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Norwegian Cruise Line Adding New Game Show for Guests

Donna Tunney
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Norwegian Cruise Line Adding New Game Show for Guests

Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will soon offer another popular game show aboard its ships, adding a new interactive entertainment event that enables guests to win prizes.

The “Wheel of Fortune Interactive” game is slated to appear on most of the line’s ships by spring of 2024.

Norwegian Escape Will Be First to Debut Show

A new partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line, Sony Pictures Television, and TimePlay is set to bring the “Wheel of Fortune Interactive” game to 16 of the cruise line’s ships in the next several months, starting with Norwegian Escape. Participating guests can win prizes, including free cruises.

The game show will be staged in each ship’s main theater, using technology from TimePlay, a tech media company specializing in interactive platforms.

Cruisers can participate as onstage contestants or compete with other guests via their mobile devices, following the action on a real-time leaderboard. Those who simply want to watch the action can do that, too, as spectators.

“Our guests will now have the chance to be part of the iconic, Emmy award-winning ‘Wheel of Fortune’ game show. Not only will it bring the same excitement from the TV classic, but guests will also have the opportunity to play along for a chance to win some great prizes along the way, including a free cruise,” said Craig Steyn, vice president of onboard revenue operations at Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line Game Show
Norwegian Cruise Line Game Show

The 4,300-guest Norwegian Escape will be the first ship to host the show, which will eventually be added to Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Sun.

The cruise line has not revealed the specific dates when the show will debut onboard each of the ships, but all are expected to offer the activity no later than spring 2024.

“When you combine a powerful brand like ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with full audience participation, it takes entertainment and engagement to new heights. We are excited to roll out this new innovative experience on NCL’s fleet,” said Aaron Silverberg, senior vice president of entertainment at TimePlay.

First Agreement to Bring Game Show to Sea

The launch of the interactive cruise ship game marks the first time that Sony Pictures Television, which owns the “Wheel of Fortune” TV show, has agreed to allow the game show to be presented at sea.

“It will give us a unique opportunity to expand this beloved brand beyond mobile and grow our dedicated fanbase to include cruise travelers,” said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of gameshows for Sony Pictures Television.

The television show debuted in 1983, hosted by celebrities Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Contestants try to guess words and phrases using letters revealed one at a time by the spin of the wheel. The show claims 26 million viewers per week.

Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: M .F. R / Shutterstock

Norwegian Escape, a Breakaway Plus-class ship that launched in 2015, will be the first ship to present the game show. She is currently sailing Canada/New England and Bermuda cruises from New York. In November, the ship will deploy to Port Canaveral, Florida, for a series of winter Caribbean and Bahamas sailings.

Cruise Lines Embrace Variety of Game Shows

Several major cruise lines for years have offered interactive games modeled on popular television shows. Norwegian Cruise Line already has other game shows in operation aboard some ships. Several were introduced aboard Norwegian Prima, when she debuted in 2021. These include “The Price is Right,” “Supermarket Sweep,” “Press Your Luck” and “Beat the Clock.”

Carnival Cruise Line announced earlier this month that it would expand its popular “Family Feud Live” game show to more ships in the coming months. The show is featured now aboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Vista, and Carnival Legend, and will be added to 10 more vessels.

Royal Caribbean also has interactive game shows, including “Love & Marriage,” “Battle of the Sexes,” and “Quest,” a game for adults only.

First Look at Dining On the Largest-Ever Cruise Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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First Look at Dining On the Largest-Ever Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean International has released the thirteenth episode of its “Making an Icon” video series, detailing dining options onboard the upcoming Icon of the Seas.

The ship will feature more than 20 new eateries onboard, with a broad range of amazing tastes everyone can enjoy on their iconic oceangoing getaway.

Dining Aboard Icon of the Seas

The newest episode of “Making an Icon” explores “Creating Flavors for Everyone” and how different food and beverage venues were envisioned, designed, and ultimately, will be put into practice specifically for Icon of the Seas.

“I think our guests are going to look at all this variety of dining and beverage as almost an adventure,” said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Two years of research took Royal Caribbean teams around the world for the best in culinary experiences in truly iconic, food-oriented cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Barcelona, and more to sample amazing tastes and brainstorm ways to bring them onboard the ship.

Furthermore, guest feedback with a desire for convenience, choice, and variety has helped guide the development of dining options onboard Icon of the Seas even as the ship is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland.

The result is more than 40 food and beverage venues on the 250,800-gross-ton ship, with over 20 of them as brand new experiences for the first-of-its-kind vessel.

“You name it, for every mood, for every kind of moment during your vacation, anything that you want to experience as it relates to dining is available on Icon of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

Testing to develop Icon‘s dining venues included more than 100 showcase and tasting events as different menus have been evolved and tweaked, with changes to preparation, presentation, ingredients and more to ensure the very best results.

New to Icon of the Seas

More than 20 venues will be exclusive to Icon of the Seas when the ship debuts in January 2024 offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida.

One of the most elite will be the Empire Supper Club, described as a “super premium dining experience” that pairs curated cocktails, dining menus, and specially-selected music for a holistic and elegant 8-course culinary event with a 1920s-style New York vibe.

Icon of the Seas Dining
Icon of the Seas Dining, Empire Supper Club

For a more casual, grab-and-go dining, AquaDome Market will offer a food hall experience with Creme de la Crepe offering both savory and sweet crepes, GNGR with its Asian-inspired menu, Mac’s for a variety of macaroni and cheese dishes including Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Creole Mac, Toast and Garden for sandwiches and salads, and so much more.

In the new Surfside family neighborhood, Surfside Eatery is a buffet dedicated to families, with delicious choices for all ages, including the ever-popular ice cream machine.

Nearby, Pier 7 is the first-ever specialty restaurant created for young families with an all-day brunch experience, including a “Kids Eat Free” menu with grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, burgers, and other favorites, while Surfside Bites is a pick-up window with grab-and-go handheld snacks like fries, popcorn chicken, hot dogs, donut holes, and chocolate chip cookies.

Icon of the Seas Dining
Icon of the Seas Dining

Another pick-up window will be located with Izumi in Central Park, offering sushi and other Asian bites, along with soft serve bubble cones for an exotic dessert.

In the highly-anticipated Thrill Island neighborhood, the dining venue Base Camp is an outdoor, fast-casual venue with delicious choices like fried cheese curds, waffle chicken nuggets, crispy shrimp bao buns, smash burgers, and other foods to refuel between thrills.

Adjacent to the architecturally stunning Pearl, the Pearl Cafe will offer handcrafted sandwiches, specialty coffees, and bakery desserts, with plentiful lounge seating nearby for relaxing or meeting up.

Returning Favorites

Royal Caribbean fans won’t be disappointed as classic cruise favorites return on Icon of the Seas, including Sorrento’s, Giovanni’s, Playmaker’s, and more. Yet on Icon, each venue is reimagined for the new ship in new ways.

For example, the popular Trellis Bar will have a snack menu with elevated bar dishes such as crab cake fritters, steak bites, beet tartare, and crispy truffled fries, just to name a few.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

Chop’s Grille, the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, will have a unique butcher’s display featuring specialty cuts for guests to choose from, showcasing the meat in a way that’s never been done before.

Even the main dining room has been updated and elevated, with a specially curated kids’ menu to give the youngest cruisers more connection to a full family dining experience. Likewise, Windjammer has also been updated with new options for families and cruisers of all ages.

Icon of the Seas is already breaking booking records for the cruise line, and with such an amazing dining lineup onboard, every guest on the ship – as many as 7,600 passengers per sailing when the vessel is fully booked – will certainly find delicious meals, snacks, and treats to make their vacation iconically memorable.

Royal Caribbean Ship Changing Multiple Cruises, Skipping Ports

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Ship Changing Multiple Cruises, Skipping Ports

Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas is having alterations to a number of upcoming itineraries, dropping ports of call and substituting sea days on various sailings in the coming months.

These changes are due to required engine maintenance impacting overall sailing speed, but guests are being fairly compensated for the adjustment.

Anthem of the Seas Itinerary Changes

Booked passengers have reported a variety of itinerary changes on upcoming sailings for Anthem of the Seas. Most changes involve dropping a scheduled port of call, either Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida or Nassau, Bahamas, depending on the sailing date and exact itinerary. When possible, the cruise line has extended time in another port on the itinerary to give guests more exploration time as well.

Emails sent to booked guests, travel advisors, and travel partners are similar regardless of the sailing.

“To maintain a safe and comfortable speed along our journey, we’ll now have a sea day instead of visiting Nassau, Bahamas [Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida]. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this,” the notification reads.

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: LD Media UK / Shutterstock

To help make up for the alteration, the cruise line is increasing the amount of time Anthem of the Seas will spend in Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Depending on the sailing, the time extension in CocoCay varies from just one extra hour to 2.5 additional hours.

Other impacted itineraries include the October 30 and November 26, 2023 departure dates. Booked guests have also reported similar changes on various departure dates, including November 5 and November 12, 2023, and it is likely that other sailing dates are also affected.

Longer Cruises Also Impacted

It isn’t just 7-night Bahamas cruises that are affected by these itinerary changes. The ship’s January 29, 2024 cruise – an 11-night Southern Caribbean sailing – is also losing a port of call with some adjustments to other ports on the itinerary.

On that sailing, Anthem of the Seas will no longer be visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, but two extra hours have been added to the call in Charlotte Amalie, which will now be the first port of call on the sailing after three full days at sea.

Times in St. Lucia as well as St. Kitts & Nevis are also slightly adjusted, before the ship enjoys three more full days at sea before returning to Cape Liberty.

Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship
Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)

Anthem of the Seas is offering several of these longer Southern Caribbean sailings over the winter, and each one may be similarly impacted with itinerary changes. Guests booked on those cruises should stay in close contact with the cruise line or their travel agent for updates.

The reasoning for both types of itinerary changes – whether on weeklong or longer sailings – is that the ship requires maintenance on one of its four engines. While no safety or onboard operational systems are impacted, the vessel’s maximum cruising speed must be reduced.

“While this impacts our ability to deliver on the original itinerary, we’re confident that it will still be an exceptional cruise vacation,” the email explains.

Anthem of the Seas has previously had similar issues that caused minor itinerary modifications, including for sailings in June 2023 and in 2017.

Compensation Offered

In addition to extending some time in another port of call, Royal Caribbean International is also offering guests on the impacted cruises a one-day prorated refund of their cruise fare as an onboard credit posted to each guest’s account on embarkation day.

Any unused funds from that credit will be refunded back to the account’s credit card at the end of the cruise. All Royal Caribbean shore excursions for the cancelled ports are also being automatically refunded.

“Thanks for your understanding,” the email concludes. “We can’t wait to welcome you onboard Anthem of the Seas!”

Anthem of the Seas is currently homeported from Southampton, UK, offering Canary Islands cruises as the ship finishes her European season.

On October 15, the 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum-class ship will sail a 15-night transatlantic crossing to return to New York (Cape Liberty, New Jersey), stopping at ports of call in Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Bermuda along the way.

The ship will remain homeported from New Jersey through the winter, before returning to Southampton in late April 2024. In November 2024, Anthem of the Seas will be repositioned in Singapore to offer Southeast Asian itineraries.

Another Cruise Line Can Hook Up Entire Fleet to Shore Power

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Cruise Line Can Hook Up Entire Fleet to Shore Power

Holland America Line has finished refitting all its vessels with shore power connectivity, making a momentous step toward better sustainability and improving emissions and noise reduction while in ports of call that can provide electrical connections to a ship. This is just one more of the cruise line’s fleet-wide, environmentally-conscious efforts toward more conscientious cruising.

Last Holland America Ship Can Now Connect to Shore Power

Finishing an upgrade and enhancement program that began in 2006, Holland America Line has now completed shore power installation on Volendam, making the cruise line’s entire fleet of 11 ships shore power-capable.

The installation was completed in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the ship’s first full day of shore power use was Wednesday, September 27, 2023 while the vessel was turning around from its last cruise of the Alaska season.

The 61,214-gross-ton Volendam is Holland America Line’s oldest vessel, having been constructed in 1999. The conversion of the ship to accept shore power demonstrates the adaptability of the fleet, and how even older ships can be upgraded with new environmentally-friendly options.

“At Holland America Line, our legacy of exceptional on-board care extends to caring for the planet, and having our entire fleet capable of shore power connection is a tremendous milestone in our sustainability efforts,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

Holland America Cruise Ships
Holland America Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: The Bold Bureau / Shutterstock)

The first Holland America Line ships converted to shore power were the Vista-class ships in 2006 – Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Noordam. Meanwhile, the Pinnacle-class ships – Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam – were all built with shore power systems already fully installed in 2016, 2018, and 2021, respectively.

Similarly, the Signature-class vessels – Eurodam (2008) and Nieuw Amsterdam (2010) – were built with partial shore power capabilities, and have now been fully upgraded to accept shore power connectivity.

With all Holland America Line ships now shore-power-capable, the cruise line joins other illustrious lines in offering the environmentally-friendly option while docked. This follows Cunard Line’s complete fleet conversion, which was finished in mid-August.

Ports Offering Shore Power

While all of Holland America Line’s ships can now connect to shore power, that doesn’t mean they will always be able to do so. Not every cruise port offers the connectivity, either overall or at the berths used by Holland America Line.

At the moment, a total of 18 ports of call included on the cruise line’s itineraries offer shore power options, including the US ports of Juneau, Alaska; New York City, New York; San Francisco and San Diego, California; and Seattle, Washington.

AIDA Cruises Shore Power
AIDA Cruises Shore Power (Photo Courtesy: AIDA Cruises)

Worldwide, Holland America ships can use shore power when visiting or homeported at Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver, Canada; Bergen, Ålesund, and Kristiansand, Norway; Kiel, Germany; and Shanghai and Xiamen, China. Rotterdam, Netherlands is also upgrading facilities for shore power, which is expected to be available in 2024.

“We have committed to reducing our carbon emission intensity 20% by 2026 from our 2019 baseline, and we’re on our way to reaching that goal through a variety of initiatives that include shore power,” said Antorcha. “We look forward to more global ports embracing shore power capability in the future and are ready to work with them to connect.”

Additional Environmental Initiatives

Shore power isn’t the only sustainability step that Holland America Line has taken in recent years.

The line was one of the first to eliminate single-use plastics onboard its vessels, including items such as straws, ketchup packets, and stir sticks. Where available, such items have been replaced with reusable items, such as recyclable glass and aluminum bottles and biodegradable straws.

“We’ve made our packaging changes in a thoughtful manner to ensure that we can both reduce our footprint and also maintain our outstanding guest experience,” said Antorcha.

The cruise line has also installed biodigesters to help minimize food waste and protect marine environments, and is working to install food waste dehydrators fleet-wide by the end of 2023 as another way to minimize organic waste by as much as 90%.

Sister company Carnival Cruise Line deployed more than 200 biodigesters fleet-wide in 2022, and other cruise lines are taking similar initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and otherwise ensure sustainable and responsible cruising for years to come.

Celebrity Cruises’ New-Build Departs on Sea Trials

Donna Tunney
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Celebrity Cruises’ New-Build Departs on Sea Trials

With her launch date fast approaching, Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship has officially started her all-important sea trials following two years of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Celebrity Ascent, the fourth vessel in the line’s Edge class, will sail her inaugural voyage in December 2023.

Celebrity Ascent Begins Sea Trials

Celebrity Cruises, the upmarket brand of Royal Caribbean Group, marked a construction milestone on September 27, 2023, when its new-build Celebrity Ascent left her dock at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard and began sea trials.

“The Celebrity Ascent, 4th in the Edge series built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique left the port this afternoon for a series of sea tests. [The ship] will be back on Saturday. Its final delivery is scheduled in November,” The city of Saint-Nazaire says.

The series of performance tests evaluate systems and procedures such as speed and maneuverability, safety, propulsion, seaworthiness, and a broad range of navigational components.

Celebrity Ascent Begins Sea Trials
Celebrity Ascent Begins Sea Trials (Photo Credit: Bruno Bouvry Photographer)

Construction of the 140,600-gross ton Celebrity Ascent began with her steel-cutting ceremony in November 2021, with cruise line executives attending the event.

Just over a year ago, in August 2022, cruise and shipyard officials marked the ship’s keel laying with a coin ceremony, a seafaring tradition that places special coins inside the keel as a symbol of good luck.

Signaling the final stage of construction, Celebrity Ascent, in January 2023, was floated out of her construction bay at the shipyard, touching water for the first time. Sitting dockside, work continued on the ship’s interior spaces.

Inaugural Voyage to Depart Early December

Following the finishing touches, Celebrity Ascent will sail a transatlantic voyage from France in late November, although the voyage is not yet posted on the cruise line website. Celebrity Ascent’s naming ceremony is slated for December 1, 2023.

While the cruise line has yet to confirm the location of the event, it is likely the ceremony will be held at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the new ship’s winter homeport.

Celebrity Cruises in August announced its new-build will have two godmothers: Captain Sandy Yawn, who stars in the Bravo TV series “Below Deck,” and her sister, Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism.

The cruise line had earlier announced that two brothers will co-captain Celebrity Ascent. Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis, with a combined 50 years of service at Celebrity Cruises, will each work three-month rotations aboard the ship.

Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Ascent’s maiden voyage is set to depart on December 3, 2023. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise sails roundtrip from Port Everglades with port calls at St. Maarten; St. Thomas, USVI; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The ship’s winter cruising schedule includes Eastern, Western, and Bahamas sailings. Itineraries will visit popular ports such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, San Juan, Nassau, and others.

Like her Edge-class sister ships, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Beyond, the 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent will offer 30 dining venues and lounges, and several stateroom categories, including AquaClass, ConciergeClass, Edge staterooms, and exclusive luxury level accommodation called The Retreat.

The ship also will feature the popular Magic Carpet, a multi-use, moving platform that will house a bar and restaurant, and be lowered to water level when needed at tender ports.

Summer 2024 in the Mediterranean

On April 14, 2024, the ship will reposition to the Mediterranean for her summer series. The repositioning cruise features port calls at the Canary Islands, Funchal, Portugal, and Malaga, Spain, before concluding in Barcelona.

Sailing mainly between Barcelona and Rome during her inaugural season, the ship will offer 7- to 12-night cruises calling at ports in France, Italy, and Spain, plus Greece and Turkey.

Celebrity Ascent is scheduled to return to Port Everglades in November 2024, offering a series of winter cruises in the Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Line Opens Itineraries to New Private Destination

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Opens Itineraries to New Private Destination

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the initial itineraries that will visit Celebration Key, the cruise line’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Island.

A total of 12 Carnival ships from eight different homeports will be visiting Celebration Key in 2025 and 2026, on itineraries ranging from 3-14 nights to give guests many amazing choices to experience this new tropical paradise.

Itineraries Open for Celebration Key

Carnival Cruise Line’s new $200 million (USD) development on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key, is sure to be an amazing destination exclusively for Carnival guests and offering authentic Bahamian experiences. Now, eager cruisers can begin booking itineraries to visit the new private port of call, with approximately 400 cruises now on sale featuring Celebration Key.

“We’ve seen that there is a lot of interest in Celebration Key as thousands of Carnival guests signed up over the last week to be the first to know about the itineraries and features,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president. “The July 2025 opening will be here before we know it.”

Twelve Carnival cruise ships will visit Celebration Key as the new destination first opens, from homeports in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, and Alabama. This gives guests a wide range of sailing options that include the exciting new port.

Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key

Among the itineraries that will feature Celebration Key are short getaways from 3-4 nights aboard Carnival Conquest from PortMiami on cruises from July 18, 2025, along with 3-4 night cruises on Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral beginning July 21, 2025. From Jacksonville, Carnival Elation will visit the new port on 4- and 5-night sailings also from July 21, 2025.

For slightly longer sailings, Carnival Celebration will visit Celebration Key on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from PortMiami beginning July 20, 2025, along with Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral starting the day before, July 19, 2025 also on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

Carnival Dream will head to Celebration Key from Galveston on 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from July 26, 2025, while guests sailing from New Orleans can visit the new port on Carnival Liberty‘s 7- and 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Carnival Dream Cruise Ship
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)

From further afield, Carnival Pride will set sail from Baltimore on 7-night Bahamas cruises that will feature Celebration Key from July 20, 2025. Similarly, Carnival Sunshine will visit the destination on 6- and 8-night sailings from Norfolk, Virginia beginning on October 18, 2025.

When Carnival Spirit returns to Mobile, Alabama in November 2025 after spending the summer in Alaska, the ship will offer a stop in Celebration Key on 6- and 8-night Bahamas cruises.

Longer Sailing Options

For guests who want to enjoy longer sailings, Celebration Key will be featured on a variety of unique itineraries and exclusive Carnival Journeys cruises.

For example, Mardi Gras will include the new destination on two 14-night transatlantic sailings, the first from Port Canaveral to Barcelona departing on September 13, 2025, and the second on the ship’s return journey from Barcelona to Port Canaveral on October 16, 2025.

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise
Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise (Photo Copyright: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Sailing from Galveston, Carnival Legend will offer a stop at Celebration Key on 10-night Exotic Eastern Caribbean sailings.

Carnival Pride will be offering a 14-night Panama Canal cruise departing from Baltimore on January 11, 2026, which will include Celebration Key.

These longer cruises will offer even more variety for travelers while still letting them experience the new and exciting port destination.

Carnival Cruise Line plans to announce more than 100 additional Celebration Key itineraries for another six ships in the coming months, offering even more options for guests who want to be among the first to visit the new port of call.

Excitement Growing for New Destination

Just days ago, Carnival Cruise Line invited interested guests to sign up for exclusive updates on Celebration Key, with tremendous response. Not only will those notifications include new itineraries, but also updates on the port’s progress and exciting features.

“We are working closely with the Bahamian Government and the local Grand Bahama community to make this the premier exclusive cruise port destination in the Caribbean,” said Duffy. “We plan to announce further details on what guests can expect to experience while there in the near future.”

Celebration Key, Grand Bahama
Celebration Key, Grand Bahama

A key feature of the new destination is its close focus on Bahamian culture, offering opportunities for local residents and showcasing the art, music, food, crafts, and history of the Bahamas through retail and dining venues, displays, and more.

“This is so exciting for the people of Grand Bahama as we watch Celebration Key come to life,” said the Honorable Ginger Moxie, Minister for Grand Bahama. “We have a bold vision of how Grand Bahama can become the premier destination for entertainment and events in the region and we look forward to showing Carnival’s guests a warm and memorable vacation when they start visiting our beautiful island in 2025.”

Celebration Key is located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the existing dock in Freeport. Ground was broken on the development in May 2022.

The new destination will feature a mile-long white sand beach, diverse excursion options, freshwater lagoons, a nature reserve, and more. Carnival Cruise Line plans to announce full phase one details and the overall development timeline for Celebration Key soon.

Princess Cruises Reveals New Dining Concepts for Upcoming Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Cruises Reveals New Dining Concepts for Upcoming Ship

Princess Cruises has announced exclusive, elevated dining experiences for the upcoming Sun Princess, the cruise line’s first Sphere-class ship and largest-ever vessel at 175,500 gross tons.

The new ship will feature 29 dining and lounge options, with amazing tastes for every food preference and palate.

New Dining to Debut Aboard Sun Princess

The brand new Sun Princess, scheduled to debut in February 2024, will feature an amazing array of delicious dining, including exclusive venues found nowhere else in the Princess Cruises’ fleet as well as classic favorites and reimagined options to suit every passengers’ tastes.

Onboard will be 29 different restaurant and lounge options, ranging from elite specialty dining to casual quick bites to everything in between.

“Outstanding food and drink at exceptional value are a cornerstone of the Princess experience. Sun Princess elevates the entire portfolio of offers and wraps them in restaurants, bars and sundecks that reveal stunning views, ocean vistas and sunshine, ice and wildlife,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

Sun Princess Good Spirits at Sea
Sun Princess Good Spirits at Sea

One of the most noticeable upgraded dining experiences will be the Horizons Dining Room, the 3-deck, aft-facing main dining room able to accommodate 1,931 guests (of the ship’s projected 4,300 guest capacity).

Different formalities will be present on each level, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner options will all be available with stunning wake views and natural light to complement each meal.

Another venue exclusive to Sun Princess will be Umai Teppanyaki on Deck 8, offering not only delicious cuisine but also astonishing showmanship, with each meal intertwined with fiery skills and dazzling displays of culinary acrobatics.

Sun Princess Umai Teppanyaki
Sun Princess Umai Teppanyaki

Read Also: New Spaces Unveiled for Princess Cruises’ New LNG Mega-Ship

Each three-course meal is a three-act show with mouth-watering dishes such as Pork Belly Yakitori, Filet Mignon with Champagne Cognac flambé, and a Chocolate Bento Box.

Two additional unique venues are yet to be revealed – a new specialty restaurant perched aft on Deck 17, and a mysterious dining unknown hidden behind a black door midship on Deck 8.

Private Restaurant Options

In addition to new dining options everyone onboard can enjoy, Sun Princess will also feature exclusive options for suite guests of different levels.

Guests staying in the only-on-Sun–Princess Signature Collection suites will have exclusive access to the new Signature Restaurant on Deck 7 as well as the two-story Signature Lounge on Decks 15 and 16.

Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Sun Princess Cruise Ship

Meanwhile, guests of the Reserve Collection – mini-suites and “cabana cabins” with luxury outdoor lounging space will have their own exclusive dining venue, the Reserve Collection Restaurant on Deck 7.

Both exclusive, suite-associated restaurants will have menu options available nowhere else on board, as well as a unique “Prime Rib Carving Trolley” for tableside service.

Classic Favorites Will Return

A wide range of Princess Cruises’ classic favorites will return aboard Sun Princess, upgraded and elevated to fit the new ship’s outstanding vibe.

Sun Princess Princess Live!
Sun Princess Princess Live!

From traditional pub food with a twist at O’Malley’s Irish Pub to the freshest seafood at The Catch by Rudy from the fleet’s Head of Culinary Arts Rudi Sodamin to the iconic steakhouse experience of the Crown Grill to fresh-made pasta at Sabatini’s, guests will find all their favorites on the new ship.

Sun Princess O'Malley's Irish Pub
Sun Princess O’Malley’s Irish Pub

The World Fresh Marketplace and the adjacent The Promenade offer great views and a true journey of flavors with nine food stations from Asian to Italian and more, including a glorious array of desserts.

The Lido Deck will still feature fast bites of classic cruise food and drinks – burgers, tacos, cocktails, and mocktails – and Alfredo’s Pizzeria will serve authentic slices for the pizza aficionado.

In the central Piazza, guests can gather for amazing drinks pre- or post-dining (or anytime to quench a thirst) with an array of options. Coffee Currents will offer espresso, lattes, and more crafted by skilled baristas, while Good Spirits at Sea offers one-of-a-kind cocktails and an immersive Martini experience and classic royal teas. Meanwhile, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar is a shimmering delight to the eye with glamorous bubblies to delight the tongue.

For awesome entertainment with equally awesome drinks, guests will want to stop by Crooners, the Wheelhouse Bar, or even Princess Live! for fun times and fun toasts.

With so much variety – as well as Kai Sushi, along with barbecue, vegetarian, specialty coffees, ice cream, and so many more tastes to sample – travelers can see the world on the ship even as they taste cuisine from every corner of the globe (including at the convenient International Cafe on Deck 9!), with special attention paid to every bite to ensure its authenticity and deliciousness.

Sun Princess The Promenade
Sun Princess The Promenade

“Our chefs will serve up vibrant flavors, pour perfectly crafted cocktails and provide personalized service that is second to none,” said Padgett.

With so much delicious dining to experience, guests will want to sail Sun Princess over and over again to enjoy every morsel. The ship will debut from Barcelona and Rome in February 2024, sailing a variety of Mediterranean cruises until September, when she will reposition to Fort Lauderdale to spend the 2024-2025 winter season in the Caribbean before returning to the Mediterranean in April 2025.

Sun Princess is currently under construction at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, and was officially floated out in March 2023 on her way to joining the Princess Cruises fleet.

Large Passport Book vs Standard – Does it Matter?

Emrys Thakkar
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Large Passport Book vs Standard – Does it Matter?

Even though they are essential for planning international travel, many people overlook their passports when planning a trip. Whether you are taking a cruise for the first time or have set sail on numerous occasions, knowing what type of passport book you need is critical. 

Today, we will explain the main differences between large and standard passport books and compare the advantages and disadvantages of both types of passport book, so you can be assured that you have made the right choice.

While choosing between a large passport book and a standard passport book can impact your voyage, we are here to help! Learn the differences and get back to the fun of confidently planning your trip!

In This Article:

Large Passport Book vs Standard Passport Book

Physical Differences

As you would expect, a large passport book, also known as an extended passport, is bigger than a standard passport. More specifically, the larger version has additional pages, which means it has more space for customs passport stamps, entry visas, and other forms of travel certification. 

With American passports, the large version offers 48 passport pages, while the standard passport has 28 pages. For the most part, the 20 additional pages, so users do not have to worry about running out of space. 

Intended Use

As you would expect, large passports are more suitable for frequent travel and those planning a lengthy trip that requires stopping in numerous countries. On the other hand, the standard passport book is designed for a more leisurely traveler who only books international travel occasionally rather than multiple times per year.

US Passports
US Passports (Photo Credit: Chiara Sakuwa / Shutterstock)

If you regularly leave the country for work and leisure, it is usually a safe bet to go with the large passport book. The larger option helps you avoid running out of space and needing to apply for a passport replacement on short notice. 

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Passport Book? 

Large Passport Book

Pros:

  • Extra space for stamps, entry visas, permits, and other travel documentation
  • Ideal for those who travel internationally for business and leisure
  • Offers peace of mind if a trip involves entering numerous countries or ports of call
  • Some countries have an extended expiry date for large passport books 

Cons:

  • Larger size means it might not fit in certain protective passport cases
  • Higher passport application and passport renewal fees in certain countries 

Standard Passport Book

Pros:

  • Smaller and easier to fit in a pocket or purse
  • Less expensive in some countries 

Cons:

  • Limited space for travel documents and travel certifications
  • Easier to run out of space if you begin traveling more frequently in the future 

Large Passport Book vs Standard Passport: Considerations for Cruise Vacations

Cruise vacations differ from other travel types, as they make stops in different countries at regular intervals.

If you enjoy the unique blend of relaxation and adventure you get with cruise vacations, here are a few things you should consider when assessing your passport needs.

How Frequently You Travel and the Duration of Your Trips

Naturally, those who enjoy cruise vacations regularly, meaning at least once per year, will use their passport more than those who travel infrequently.

If you plan on leaving the country often, it might be a safe bet to choose a larger passport, as it will be able to accommodate entry and exit stamps, plus any travel visas you may need to enter certain countries.

Passport for Cruise
Passport for Cruise (Photo Credit: Ricardo Reitmeyer / Shutterstock)

While it is less of an issue for cruise vacations, as they tend to have short stops in foreign countries, those traveling internationally for long durations may need to apply for certain visas.

More From Cruise Hive

These travel visa pages can take up a significant amount of space in a passport, so it might be worth choosing a larger passport if you plan to be outside the country for long stretches. 

The Type of Cruise and the Ports of Call

While it may surprise those new to cruise vacations, you can take many different types of trips. It is possible to board a cruise ship where you will never disembark in another country. For these types of trips, you do not need to worry about using up space in your passport.

On the other hand, cruise itineraries that involve numerous ports of call in different countries and regions may require multiple entry and exit stamps. With these types of trips, a larger passport would ensure you would not run out of space.

In some countries and regions, citizens of certain countries, like Canada and the United States, may need to obtain specific travel visas. These relatively large documents are inserted into the blank passport pages, so they can quickly take up a significant amount of space. 

If you need clarification about visa requirements for an upcoming cruise trip, contact your specific cruise line for more travel document and passport information. Royal Caribbean also has a helpful page on its website that details travel documentation and visa guidance for U.S. and Canadian citizens.

Which Type of Passport Book Should You Get?

In case you are confused, either type of passport book will be suitable for an international cruise vacation. That said, you should ensure that your passport has room for all the necessary travel documents and stamps for your upcoming travels. 

Frequent travelers often find the extra pages you get with the larger passport book a better option. Rather than worrying that you may run out of space or will have to renew your passport and order another before a future trip, you can remain confident that your passport will work. On the other hand, if you plan on traveling less regularly, a smaller passport book should do the trick.

PortMiami Cruise Ships
PortMiami Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: PortMiami)

One thing that you should remember, regardless of the type of passport you choose, is that you must ensure that your passport is valid throughout your trip. If your passport is nearing its expiry date, ensure you apply for a new passport well before leaving the country.

For those who are unsure, we generally recommend opting for the large book, especially if you are a citizen of a country that does not charge an additional passport fee for the larger option. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Final Words

Once you have received your preferred passport type and are confident that you have researched all the necessary entry requirements for the countries you will be visiting, you can begin packing for your voyage!

Read Also: Do Kids Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

If you are unsure what you will need, we recommend looking at our list of essential packing items. More importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience!

Celebrity Cruises Reinstates Popular Top Tier Loyalty Benefit

Melissa Mayntz
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Celebrity Cruises Reinstates Popular Top Tier Loyalty Benefit

Celebrity Cruises is bringing back Zenith member access to onboard Retreat Lounges and Michael’s Clubs, giving guests that elite option for a quiet, peaceful place to relax and unwind. This decision will be a positive development for many loyal cruisers, but may also have difficulties on especially popular sailings.

Retreat Access Returning to Zenith Level

Celebrity Cruises has reached out to loyal guests with the news that Zenith member access to the Retreat Lounge (or Michael’s Club, depending on the vessel) will be reinstated, effective immediately. This gives top tier members of the Captain’s Club that exclusive access to a very elite space and the features it includes.

The announcement was made during an online Q&A session with Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge.

“In my time as President of Celebrity Cruises, it became clear to me how important this benefit is to our Zenith members,” said Hodges Bethge. “Therefore, it was important for me to find a way to bring it back.”

It is important to note that there may be difficulties with the access, depending on how many of the cruise line’s most loyal guests are present on individual sailings.

Celebrity Beyond The Retreat
Celebrity Beyond The Retreat

“Given the limited space in the Retreat Lounge/Michael’s Club, there may be certain sailings where we must open auxiliary lounge spaces to accommodate large numbers of members,” Hodges Bethge explained.

No details have been provided about what type of “auxiliary lounge spaces” may be offered on more popular sailings, or whether those spaces will be limited to Zenith members while the Retreat Lounge would then be reserved for guests of The Retreat.

Access to the Retreat Lounge is a sought after benefit because of the exclusivity of the space, particularly on more crowded sailings when it can be challenging to find a quieter space to relax.

About the Retreat Lounge

The Retreat Lounge is an exclusive space for guests of The Retreat, Celebrity Cruises’ “ship-in-a-ship” concept that bundles elite services, exclusive spaces, and luxury staterooms to provide a more all-inclusive experience for travelers.

Now, guests who have reached the Zenith level of the Captain’s Club will also have access to the lounge, even if they are not staying in The Retreat.

The lounge includes complimentary beverages, gourmet snacks, and an afternoon tea, all amidst stylish décor for the ultimate in restfulness. A dedicated concierge is on hand to answer questions or arrange services such as dinner reservations, spa treatments, and more as needed.

The Retreat Lounge
The Retreat Lounge

The Retreat Lounge is open 24 hours a day, though concierge service times can vary based on each ship’s itinerary and staffing needs.

On “non-revolutionized” ships that lack The Retreat, the Retreat Lounge is known as Michael’s Lounge and offers similar services, but without the connection to The Retreat.

Reaching Zenith Level

By definition, “zenith” is “a highest point or state” and indeed, Zenith is the highest level of Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club loyalty program, requiring 3,000 or more club points. Cruisers earn points on every sailing, with different points earned depending on the type of stateroom booked.

For example, if only inside or ocean view cabins are booked – which earn two club points per night – it would take 1,500 cruise nights or 500 3-night cruises to reach Zenith level. If booking Iconic suites, however – which earn 24 club points per night – it would take “just” 125 cruise nights or 42 3-night cruises to reach that loyalty level.

At the Zenith level, not only do cruisers get access to the Retreat Lounge, but also other amazing benefits such as complimentary drink packages, a variety of members-only onboard events, significant discounts on specialty dining and photo packages, free unlimited wash/dry/fold laundry services, and much more.

The most extravagant benefit is that upon reaching Zenith level, guests receive a complimentary 7-night Caribbean or Bermuda cruise in a Veranda stateroom. When doubling Zenith and reaching 6,000 points, the free cruise is upgraded to an AquaClass stateroom.

What a great reason to strive for Zenith level and have even more opportunity to enjoy the Retreat Lounge!

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