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Naming Ceremony Location Announced for Newest Cunard Queen

Cunard News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 5, 2024

Naming Ceremony Location Announced for Newest Cunard Queen

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

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

Queen Anne Naming Ceremony Announced

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

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

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

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

Queen Anne Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line

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

About the Naming Ceremony

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

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

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

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

Who Will Name Queen Anne?

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

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

More From Cruise Hive

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

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

Man Arrested After Jumping Overboard MSC Cruises Ship

MSC Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 5, 2024

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Man Arrested After Jumping Overboard MSC Cruises Ship

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

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

Man Jumps Overboard From MSC Bellissima

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

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

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

MSC Bellissima Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: MSC Cruises

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

Ship’s Itinerary Not Impacted

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

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

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

Unusual Overboard Circumstances

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

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

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

New Luxury Cruise Ship Delayed, Multiple Cruises Cancelled

Cruise News

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Feb 3, 2024

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New Luxury Cruise Ship Delayed, Multiple Cruises Cancelled

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

Allura Delayed

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

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

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

Oceania Allura Cruise Ship — Render Credit: Oceania Cruises

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

New Inaugural Sailing Planned

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

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

Allura Pool Deck Render (Image Credit: Oceania Cruises)

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

Read Also: Who Owns Oceania Cruises?

Inaugural Sailings Always a Risk

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

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

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

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

Flooded Cabins Impact Guests on Following Royal Caribbean Sailing

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 3, 2024

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Flooded Cabins Impact Guests on Following Royal Caribbean Sailing

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

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

Voyager of the Seas Damaged by Storm

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

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

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

Options for Embarking Guests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Itinerary Not Impacted

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

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

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

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

Norwegian Cruise Line Ditches Major Port Due to Tender Concerns

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Feb 2, 2024

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Norwegian Cruise Line Ditches Major Port Due to Tender Concerns

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

Itinerary Alteration for Norwegian Pearl

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

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

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

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

Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock

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

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

Venice’s Ban on Large Cruise Ships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carnival Debunks Rumors About Ship Drydock Plans

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 2, 2024

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Carnival Debunks Rumors About Ship Drydock Plans

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

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

Carnival Vista Dry Dock Underway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Onboard IMAX Theater

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

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

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

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

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

Scottish Port Expects to Double Cruise Ship Arrivals by 2027

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 2, 2024

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Scottish Port Expects to Double Cruise Ship Arrivals by 2027

The growing Port of Aberdeen, on Scotland’s remote northeast coast, is attracting cruise ships in record numbers. Expecting to set new cruise records in 2024, the port also predicts a steady rise in ship arrivals during the next few years, as more and larger vessels call at its new South Harbour facility.

Aberdeen Predicts 100 Ship Calls Within Three Years

Scotland’s Port of Aberdeen, located at the mouth of the River Dee with easy access to the North Sea, is on track to welcome 50 cruise ships and roughly 34,000 cruise passengers in 2024.

The numbers represent a whopping 130% increase in ship arrivals compared to 2022, when 21 ships called, and nearly 20% over 2023, when a record-breaking 43 ships visited.

Port officials looked farther ahead in a report issued on February 2, 2024, and predicted that more than 100 cruise ships will call at Aberdeen by 2027.

If the numbers pan out, it means a financial windfall for the region, since each port call represents £134 ($170) in local spending per cruise guest. That translates into £4.5 million ($5.7 million) for 2024 and would exceed £20 million ($25 million) in 2027.

The opening in spring 2023 of the port’s new South Harbour was a major boost to the area, since its deep water and expanded dock facilities enable it to accommodate most of the world’s cruise ship fleet.

South Harbor’s capacity is for ships up to 985 feet long, 148 feet wide and 35 feet deep. (For context, the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, is 1,196 feet long.)

Before South Harbour was constructed, Aberdeen’s North Harbour facility could accommodate ships only up to 558 feet long.

“With South Harbour complete, we are fully focused on consolidating and accelerating growth in this key sector. This will be largely driven by increasing the number of larger cruise ships visiting the region and we’re having positive discussions with existing and prospective customers to secure this business,” said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the Port of Aberdeen.

“We’re confident that our world-class facility, coupled with the amazing destination, will position Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as one of the UK’s top cruise destinations,” Sanguinetti added.

In 2024, the port will enjoy visits from several large cruise ships, such as Costa Cruises’ Costa Favolosa, a 951-foot ship with a capacity for 3,780 guests and 1,000 crew. Other large ships scheduled to call include AIDA Cruises’ AIDAsol and AIDAdiva, both accommodating 2,500 guests and 700 crew.

The port’s increase in cruise arrivals was a boon to local tour operators and businesses in the Aberdeen area. In 2023, some local businesses were able to expand, such as the Aberdeen Whisky Shop, which held whisky tasting events for cruise guests.

Historic and religious sites also saw many more visits by cruise arrivals. St. Machar’s Cathedral, which dates from the 12th century, saw a 40% increase in visitors thanks to cruise ship calls. That translated into 42,000 visitors and a 50% spike in donations and gift shop sales.

Port’s Expected Growth Is a Team Effort

The Port of Aberdeen’s effort to substantially expand its cruise business has given rise to a regional initiative called CruiseAberdeenshire, a collaboration between the Port of Aberdeen and the local tourism agency VisitAberdeenshire. Other government agencies involved in the program are Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, and VisitScotland.

The groups are working together to prepare the region for the expected rise in cruise passengers and provide the tourism infrastructure that cruise guests will expect.

“The growth in calls for 2024 is a vote of confidence in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as an emerging cruise destination. VisitAberdeenshire is scaling up its work to enhance the welcome offered to passengers, the readiness of local suppliers and to secure more business from cruise operators and shore excursion companies,” said Chris Foy, CEO of VisitAberdennshire.

CruiseAberdeenshire will hold public information sessions for local businesses and others involved in port operations on February 21 and 28, 2024, at the South Harbor facility.

Princess Cruises Withdraws Planned Visits to Historic US Town

Princess Cruises News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 1, 2024

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Princess Cruises Withdraws Planned Visits to Historic US Town

Princess Cruises has put the kibosh on a two-year pilot program that would have had two cruise ships calling at Yorktown, Virginia, during summer 2024.

The cruise line told local officials it has decided that Island Princess and Emerald Princess will instead visit Norfolk, Virginia, on three itineraries. The change is likely to be welcome news to several thousand local residents who opposed the pilot program and signed a petition to prevent it from going forward.

Princess Cruises Chooses Norfolk Over Yorktown

A proposal by Princess Cruises to be the first major cruise line to call at historic Yorktown, Virginia, has been withdrawn in favor of visits to Norfolk, Virginia. The cruise line in February 2023 announced that two ships would make multiple calls at the port, offering guests the opportunity to explore Virginia’s Historic Triangle — Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg.

It was the Battle of Yorktown that decisively ended the Revolutionary war; Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum; and Jamestown is the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America. The three historical sites are within a short drive of each other, lending themselves to exciting shore excursion possibilities.

The 2,200-guest Island Princess was to make three calls and the 3,080-guest Emerald Princess would have made two. With the Princess ships sailing at full capacity, the planned port calls would have delivered around 14,000 cruise guests to the area, representing a boost to regional tourism and to local tour operators.

Emerald Princess Cruise Ship — Emerald princess Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Natasa Ivancev / Shutterstock)

Both ships would tender guests to the port’s Riverwalk Landing, where tour guides for excursions and independent touring options would be available. A communication from Princess Cruises to York County officials on January 26, 2024, delivered the news.

“To ensure our guests experience legendary Virginian hospitality as they explore the region’s significant historical contributions to American history, Princess is confirming Norfolk on the published itinerary for Island Princess and its three new calls to the Commonwealth this summer,” wrote Vicki Johnson, senior vice president of communications for Princess Cruises.

History Cruises to Explore Eastern US, Canada Ports

Norfolk, a considerably larger port some 40 miles south of Yorktown, will be the recipient of the ships’ economic benefits.

Island Princess will operate 10-day “American Heritage” cruises on June 4 and 25, 2024, roundtrip from New York, and calling at Norfolk, Charleston, South Carolina, Boston, and Halifax, Canada. An 11-day option, departing on June 14, 2024, adds Newport, Rhode Island.

Emerald Princess will sail one 14-day “Canada & Colonial America” cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Quebec City on July 19, 2024, with calls at Charleston, Norfolk, New York, Newport, Boston, and Sydney and Saguenay, Canada.

Yorktown, Virginia (Photo Credit: Andy Sutherland)

“We hope the collaboration between Norfolk and Princess Cruises is a mutually successful one and also that the ship passengers have wonderful vacations where they make lifelong memories of their travels to Virginia,” said Mark Bellamy, interim county administrator for York County.

York County had come under fire from local residents for its handling of the Princess Cruises’ proposal, which was not fully revealed until a public forum was held in August 2023. A month later, a grassroots group had gathered more than 5,400 signatures on a petition from people opposing the plan.

The petition, by a local group called Preserve Yorktown, cited environmental concerns and impacts on the town’s culture. Yorktown joined a growing list of ports, both small and large, that question the effects of cruise ships on the local quality of life and on environmental practices. These include small ports such as Bar Harbor, Maine, and large ones such as Barcelona, Spain, and Venice, Italy.

Just one cruise line currently includes Yorktown on its itineraries — American Cruise Lines, which operates small ships carrying under 200 guests. The line’s 10-night “American Revolution Cruise,” sailing roundtrip from Washington, DC, is offered from March to June 2024 then again in October and November 2024. The sailing, operated by American Constitution, calls at both Yorktown and Norfolk.

Carnival Auctioning Special Item Inspired by Newest Ship

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 1, 2024

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Carnival Auctioning Special Item Inspired by Newest Ship

Carnival Cruise Line is holding a special auction for a custom-made pair cowboy boots to benefit Operation Homefront, a unique fundraiser that has special connections to the cruise line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee.

The pair of boots are identical to the pair worn by Christine Duffy while she welcomed the first guests aboard the new ship in December 2023, and will be custom-made for the auction’s winner.

Carnival Cruise Line Auctioning Themed Cowboy Boots

Carnival Cruise Line has invited guests to support military families and own a very special part of Carnival Jubilee memorabilia – a custom-made pair of cowboy boots. The cruise line is holding an email auction for the boots with all proceeds donated to Operation Homefront, one of Carnival’s charitable partners.

The boots, designed by Associate Vice President of Interior Design and Architecture for Carnival Cruise Line Petu Kummala, feature not only the name Carnival, but also the cruise line’s characteristic whale tail funnel as well as the iconic Star of Texas that also adorns the bow of Carnival Jubilee.

The original pair of boots were worn by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy as she welcomed travelers aboard Carnival Jubilee on December 23, 2023. Those original boots will be permanently displayed aboard the ship to further showcase its connection to the Lone Star State.

“These cowboy boots are an ultimate piece of Carnival regalia, and such a fun way to celebrate the arrival of our new Carnival Jubilee,” said Duffy. “Even more special though is the opportunity for someone to have the only other pair that will ever be made – and for a cause we’re all passionate about here at Carnival.”

The auction pair of boots will be commissioned by Carnival and custom made for the auction’s winner by Parker Boot Company. The Houston-based company uses all genuine leather and time-honored methods for crafting fine boots, with personalized attention to ensure the highest quality and customization.

Place Your Bids

The auction – with bids submitted via email – will run for three weeks. A custom-made pair of Parker Boot Company boots typically cost around $8,000. Should the winning bid exceed $10,000, Carnival Cruise Line will also add a 7-night cruise aboard Carnival Jubilee in a balcony stateroom to the prize.

The 183,900-gross-ton, Excel-class vessel is homeported from Galveston, offering 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries that visit Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.

To enter the auction, guests must email Carnival Cruise Line with the amount of their bid, their full legal name, telephone number, and their Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty number, if applicable.

A special blog has been set up for auction updates, and the winner – who submits the highest bid – will be announced at Carnival Jubilee‘s official naming ceremony. The exact date for the naming ceremony has not yet been announced.

Carnival Cruise Line Supporting Operation Homefront

Carnival Cruise Line partners with Operation Homefront on a number of charitable ventures. In November 2023, the cruise line introduced a special “Heroes American Pale Ale” available aboard the five vessels with onboard breweries: Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Celebration, and Mardi Gras.

The new brew debuted on Veterans Day, and $1 for each pint glass purchased is donated to Operation Homefront. Select ships are also selling special Heroes souvenir pint glasses, which also include $1 donations to Operation Homefront.

“We’re proud to sail more veterans and military families than any other cruise line, and so proud that our guests support our causes generously,” said Duffy.

Operation Homefront offers support to military families in a variety of ways, including offering housing assistance, providing children with back-to-school supplies, holiday toy drives, and more.