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Norwegian Viva Christened and New Terminal Display Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 29, 2023

Norwegian Viva Christened and New Terminal Display Revealed

The newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship and second in the award-winning Prima class, Norwegian Viva, has been officially christened in a glittering ceremony with both modern and traditional elements in Miami, Florida on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

The event also included paying homage to the cruise line’s history and dedicating a new installation at the Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal in Miami.

Norwegian Viva Christened

The new Norwegian Viva has been officially named and welcomed into the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. The traditional ceremony, which included breaking the celebratory bottle of champagne over the ship’s hull for blessings and good luck, was held at PortMiami at the cruise line’s dedicated terminal.

“To christen Norwegian Viva in Miami is incredibly special to many of us at NCL, not only because Miami is our hometown, but also because we can share this moment with our local family and friends,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

The ship’s godfather, Luis Fonsi, did the honors of breaking the champagne bottle.

Fonsi has a particular connection to the ship not only because he is based in Miami, but because the Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and musician is a native Puerto Rican.

Norwegian Viva Christening (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Norwegian Viva will be homeported from San Juan from mid-December 2023 through early April 2024, and will return to Puerto Rico in fall 2024 after the Mediterranean sailing season ends.

“It is so exciting to celebrate the magnificent Norwegian Viva in true Latin-style in Miami and alongside fellow A-list Latino entertainers,” said Fonsi. “We are giving her a proper despedida before she makes her debut in my hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.”

Also part of the festivities were traditional blessings and welcoming speeches, live entertainment from additional performers with Miami and Latin roots, and thanks given to all who helped bring the new ship to life.

David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line President (Photo Credit: Alexander Tamargo / Norwegian Cruise Line)

“Launching a ship is no solo endeavor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards the entire NCL team, our partners and especially our amazing crew who have contributed to bringing Norwegian Viva to life and who care for and deliver exceptional vacation experiences for our guests,” said Herrera.

Living It Up Aboard Norwegian Viva

Since her debut in August 2023, Norwegian Viva has already been delighting guests and offering the world-class cruise vacations Norwegian Cruise Line is known for.

“The addition of Norwegian Viva further elevates our world-class fleet, providing our valued guests with another incredible way to vacation, discover new experiences and create unforgettable memories,” said Harry Sommer, president & chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Since she launched in August, Norwegian Viva’s initial guest satisfaction scores have outshined any newbuild in the history of the NCL fleet, a testament to not only how stunning this ship is, but also the exceptional level of service and attention provided by our amazing crew on board.”

Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Robert McGillivray / Cruise Hive)

The 142,500-gross-ton ship can welcome 3,099 guests at each sailing, with 1,500 crew members aboard to provide exceptional service.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy outstanding features such as the Indulge Food Hall with 11 distinct eateries; the interactive “Every Wing Has a Silver Lining” artwork at the Metropolitan Bar; the 3-story Viva Speedway go-kart track; the racing slides The Drop and The Rush; the luxurious Mandara Spa; high speed Starlink internet service; and much more.

After limited sailings from Miami, Norwegian Viva will set sail from San Juan beginning on December 15, 2023 with various 7-night Caribbean itineraries to top tropical ports of call such as the Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, and more.

Terminal Addition Also Introduced

The christening ceremony took place with more than 1,500 guests in attendance at Norwegian Cruise Line’s LEED Gold certified Miami terminal, which also included the unveiling and dedication of the Knut Kloster Hall.

Knut Kloster Hall (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

The hall is a tribute to Norwegian Cruise Line’s founder, Knut Kloster, and walks visitors through the cruise line’s 57-year history of innovation and creativity in the cruise industry. Displays include a timeline of all Norwegian Cruise Line ships from the original Sunward to Norwegian Viva, including the gross tonnage, guest occupancy, godparent, and years of service of each vessel.

A list of the cruise line’s leadership and a brief biography of Kloster is also part of the terminal. Guests will especially enjoy the detailed models of ships on display, as well as the graphic timeline of the cruise line’s history.

Young Passenger Falls From Balcony Aboard Royal Caribbean Ship

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 28, 2023

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Young Passenger Falls From Balcony Aboard Royal Caribbean Ship

What was to have been a relaxing weekend cruise ended in tragedy for one family aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas, as a young passenger has died after falling from one of the ship’s balconies.

Few details are available, though the cruise line has confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the family.

Passenger Dies After Cruise Ship Fall

Allure of the Seas departed Port Canaveral on Friday, November 24, 2023 for what was to have been a fun weekend cruise, but just hours later, in the early morning on Saturday, November 25, tragedy struck for one family.

According to TMZ, a 16-year-old male guest fell from one of the ship’s balconies and suffered extensive injuries. Undisclosed sources later confirmed that the teen passed away at a hospital due to those injuries, despite onboard announcements urging guests to donate blood.

Photos from the ship show the balcony as one of the ship’s interior, Central Park view balconies. Two such balconies on Deck 11 were marked with caution tape, and a tent with privacy screening was erected on the Deck 8 walkway beneath those balconies.

Royal Caribbean International has confirmed the incident in a statement.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of a guest, and our hearts go out to the family. Out of respect for them, we won’t provide any further comment,” the cruise line said.

Allure of the Seas Balconies (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

The teen’s name and traveling companions have not been released to protect the guests’ privacy during this very difficult time.

Circumstances of the fall are not yet clear, and it is unknown whether or not the teen slipped accidentally from the balcony, was engaged in any reckless actions, or deliberately went over the railing.

The cruise line will undoubtedly be reviewing security footage from the time in question and conducting a full investigation to be sure such incidents can be avoided or minimized in the future.

There did not appear to be any impact to the ship’s itinerary, which included stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Port Canaveral on Monday, November 27.

Allure of the Seas is a 225,282-gross-ton, Oasis-class ship, with 16 guest decks and a capacity of 5,496 guests at double occupancy. At full occupancy with all berths filled, the ship can welcome 6,826 passengers aboard. Weekend cruises, especially during the holiday period, tend to be more fully booked.

Reckless Behavior on Cruise Ships

While the exact circumstances of this incident have not been detailed, reckless behavior on cruise ships can have dire consequences. Guests have been recorded sitting on cruise ship balcony railings and engaging in other dangerous actions that could quickly turn tragic.

This is not the first time dangerous behavior has been recorded onboard Allure of the Seas. In October 2019, a female guest was photographed walking on the edge of the ship – over the balcony railings – while at sea en route to Labadee, Haiti during a 7-night cruise.

As a result of that bad behavior, the woman was removed from the cruise and banned for life from the cruise line. Royal Caribbean’s “Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy” clearly states that unsafe behavior is not permitted at any time.

“Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited,” the policy reads.

Furthermore, parents and guardians are deemed responsible for any travelers under the age of 18, and are responsible “for the behavior and appropriate supervision of their accompanying minor … throughout their vacation. This responsibility applies at all times, regardless of whether the parents and guardians are physically in the company of their minor(s).”

This incident is indisputably tragic and upsetting, and Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the family members and friends of the teen, as well as the other guests and crew members impacted by this sad event.

Largest-Ever TUI Cruise Ship Floats Out at Shipyard

TUI Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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Nov 28, 2023

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Largest-Ever TUI Cruise Ship Floats Out at Shipyard

TUI Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group had reason to celebrate today as Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two InTUItion class cruise ships, floated out at the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy.

The launch marks a new era for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group, as they take delivery of this innovative, dual-fuel-powered vessel from Fincantieri, which promises to set new standards in near-zero emission cruising.

Float-Out Ceremony for Mein Schiff Relax

TUI Cruises’ decision to name their new vessel Mein Schiff Relax instead of following their traditional numbered naming convention represents a strategic shift in branding and marketing for the cruise line. And for good reason, Mein Schiff Relax is an entirely new concept for the German cruise line.

The float-out ceremony was marked by traditional maritime festivities, with Elena Sperti, an employee of the shipyard, in attendance as the godmother. The float-out ceremony is an important milestone in the construction of a cruise ship, marking the transition from construction in a dry dock to being afloat in water.

The float-out also serves a technical function, as it is the first time that engineers will be able to see if the vessel is structurally sound.

New Era For TUI Cruises

Weighing approximately 160,000 gross tons, Mein Schiff Relax represents the backbone of TUI Cruises’ future fleet, and showcasing the cruise line’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Mein Schiff Relax has been designed with energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact in mind. The ship can operate using LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), the cleanest marine fuel currently available, and is also capable of burning low-emission fuels like bio- or e-LNG.

The ship can operate nearly emission-free while in port and has a marine gasifier onboard that nearly eliminates waste from the vessel. A marine gasifier is a type of technology used on ships to convert solid or liquid fuels into a gaseous form, that in turn can be used for powering the ship’s engines or generating electricity.

The process involves the gasification of waste materials, such as food waste, but also oily rags, and common household waste, through a thermochemical process that converts waste into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

State-of-the-Art Amenities Onboard Mein Schiff Relax

Guests sailing onboard Mein Schiff Relax will have a total of 16 passenger decks to use. Compared to the older Mein Schiff cruise ships, Mein Schiff Relax offers an array of novel amenities and features, including a theater extending from decks 3 to 5, a new atrium with panoramic windows, various themed restaurants and bars, and a wellness area on deck 15.

Deck 17, named Aqua, will be a hub for sports and relaxation, featuring the indoor sports area Arena, a fitness studio, and kids’ areas. Deck 17 also hosts the main pool deck with a unique shadow roof, bars, bistros, luxury seating and lounging options, and a 25-meter pool.

Mein Schiff Relax Render (Image Credit: TUI Cruises)

Decks 18 and 19 are designed as serene relaxation areas, with Deck 19 housing the Mistral Deck complete with a barrel sauna and sports facilities.

It will be a little while before Mein Schiff Relax sets sail on her first cruise. TUI Cruises put the first cruises up for sale on October 17, with the maiden voyage setting sail on March 16.

Itineraries include various 7 to 10-day Mediterranean cruises from Palma de Mallorca. These cruises will explore France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with extended stays in Palma de Mallorca for two-day overnights.

TUI Cruises’ InTUItion class

The construction of Mein Schiff Relax, the first ship in TUI Cruises’ InTUItion class, began in June 2022. Originally, the vessel was scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2024, but this was postponed to the beginning of 2025 due to global supply chain shortages.

Construction on the sister ship of Mein Schiff Relax, currently designated as Mein Schiff 9, also began in June 2022. Similar to her sister, Mein Schiff 9‘s construction and delivery were affected by the pandemic. The delivery date is currently set for the second quarter of 2026

Carnival Cruise Line Addresses “Pajamagate” Controversy

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 28, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Addresses “Pajamagate” Controversy

With holiday cruises now underway, Carnival Cruise Line has found itself in the middle of another dress code controversy – whether or not guests should be able to wear pajamas to breakfast in the Main Dining Room.

For many families, a cozy, pajama-clad breakfast is a holiday tradition, but some travelers feel such casualness should be reserved for while one is celebrating at home, not on a cruise ship.

Are Pajamas Suitable for the Main Dining Room?

The controversy has erupted as guests have asked Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald about whether or not pajamas will be permitted in the Main Dining Room on Christmas morning.

Matching pajama sets and a cozy, casual breakfast is a fun tradition that many families enjoy, and they would like to do the same even while onboard a holiday cruise.

Other travelers, however, point out that when one is on a Christmas cruise, they are not at home and not all traditions may be appropriate when there are thousands of guests onboard.

Heald has posted a poll on his popular Facebook page asking what experienced Carnival fans think about whether or not pajamas should be permitted on what is now being called “pajamagate.”

“Would you wear pajamas to breakfast on Christmas Day in the dining room?” Heald asked.

With more than 12,000 votes cast, the most popular response, with 68% of the votes, is “No, but I have absolutely no objection to others doing so. It’s fun.”

Wearing Pajamas While Dining — Photo Credit: sashahaltam

A total of 23% of voters say that yes, they would wear pajamas, while only 9% disagree and say that pajamas should absolutely not be allowed.

Opinions have been heated on pajamagate, with some Carnival fans noting that the Main Dining Room dress code is already relatively relaxed, and so pajamas should not be a problem. Others are “disgusted” at the idea and feel that pajamas should not be permitted in any public area of a cruise ship, and should instead be confined to one’s stateroom.

“Yes indeed, it’s Pajamagate and honestly, I don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Heald.

Carnival Cruise Line is permitting pajamas in public for a couple of seasonal holiday events – a Family Pajama Jam on the Lido Deck before the holiday-themed Dive-In movies, as well as a pajama parade for all ages. These special activities are not during meals or in the Main Dining Room, however.

What Type of Pajamas

It should be noted that no details of what type of pajamas will be considered acceptable for onboard activities have been announced.

Many stores offer matching family pajamas in fun holiday designs, which are usually long pants or shorts along with shirts. This would be similar to wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, which would be permitted in the Main Dining Room for breakfast or brunch.

If travelers were to opt for skimpier or less modest pajamas, for example, such as silky Santa-themed negligees or other eye-catching attire, it is unlikely they would be allowed, even for a special holiday breakfast.

Even outside of holiday sailings, some guests do wear pajamas or robes to breakfast, at least to the Lido buffet. This occasionally raises eyebrows and complaints, but is not considered a significant issue. Because holiday pajamas have become a trend in recent years, however, the dress code comes into more question for holiday cruises.

Other Dress Code Controversies

“Pajamagate” is not the first time dining room dress codes have been called into question for Carnival Cruise Line. Heald regularly fields questions about hats, jeans, or other attire and whether or not it is permissible in the Main Dining Room.

Some discussions focus on daily dining room clothing, while others are directed toward formal night or “Elegant Evening” attire, such as whether or not a military dress uniform is suitable, or if a cowboy should be permitted to wear boots and a hat.

Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)

Ultimately, the answer to the questions is usually similar – while some clothing is not permitted for safety’s sake, such as bare feet or wet swimwear – guests are generally permitted to dress as they like, within reason. Crew members can always deny dining room entry to any guest who is inappropriately dressed, such as wearing shirts with vulgarities or profanity or severely torn clothing.

Carnival’s website does have a section on “What to Wear” that covers the cruise line’s overall dress code for casual days, evening wear, and dress codes in certain specialty restaurants. Pajamas, however, are not discussed in the overall dress code guidelines.

Princess Cruises Details Its Largest Casino in the Fleet

Princess Cruises News

Donna Tunney

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Nov 28, 2023

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Princess Cruises Details Its Largest Casino in the Fleet

Princess Cruises is betting big on its newest ship, Sun Princess, set to launch in February 2024. The cruise line has allocated a whopping 9,000 square feet to host what will be its largest casino at sea, a venue designed to attract seasoned players as well as beginners.

Sun Princess Hits the Jackpot With New Casino Design

Sun Princess, the first ship in Princess Cruises’ new Sphere class, will offer cruisers a spacious casino with 227 slot machines and 13 live game tables when she debuts in February 2024. The ship, which will be the cruise line’s largest at 175,000-gross tons, is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The 4,300-guest ship’s Princess Casino will devote about 9,000 square feet to various games of chance, and will be the first cruise ship to offer Aristocrat Gaming’s Buffalo Zone at sea, a series of slot machines tied to the company’s popular buffalo theme.

The casino space aboard Sun Princess will feature 10-foot-high ceilings and newly designed comfortable seating throughout. Live game tables, where guests can play blackjack and poker, will offer progressive jackpots and high-value cash awards. A high-limit slot machine area is also included in the venue.

“Casino lovers, high rollers or simply those wanting to try a hand during their vacation will be stunned by the new Princess Casino onboard Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises.

“Princess has embraced the casino experience and is proud to offer such exciting gaming surrounded by absolutely world-class dining and entertainment,” added Padgett.

The Sun Princess casino will be located on Deck 8, next to the Piazza, the ship’s atrium. Some gaming spaces will be offered in the Piazza as well. The cruise line will also introduce new gaming options through interactive audio-visual concepts, but it has not yet provided details on what they will be.

Sun Princess is scheduled to sail her inaugural voyage on February 8, 2024, from Barcelona to Rome with port calls at Mallorca, Spain; Messina, Sicily; Athens and Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Naples, Italy.

The ship will remain in the Mediterranean through the summer 2024 season, sailing 7- to 23-night itineraries from multiple ports. Sun Princess will reposition to Fort Lauderdale in November 2024, offering a series of winter sailings in the Caribbean.

Sun Princess will be the first Princess Cruises’ ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Her sister ship, Star Princess, is also under construction and will become the line’s second Sphere-class vessel when she debuts in August 2025. Both Sphere-class ships are slated to cruise the Mediterranean in 2025.

Other Big Reveals Tout Dining, Entertainment

Gearing up for the Sun Princess launch in less than three months’ time, Princess Cruises in recent weeks, has revealed several features designed to delight guests.

Dining options will include the new Horizons Dining Room, a three-deck high venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and Umai Teppanyaki, offering Asian cuisine served with entertaining displays of culinary acrobatics.

Three new headliner stage productions will energize guests with musical performances in the Princess Arena, including a pirate-themed show set to the hit songs of the 80s, a tribute to Broadway’s most memorable songs, and a concert featuring a Latin soundtrack that is sure to get the audience on its feet.

The cruise line also is bringing some magical experiences onboard Sun Princess, in a collaboration with The Magic Castle, the iconic Hollywood venue that stages magic and illusion shows. The result will be an onboard experience called “Spellbound by Magic Castle,” a set of themed rooms where magicians will entertain cruisers with magic acts, special cocktails, special effects, and other presentations.

New Tax Proposed for Cruisers to Most Popular Mexican Ports

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 28, 2023

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New Tax Proposed for Cruisers to Most Popular Mexican Ports

Cruise passengers visiting the top two cruise ports of call in Mexico, Cozumel and Costa Maya, may need to begin paying extra taxes in January 2025.

The Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to both ports, has proposed a $5 (USD) per person tax for all cruise ship passengers, with the funds earmarked for tourism infrastructure projects and natural disaster recovery.

New Tax Proposed for Cruise Visitors to Two Mexican Ports

The new tax, to be assessed at $5 per person and collected by cruise lines to be delivered to the state of Quintana Roo, is part of the 2024 Fiscal Package, which would take effect from January 1, 2025.

The fee would be paid at the time a cruise reservation is made, as is similar with many “port fees and taxes” assessed on cruise bookings. Depending on a ship’s itinerary, cruise length, and exact ports of call, these fees and taxes can add up to $100-200 or more per person.

The money collected – which could be $20-25 million dollars annually as cruise traffic continues to grow in the region – would be divided.

Approximately 30% of the funds would be directed to the Trust for the Attention of Natural Disasters, which would help mitigate damage from hurricanes, flooding, and other natural events. This could include emergency recovery projects and repairs, as well as funds to citizens and residents impacted by such disasters.

Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: JorgeSuarez)

The remaining 70% would become part of a Trust for Tourism Infrastructure. While the exact use of that trust has yet to be defined, it would likely include projects such as port maintenance and improvements, roadwork, beach revitalization, historic site restoration, and other efforts to protect and improve regional tourism without diminishing visitors’ experiences.

While the new tax has not yet been approved, it is a similar fee to many taxes imposed on cruise travelers in different destinations, such as a new tax proposed on cruise visits to Scotland, recent tax hikes on travelers to the Bahamas, and other port fees and taxes.

One detail that has not been clarified is whether or not cruise guests visiting both Costa Maya and Cozumel on the same cruise – both ports in Quintana Roo – would be assessed the fee twice, once for each port, or whether one fee would be imposed per guest, per sailing.

Cruise Visits Growing in Quintana Roo

While the number of cruise ship visits to Quintana Roo has slightly reduced from 2022 to 2023, from 1,576 in 2022 to just 1,164 in 2023 (in the period between January 1 and October 8 of each respective year), the actual number of cruise passengers has increased from 4.1 million to 4.3 million.

This is due to larger cruise ships with greater capacities, bringing more guests at one time to enjoy these vibrant ports of call. With even more ships now homeporting from Galveston, Texas – an easy cruise to Mexico – it is expected that cruise visits will continue to grow.

Cruise Ships in Costa Maya, Mexico — Photo Credit: byvalet / Shutterstock

Both Cozumel and Costa Maya are also popular ports of call for cruise departures from Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; and multiple Florida homeports, including Tampa, Miami, and Port Canaveral.

All major cruise lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Virgin Voyages, and more – visit both ports of call. The proposed taxes would be applied to all cruise ship visitors, regardless of cruise line, visit date, or length of stay.

It should be noted that, at this time, the proposed fee is limited to ports in Quintana Roo. No other Mexican states have yet proposed similar fees, and so cruise travelers to Cabo San Lucas or other Mexican Riviera ports of call would not have the fee assessed.

If this fee proves successful, however, it is possible that additional states may impose similar taxes as a convenient source of revenue as tourism continues to grow.

Next Steps Revealed for New Carnival Cruise Ship

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 28, 2023

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Next Steps Revealed for New Carnival Cruise Ship

All eyes are on Carnival Cruise Line in the next few weeks as Carnival Jubilee comes closer to her December 23, 2023 debut. Carnival has now announced the next steps for the vessel’s schedule and where and when she will be on the move as she is about to make her way to Texas.

Coming Soon – Carnival Jubilee

With the newest Carnival cruise ship less than a month from welcoming her first guests onboard, booked guests and cruise fans are keeping a close eye on Carnival Jubilee and eager for a first glimpse of the new Excel-class ship.

Now, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has released a series of dates for when the ship will be delivered to the cruise line and the stops she will make along the way as she sails for Texas.

“I thought I would give you [an] approximate schedule of what the ship is doing,” Heald said.

It should be noted that all dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and any unanticipated obstacles or difficulties, but the ship is very likely to meet these dates.

Carnival Jubilee Launch Schedule

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, the ship is scheduled to sail from Eemshaven, Netherlands to Bremerhaven, Germany. The ship has been docked in Eemshaven since completing her sea trials, but will move to Bremerhaven for her official handover ceremony. The journey is just 85 miles (137 kilometers) and should only take a few hours.

Monday, December 4, 2023 is the most significant upcoming date. This is when Carnival Jubilee will be officially delivered to Carnival Cruise Line, joining the Fun Ship fleet in a handover ceremony that will change her ownership from the shipyard to the cruise line. This is always a notable event and attended by dignitaries.

After delivery, Carnival Jubilee will begin the journey that will take her to Texas. There will be no paying guests onboard at that time, but crew members will be familiarizing themselves with the ship for the most efficient operation when she does welcome passengers.

Carnival Jubilee Conveyance on the Ems (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

On Sunday, December 10, Carnival Jubilee should be alongside in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, for refueling and taking on additional supplies in preparation for guests.

From Tenerife, the ship will set off across the Atlantic Ocean. This part of the schedule is the most tentative, as poor weather could cause delays with the crossing. It is anticipated, however, that Carnival Jubilee will arrive in Nassau on Sunday, December 17, again for refueling and to take on additional supplies and crew members. This date is yet to be confirmed.

Finally, the biggest day of all is expected to be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 as Carnival Jubilee sails into Galveston for the first time. Her arrival is sure to be met with great fanfare as she brings her star-studded bow to the Lone Star state, ready to welcome guests with the best in Carnival fun.

“Many of you have already asked me ‘what time will Carnival Jubilee arrive’ and that of course is something I cannot answer now,” Heald explained.

“What I can tell you is that the Captain will keep me informed and I will make sure I pass this along to you and let you know of what we plan to do to when she arrives. I do know it will be a magnificent sight and as so many want to stand on the pier in Galveston and welcome her home, I promise to keep you all updated.”

Once Carnival Jubilee is docked in Galveston, her final crew members will join the ship, she will be fully supplied for sailing, and there will undoubtedly be media attention to cover her debut.

Carnival Jubilee Maiden Voyage

The first guests will board Carnival Jubilee on Saturday, December 23, 2023, for what will not only be a memorable maiden voyage, but also a spectacular holiday cruise.

Carnival Jubilee Sea Trials (Photo Courtesy: Meyer Werft)

Carnival Jubilee will be sailing 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries, visiting Roatan, Honduras as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. Each cruise will also include three full days at sea so guests can enjoy all the 183,521-gross-ton ship has to offer.

On each cruise, Carnival Jubilee can welcome 5,374 passengers at double occupancy, or as many as 6,631 travelers if fully booked with all berths filled.

Those guests will have plenty to enjoy, including the Bolt rollercoaster, the new “Currents” and “Shores” neighborhoods that bring the ship a sense of the sea, and plenty of Carnival favorites – Guy’s Burger Joint, the Punchliner Comedy Club, the adults-only Serenity area, and much, much more.

Strong Winds Force Port Cancellation for Royal Caribbean Ship

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 28, 2023

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Strong Winds Force Port Cancellation for Royal Caribbean Ship

Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas was forced to abandon docking attempts in Wellington, New Zealand due to high winds the morning of Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

This means the ship will instead spend a day at sea en route to its next port of call, Napier, on the 10-night New Zealand itinerary.

Itinerary Change for Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas is currently sailing a 10-night New Zealand cruise, having departed Sydney, Australia on Thursday, November 23. The ship has enjoyed beautiful sights and ports of call in New Zealand already, but unfortunately, high winds forced the last-minute cancellation of the planned visit to Wellington on Tuesday, November 28.

According to Radio New Zealand, the ship was able to approach the dock, but after a pilot boarded the vessel and consulted with the ship’s captain, it was decided that Ovation of the Seas would not be docking.

“They came up into the harbour, they got up towards the berth, looked at the conditions they were experiencing there and … the decision was that they weren’t going to berth the ship here today,” said Grant Nalder, harbourmaster at Wellington.

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock

Given the conditions at the time Ovation of the Seas was to dock – approximately 11 a.m. – Nalder agrees with the decision, which was made in the interest of safety.

At the time of the scheduled docking, steady winds were recorded from the north at 25-30 miles per hour (40-48 kilometers per hour), with gusts as high as 40 mph (64 kph).

No other cruise ships were scheduled for Wellington on Tuesday. The next vessel scheduled to visit is Holland America Line’s Noordam on Thursday, November 30.

High Winds Can Impact Cruise Ships?

Not only could such high winds make the act of docking more challenging and potentially dangerous, but the gangways could also become unstable, making it hazardous for guests to debark the ship or return to the vessel after exploring Wellington. Furthermore, if gusts were to rise even higher, it might be possible that the docking ropes could snap, sending the ship adrift.

Such incidents are not unheard of. For example, in August 2023, the mooring lines snapped from Queen Mary 2 while the ship was docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, which also caused both gangways to collapse. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported.

Similarly, Norwegian Prima also snapped mooring lines in mid-July, while docked in Zeebrugge, Belgium. The gangways also collapsed but without injuries.

Excessively windy conditions may also make for a poor port experience for guests, with some shore tours cancelled due to weather. When all factors are considered, cancelling a port visit can often be the better decision for an overall nicer and certainly safer cruise.

The Current Ovation of the Seas Itinerary Continues

At the moment, there are no further changes for Ovation of the Seas‘ current itinerary. The ship is scheduled for Napier on Wednesday, followed by Picton on Thursday. Two days at sea will follow as the ship makes her way back to Sydney, arriving on Sunday, December 3.

Ovation of the Seas in Sydney — Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

The 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum-class ship has 16 total decks and can welcome 4,180 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 4,905 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled.

Ovation of the Seas is currently homeported from Sydney, Australia, offering a range of South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia itineraries through early April 2024. She only arrived in Sydney earlier this month, completing the Royal Caribbean Australian fleet deployment for the season.

In April, the ship will reposition to Seattle, Washington, for the 2024 Alaska sailing season. She will return to Sydney at the end of October 2024 for another summer Down Under.

Princess Cruises Begins Countdown to New Homeport Deployment

Princess Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Nov 27, 2023

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Princess Cruises Begins Countdown to New Homeport Deployment

One year from today, on November 27, 2024, Caribbean Princess will set sail for the first time ever from Port Canaveral, offering Princess Cruises’ distinctive getaways from the central Florida homeport.

Caribbean Princess will offer a total of 20 sailings from November 2024 through April 2025, with diverse itineraries to appeal to a range of travelers’ preferences.

Caribbean Princess One Year Away From Port Canaveral

The 112,894-gross-ton, Grand-class Caribbean Princess is just one year away from her Port Canaveral debut, the first time ever Princess Cruises will be sailing from central Florida as a homeport.

“With Port Canaveral being introduced as new home port for us in just one year, our presence in North America expands and provides another major drive market with convenient access, as well as a multitude of flight options in and out of Orlando,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises.

As the world’s busiest cruise port, Port Canaveral already offers amazing sailings from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and MSC Cruises.

“Our collaboration with Princess Cruises marks an exciting milestone for us,” said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “The fleet of ships homeported at Port Canaveral continues to grow with next year’s arrival of Caribbean Princess. We’re looking forward to providing a high-quality experience for our new cruise partners and their cruise guests.”

Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises)

Princess Cruises will add another great option for travelers looking for distinctive vacation options with sailings from November 2024 through April 2025.

“We hope many of our guests from Port Canaveral will experience Princess for the first time and discover why our cruise line is so unique, from the Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization, to world-class dining, casual eateries, Broadway-inspired entertainment and incredible family offerings,” said Thornton.

Caribbean Princess will offer sailings from 4- to 8-nights, visiting top destinations in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Diverse Itineraries on Offer

Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, the ship will visit Grand Turk, San Juan, Nassau, Amber Cove, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Belize, and other tropical destinations, truly exploring the Caribbean and living up to her name, Caribbean Princess.

Of special note is the ship’s very first voyage from Port Canaveral, a 4-night Thanksgiving holiday cruise departing November 27, 2024, with a stop in Grand Turk and two days at sea for guests to enjoy all the ship offers.

Guests with more travel time to spare can combine the ship’s 6- and 8-night voyages for longer, 14-night getaways traveling all over the Caribbean.

Each cruise can be customized before sailing with the cruise line’s inclusive “Princess Plus” or “Princess Premier” packages to include amenities like WiFi access, drinks, fitness classes, and crew appreciation gratuities. When purchased before sailing and bundled as packages, these deals can be up to 65% off compared to individual purchases.

Onboard, guests will also enjoy the Movies Under the Stars on-deck cinema, the adults-only Sanctuary retreat, outstanding specialty dining, various lounges with live music, 5 total pools, and 7 hot tubs.

Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and having first set sail in 2004, Caribbean Princess has been refurbished several times with updated features and amenities. The ship can welcome 3,142 guests, and is also home to approximately 1,200 international crew members who provide outstanding service on every sailing.

Before Canaveral

Prior to debuting at Port Canaveral, Caribbean Princess will spend the summer of 2024 offering Mediterranean, Northern European, and Scandinavian adventures, as well as select sailings around the UK, to Iceland, and to Greenland.

A 16-night “Moroccan Passage” transatlantic cruise, departing Rome, Italy on November 10, 2024, will bring the ship to Florida, but not quite to Port Canaveral. After visiting ports in Sardinia, Spain, Morocco, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, the ship will arrive first to Fort Lauderdale for debarkation, before she moves to Port Canaveral to welcome guests again.

Are you looking forward to setting sail with Princess Cruises from Port Canaveral? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!