With cruise line apps and text message alerts being more and more useful for many travelers, it is essential that guests understand how to use their devices without adding up international roaming charges or other fees.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has recently addressed this concern after an irate guest was upset by cell phone charges during a recent sailing.
Carnival Guest Upset at Cell Phone Charges
John Heald, who routinely answers thousands of questions each week on his popular Facebook page, has addressed one cruiser’s frustration at cell phone charges they accrued during a recent sailing aboard Carnival Freedom. While the sailing date was not disclosed, the guest was surprised to find hundreds of dollars of cell phone charges on their bill after returning home.
“Just got my monthly cell phone charges through and there are $470 worth of charges from my cruise on Carnival cruises Freedom,”the guest wrote to Heald.
The exact details of the charges were not outlined, though the guest claimed that “he” – perhaps a partner or family member – only played games on the phone, and did not make calls. In reviewing the charges and discussing the situation with others, this guest had also received incorrect advice.
“Someone told me that the cruise line should be responsible because nobody told us that we should have the phone in airplane mode or off,”the message read.“My complaint is this… nowhere on the ship does Carnival highlight that there will be extremely high prices for using data at sea and EXACTLY what that cost is.”
The guest goes on to state that “Carnival must be getting paid very well for this service at the expense of their passengers and they try to be a covert as possible with the pricing structure. We should be compensated.”
Phone on Carnival Cruise (Photo Credit: rafapress)
While experienced cruisers may be shocked at the expectation that a cruise line would cover cell phone charges for individual travelers who fail to put their phones in airplane mode or to turn their phones off while traveling, it is possible that a novice cruiser on their first sailing might not immediately realize that this is necessary.
However, such information is made readily available to all travelers. For example, when using the Carnival Hub app, there are reminders (when first getting connected) to put the phone in airplane mode and how to connect to the ship’s individual service.
Furthermore, reminders are often printed in the Carnival Fun Times newsletter or announced by the cruise director, especially on embarkation day, and may also be displayed on stateroom televisions. Depending on a guest’s cell phone provider, they may also receive alerts if they are about to go outside of service areas.
Those brand new to cruising may also not quite realize how quickly a cruise ship can leave a land-based cellular network behind once leaving port, therefore subjecting phone usage to expensive international roaming charges.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Response
Understandably, Heald had to disappoint the guest and no compensation will be offered for their excessive phone charges.
“That must have been quite a shock to get home and have that bill,”Heald responded. “I am sorry that we cannot compensate for this. I am guessing that your son was doing online gaming and had not downloaded the internet and used the cellular network. I cannot agree we are being ‘covert’ and we do not get paid by the telephone companies.”
John Heald
It should be noted that the guest appears to expect that Carnival Cruise Line would know a “pricing structure” for cell phone charges, when every different cell network and usage plan may have very different fees and charges for these types of situations. It would be impossible for any cruise line to have updated knowledge of every possible option for every sailing.
It is possible, however, for individual guests to be aware of their own plans and potential charges, long before they may set sail. The information would be available through their cell service provider, either online or with a call to customer service.
Setting one’s cell phone to airplane mode is a simple process, accomplished with just a few taps or a quick swipe. Alternatively, a phone that is completely turned off and powered down will not rack up any international charges – and guests will have that much more time to discover all the fun aboard their Carnival cruise.
In a significant shift, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)has announced it will cease foreign currency exchange services aboard its vessels from February 1, 2024.
The change mandates the use of the U.S. dollar for all onboard transactions, impacting the way international travelers manage their finances while at sea.
A New Wave of Onboard Finance
NCL’s policy update signifies a streamlined approach to onboard financial services. The cruise line has long facilitated an array of currencies to accommodate the diverse needs of its international clientele.
However, the recent change dictates that the U.S. dollar will be the exclusive currency for settling onboard accounts, impacting guests who previously relied on the convenience of exchanging currency while on the ship.
In an official statement, Norwegian apologized for the impact this may have on travelers:
“Effective February 1, 2024, we will no longer provide foreign currency exchange services on board, and USD will be the only form of currency accepted for the settling of your onboard account. If you are in need of US currency for your upcoming cruise, we encourage you to obtain it prior to embarkation.”
Currency at Sea: A Changing Tide
The provision of foreign currency exchange services has been a significant aspect of cruise travel, offering guests the ability to effortlessly exchange money without the need to locate banks of ATMs during their journeys.
The convenience of paying in one’s local currency has been a favored feature, but with NCL’s new policy, this will no longer be an option.
Norwegian underlines the continued ease of onboard financial transactions despite the change. Guests can establish a shipboard account using a major credit card or by depositing cash and traveler’s cheques.
Norwegian Joy Open Deck
The suggested deposit varies depending on the duration of the cruise: USD 300 per person for a 7-night cruise, USD 150 per person for up to six nights, or USD 450 per person for cruises of 8 nights and more at check-in.
NCL advises that credit card pre-authorization is necessary to activate an onboard account, which banks may hold for up to 30 days, potentially affecting the amount available on a credit card or cash from bank accounts tied to debit cards.
Given the discontinuation of currency exchange services, Norwegian recommends that travelers carry a modest amount of local currency for use in foreign ports, where travelers’ cheques and most major credit cards are also widely accepted.
Other Cruise Lines’ Currency Practices
Other major cruise lines have their own set of practices regarding currency exchange. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, does not offer currency exchange services but does provide conversion for Canadian dollars on U.S. cruises.
Guests can obtain Euros on European cruises through onboard ATMs to withdraw cash, typically at a better rate than any at currency exchange locations in port.
Cruise Currency (Photo Credit: Jaime Garcia M)
In contrast, Royal Caribbean has limited conversion options with a cap of $950 per person per day. It accepts most major currencies and converts them to U.S. dollars with applicable conversion rates.
Due to Australian regulations, the cruise line cannot accept cash payments, including those in Australian Dollars, when sailing in Australia.
MSC Cruises provides a cash advance service against a registered credit card for a fee, allowing currency conversion in either U.S. dollars or euros, dependent on the cruise itinerary.
Travelers are advised to check the currency options for upcoming cruises on their cruise line websites before departure to ensure a smooth journey without unexpected financial surprises.
While a cruise can offer a wonderful mixture of relaxation and adventure, you must ensure that your packing list contains everything you need. Right at the top of that list should be your mandatory forms of proper identification. For many cruises, this means bringing a valid passport.
That said, passport requirements can differ depending on where your cruise departs from and its itinerary. This is where we can help! This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about passport regulations for cruises.
If you’re ready to stop the stress and uncertainty of knowing whether or not you need a passport to go on a cruise, it’s time to get started.
While it may sound a bit frustrating, the answer is that it will depend on several factors. For starters, you need to determine if your cruise is departing from and returning to your home country. You also need to know if the cruise itinerary will involve making stops in other countries along the voyage.
To help you understand your passport requirements, we will cover different types of cruises and whether you need a passport to board them.
Domestic Cruises that Leave and Return to U.S. Ports
If your cruise is listed as domestic, you will not need a passport, as you will not be disembarking into a foreign country during the voyage. Instead, you will be boarding the ship in a domestic port and returning to a domestic port, even if they are not the same.
For American travelers or alien residents about to board a domestic cruise, you will only need a standard piece of government-issued photo ID, like a valid driver’s license, Real ID, permanent resident card, or Green Card, which will be used to identify yourself during boarding procedures. Some people prefer to bring their passports in addition to other forms of identification, as it ensures they have covered all of their bases.
Photo: Shutterstock
On the other hand, if you are boarding a domestic cruise in a country where you do not hold citizenship, you will need to bring your passport. For example, an American traveler boarding a “domestic cruise” in another country, like Canada, would still need to ensure that they had their passport on them, as they would not have another form of acceptable photo identification.
If you are unsure if your cruise is domestic, consult the cruise line, as they can quickly tell you what type of cruise it is and your specific I.D. requirements.
Closed Loop Cruises
Closed loop cruises are similar to domestic ones, but the voyage will always start and finish in the same port. If you book a closed loop cruise in your home country, you will not need a passport.
Again, you could board the ship with an enhanced driver’s license or a valid government-issued photo identification and a birth certificate. This ensures that the name on the ticket matches the person boarding the ship.
If you choose to use your birth certificate as a form of ID on a closed-loop cruise, there are some things to keep in mind. While most cruise lines will accept a copy of your birth certificate, it has to be an official copy issued by a local health and vital statistics department.
Docked Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
If you need a new copy of your birth certificate, you can request a new one from your local or state vital statistics department for a fee. Some cruise lines may also ask that the copy of your birth certificate be notarized, so check with your individual cruise line to make sure you have what you need.
If you have changed your name for whatever reason, you must also bring proof of name change. Also, remember that children (even infants) will need a birth certificate to leave and enter the United States, but kids under 16 do not need to show a second form of identification.
It’s worth noting that although you can take a closed loop cruise with proper ID and your birth certificate, we recommend getting a passport. Passports are generally easier to check than other documentation and may save you time when boarding and deboarding.
International Cruises
You probably guessed it – you’ll need a passport if you have booked an international cruise. This could be a cruise departing from or returning to a port outside your home country, or it could refer to a cruise that features international ports of call in its itinerary.
If you are unsure about the meaning, ports of call are temporary stops in various ports. They allow you to exit the ship and experience different cultures, climates, and on-shore excursions. As you would expect, if these ports of call are in international destinations, you would need a passport, even if you initially boarded your cruise ship in your home country.
For example, if you were an American who booked a cruise where you would depart from and return to Fort Lauderdale, USA, but that same cruise also had a scheduled port-of-call stop in the Bahamas, you would need a passport. This is because you would be stopping in a separate country.
That said, you generally do not need to bring your physical passport as you exit the ship at a port of call. That is because you have already registered with the ship, and they will present this information to any customs agents on your behalf. Another option for a cruise passenger is to keep their passport card on them while storing their passport book in their cabin safe. In either scenario, you must still bring your passport when boarding the ship.
Other Situations Where You Would Need a Passport
While you might be okay not bringing a passport if your cruise departs and returns to your home country, it can be a good idea in case of an emergency. This is particularly true if your cruise hugs the shorelines of other countries.
While nobody likes to think about the worst-case scenario when planning a vacation, being prepared is always a good idea. Sudden medical emergencies requiring you to be transported to a nearby country for treatment are always smoother if you and your travel companions have valid passports on you.
Then there are scenarios where severe weather or some other unforeseen situation could require the cruise ship you are traveling on to make an unexpected stop at a foreign port. In these cases, you may be required to stay on the ship if you do not have a valid passport to show port authorities.
Basically, having a passport on you while you travel by cruise ship can be a worthwhile precaution, even if it is not needed. Any international movement, whether planned or unexpected, will always be smoother if you have a passport on you.
What Do You Need to Remember About International Cruise Trips?
Aside from remembering to bring a passport or passport card for yourself and any children in your care, you also need to make sure that those pieces of identification have a valid expiration date.
Far too many travelers overlook the expiration date on their passports, which can result in a complete disaster when they arrive to start their vacation. As an extra precaution, most countries will require travelers to have a passport valid for at least six months after the planned return date, which you should keep in mind. You may need to start the passport renewal process and get a new passport a few months before the expiration date.
MSC Cruises provides a relatively straightforward breakdown of travel documents and visa requirements for travelers of all nationalities. While you may want to check with your specific cruise line to ensure that you have all of the relevant documents for your cruise ship’s exact itinerary, it does provide a rough guide for some of the most popular cruise destinations.
Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock)
Depending on where you are traveling and your nationality, you may also require an entry visa to board the ship or enter certain countries the ship will visit. While most cruise lines are happy to provide this information, it is ultimately the passenger’s responsibility to ensure they have all of the necessary visas before they board the ship.
Non-American travelers planning to board cruises with stops within the United States will want to familiarize themselves with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The United States Customs and Border Protection Agency website provides the relevant information.
You should also ensure that the name you used when booking your cruise is the same as the one on your passport. If you have recently changed your name, there are certain steps you will need to take. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean International offers a simple guide explaining what you must do to address this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I forget to pack my passport for a cruise where it is required?
You will be rejected if you forget your passport and it is required to board the ship. Unfortunately, you would also be ineligible for a refund, as bringing your passport is your responsibility.
Forgetting your passport could also mean you would face serious difficulties entering certain countries during port-of-call stops. In short, do not forget your passport if you are booking a cruise where it is needed!
Can I just bring a photocopy of my passport or other forms of identification?
No, photocopies are not considered valid forms of identification for any cruise, domestic or international. If you are worried about losing your passport or other important documents, it is advised that you secure them in your cabin safe box as soon as you make it there.
Immigration and border authorities must be very strict about checking documents for validity, so a photocopy will never be sufficient, even if it is just for a child or senior in your care.
Final Words
Whether or not you need a passport for your cruise depends on the cruise type, where it visits, and your own circumstances. Ensure you know your requirements before you try to board your cruise. If you have questions, contact your specific cruise line. They want to ensure you enjoy a seamless vacation, so they will happily help!
Disney Cruise Line prides itself on offering Broadway-caliber entertainment for guests to enjoy while onboard. The cruise line has now given more details about its newest show, “Disney: The Tale of Moana,” that will premier exclusively onboard Disney Treasure in December of 2024.
A New Show For A New Ship
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, will be setting sail with her own signature show – and more details about what to expect from the performances were recently announced.
The brand-new show will premiere exclusively on Disney Treasure and, at least for the time being, will not be performed on any other ships in Disney’s fleet.
It was previously announced that “Disney: The Tale of Moana” would be a live-action adaptation of the film “Moana,” which was released by Disney in 2016.
As in the film, the stage show will follow the story of Moana. Our heroine is the daughter of the chief of a Polynesian village called Motunui, who must go on a daring quest at sea to return the Heart of Te Fiti and save her people.
Disney has now announced more details about the show. Notably, a new song called “Warrior Face” will be added to the show, performed along with classics from the movie’s Grammy-Award Winning soundtrack, such as “How Far I’ll Go,” “We Know the Way,” and “You’re Welcome.”
“Warrior Face” will be sung by Moana and Maui as the film’s beloved demigod teaches Moana how to face her fears before entering the Realm of the Monsters.
Disney Cruise Line “Disney The Tale of Moana”
Disney Cruise Line has also given more details about the set. While there is a Walt Disney Theatre on every DCL ship, it will be transformed in new ways to immerse guests in Moana’s world. The musical starts in the present day on the island of Motunui, an elaborate set inspired by the cultures of the Pacific Islands.
This is where the scene will be set through a song called “An Innocent Warrior,” during which the narrator (who is also Moana’s grandmother) will introduce Moana through song and dance, with lyrics sung in a mix of Polynesian languages.
But when Moana sings “How Far I Go” and begins the voyage the ocean specifically chose her to take, the theater will transform into the open ocean, complete with twinkling stars throughout the theater and giant manta ray swimming above the audiences’ heads.
But the entertainment doesn’t stop when guests come back to the ship after a day in port. Live shows are usually performed twice an evening in the Walt Disney Theatre, which can seat up to 1,274 guests per performance on Disney Treasure.
Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
In addition to “Disney: The Tale of Moana,” guests onboard Disney Treasure will also be able to see performances of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure.”
“Beauty and the Beast” is a live rendition of the Disney movie by the same name that honors the beloved tale as old as time.
“Disney Seas the Adventure” will be the opening night show, and is currently only performed onboard Disney Wish. The fun and quirky show includes a mix of beloved Disney and Pixar characters and follows what happens after Captain Minnie hands the helm over to Goofy.
The other stage shows that will be performed onboard Disney Treasure have not yet been announced, but it’s likely that they will come from Disney Cruise Line’s existing repertoire of Broadway-caliber shows.
Celebrity Cruises rolled out a new series of short, weekend itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, designed to tempt cruisers looking for a quick getaway on a premium line in 2024. At the same time, the line announced its biggest fare sale of the year, offering reduced rates on sailings through spring 2026.
Weekend Getaways Offered From Florida Ports
Celebrity Cruises, an upmarket brand of Royal Caribbean Group, is enticing future guests with a new set of 3- and 4-night weekend cruises from two Florida cruise ports.
The 3,000-guest Celebrity Reflection and the 2,886-guest Celebrity Silhouette will sail the shorter cruises from Fort Lauderdale while Celebrity Summit, with capacity for 2,158 guests, departs from Miami.
Three- and four-night cruises feature the private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay and a port call at Nassau, Bahamas. The new series marks the first time that Celebrity Cruises has offered short itineraries.
The line will enjoy its biggest presence to date in the Caribbean in 2024, with a total of nine ships deployed, including its newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Ascent, which launched in December 2023.
The 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond will spend her first summer season in the Caribbean, starting in May 2024, and will bring guests to Perfect Day at CocoCay on some itineraries. Her 6-night “Western Caribbean and Perfect Day” cruise, for example, departing on May 12, 2024, from Fort Lauderdale, calls at CocoCay, George Town, Cayman Islands, and Bimini.
Celebrity Beyond Docked in St. Kitts (Photo Credit: SKNIS)
Another ship offering Caribbean itineraries is the line’s newest vessel, the 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent, which is homeported at Fort Lauderdale for her inaugural winter season. The ship is sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries until April 2024, when she will transition to the Mediterranean for her summer series, with departures from Barcelona, Rome, and Athens.
The ship’s 7-night “Best of Europe” cruise, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona on June 29, 2024, will enable guests to visit top destinations such as Florence and Portofino, Italy, and France’s Provence region.
Fare Sale Offers Up To 75% Discount
Celebrity Cruises also released details of its “Semi-Annual Sale,” which it is touting as its biggest fare sale of the year. The line is offering up to a 75% fare discount for the second guest in a cabin on select voyages through April 30, 2026.
Select departures also include up to a $200 onboard credit that can be used for a variety of purchases, such as excursions or spa treatments. The sale is not offered on Galapagos or Alaska cruise tours, and the discounts come with several restrictions.
Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
To qualify, cruises must be booked by April 7, 2024. Guests booking refundable fares receive 50% off the second guest in a cabin, and those willing to book a non-refundable fare can receive 75% off. The amount of the onboard credit is based on cabin category, with inside and oceanview staterooms qualifying for a $100 credit, and verandas, Concierge Class, AquaClass and the Retreat qualifying for $200.
The cruise line offered more details about its deployments to the Great Land. The 2,900-guest Celebrity Edge, the first of the line’s award-winning Edge class, will deploy to Alaska for the summer 2024 season for the first time. The ship will join two other Celebrity Cruises ships, Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Solstice.
Celebrity Edge will sail 7-night cruises roundtrip from Seattle, with calls at iconic ports such as Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Juneau, and Skagway, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia, and offer scenic cruising of the Inside Passage.
Celebrity Summit will sail between Seward and Vancouver, British Columbia, while Celebrity Solstice will cruise roundtrip from Vancouver.
The Meyer Turku Shipyard and Royal Caribbean International celebrated a significant milestone with the start of construction for Icon III, the third Icon-class cruise ship. The event, highlighted by the traditional steel-cutting ceremony, took place on January 12, 2024.
Icon III is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. She is the sister ship to one of the most spectacular cruise ships in history, Icon of the Seas, and the second in class, Star of the Seas.
Steel-Cutting Marks The Beginning of Icon III
Construction of the third Icon-Class cruise ship, aptly named Icon III by the Meyer Turku shipyard, is officially underway. The traditional steel-cutting ceremony took place at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland, on January 12, 2024.
The ceremony, graced by representatives from Royal Caribbean Group and Meyer Turku, signals the start of an extensive two-year construction and outfitting period. As with her sisters, around 2,600 people will be working on the construction of the vessel daily.
Upon completion, Icon III, which is officially known only by her hull designation NB1402, is expected to redefine the cruise experience as a part of Royal Caribbean International’s already renowned Icon-Class fleet.
Steel Cutting for Third Icon Class Cruise Ship
Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, emphasized the significance of this project: “With Icon III, we are further strengthening our role as the builder of the world’s most advanced cruise ships. Meyer Turku’s and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term goals are becoming concrete, and with that we are able to set new standards to strengthen our leadership in the green transition of the maritime industry.”
Where the third Icon-class cruise ship will be operating, how she will be called, and the exact sailing date is at this time unknown. However, Royal Caribbean will very likely be providing more information as construction progresses.
Stage One of Many for Icon III
The steel-cutting ceremony is a traditional event in shipbuilding. It involves cutting the first piece of steel, symbolizing the transition from design to physical creation. The ceremony holds historical importance in maritime traditions and serves as a milestone in the shipbuilding process.
Steel Cutting for Third Icon Class Cruise Ship
The process of constructing the third Icon class cruise ship will involve several stages. The next stage will be laying down the keel of the ship, which nowadays means the placement of the first block in the dry dock. Next will be the assembly of the large blocks. Large prefabricated sections are assembled in the dry dock, including the hull, engine, and superstructure.
Once the basic structure is assembled, the ship undergoes outfitting. This involves installing all the internal systems, such as engines, electrical systems, plumbing, and navigational equipment. Additionally, cabins, public spaces, and other amenities are constructed and furnished.
The first of its kind, Icon of the Seas, is set to begin operations on January 24, 2024, having arrived in Miami on January 10.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
These ships represent the pinnacle of cruise ship innovation. Coming in each at around 250,800 gross tons and accommodating approximately 5,600 guests at double occupancy, the ships are packed with innovation and technological advancements never seen before onboard cruise ships.
Icon III, scheduled for completion in 2026, is, like her sisters, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). She will likely feature neighborhoods and amenities similar to those of Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, with unique design elements tailored to the ship.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a recent outbreak of norovirus aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation, with dozens of guests and crew members reporting symptoms. Sanitation procedures were increased onboard to mitigate transmission, and the situation will continue to be monitored.
Norovirus Onboard Celebrity Constellation
In the first confirmed outbreak of 2024, Celebrity Constellation was stricken with norovirus on the ship’s most recent sailing. The impacted voyage was a 9-night roundtrip cruise from Tampa, Florida that departed on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, and returned to Port Tampa Bay on Friday, January 12 after visiting New Orleans, Cozumel, Belize, and Costa Maya.
The number of guests onboard for the sailing was 2,056, and 68 reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. This is a total of 3.31% of passengers, well over the 2% threshold when ships are required to report cases to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). In addition, 7 of the ship’s 948 crew members (.74%) also reported similar symptoms.
Testing confirmed the outbreak to be norovirus, a very common gastrointestinal illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is very easily transmitted and infected persons may show symptoms 12-48 hours after exposure. The disease typically resolves within 1-3 days without significant medical intervention.
Increased sanitation measures were immediately taken onboard, including enhanced cleaning and isolating guests and crew members reporting symptoms.
It should be noted that at no time were any cases of COVID-19, RSV, or other respiratory diseases reported aboard Celebrity Constellation.
The 90,940-gross-ton, Millennium-class ship can welcome 2,184 guests aboard at double occupancy, and is also home to up to 1,000 international crew members.
Next Steps for the Ship
As the ship is on a turnaround day on Friday, January 12 – debarking guests from one sailing and embarking guests for the next cruise – it is likely that a full deep clean will be made at that time. This may slightly delay embarkation for the next departure, though no impact is expected for the next cruise.
The next itinerary is a 12-night “Ultimate Caribbean & The Americas” sailing, with visits to Grand Cayman, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Cozumel before Celebrity Constellation returns to Tampa on Wednesday, January 24.
Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises
Guests booked on the cruise should take extra precautions with hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, and minimizing contact with high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, stair railings, and door handles as much as possible.
It is also possible that continued enhanced cleaning procedures will be continued at least through the first few days of the voyage to ensure minimal risk to everyone aboard. Other steps, such as fewer self-serve stations in the buffet, may also be implemented to minimize high-touch contact points.
Recent Outbreaks
While this outbreak aboard Celebrity Constellation is the first to be reported in 2024, there were 13 norovirus outbreaks reported aboard cruise ships in 2023, including vessels from Viking Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Constellation was one of the ships to have an outbreak in 2023, which happened in early March and involved a total of 97 guests and crew members (out of more than 3,000 people onboard). The 2023 and 2024 outbreaks are not related.
It should be noted that norovirus is not confined to cruise ships and outbreaks regularly happen at schools, workplaces, restaurants, sporting events, and other areas where crowds may gather. Because cruise ships are closed environments where tracking cases is possible, reports are easier to note and confirm.
Cruise travelers should always take steps to remain healthy while sailing and minimize any risk of infecting others if they do begin to feel unwell while onboard. Resting, staying hydrated, opting for a bland diet, and using over-the-counter medications for diarrhea and nausea are all effective treatment options.
Costa Firenze has set sail on her final voyage with Costa Cruises before the ship will be officially retired from the line, extensively refurbished, and rebranded to join Carnival Cruise Line as Carnival Firenze.
The final Costa Firenze cruise is a Mediterranean sailing that will ultimately end in Savona, Italy on January 21, 2024, before the ship enters dry dock in preparation for her Fun Ship transformation.
Costa Firenze Sets Sail for the Last Time
Costa Firenze has welcomed guests for her final 10-night Mediterranean sailing, having embarked guests in Valencia, Spain for a trip that will include visits to Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Spain before ending in Barcelona on January 19. A special 1-night cruise will embark in Marseille, France on January 20 and end in Savona, Italy on January 21.
At that time, the ship will officially end her service life with Costa Cruises, and instead will be transformed into the “Costa by Carnival” concept and renamed Carnival Firenze.
This final sailing is sure to a be a celebratory yet sad occasion as crew members and guests alike enjoy what makes Costa Firenze a unique and memorable ship. Undoubtedly, there will be special events and activities onboard to commemorate the ship as she finishes this chapter in her service life.
Upcoming Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mlle Sonyah)
The 135,136-gross-ton, Vista-class Costa Firenze joined Costa Cruises in late 2020 and first set sail in July 2021, and so has had a relatively short lifespan with the Italian cruise line.
Both Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are under the same parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc.
What’s Next for Costa Firenze
Now, the vessel will undergo an extensive refit and revitalization to bring her spaces and atmosphere more in sync with Carnival Cruise Line, though her Italian nature will be preserved. The transfer of the ship was first announced in June 2022, at the same time it was announced that her sister ship Costa Venezia would become Carnival Venezia – which occurred in May 2023.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has even shared hints of what’s to come for the new Carnival Firenze, including the installation of the replica David statue on the ship. The statue was formerly aboard Carnival Pride in the David’s steakhouse, but when that venue was rebranded in May 2023, the statue was removed.
Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
“Now, take a look at the photo and the Christmas Tree because when the ship becomes Carnival Firenze there will be something else standing where that tree is now. It’s an old friend from another ship. Can you guess what it is that will have pride of place there?”Heald asked when showing off holiday sailing photos aboard Costa Firenze.
While Carnival Cruise Line has not released a great number of details about Carnival Firenze‘s transformation – undoubtedly, some details will be revealed in the weeks before her debut – some public spaces will be rebranded with Carnival favorites such as the ever popular Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Teppanyaki, the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, and the WaterWorks aquapark.
Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
The ship will also be receiving the new blue-and-gold livery also worn by Costa Venezia that matches the style of the red-white-and-blue hull livery that debuted with Mardi Gras and has since been rolled out throughout the Carnival fleet.
A range of regular maintenance updates such as flooring refreshes, painting, deck repair, lighting upgrades, and other typical dry dock work will also be part of the three months the ship will be out of service.
Setting Sail With Carnival Firenze
Once refit and ready to welcome guests again, Carnival Firenze will be welcomed into the Carnival Cruise Line fleet with various ceremonies, such as changing her national registry and an official renaming.
On April 25, 2024, the ship will welcome her first guests under the Carnival brand from her new homeport in Long Beach, California – an earlier-than-originally-planned inaugural sailing that has been controversial for some guests.
Carnival Firenze will then offer Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera sailings ranging from 3-7 nights, visiting ports such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and Catalina, depending on the sailing date and cruise length.
The ship is scheduled to be based year-round from Long Beach at least through April 2026. Itineraries past that date have not yet been released.
Two new river cruise itineraries that highlight top destinations in Holland and Belgium are on the horizon at Adventures by Disney, the subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company that offers river voyages around the globe. The new departures are scheduled for 2025, and are geared to the family travel market.
History, Culture, and Tulips Are Focus of New Sailings
Old World charm takes center stage in two new river cruise sailings operated by Adventures by Disney, including one that features the cities and villages of Holland and Belgium, and another that explores the region’s world-renowned tulip gardens.
All voyages are seven nights and will be held aboard a ship chartered from AmaWaterways, a highly-regarded, luxury-level river cruise operator. Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways have partnered to offer river cruises for more than 15 years.
Adventure Guides, all trained by Disney, will accompany each departure, providing high-level customer service and informative storytelling about each destination.
Four departures are offered on the “Discovering Holland and Belgium Tour,” all roundtrip from Amsterdam on June 28, July 26, September 6, and December 20, 2025. Cruisers will visit Utrecht, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, and Gouda, Netherlands, and Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and Antwerp, Belgium.
Activities onshore will feature tours of attractions such as the Utrecht Museum Speelklok and Castle de Haar. Cruisers also will enjoy seeing the region’s iconic windmills, some of which date from the 1700s, museums featuring the Dutch masters’ art and architecture, and viewing the Royal Delft pottery that helped to make the region famous.
Photo Courtesy: Adventures by Disney
Active excursions will include bike riding and walking tours. One of the departures will be limited to adults only. The “Tulip Tour” has just one departure, on April 13, 2025, in the prime blooming season.
After the departure from Amsterdam, the itinerary includes Ghent and Antwerp, Belgium, plus Hoorn, Middelburg, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, and Schoonhoven, Netherlands.
Highlighted shore excursions include visits to the renowned Keukenhof gardens, with its 7 million flowering bulbs, the vast tulip farms of Hoorn, and the Floralia Flower Show, the popular flower exhibition held annually in Brussels, Belgium.
Itineraries to Open For Bookings in Mid-January
Sales for all of the new itinerary departures will open on January 16, 2024, for previous Adventures by Disney Guests who have traveled on three or more Adventures; January 17 for all previous Adventures by Disney guests; January 18 for Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Members, and Golden Oak Members; and January 19 for the general public.
Adventures by Disney has not disclosed the name of the ship it will charter for the new itineraries; AmaWaterways operates a fleet of more than two dozen ships.
Cruisers who wish to sail aboard a Disney river voyage sooner, in 2024, have a choice of 22 cruise itineraries in Europe, offered on the Rhine, Danube, and Seine rivers. A Rhine River cruise departing on August 1, 2024 from Basel, Switzerland, and concluding in Amsterdam, visits popular destinations such as Strasbourg, France; and Rudesheim and Cologne, Germany.
Adventures by Disney is a separate unit from Disney Cruise Line, which operates a fleet of five ocean-going ships. A sixth, Disney Treasure, is under construction in Germany and due to launch in December 2024.
