The new Digital Debark procedure for Carnival Cruise Line is expanding to additional vessels, smoothing the way for faster, less crowded debarkation mornings. Guest feedback has been very positive, and the program is sure to be rolled out to the full fleet in the weeks to come.
New Debarkation Program Expanding
Carnival Cruise Line recently began testing a new “Digital Debark” program through the cruise line’s app, with the intention of streamlining debarkation day craziness and minimizing crowds, while giving passengers better control over the time they choose to leave the cruise ship at the end of their sailing.
The program has been working very well, with guests reporting generally smooth operation and positive debarkation experiences.
“I read some fabulous reports about the new Digital Debarkation and how using the App to disembark has really quickened up debarkation proceedings,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador.
Now the program is being rolled out to additional ships. Heald has confirmed that Digital Debark is already available aboard Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Dream, and Mardi Gras. Additional vessels are just days away from introducing the program.
Carnival Breeze, sailing from Galveston, will begin Digital Debark on Monday, December 18, while Carnival Panorama, sailing from Long Beach (and with newly repaired engines ready to resume service), will offer Digital Debark from Saturday, December 30.
The newest Carnival cruise ship and the fleet’s new flagship, Carnival Jubilee, is planned to offer Digital Debark from her very first cruise, the Saturday, December 23 inaugural sailing from Galveston.
It must be noted that Digital Debark does not impact the procedure for guests with priority debarkation benefits. This includes Diamond and Platinum level guests in the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program, as well as guests booked in suite staterooms and those who have purchased the Faster to the Fun program. These guests still receive letters onboard with special debarkation instructions.
How Digital Debark Works
On ships where the program is being used, Digital Debark is available through the Carnival Hub app. Guests simply use the “My Planner” feature on the app for debarkation morning, and click “Schedule Debarkation” to be given their options.
Two options are available – “Express Debarkation” which is described as “Vacate the ship sooner by handling your own luggage and disembarking early.” This has also been known as “Self-assist” debarkation previously. The second option is “Checked Luggage” which is described as “Let us handle your luggage for a stress-free debarkation.”
Both options show listed times for approximate debarkation windows. There is also a notice that guests with early flights or early scheduled airport shuttles are advised to use Express Debarkation.
When guests choose Checked Luggage, a notice pops up about how luggage tags will be delivered, when to put tagged luggage outside the stateroom the night before debarkation, and when guests should leave their cabins on debarkation morning.
Carnival Cruise Line Ship Docked in Miami (Photo Credit: ByDroneVideos)
Guests then select how many travelers they are making debarkation plans for (there is also an option to select all guests in the same stateroom at once), and may note whether or not someone in the party requires assistance.
Next, guests select the number of checked bags they will be placing outside their stateroom for collection. This does not include any carry-on bags that passengers will remove from the ship themselves.
Once the number of bags have been selected and confirmed, travelers are able to choose a time slot for their debarkation, with 20-minute windows available. It should be noted that times are approximate, and may change if there are any delays to the ship’s arrival back to port.
Detailed instructions and a review of the debarkation reservation are displayed for guests to confirm as they complete their Digital Debark scheduling, which will then be displayed on the daily planner.
Have you used Digital Debark? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
The fact that cruise ships can host thousands of passengers and crew members at the same time, all while floating on the water, is truly fascinating.
This becomes all the more interesting when you consider that these floating behemoths are outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities, varied dining establishments, and luxurious accommodations. When you think about it, the scale of a modern cruise ship almost boggles the mind.
When discussing the size of a cruise ship, you may come across terminology that refers to the “gross tonnage” or “gross tons” of a boat. To those with a limited understanding of maritime terminology, these words may not hold much meaning. To help you understand what they mean, we will take a deep dive into the meaning and relevance of gross tons for cruise ships.
Not only will we explain the meaning and the formula used to calculate this measurement, but we’ll also dive into the relevance of the phrase for cruise ship passengers. Learn what gross tonnage means and why it is important for the cruise industry.
Gross tonnage is a type of measurement used across the maritime industry. It is used to quantify the internal volume of a vessel. Given the name and the fact that a ton is used to measure 2,240 pounds of weight, many people assume that a ship’s gross tonnage is simply a measurement used to describe the total weight of a cruise ship.
Instead, it calculates a ship’s internal space using “gross tons,” or GTs, as the primary unit. A gross ton is equivalent to an internal volume of 100 cubic feet.
So, if a cruise ship had an interior closed space of 200 cubic feet, it would have a total of two gross tons. This is different from net tonnage, which is the gross tons minus the space occupied by the engine room, fuel, navigation machinery, and crew quarters.
While it may seem like a fairly insignificant measurement for anyone other than the ship’s designers, we will explain later why gross tonnage is far more than a simple technical detail in ship design.
We’re going to take a good look at gross tonnage here, but there are actually a few different types of tonnage to be aware of when it comes to ships, including:
Gross tonnage
Net tonnage
Deadweight tonnage, the weight of the ship’s contents, including its fuel, crew, passengers, food, water, and cargo
Displacement tonnage, the volume of water displaced by the ship at sea
Lightship weight tonnage, the weight of the ship plus its permanent equipment; this doesn’t count supply, water, or fuel
How Is Gross Tonnage Calculated?
Since measuring internal space in a cruise ship is difficult, given the unique dimensions and proportions, the formula used to calculate its gross tonnage is fairly complex.
Just think how difficult it would be to add all the space in every single internal area in a ship, including passenger cabins and crew quarters, dining halls, public amenities, the engine room, the bridge, and even the lower cargo holds.
Cruise Ship During Dry Dock (Photo Credit: MartinLueke)
If you are interested, the calculations use the following formula: Gross Tons (GT) = K1V, where V is the volume of the ship’s internal space in cubic meters and K1 is 02 + 0.02.
As we said, it’s a little complicated, but don’t worry, nobody will ask you to calculate this unless you choose to become a marine engineer or naval architect. The main takeaway is that gross tonnage is a measurement of the internal space of a ship rather than its total weight out of water.
Why Is the Measurement of Gross Tonnage Important for Cruise Ships?
Aside from a practical need to understand how much interior space a cruise ship has, the gross tonnage of the ship plays an integral role in meeting various guidelines and safety regulations.
Like other types of large-scale vessels, like cargo ships and oil tankers, cruise ships have to abide by various international standards laid out by the International Maritime Organization, or IMO.
TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 7
Not only do they have to adhere to standard rules regarding stability, but cruise ships must also meet specific safety standards for all passenger ships. Many of these safety standards and regulations relate heavily to the ship’s gross tonnage.
Along with passenger capacity and the vessel’s length, width, and height, gross tonnage is one of the leading figures used to assess the size of a cruise ship. Many of these safety standards and regulations relate heavily to the ship’s gross tonnage.
Gross Tonnage and the Safety and Stability
Gross tonnage is related to buoyancy, as it measures the amount of interior space the ship has available. To carry a specific amount of weight, a ship must have the appropriate amount available while still maintaining stability in open waters, even if it is traversing rough waters.
Cruise Ship Hurricane (Photo Credit: PHkorsart)
Along with other regulatory bodies, the International Maritime Organization has specific regulations that regard a cruise ship’s gross tonnage. For example, any cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 500 or more GTs must adhere to various environmental standards.
There are countless other ways gross tonnage is used to assess compliance with various regulations. Some of these regulations concern the environment, while others are related to the types of equipment that the ship must be outfitted with.
Gross Tonnage for Docking Procedures and Port Fees
Since gross tonnage gives a more accurate picture of a ship’s size and proportions than weight, port authorities and port pilots need an accurate measure of a cruise ship’s gross tonnage before it is allowed into a port.
Cruise Ship Pilot: (Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock)
Not only does this figure determine where and how a cruise ship will be able to dock, but it is also a measurement that plays a vital role in determining how much the cruise line that owns the ship will be charged in port fees and other charges. As you can imagine, larger ships with a greater gross tonnage tend to owe larger fees for using a port.
A cruise ship’s gross tonnage is also an important figure for charting a cruise ship’s route and itinerary. Since larger ships can be prohibited from certain waters, accurately understanding the ship’s gross tonnage will inform the navigation crew where they can take the ship.
How Does Gross Tonnage Impact Passenger Capacity?
While it may sound fairly obvious, a cruise ship’s gross tonnage will determine how many passengers it can carry and how many crew members it will need to operate safely. Ships with a greater gross tonnage can accommodate more passengers and offer more space for amenities, like dining areas, pool facilities, and more.
Royal Caribbean Passengers
The world’s largest cruise ships have the greatest amount of gross tonnage. More importantly, they have more of this space that can be dedicated to passenger use. In addition to carrying more passengers and having more entertainment options, larger ships can offer a more comfortable experience for those carrying.
How Does Gross Tonnage Impact Passenger Comfort and Entertainment Options?
Naturally, larger ships tend to have more options available to passengers. The ship’s designers have more space to work with when choosing which onboard amenities and facilities will be available to passengers. They can also afford to offer larger cabins and suits, as the ship can afford to dedicate this space to private quarters.
What may surprise you, especially given how top-heavy they can look, is that larger cruise ships with a greater gross tonnage tend to be more comfortable and stable than smaller vessels.
If you have a history of suffering from motion and seasickness, you may want to opt for a larger cruise ship when booking your next cruise vacation.
Photo Credit: Dave R
Not only do larger ships displace water more effectively, which helps reduce the rocking sensation that causes seasickness, but they are also outfitted with more extensive and more effective stabilizers.
Imagine cruise ship stabilizers like giant wings that protrude outwards beneath the water. The larger these stabilizers are, the more effective they resist waves that would otherwise cause the ship to roll.
On top of that, larger ships also have more sophisticated gyroscopic stabilizers, making the ship more adaptable to changing sea and wind conditions.
While larger ships have their advantages when it comes to providing more entertainment options, larger and more varied accommodations, and a more comfortable passenger experience, you must remember that gross tonnage can impact a cruise ship’s ability to travel through certain waterways.
New and Old Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
While they may be somewhat limited in the amenities they can offer, the operators of smaller vessels have more flexibility when planning their ship’s itinerary. Plus, smaller cruise ships tend to pay reduced port fees; however, from a passenger perspective, this might not impact your price because those port fees will be spread across fewer people on a smaller ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average gross tonnage of a cruise ship?
While gross tonnage will vary quite substantially from one cruise ship to the next, the industry average gross tonnage is 120,000 GTs.
For perspective, Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas is considered an average-sized cruise ship with a gross tonnage of 137,308 GTs.
This translates to a total passenger capacity of 4,290 passengers and 14 decks. While impressive, it is still much smaller than some of the world’s largest cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.
Which cruise ship has the greatest gross tonnage?
Royal Caribbean International operates the cruise ship with the greatest gross tonnage in the world – the Icon of the Seas. This revolutionary cruise ship has a total gross tonnage of 250,800 GTs.
Given its immense proportions and the incredible amount of internal space the ship offers, the Icon of the Seas raises the bar regarding onboard entertainment and amenities. Amongst other mind-blowing amenities, it boasts the largest water park ever seen on a cruise ship and the world’s tallest water slide.
What does the deadweight tonnage of a cruise ship mean?
While they may sound like fairly similar measurements, the deadweight tonnage of a cruise ship differs from its gross tonnage. Where gross tonnage refers to the internal space of a cruise ship in 100 cubic feet units, the deadweight tonnage refers to the weight the cruise ship can safely carry.
This measurement excludes the weight the ship must carry in the form of engine components and other vital pieces of equipment. Instead, it refers to the weight the vessel can carry in cargo, fuel, supplies, passengers, and passenger luggage. In other words, the weight will vary each time the ship departs. This is why you may notice that everything is meticulously weighed when you board a cruise ship.
How is gross tonnage measurement standardized across the cruise industry?
Since measuring the gross tonnage of a ship is so important for assessing adherence with certain international regulations and determining what a ship will owe in port fees, it is essential that determining the measurement is standardized and that gross tonnage measurements are reported accurately.
To ensure accuracy, all cruise lines must submit gross tonnage calculations using the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships Formula. This was made mandatory in July of 1982 and included a standardized formula for measuring a ship’s deadweight tonnage.
Given that the IMO set out this rule, failure to use these standardized calculations can result in significant fines and other punishments for the cruise line that was proven to be in violation.
Final Words
While a cruise ship’s gross tonnage may seem like a fairly trivial measurement from a passenger perspective, it is one of the most useful and important measurements used within the entire maritime industry, including the cruise industry.
Gross tonnage accurately measures a ship’s internal space and determines how stable and safe the cruise ship will be once it is out on open water. As cruise ship designers continue to innovate and release even larger cruise ships, this measurement will remain relevant across the entire industry.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced the opening of bookings for the summer and fall 2025 cruises for the Carnival Venezia. The announcement completes the 2025-26 deployment schedule, introducing a vast array of cruises from New York to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and extended Carnival Journeys.
Carnival Venezia is the first cruise ship sailing under the Carnival Fun Italian Style banner, offering cruises with a distinctly Italian touch.
New York Cruises Aboard Carnival Venezia
Carnival Cruise Line has opened for bookings cruises in 2025-2026 onboard Carnival Venezia sailing from New York City today, December 12. Guests have a wide variety of sailings to choose from, including Bermuda cruises, Eastern Caribbean voyages, and longer Carnival Journeys.
From New York, Carnival Venezia will explore Bermuda, with guests having the choice of four-day long weekend getaways, departing Thursdays from May through September 2025. Additionally, two special five-day cruises in August and October 2025 offer an extended two-day stay in Bermuda.
These itineraries build on the Carnival Venezia’s 2024 Bermuda sailings, which include four- to seven-day cruises. The seven-day sailings feature a three-day visit to Bermuda, and another week-long option includes a stop at Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada.
Fred Stein, Vice President of Revenue Planning and Deployment for Carnival Cruise Line: “Carnival Venezia is a unique ship, and so is her deployment schedule. From weekend getaways to longer Carnival Journeys sailings, our guests sailing on this ship have a range of great options to choose from – with many visits to Bermuda among them.
These added sailings are unlocking our richest Bermuda deployment, with more cruises set to call on the popular destination than ever before.”
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock)
Carnival Cruise Line fans that want to sail to Bermuda in 2025-2026 are in for a treat, as the cruise line has scheduled four ships to sail to Bermuda. These include Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, and Carnival Glory, besides Carnival Venezia.
Carnival Venezia will also offer a variety of eight-, nine-, and ten-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from New York. The cruises include visits to Caribbean and Bahamas destinations such as San Juan, Puerto Rico; Grand Turk, St. Thomas; St. Maarten; Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, and Carnival’s new exclusive destination, Celebration Key on Grand Bahamas Island.
Carnival Journeys Cruises Onboard Carnival Venezia
For those guests who cannot get enough of being onboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship, the company has opened up bookings for four extended Carnival Journeys cruises.
Two of these Carnival Journeys will sail roundtrip from New York City. After departure from the Big Apple, guests will have three fun days at sea, followed by visits to Caribbean islands such as St. Maarten; St. Kitts; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Dominica; Barbados; and St. Lucia, with the exact ports depending on which voyage they choose.
Carnival Venezia (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Another Carnival Journeys cruise onboard Carnival Venezia will be a repositioning cruise from New York to its winter homeport of Port Canaveral, along the way, the ship will visit Aruba, Curacao, and St. Croix. An 11-day voyage visiting Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, and St. Thomas, USVI, ending in New York, is also available.
In addition to the New York sailings, Carnival Venezia will offer several cruises from Port Canaveral in 2025. These include a three-day sailing to Celebration Key and a week-long Western Caribbean cruise visiting Mahogany Bay; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
The 135,225 gross tons Carnival Venezia, which joined the fleet this year, has introduced all-new Carnival Fun Italian Style experiences.
The ship currently cruises from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City offering eight to 12-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. A Second Italian-themed cruise ship will join the fleet in 2024, Carnival Firenze.
Royal Caribbean Group is reportedly in discussions to acquire the Xanadu Beach Hotel in Freeport, Bahamas, eyeing a significant expansion in the Bahamas through the development of a new resort and water park.
While Royal Caribbean has not confirmed these reports, multiple sources suggest a deal may be imminent. The deal would be the second large development by a cruise company on the island, after Carnival’s Celebration Key, which will welcome its first guests in July 2025.
Royal Caribbean Eyes Potential Acquisition of Xanadu Hotel
Royal Caribbean is reportedly close to making a deal on the Xanadu Beach Hotel and adjacent land parcels on Grand Bahama Island.
The area in question, estimated to be around 40-50 acres, stretches down to Princess Isle and will be developed into a waterpark and resort, making it the third development in the Bahamas for Royal Caribbean, after Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Paradise Island.
While no formal deal has been confirmed, ongoing discussions with both Harcourt, the owners of several land tracts in the area, and Xanadu’s owner, Italian/Bahamian businessman Mario Donato, are making progress, according to Bahamian newspaper The Tribune.
“They want all the tracts down to Princess Isle. It’s probably 40-50 acres. If you look at the map you will see Xanadu at one end and four more ten-acre pieces going down to the west to Princess Isle. Harcourt Developments owns the next two,” a source told the Tribune.
Cruise Passengers in Freeport, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Mags951)
For now, the reports on the potential acquisition of the property by Royal Caribbean Group are being held a closely guarded secret by all involved, including Royal Caribbean International’s CEO Michael Bayley.The silence from top executives adds to the speculation and anticipation surrounding the potential acquisition.
If and when the deal is announced, it will not come as a surprise, as Royal Caribbean has long been looking at increasing its already significant presence in the region.
Royal Caribbean’s Continued Pursuit of Expansion in the Bahamas
The potential acquisition of the Xanadu Resort by Royal Caribbean is a logical step in the company’s ongoing strategy to broaden its presence in the Bahamas, specifically targeting Grand Bahama Island.
This strategy became evident following the unsuccessful bid in 2021 to acquire the Grand Lucayan Resort. The Xanadu Resort presents an ideal opportunity for Royal Caribbean to advance its regional plans. Reports indicate that Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean, is expected to have a significant role in the development of the Xanadu property.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
This development would have a significant impact on Freeport, especially considering other major investments in the area.
There are discussions about various other projects involving Royal Caribbean. These include the development of Rum Cay and a collaborative effort with ITM Group to renovate and enlarge the Freeport Harbor cruise port, in partnership with MSC Cruises.
Meanwhile, Carnival is advancing with the construction of its Grand Bahama resort, Celebration Key, which is anticipated to open in July 2025.
The collective impact of these developments could transform Freeport into a premier tourist destination. Ultimately, the island stands to gain significantly from the influx of tourist revenue, the creation of construction jobs, and the establishment of lasting employment opportunities.
Cunard Line has unveiled its 2025 Alaska cruise season aboard the luxurious Queen Elizabeth, marking her fourth consecutive summer in the Last Frontier. The season features 11 voyages between June 12 and September 25, 2025.
Queen Elizabeth to Offer Enriched Alaskan Adventures in 2025
Cunard Line’s 2025 Alaska season promises an immersive adventure aboard the Queen Elizabeth, with itineraries designed to explore the region’s majestic scenery and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include Hubbard Glacier and the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park.
Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, Queen Elizabeth will offer 24 late evening departures, providing guests ample time to explore the local culture of port cities like Ketchikan, known for its exotic totem poles, and historic Sitka, home to 22 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Due to strong guest demand, Cunard is offering a full summer season in Alaska, allowing travelers to delve into the region’s wildlife and visit extraordinary cities, with extended time in port to fully appreciate this captivating destination,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. “We are incredibly excited to offer guests the new opportunity of sailing roundtrip into Alaska from Seattle.”
Cunard’s full summer season offers roundtrip itineraries ranging from 7 to 11 nights. Its shorter voyages begin with a day at sea en route to Ketchikan, followed by a visit to Tracy Arm Fjord.
The itinerary then takes guests to Juneau and Sitka before concluding with another sea day as the ship returns to Seattle. Longer sailings will offer more adventurous destinations, such as Icy Strait Point, where passengers can ride the world’s largest zipline, and stunning vistas like Endicott Arm.
Queen Elizabeth Cruise Ship in Alaska (Photo Credit: Steve Heap)
Queen Elizabeth‘s maiden summer sailing will be an 11-night itinerary departing June 12. Featuring destinations such as Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Misty Fjord, and Victoria, British Columbia, fares for the voyage begin at $1,399 per person.
Bookings for 2025 voyages are on sale now for Cunard World Club members and go on sale to the general public on December 13. Bookings made by March 27, 2024, will receive up to $1,200 onboard credit per stateroom.
Onboard Cultural and Educational Experiences
On board Queen Elizabeth, guests will be fully immersed in the Alaskan experience. The ship will host Alaska Native Voices, including a Cultural Heritage Guide, and will have a naturalist on every sailing for distinctive deck commentary.
This season, Queen Elizabeth will also welcome renowned figures such as legendary mountaineer Kenton Cool, who has summitted Mount Everest 15 times; polar skier Preet Chandi, who recently broke two Guinness World Records in January 2023; and award-winning wildlife filmmaker Doug Allen. These guests will provide a unique educational component to each sailing with expertise and stories to be shared with passengers.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth (Photo Credit: lenic)
The onboard dining experience will also reflect the Alaskan environment, featuring indigenous offerings foraged from land and sea. Expect appetizers like salmon gravlax or poached quail’s egg and entrées like Dover Sole Meunière. Guests can also enjoy cocktails inspired by Alaska’s glacial scenery.
Queen Elizabeth, which accommodates 2,081 guests and 911 crew members, will be Cunard’s only ship scheduled in Alaska for summer 2025 voyages. Fares for 7-day itineraries begin at $749 per person for interior staterooms and $1,199 for 11-day itineraries.
Carnival Jubilee is well on her way across the Atlantic Ocean, having left Tenerife in the Canary Islands and set out to sea. What is coming next for the new Carnival Cruise Line flagship, and when can guests expect key experiences to begin onboard?
Carnival Jubilee On the Way
Carnival Jubilee was delivered to the cruise line, officially becoming the twenty-sixth Carnival ship, on Monday, December 4, 2023, and now the massive ship is on her way to her new home in Galveston, Texas.
The ship has already made her first port of call visit, a supply stop in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, before heading out across the Atlantic Ocean. The next stop will be Nassau in the Bahamas, also to take on additional supplies and crew members in preparation for her first official voyage.
@CarnivalCruise This amazing Carnival Jubilee docked opposite us in Tenerife, Spain. This ship was recently built in Germany and is heading to Galveston Texas when it will start a 6 night western Caribbean schedule December 23 my birthday. (Carnival take note I am free🚢 ❤️ 😉) pic.twitter.com/OH5OgXZegB
At the moment, satellite tracking data indicates that Carnival Jubilee will arrive in Nassau at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. That quick visit – albeit without guests – will still be a momentous occasion for the new ship.
What will be most momentous, however, is when Carnival Jubilee sails into Galveston for the first time, sporting the beautiful star on her bow that connects her to the Lone Star State.
Party Planned for New Ship
Port of Galveston is planning a “Howdy, Carnival Jubilee Celebration” on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 8-9 a.m. when the ship arrives. The public is invited to offer a “Texas-sized welcome” to the new vessel as Piers 20-21.
“Bring your welcome signs and don your cowboy hats to cheer the Jubilee and her crew as they arrive to dock at their new home at Cruise Terminal 25,”the event announcement said.“An airplane flying overhead with a welcome banner and a tugboat shooting its water cannon will add to the festivities.”
Refreshments will be served at the event, which is sure to include iconic Texas fun to welcome the new ship. Carnival Cruise Line was the first ever cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston when they began passenger operations from Texas in 2001, and the new ship is the culmination of decades of dedication to fine Texas cruising.
Carnival Jubilee Conveyance on the Ems (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
“This is the first brand-new ship to homeport in Galveston since we became a cruise home port 23 years ago,”said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.“We hope to have a great turnout for this historic event so the Jubilee crew and Carnival staff see how happy we are to welcome this beautiful ship.”
While the exact timing of Carnival Jubilee‘s arrival may not be certain – weather during her crossing as well as on her way from Nassau to Galveston could impact her arrival – the celebration is sure to be a great occasion to make the new 183,521-gross-ton, Excel-class ship and all her 1,735 officers and crew members feel welcome and right at home.
Sailing Aboard Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee will welcome her first guests aboard on Saturday, December 23, 2023 for what is sure to be a very special Christmas cruise, with the new vessel decked out in her holiday finest.
That first sailing is a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, departing Galveston at 4 p.m. and with port visits to Roatan, Honduras (December 26) and Costa Maya (December 27) and Cozumel (December 28) in Mexico, before returning to Texas on Saturday, December 30.
Carnival Jubilee will be based from Texas year-round at least through April 2026, offering the same popular Western Caribbean itinerary, though the order of port visits may vary depending on the sailing date.
Some Experiences Not Ready
For the first few weeks of the ship’s operation, however, some key experiences will not be quite ready for guests. This is common with new ships, as crew members need time to familiarize themselves with the vessel’s quirks and settle in to general operation before offering special events.
For example, the Seuss at Sea breakfast – a special event with appearances by very special and beloved characters and featuring none other than green eggs and ham – will not be offered until approximately the January 6 departure date.
“Sadly, it’s not going to be ready for the first two cruises, which is very normal when we bring out a new ship,”said Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald.
Dr.Inks Ph.D Bar on Carnival Jubilee
Similarly, the popular Behind the Fun tour that offers a limited group of guests behind-the-scenes visits to key operational areas of the ship will not be offered until approximately mid-January, though exact dates for the tour to begin have not been confirmed. Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out pre-cruise sales for the Behind the Fun tour, which will make it easier for guests to reserve their space.
Finally, the Faster to the Fun program will also not be offered on Carnival Jubilee for at least the first two or three months, according to Heald, which is also normal for a new ship. This exclusive program gives guests highly desirable perks such as priority boarding, express luggage delivery, immediate stateroom access, priority dining reservations, and more.
Because many of the perks are also part of the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program, it is not possible to offer Faster to the Fun right away on a new ship, as many experienced cruisers are setting sail on the new ship and the program is limited to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the benefits.
Undoubtedly, these premium experiences will be made available as soon as possible, and in the meantime, all guests aboard Carnival Jubilee will have plenty to enjoy on the new ship, from amazing dining to spectacular themed zones to the Bolt rollercoaster and more.
Carnival Cruise Line continues to deal with the fallout from its recent omelet decision, with more and more guests expressing anger – often in not so nice ways – about how the cruise line has adjusted breakfast options. Everyone knows not to cry over spilled milk, but apparently, broken eggs are very much worth a few tears.
Omelette’s Decision Here to Stay
In recent weeks, Carnival Cruise Line has adjusted its made-to-order omelet options at both the Lido Marketplace breakfast buffet as well as at the Sea Day Brunch options onboard.
Rather than a broad range of customizable ingredients, the cruise line is now offering omelets in just three of the most popular options – cheese, ham and cheese, and a veggie omelet with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The only customization for these choices is to opt for either cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a mix of both).
Prior to the change, omelets could be made with a wider range of ingredients, including bacon, arugula, spinach, mushrooms, and additional types of cheese.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has addressed “omelet-gate” and explained that the decision was made to help speed up service, ensuring every guest receives their omelet quickly and efficiently.
“One of the reasons we are changing the slightly is to speed up the process,”he explained.“There are no plans to change back at this time.”
More Omelette Concerns
It isn’t just the change in the omelet stations that has cause ire among loyal Carnival guests, but other rumors related to these breakfast dishes have also begun to run rampant. Over the past few days, there have been numerous concerns raised about the omelets through social media and message board posts, many of which Heald has continued to address, such as:
Omelet stations are going to be eliminated and only pre-made omelets will be available under heating lamps.
Heald has confirmed without doubt that this is untrue. “You can still have a freshly made omelette of three different varieties made on the Lido,”he said.“The omelette stations remain.”
Omelet Buffet Line (Photo Credit: TumOng)
Egg-white omelets will not be available since they can no longer be customized.
Egg whites are an option many people choose for health reasons, such as limiting cholesterol intake or for taste preferences. Heald also confirmed that guests will still be able to get egg white omelets without difficulty.
“Yes, you can order an egg white omelette,”he said.
Other egg options will be limited.
Carnival continues to offer a wide range of egg dishes on its breakfast menu, including scrambled eggs and hard boiled eggs. Guests can also request eggs cooked-to-order, including sunny side up eggs, over-easy eggs, and different permutations as they wish. Eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, and other egg dishes are also often available depending on each day’s individual menu.
Unkind Comments
Guest reactions to “omelet-gate” have varied from not being fussed over the change – an omelet order won’t make or break a cruise vacation, no matter how many eggs are broken – to passengers considering not booking another Carnival vacation because of yet one more change that is perceived as a cutback or loss of service.
Heald has continued to address guests’ concerns on his popular Facebook page, and is sending those concerns, suggestions, and criticisms to “the beards” – the upper levels of Carnival Cruise Line’s executive leadership. He does not, however, believe any changes will be imminent, though the comments will be passed along.
“No changes are planned,”Heald said.“But I will, I promise, make sure they understand some of you are asking for different types of omelettes.”
What is most astonishing is the nastiness some guests are expressing over a change in omelets, including name-calling and bringing family members into what is no longer a polite discussion. Heald has, however, remained polite with his signature wit no matter what guests have said.
John Heald
“I never thought that I’d be spending time being screamed at and called all sorts of names because of eggs,”he said.“Most of you have been very nice, some of you have been a little disappointed, and one or two of you have called me all sorts of names, and a few people made some really awful comments … bringing my family into this. Why? What’s that got to do with an omelette?”
Carnival’s controversy over omelets follows several food-related issues in recent months among different cruise lines, all of which have garnered strong opinions from passengers.
Just days ago, Carnival quietly raised specialty dining prices, with increases ranging from 2-52% depending on the restaurant and ship.
In August, Celebrity Cruises introduced a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie for a $2 fee, which stunned guests and led to an overwhelmingly negative response over perceived nickle-and-diming practices, though free cookies were still available.
In early September, Swan Hellenic Cruises responded to social media posts and outrage about chips of icebergs being used for cocktails on certain luxury itineraries, and ended the unofficial practice.
Food is very much a hot topic with all cruise travelers, and is likely to continue to remain a controversial issue whenever cruise lines make changes.
Princess Cruises has announced its largest and most diverse Americas season for 2025-26, featuring an exciting lineup of itineraries and homeports.
This season will be marked by the introduction of two of its newest ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, sailing the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.
Additionally, Sky Princess will become the first Royal Class ship to homeport at Port Canaveral, offering unique Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Outside of the Caribbean cruise options, Princess unveiled a large selection of Hawaii, Pacific Island, Mexico, and California coat cruises
Star Princess Joins Sun Princess in the Caribbean
Princess Cruises unveiled its 2025-2026 cruise offerings in the America’s today, December 11, 2023. The new lineup of cruises promises to bring a new ship, Star Princess, to join Sun Princess for Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Sky Princess will become the first Royal Class ship to homeport at Port Canaveral. Cruises from Port Canaveral onboard the 145,281 gross tons Sky Princess will be eight-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings and six-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean.
Star Princess Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Princess Cruises)
Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer at Princess Cruises:“Our 2025-26 Americas program is our largest ever offered, making it convenient for guests to drive to their nearby port or take a short flight to enjoy a spectacular Princess cruise.”
“Sun Princess and Star Princess will deliver epic vacations and magnify the beauty of the Caribbean by offering guests the most celebrated views and vantage points available of the islands.”
With the addition of Star Princess and Sky Princess to the Caribbean, a total of ten Princess cruise ships will be operational in the Caribbean in 2025-2026.
Extensive Itinerary Options
The 2025-26 season boasts over 278 cruises departing from seven home ports, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Galveston, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, New York City, and Vancouver, with itineraries ranging from four to 20 days.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Princess Cruises will also feature a special Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Royal Princess. This nostalgic sailing commemorates the first Princess cruise that set sail in December 1965, offering guests a blend of history and modern luxury.
Photo Credit: Studio Barcelona / Shutterstock.com
The Caribbean season will see ten ships, sailing to 29 destinations in 22 countries. Majestic Princess will introduce a new program featuring eight-day Southern Caribbean sailings to the ABC Islands, while Enchanted Princess continues her popular 10-day Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Regal Princess returns to Galveston for a third season of seven-day Western Caribbean voyages including stops in Mexico, and, as mentioned, Sky Princess embarks on her inaugural season from Port Canaveral.
Panama Canal and Beyond
Princess Cruises will also offer sailings through the Panama Canal, with five ships, including Caribbean Princess and Island Princess, spending a full season in the region. Guests can choose from roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale with partial transits or ocean-to-ocean full transits, providing a comprehensive experience of this engineering marvel.
Discovery Princess in Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
The Mexico itineraries feature three ships with 31 departures on four unique itineraries. The 14-day Mexican Riviera sailing aboard Royal Princess is a highlight, featuring overnight stays in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. The California Coast will be explored by seven ships, including Royal Princess and Ruby Princess, offering 21 departures on nine unique itineraries.
Hawaiian and South Pacific Adventures
For those seeking longer cruises, Princess Cruises has several options for Hawaiian and South Pacific cruises, including a 54-day ultimate adventure roundtrip from Los Angeles on Island Princess.
In all, Island Princess will visit 16 islands, including Fiji, Samoa, and Tasmania, with late-night stays in Honolulu, Tahiti, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Carnival Cruise Line’s popular “Behind the Fun” onboard ship tour will soon be available for all guests to reserve before they ever set sail.
The cruise line has been testing pre-cruise reservations for the tour aboard one ship, and is ready to roll out the booking option fleetwide to make it easier than ever for interested guests to secure their space for the exclusive tour.
Behind the Fun Online Booking to Begin
Carnival Cruise Line began testing pre-cruise reservations for the onboard “Behind the Fun” tour on Carnival Horizon several weeks ago, with the intention to see how well the presale option was accepted. It has so far been greatly received, and the cruise line will be rolling out the reservations to the rest of the fleet in the coming weeks.
“It has been a brilliant success, and so very early in January it is our intention to put presales for every ship for Behind the Fun online,” Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald said.
While no exact date for the fleetwide reservations has yet been confirmed, it is likely to happen very quickly once the reservation system can be adapted for all 26 ships in the Carnival fleet.
The only exception for a short period will be the newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, which will not be offering the exclusive tour until sometime closer to mid-January as she begins her guest operations. Again, the exact date has not been confirmed but will be announced at a later date.
Heald has not indicated whether all ships will have the pre-cruise sales options at once, or if the rollout may be in phases with different ships beginning the reservations on different dates, possibly depending on their sailing dates.
How Tour Reservations Work
The pre-cruise tour sales work exactly like reserving shore excursions before setting sail. Booked guests simply log in to their cruise reservation and select “Behind the Fun” as a tour option.
Pre-paying for the tour will reserve their spot on the exclusive activity, which is only offered once per sailing and for just a small group of people.
There is no indication whether or not guests who have achieved higher levels of the cruise line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program may have the option to make reservations ahead of less frequent cruisers, though this could be a perk offered at some point in the future. Early shore tour or onboard reservation access is a popular perk for loyalty programs with different cruise lines.
Carnival Behind the Fun Tour (Photo Credit: shorex.koss)
The pre-booking option will be of great help for guests who want to ensure their spot on the tour but who have later embarkation arrival times for their cruise vacations.
While the tour has only been available for booking onboard, it has often sold out early on embarkation day before all guests have boarded.
This means that guests with later travel arrangements to reach the ship may not have been able to reserve a spot for “Behind the Fun” via onboard reservations, but now, everyone should have an equal opportunity to book the tour before sailing.
Interested passengers should still make their reservations as soon as possible after all, however, because these tours are likely to sell out quickly, even weeks or months ahead of cruise departure dates. Group size is limited for each tour, typically for fewer than 20 guests – which can make it hard to secure reservations on ships with thousands of passengers.
About Behind the Fun
Behind the Fun is an amazing, behind-the-scenes tour of a guest’s Carnival ship, offering in-person visits to crew-only areas such as the bridge, the engine control room, the main guest galley, staff dining rooms, laundry facilities, and more. The exact areas visited can vary for each tour depending on ship operations and security concerns.
Carnival Crew-Only Area (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)
In addition to enjoying the 3-4 hour tour (time varies for different vessels), participating guests receive exclusive photos and souvenirs to commemorate their experience.
All guests on the Behind the Fun tour must note that some parts of the tour are accessibly only by very steep stairs, and close-toed shoes or sneakers are required. Similarly, swimsuits and skirts are not permitted, and the minimum age for participants is 8 years old. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No cameras or other recording devices are permitted due to security restrictions.
Have you joined in a Behind the Fun tour? Share your tour tips on the Cruise Hive boards!
