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Norwegian Adjusts Every Port of Call on Upcoming Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 6, 2024

Norwegian Adjusts Every Port of Call on Upcoming Cruise

Guests set to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sailing to Antarctica aboard Norwegian Star on February 18, 2024 are now being notified that every port of call on the itinerary has been adjusted less than two weeks before the ship sets sail.

While all ports are preserved, the times in port have been shifted and some of the sailing time in Antarctica is likewise shortened. What will this mean for the overall cruise?

Norwegian Star Itinerary Change

Norwegian Star is set to depart on Sunday, February 18 on an 18-night sailing with visits to destinations in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. Along the way, time sailing in scenic parts of Antarctica is also on the itinerary.

Now, guests have been informed of multiple changes to the schedule, with the time in every port of call adjusted.

“While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, unfortunately, at times modifications are made to optimize the itinerary or to accommodate certain circumstances,” the notification explained. “As such, in order to enhance the guest experience, the itinerary has been revised.”

The total in-port time is an overall gain of 75 minutes, with changes to the schedule as follows:

Monday, February 19 – Montevideo, Uruguay now 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. (formerly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) – a loss of 45 minutes
Wednesday, February 21 – Puerto Madryn, Argentina now 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (formerly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) – a gain of 30 minutes
Friday, February 23 – Punta Arenas, Chile now 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (formerly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) – no gain or loss of time
Saturday, February 24 – Ushuaia, Argentina now 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (formerly 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) – a loss of 30 minutes
Wednesday, February 28 – Stanley, Falkland Islands now 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (formerly Thursday, February 29 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – a gain of 120 minutes

It should be noted that the day Norwegian Star will be visiting the Falkland Islands has been shifted a day early to Wednesday, February 28, rather than on Thursday, February 29. Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Marina will also be in port on February 28.

Norwegian Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Chris Hyde)

These changes are similar to a previous itinerary adjustment announced for the ship’s March 3, 2024 departure, though in that case, a total of three hours of port time are lost.

Norwegian Cruise Line is automatically adjusting shore excursions booked through the cruise line to the new times or days as needed, and guests do not need to take any further action to preserve their tours. If guests have made independent tour arrangements, they will need to contact their tour operators to notify them of the change and make any adjustments as needed.

Antarctica Cruising Also Changed

While this particular cruise does not have any landing in Antarctica, scenic cruising in the region is a highlight of the itinerary. Originally, Norwegian Star was scheduled to cruise in Paradise Bay on Monday, February 26, followed by Elephant Island and Cape Lookout on Tuesday, February 27.

Now, the ship will not be going as far into Antarctic waters as initially planned. Paradise Bay has been removed as a cruising destination, with Admiralty Bay substituted instead on February 26. The same day, the ship will also spend time near Elephant Island and Cape Lookout.

This will effectively reduce the amount of time Norwegian Star will spend in Antarctic waters, but will still give guests excellent scenic opportunities. Putting all the scenic cruising into one day will create another full day at sea at the end of the cruise as the ship heads back to Buenos Aires, which can permit a slower and more fuel efficient cruising speed.

No detailed explanation for all these changes has been given, other than “to enhance the guest experience.” The overall increase in port time will give passengers more opportunities to enjoy amazing destinations, but the reduction in Antarctic cruising will be disappointing to some travelers.

The waters around the tip of South America and Antarctica can be some of the most turbulent on the planet, and it is not unusual for cruise ships to adjust itineraries ahead of expected storm systems or when conditions may not be ideal for the smoothest, most comfortable sailing.

The 91,740-gross-ton, Dawn-class Norwegian Star is offering similar itineraries through the end of March, at which time the ship will reposition to Europe for the summer sailing season. The vessel can welcome 2,348 guests aboard for each cruise, with just over 1,000 international crew members onboard to ensure everyone has a memorable vacation.

Carnival Cruise Ship Cancels Port of Call Due to Harsh Weather

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 6, 2024

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Carnival Cruise Ship Cancels Port of Call Due to Harsh Weather

Due to severe weather impacting The Bahamas on Tuesday, February 6, guests aboard Carnival Venezia will be unable to visit Half Moon Cay as planned. Unfortunately, no alternative port is available as strong winds are widespread in the region, and therefore Carnival Venezia will be enjoying a day at sea instead.

Carnival Venezia Cancels Half Moon Cay

Guests sailing on Carnival Venezia‘s current 9-night cruise to The Bahamas will not be visiting Half Moon Cay due to extreme weather that is creating rough winds and waves in the region. Notification letters were delivered to guests’ staterooms on Monday evening to alert them to the change.

“Our Fleet Operations Center has been actively monitoring the weather system that is moving in an easterly direction across the region. Unfavorable conditions that would make water shuttle operations unsafe are expected for Half Moon Cay tomorrow,” the letter explained. “Regrettably, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our planned visit.”

Water shuttles are smaller boats – often called tenders – that ferry passengers from the larger cruise ship to the dock on Half Moon Cay. Rough waves make the smaller boats pitch and roll too much to safely board or debark passengers, and could impact how the boats must approach the dock.

Safety is always the foremost consideration for cruise ships, and the strength and direction of winds and waves all factor in to whether or not a ship can visit a particular port on any given day. The size and type of docking facilities, whether or not water shuttles are required, and local reef conditions or other navigability issues are all part of the decision as well.

“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,” the letter said.

All shore tours for Half Moon Cay purchased through Carnival Cruise Line will be automatically cancelled and refunded to travelers’ onboard accounts.

Carnival Venezia‘s 9-night cruise departed from New York City on Friday, February 2 and successfully visited Miami, Florida on Monday, February 5. While the call to Half Moon Cay is cancelled, the ship should still be able to visit Nassau on Wednesday and Freeport on Thursday before heading north to return to New York as planned on Sunday, February 11.

Where Else Could Carnival Venezia Go?

When a port of call must be cancelled, cruise lines often look for a potential alternative port to visit. In The Bahamas, this often means Nassau or Freeport, but for Carnival Venezia, this is not possible.

Carnival Cruise Line, Half Moon Cay — Photo Credit: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock

“Since there are no viable alternatives to add a port visit, we will spend Tuesday at sea,” the letter said.

Five ships are already scheduled for Nassau on Tuesday, one ship is in Freeport, and one is in Bimini. While these destinations might be able to accommodate another ship, it is possible that other vessels that cannot visit their own private islands have already secured alternative berths, or else the wind and waves are making it impossible to add another ship to the day’s schedule.

Furthermore, since Carnival Venezia will already be visiting both Nassau and Freeport later in the planned itinerary, it is not necessarily desirable to duplicate port visits. Rearranging the order of port visits is also not an option, since other Carnival cruise ships are already scheduled for Half Moon Cay this week – Carnival Glory on Wednesday and Carnival Legend on Thursday.

Guests Warned of Rough Conditions

In addition to alerting guests of the port cancellation, the letter also offered advice should any rough seas be encountered during the day at sea.

“Winds or saves may cause added movement of the ship,” the letter explained. “For everyone’s safety, please take extra precaution while walking around the ship and use handrails when possible.”

Cruise Ship Waves — Photo Credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock

The ship’s highly trained officers will take additional steps to keep Carnival Venezia on an even keel throughout the day, including reducing speed and reorienting the ship to minimize winds or excessive motion.

Furthermore, the entertainment and Fun Squad staff will put together a range of extra games, activities, and contests for passengers to enjoy during the unexpected day at sea, ensuring there is something new and fun for everyone to enjoy.

While missing a port of call can be disappointing, guests will still be able to enjoy a fun day aboard Carnival Venezia with all the amazing features and activities the ship has to offer.

Restaurant Shuts to Takes All Employees on Royal Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 5, 2024

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Restaurant Shuts to Takes All Employees on Royal Caribbean Cruise

The owner of a popular seafood restaurant in Tybee Island, Georgia shut the business down for a week in January to take every employee on a cruise vacation.

Pier 16 is normally open seven days a week with great service and a fantastic reputation thanks to its hard-working employees, and co-owner Natalia Navon wanted to recognize that work with a well-deserved break.

Employees Rewarded With Cruise Vacation

Pier 16 is a family-owned restaurant offering the very best in fresh seafood just one block from the beach in Tybee Island, Georgia. The establishment, which opened in September 2020, prides itself on is family-friendly environment with two outdoor decks, a rooftop bar, and cornhole and giant Jenga games for patrons to enjoy.

The heart of that family atmosphere is the restaurant’s own family, the employees who go above and beyond to ensure every customer has a great experience along with spectacular menu options to enjoy, such as southern fried green tomatoes, garlic parmesan oysters, crab-stuffed mushrooms, low country boil, Cajun salmon, and much more. Salads, burgers, and steaks are also on the menu.

To reward the efforts of all employees, co-owner Natalia Navon and her husband take the entire team on a vacation every year, closing down the restaurant to be sure no one misses out.

“If I’m going on a vacation I would feel like my employees would want to take a vacation too,” Navon said of the tradition.

Pier 16 was closed from January 6-14 while all employees enjoyed a cruise to Mexico aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas.

The 5-night voyage departed Port Canaveral, Florida on January 6, with visits to Costa Maya and Cozumel, as well as two days at sea to enjoy all the Voyager-class vessel has to offer. Previous team trips have included going to Las Vegas as well as to The Bahamas.

“When I first started, it was only a story I heard and next thing you know, I was in Mexico with these guys,” said Matthew Rodriguez, one of the lucky employees on this year’s cruise. “It was amazing.”

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship — Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

The 139,863-gross-ton Mariner of the Seas can welcome 3,114 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 3,807 travelers when fully booked. The ship is homeported from Port Canaveral, offering a mix of 4- and 5-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean itineraries, as well as occasional longer sailings.

Mariner of the Seas will reposition to Galveston in early May to offer exclusively Western Caribbean sailings to Cozumel on the 4-night cruises and both Cozumel and Costa Maya on the 5-night itineraries.

Employees That Play Together, Stay Together

Leadership studies have proven that shared relaxation time can be a powerful team-building exercise, allowing employees to connect to one another in ways beyond their job duties.

“This trip we got to learn a lot about each other … It’s one house … We are a big old family,” said Pier 16 employee Joseph Runfola.

Employees of Pier 16 Enjoying Their Cruise

These types of connections can lead to greater job satisfaction, better performance reviews, and longer job retention, making them a smart decision for any business.

Response from the restaurant’s patrons has been overwhelmingly positive, with many frequent customers happy to support a local establishment that treats employees so well and complimenting the dedication of the owners.

Many people who have learned of the annual tradition have jokingly quipped about whether or not the restaurant was hiring, but in fact, they are currently seeking line cooks.

Pier 16 offers competitive pay and health insurance, as well as benefits such as free parking and free lunch – not to mention cruises.

Naming Ceremony Location Announced for Newest Cunard Queen

Cunard News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 5, 2024

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Naming Ceremony Location Announced for Newest Cunard Queen

Great anticipation is building for Cunard Line’s first new ship in more than a decade, and naming ceremony details have now been announced for Queen Anne.

The ship will debut on May 3, 2024 with her maiden voyage, but her naming ceremony will be one month later in Liverpool, a city with great connection to the iconic cruise line.

Queen Anne Naming Ceremony Announced

Queen Anne will be named with great fanfare in Liverpool, UK on Monday, June 3, during a “lap of honor” voyage around the British Isles. That symbolic 14-night journey will depart Southampton on May 24 and will introduce the ship to key ports with maiden visits, including Edinburgh, Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and Liverpool itself, where the naming ceremony will be held.

“Queen Anne is the next in a fine line for our brand and she will be…evolving our core values of luxury, sophistication, and glamour,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard Line. “Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home and we are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close on her maiden call.”

Liverpool was selected as the site of the naming ceremony because of the city’s deep connections with Cunard Line.

“Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool,” said McAlister. “It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his trans-Atlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories.”

Queen Anne Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line

Now, the naming of the new ship will add another chapter of very special memories to Cunard Line, and bring the new ship fully into the fleet with style and flair that befits the luxurious cruise line.

About the Naming Ceremony

While full details of the naming ceremony are still being finalized, the celebration is sure to be a spectacular one as befits the new 113,300-gross-ton, Pinnacle-class ship.

Busted musician Matt Willis and his wife, television presenter Emma Willis, will host the naming ceremony on the Mersey waterfront. Live music, special guests, traditional blessings, and other activities are sure to be part of the festivities, which will be broadcast live worldwide. A special “salute to the city” is also planned to be part of the event.

“This is yet another prestigious, international event taking place in our city, casting Liverpool into the limelight once again and showcasing our enviable maritime offer,” said Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected be on hand in Liverpool to witness the historic occasion, and viewing areas will be announced at a later time as the ceremony nears. Fans of the cruise line have previously lined up to witness maiden visits, as well as the spectacular “royal rendezvous” of the three active Queens in front of the Cunard Building in 2015, in honor of the line’s 175th anniversary.

Who Will Name Queen Anne?

The ship’s ceremonial godmother has not yet been announced. For the active Cunard Line vessels, Queen Mary 2 was christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2004; Queen Victoria by Her Majesty Queen Camilla (as Duchess of Cornwall) in 2007, and Queen Elizabeth also by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.

Current speculation favors either Queen Camilla, Princess Royal Anne of Edinburg, or Princess of Wales Catherine to be chosen as the ship’s ceremonial godmother, but these are rumors and public hopes only, with no official announcement having yet been made.

More From Cruise Hive

Cruise lines often choose popular celebrities or inspirational figures as godmothers to their vessels, and men can also serve in the role as godfather. Occasionally, more unique christenings are planned.

For example, popular footballer Lionel Messi was named as the “Icon of Icon” to christen Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, while Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Wish, was appropriately christened by Make-a-Wish children in June 2022.

Man Arrested After Jumping Overboard MSC Cruises Ship

MSC Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 5, 2024

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Man Arrested After Jumping Overboard MSC Cruises Ship

A man was arrested after jumping off MSC Cruises’ MSC Bellissima while the ship was visiting Noha, Japan on Thursday, February 1.

The ship was docked at the time as part of a short Asia itinerary with port visits in Japan and China, and the man will possibly be charged with immigration violations for illegally entering the country.

Man Jumps Overboard From MSC Bellissima

A man, identified by Okinawa News Web as a Turkish national, was first reported to have fallen off the cruise ship when the incident was seen by onboard crew members.

The incident happened at approximately 10 p.m. near Wakaka Wharf, and the ship immediately activated emergency procedures and contacted local authorities to initiate search and rescue operations.

The man swam ashore and was found on the quay, where he was arrested on suspicion of illegally landing in the country. He has reportedly denied those allegations, claiming not to have realized the illegality of his actions as a violation of the Immigration Control Act. He was provided with medical treatment as necessary.

MSC Bellissima Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: MSC Cruises

It is unknown whether or not the man is a passenger from the ship or one of MSC Bellissima‘s crew members, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine what charges, if any, will be filed.

Ship’s Itinerary Not Impacted

While such an incident is certainly distressing, MSC Bellissima‘s schedule was not impacted. The ship continued her short sailing on schedule, with her next ports of call to Ishigakijima Island and Keelung as planned.

The 171,598-gross-ton MSC Bellissima is a Meraviglia-class ship that entered service in March 2019. She can welcome 4,500 guests aboard for each sailing, and is currently based from various Asian homeports offering departures from Keelung, Naha, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Yokohama, depending on sailing date and itinerary length.

Primarily, the ship offers shorter sailings and quick getaways, visiting amazing destinations such as Okinawa and Taiwan.

Unusual Overboard Circumstances

While no overboard incident is a positive experience, many guests or crew members who go overboard may do so deliberately but in a way where rescue is unlikely to be successful. Because this incident happened right at the dock and the individual swam to shore, his motives are certainly unusual and his state of mind is unknown.

Some incidents are the result of genuine accidents or deliberate foul play, though this does not appear to be the case in this situation. Undoubtedly, the investigation will cover a variety of angles to rule out different reasoning for the incident.

Regardless of the cause of an overboard, the ship’s crew and emergency personnel would respond the same – taking all steps necessary to preserve life. These situations can be very physically and emotionally draining, and Cruise Hive salutes the efforts of everyone involved to keep travelers and crew members safe.

New Luxury Cruise Ship Delayed, Multiple Cruises Cancelled

Cruise News

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Feb 3, 2024

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New Luxury Cruise Ship Delayed, Multiple Cruises Cancelled

The upcoming Allura from Oceania Cruises is now delayed, with the first six sailings of the ship’s maiden season cancelled in the summer of 2025. The ship is under construction with Fincantieri and was originally scheduled for delivery in May 2025, but guests have now been notified of the delay and plans for the new inaugural sailing.

Allura Delayed

Oceania Cruises is reaching out to booked guests and travel partners to inform them that the delivery of the upcoming Allura, the second in the cruise line’s new Allure class and sister ship to Vista, will now be delayed. This requires that several sailings be cancelled and the ship’s maiden voyage subsequently rescheduled.

“We have been informed by the shipyard that Allura’s delivery will be delayed. As a result, we will need to cancel her scheduled sailings in June and July of next year,” the notification read.

The impacted sailings – now cancelled – are Allura’s June 8, June 15, June 25, July 7, July 17, and July 29 departures in 2025. The varied itineraries included a selection of top Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Malta, Egypt, and more.

Oceania Allura Cruise Ship — Render Credit: Oceania Cruises

All booked guests will automatically receive a 100% refund of their now-cancelled cruise, with “a special rebook offer on a future sailing.” The details of the rebook offer are not yet finalized, but may include incentives such as rate protection, onboard credit, complimentary upgrades, or other benefits to entice guests to book another Oceania Cruises sailing.

New Inaugural Sailing Planned

Now, the cruise line is planning a new inaugural sailing for the ship to celebrate when she is able to set sail. The 12-day voyage will depart from Athens, Greece on July 24, 2025 and head to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Details of the new itinerary are still being arranged, and it is sure to include a variety of top Mediterranean ports of call.

The inaugural sailing will be available for booking from February 12, 2024. Guests who are booked on one of the now-cancelled cruises will be able to reserve that new inaugural sailing from February 5, 2025, giving them the opportunity to enjoy exclusive access for that special cruise.

Allura Pool Deck Render (Image Credit: Oceania Cruises)

After the new inaugural voyage, Allura‘s August 5 departure from Monte Carlo should remain as originally scheduled – a 10-night cruise including stops in Italy, Greece, and Turkey before arriving in Athens on August 15. Guests booked on that sailing should stay in close contact with Oceania Cruises in case of further adjustments, delays, or cancellations.

Read Also: Who Owns Oceania Cruises?

Inaugural Sailings Always a Risk

Setting sail on a new cruise ship’s maiden voyage can be a very special occasion for any travelers and these first voyages are often coveted, especially by frequent guests who are loyal to the cruise line.

Unfortunately, there is also a risk with booking an inaugural sailing, as delays at the shipyard can quickly push back the expected delivery of a new ship, cancelling early voyages as has happened with Allura. Princess Cruises’ upcoming Sun Princess recently announced a similar delay with the cancellation of the new Sphere-class ship’s inaugural sailing just two weeks before it was to have set sail.

Fortunately, guests booked on Allura have more than a year to change their travel plans and make other arrangements for a fantastic oceangoing getaway if they choose.

While the exact circumstances leading to the delay have not been disclosed either for Sun Princess or Allura, various factors can impact cruise ship construction timelines. Labor shortages, supply chain issues for critical materials, testing and inspection results, and design changes can all cause delays for ship deliveries.

Flooded Cabins Impact Guests on Following Royal Caribbean Sailing

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 3, 2024

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Flooded Cabins Impact Guests on Following Royal Caribbean Sailing

It makes headlines when a cruise ship is impacted by a severe storm, but what happens to guests on the very next sailing?

Royal Caribbean International had surprising options available for travelers on Voyager of the Seas after the ship experienced some flooding and water damage in a severe storm on her January 26 sailing, without sufficient time to fully mitigate the damage before the next group of passengers came on board the following day.

Voyager of the Seas Damaged by Storm

Voyager of the Seas encountered a severe storm in the Gulf of Mexico as the ship returned to Texas on a recent sailing. With severe winds, heavy rain, hail, and crashing waves, it is no surprise that the ship had some flooding in different areas, including a variety of guest staterooms as well as public areas where deck chairs were tossed about and even slot machines in the casino were tipped over.

The incident happened on Friday, January 26, on the last sea day before the ship docked in Galveston for her turnaround day – the end of one sailing and the beginning of the next, with guests both debarking and embarking on the same day.

While there were no severe injuries reported, the weather’s impact on different areas of the ship was unable to be completely cleaned up before new travelers arrived.

Options for Embarking Guests

To ensure everyone was still able to enjoy the cruise they had anticipated, Royal Caribbean International reached out to guests who would be impacted by the ongoing cleanup with a generous offer.

“As we prepare to set sail, we wanted to take a moment to address a matter that occurred on one of our previous sailings. While sailing in the Gulf of Mexico, Voyager of the Seas encountered a severe storm that resulted in some damage and flooding from the ocean and rainwater in certain areas aboard,” the email explained.

“While most of the staterooms are dry now, some have residual odors from the seawater and rain. We value transparency with you, and unfortunately, your stateroom is included in this scenario.”

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Gust of Wind (Photo Credit: Brandy Waring & DLeng)

The email goes on to explain that the cruise line brought aboard additional cleaning teams to work to mitigate the temporary flooding. Guests onboard the ship had also noted how quickly crew members acted immediately after the storm to clean up water and general disarray.

Travelers booked in the still-flooded cabins on the next sailing were offered two distinct options due to the lingering dampness and odors in their staterooms.

The first was to enjoy their cruise as booked, in the original stateroom, with full knowledge of its condition before they set sail. For the inconvenience, a 30% refund of the cruise fare was provided to the passengers’ onboard accounts, and any amount not used during the sailing was refunded back to the card on file for that account.

The second option was to cancel the sailing for a 100% refund, with no fees or penalties. Guests who chose this option also received a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) of the cruise fare paid for the impacted booking, which will remain valid for any alternative cruise setting sail by February 1, 2025.

Next Itinerary Not Impacted

While some guests’ staterooms were impacted and those travelers received the options for sailing with a partial refund or choosing a full refund and a full FCC for the inconvenience of losing their planned vacation, it should be noted that the overall sailing was not affected.

Voyager of the Seas set sail for her next cruise as planned on January 27, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise that visited both Costa Maya and Cozumel before returning to Galveston on Thursday, February 1.

Furthermore, the ship has already departed on the next successive cruise, a 4-night sailing to Cozumel, Mexico, with two full days at sea to enjoy all the 137,276-gross-ton ship has to offer. It is possible that a limited number of guests may have also received similar offers for that sailing, depending on how cleanup efforts have continued.

Voyager of the Seas can welcome 3,602 guests at double occupancy, or up to 4,000 passengers when fully booked. Also onboard are 1,200 international crew members whose first priority is to ensure everyone’s safety, no matter what weather conditions the ship encounters.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ditches Major Port Due to Tender Concerns

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 2, 2024

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Norwegian Cruise Line Ditches Major Port Due to Tender Concerns

In response to Venice’s cruising restrictions, Norwegian Pearl is charting a new course this summer, weaving through alternative ports and offering passengers a modified adventure.

Itinerary Alteration for Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a significant change to the upcoming June 14, 2024, sailing of Norwegian Pearl due to the standards of the local tender service falling short. It comes as the famous city previously banned large cruise ships, including sailing past the historic St Mark’s Square downtown via the lagoon.

“Large cruise ships calling to Venice are required to anchor outside of the lagoon and utilize tender boats to access the Port of Venice,” said Norwegian Cruise Line in a letter to passengers and travel partners.

While we have made every effort to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver. As a result, we have modified Norwegian Pearl’s itinerary.”

The initial 10-day itinerary for Norwegian Pearl promised a classic tour starting and concluding in historic Venice (Trieste), with the journey navigating through the scenic ports of Koper, Slovenia; Zadar and Split, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Corfu, Santorini Island, and Mykonos, Greece.

Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock

Adjusting sails to the new regulation, the updated route now includes an inaugural call to Rijeka, Croatia, and an earlier visit to Koper, Slovenia, reshuffling the order of destinations to accommodate the new sailing times and days.

The change also affects the ship’s additional 10-day “Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia” cruises from Venice (Trieste) on July 3, July 31, August 28, September 25, and October 23.

Venice’s Ban on Large Cruise Ships

Venice’s Grand Canal and the romance of its storied waters have long been the pinnacle of cruise ship itineraries. However, in a landmark decision announced in 2021, the Italian government banned large cruise ships from central Venice. This prohibition extends to all vessels not classified as small boutique ships or river vessels, effectively excluding them from the existing cruise port.

Ships larger than 25,000 gross tons, over 180 meters in length, taller than 35 meters, or having sulfur emissions surpassing 0.1% are required to anchor on the mainland, such as the industrial port of Marghera and the car-passenger ferry terminal at Fusina, which is currently expanding with pier extensions and a new passenger terminal.

NCL Cruise Ship in Venice — Photo Credit: volkova natalia / Shutterstock

Norwegian Pearl, a jewel of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, boasts a gross tonnage of 92,530 and is over 294 meters in length. This classifies it as a large ship that cannot enter Venice’s waters.

Cruise lines have adapted in various ways. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has relocated its Venice departures to Ravenna, over two hours away by bus. Others have opted for alternative nearby ports like Chioggia or Trieste, such as Norwegian Cruise Line.

The cruise line stated, “We recognize that Venice is one of the world’s greatest destinations, cherished by both our guests and crew, and as such acknowledge the inconvenience and the frustration this disruption may cause.”

Adding to the efforts to curb over-tourism, Venice has also announced a cap on tour group sizes. Beginning this summer, groups will be limited to 25 individuals within the historic center and on the Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands. Subject to city council approval, this regulation is set to be enforced starting June 1, 2024.

The government’s vision for the future includes the creation of a new artificial harbor and cruise port on the Adriatic, though the timeframe remains undefined.

Carnival Debunks Rumors About Ship Drydock Plans

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 2, 2024

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Carnival Debunks Rumors About Ship Drydock Plans

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has debunked rumors about what will – or more specifically, will not – be happening during Carnival Vista‘s current dry dock.

In response to guest questions, Heald has noted that one popular feature will be remaining onboard the ship, and promised to reveal additional details of the ship’s renovations and refreshment in the days to come.

Carnival Vista Dry Dock Underway

Carnival Vista is currently undergoing dry dock renovations in Cadiz, Spain, having arrived at the shipyard on January 16, 2024 for an extensive update, following an 8-night transatlantic sailing. This will be the ship’s first major update since she entered service in 2016.

Due to unfounded online rumors from influencers claiming to have “inside information” about the ship’s dry dock plans, Carnival fans have reached out to the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, about the fate of the ship’s popular IMAX theater. Rumors have stated that the IMAX theater will be removed and additional staterooms will be put in its place.

“This is one of many, many questions I answer each day about Carnival Vista’s dry dock. I will say this. She is not losing her IMAX,” Heald stated. “The IMAX will remain.”

When Carnival Vista debuted in 2016, she had the first ever IMAX Theater at sea, bringing the unique experience to cruise travelers in a way no other cruise line had ever done.

“Carnival Vista is an absolute ‘wow’ in every respect and we have put together a line-up of entertainment, activities and experiences like nothing else at sea. Our guests are going to love this ship and their biggest challenge will be trying to choose from so many different things to do onboard,” said Sara Beth Reno, the Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Entertainment when the ship debuted.

Heald has also confirmed that Carnival Vista will be getting her hull repainted to the new red-white-and-blue livery colors that first debuted with Mardi Gras in 2021 and have gradually been rolled out across the fleet as different ships enter dry dock.

Other details of the ship’s update have not been confirmed, but it is very likely that various technical and mechanical updates will be made, as well as refreshment of public areas and guest staterooms. Painting, lighting upgrades, flooring upgrades, decking replacement, and other renovations are common for these types of dry dock overhauls.

The 133,500-gross-ton Carnival Vista will return to service with a 3-night Bahamas sailing from Port Canaveral on February 15. After that, the ship will offer 6- and 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries to top destinations such as Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove.

The ship is homeported year-round from Port Canaveral. In July 2025, Carnival Vista will be one of the first ships to offer visits to the new private destination, Celebration Key, now under development on Grand Bahama Island.

About the Onboard IMAX Theater

Carnival Vista and her sister ship, Carnival Horizon, are the only two ships in the Carnival fleet to have IMAX theaters. The large-format theaters offer first-run and recently released films as well as special documentaries formatted especially for the large, immersive screens. The number of showings will vary on each sailing depending on cruise length and overall itinerary.

Carnival Vista‘s theater seats 187 guests, and the 3-deck-high movie screen offers outstanding clarity and phenomenal sound to make every movie an outstanding experience.

IMAX showings are an extra charge, though fees vary based on the type of film being shown. Ticket prices are often discounted for younger cruisers as well as senior citizens.

The IMAX theater is part of the Carnival Multiplex, which also includes the Thrill Theater with its 4D experiences with extra immersive special effects – moving seats, mist sprayers, fans, etc. The two theaters are separate experiences with separate fees. The IMAX theater on Carnival Vista is on Decks 7 and 8, just aft of the ship’s main atrium.

Carnival Vista can welcome 3,934 guests aboard at double occupancy or up to 4,977 passengers when fully booked. Also onboard are more than 1,400 international crew members to ensure every guest has a fantastic cruise vacation.