Royal Caribbean International is setting a new standard in cruise ship design with the introduction of the AquaDome on Icon of the Seas. This innovative concept, a blend of the AquaTheater and Solarium, is a revolutionary addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
The AquaDome, located at the front of the ship, offers a transformative experience, evolving from a tranquil oasis by day, to a vibrant entertainment hub at night. However, putting the massive structure onboard proved to be an engineering feat rarely seen before.
Another Royal Caribbean First
The engineering behind building and lifting the massive new Aquadome onboard Royal Caribbean Internationa’s newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is something that defies belief.
The numbers alone are staggering! 33,000 square meters, extending from Deck 14 to 20, weighing in at 367 tons, and built up from multiple modules made out of steel, glass, and aluminum panels, all in all, the entire structure took eight months to finish. However, after all that, it still needed to be put onboard.
Royal Caribbean International released a new video on November 13 showing viewers just how massive and complicated the lift has been:
“The Aquadome is probably the most complex space we have ever built. This is one of the biggest milestones. It’s the largest lift ever in the shipbuilding industry. It’s a testimony to the innovation and creativity of the teams. It is everything that we’ve ever wanted to create. And the incredible feeling that wow, we did it together,” Royal Caribbean said.
By day, the AquaDome serves as a serene space akin to the Solarium on the Quantum-class cruise ships. Guests are treated to 220-degree ocean views in a fully enclosed area, complete with comfortable seating.
As night falls, the AquaDome shifts its ambiance dramatically. It becomes the stage for aquatic performances, surpassing the aquashows of the Oasis-class ships. This transformation is made possible by high-tech features like aerialists flying through the space using winches and ropes, dual 60-foot-high diving platforms, and a new water feature that creates stunning effects when illuminated.
The back of the theater also includes covers that can open or close to provide natural light during the day or serve as a backdrop for projections during performances. Guests will have a range of food and beverage options while in the Aquadome, from the AquaDome Market to Hooked Seafood, and Rye & Bean.
The Progress of Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas has recently returned from its second set of sea trials, a critical phase in the ship’s development. These trials, which took place in the Baltic Sea south of Finland, tested various operational systems, including navigational controls, safety responses, and the ship’s speed and maneuverability.
Icon of the Seas now approaches the final stages of construction, with more than 90% of the ship complete, with construction crews now putting the final touches on the vessel’s interior outfitting and design details.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
The ship will debut on January 27, 2024, with a 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay itinerary, offering guests new experiences like the adults-only Hideaway Beach expansion on CocoCay.
Icon of the Seas, which will be homeported in Miami through at least April 2026, boasts a capacity of up to 7,600 passengers and over 2,300 crew members. At 250,800 gross tons she is the largest and most innovative cruise ship in the world.
The release of the short video on the Aquadome is part of a wider web series, called “Making an Icon.” This series offers an inside look at the journey of creating the groundbreaking cruise ship, featuring insights from industrial engineers, interior designers, architects, artists, and more.
Each episode showcases the collaborative efforts of teams that envisioned and built the upcoming biggest cruise ship in the world.
At a time when many cruise lines are relaxing dress codes onboard and formal nights have long since become optional, Carnival Cruise Line is taking steps to be sure guests are aware of restrictions on what to wear in certain ports of call.
Because there are different laws in different countries, guests should be aware of such policies and be sure they pack appropriate clothing for their cruise vacation.
Camouflage Clothing Not Permitted
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald recently responded to a concerned guest who had their visit to Barbados interrupted due to inappropriate attire.
The incident happened on the October 28, 2023 sailing of Carnival Venezia, a 12-night roundtrip Southern Caribbean voyage from New York.
Along the way, the ship visited St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Maarten, before returning to New York on Thursday, November 9. After the cruise, the upset guest reached out to Heald to describe what happened.
“On November 3rd while on Venezia I was marched back to the ship like a common criminal by the Barbados police! Why!!? Because I was wearing camo shorts and a camo backpack. Where was Carnival’s notice on this. Nobody told us at all. No compensation given. We were not rebels or terrorists to the government but were made to feel like we were,”the unidentified guest explained.
Multiple other passengers onboard the same sailing dispute the claim that there was no notice of the attire restrictions. The guideline was printed in the ship’s onboard newsletter, mentioned in several announcements by the ship’s cruise director, and mentioned in the onboard shore excursion and shopping presentations.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock)
Heald was diplomatic with the complaint, promising to speak with the cruise line’s executive team to be sure announcements are made.
“Thank you and I am sorry that this happened and I will speak with the beards to see if we can add some kind of notice,”Heald said.
Heald also noted that any camouflage or military-style clothing is not permitted in various Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Dominica.
“It is better to leave this kind of clothing at home,”Heald stressed.
It must be noted that Carnival Cruise Line does not set the attire guidelines for the ports the cruise line visits. Just as different destinations have different laws, each country may have its own requirements for appropriate dress code. As guests in those countries, travelers must always obey local laws.
Why Is Camouflage Clothing Banned?
Different countries have a variety of reasons for banning camouflage clothing. The reasoning can related to fear of confusion with authorized military personnel or law enforcement officers, or the possibility of terrorist activities.
Because styles can vary, bans on camouflage are generally broad and cover all types of attire, even clothing such as swimwear that couldn’t possibly be confused for official military attire and even if the camouflage pattern is in an obvious non-camouflage color, such as pink.
Camouflage Clothing (Photo Credit: MatrixMuse)
Even small articles of clothing – a scarf, shoes, belts, or cloth face mask, for example – may not have camouflage patterns. Similarly, bags or purses are also prohibited in camouflage patterns.
Anyone caught wearing camouflage clothing may be subject to steep fines, interrogation, or even imprisonment, depending on the country and the individual circumstances of any incident.
In addition to several Caribbean ports of call, camouflage clothing is also forbidden in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Antigua, Ghana, and various other countries.
Other Clothing Restrictions to Be Aware Of
While the overall restrictions on camouflage clothing may seem extreme to travelers accustomed to many individual freedoms, different types of clothing are actually prohibited in many areas.
When cruising the Mediterranean and visiting cathedrals in Italy, for example, guests must be dressed modestly with covered shoulders, and short-shorts or miniskirts are not permitted. Similarly, guests to very conservative nations such as Bermuda will want to restrict swimwear to the pool or beach, as it cannot be worn in other public areas.
Different shore excursions or activities may also have restrictions on attire, such as requiring long pants and close-toed shoes for horseback riding. Even onboard, such restrictions are common – guests onboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, or the upcoming Carnival Jubilee cannot wear skirts to ride Bolt: The Ultimate Sea Coaster for example.
Ultimately, guests are also responsible for knowing – and obeying – the laws of the countries they visit. In the weeks leading up to a cruise vacation, travelers should learn about possible restrictions at ports they will visit, and plan their cruise attire and packing accordingly.
Carnival Cruise Line’s popular “Behind the Fun” tour may soon be available for pre-cruise purchases if a current test proves successful.
At the moment, pre-cruise purchases are only available on one ship, but will be rolled out to additional vessels and eventually fleet-wide if it works.
Buy the Behind the Fun Tour Before Sailing
Guests booked on Carnival Horizon have noticed the ability to purchase the ship’s limited “Behind the Fun” tour before setting sail, a change to the usual availability of the exclusive tour. Normally, this unique onboard tour is only available for purchase onboard.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has confirmed testing of the pre-cruise purchases, noting that the eventual plan is to roll out the pre-cruise availability of the tour to all ships in the Carnival fleet.
“We have some news on Behind the Fun. We are testing a pre cruise online purchase of this excursion for one ship at the moment, Carnival Horizon,”Heald explained.“It is only for this ship at the moment. It is being tested and if it works (I am sure it will) we will roll it our for other ships in the days and weeks to come.”
There is no indication of how long the test period of pre-cruise purchases may be, nor have dates been announced for when different ships may begin to offer Behind the Fun tours for sale prior to sailing.
Rolling out the opportunity to different ships is likely to be done in a phased manner, perhaps by ship class or homeport, depending on what arrangements need to be considered to ensure efficient service.
Why Pre-Booking Matters
The ability to purchase Behind the Fun before boarding one’s ship can help more guests have the opportunity to enjoy the tour.
Because the tour has only been available for booking onboard, interested guests may not be able to secure reservations if they happen to embark on the ship later in the day, depending on their travel arrangements to reach the ship.
Carnival Crew-Only Area (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)
The Behind the Fun tour is limited and is only offered once per sailing for a small group of guests, typically fewer than 20. Because of the exclusivity, the tour sells out quickly and is often full even before all guests have embarked on the first day of their cruise.
Furthermore, long lines at the Shore Excursions (now called Carnival Adventures) desk and the general chaos of embarkation day as guests first find their way around a ship, complete their muster drill, and settle into their vacation routine can make it more difficult to book the tour onboard.
About Behind the Fun
Behind the Fun is a behind-the-scenes look at how a cruise ship operates, with visits to crew-only areas such as the bridge, engine control room (not the actual engine room, but where the ship is controlled), main galley, staff dining areas, storeroom, laundry, and other spaces guests do not generally see. Exact areas visited may vary depending on the ship and ongoing operations.
Carnival Behind the Fun Tour (Photo Credit: shorex.koss)
As part of the tour, participants also receive limited edition souvenirs and commemorative photos, as well as light snacks.
The length of the tour is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Guests interested in the experience should note that some parts of the tour are only accessible by steep stairs, and all participants must wear close-toed shoes or sneakers. Bathing suits and skirts are not permitted, and the minimum age is 8 years. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
An accessible version of the tour is also available with similar experiences, but visits fewer spaces in person due to mobility limitations. Instead, passengers on the accessible tour will view a video showing additional behind-the-scenes areas they aren’t able to visit in-person.
No cameras or other kinds of recording devices, including cell phones, are permitted on any Behind the Fun tours.
Have you enjoyed the Behind the Fun tour? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
MSC Cruises has confirmed that two new World-class vessels have been ordered with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, with prospective delivery dates of 2026 and 2027.
These new ships would be some of the most energy efficient in the world, both while sailing and while in port, and would join their sister ships, the already sailing MSC World Europa and the upcoming MSC World America.
New Ships on Order for MSC Cruises
At a time when some cruise lines are being cautious with new build orders, MSC Cruises is surging ahead with two new World-class ships that will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America in the next few years.
The new ships have been ordered through Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France; the same shipyard that has already built MSC World Europa and is currently building MSC World America, which will join the MSC Cruises fleet in April 2025.
“We are proud to continue our 20-year partnership with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with whom we have already built 18 ships with our 19 under construction. The World Class is a truly innovative prototype and together we are building some of the most advanced ships in the world,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises.
Many cruise lines are slowing down their new ship orders as they struggle to pay off shutdown-accumulated debts amid rising global inflation. MSC Cruises, however, is ensuring that they stay at the forefront of new ships and innovations.
MSC World Europa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
“At a difficult time for the European shipbuilding industry, MSC Cruises has shown its confidence in our abilities and skills with this order. We would therefore like to express our gratitude to MSC Cruises for its renewed confidence at this crucial time,”said Laurent Castaing, GeneralManager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
In addition to the two new World class vessels, MSC Cruises also has five Explora-class vessels on order through Fincantieri for their Explora Journeys luxury division. Explora I began sailing in August 2023 and just recently made her maiden voyage to PortMiami.
Green Goals to Meet
The new vessels have not yet been named and are only referred to as World Class 3 and World Class 4. Both will incorporate many of the green innovations of their sister ships, including being powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and being equipped with shore power connectivity.
These and other innovations improve the vessels’ energy efficiency and ensure they are operating as sustainably as possible, which is critical for MSC Cruises to meet its environmental goals.
“We are committed to researching and investing in future environmental technologies as they become available, to ensure we continue progressing on our decarbonisation journey to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,”said Vago.
Image: Courtesy MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is paying a premium to ensure they are at the forefront of environmental innovation.
“MSC Cruises, always seeking to reduce the environmental impact of its ships quickly and significantly, has accepted a significant cost premium to improve the energy efficiency of these new ships which, according to the IMO’s EEDI index, will emit 50% less CO2 than the IMO’s 2008 benchmark,”Castaing confirmed.
Innovations planned for the new World-class vessels include not only LNG-powered engines and shore power connectivity, but also the most advanced wastewater treatment systems possible as well as new advances in overall waste management.
Both ships will also feature onboard energy efficient equipment to ensure optimal engine use. Even small details – more energy efficient lighting or stateroom televisions, for example – can make a difference in overall efficiency when multiplied by the more than 6,700 passengers each ship will carry.
Carnival Cruise Line’s recent announcement of a new, earlier inaugural cruise for the upcoming Carnival Firenze is causing significant controversy for many guests who feel they have had a once-in-a-lifetime type of sailing taken away. But what is an inaugural sailing, really, and is it worthwhile to set sail on one?
Carnival Firenze to Debut Earlier Than Planned
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the new-to-Carnival Carnival Firenze, being transferred from Costa Cruises and updated with Carnival style, will now be debuting one week earlier than initially planned, bringing about an earlier “inaugural” sailing date.
Originally, the ship was scheduled to welcome her first Carnival guests, with a departure on May 2, 2024. That cruise – roundtrip from Long Beach, California – is a 5-night Mexican Riviera sailing, visiting Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, before returning to Long Beach on May 7.
Now, the ship will actually be sailing from Long Beach one week earlier, with a 7-night cruise departing on April 25, 2024, with port visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas.
This is a shock and a disappointment to many guests who had specifically booked the May 2 sailing because it was advertised and promoted as the ship’s inaugural cruise, an event that is a special one in any ship’s operational lifetime. Now, those guests find themselves booked on the ship’s second sailing instead.
Upcoming Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mlle Sonyah)
Furthermore, the original inaugural, now the ship’s second cruise, is a shorter sailing, and only has a first visit to one port of call – Ensenada, Mexico – as Carnival Firenze will visit Cabo San Lucas the week before on the new “first” cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has responded to guest outcry with reassurances that both sailings will be equally special, with the same inaugural activities and celebrations onboard.
“Both the first two cruises will be very very special and on a very special ship,”Heald said.“I realize some of you feel a little disappointed that you are no longer on the first cruise but the second cruise will be equally as special.”
Heald has promised to work on the details for both sailings and communicate with guests about what to expect onboard to celebrate Carnival Firenze joining the Fun Ship fleet.
What to Expect on an Inaugural Sailing
A cruise ship’s inaugural sailing is much more than just a first cruise. There is prestige and distinction attached to the idea of the being the “first” to set sail aboard a new vessel, and many celebratory activities are generally planned for an inaugural voyage.
This may include special guests and cruise line executives onboard, as well as one-time-only shows or performances, celebratory menus, and other distinctive events. Passengers often receive commemorative gifts for inaugural sailings, and there may be ceremonies and other festivities arranged at ports of call the first time a new ship visits.
Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
So, can a ship have two “inaugural” cruises? By definition, the word “inaugural” means first or beginning. Some interpretations might include a full season of cruise ship sailings as a vessel’s inaugural season, or that different types of a cruises – a first 7-night and a first 5-night – both have elements of an inaugural voyage.
By a very strict definition, Costa Cruises travelers could argue that the ship’s inaugural voyage was actually in July 2021 when the vessel first welcomed guests as Costa Firenze. While the ship is being transferred between fleets and restyled as Carnival Firenze, the hull is not being substantively changed, only some interior details and venues are being rebranded.
Different ships often undergo similar changes through different dry dock upgrades years after first setting sail. For example, Carnival Freedom recently underwent a 16-day dry dock that changed her hull livery, gave her a new whale tail funnel, expanded the onboard casino, and added the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge to the vessel.
Yet Carnival Freedom is not enjoying a new inaugural cruise despite such changes. Guests have been able to enjoy the first post-dry-dock cruise, but it is not considered an inaugural sailing.
Should You Book an Inaugural Cruise?
It is not uncommon for inaugural cruises to be changed. While more often, an inaugural voyage will be postponed due to delays in a ship’s construction and delivery – delays which may be announced only weeks before sailing, with no time for booked guests to reschedule – there are times when a ship can enter service sooner than expected, and inaugural cruises are moved up.
Guests booked on first-ever sailings should be aware of the possibility of such changes, and be flexible with their travel expectations.
Furthermore, inaugural cruises may not be as glamorous as envisioned, as it is not unheard of for some of a ship’s details to be incomplete even as she sets sail.
Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
For example, when Norwegian Viva first launched in August 2023, her main production shows were not ready for performances, and though the ship was welcoming guests, those first travelers did not get to enjoy the vessel’s full experiences.
And of course, the most famous inaugural sailing of all was also one no cruise guest wants to try for themselves, when the infamous Titanic sank on her first cruise. Carnival Firenze is sure to deliver more fun and amazing experiences for her guests, whenever they set sail!
Guests booked aboard the November 11, 2023 departure of Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess from Melbourne, Australia have been notified that the ship will be undergoing comprehensive disinfection due to gastrointestinal illness, which is delaying embarkation.
While the cruise will still depart on Saturday, that departure is delayed by several hours to ensure the ship is thoroughly cleaned and ready to welcome guests aboard while minimizing any risk of additional infections.
Delayed Embarkation for Grand Princess
Guests booked aboard Grand Princess for the ship’s 4-night “Southern Australia Seacation” sailing departing on Saturday, November 11, have been notified that their embarkation will be delayed.
“Please be advised that embarkation for your Grand Princess cruise has been delayed. During the current cruise there were elevated case counts of gastrointestinal illness among guests,”the notification explained.“A comprehensive disinfection program was launched in response, and Grand Princess will undergo an additional disinfection in Melbourne on Saturday.”
Because of the additional disinfection, check-in for guests embarking on Saturday will be delayed until 3:30 p.m., and the cruise line notes that the terminal will also be closed for disinfection before that time, which should help prevent cross-contamination between sailings.
Grand princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock)
Any travelers with hotel arrangements or airport transfers arranged through Princess Cruises will have their cruise check-in times provided at the hotel or airport as appropriate, and all guests must be onboard by 7 p.m.
Staterooms will be available to passengers soon after embarkation, which will help minimize typical first-day crowds in public areas.
The delay in embarkation should not impact the ship’s itinerary in any way. The 4-night cruise will begin with a day at sea, then enjoy a visit to Adelaide, which will be followed by another day at sea before returning to Melbourne on Wednesday, November 15.
What Can Be Done Onboard?
Exact numbers of guests reporting gastrointestinal illness symptoms – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. – have not been disclosed, nor has any specific illness strain been confirmed. Similarly, no details on whether or not crew members have reported symptoms have been disclosed.
These types of symptoms are very common with norovirus and several other easily communicable diseases that are often spread through contaminated surfaces such as stair railings, elevator buttons, serving utensils, and door handles.
Additional onboard cleaning measures such as more frequent sanitizing or switching to different cleaning chemicals can be effective in helping minimize the spread of such illnesses. Other onboard measures might include changing self-serve food and beverage stations to server stations, propping doors open so handles do not need to be used, or changing activities to eliminate more surface contact.
More vigorous cleaning measures are being taken not only on the infected sailing, but will likely also continue into the next cruise as an added precaution.
Grand Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Philip Pilosian / Shutterstock)
Once the ship returns to Melbourne, even stronger cleaning measures can be implemented while guests are off the ship. This could include fogging-style disinfectants or harsher cleaning solutions that may need to be aired out after use.
Travelers should always take steps to protect themselves from onboard illnesses, such as frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer and avoiding high-touch surfaces as much as possible.
It should be noted that the symptoms of “gastrointestinal illness” are not a common symptom of COVID-19, and there is no suggestion that any other disease has been detected onboard.
The 107,517-gross-ton, Grand-class Grand Princess is currently homeported from Melbourne, Australia, offering a range of different itineraries that include top ports of call in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tasmania, depending on sailing date and itinerary length. In April 2024, the ship will make a transpacific cruise to Vancouver to begin her Alaska sailing season.
The ship can welcome 2,590 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 3,100 passengers when fully booked. Also on board are approximately 1,100 international crew members to deliver truly grand service on every sailing.
One of the most exciting parts of any cruise is exploring all the different areas on board the ship. While the views of open water and tropical destinations are undoubtedly captivating, there is nothing quite like taking in the enormity and complexity of the vessel itself, including the bow of a ship.
You probably already know about the starboard side and the port side, but today, we will take an in-depth look at one of the most interesting areas of any modern-day cruise ship design – the bow of the ship.
Not only will we explain everything you need to know about the anatomy and function of the bow of a ship, but we will also explore some of the amenities and activities you can enjoy at the bow. So, let’s get started!
The conventional bow of a ship is at the very front of the vessel. This part of the ship serves many vital functions, and it is home to some of the most essential pieces of equipment on board the entire ship. In fact, it is often seen as the operational heart of the whole ship, which explains why it is where you will find the ship’s main navigational equipment and control center.
It is also where you will find some of the most breathtaking and exciting views for cruise ships. It is an area that many passengers gravitate to, as there is nothing quite like being at the very front of a ship as it heads towards a seemingly endless horizon.
Below the areas where passenger and crew members can explore, the sharply angled bow shape is designed to glide through the water with minimal resistance. A conventional bow helps cut through the water so the entire ship can move faster and more efficiently, even in rough seas.
There are multiple types of bow shape designs: bulbous bow, axe bow, and inverted bow, to name a few. Cruise ships usually have a knife-edge bow or flared bow.
What Is the Anatomy of the Bow of a Ship?
To properly understand the significance and purpose of the bow, you need to know what is located there. Here is what can be found at the bow of a typical cruise ship:
The Bridge
While the bridge is not typically located at the absolute front of the ship, there is some debate on whether it is technically part of the bow. It is situated close to the front of one of the upper decks.
Bridge of a Vessel (Photo Credit: Trygve Finkelsen / Shutterstock)
This is because this part of the ship provides the navigational crew with an unobstructed view of the horizon and the ship’s surroundings. The bridge is the maritime term for a ship’s navigational center, where you will find the captain and other high-ranking navigation officers. It houses the ship’s primary navigation and communications equipment and the control systems used to guide the ship.
The Forecastle
This is the term used to describe the forward part of the ship. It tends to sit above the main deck, providing a better view. While it had a more functional purpose in the past, it acts more as an observation deck for passengers on modern ships. This is because it provides outstanding views of everything ahead of the ship.
It provides an excellent opportunity for photographs, but given the popularity of the 1997 hit Titanic, many passengers will head to the forecastle to recreate the iconic “I’m flying” scene.
Some ships will even feature infinity pools, hot tubs, and other amenities guests can enjoy at the forecastle while they look out into the open water and incoming waves.
Forward Observation Lounges
Most modern ships will also feature observation lounges on higher decks near the ship’s bow. Just like the forecastle, the main attraction of these lounges is the unobstructed views they provide of the horizon. They will often feature large windows and outward-facing chairs where guests can comfortably take in the view and enjoy a cocktail.
The Anchor and Bow Sprit
Viewing the ship from land, you can see the anchor extending from the side of the ship’s bow. This is also where the bowsprit of the ship can be found, which is a horizontal spar that supports and holds the anchor in place.
MSC World Europa Anchor (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock)
Helicopter Deck and Navigation Equipment
For most cruise ships, the bow is also where you can find a landing space for helicopters, known as the helideck. While this is only really used for emergencies, like medical evacuations, it is still an essential feature of the bow.
Bulbous Bow
Below the waterline, you can also find a protruding bulb at the bow of most cruise ships. The bubble helps break the friction between the water and the upper parts of the ship’s hull and bow. Its primary purpose is to make the ship more fuel efficient, so they are a common sight on most larger vessels.
What Are the Main Functions of the Bow?
Now that you have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the bow, we can explore the essential functions it serves.
Navigation and Maneuverability
As we discussed, the bow is central to the ship’s navigation. This is where you will find all the most important navigation equipment, including the ship’s radar, sonar, satellite receivers, and communications hubs.
Navigation Systems (Photo Credit: Alexey Seafarer / Shutterstock)
While most of this equipment is located within the ship’s bridge, some components of the equipment are located on exterior surfaces, like satellite dishes and radar antennas. The reason this part of the ship is home to all of this equipment is for the simple fact that it offers the best views of the path ahead of the ship.
Secondary propulsion systems, like bow thrusters, are also located at the front of the ship. These are used to navigate tight spaces, like ports and channels, with efficiency and accuracy.
Stability, Balance, and Weight Distribution
The bow design is also critical for the overall stability and balance of the ship. This is why the design is so streamlined towards the bottom of the bow. The curved design helps the vessels break through the water efficiently, even in rough water.
Bulbous bow, hull and waterline (Photo Credit: canduca)
As mentioned, it is also where the ship’s primary anchoring system is located, so the bow serves a central role during docking procedures. This heavy equipment is not located at the bow by chance; it is because it helps with weight distribution and keeping the ship balanced.
Safety Equipment Deployment
You may have also noticed that the ship’s bow is home to a significant amount of safety equipment, including numerous lifeboats. This allows passengers and crew members to safely evacuate in an emergency.
Passenger Enjoyment
Today, the bow also plays a vital role in scenic cruising, as it offers some of the best views of the entire ship. This explains why many ships host themed parties and events at the bow during all times of the day. It also explains why many people head to the bow with cameras or celebrate unique moments, like marriage proposals.
FAQs on Cruise Ship Bow
Is the bow of a cruise ship safe?
Yes. Cruise lines always prioritize the safety of passengers, so all areas that are not restricted in access are made as safe as possible. While visiting any part of the bow, you will notice posted guidelines and members of the ship’s crew. Handrails and non-slip surfaces are common at the ship’s bow, especially on outdoor observation decks.
If you are nervous about visiting the outside decks at the ship’s bow, consider speaking with a crew member about a guided tour.
Can any passenger visit the bow of the cruise ship?
While each cruise line is different, most make at least portions of the bow design open to all passengers. Access to certain lounges may be restricted, especially during certain events, but the main observation deck should be available to all passengers.
That said, they may close the outdoor portion of the observation deck if the weather conditions would make it dangerous. Again, all cruise lines prioritize passenger safety, so access to any part of the ship always depends on whether or not it is safe to enter.
Final Words
The bow of a cruise ship serves several vital roles in the safe and efficient operation of a ship. Aside from its central role in navigation and stability, it also offers passengers a front-row seat to some of the best views on the ship.
Now that you know more about the bow and its important functions, take some time out of your next cruise vacation to visit this area. Take in the breathtaking views and marvel at the incredible amount of engineering that went into designing this unique part of the ship.
Carnival Panorama suffered significant technical issues this week, resulting in Carnival Cruise Line canceling four cruises onboard the vessel in the coming month. However, this is not an issue that stands alone.
All of Carnival Cruise Line’s Vista-class ships, Carnival Vista, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Horizon, have faced significant technical challenges in the past few years, primarily with their propulsion systems.
These issues have led to itinerary changes and cruise cancellations, impacting guest experiences and the company’s operational schedule. The issues come down mainly to the type of propulsion systems built into these cruise ships, the Azipod drive system. Although it has been a system that has brought increased fuel efficiency and maneuverability, it has come at a cost.
The Azipod Drive System
At the core of the issues that we’ve seen since 2016 with the Vista-class cruise ships lie the Azipod drive system that has been installed onboard.
The Azipod propulsion system, used in many modern cruise ships, not just the Vista-class vessels, offers several benefits alongside certain challenges. This system involves placing the ship’s propellers and motors in external pods beneath the hull, which can rotate independently.
One of the main advantages of the Azipod system is its enhanced maneuverability. The pods can turn in any direction, allowing ships to navigate tighter spaces and dock more easily. Additionally, Azipods are more fuel-efficient than traditional propulsion methods, resulting in significant fuel savings.
This efficiency also contributes to the flexibility in ship design, as the need for long drive shafts and rudders is eliminated.
However, the Azipod system is not without its challenges. These units can be complex and, at times, prone to technical issues, as seen with the Carnival Vista-class ships. When problems arise, they can significantly impact a ship’s operational capabilities, including its cruising speed and ability to maintain scheduled itineraries.
The fact that the Azipod propulsion units are located outside the vessel and cannot be accessed from engine room spaces presents a significant challenge in terms of maintenance and repair.
When issues arise, they often require specialized and sometimes external procedures to address. The external placement of the pods means regular maintenance and quick fixes, which might be more straightforward in traditional internal propulsion systems, are more complex and demanding for Azipods.
This shows as we look at the issues that have plagued Carnival Cruise Line’s Vista-class cruise ships since the maiden season of cruising for Carnival Vista.
Propulsion Problems Aboard Carnival Vista
Since the vessel first entered service in May 2016, Carnival Vista has experienced a series of propulsion system issues. The problems have been so severe that they necessitated an unscheduled dry dock in 2019 for repairs. These technical challenges have affected the ship’s ability to maintain scheduled itineraries, leading to significant alterations and disruptions.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line Captain Vittorio Marchi
The first recorded instance of Carnival Vista experiencing propulsion issues occurred during its November 16 sailing from New York in 2016. This issue impacted the ship’s maximum cruising speed and led to changes in the planned itinerary, such as replacing the call in Grand Turk on November 19 with Nassau, Bahamas
In June 2019, Carnival Cruise Line announced the cancellation of three scheduled cruises due to performance issues with Carnival Vista‘s propulsion system. This necessitated the use of a heavy-lift ship from Netherlands-based maritime service provider Boskalis as a floating dry dock for repairs to the ship’s azipod propulsion system.
Then, in May 2022, the problem came back again, and Carnival Cruise Line was once again forced to change itineraries due to propulsion issues.
Azipod Woes on Carnival Panorama
The newest Vista-class cruise ship, Carnival Panorama, has not been immune to technical difficulties, facing engine issues that have impacted the ship’s maximum cruising speed on at least two occasions.
The first time Carnival Panorama suffered propulsion-related issues was in August 2021, and again in 2022, affecting the vessel’s cruising speed and forcing changes to itineraries.
Photo Credit: mikeledray / Shutterstock
On November 9, 2023, perhaps the most significant issue so far for Carnival Panorama occurred. Carnival Cruise Line canceled four upcoming sailings of the Carnival Panorama due to issues affecting the ship’s maximum cruising speed. These last-minute cancelations, including two just 48 hours before embarkation, affect voyages scheduled for November 11, 18, 26, and December 2, 2023, all Mexican Riviera cruises.
This happened after Carnival Panorama faced several months of engine difficulties, impacting various sailings.
Operational Challenges for Carnival Horizon
Similar to its sister ships, Carnival Horizon has encountered difficulties related to cruising speed and mechanical reliability.
The first recorded technical issue with Carnival Horizon occurred in August 2018. During an 8-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, the ship encountered a mechanical issue that affected its ability to safely maneuver for docking and its maximum speed. This led to a change in the planned itinerary, specifically the cancellation of a port call at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
Photo Credit: Eric Gilbert Creative / Shutterstock
In 2021, Carnival Horizon suffered the same problem again, leading to the cancelation of two cruises.
Despite the challenges that we’ve seen with the Vista-class cruise ships, the benefits of Azipods, particularly in terms of maneuverability and fuel efficiency, continue to make them a popular choice for many cruise lines.
While efforts are being made to address these issues and improve guest experiences, the balance between technological innovation and operational reliability remains a key focus point for Carnival Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean is reaching out to the Latin America market with a series of winter 2023-24 sailings from Panama and Colombia. Rhapsody of the Seas will deploy to the region in early December, offering 7-night cruises to Caribbean destinations.
Rhapsody of the Seas to Sail From Panama, Colombia
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, a Vision-class ship that launched in 1996, will soon deploy to Latin America for the first time in nearly a decade, offering onboard services and amenities geared to the Latin American community. The line announced its planned return to the region in 2022.
The ship, with a capacity for 2,400 guests, will begin sailing on December 2, 2023, offering embarkation in three ports, Cartagena, Colombia, and Colon and Panama City, Panama.
“We are happy to return to Latin America this year, where we will be until April 2024 with an adventure that allows our guests to enjoy a great vacation without having to travel to the United States or have a Visa,” said Alberto Muñoz, associate vice president of Latin America and the Caribbean at Royal Caribbean International.
“We have adapted our service offering to the preferences and needs of the Latin market, from more Spanish-speaking crew, more dancing options, and extended hours at Adventure Ocean, the children’s space, during the night,” added Muñoz.
The ship’s 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise, roundtrip from Colon, Panama, will call at Cartagena, Columbia; Willemstad, Curacao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; and Oranjestad, Aruba. Cruises departing from Cartagena will visit Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Colón, Panama.
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Guests aboard Rhapsody of the Seas can look forward to enjoying Royal Caribbean experiences such as the Centrum, the seven-story atrium and entertainment space with bars, lounges, and retail shops; the adults-only Solarium Spa; and a wide range of activities in the Royal Theater, geared to the Latin American demographic, such as Latin dance lessons.
Dining venues onboard the ship include Royal Caribbean classics such as Chops Grille, Izumi, offering Asian dishes, and Giovanni’s Table, the line’s Italian restaurant. The ship’s main dining room and Windjammer buffet will be open for extended hours and feature cuisine from the region. The ship’s Schooner Bar will introduce a new drink menu, geared to the Latin American guests.
A variety of shore excursions and the line’s Private Journeys will be offered to guests, along with themed outings, including some geared to interactions for single cruisers and guests looking to meet new friends.
Destinations Enjoy Tourism, Cruise Rebound
The tourism industries in both Panama and Colombia are recovering well in the post-pandemic era, with the countries citing overall vacation arrivals rising by 557% and 346%, respectively.
In Colombia, cruises have shown a particularly strong rebound, with ship calls increasing by 150% in 2022-23 compared to the previous year. The country has three main city cruise ports, in Cartagena, Santa Marta, and San Andrés, with Cartagena the largest.
Across the three main ports, the destination welcomed 219 ship calls from 34 cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.
Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Aerial-motion / Shutterstock)
However, the country has also seen increases in cruise activity in lesser-known destinations such as Bahía Solano, Coveñas, Leticia, Gorgona, Utría, and Urabá.
“These destinations received more than 1,650 passengers, with the presence of seven cruise lines and a total of 13 calls,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.
ProColombia, the government agency in charge of tourism, has been involved in diversifying destinations to showcase the country’s natural wonders.
“This last season there has been an increase in cruise ship arrivals to other destinations that offer experiences related to ecotourism. That is good news for the country, because it allows us to strengthen the value chain of nature tourism,” added Minister Mendoza.
The Panama Cruise Terminal, in Colon, serves as the country’s main cruise port and is the gateway to Panama Canal cruises. While Rhapsody of the Seas will not transit the canal, two Royal Caribbean ships will offer Panama Canal sailings during the upcoming season.
There will be a November 21, 2023, voyage aboard Serenade of the Seas, from Los Angeles to Miami, and an April 8, 2024 cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas, from Tampa, Florida, to Los Angeles. Both cruises are 14 nights.
