Clues are beginning to surface that Jacksonville, Florida may soon be the homeport for another cruise line, in addition to the regular sailings offered by Carnival Cruise Line.
Between port authority board meeting reports and cruise line website updates, Norwegian Cruise Line appears to be making plans to set sail from the First Coast.
Norwegian Cruise Line May Offer Sailings From Jacksonville
Norwegian Cruise Line may soon offer homeport departures from JaxPort in Jacksonville, Florida, according to various clues and teasers about the port.
According to the Florida Times-Union, at the port authority’s board meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024, JaxPort CEO Eric Green hinted about a new cruise line expressing interest in JaxPort, but would not confirm which cruise line – other than it is not an expansion of Carnival Cruise Line’s operations.
“Our team has been busy in this area and we hope to have an announcement to share in the coming weeks,”Green said at the board meeting.“This is an added service coming from another cruise line.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Ship in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO)
Additional time is needed for the cruise line to get approval for service, as several documents and proposals must be properly filed before an official announcement can be made. No additional meeting date has yet been set.
“We weren’t able to get it done for this meeting, but we’ll have a special board meeting in the next week or two so we can get that piece of business done as well,”said Daniel Bean, board Chairman.
Jacksonville Appears on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Website
While no officials from JaxPort have verified that it is Norwegian Cruise Line expressing interest, a new landing page has been spotted on the cruise line’s website with cruises from Jacksonville, Florida listed as “Coming Soon!”
At this time, there are no active homeport departures for Norwegian Cruise Line ships from the north Florida homeport, which is 165 miles (265 kilometers) north of the next closest Florida homeport, Port Canaveral.
The cruise line has made no official announcements about what ships might be homeported from Jacksonville, nor what itineraries might be offered. The Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, however, does pose a limit on vessels departing from JaxPort, as they must be less than 180 feet from the waterline to the highest point in order to sail safely under the bridge.
Carnival Cruise Ship in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO)
Currently, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation is the only ship homeported from Jacksonville. The 71,909-gross-ton, Fantasy-class vessel is one of the smallest in the Carnival fleet, and offers 4- and 5-night sailings to the Bahamas year-round. Carnival has been sailing from Jacksonville since 2004.
Several American Cruise Lines’ river boats also sail from Jacksonville with journeys along Florida’s rivers, but no other ocean cruise line offers Jacksonville-based itineraries. Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises occasionally visit Jacksonville as a port of call.
It is possible that Norwegian Cruise Line could also offer Bahamas itineraries from Jacksonville, or might opt for itineraries to Bermuda or other Caribbean destinations, depending on the sailing length. Jacksonville could also be a starting point for fall foliage cruises that venture north to New England and the Canadian maritime provinces.
As cruise itineraries are planned out years in advance when they are made available for booking, it is unlikely that any Norwegian ships would be sailing from Jacksonville at least until late 2025, but redeployments and schedule shifts are always possible.
Holland America Line has expanded its popular Legendary Voyages roster to include four new itineraries with departures in 2025 and 2026.
Legendary Voyages are longer cruises that range from 25 to 59 days, allowing for abundant port calls, special onboard programs, and more time for guests to immerse themselves in the featured destinations.
Guests Can Sail to the Med From New York
Four new Legendary Voyages sailings from Holland America Line, one of nine Carnival Corporation brands, will put the spotlight on the Mediterranean and the South Pacific in 2025 and 2026. The cruises are open for booking, and join a series of other Legendary Voyages itineraries released for sale in December 2023.
One of the new itineraries, a 45-day Mediterranean journey roundtrip from New York, is sure to be a winner with cruisers who want to avoid airports and experience the thrill of transatlantic crossings coupled with an itinerary that highlights the gems of the Med region.
Setting sail aboard the 1,432-guest Volendam on October 7, 2025, the “Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” is an itinerary modeled on a cruise Holland America Line operated in 1925. Twenty ports of call, many of which were on the itinerary nearly a century ago, will again be visited. They include destinations in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and others.
The cruise will feature overnights in Rome, Istanbul, and Cairo, and late departures in several ports such as Gibraltar and Barcelona.
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line
“Based on the popularity of our 2024 Ultimate Mediterranean cruise, it’s clear that guests are eager for more in-depth exploration of the region,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line.
“Being able to offer this cruise roundtrip from New York City in 2025 creates a rare opportunity for people in North America to enjoy the Med and our award-winning service without a long flight,” Bodensteiner added.
The line’s 2024 Ultimate Mediterranean cruise Bodensteiner referenced is a 42-day sailing, also aboard Volendam, departing on November 9, 2024, and operating roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale with a similar transatlantic component.
Multiple Opportunities to Explore South Pacific
The 1,972-guest Noordam, meanwhile, will deploy to the South Pacific and operate the other three new Legendary Voyages.
The ship will offer two versions of the line’s “South Pacific Crossing” cruise, with the first one departing on October 12, 2025. The 27-day sailing cruises from Seattle to Sydney, Australia, calling at nine port. Four calls will be made in Fiji, and guests will enjoy an overnight in Honolulu, Hawaii.
A longer version, of 36 nights, departs on March 15, 2026, sailing from Sydney to Seattle. Seventeen port calls will enable guests to explore destinations such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Hawaii, where late departures are planned in Honolulu and Kona.
Noordam’s third South Pacific itinerary, “Islands of the South Pacific,” is a 28-day cruise from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand. The ship will make 20 port calls in seven countries, and guests will have the opportunity to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
Holland America Line Noordam
Featured destinations on this Legendary Voyages cruise include Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, along with three port calls in New Zealand.
“The South Pacific is home to some of the most popular ports for cruisers. We worked to create an itinerary like no other in this region, with multiple calls to islands that are less traveled and a must-see for anyone looking to experience all that the region has to offer at an unhurried pace,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line.
Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages cruises are offered in a wide range of regions around the globe. Itineraries revealed earlier highlight Alaska, Arctic Circle crossings, Northern Europe and Scandinavia, Hawaii, and Tahiti, for example.
The newly released Legendary Voyages are eligible for the line’s Have It All early booking premium package. The limited-time offer covers shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, WiFi, crew gratuities, and other services and amenities.
2023 proved to be an exceptional year for the Port of Dover, and 2024 looks exciting in its own right! With several inaugural visits and increased calls by multiple cruise lines on the horizon, it’s going to be a busy cruise season for the UK port.
The Port of Dover Anticipates Busy Year For Cruises
The Port of Dover, located in the South East of England, is one of the busiest cruise ports in Britain and Northern Europe, welcoming an estimated 250,000 cruise passengers each year.
Located just over an hour from London by train, Port of Dover offers the quickest and most convenient route to the capital of England and offers the quickest sea crossing to Europe, earning it the nickname of the Gateway to Europe.
Each year, the UK port services over 20 different cruise lines between two berths, which are capable of docking up to three ships at a time. It also serves as a busy ferry port out of a separate terminal.
After a successful 2023, the popular cruise port is expecting another busy year, including six inaugural visits, increased visits from returning cruise lines, and multiple days where the port will be at cruise ship capacity.
“There is no doubt that 2024 will be an unforgettable year for us. We eagerly await the return of all our cruise lines and can’t wait to welcome those that are visiting us for the first time,” says Peter Wright, head of Cruise at the Port of Dover.
“The stunning view of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle is a highlight of any cruise, and our excellent customer service and unrivalled location ensures a seamless and unforgettable holiday for all,” adds Wright.
Cruise Ships in Dover (Photo Credit: Port of Dover)
Of the cruise lines returning to the UK port in 2024, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be offering five cruises embarking from Dover in the summer of 2024.
“We are delighted to be returning to Dover once again, with five cruises setting sail to beautiful destinations including Norway, Iceland, Portugal and the Azores this summer,” says Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
The first of the Fred. Olsen voyages will embark on a round-trip, 14-day cruise from Dover on June 27, 2024, sailing to Germany, Poland, and Finland on Borealis, the cruise line’s 1,353 passenger ship.
Other familiar faces calling at the UK port this year will be AIDA Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Saga Cruises, Viking Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises.
The Port of Dover Rides The Wave Of Success From 2023
The Port of Dover’s success in 2024 comes after an extraordinary year for cruising in 2023, complete with inaugural cruise calls from major cruise lines and around 11 million visitors, counting both cruise and ferry passengers.
On July 26, 2023, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess called on the Port of Dover for the first time. The 2,000-guest ship visited the UK port as part of a 107-night world cruise. Her arrival was celebrated by locals with entertainment in the cruise terminal, including a storyteller who gave a behind-the-scenes look at Dover’s history and heritage.
Coral Princess in Dover (Photo Courtesy: Port of Dover)
Later, on September 8, 2023, the Gateway to Europe celebrated the inaugural visit of Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. Similar to Coral Princess, the 2,666-passenger vessel was met with festive fanfare, including water canons, dancers, music, and local delicacies.
Dover will become Nieuw Statendam’s homeport in the UK next year, with the ten port calls scheduled for her 2025 season.
Meanwhile, the Port of Dover celebrated its most successful cruise season with Carnival Cruise Lines thus far. Carnival Pride completed 10 total sailings from the port throughout the summer, which is the largest number of calls by the cruise line to date.
Carnival Pride will be offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises during the upcoming cruise season, but her sister ship, Carnival Legend, will take her place, sailing from Dover beginning June of 2024.
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady made waves with a series of inaugural visits to several coveted Caribbean destinations. This string of first-time port calls highlights the ship’s unique journey through the region, marking new chapters in Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean cruising narrative.
Virgin Voyages’ New Star of the Caribbean
The second vessel under Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages banner, Valiant Lady has marked her presence in some of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations during its “7-night Southeastern Caribbean” itinerary. Her arrival in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), was not only a first for the ship but also marked the first appearance of a new cruise line in the BVI in 2024.
The momentous event was celebrated with the Honorable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, BVI’s Premier and Minister of Finance, and Kye Rymer, Minister for Works, presenting a commemorative plaque to Captain Justin Lawes and Branson, who joined onboard for the time-honored tradition.
Valiant Lady in the British Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: BVI Ports Authority)
The journey to Tortola on January 14 was the first port of call on Valiant Lady’s maiden voyage from her new homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was also the initial stop on the ship’s first cruise of 2024.
Valiant Lady’s Caribbean Trail
Continuing her journey of firsts, Valiant Lady sailed to Bridgetown, Barbados, on January 16, where Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill welcomed the adult-only, five-star ship on January 16.
“Today is a major celebration for Barbados, as this is not only the first time the Valiant Lady is sailing to our shores, but also the first time in history that any Virgin vessel has made a call on Barbados,” remarked Gooding-Edghill, highlighting the significance of the visit on Barbado’s tourism history.
Valiant Lady Cruise Ship
Upon arriving in Port Castries, St. Lucia, on January 17, Valiant Lady became the 13th inaugural cruise call of the port’s 2023/2024 cruise tourism season. The celebration featured the Honorable Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Tourism Minister, also presenting a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
“This visit not only reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences but also broadens the options available to travelers seeking the beauty and warmth of our destination,” he said.
Antigua Embraces Virgin Voyages’ Latest Jewel
On January 18, the Antigua Cruise Port welcomed the Valiant Lady, marking her inaugural visit to the island amidst excitement and anticipation. A ceremonial exchange of commemorative plaques signified the importance of the event.
As the ship docked at Heritage Quay, a delegation of tourism representatives, led by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Investment, Charles Fernandez, and Colin James, the CEO of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, posed for photos with Captain Lawes.
Valiant Lady Cruise Ship in Antigua (Photo Credit: Antigua Cruise Port)
Cynthia Jacobs-Browne, the officer-in-charge of Antigua Cruise Port, expressed the country’s regard for the Virgin Group, saying, “We are happy to have you here in Antigua. The country has great regards for the Virgin Group and to receiveour first vessel from Virgin Voyages is an extension of our relationship.”
Valiant Lady’s Exciting Journey Ahead
The 60,000-ton Valiant Lady, which a capacity to host 2,770 passengers across its 16 decks, is currently navigating the “7 Nights in the Lesser Antilles” itinerary. This journey takes guests through an array of captivating destinations, includingOranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Fort de France; Martinique; and Basseterre, St. Kitts, with the voyage concluding on January 27.
As she wraps up her impressive series of inaugural visits in the Southern Caribbean, a new chapter awaits Valiant Lady starting March 31. The ship is set to reposition to Miami, strategically timed with Scarlet Lady’s entry into dry dock for upgrades and maintenance.
Valiant Lady will take over her sister ship’s cruise schedule and offer a variety of 4- to 5-night Caribbean sailings through 2025, as well as special holiday sailings.
Crew members aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation have implemented enhanced cleaning procedures following elevated reports of nausea and vomiting onboard, common symptoms of norovirus and several other highly communicable diseases.
While none of the reports have been severe, the ship is undergoing extra thorough cleaning ahead of embarkation for the next sailing, leaving Jacksonville, Florida on Monday, January 22, 2024.
Illness Outbreak on Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation has had multiple reports of nausea and vomiting, symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis and norovirus. The bug is very easy to transmit through firsthand contact with contaminated surfaces or through contaminated food or water.
Exact numbers of guests and crew members reported ill onboard Carnival Elation have not been revealed, nor is it known whether or not the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been notified. The CDC must be notified when cases exceed 2% of either passengers or crew members onboard.
Because the 71,909-gross-ton Carnival Elation can welcome 2,190 guests at double occupancy or up to 2,697 passengers when fully booked, this would require 44-54 passengers to have reported symptoms. Similarly, 18 or more of Carnival Elation’s 900 crew members would need to report symptoms to initiate an alert to the CDC.
It should be noted that none of the reported symptoms are respiratory in nature, and the outbreak is not related to COVID-19. Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed the outbreak in a statement provided to Cruise Hive:
“Guests on Carnival Elation were advised to follow our protocols to manage gastroenteritis, after we saw a number of guests report to the ship’s medical center with various symptoms. There are no reports of serious illness and we implemented enhanced cleaning procedures and asked our guests to be diligent in frequently washing their hands.” the statement read.
Enhanced cleaning likely includes more frequent cleaning of high-contact surfaces such as counters, tabletops, buffet stations, door handles, stair railings, elevator buttons, etc. It may also include different chemicals to ensure more thorough cleaning and disinfecting, as well as extra cleaning of onboard pools and whirlpools.
Carnival Cruise Line also provides hand sanitizer stations throughout each ship, and more dispensers may be available during such an outbreak. Handwashing stations are also available outside dining areas on some ships.
More Cleaning Before Embarkation
Furthermore, Carnival Elation will undergo even more thorough cleaning after guests have disembarked on Monday and before the next sailing’s guests board the vessel.
“When Carnival Elation returned to Jacksonville on Monday, the ship underwent an extra layer to our vigorous cleaning procedures ahead of guests embarking for the next cruise.”the statement explained.
The cruise just ending is a 4-night Bahamas cruise that departed Jacksonville on Thursday, January 18, with visits to Freeport and Nassau and one day at sea. The January 22 sailing is a 5-night Bahamas cruise that will visit both Bimini and Nassau, with two days at sea.
The Fantasy-class ship is the oldest in the Carnival fleet but has undergone multiple renovations and updates since first entering service in March 1998.
Illnesses on Cruise Ships
Gastroenteritis outbreaks are not uncommon on cruise ships or any other crowded venues, such as schools, sporting events, and restaurants. In most cases, the symptoms resolve themselves within a few days without significant intervention, though the disease can be dangerous for the very young, elderly individuals, or those with immunocompromised symptoms.
In 2023, there were 14 cruise ship outbreaks reported to the CDC, 13 of which were confirmed as norovirus and one as a combination of salmonella and E. coli. None of those outbreaks were aboard any Carnival Cruise Line ship.
Guests onboard any cruise ship can protect themselves with frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer, minimizing how many surfaces they touch, and otherwise being cautious about cross-contamination. If they do develop symptoms, resting and staying hydrated can help the illness pass more quickly.
Guests boarding Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth in Sydney, Australia on Monday, January 22, 2024 will unfortunately not be enjoying the Great Barrier Reef itinerary that was originally planned.
Due to a developing tropical cyclone, the ship’s itinerary has been completely altered and the ship will be sailing south rather than north to ensure a safer and more comfortable voyage.
Queen Elizabeth Itinerary Change
Guests setting sail on Queen Elizabeth today will not be taking the planned cruise to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. This is due to the influence of a developing tropical cyclone in the Coral Sea with a track that will likely make landfall exactly when the ship would have been sailing off the Queensland coast.
The original itinerary for the 10-night sailing was to have included visits to Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Willis Island. Unfortunately, those ports of call are directly in the path of the storm.
Now, Queen Elizabeth will instead be visiting Eden on Tuesday, January 23; Melbourne for an overnight call from Wednesday (January 24) morning until Thursday (January 25) evening; Adelaide on Saturday, January 27; and Port Lincoln on Sunday, January 28.
The remainder of the itinerary – Friday, January 26 as well as the last three days, January 23-31, will be days at sea. The ship’s departure from and return to Sydney are not impacted.
Queen Elizabeth in Australia (Photo Credit: Philip Schubert)
Cruise lines frequently adjust itineraries in the case of severe weather. Depending on the size and intensity of the storm, as well as its projected path, this might mean cancelling or substituting a port of call, reversing an itinerary to avoid the worst of the storm, or even completely altering a sailing to a new region and all new destinations.
The 90,901-gross-ton, Vista-class Queen Elizabeth can welcome 2,081 guests at double occupancy and is also home to 911 international crew members to provide the line’s distinctive luxury service.
Other Ships Possibly Impacted
In addition to Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, several other cruise lines may also have itineraries impacted near Queensland in the coming days, depending on their planned itineraries.
While most other vessels sailing from Sydney are focused on New Zealand and south Australia itineraries, ships homeported from Brisbane may have itinerary changes. This could include Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, P&O Australia’s Pacific Encounter, and Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess.
Travelers booked on any ships in the region this week should stay in close contact with their cruise line to stay updated on any possible itinerary impacts, delays, or cancellations.
About Cyclone Kirrily
The low that will become Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently located 425 kilometers (265 miles) east of Willis Island, and is moving slowly southwest toward the Queensland coast. At the moment, the storm’s sustained winds are measured at 55 kilometers per hour (34 miles per hour), with gusts as high as 85 kph (53 mph).
The storm is expected to significantly intensify over the next few days as it draws closer to the Australian coast, with landfall forecast somewhere between Innisfail and Airlie Beach on Thursday, January 25. The storm could be as strong as a Category 3 cyclone at the time of landfall, which is similar to a Category 1 tropical hurricane as measured for Caribbean storms.
After landfall, the storm is likely to make a turn to the south and the intensity will gradually decrease over the inland areas, though significant flooding and wind damage could still be possible.
Residents in the projected impact area are urged to take appropriate precautions, particularly in coastal areas. Gale watch alerts are not in effect from Cairns to St. Lawrence, indicating gale force winds are expected to arrive within 24 to 48 hours.
The popular shore excursion destination Blue Lagoon Island has officially reopened for visitors following a comprehensive review of policies, staff training, marine fleet maintenance, and other protocols after a tragic incident in November 2023.
Additional training has also been held beyond the required exercises, and the destination is ready to welcome visitors once again.
Blue Lagoon Island Now Reopen
Blue Lagoon Island has now fully reopened with a variety of wildlife encounters, snorkeling, beach excursions, and other tour options for visitors, more than two months after rough waves caused a tour excursion boat to the island to partially capsize and sink, with one visitor fatality – a 75-year-old woman. The exact circumstances of her death have not been publicly disclosed.
The incident happened on November 14, 2023, and immediately after, the island was temporarily closed for review procedures and inspections. In the meantime, Royal Caribbean International suspended all shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island. The guest who died in the boat incident had been a passenger aboard a Royal Caribbean ship.
Now, Blue Lagoon Island has successfully undergone a variety of inspections and reviews of its fleet of vessels, excursion policies, staff training protocols, and other safety operations. Approval for reopening comes from the Bahamas Port Authority.
Cruise Passengers on Sinking Boat in Nassau, Bahamas
“Our hearts and thoughts steadfastly remain with those impacted by the maritime incident in November 2023,”said Robert Meister, Managing Director of Blue Lagoon Island.“At Blue Lagoon Island, we prioritize safety and look forward to continue welcoming visitors to our beautiful island.”
Officials from Blue Lagoon Island note that while the destination has consistently complied with and exceeded industry standards for safe operations, all employees underwent enhanced safety training before the island first reopened at Christmas.
Blue Lagoon Island is located northeast of downtown Nassau and Paradise Island in the Bahamas, a short ferry ride from Nassau Cruise Port. With Nassau breaking records for numbers of cruise visitors, shore offerings like those available at Blue Lagoon Island are critical to offer amazing opportunities for guests to enjoy.
In addition to shore excursions, Blue Lagoon Island also operates a variety of educational experiences and works tirelessly for local conservation efforts to preserve the natural beauty and the flora and fauna of the Bahamas.
Will Cruise Lines Resume Shore Excursion Offerings?
While Blue Lagoon Island has fully reopened, cruise lines may choose to continue their suspension on shore excursion offerings while they conduct their own reviews of the safety inspections and other protocols for the destination.
With the Bahamas Port Authority’s endorsement for reopening, however, it is likely that cruise passengers will soon be able to book Blue Lagoon options through their cruise lines once again. Dates of tours being offered will vary as each cruise line makes its own individual determinations.
Blue Lagoon Tour Boat (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)
Typical excursions to Blue Lagoon often include beach breaks, snorkeling tours via boat or from pristine beaches, nature hikes, and wildlife encounters with dolphins, stingrays, sea lions, and nurse sharks. Different cruise lines often offer similar tours, but selections, tour length, and group size will vary.
It should be noted that another popular shore excursion – a shark diving encounter – where a young boy was attacked just days ago, is not affiliated with Blue Lagoon Island, despite operating in the same area near Nassau. That particular tour is operated by Blue Adventures by Stuart Cove, affiliated with the Atlantic Paradise Island Resort.
The boy involved in that incident is expected to make a full recovery, though the tour has been temporarily closed while the situation is thoroughly reviewed.
It only took about two weeks for Royal Caribbean’s 9-Month Ultimate World Cruise to essentially become the hottest reality TV show happening live on social media. But what is it about the World Cruise that is attracting so much attention and why is it getting out of hand?
What Is So Captivating About Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise?
Royal Caribbean made waves when the cruise line announced its 9-Month Ultimate World Cruise near the end of 2021. The 274-night cruise, which set sail on board Serenade of the Seas on December 10, 2023, will visit all seven continents and call at 150 destinations across 65 countries when all is said and done.
As this is the longest cruise ever offered by Royal Caribbean, it’s no surprise that the sailing is drawing a lot of attention online.
It’s also the first time that a world cruise of this caliber has been offered by a family cruise line. Usually, these types of extended voyages are reserved for more luxurious brands like Cunard Line and Viking Cruises.
But while some attention on Royal Caribbean’s world cruise was expected, no one could have predicted the extent to which it would take over social media. It only took about two weeks from embarkation day for content from the sailing to go viral on TikTok.
At the time of this writing, the hashtag #ultimateworldcruise has earned over 150 million views on TikTok, with several passengers propelled to online stardom from posting about their time onboard the 2,490 passenger Radiance-class ship.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Viewers at home are eager to catch up on the drama unfolding at sea, as well as to follow along on the voyage, living vicariously through influencers.
Joe and Audrey Martucci, who are currently onboard Serenade of the Seas, saw their TikTok skyrocket to over 89,000 followers after they started posting content about the cruise. The couple has been dubbed the unofficial cruise mom and dad by their followers.
When asked why the cruise content is so interesting, Audrey Martucci told Good Morning America: “They’re enjoying coming along for the trip through our eyes and getting to see places that they wouldn’t normally see.”
Others are eager for drama to unfold, seeing it as inevitable with the mix of alcohol and passengers living in close quarters for an extended period of time.
“There’s going to be mutiny. There’s going to be blood. Someone is going overboard. I want to watch. Bravo, where are you?”, says Sebastian in his video, which has been viewed 1.3 million times.
Sebastian joined the cruise for 18 nights during the South American and Antarctic segment, during which time he posted several videos detailing “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of his cruise experience, and went so far as to call it “an eternal hell.”
Jessica Maddox, an assistant professor of digital media at the University of Alabama, also likened the cruise TikToks to reality TV, noting that many of the storytime posts and sagas are posted episodically.
However, the professor also urges consumers to remember that wishing drama on people is a “morally gray” area and that there are real people impacted by the posts, even though consuming content as if it was reality television can make it feel less real.
Open Deck on Serenade of the Seas (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte)
“For the world cruise TikTok, I think it’s OK to think of the content we consume on TikTok as reality television,” Maddox told NBC. “But I think it’s important to remember these are real people, and that even reality television is scripted and coerced and is forced drama.”
Another TikToker named Christine Kesteloo (@dutchworld_americangirl), lives on a cruise ship and has nearly 883,000 followers.She responded directly to Sebastian’s videos, insinuating that influencers like Sebastian are creating drama where there is none for views.
“This person has been put on the Royal Caribbean cruise for 18 days looking for the drama – ‘the tea’ – of living on a ship. I’ve been doing it for the last 12 years of my life. There’s no drama or tea on a ship but he’s been put there to get drama or tea,” says Kesteloo.
But whether the drama is exaggerated or not, the clicks and likes just keep on coming with no signs of the social media buzz calming down anytime soon.
The Biggest World Cruise Headlines Making Waves On TikTok So Far
In reality, most people on the World Cruise are enjoying themselves. But it’s what goes wrong that is driving views on social media – and plenty has already gone wrong.
Only three weeks into the Ultimate World Cruise, bad weather led to massive amounts of flooding on deck 12 onboard Serenade of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean World Cruise Flood (Credit: @aditaml2759)
There’s also been videos both ranting and raving about the quality of the food onboard, as well as theories about what will happen to passengers after nine months of only eating cruise food.
One of the most controversial rumors to have gone viral is that a caste system was forming on the cruise, where Royal Caribbean’s elite pinnacle members received preferential treatment over passengers in lower tiers of the cruise line’s royalty program.
There were also videos alleging that passengers only joining the cruise for a segment, instead of remaining onboard for all 274 nights, were being excluded by passengers completing the whole voyage.
Similarly, another TikToker named ND Cohen, who has dubbed herself the “Sea Tea Director,” posted that a British passenger onboard Serenade of the Seas named Emily Blinkhorn told her the American and non-American guests were being treated differently onboard.
Replying to @kay kay Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise: Visas & More👀🍵 Yall please be sure to show these ladies some love! Thank you @Lindsay and @emily | travel ✈️🌍🚢🌴 for both sharing your processes on obtaining a visa for this trip! & Thank you to @Nadine Bower for your input and connecting me with Lindsay!🫶🏾 Everyone’s experience is going to be different. I appreciate the transparency💕 #ultimateworldcruise#visas#royalcaribbean#fyp#seatea#cruisetok#foryou
According to the influencer, who currently has over 190,000 followers, Blinkhorn alleges that American passengers were given a lot of advice and help abroad the cruise, particularly in regards to Visa requirements, while non-Americans were left to figure things out on their own.
Most recently, passengers have taken to TikTok to address rumors that the World Cruise, which is currently scheduled to end on September 10, 2024, may be cut short due to unrest in the Red Sea region.
One TikTok user named Adita (@aditaml2759), who has 57,000 followers, posted a video saying that the cruise might end early and asked for clarity from other passengers or Royal Caribbean.
“I don’t like putting rumors out there, but I think we also, the passengers that invested so much money and so much time to see the world, we deserve to know what is going on, what the plans are, what Plan B is,” Adita says in her video.
Royal Caribbean International later responded that there are currently no plans to change the Ultimate World Cruise itinerary – but not before the video received over 5,000 views and hundreds of comments.
Taking your children on their first cruise can be an incredible opportunity to share a memorable adventure together. While planning a cruise trip with the entire family is exciting, traveling with children always adds an extra layer of consideration when preparing for your trip, especially regarding travel documentation like passports.
Whether you are traveling with your own children or embarking on a cruise with nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or other young travelers, understanding passport requirements for yourself and these minors will help you enjoy a smooth and stress-free cruise experience.
We want to help you have the best cruise experience possible, so we have created this simple guide. We will explore the specifics of passport requirements for taking kids on cruises and dive into more complex scenarios involving guardianship and traveling with children with surnames different from your own.
Just as they are for adults, passport requirements for children on cruises will depend mainly upon the type of cruise you have booked and your citizenship. To make things simple, here are the main types of cruises, as well as the passport requirements for each:
Domestic Cruises and Closed-Loop Cruises
As the name suggests, a domestic cruise leaves from and returns to a domestic port. The domestic ports do not have to be the same, but they both have to be in the same country. Closed-loop cruises are similar but must depart from and return to the same port.
For American travelers who have booked a domestic cruise, this will likely mean the cruise ship will depart from and return to a U.S. port. This also means you and any children you travel with would not need to present a passport to board the ship.
Instead of requiring a passport, you must show valid government-issued photo identification for yourself. This allows the staff to match you to the name on the ticket. For children under the age of 16, it is a good idea to ensure that you carry a birth certificate or a certified copy of it. If your child has a passport and you want to play it safe, you can use this as a form of identification.
US Kids Passport (Photo Credit: BiLal45378)
Another consideration when booking a domestic cruise is whether or not the itinerary involves making stops in one or more foreign ports of call. In these situations, passport requirements can be a little bit more complex. Typically, it is advised that you bring a passport for yourself and any children traveling with you.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency offers a helpful guide to passport requirements for domestic and international cruises for American citizens. It also provides information regarding identification options for American citizens under 16 who are traveling on a domestic cruise. This is also helpful for children not born in the United States, so they cannot present a U.S. birth certificate as ID.
International Cruises
Any cruise with an international itinerary generally requires the presentation of a passport for all passengers, including children. Some countries will require passports for all cruise passengers to enter, so many cruise lines will check passports before you board the ship for the first time to ensure that they adhere to all international entry requirements.
While it may seem a little bit strange needing to present passports when you are departing from a country where you hold citizenship, remember that cruises often involve visiting other nations and destinations as part of their itineraries. Think of it as showing your passport as you progress through security on your way to boarding an international flight.
In short, you should bring a valid passport for each child you travel with on an international cruise, regardless of age.
What About Cruises with Children Not Under Your Legal Guardianship?
Things can get a bit more complicated if you travel with children who are not under your legal care. This tends to happen with nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or even family friends, but there are other scenarios where you might need to make sure you have the proper identification for the children you are traveling with.
Kids Going Cruising (Photo Credit: Karl Allen Lugmayer)
Regardless of legal guardianship status, you will still need a passport for each child if you have booked an international cruise. A valid passport for each child will make everything smoother, as it is the most universally accepted form of identification for any type of travel.
In most cases, you must also obtain permission letters from the legal guardians of each child under 17. Getting the letter notarized is a good idea, as this will help you avoid complications. Most cruise lines also provide letters of permission, which you can download, print, and fill out ahead of time. For example, here’s a sample of Royal Caribbean Group’s consent form for children under 18 to travel without their legal guardian.
What About Children Under Your Care Who Have Different Last Names to Your Own?
While the need for a passport will remain the same if you and the children under your care if you have booked an international cruise, you will also need to bring supporting documentation that clarifies why they have different last names.
Kids on a Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Tomsickova Tatyana)
Supporting documents could include state or county-issued marriage licenses, divorce decrees, a government-issued name change document, or an official child adoption paper. These documents can be originals, or a notarized copy will also work.
Adoption and step-parent relationships are common reasons for confusion regarding last name differences, so it can feel a little bit frustrating having to prove that you are the legal guardian of the child in your care, but it is worth remembering that cruise lines and border security personnel do this to protect children. For international cruises, ensure your child has their passport, and you have the proper documents you can present if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if your child has lost their passport on the cruise ship?
In case of a lost or stolen passport, you should immediately report the incident to the cruise ship’s guest services. They will inform you of the next steps you should take.
While these incidents can be incredibly stressful, you can help avoid them by always holding passports and important documents for your children. Once you are sure the passport cannot be located, it should be reported as lost or stolen to protect your child from identity theft.
You can also help prepare for the worst by having photocopies of all important documents, like birth certificates, to help ensure the replacement process goes smoothly when you are back in your home country.
How old must an American child be before you can get them their own passport?
You can apply for a passport on behalf of your child as soon as they are born. Passports are available to citizens regardless of age, meaning even babies can hold valid passports. If you plan on taking an international cruise with your child when they are very young, you should apply for their passport as soon as possible.
Can you still travel if your child’s passport is expired?
No, expired passports are not considered valid forms of identification for international travel. In fact, most cruises will reject passports that expire within six months of your return date. This is why it is so important to renew the passports for you and your children well ahead of your cruise date if they are anywhere near their expiration date.
Final Words
While it can seem slightly confusing at times, it is worth ensuring that you have met all of the passport and identification requirements for children you are traveling with before you arrive for your cruise. If you have questions, you can always contact the specific cruise line you are traveling with, as they will be happy to assist you. After all, it is in their best interest that everything goes smoothly during the boarding process.
We also advise taking proactive measures to ensure that you have all of the accompanying documents with you if you are traveling with children with different last names to your own. As you should with your travel documents, you should also ensure that passports belonging to children in your care are always kept safe.
Children can be forgetful, so hold onto a child’s passport for them after you have presented it to the relevant crew and border agencies. If you are worried about traveling with a passport book for each child, you can also look into getting each one a passport card, which provides a more convenient alternative for certain forms of cruise travel.
