship was in any way impaired, she would not have left Jamaica with guests aboard. Instead, Carnival Cruise Line would have made alternative arrangements to bring guests back to Florida, whether by chartering aircraft or using a substitute vessel, as was done when Carnival Freedom was damaged by a fire in May 2022.

Because the ship has set sail, it is clear that any damage to the hull is cosmetic only – minor dents, scrapes, and scratches. This in no way impacts the ship’s safety features, technical operation, or hotel and guest functions, such as dining or entertainment.

“She’ll be back to Port Miami for her next sailing as planned on February 10,” confirmed Heald.

That next cruise – the February 10 departure – is an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, with planned visits to Amber Cove and La Romana in the Dominican Republic, as well as Aruba and Curacao.

Repainting and other minor hull repairs may be completed while the ship is in port, and it is possible guests won’t see any evidence of the pier collision sooner than they may expect.

Poor Weather Impacting Multiple Ships

The rough weather that has moved across the Caribbean and the Bahamas over the past few days has impacted many ships with strong winds and fierce swells. Depending on the direction of winds compared to dock orientation, some ships were unable to leave ports as planned, or port of call visits were cancelled to prevent possible problems. On private islands, some guests were recalled to ships early.

While the Caribbean is often seen as a tropical paradise for cruise vacations, travelers should remember that it can be a very dynamic region subject to devastating storms, sudden squalls, and other weather conditions that can impact cruise operations, not to mention hurricane season from June 1 through November 30.

More From Cruise Hive

Cruise lines all keep a close watch on weather systems and how they may impact various destinations, ship routes, and overall itineraries.

All travelers should remain flexible with their cruise vacation plans at any time of year, knowing that cruise lines will always keep guests’ safety as the top priority with any itinerary adjustments.

Weather Holds Carnival Cruise Ship in Port Overnight

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 7, 2024

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Weather Holds Carnival Cruise Ship in Port Overnight

Guests aboard Carnival Paradise had more time docked in Key West than originally scheduled on the ship’s itinerary, thanks to strong winds that made it unsafe for the ship to depart as planned on Tuesday, February 6. Instead, the ship stayed overnight in the Florida port, before departing on Wednesday morning to make her way to Cozumel.

Carnival Paradise Stays In Port Overnight

High winds and swells were a factor for Carnival Paradise to remain docked in Key West overnight on Tuesday, February 6. The ship was not originally scheduled to visit the Florida port of call on her current 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary, but rough weather passing through the region made it impossible for her to visit Grand Cayman as planned.

Instead, the ship made an impromptu visit to Key West, but unfortunately, the rough weather made it impossible for Carnival Paradise to leave as planned. On Tuesday evening, wind speeds near the tip of the Florida Keys were steady at approximately 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour), with gusts as high as 35 mph (56 kph).

Guests were informed of the decision to remain in port via onboard announcements and letters delivered to their staterooms on Tuesday evening.

Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock

“As announced, unfavorable weather conditions, marked by strong winds, are preventing us from safely departing Key West,” the letter, signed by the ship’s Captain, Michele Paparo, stated. “We will remain docked until tomorrow morning when conditions are expected to improve for us to safely sail.”

By 7 a.m., steady wind speeds had dropped to 14 mph, making it much easier for the ship to safely depart. Carnival Paradise is now making her way to Cozumel, Mexico for her port of call visit on Thursday, February 8. That visit was part of the ship’s originally planned itinerary.

What to Do Onboard

Unfortunately, local regulations restricted what operations Carnival Paradise could offer while she remained in Key West. The casino and retail shops had to remain closed, though the ship’s onboard activities Fun Squad was able to schedule additional activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

At no time was the ship in danger or damaged in any way, and all hotel, dining, and bar operations remained normal.

Guests could enjoy all the features the 71,925-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Paradise has to offer, including Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, the WaterWorks aquapark, the miniature golf course, shuffleboard, corn hole, the onboard piano bar, and the adults-only Serenity retreat.

More From Cruise Hive

Carnival Paradise is currently homeported year-round from Tampa, Florida and offering short 4- and 5-night getaways. Both Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries are on offer, with destinations such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Bimini, and Nassau. Occasional 6-night sailings also visit Jamaica, Belize, or Roatan, depending on the departure date.

In the summer of 2025, Carnival Paradise will begin visiting Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination, Celebration Key, on her Bahamas itineraries.

The ship can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy, or up to 2,697 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is also home to 920 international officers and crew members to ensure everyone aboard has a great oceangoing getaway, even when itineraries may not go as planned.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Select Sailings Due to Itinerary Planning

Royal Caribbean News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 7, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Cancels Select Sailings Due to Itinerary Planning

Royal Caribbean International has announced a series of adjustments to their cruise itineraries, affecting passengers on select Ovation of the Seas voyages. The combination of cancellations and scheduled sailings is part of the cruise line’s revised plans for the 2025 season.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

In an unforeseen shake-up of its 2025 schedule, Royal Caribbean International has cancelled three sailings on Ovation of the Seas, which were set to depart on April 3, April 12, and April 29, 2025.

These changes have been attributed to adjustments in the cruise line’s itinerary planning, resulting in a reshuffling of its cruise offerings.

Aurora Year-Rodriguez, AVP of Guest Experience, communicated Royal Caribbean’s regret in an email to passengers and travel planners, stating, “Due to an adjustment in our itinerary planning, our upcoming Ovation of the Seas has been cancelled. We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience.”

Exploring Alternative Itineraries

Royal Caribbean is offering alternative cruises on Quantum of the Seas for passengers affected by the cancellation of the three Ovation of the Seas sailings. Once Quantum of the Seas completes its “7-Night South Pacific Cruise” in Brisbane, Australia, it will set sail on two replacement cruises designed to accommodate passengers from the cancelled Ovation of the Seas trips.

For passengers of the April 12 sailing, the alternative is a 21-Night Transpacific Cruise on Quantum of the Seas leaving April 8, 2025, from Sydney, Australia, to Honolulu, Hawaii, with stops in Picton, Wellington, and Auckland, New Zealand; and Moorea, Papeete, Tahiti, and Raiatea in French Polynesia.

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas (Photo Credit: sma1050)

Passengers booked on the cancelled April 3 and April 29 “9-night Hawaii Cruise” sailings are being rebooked onto an 8-night Hawaiian cruise departing from Honolulu on April 28, 2025. This voyage will feature scenic cruising in Kailua Kona and the Napali Coast of Kauai, and will end in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class of ships and offer a seamless transition for passengers affected by the cancellations. Both vessels boast a tonnage of 168,666 and the capacity to host 4,905 passengers across 16 decks.

As for Ovation of the Seas, the exact details of its revised route in place of the cancelled April sailings have not been disclosed by the cruise line. In fact, Ovation of the Seas no longer appears as an option for any April sailings in 2025 on the cruise line’s website.

Understanding Passenger Rights and Compensation

Royal Caribbean has detailed compensation options for those affected by the April 3, April 12, and April 29 cancellations.

Firstly, travelers are offered to be automatically rebooked onto the new sailings on Quantum of the Seas, with the assurance of maintaining their original stateroom category and fare rates. If the new sailing is cheaper for passengers from any cancellation, the difference will be refunded.

Additionally, passengers can opt to rebook any other Royal Caribbean sailing, with the cruise line waiving non-refundable deposit change fees. However, it is important to note that fare differences for a more expensive sailing will apply.

In light if these itinerary changes, passengers are encouraged to consider the role of travel insurance. Policies typically cover cancellations, although they may not cover itinerary changes unless they result in significant trip delays or cancellations.

For those impacted by the rescheduling, reviewing the specific terms of your travel insurance policy is advisable.

Royal Caribbean Ship Alters Ports as Poor Weather Hits South Pacific

Royal Caribbean News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 7, 2024

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Royal Caribbean Ship Alters Ports as Poor Weather Hits South Pacific

The idea of a South Pacific voyage conjures images of crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and deep blue skies, but it is not always that way.

Guests booked to depart February 7, 2024 on a South Pacific cruise with Royal Caribbean learned that bad weather has prompted the line to change its itinerary.

Itinerary Changes Came on Departure Day

Even the South Pacific is experiencing unusually stormy weather, guests booked to sail the region on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas were disappointed to find out as they prepared to depart from Brisbane, Australia, on February 7, 2024.

Guests were notified of the adjusted port calls just prior to boarding the ship on embarkation day. In all, three popular port calls were nixed, and replaced with alternate destinations.

“Due to adverse weather, we’ve modified our itinerary to provide you with the most enjoyable sailing. While not the original itinerary planned, we know you’ll have a memorable time,” the line’s statement to guests stated.

“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather — your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather,” the statement explained.

Quantum of the Seas’ 8-night South Pacific sailing will skip three exotic port calls in New Caledonia and Vanuatu due to rainy and windy weather. Local forecasts predict thunderstorms with winds up to 30 miles per hour in the region.

Departing from Brisbane, the 5,000-guest ship’s original itinerary included two days at sea, followed by port calls to Noumea, New Caledonia, Mystery Island, and Villa, Vanuatu, and two additional sea days before returning to Brisbane on February 15, 2024.

The new itinerary features one day at sea after departure from Brisbane, a port call to Airlie Beach, Queensland, a second day at sea, a port call and overnight in Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Australia, scenic cruising around Willis Island, and a final day at sea before returning to Brisbane.

Altered Course Misses Popular, Exotic Destinations

The three missed port calls are quintessential South Pacific paradises. Noumea is the capital of New Caledonia and known for its dramatic beaches and watersports activities.

Vanuatu’s Mystery Island is uninhabited and renowned for its peaceful beaches and clear waters. Vila is Vanuatu’s cultural hub and is popular for its proximity to Male Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall.

That said, the replacement port calls are not likely to disappoint. Airlie Beach is a top destination for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, while Yorkey’s Knob, on the Coral Sea, is home to scenic Half Moon Bay and known for great swimming and fishing. Willis Island is an isolated, scenic destination, also in the Coral Sea.

Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: LD Media UK / Shutterstock)

The South Pacific is not typically prone to poor weather, and unusual climate patterns have wreaked havoc in other parts of the cruising world, too. Several ships have been forced to alter ports in recent days as they sailed in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

On February 6, 2024, two Royal Caribbean ships, Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, had to recall guests from Perfect Day at CocoCay due to high winds and waves. The private island destination was buffeted by strong winds that brought water crashing onto the pier.

Online videos show large crowds of guests returning to their ships, while lifeguards and crew members in rain gear provided a guideline to encourage guests to move along and make sure no one was close to the pier’s edge.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine was impacted by the same storm that day, as she sailed a 5-night Bahamas cruise from Charleston, South Carolina. Weather prevented the ship from calling at Princess Cays, a private island destination on Eleuthera.

Strong winds apparently were generating swells that would have made tender operations difficult and dangerous.

Another Carnival-Owned Cruise Line Increasing Service Charges

Cunard News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 7, 2024

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Another Carnival-Owned Cruise Line Increasing Service Charges

Guests booked on upcoming Cunard Line sailings, including the new Queen Anne, will be paying a bit more for hotel and dining service charges within the next few weeks.

Cunard Line has updated its official website with information about the forthcoming rate increase for these gratuities, which will begin at the end of April 2024.

Cunard Line Gratuity Increase

Cunard Line is increasing the hotel and dining service charges automatically added to guests’ accounts in April 2024. The exact date of the change depends on the individual sailing schedules of different ships, while the amount varies based on stateroom type.

“For voyages departing up until April 25, 2024 for Queen Elizabeth, and April 27, 2024 for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites will be $16.50 per person per day, and Britannia Staterooms will be $14.50 per person per day,” the website explains.

After those dates, the service charge for Queens and Princess Grill Suites will increase to $18 per person, per day, while Britannia Staterooms will increase to $16 per person, per day.

These increases calculate to 9% and 10%, respectively. While this is not an exorbitant increase, it can certainly add up over the course of a longer sailing or for family groups. Service charges apply to all guests, regardless of age or loyalty status.

The daily service charges are divided amongst different crew members who provide service to all travelers, including cabin attendants, wait staff, and behind-the-scenes crew members who provide invaluable support to ensure all guests have amazing cruise experiences.

Cunard Line Cruise Ships — Image Courtesy: Cunard Line

It should be noted that the upcoming Queen Anne will debut in early May, and therefore her gratuity charges will always be assessed at the higher rate.

At the time of the increase, Queen Elizabeth will be offering outstanding voyages from Tokyo, while Queen Mary 2‘s first voyage at the new rate will be a transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York. Meanwhile, Queen Victoria will be departing from Southampton on a 7-night “Cities of Western Europe” tour.

Second Carnival-Owned Cruise Line to Raise Gratuities in 2024

The upcoming increase will be the second Carnival-owned cruise line to raise automatic gratuity rates in 2024, following a similar rate hike from Holland America Line that is just days away from taking effect.

Cunard Line’s increase is still lower than the new gratuity rate aboard Holland America Line ships, but may signal that other Carnival-owned lines could similarly raise gratuities in the coming weeks.

As of this writing, gratuity rates for other Carnival-owned brands are as follows:

Carnival Cruise Line – $16 for standard staterooms; $18 for suites
Holland America Line* – $17 for non-suites; $19 for suites (*from February 14, 2024)
Costa Cruises – $12 for all stateroom types
Princess Cruises – $16 for interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins; $17 for mini-suite and Reserve Collection; $18 for suites

Queen Victoria Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ATGImages)

It should be noted that Carnival Corporation & plc also owns luxury line Seabourn, but gratuities are not required or expected on that line as it is a full-service line with an onboard “no tipping” practice. Similarly, P&O Cruises does not add a daily service charge or gratuity, while AIDA Cruises has a completely different pricing model based on the level of service guests choose when booking.

No other major cruise lines have yet announced gratuity increases in 2024, but such changes are undoubtedly coming. When one cruise line begins to make such changes, others typically follow within a few weeks or months with similar adjustments.

Depending on the cruise line, rates may vary based on the type of stateroom as well as guests’ ages, with some lines not charging gratuities for very young travelers.

Carnival Updates Guests After Ship Hits Pier and Remains in Port

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 7, 2024

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Carnival Cruise Line has provided an update to guests onboard Carnival Magic about the ship’s condition and plans for the remainder of their 6-night “ShipRocked” cruise.

This follows a confusing day on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, when the ship inadvertently made contact with the pier in Jamaica, resulting in unusual but essential responses to ensure everyone’s safety.

Carnival Magic Spending Another Day in Jamaica

After heavy swells and strong winds caused the pier to collapse in Jamaica while Carnival Magic was docked, resulting in the ship making contact with the pier, the cruise ship will be remaining in port in Ocho Rios for another full day. This extra time will permit a team of experts to thoroughly assess the ship.

Photos circulating on social media show significant dents and paint scratches on Carnival Magic‘s hull, but it is unknown whether the ship will require immediate repair before continuing her sailing.

Carnival’s notification letter delivered to guests’ staterooms explained the incident, the immediate response, and the plan for Wednesday so everyone is aware of what comes next.

“As you know, Carnival Magic was involved in an incident [Tuesday] morning when strong winds and swells caused the pier fender to collapse under pressure, and the ship made contact with the pier. There were no injuries, and all the ship’s services remain operational,” the letter explained.

Carnival Magic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: NAN728)

“For the safety of everyone on board, it was necessary to leave the area and return to dock at another nearby pier. This allowed guests who went ashore to rejoin the ship.”

Carnival Magic was originally planned to depart Ocho Rios at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, but will now remain in port until 5 p.m. on Wednesday while the ship undergoes assessment. The cruise line is making new shore tours available, and guests may also go ashore independently to enjoy more of what the Jamaican hotspot has to offer. All guests must be back aboard Carnival Magic no later than 4:30 p.m.

Next Port Cancelled

The next stop on the itinerary was to have been Grand Cayman, but that visit had already been cancelled due to forecasted weather conditions. The ship staying in Ocho Rios will give passengers more time to have fun ashore. At the same time, the ShipRocked activities for this themed sailing will continue onboard.

“Your hosts ShipRocked and our team will have a full day of concerts and activities for you on board,” the letter read. “We were looking forward to delivering the full itinerary you had expected and share your disappointment, but trust you understand this decision was made with everyone’s safety in mind.”

All Carnival shore excursions, taxes, fees, and port expenses for Grand Cayman are being automatically refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.

The next destination on the itinerary is Bimini in the Bahamas. Carnival Magic is scheduled to visit there on Friday, February 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this time, there are no changes to that plan, but the cruise line will keep guests updated if further alterations to the schedule are necessary.

The 130,000-gross-ton, Dream-class Carnival Magic is currently homeported from Miami, offering 6-, 7-, and 8-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries. The ship can welcome 3,690 guests aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 4,724 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.

Also onboard are more than 1,300 international officers and crew members to ensure everyone remains safe and has a truly magical cruise vacation.

Cunard Enjoys Double-Digit Booking Spike in January

Cunard News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 7, 2024

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Cunard Enjoys Double-Digit Booking Spike in January

Cunard, the iconic British cruise line that operates some of the world’s best-known ships, experienced a stellar booking month in January, breaking previous records for similar timeframes in the last 10 years.

The cruise line, a Carnival Corporation brand, is in the spotlight this year as it gears up for the highly anticipated launch of its first new ship in more than a decade.

Reservations Rise By a Stunning 25%

January proved to be a robust booking month for Cunard Line, with the number of guests booking staterooms ballooning by 25% compared to the highest booking level of the past decade. Bookings are in demand for 2024 as well as future years.

Part of the celebratory atmosphere at Cunard is tied to the upcoming launch of its first new ship since 2010, Queen Anne, due to enter service in early May 2024. The 3,000-guest Pinnacle-class ship will join Cunard’s existing fleet — Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria.

“As we prepare to navigate what is set to be a truly ground-breaking year for Cunard, it has been fantastic to have such a strong start to the year. The appeal of Cunard is strong for guests across the world and is particularly strong for sailings across Europe on our new ship Queen Anne,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard.

The upbeat booking report from January 2024 followed an exceptional sales record from early 2023, when Cunard reported having its busiest wave season in the previous decade. Wave season refers to the industry’s tradition of offering its best promotional fares and perks during the first quarter of each year.

Cunard Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: ATGImages)

At the time, summer itineraries and the maiden season of Queen Anne were seeing strong momentum. Among the summer itineraries likely to be in high demand in 2024 are Alaska cruises.

A series of sailings aboard Queen Elizabeth are being enhanced with new pre- and post-cruise add-on tours aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train. The Vista-class ship, carrying 2,092 guests, will cruise roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, on 7- to 12-day voyages along the Alaskan coast.

Cunard to Celebrate Queen Anne’s Launch in May 2024

Anticipation is building for Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. The ship will debut on May 3, 2024 with her maiden voyage roundtrip from Southampton, England, but her naming ceremony will be held a month later in Liverpool, England.

Cunard announced on February 5, 2024 that Queen Anne will be christened with great fanfare in Liverpool on June 3, 2024 during a voyage around the British Isles. The 14-night journey will depart Southampton on May 24, 2024, with the ship calling at Edinburgh, Invergordon, and Greenock, Scotland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Liverpool. The line has not yet revealed who the ship’s godmother or godfather will be.

Queen Anne Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Cunard Line)

The cruise line, in recent months, has revealed details about the design, services, and amenities the new vessel will offer guests. She will, for example, offer outstanding cuisine under the guidance of two-Michelin star chef Michel Roux. The chef is best known for his longtime London restaurant, Le Gavroche.

Roux is working with Cunard’s culinary development team to create a unique gala menu exclusively for the ship‘s Queens Grill restaurant. Cunard will open four new dining venues aboard Queen Anne, including Aji Wa, offering Japanese specialties; Aranya, dishing up Indian cuisine; Sir Samuels, with steaks and seafood; and Tramonto, serving Mediterranean-inspired fare.

Queen Anne is under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy.