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Celebrity Cruises Officially Christens Newest Edge-Class Ship

Celebrity Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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Dec 1, 2023

Celebrity Cruises Officially Christens Newest Edge-Class Ship

There is reason to celebrate at Celebrity Cruises, as the cruise line christened its newest Apex-class cruise ship in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale: Celebrity Ascent. The unveiling was done during a special naming ceremony, with the ship’s godmothers and twin captains in attendance.

The fourth ship in the Edge-clas series of groundbreaking cruise ships, Celebrity Ascent was handed over to Celebrity Cruises on November 8 of 2023. She has recently completed a series of shakedown cruises and will set sail on her maiden voyage on December 3.

A Ceremony Filled With Modern Maritime Traditions

Celebrity Cruises has officially named its newest cruise ship, the 3,260-passenger, 140,600 gross-ton Celebrity Ascent. The vessel was introduced to the world during a glittering naming ceremony that was filled with maritime traditions with a modern touch.

Celebrity Ascent is the first cruise ship in the world to feature two godmothers, who are also sisters, and two Captains, who are also brothers. Co-godmothers, Captain Sandy Yawn, from the well-known TV series Below Deck, and her sister Michelle Dunham, the Founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism, headlined the ceremony.

The ceremony featured the breaking of a champagne bottle against the ship’s hull under the watchful eye of Greek brothers Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and Captain Tasos Kafetzis, who will act as the Co-Captains of the vessel, a first in the industry.

“Celebrity Ascent has been designed to feed our guests travel wanderlust and provide unique experiences they will covet and love,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President at Celebrity Cruises.

“Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle, co-Godmothering Celebrity Ascent, add another, and more personal dimension, to this already extraordinary ship. Their connection, combined with the brotherly bond of the ship’s captains, exemplifies the sense of welcome and warm hospitality we strive for on every cruise.”

Construction for Celebrity Ascent started on November 17, 2021, and the vessel was handed over by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard of St. Nazaire, France, nearly two years later, on November 8, 2023. She arrived in Fort Lauderdale on November 30.

Pioneering Design and Slight Differences

Although Celebrity Ascent is the fourth in the Edge-class series, following Celebrity Edge (2018), Celebrity Apex (2020), and Celebrity Beyond (2022), there are some distinct differences in her design. She is around 20 meters longer than the original Celebrity Edge, with more space, particularly on the outside decks, and features even more luxury amenities onboard.

“With each new ship, our ambition is to debut the ultimate vacation experience and Celebrity Ascent achieves this by raising the bar for premium travel,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Her elevated design and new onboard experiences set her apart from competitors and serve as a new benchmark for the travel industry.”

The Rooftop Garden has been revamped to offer a more open and panoramic environment. For Aqua Class guests, the Blu restaurant now includes an option to dine outdoors. Additionally, there’s a fresh take on the Le Voyage restaurant, masterminded by Chef Daniel Boulud, featuring a new design and menu.

Celebrity Ascent To Offer Range of Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruises

Following the naming ceremony, Celebrity Ascent will spend two days in Fort Lauderdale, in preparation for her maiden seven-day voyage setting sail on December 3, 2023. Ports of call on the official maiden cruise include Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.

Upon returning to Fort Lauderdale on December 10, Celebrity Ascent will spend the winter alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau, Tortola, St. Kitts, and more.

On April 14, 2024, Celebrity Ascent will sail on a Transatlantic voyage to Europe, after which she will spend the summer cruising the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Piraeus, and Civitavecchia, to ports such as Naples, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Carnival Cruise Ship Loses Distinctive Feature Temporarily

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Dec 1, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Ship Loses Distinctive Feature Temporarily

Carnival Panorama is once again on the move toward Portland, Oregon for dry dock repairs to resolve her engine issues, but without one key feature – the ship’s iconic whale tail funnel has been removed.

This is good news for guests booked on the ship’s next scheduled sailing, her Christmas cruise departure on December 23, 2023. That cruise is still planned on time after the repairs are completed and the funnel is reinstalled.

Carnival Panorama Funnel Removed

After several days of waiting for the proper equipment and engineers to be available, Carnival Panorama has had her winged funnel removed in Victoria, British Columbia. The funnel was removed on November 30, 2023, but will be reinstalled before the ship welcomes guests again.

While the ship will be undergoing dry dock repairs in Oregon, it was only in Victoria where the appropriate equipment was available to remove the ship’s funnel so she can fit underneath bridges to reach the dry dock facility in Portland.

“The Whale Tale has been taken off successfully last night and the ship left for her dry dock in Astoria. Remember, she could not pass under the bridge in Astoria with it on so, off it came,” explained John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador. “And I should say that the Whale Tail was actually designed to be removed.”

Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

This is similar to how Carnival Freedom‘s whale tale was removed after the fire in May 2022 that damaged the funnel’s starboard wing. The wings were safely removed, and the ship continued to sail with a modified straight funnel until it was able to be replaced during a October 2023 dry dock in Cadiz, Spain.

Satellite tracking now shows the 133,500-gross-ton Vista-class Carnival Panorama underway toward Portland, moving at 12 knots (14 miles per hour / 22 kilometers per hour) with a scheduled arrival of approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 2.

Once the repairs to Carnival Panorama‘s engines are complete, she will need to return to Victoria to have her funnel reinstalled before she will then return to her homeport in Long Beach, California.

Christmas Cruise Still Scheduled to Sail

The removal of the funnel will be welcome news to guests booked on Carnival Panorama‘s December 23 departure, a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.

Many guests will have booked the Christmas cruise – as well as the following week’s New Year’s sailing – as a special holiday treat and a wonderful family travel tradition to celebrate the season, and of course it would be very disappointing if those cruises were to be cancelled.

Guests booked on either of those sailings should remain in close contact with Carnival Cruise Line or their travel agent in case there are any further cancellations or updates.

So far, a total of six cruises have been cancelled for the ship since she developed engine problems in early November. Because her maximum cruising speed is impacted, it has not been possible for Carnival Panorama to complete her planned itineraries. At the time the problems surfaced, two ports of call had to be cancelled for the ship to return to Long Beach on schedule.

The ship has had similar engine problems in the past, and seems to have the same propulsion difficulties as her Vista-class sister ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. All three vessels have had similar technical problems at different times with the Azipod propulsion system.

Here’s hoping that this emergency dry dock will correct the issues for Carnival Panorama and she will have smooth sailings moving forward with her whale tail intact, as she welcomes 4,008 guests aboard for each cruise at double occupancy, or as many as 5,097 travelers when fully booked for amazing cruise vacations.

New TUI Cruises Ship Floats Out at Shipyard

TUI Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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Dec 1, 2023

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New TUI Cruises Ship Floats Out at Shipyard

In the serene winter landscape of Turku, Finland, TUI Cruises’ newest addition, Mein Schiff 7, marked a significant step in its journey towards completion with the float-out ceremony.

This milestone event, set against the backdrop of the Meyer Turku shipyard, signifies the first time the vessel has touched seawater, an essential phase in the shipbuilding process.

Mein Schiff 7 is just one of three cruise ships the German cruise line currently has under construction. In Italy, TUI Cruises is building Mein Schiff Relax, and Mein Schiff 9.

Mein Schiff 7 Floats Out

TUI Cruises celebrated the float-out ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland today, December 1, 2023. The float-out ceremony is an important step for the shipyard, as it will now be able to evaluate whether or not the vessel is seaworthy and structurally sound.

Construction of the 115,000 gross-ton Mein Schiff 7 began on June 14, 2022. The vessel, the latest since the launch of sister ship Mein Schiff 2 in 2019, represents a new chapter in sustainable cruising.

Designed to accommodate 2,900 passengers, Mein Schiff 7 is packed with sustainable measures designed to make her one of the most advanced cruise ships in the world.

“We are delighted that the latest addition to the Mein Schiff fleet, Mein Schiff 7, is now afloat. This vessel, a sibling to Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, not only brings a host of exciting new features for our guests but also embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability with its use of innovative low-emission fuels.” says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

Innovation To Achieve Net-Zero Cruising

At the heart of its design is the use of lower-emission marine diesel with a sulfur content of just 0.1%. The ship is equipped with catalytic converters, achieving a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 75%, and possesses shore power connectivity.

Furthermore, Mein Schiff 7 is built to potentially run on green methanol, a climate-friendly fuel derived from renewable energies. Its waste treatment plant is particularly interesting.

This facility includes the “HydroTreat” system, which processes organic waste using thermal treatment. The system separates organic waste into liquid and solid components.

The liquid is treated and added to the ship’s wastewater treatment system, resulting in purified water. The solid waste is transformed into BioChar, a substance useful in agriculture for soil improvement and as a feed additive.

The capabilities exhibited on Mein Schiff 7 align with the sustainable vision of TUI Cruises. The cruise line wants to be one of the first in the world to move towards emission-free and climate-neutral cruising and offer the first climate-neutral cruises by 2030. However, the vessel is first and foremost about having an enjoyable cruise.

Culinary Experiences and Onboard Amenities

Guests on Mein Schiff 7 will experience the blend of innovative culinary experiences and comfort that TUI Cruises has been steadily building its reputation on.

The ship introduces new dining concepts, including a fresh Asian and sushi Restaurant, an Italian restaurant serving top-class Mediterranean cuisine, and a European cafe known for its coffee and pastries. All in all, the 2894 guests onboard will be able to choose from a range of 12 restaurants and 17 bars.

TUI Mein Schiff 7 — Render Courtesy: TUI Cruises

Mein Schiff 7‘s maiden season is set to commence on June 23, 2024, taking guests through the Baltic region. The first cruises depart from Kiel and Warnemünde, Germany, to destinations like the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle and ports such as Stavanger, Eidfjord, Molde, North Cape, and Longyearbyen on Spitzbergen.

Future Fleet Expansion

The introduction of Mein Schiff 7 is part of a broader strategy by TUI Cruises to expand its fleet, with two more ships under construction. The company has plans to introduce two 160,000 gross tons LNG-powered cruise ships, Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff 9, currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

The float out of Mein Schiff 7 and the construction of the two InTUItion-class ships marks an important step in the evolution of the cruise industry towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. With its advanced design, and focus on eco-friendly fuel options, Mein Schiff 7 is set to be a game-changer.

Cunard Line Continues Record Bookings for Black Friday Period

Cunard News

Melissa Mayntz

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Dec 1, 2023

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Cunard Line Continues Record Bookings for Black Friday Period

Cunard Line has reported continued record-breaking bookings through the Black Friday period, continuing an increase in demand for the line’s distinctive luxury that began during the wave season earlier in the year.

With Queen Anne set to debut in May, this popularity shows just how cruise travel is in demand, especially for new vessels and amazing itineraries, both of which Cunard Line is poised to offer.

Cunard Line Sees Highest-Ever Black Friday Bookings

For the Black Friday booking period, luxury British cruise line Cunard has seen its highest-ever bookings compared to the same holiday sales period in previous years.

This follows the cruise line’s spectacular start to 2023 with the busiest ever wave season of bookings in the past 10 years. The demand for reservations covers sailings from 2023 into 2025, with the upcoming Queen Anne‘s maiden season proving exceptionally popular for cruise travelers.

“Following a record start to the year with our strongest Wave campaign in ten years, we have seen unparalleled bookings during the latest Black Friday period,” said Katie McAlister, Cunard President.

“It’s fantastic to see momentum for our newest ship Queen Anne gathering pace, and these results are testament to the enduring appeal of Cunard’s commitment to unrivalled luxury, unique White Star Service, and unforgettable holiday experiences.”

Cunard Cruise Ship Queen Elizabeth — Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock

While the cruise line has not disclosed exact numbers for these record-breaking booking periods, it is sure to include interest from experienced Cunard Line cruisers as well as travelers new to the line who are looking for an authentic ocean liner experience.

The line prides itself on classic luxury and amazing nautical connections with its 183 years of experience offering unforgettable sailings around the world, including its iconic transatlantic journeys.

Sailing With Queen Anne

When she sets sail in May 2024, Queen Anne will become the fourth active ship in the Cunard fleet, the first time the cruise line has operated four vessels simultaneously since 1999. As a matter of interest, the ship will be the 249th vessel to ever sail with the cruise line.

“We look forward to a bumper start to 2024 with ever-increasing demand for Queen Anne as we approach the final countdown to her maiden voyage in May,” said McAlister.

The Pinnacle-class ship will be 113,300 gross tons with the ability to welcome 3,000 guests aboard. She is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, where her keel was laid in September 2022.

Queen Anne Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Cunard Line)

The new ship will bring new experiences and amenities to loyal Cunard cruisers and new guests alike, including unique specialty dining options that span global tastes, from Japan to India to Britain.

New wellness spaces will also be featured on Queen Anne, offering luxurious pampering and an elegant and relaxing retreat. The top-deck Pavilion with a retractable glass-domed roof will be especially popular, with its Wellness Cafe and fitness studio.

While Queen Anne was originally scheduled to debut in early January, supply chain issues at the shipyard during her construction led to several months’ of cancellations as her inaugural voyage was pushed back until May 2024. That first sailing will now be a 14-night Canary Islands cruise departing May 10, which will be followed by a 14-night British Isles itinerary from May 24.

The new ship will visit many desirable destinations in her first season from Southampton, including top ports in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, Scandinavia, Scotland, northern Europe, and Iceland.

Of special note will be the ship’s first historic transatlantic crossing in January 2025 as she begins her first world cruise, which will completely circumnavigate the globe from Hamburg, Germany in what is sure to be a momentous sailing.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Guests Help Rescue Shark

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Dec 1, 2023

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Guests Help Rescue Shark

Many cruise travelers enjoy feeling connected to the ocean when they set sail, but one family sailing aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas got more connected than they ever could have imagined when they helped rescue a beached basking shark in Napier, New Zealand.

The cruise guests, local police, and other beach walkers successfully helped refloat the juvenile shark, a protected species rarely seen in the region.

Cruise Guests Help Rescue Basking Shark

On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, guests from Ovation of the Seas were enjoying a walk on Marine Parade beach in Napier when they noticed a beached shark – a juvenile basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) – in distress.

According to the New Zealand Herald, Karen O’Connor and her family came across the struggling shark and quickly called the police for assistance with the animal.

“When we first got here, he [the shark] was just lying there and you could see he was trying so hard to breathe,” O’Connor said. “We just kept trying to pull him out and dig him out. We got him out a bit but didn’t have the strength to keep pulling.”

Police officers and other beachgoers quickly jumped into action, helping dig the shark out and gently tugging it back into the water until it floated free of the sand and could swim away in the outgoing tide.

The incident occurred at roughly 10 a.m. Ovation of the Seas had docked at 8:30 a.m. that morning, and O’Connor’s family was enjoying a stroll on Marine Parade beach, just one mile (2.2 km) south of the cruise terminal, close to the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

The 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum-class Ovation of the Seas was sailing a 10-night New Zealand cruise roundtrip from Sydney, Australia at the time. Napier is one of the last calls on the itinerary, though the ship skipped Wellington the day before due to poor weather in the area. The ship is due to return to Sydney on Sunday, December 3.

Cruise Guests Helping Wildlife

Many cruise lines and their passengers take great steps to protect marine wildlife, and cruise lines are dedicated to carbon neutrality by 2050 in order to safeguard all the environments they visit.

Cruise guests can contribute to environmental and wildlife protection efforts in different ways. Occasionally, shore tours may be offered that include conservation activities, such as beach cleanups or planting vegetation to minimize beach erosion.

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas (Photo Credit: sma1050)

Some cruise lines also partner with local environmental initiatives to help endangered species, such as Princess Cruises’ efforts to protect two endangered penguin species in New Zealand.

Similarly, Celebrity Cruises has joined a voluntary program to operate at slower speeds during whale migration, helping protect the huge mammals from accidental strikes and excessive noise, and MSC Cruises is taking special steps to train deck officers to protect wildlife and minimize strikes with whales.

About the Basking Shark

The basking shark is the second-largest living shark and fish in the world (after the massive whale shark). While an adult can measure up to 28 feet (8.5 meters) in length and may weigh as much as 10,300 pounds (4,654 kilograms), the beached shark in Napier was a juvenile at roughly 10-13 feet long (3-4 meters).

While these slow-moving sharks are widespread through both northern and southern oceans, they are not aggressive and are considered harmless to humans, eating primarily plankton, invertebrates, and very small fish.

Due to direct fishing and by-catch in trawling nets, the basking shark is considered either threatened or endangered by different conservation organizations worldwide.

Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of O’Connor, her family, and others on the beach at the right time, one young basking shark will have a better opportunity to maximize its 50-year lifespan and keep its population thriving.

Another Cruise Line Sets Thanksgiving Week Booking Records

Princess Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Dec 1, 2023

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Another Cruise Line Sets Thanksgiving Week Booking Records

As the busiest shopping days of the year officially get underway, Princess Cruises is already having a very happy holiday season with amazing booking records ever in the cruise line’s history for Thanksgiving week, including Cyber Monday. This bodes well for a profitable holiday season and high demand for cruises into 2024, 2025, and beyond.

Princess Cruises Sets Booking Records

In the week from November 20-27, 2023, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and promotions, Princess Cruises enjoyed its biggest booking numbers ever compared to the same holiday week in previous years.

This demonstrates the continued demand for cruises, including booking vacations further in advance to secure the best itineraries, options, and deals.

“The extraordinary, all-inclusive appeal of a Princess cruise is something that is clearly very attractive to consumers, as is the exceptional value it offers compared to land-based vacations,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

Princess Cruises’ Black Friday deals included a 50% off cruise fare promotion, which also applied to the all-inclusive Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. Depending on which options guests selected, they could save up to 65% compared to non-sale prices for amenities such as WiFi, drinks, gratuities, and more.

Royal Princess in Auckland, New Zealand (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)

More than 330 destinations were part of Princess Cruises’ offerings, with all itineraries up for grabs, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, New England, transatlantic cruises, and more, including the cruise line’s first sailings from Port Canaveral as a homeport, when Caribbean Princess begins sailing from central Florida in November 2024.

Furthermore, guests were also able to book sailings on the upcoming Sun Princess, which will first debut in Europe in early 2024 and then be homeported from Fort Lauderdale for the 2024 winter season. The first Sphere-class vessel will be offering 5- and 7-night cruises to top destinations in the Bahamas as well as both Eastern and Western Caribbean ports.

“The response has been remarkable and smart shoppers were able to reserve voyages at attractive prices and lock into preferred dates and accommodations they want in 2024 and 2025,” Padgett said.

Cruise Lines Breaking Records

Princess Cruises is not the only cruise line to have set records as the holiday shopping season begins.

Holland America Line also offered incredible booking incentives and saw bookings surge more than 20% higher than 2022 Black Friday sales. Discount fares, lower deposits, prepaid gratuities, and other incentives were all part of the cruise line’s sales offers.

Princess Cruises, however, has seen high demand for unique itineraries all year long. In September, the cruise line released additional Japan itineraries due to high interest in the unique destination, and new 2024-2025 sailings have also been announced for South America and Antarctica.

Regal Princess at Port of Galveston (Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises)

Alaska remains a high-interest destination and a bucket-list itinerary for many travelers, and Princess Cruises is offering a greater variety of Last Frontier sailings in 2025 with seven ships in the region.

For guests who really want to take a once-in-a-lifetime sailing, the Panama Canal is a top choice, and Princess is offering three ships making such journeys in 2024-2025: Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, and Coral Princess. Both partial and full transit options are available.

With so many outstanding destinations and sought-after itineraries available, it is no surprise that Princess Cruises is continuing to see high demand and reach booking records for sailings in the coming months.

Key West’s Cruise Future Now In the Hands of Governor

Port News

Robert McGillivray

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Nov 30, 2023

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Key West’s Cruise Future Now In the Hands of Governor

Key West is currently at the center of a significant decision regarding a request by the cruise piers owner for expansion of cruise ship operations, a request that has sparked intense debate among residents, environmentalists, and politicians.

The decision to allow larger and more cruise ships to come to Key West now rests in the hands of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The Governor’s decision will have major implications for the local environment and economy and the future of cruise tourism in the region.

DeSantis Faces Tough Key West Decision

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Key West’s residents have actively sought to limit the size and number of cruise ships visiting their shores. Concerned about the environmental impact, they successfully passed three ballot measures in 2020 to cap daily passenger arrivals at 1,500.

However, in a contentious move, the decisions were overturned by the state Legislature in 2021, with Governor DeSantis’ approval, signing a law preventing such local ballot measures from limiting marine commerce. While that seemed to be the end of the saga, a new issue has now arisen.

Mark Walsh, a hotelier overseeing Key West’s cruise ship port, has asked for state permission to expand the possible number and size of cruise ships arriving at the cruise port. While the expansion raises economic opportunities for Key West and its residents, it also carries significant environmental risks.

According to the New York Times, The governor himself has called the reefs a state treasure and will decide with his cabinet in December 2023 if Walsh can proceed with the expansion. Bearing in mind that Walsh already has a permit to allow larger ships, which expires in June.

Florida Governor at Port Canaveral — Photo Posted: Governor DeSantis

In essence, it means that even if DeSantis allows the expansion, it will merely be a continuation of the current situation. The denial of the permit will mean that the number of cruise ships sailing to Key West could be seriously limited.

At the core of the issue lies the fact that cruise ships cause significant disruption to the waters around the port due to their deep draft and the relatively shallow water level in Key West.

The propellers lift sediment and sand from the ocean floor. This sediment clouds the water, reducing the sunlight crucial for coral health. When this sediment settles, it can blanket the coral, obstructing their access to sunlight and smothering them.

Community Pushback In Key West

The expansion of cruise tourism in Key West faces fierce opposition from locals, and, on the other hand, a significant part of the local population is eager to see an increased number of cruise passengers arrive in Key West.

Safer Cleaner Ships, an activist group, has been at the forefront of battling against the damage cruise ships are doing to local coral reefs. While the group opposes large cruise ships from entering the waterways around Key West, it does welcome smaller cruise ships.

Safer Cleaner Ships states on its website: “The truth is, sensible limits on cruise ships in Key West will protect our coral reef and the tourist economy that depends on it. We will keep fighting to limit large cruise ships and defend the will of the people of Key West.”

“Our opponents said we wanted to ban cruise ships, but that was never true. Dozens of the world’s most beautiful cruise ships qualify to call on Key West under the voter-enacted size limits.”

Cruise Ship in Key West — Photo Credit: Stuart Monk / Shutterstock

Those who want to see more cruise ships arrive do so mainly because they feel their business is hurting. Local tour operators report a significant decrease in business, with some experiencing up to a 40% downturn, attributed to the reduced number of cruise ship visits. This decline is particularly felt by companies directly linked to the cruise industry.

However, this trend might be influenced by other factors, especially considering that Key West is scheduled to welcome 342 cruise ship calls in 2024. A number that can hardly be called a downturn. Contrary to the belief that the city’s financial health heavily relies on cruise ship tourism, Key West emerged as one of the strongest economies in Florida post-pandemic.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who has received substantial campaign donations from Mark Walsh, owner and operator of the cruise pier in Key West, is now faced with a challenging decision. He must weigh the protection of Key West’s delicate coral reefs against the interests of his campaign contributors.

New Celebrity Cruise Ship Features Exclusive Retail Venues

Celebrity Cruises News

Donna Tunney

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Nov 30, 2023

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New Celebrity Cruise Ship Features Exclusive Retail Venues

Celebrity Cruises and its luxury retail partner are set to unveil several exclusive shops and services aboard the line’s newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, a vessel poised to enter service following her December 1, 2023 christening ceremony. The ship is the fourth in the line’s popular Edge class.

High-end Brands Will Entice Celebrity Ascent Cruisers

Known for its “Modern Luxury” marketing theme, Celebrity Cruises is taking luxury retail to new heights onboard Celebrity Ascent, the line’s newest ship, in partnership with Starboard Cruise Services, an operator of luxury retail spaces across the cruise industry.

The 3,260-guest ship, constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, will feature luxury goods such as jewelry, fragrances, clothing, and more, from top global brands like Bvlgari, Piaget, Chanel, and Cartier.

Retail areas will be situated on Deck 4 and 5, comprising some 9,000 square feet and featuring high-end products, from Swiss timepieces to skin and beauty treatments, and destination-focused items.

Celebrity Ascent Retail (Photo Courtesy: Starboard)

“Starboard has consistently been at the forefront of supporting Celebrity Cruises in its mission to launch the most sought-after ships,“ said Lisa Bauer, Starboard’s President and CEO.

“Our long-time partnership has boasted multiple groundbreaking concepts that have taken the creation of enduring memories to a whole new level. And we can’t wait for guests to experience them aboard Celebrity Ascent,” added Bauer.

Interactive Experiences Included in Luxe Retail Space

Some of the new offerings Starboard will provide include fragrances by Loewe and travel and home goods from Nate Berkus’s Sunset Collection. With a focus on mind and body, guests can choose items from the “Beauty for All” product list that includes the Olaplex brand, plus Moroccan Oil Tools and body care options from Mario Badescu and L’Occitane.

Jewelry and watch collections will be featured at the ship’s Piaget boutique, along with sister brand Cartier, and in a standalone shop by Bvlgari, offering jewelry, handbags, accessories, and other luxe goods. The cruise line believes the premium offerings will be appreciated by Celebrity Cruises’s upscale guests.

“Starboard, our long-time partner, has created an exceptional retail experience for our revolutionary Edge® Series, aligning seamlessly with our innovation and refinement of the fleet. The results and positive feedback from our guests have truly exceeded our expectations,” said Keith Lane, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Celebrity Cruises.

Some experiences go beyond just shopping and become interactive. The cruise line promises guests will experience a “multi-sensory spirited exploration” in the ship’s Spirited shop, which will introduce immersive, personalized tastings. An interactive experience called “What’s Your Whiskey” will divulge guests’ preferences for whisky flavors, for example.

Another interactive concept will be offered in the ship’s Attraction boutique, where beauty specialists will provide personalized services with makeup selections from Chanel and Dior.

The luxury shopping experiences are not only for ladies. For men, the Mankind boutique will feature jewelry and grooming items from top brands.

Celebrity Ascent arrived at her homeport at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, on November 29, 2023, and is slated to be christened there on December 1, 2023. The naming ceremony will feature the ship’s godmothers, Captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo TV’s “Below Deck,” and her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism.

Following the christening, Celebrity Ascent will sail her maiden voyage on December 3, 2023, and begin a series of alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

The new ship will be one of six Celebrity Cruises’ vessels to operate from Port Everglades, including her Edge-class sisters, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, and Celebrity Silhouette.

Second Icon-Class Ship to Call World’s Busiest Cruise Port Home

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 30, 2023

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Second Icon-Class Ship to Call World’s Busiest Cruise Port Home

Royal Caribbean International has announced that the already highly anticipated second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, will be homeported from Port Canaveral when she debuts in the summer of 2025.

Her first cruises will go on sale on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, though her exact itineraries have not yet been disclosed.

Star of the Seas to Homeport in Florida

Star of the Seas, sister ship to the soon-to-debut Icon of the Seas, will homeport from Port Canaveral, adding another fantastic ship to the lineup at the world’s busiest passenger cruise port.

“This is tremendous news, and we are very proud to be the homeport for this remarkable new ship. Star of the Seas will add even more excitement to the Royal Caribbean fleet that calls Port Canaveral home,” said Captain John Murray, Port CEO. “We’re looking forward to her arrival in 2025 and will be ready to welcome her and the many cruise guests who will enjoy all that she has to offer.”

Port Canaveral, US Homeport — Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

Royal Caribbean has not yet announced what itineraries Star of the Seas will be offering, nor when her exact inaugural sailing will take place, but that information is just days away.

From Port Canaveral, it is likely the ship will offer a variety of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, almost certainly visiting Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

New ships typically offer longer sailings – 7-night cruises are especially popular. It is also possible, however, that the new ship might offer shorter cruises, as Royal Caribbean has recently begun sailing the Oasis-class Allure of the Seas from Port Canaveral on 3- and 4-night cruises, giving travelers more choices to meet their vacation needs.

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

If the ship does offer shorter cruises, passengers can always arrange back-to-back sailings to create a longer cruise if they wish, giving them more time to enjoy everything the massive new ship is sure to offer.

About Star of the Seas

Little is known about the new ship as yet, and in fact her name was only announced in early October. Star of the Seas is already under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the same shipyard that delivered Icon of the Seas just days ago.

As the second in the Icon class, Star of the Seas is sure to closely resemble Icon of the Seas at roughly 250,800 gross tons, with a capacity for 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or up to 7,600 travelers when fully booked.

Key features aboard Icon of the Seas are sure to also be onboard Star of the Seas, including the stunning AquaDome transformational space, a range of themed onboard neighborhoods, massive waterslides, multiple pools, and much, much more.

Icon of the Seas Show (Image Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)

The cruise line has already indicated, however, that Star of the Seas will be distinctive from her sister ship, with brand new features and unique experiences.

“The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, when the ship’s name was announced.

Royal Caribbean is well known for innovation and adding never-before-seen features aboard its ships, from ice-skating rinks and rock-climbing walls to the tallest observation pods at sea, carousels, surf simulators, escape rooms, skydiving simulators, robotic bartenders, and much more.

There is no telling what may be in store for Star of the Seas, but there are sure to be outstanding features and luxurious amenities that will excite any cruise traveler. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive in the months leading up to the ship’s summer 2025 debut to keep up with all the news and announcements, and be ready to reach for the stars!