Following our initial report detailing Carnival Cruise Line’s significant upgrade to its booking systems, Carnival’s booking systems and website are back online.
However, the upgrade aimed at improving front-end and back-end booking systems has encountered a few road bumps since it went live.
Notably, some cruise prices appear to have doubled, and several potential guests have reported difficulties booking a cruise with a deposit. Website visitors have also reported that several cruises seem to be unavailable.
Technical Glitches Following Upgrade
Carnival Cruise Line’s upgrade of its booking systems did not go entirely to plan. Since the website came back online, numerous issues have been reported.
The upgrade, scheduled to take place on September 16 and 17, between 12:00 AM ET and concluding on the evening of Sunday, was aimed at enhancing the user experience for guests and travel agents.
Given that the cruise line’s website receives millions of visits monthly, the upgrades have been a significant event affecting everything related to bookings.
Carnival Cruise Line Site
The issues ranged from guests finding cruises costing more than double the original price, an oceanview room costing more than a balcony cabin, travel agents being unable to make payments for cruises, cruises being invisible or unavailable, and it being impossible to book a cruise with a deposit.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, addressed the issues: “The website is still having a few concerns. For example, the price shows double on the first screen, but when you click on it, the real price shows. There are also people trying to book with a deposit but cannot and there are some cruises that are not showing.
“I didn’t want you to feel you have to let me know or call the Mothership so please allow me to apologize and I promise I have let the beards know and they are working on this right now.”
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
In systems as intricate as Carnival Cruise Line’s, which links thousands of terminals globally, the likelihood of encountering a glitch is almost inevitable.
Despite undergoing extensive testing before launching, unforeseen issues can still arise. However, Carnival may not have anticipated glitches of this magnitude.
A Short Term Hiccup?
The downtime over the weekend of September 16 and 17 was significant, with critical functionalities of the booking system rendered inaccessible for nearly two days.
These Included pre-cruise functionalities in My Cruise Manager, such as online check-in and booking shore excursions or spa and dining reservations, but also new bookings, service management, payments, and access to the travel agent platform.
This comes after the website experienced a series of glitches over the last couple of years, the most recent being the beverage package glitch in August 2023, and another glitch where cruises disappeared from the website.
Photo Credit: Ruth Peterkin / Shutterstock
According to an official email to travel agents, the downtime was expected to affect various pre-cruise functionalities such as online check-ins and booking shore excursions.
The upgrade should also help Carnival’s efforts to cope with the increasing number of visitors to its website, which saw an almost 9% rise in visitor numbers in July 2023, up to 13 million visitors per month, compared to the same month last year. By comparison, all nine brands in Carnival Corporation combined see about 35 million visitors per month.
It’s clear that the transition could have been smoother. Carnival is actively working to rectify these problems as swiftly as possible.
Given the considerable implications for guests and travel agents alike, the cruise line will want to have this corrected as soon as possible, and it should be no more than a short-term hiccup.
For now, it seems best to wait for a short time while Carnival gets rid of the various bugs that have been introduced in the system.
Carnival Cruise Line has been renovating and revitalizing its main dining room menus in recent months, and now additional new changes will bring more vegan options across the fleet.
The new vegan main dining room menu is already available onboard one Carnival ship, and is planned to be rolled out to the rest of the fleet by the end of 2023.
New Vegan Menu Onboard Carnival Ships
Carnival Cruise Line is adding more plant-based menu items to the main dining rooms with the introduction of a fully vegan menu.
Not only will this provide more delicious dishes for those who prefer vegan choices, but will also facilitate ordering as well as preparation to ensure no cross-contamination with animal products.
The new vegan menus include appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all of which are entirely vegan. When proteins are featured in the dishes, they are plant-based meat substitutes as appropriate.
Carnival’s Hawaiian Salmon Poke
“Plant-based food options are a rising preference on our ships just as they are on land, and so the new dishes we’re introducing are a direct response to that shift,”said Richard Morse, senior vice president of food and beverage at Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Line has always offered featured vegetarian selections, but not every vegetarian choice is also vegan. While vegetarians may still eat some animal products such as diary, eggs, or certain proteins depending on their preferences and dietary needs, vegan diets are more strict and eliminate all animal products.
“Our skilled chefs work to accommodate all dietary needs and preferences but building on our vegan offerings and emphasizing them with specific menus will help to make ordering easier in the dining room and preparation more efficient in the galley,”said Morse.
Carnival’s Grilled Tofu Steak
The new menu offers delicious options for all courses, starting with a “Hawaiian Salmon Poke” featuring plant-based salmon and refreshing fruits and vegetables such as edamame, mango, and cucumber.
Guests can also enjoy “Stuffed Mushrooms” with plant-based cheeses and spinach, or a hearty “Spaghetti Carbonara” with vegan bacon and spices, available as an appetizer or entrée selection.
Carnival’s Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana
For entrees, key highlights of the new vegan menu include “Grilled Tofu Steak” with a Hasselback potato and mixed vegetables, “Baked Vegetable Au Gratin” with a vegetable medley sprinkled with plant-based cheeses in a vol-au-vent presentation, and “Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana” topped with rustic tomatoes, pesto, and basil.
Decadent desserts can also be part of every vegan meal. The “Key Lime Velvet Cake” combines refreshing lime, raspberry, and strawberry for a deliciously sweet finish.
Carnival’s Cappuccino Pot de Créme
Chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist the “Dutch Double Chocolate Pave” of layered cake and buttercream frosting, while coffee aficionados will want to indulge in the “Cappuccino Pot de Creme” with cinnamon creme chantilly topped with glazed nut crumbles.
When Will the Vegan Menu Debut?
The new vegan menu offerings have already debuted aboard Carnival Magic and Carnival Dream with great success.
“It’s been tested on two ships with our vegan guests and the reports are nothing but glowingly positive,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador.
Guest response indicates a great deal of excitement for the new menu, not only from those who follow a vegan diet by choice or medical necessity, but also by guests who are simply interested in the opportunity to try new foods or add more plant-based options into their diet, even if they still regularly eat meat.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic has already debuted the entire new vegan menu, while Carnival Dream is already beginning the rollout, and by the end of September, the new offerings will be available aboard Carnival Valor, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, and Mardi Gras.
Next up, the vegan menu will appear on additional ships: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Glory, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Elation will all offer these choices by the end of October.
Finally, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Spirit will debut the new menus in November, and by the end of the year, vegan guests will have more options aboard Carnival Legend, Carnival Venezia, and the upcoming Carnival Jubilee.
Exact dates for the vegan menu rollout on individual ships have not been confirmed, and will likely depend on ensuring all supplies are available and each ship’s culinary staff is trained on the proper preparation and handling of the vegan items.
Carnival Cruise Line is quietly removing libraries from its ships, both with new builds not having a library venue and with older ships renovating the spaces into different uses during dry dock operations.
What does this trend indicate about changes in the onboard vibe, and what experiences guests can expect on Carnival cruise ships?
No More Libraries Aboard Carnival Ships
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald recently addressed guests’ concerns about the lack of libraries on newly built Carnival cruise ships – a feature missing from the cruise line’s Excel-class vessels: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and the upcoming Carnival Jubilee.
Furthermore, guests have also noticed that some older Carnival ships are having their libraries removed during dry dock upgrades, with the space replaced with other features, such as additional bars or annexes to adjacent spaces, such as the casino.
“We have stopped building new ships with libraries,”confirmed Heald.“The reason is so we can have other bars, restaurants etc. there and the reason is also that, well, the amount of people who want to borrow a book and sit, in library silence on their Fun cruise was we saw getting less and less.”
Carnival Cruise Ship Library
The ship’s library was often a small, quiet space with classic wood decor and cozy seating, with small tables for board games or cards to be played. In addition to a selection of books – some contributed by guests, others supplied by the cruise line – a variety of board games were often available.
Admittedly, the book selection could vary widely from ship to ship, and the books were often older or obscure titles rather than newly released bestsellers. Similarly, the board games were often well-played and might be missing pieces, but players could get creative with their game style to still enjoy the diversion.
Occasionally, library spaces would also be used for onboard weddings or small gatherings, such as group meetups or business meetings.
What Takes the Place of a Library?
Now, areas formerly used for ships’ libraries are being renovated for additional bars, coffee shops, smoke-free casino rooms, live music setups, or other venues that draw more attention than sedate, quiet space.
In other cases, the former library space may simply be an extension of adjacent seating areas or other venues to reduce crowding in those more popular spaces.
With space at a premium on ever-larger cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers on every sailing, it makes sense for the cruise line to eliminate less-used spaces and update them for more popular venues.
Furthermore, when the free libraries – there has never been a charge for borrowing a book or playing a board game – can be turned into revenue-generating spaces such as bars or extra-charge cafes, it makes “cents” to the cruise line’s bottom line.
Guest Reaction
Reactions have been mixed about the loss of libraries onboard, with some guests lamenting no longer having a quiet, peaceful, dedicated space for reading or games.
Other guests have often taken advantage of the library for onboard work time, a growing trend in today’s increasingly digital, ever-connected world, with some travelers putting in remote work hours even while on vacation.
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
Especially on rainy days when outdoor spaces may not be as desirable or usable, the library could become more popular for friendly gatherings.
Other cruisers, however, have been surprised to learn that libraries have continued to be part of ships until recently, as the space is generally under-utilized and may not be noticed with so many other features onboard to enjoy.
Where to Find a Quiet Space Onboard
Even without a dedicated library onboard, there are many quiet spaces to be found even on the largest, newest, most popular cruise ships.
Different seating nooks near the main atrium often have some quiet corners, or seating found alongside interior promenades can be a great place to read a book, play a board game, deal out a deck of cards, or simply people-watch.
When not being used for trivia contests, craft projects, or other scheduled activities, guests can often go into different small lounges and music venues, such as a piano bar, for quiet seating and fewer disturbances.
Adults-only areas such as Serenity can also be a great space to get away from more noise and activity, with great outdoor lounge seating and phenomenal views.
Of course, guests can also stay in their staterooms for a relaxing break, or find a space on the deck further from the main pools for more quiet to enjoy books, games, or cards they may bring from home to enjoy on their cruise vacation.
Have you used the libraries onboard Carnival cruise ships? Will you miss them? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Cruise vacations offer a unique blend of excitement, adventure, and relaxation, which is why they appeal to so many types of people. Not only do they allow voyagers to take in astonishing views, but modern-day cruise ships also offer countless amenities that provide passengers with options for both fun and relaxation.
Given that cruise ships travel through some of the world’s most fruitful fishing regions, it only makes sense that many people ask if they can fish while on a cruise ship. After all, a trip that combines the luxury and adventure of a cruise trip with the thrill of deep-sea fishing would be a fishing enthusiast’s dream vacation.
Today, we are going to explain whether or not you can fish off a cruise ship. We will answer this surprisingly complex question and explore some of the options fishing enthusiasts have if they want to indulge in their favorite pastime during their voyage.
No, unfortunately, you cannot fish directly off a full-sized cruise ship. While some of the smaller river cruises allow passengers to cast a line, it is not possible or allowed from a large-scale cruise ship.
Even though cruise ships are teeming with exciting amenities for passengers to enjoy, so you would think fishing would be relatively simple, there are many practical and regulatory reasons why it is prohibited. The following are just some of the reasons why cruise lines cannot allow passengers to fish directly from the ship:
Safety Concerns and Cruise Line Guidelines
For cruise lines, the safety of passengers and crew members is their most important concern. Unfortunately, fishing off the side of a cruise ship would pose various safety risks. Sharp hooks, tangled lines, and dropped fishing equipment could all endanger unsuspecting passengers and crew members.
While some passengers would certainly know how to operate fishing equipment safely, more experienced individuals could easily hurt themselves or others. Even relatively small injuries, like cuts from hooks and fishing knives, are made more dangerous when you are at sea.
While modern cruise ships have sophisticated infirmaries, cruise lines take as many precautions as possible to keep passengers out of them to avoid overcrowding.
Environmental Risks and Local Regulations
One of the main appeals of taking a cruise is observing and enjoying the natural world uniquely. This is why all major cruise lines are committed to minimizing their impact on marine ecosystems and the environment in general.
Despite a recent viral TikTok of a man catching what appears to be a buffalo trunkfish or cowfish from the stateroom balcony of a Carnival ship in The Bahamas, fishing from a cruise ship is not permitted. Carnival does allow passengers to bring fishing rods on board, but only to use at appropriate ports of call.
If cruise lines allowed passengers to fish directly from the cruise ship, it could result in significant damage to marine life and delicate ecosystems. Not only would pulling fish from the water indiscriminately hurt marine life directly but dropped fishing equipment, like cut fishing lines, could cause significant damage.
This could be particularly damaging in sanctuary areas where all forms of fishing are banned to allow the entire marine ecosystem to recover from overfishing.
There is also a risk of hooking an endangered or protected species if you do not know what you are doing. Depending on your cruise ship’s itinerary, you could be traveling through areas home to sea turtles, stingrays, and various at-risk fish species. Rather than risk the threat to marine animals that cannot be caught.
Finally, all passenger vessels must abide by strict environmental rules and guidelines, particularly cruise ships. While these regulations may seem like they are only ruining the fun passengers could have, they are designed to protect the seas and oceans that cruise enthusiasts enjoy traveling over.
Protecting Local Economies and Fishing Industries
Most cruise lines cooperate with the locals in the various regions and port towns they visit. By allowing passengers to ship from the ship, cruise lines would pose a risk to the local fishing industries in areas they are so dependent on. Not only is this destructive to the environment itself, but it could also threaten the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing for food, income, and their way of life.
Local fishing Near Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Aleksandr Puludi / Shutterstock)
Rather than reduce fish populations and threaten the livelihoods of locals, most cruise lines partner with experienced local fishermen to offer exciting fishing excursions for passengers. While we will explain this in greater detail below, this helps passengers enjoy a much better fishing experience and helps local fishing communities earn a good living.
Maintaining Regular Operations
Cruise ships also have very specific itineraries and tight schedules. Rather than tying crew members up with fishing-related issues that could disrupt their ability to ensure all passengers have a safe and enjoyable experience, cruise lines simply prohibit fishing from all decks.
Instead of worrying about passengers fishing off of balconies and observation decks, the activity is banned. With that said, passengers can enjoy countless other entertainment options.
Can You Book Fishing Excursions While You Are on a Cruise?
Even though fishing directly off a cruise ship is not allowed or even a realistic activity, most cruise lines recognize that many passengers have a passion for fishing. Most cruise lines offer a wide range of fishing excursions to help passengers enjoy fishing during their voyage.
Cruise Fishing Excursion Boat (Photo Credit: Stephen D. Gard / Shutterstock)
These fishing excursions are catered to different fishing styles and skill levels so that they can be enjoyed by just about any passenger on the ship. Whether you would like to try fishing for the first time or are an experienced angler looking to try serious deep-sea fishing for the first time, you can book a fishing excursion that meets your needs.
While each cruise ship and cruise line will have its own selection of fishing excursions on offer, some of the most common options include the following:
Shore Fishing Lessons
Depending on the port of call, some destinations offer shore fishing opportunities. These can replace lessons with a local fishing instructor or simply be equipment rentals and access to a private dock or fishing pier.
Fishing Boat and Cruise Ship in Seward, Alaska (Photo Credit: Vineyard Perspective / Shutterstock)
These tend to be more relaxed than other fishing excursions, but they can still be incredibly memorable for first-timers and experienced fishing enthusiasts alike. They are particularly enjoyable for families who are traveling with kids. Best of all, these more leisurely fishing opportunities tend to be very affordable.
Fly Fishing and Freshwater Angling
While these excursions are limited to Alaskan cruises, they offer passengers a truly exhilarating experience. Fishing is a major attraction for any Alaskan cruise, so it is a fantastic trip for fishing enthusiasts wanting to try something different.
While many different cruise lines operate in Alaska, you may choose Alaska Dream Cruises, as they focus more on fishing and nature than other cruise lines running in the area.
Deep Sea Fishing Excursions
Deep sea fishing is amongst the most popular cruise excursions you can book, so most cruise lines offer it in some form or another. Typically, you will book the excursion through your cruise line, ensuring the guides know when you need to be back to re-board the cruise ship.
Deep Sea Fishing (Photo Credit: Przemyslaw Wasilewski / Shutterstock)
While the exact experience will depend on which cruise line you are traveling with and where the excursion has been booked, most offer a thrilling experience unlike any other type of fishing you have ever experienced. The local guides often know where the richest fishing grounds are and will usually try to show you stunning coastlines and other sights.
While these excursions offer the opportunity to reel in massive deep-water fish, they can be incredibly exciting and unforgettable experiences even if you do not catch anything.
Snorkel and Spear Fishing Experiences
It is possible to book snorkel and reef fishing experiences in some of the more tropical ports of call. This can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it is one of the most unique types of fishing on the planet. Not only does it allow you to try a whole new form of fishing, but you can also view the vibrancy of tropical marine environments firsthand.
Most of these excursions will include lessons from an experienced local, so do not worry if you have never tried snorkel fishing. Not only will they show you how to snorkel fish successfully, but you will also have the opportunity to witness your guide in action and view a completely different way of life from your own. Sometimes, your guides will even show you how to prepare and cook your catch when you return to the beach!
Are You Allowed to Bring Your Own Fishing Gear on a Cruise Ship?
Even though fishing directly from the ship is prohibited, you might wonder if you can bring your fishing equipment on board the ship for excursions.
Some cruise lines allow you to bring certain fishing items on board the ship, but you can only use them in port. Sometimes, your fishing gear will have to be stowed in a separate area.
Other ships allow you to keep your fishing gear in your cabin, but they will advise you about steep fines if you break any of the rules regarding the use of fishing equipment.
To play it safe, contact the cruise line you are traveling with ahead of time and ask about their policies on bringing fishing equipment.
Do You Need to Book an Excursion to Fish Outside of the Cruise Ship?
Sometimes, you can fish in the same location where the ship is docked, but this will vary from region to region, as some areas have strict rules regarding unlicensed fishing.
If you fish where you are not allowed to do so, you could face fines and other punishments from local port authorities, so it is always a better option to check with the crew of your cruise ship ahead of time.
Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com
If fishing is allowed in the port of call you are visiting, ensure you do so in a designated area. Not only will this help you avoid trouble from local authorities, it will be a much safer and more peaceful place to fish from.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Will Happen if You Get Caught Fishing from a Cruise Ship?
While the exact punishment will depend on which cruise line you are traveling with, most have strict policies regarding this rule violation.
Not only can you face steep charges from the cruise line, they can and will ban guests caught fishing from the cruise ship. Typically, thesebans are for life, and the cruise lines are unforgiving when charging passengers. When you book a cruise, you must agree to aticket contract, which is a legally binding contract issued by the cruise line.
Beyond the cruise line’s internal punishments, if the incident occurs within the waters of a particular nation, you may even be in violation of their local laws, which means you could face additional charges.
Do Fish Follow a Cruise Ship’s Wake?
The idea that fish intentionally follow any large ship’s wake is a myth. Typically, fish avoid the churning waters, which can be incredibly dangerous. With that said, it is sometimes possible to see dolphins trailing behind cruise ships, as they like to play in the fast-moving water and even pick off fish that have been killed or injured by the ship’s propulsion system.
Final Words
While you cannot fish directly off a cruise ship and can even face severe consequences for doing so, there are numerous ways that you can still enjoy the thrill of fishing during your vacation.
Most offer a variety of fishing excursions that cater to all experience levels and fishing preferences, so you should not face any difficulty finding a way to fish while enjoying your cruise voyage.
To ensure that you can make some time to fish while you are away, take a look at cruise line itineraries and choose a cruise vacation that involves visiting numerous ports of call in areas known for fishing.
If you want to ensure you can fish during your cruise vacation, consider contacting the cruise line ahead of time and asking about the types of fishing excursions they offer.
Just make sure that you follow the rules carefully and make sure you enjoy yourself. Stay safe and create fishing memories that will last a lifetime!
Princess Cruises has reached out to guests booked aboard Discovery Princess for the ship’s March 16, 2024 sailing with the news that the planned visit to Lahaina has been cancelled, and another port destination extended as an alternative.
While this will be disappointing to many travelers, the community of Lahaina remains devastated by the August 2023 wildfires and may not be accepting ship visits for many months to come.
Itinerary Change for Discovery Princess
The 145,000-gross ton, Royal class Discovery Princess will not be calling on Lahaina, Maui as planned during the ship’s 15-night Hawaiian Islands cruise departing Los Angeles on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The cruise line has reached out to guests about the itinerary change, six months before the ship sets sail.
“Due to the devastating wildfires in Maui the port of Lahaina has suspended cruise operations indefinitely, and Discovery Princess will no longer call to Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii on Saturday, March 23, 2024,”the notification explained.
All pre-booked Princess Cruises shore excursions for Lahaina will be fully refunded to the original form of payment. This itinerary change is the same as one announced just days ago for Crown Princess, though that impacted sailing has a January 7, 2024 departure date, while Discovery Princess is visiting Hawaii more than two months later.
Extending Another Port Visit
To compensate for the loss of Lahaina as a port of call, Discovery Princess will instead extend the time spent in Kona on the Big Island for an overnight visit, arriving at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 23 and remaining in port until 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. Originally, the ship was scheduled to visit Kona from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. only on Sunday.
This will give guests abundant extra time to enjoy more of what Kona offers, such as visiting local historic sites, snorkeling adventures, coastal whale watching, visiting a local coffee farm, or exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
It must be noted, however, that Kona is a tender port that requires guests to transfer from their cruise ship to the dock via smaller craft, which does present some limitations to the time ashore.
“Due to local port restrictions, our water shuttle operations for Kona will be available from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday,”the email said.
In addition to the call on Kona, Discovery Princess will also be visiting Honolulu – the first port of call when the ship reaches Hawaii on March 21. Those two port visits, albeit the extended one in Kona, are the only Hawaiian destinations on this “Hawaiian Islands” cruise.
After leaving Hawaii, Discovery Princess will make a call to Ensenada, Mexico on March 30 before returning to Los Angeles on March 31.
Why Not Another Maui Port?
While it is certainly understandable that Lahaina will not be ready to receive visitors even six months from now – more than 80% of the port community was destroyed in the wildfires last month – the island of Maui is open to tourist visits and the port of Kahului is able to welcome ships.
In fact, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which offers 7-night Hawaiian sailings year-round, resumed weekly calls to Kahului at the beginning of September, bringing essential tourist income to the economy which has been so hard hit by the natural disaster.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America (Photo Credit: Jose Gil / Shutterstock)
It is possible that Kahului simply cannot adequately accommodate the much larger Discovery Princess for the March 2024 sailing, or the port schedule does not have suitable availability at that time. Discovery Princess can welcome 3,660 guests per sailing, compared to 2,186 for each cruise aboard Pride of America.
Discovery Princess is currently finishing her Alaska season from Seattle and at the beginning of October will reposition to Los Angeles to offer a variety of California Coast and Mexican Riviera itineraries, as well as special Hawaii sailings. In April 2024, the ship will reposition back to Seattle for another season sailing in the Last Frontier.
Two guests from Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise never returned to the ship after a day in Cozumel, Mexico, and family members have learned they were in a scooter accident.
The two women are now in a private hospital in Mexico with significant medical bills and it is unknown when they may be able to depart for home in Florida.
Two Cruise Guests Injured in Mexico
Two women sailing aboard Carnival Paradise have been injured in a hit-and-run accident while visiting Cozumel, Mexico. The women – Natalia and Ashley – set sail from Tampa on the Fantasy class vessel on Sunday, September 10, 2023, on what was to have been a roundtrip cruise to Mexico. Cozumel was the only port of call on the 4-night itinerary.
According to local Tampa news reports, Carnival Cruise Line reached out to Natalia’s mother, Maria Ortega, with the news that the women had not reboarded the ship after the call to Cozumel on Tuesday, September 12.
Photo Credit: Kyle Lee / Shutterstock
“About an hour later, my daughter somehow got ahold of me through someone’s phone, and she told me they were in an accident. It was hit-and-run,”Ortega explained to Fox 13 News.
Further details provided by family members through an online fundraiser note that the accident occurred while the women were returning to the ship. They had rented scooters from a third party earlier in the day to visit a local beach club.
The accident was severe enough that the women lost their personal possessions and were unconscious for several hours. Their injuries include severe bruises, a possible broken foot and broken arm, cuts, and more.
One of the women was reportedly discharged from the hospital because she did not have insurance, while the other is still in the hospital until medical bills – amounting to as much as $10,000 to $20,000 – have been settled. This is common practice at hospitals in Mexico, especially when treating foreign visitors.
Lack of Travel Documentation
To further complicate matters, neither woman has a passport to facilitate their return to the United States. Passports are not required on closed-loop cruises to Mexico, though Carnival Cruise Line does highly recommend that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months after the conclusion of the cruise.
“This will enable guests … who must disembark the ship before their cruise ends, due to an emergency, to fly back to the United States without significant delays and complications,”the cruise line’s website reads.
Photo Credit: fitzcrittle / Shutterstock
Family members, who are traveling to Mexico to help, have been in touch with the US State Department about gaining permission for the women to return to the country, which requires immigration approval.
Cruise Line Warnings Against Scooter Rentals
Carnival Cruise Line does strongly warn guests against renting scooters in ports of call, as the rental companies are less regulated than in the United States.
The condition of the vehicles and roads, somewhat lax enforcement of local traffic laws, and other challenges make the scooters very hazardous. Similar warnings are offered about renting cars, jet skis, or other vehicles through non-approved tour vendors.
Because the women were not on a shore excursion booked through the cruise line but rented the scooters independently, the ship had no way to know their location or condition, and did leave port without them. This is standard practice on all cruise lines if guests are late returning to the vessel.
Accidents and injuries can happen in any port of call, even to the most cautious traveler. Travel insurance can help cover emergency treatment costs as well as transport back home if necessary, depending on the type of policy and its exact terms and conditions.
It is not known whether or not the women involved in this incident had any sort of travel insurance.
Princess Cruises, a Carnival Corporation-owned cruise line, is facing substantial resistance to its plans for a two-year pilot historical cruise program in Yorktown, Virginia.
A grassroots group has gathered over 5,000 signatures on a petition opposing the initiative, raising various concerns from environmental impacts to potential alterations in the town’s unique cultural fabric.
Yorktown follows the example of several villages and cities that have been increasingly vocal about their concerns about visiting large cruise ships.
Controversy Brews over Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises faces increased resistance to its calls scheduled to sail to Yorktown in Virginia. A local group, Preserve Yorktown, has already raised 5,435 signatures on its petition at change.org.
“The character of Yorktown, the home to the final victorious battle of the American Revolution, is threatened. We ask that concerned citizens speak out against these ships that will radically alter the character of Yorktown and may have harmful impacts on the York River and the protected site of the Revolutionary War ships in its waters,”reads the petition.
The petition also refers to Princess Cruises’ past criminal convictions for environmental contamination, raising concerns about the health of the York River’s complex and fragile ecosystem.
Yorktown, Virginia (Photo Credit: Timothy L Barnes / Shutterstock)
The cruise line announced their Yorktown itinerary in February, promising an influx of tourism to the area. The program was initially discussed with some York County Board of Supervisors members in December 2022.
However, the full scope of the proposal was not revealed to Yorktown residents until a forum at the American Revolution Museum this past August. Locals say this delay has resulted in transparency concerns and a loss of faith in local government.
“The citizens of York County have not been included in the decision about Princess Cruises that has a significant impact on our historic community, environment, and the quality of life in Yorktown,” according to the petition.
Two Ships Scheduled to Make Five Calls
Princess Cruises is planning to send two ships to Yorktown on five cruises in the summer of 2024. Three of these cruises will be on the 91,627 gross tons Coral-class cruise ship Island Princess and two onboard the 113,561 gross tons Emerald Princess, which can accommodate 2,200 and 3,080 guests, respectively.
Princess Cruises’ president, John Padgett:“We couldn’t be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries.”
Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock
On its website, the cruise line said the calls will have a significant economic impact on the region, which has played an essential role in American history.
However, while the visits might mean an economic boost to the area, the visits to Yorktown and the ensuing complaints from residents fit into a trend that has been developing worldwide.
In recent years, while cruise lines have experienced a surge in passenger numbers and an increasing demand for unique, less-traveled routes, there’s also been notable resistance from local communities who don’t view the presence of large cruise ships as advantageous to their areas.
A Growing Trend of Resistance
The opposition to Princess Cruises’ plans in Yorktown echoes a broader trend. Recently, the Cornish town of Fowey saw spirited public debate following the arrival of the Spirit of Adventure, a Saga Cruises ship, which temporarily inflated the town’s population by almost half.
In another instance, the Orkney Islands Council has been revising its cruise reservation framework due to the sheer volume of visitors. On some days, over 7,000 cruise ship guests flood the islands, overwhelming a local population of just over 22,000. Other destinations that have spoken up against visiting cruise ships include Juneau, Alaska, Venice Italy, and Istanbul, Turkey.
Stephen Roane, York County District 4 supervisor, stated to Chesapeake Bay Magazine: “Regardless of the possible benefits, the board and county staff will need to diligently ensure the cruise line’s visits are overall a positive experience for York County…That our marine environment doesn’t suffer, our unique culture and character isn’t disturbed, and that the economic benefits outweigh the costs.”
Whether Princess Cruises will adapt its proposal in response to local pushback remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the increasing resistance to cruise line expansions in smaller communities is a trend the industry can no longer overlook.
Lights, camera, action! Princess Cruises is going Hollywood, with three entertainment-themed cruises planned for October 2023 on sailings along the US West Coast and British Columbia.
The line has historic ties to Tinseltown, since its ships were featured in the hit TV show “The Love Boat,” a series that brought the idea of cruising into the homes of millions.
Three Princess Ships to Sail West Coast Itineraries
Princess Cruises has announced three “Hollywood Insider” themed cruises its ships will operate in October 2023, featuring onboard celebrities who starred in top shows from the 1980s, behind-the-scenes special effects professionals, and music performances.
The cruises range from 3 to 7 days, and will sail from Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The ships offering these special cruises will be the Majestic Princess, Crown Princess, and Discovery Princess.
Princess Cruise Ship Aft (Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock)
“As the leading cruise line on the west coast and with our connection to Hollywood as the idyllic, co-starring backdrop on ‘The Love Boat,’ it’s a natural fit for us to introduce a series of cruises highlighting notable entertainment industry artists who have shaped television and film through the decades,” said Denise Saviss, vice president of entertainment experience for Princess Cruises.
Cruises Showcase Actors, Special Effects, Music
The 5-day “Hollywood Insider with 80’s Primetime Stars” will be operated onboard Majestic Princess from October 3 to 7, 2023, sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles. The Royal-class ship that carries 3,560 guests will call at Victoria, Canada.
Guests can rub elbows with actors who starred in the show “Dallas,” including Linda Gray, Charlene Tilton, Christopher Atkins, and Sheree J. Wilson. Onboard the Majestic Princess, which launched in 2017, cruisers can attend meet-and-greet and speaker events with the celebrities, who will share stories about their experiences on the show.
Crown Princess, a Crown-class ship that accommodates 3,080 guests, will host the “Hollywood Insider: Behind the Screen EFX” cruise, a 3-night sailing from Seattle to Vancouver departing October 16, 2023. The cruise will highlight the roles that special effects professionals played in popular productions.
Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe / Shutterstock
Guests can hear the personal stories of Michael Westmore, an Emmy award-winning makeup artist who is known for his work in “Star Trek” productions, and Johnnie Spence, who created special effects for movies such as “Spider-Man 3,” “Man of Steel,” and “Face Off.”
Also appearing on the special effects-theme sailing is Tym Buchaarern, a winner of awards for his makeup artistry in productions of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Hairspray Live!,” and “Glee.”
The third and final themed cruise, “Hollywood Insider: Music Connection,” will be held onboard the 3,660-guest Discovery Princess, a Royal-class ship that launched in 2021.
The 7-day sailing departs on October 21, 2023, and sails roundtrip from Los Angeles. The ship will call at San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico.
Onboard, guests can attend vocalist performances and meet-and-greet and speaker events. Among the celebrity guests will be Allan Dennis Rich, a songwriter whose credits include Whitney Houston’s “Run to You” and Natalie Cole’s “I Live for Your Love.”
Also appearing will be Freda Payne, the singer and actress who performed with The Supremes in the 1960s and was heralded for her work as a solo artist who recorded the 1970 hit single “Band of Gold.”
Other musicians who will join the cruise include Al Jardine, of The Beach Boys, who sang the lead vocals on the hit song “Help Me Rhonda,” and Leo Rossi, a former tour director for Fleetwood Mac and road crew member for Led Zeppelin and The Who.
Princess Cruises, a Carnival Corporation brand, operates 15 ships in global destinations. The cruise line will soon launch its 16th ship, when Sun Princess debuts in February 2024. The 4,300-guest ship will feature new onboard spaces and spend her first season in the Mediterranean.
Just as one of Carnival Cruise Line’s longest-ever cruises has begun, guests onboard Carnival Luminosa have been notified of an itinerary change that is causing three port cancellations and other adjustments for the voyage.
The cruise line is providing compensation and hopefully, the rest of the lengthy itinerary will have smooth sailing.
Carnival Luminosa Itinerary Change
Just as guests were boarding Carnival Luminosa on Thursday, September 14, 2023 to begin the ship’s epic 30-night repositioning cruise from Seattle to Brisbane, they received notification of an itinerary change cancelling all the ports in Alaska, as well as the scenic cruising for Hubbard Glacier.
“In partnership with our Fleet Operations Center, we are monitoring a low-pressure system in the greater Alaska region which is forecasted to create unusually high swells and strong winds that will impact the first part of our itinerary,”the notification read.
According to local radar, the rough weather and rainy conditions extend along much of southeastern Alaska, with wind speeds as high as 28 knots (32 miles per hour / 52 kilometers per hour) along the sailing route the ship would need to take to reach the planned ports of call.
Carnival Luminosa in Seattle (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
In order to keep the ship safe and comfortable from the storm, a more southerly route is essential, which means it is not possible for Carnival Luminosa to visit Alaska. The visits to Ketchikan (Saturday, September 16) and Icy Strait Point (Sunday, September 17) are cancelled, and there will be no scenic glacier cruising (Monday, September 18).
“Everyone’s safety is our priority, and we really have no choice other than to change our itinerary,”the notification explained.“We know you were looking forward to visiting Alaska as part of this unique adventure and we share your disappointment.”
The letter to guests also encourages them to take extra precautions when moving around the ship over the next few days, as extra motion might be felt even with the route change.
Alternative Ports Added
In revising the itinerary, Carnival Cruise Line has added two additional Japanese ports of call. The earlier than anticipated arrival in Japan is necessitating the cancellation of one of the already scheduled Japanese ports, however, and the ship will not be visiting Kushiro on Tuesday, September 26, which was to have been the first city to visit in Japan.
Now, Carnival Luminosa will instead call on Otaru and Hakodate on Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26, respectively. Both port visits are full day stops, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Otaru and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hakodate.
It must be noted that because of the cancellation of the Alaska ports, Carnival Luminosa will now spend the first 10 days of the cruise at sea, with no port visits at all in that time. This includes when the ship will cross the International Date Line, which is a momentous occasion on any transpacific sailing.
At this time, the rest of the ship’s itinerary through Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia is unchanged, and there is no impact on the anticipated October 15, 2023 arrival into Brisbane, Australia.
Compensation Offered
While weather-related itinerary changes are out of the cruise line’s control, Carnival is offering guests $200 (USD) onboard credit per stateroom to enjoy extra activities, drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, fitness class, or other offerings.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Furthermore, all pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions for the now-cancelled Alaska ports of call are being automatically refunded. Guests will be able to purchase new tours for Japan or other ports of call through the Carnival Hub app or by visiting the Carnival Adventures desk on Deck 2, portside, in the Supernova Atrium.
While it may be a somewhat rough start to this epic, 30-night Carnival Journeys voyage – one of the longest in the cruise line’s history – hopefully, it will be smooth sailing for the next 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometers) that Carnival Luminosa will be covering along the way.
