For the first time in years, Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Baltimore and the Maryland Cruise Terminal. This fall, the Miami-based cruise line will send two ships to sail several different itineraries from the port, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky.
Norwegian Cruise Line is the third cruise line to offer cruises from the Maryland Cruise Terminal, joining Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, which operate Carnival Legend and Vision of the Seas.
Two Norwegian Ships to Sail From Baltimore
Norwegian Cruise Line confirms the deployment of not one but two of its cruise ships to Baltimore this year. Following the September 2022 announcement of the Norwegian Sky cruises starting September 1, 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun is also sailing from Baltimore beginning November 22, 2023.
The choice of Norwegian Cruise Line to deploy two ships to Baltimore is not surprising. The port is centrally located for a little less than 10 million people who live in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas. At the same time, cities such as Philadelphia and Richmond are within driving distance.
Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock
The Norwegian Sky, a Sun-class cruise ship of 77,104 gross tons, will take guests on 10 to 11-day itineraries to Canada and New England. Its initial voyage from Baltimore starts on September 1, a ten-night Canada and New England cruise.
The fall-colors cruise will visit Oak Bluffs, Boston, and Bar Harbor; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, Quebec; and conclude in Quebec City on September 11.
The newest addition to Baltimore, Norwegian Sun, at 78,309 gross tons, will introduce a different flavor. Beginning its sailings on November 22, this ship is scheduled to sail five and 12-day trips that cover the sun-kissed locations of the Dominican Republic and Bermuda. This five-night cruise to Bermuda will spend two days at King’s Wharf and two days at sea.
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Karis48 / Shutterstock)
The first Caribbean Cruise from Baltimore on Norwegian Sun will sail on November 27, and visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; St Johns, Antigua; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic before returning to Baltimore, on December 9 Dec.
With both Norwegian Cruise Line ships now in play and two other cruise lines also offering cruises from Baltimore, guests have many options for their next cruise, be it exploring the autumnal beauty of New England or soaking in the Caribbean sun.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Also Sailing From Baltimore
While Norwegian Cruise Line’s double act in Baltimore is capturing attention, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have also made Baltimore a prominent starting point for their itineraries.
Carnival Legend from Carnival Cruise Line offers an array of cruises for varying durations. At 88,500 gross tons and with space for 2,100 guests, it offers six-night cruises to Bermuda, extended seven and eight-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, and a week-long journey to the Bahamas.
Photo Credit: Cruise Maryland
For those looking for longer adventures, a special 14-night cruise awaits in November that heads to the Southern Caribbean.
Additionally, in January, travelers can set their sights on the Panama Canal with another 14-night special. Carnival Pride will replace Carnival Legend come April 2024.
Vision of the Seas, with a capacity for 2,000 guests and at 78,491 gross tons, was introduced in 1998. Guests can choose from a series of itineraries, from five-night sailings to Bermuda, extended eight to 13-night cruises across the Caribbean, to a week-long journey to Florida and the Bahamas, which includes a much-anticipated stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The construction of the highly-acclaimed BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster is nearing completion aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, at a German shipyard. The popular thrill ride debuted on the vessel’s sister ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
Test Runs Are Scheduled For October
Carnival Cruise Line’s award-winning adventure ride, BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, is being installed on Carnival Jubilee at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Construction of the thrill ride is slated for completion in September, followed by a series of test runs planned for October, just two months before the line’s third Excel-class ship enters service.
Carnival Jubilee BOLT Roller Coaster
Operating on an 800-foot track, the ride carries two all-electric, two-person cars, with one rider controlling the speed of the car, which can reach 40 miles per hour. The track drops, twists, and turns 187 feet above the water line, and riders can experience a zero-gravity sensation.
The ride first appeared on Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, when that ship launched in 2021, and again on Carnival Celebration, which entered service in 2022. More than 150,000 cruise guests have sampled the ride so far.
BOLT is the focal point of the ships’ Ultimate Playground spaces, and under its rules, children younger than 12 have to ride with someone 15 or older. Guests will find the ride on Deck 19.
Carnival Jubilee BOLT Roller Coaster
Manufactured by Maurer Rides, based in Munich, Germany, BOLT was the recipient of an engineering award from Popular Science magazine. Its installation onboard the upcoming Carnival Jubilee began in July 2023, shortly before the ship was floated out of the shipyard on July 22.
Besides BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, Carnival Jubilee’s Ultimate Playground has many more activities to offer guests of all ages, and lots of ways to stay cool.
The WaterWorks waterpark is home to several thrilling experiences such as Twister Waterslide, a spiraling slide spanning hundreds of feet, the Speedway Splash, with its racing action, the DrainPipe, and PowerDrencher, where buckets of cool water rain down on participants.
Carnival Jubilee BOLT Roller Coaster
The playground zone also hosts SportSquare, where guests will find multiple sports courts for basketball, volleyball, and soccer, plus mini-golf, and the challenging Ropes Course. Guests also can indulge in pool, foosball, and ping-pong in this area.
When she enters service in December 2023, the 183,521-gross ton Carnival Jubilee will accommodate 5,374 guests and be home-ported in Galveston, Texas. The ship will operate a series of 7-night roundtrip cruises to Mahogany Bay, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
Carnival Jubilee to Feature New Zones
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, has new entertainment and dining spaces that the line has recently revealed. Among them are the Currents and Shores zones, both nautical-themed areas connected by a glass stairway.
Currents, on Decks 6 and 7, evokes an underwater world with large LED windows and a wave-shaped LED ceiling. New venues in Currents include Dr. Inks, Ph.D, a bar/lounge where the cocktails are inspired by sea creatures.
Carnival Jubilee at Meyer Werft
Shores, on Dec 8, offers a shoreside experience with boardwalks, piers, and beaches. Its Ferris wheel-inspired ceiling is enhanced with wood plank-styled floors, and tropical and festive decor.
Dining venues in the zone include casual places for pizza and burgers, but also feature some of the line’s signature restaurants, such as Rudi’s Seagrill and Cucina del Capitano.
Other restaurants elsewhere on the ship will include The Bonsai Teppanyaki, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse, Guy’s Burger Joint, Emeril’s Bistro 717, and Fahrenheit 555, to name a few.
Carnival Cruise Line has gradually begun to roll out the revamped and refreshed main dining room menu to its fleet of 25 ships, with great guest feedback.
First having appeared on Carnival Dream, the new menu is already available on several other Carnival ships, and now, the cruise line has confirmed the dates for the new menu to be introduced to the remainder of the fleet.
New Menu Dates Confirmed
Carnival Cruise Line’s new main dining room menu, which includes entree salads, “Emeril Selects” options, and a total of more than 60 new dishes, was first tested aboard Carnival Dream in June.
After a variety of tweaks and adjustments based on popularity and guest feedback, several additional ships received the new menu in July, including Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon.
Photo Credit: Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock
The new menu has begun a full phased rollout to all the ships in the Carnival fleet. Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has announced the dates of when the new menu will be brought aboard the remaining ships, with several ships receiving the new menu each month through the end of the year.
“There have been so many wonderful reviews here and by guests on board regarding the new dining room menus that are currently on some of the ships,”Heald said.“Many of you have asked when other ships will be receiving the new menu so I thought you would appreciate the roll out schedule.”
To date, in addition to Dream, Conquest, and Horizon, the new menu has already debuted aboard Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Vista.
December: Legend (12/3), Jubilee (exact December date not yet announced)
Carnival Pride appears to be missing from the published list, but will still be receiving the new menu in the coming months.
Heald also noted that Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa will both debut the new menu early in 2024, but the exact dates are not yet announced for those ships.
Carnival Splendor sails from Sydney, Australia year-round, while Carnival Luminosa is currently finishing her Alaska season from Seattle and will return to Brisbane, Australia in October.
About the New Menu
The new main dining room menus are a significant update to the dining offerings, with enhanced and innovative selections across appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
“Food is an ever-evolving art, so our approach to the dining room offerings is to infuse a selection of new dishes, feature more international flavors and complement the Carnival classics our guests love,”said Emeril Lagasse, Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer.
Carnival’s Emeril Lagasse and Chefs
Of particular interest are the larger entrée salads, which feature filling proteins and an array of creative tastes for lighter fare. The new “Emeril Selects” options are also popular, having been curated by Lagasse for each menu and offering innovative tastes such as “Beef Carpaccio” and “Coffee Glazed Roast Duck.”
Favorite dishes still remain available, such as the chilled strawberry bisque soup and the savory cheese plate dessert, particularly after guest feedback, with only slight updates to better fit the new enhanced menus.
It is common for cruise lines to test out new menu options or adjust dishes seasonally based on ingredient availability, but such massive renovations to full menus are less frequent and only happen every few years.
In response to the rising number of cruise ship passengers visiting the Orkney Islands, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the UK, are considering implementing restrictions on cruise ship arrivals.
The move comes amidst concerns from residents and businesses about the impact of the growing visitor numbers on the islands’ resources and local economy.
On some days, the small island group experiences over 7,000 cruise ship guests arriving on the same day. While locals welcome visitors, the vast number of people strains local resources, forcing road closures and making life for the people in the small communities much harder.
Concerns from Residents and Businesses
The Orkney Islands have long been one of the most popular visitor attractions in the United Kingdom. Located on the northern coast of Scotland, the islands are well known for their natural beauty, the Highland Park Whisky Distillery, and the ancient Neolithic site of Skara Brae.
However, with the surge of cruise ships that visit the Orkney Islands, the increased number of visitors has led to multiple challenges. Road closures, enforced for public safety, have affected local businesses, many of which claim to see little benefit from the influx of tourists.
Orkney Cruise (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock)
A local resident, Julie Richards, expressed her concerns to The Times: “We have had over 7000 passengers from three ships on one day, and some ships have over 4000 passengers. All this is on top of the normal tourism. It’s just too much.
“Nobody is saying ban the cruise business, but we see no benefit, and we have a council tax rise of 10%. We just want the cruise ship impact better organized. This is definitely the worst it has ever been.”
234 Cruise Ships in One Year
According to Orkney Harbour Authority, 234 ships are slated to berth during 2023, anticipated to inject about £15 million into the economy. While the boost to the economy is significant, it has become clear that balancing the needs of guests and residents is paramount.
Nearly all major cruise lines visit the Orkney Islands and the primary port, Kirkwall. Ships scheduled to visit Orkney in 2023 include a diverse range of vessels such as MSC’s newest luxury cruise ship, Explora I, Norwegian Dawn, Seabourn Venture, Regal Princess, Norwegian Star, AIDASol, Zuiderdam, MSC Poesia, Carnival Pride, and Celebrity Silhouette.
Cruise Ship in Scotland (Photo Credit: MikhailBerkut / Shutterstock)
However, a wide range of smaller cruise ships and expedition cruise ships also sail to Stromness, worsening the situation for locals. This is why the local council is now looking at limiting the number of arrivals in the future.
Beacon of Success with Challenges
In response to the concerns, the council is developing a cruise liner booking policy to be presented on August 22. The policy aims to limit the number of large liners visiting on any given day.
Paul Olvhoj, business development manager at the harbor authority, said every UK port looks at Orkney as a beacon of success:“Cruise can be a divisive and difficult subject but we work very hard with the cruise lines, their shore excursion partners and our tourism stakeholders to ensure that the cruise sector has a positive experience in Orkney and that Orkney enjoys the benefits.”
“It is not an understatement to say that every port in the UK looks at Orkney as a beacon of success in cruise and wishes to reach our high standards.”
While Olvhoj emphasized the commitment to ensuring every visitor has a first-class experience without overburdening the island’s infrastructure, the fact is that just for August 20, six streets will be closed to accommodate cruise ship passengers.
The current sentiment amongst locals resonates with the broader approach of many global destinations, as places like Venice and Barcelona have also recently taken steps to manage the effects of large-scale cruise tourism. The new policy in Kirkwall reflects limits put in place on the US East Coast last year when Bar Harbor implemented cruise ship limits.
Carnival Cruise Line has noted a change in assigned dining times for one upcoming cruise, but the adjustment is only for two particular sailings of Carnival Legend – the current sailing to Greenland as well as the second Greenland cruise in mid-September. Guests have been surprised to see the main dining times adjusted to earlier hours for those two cruises.
Carnival Adjusts Assigned Dining Times
Carnival cruise ships offer both designated early and late dining times on all their ships. The early seating generally begins from 5:45-6:15 p.m. depending on the exact ship and dining room, while the late seating typically begins from 7:45-8:15 p.m.
On Carnival Legend‘s two Greenland cruises, however, the set dining times have been slightly adjusted for even earlier mealtimes. The early dinner will now begin at 5 p.m., while the late seating will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Guests booked on these sailings have noticed the difference, and expressed concern about whether or not the change is fleetwide and permanent.
Carnival Cruise Line Dining Room (Photo Credit: gary yim / Shutterstock)
Dining time preference is widely varied, but for some travelers, especially guests from Europe or other areas of the world with traditionally later mealtimes, even a 7:30 dinner time may seem too early.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has clarified the change in dining times, however, and noted that it is for these two Carnival Legend sailings only.
“There have been quite a few questions about dining times with people asking if we are changing them across the fleet,”said Heald.“The answer is no, we are not.”
Heald goes on to note that the change for Carnival Legend‘s dining times is “only for these specific cruises” and “based on the demographics we have onboard.”
Photo Credit: Tony Davis
The popular “Your Time” dining option has also been adjusted earlier for these cruises, with a dining window of 5-8 p.m. for guests to use at their leisure.
The length of the dinner seatings remains unchanged, so guests will not feel rushed to complete their meals and can enjoy dining with elegance and excellent conversation with their companions.
Cruising to Greenland
Carnival Legend‘s cruises to Greenland are unique 14-night sailings roundtrip from Baltimore, Maryland. When the first itinerary was announced, it proved so immediately popular that a second sailing was quickly added to meet the great demand.
Each cruise has an identical itinerary. After departing Baltimore, guests enjoy five days at sea before arriving in Nanortalik, Greenland. The next day, the ship makes another Greenland call, to Qaqortoq. Both ports of call are full day visits from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Greenland
After such amazing Greenland visits, Carnival Legend will again sail south for three calls in Canada – St. Anthony and Corner Brook in Newfoundland as well as Sydney, Nova Scotia – before arriving back in Baltimore after two more days at sea.
The 88,500-gross ton Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class vessel, a favorite design and layout of many Carnival cruise fans. The ship can welcome 2,124 passengers at double occupancy and as many as 2,610 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.
In addition to the main dining rooms, Carnival Legend also offers the casual Lido buffet, The Golden Fleece steakhouse specialty restaurant, Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, the Carnival Deli, and more. Operating hours will vary for different venues, and guests can check the Carnival Hub app for details.
Why Change Dining Times?
No explanation about exactly why the dining times have been shifted earlier has been offered, other than the “demographics” being a factor in the decision for these two cruises.
This could mean several things. Many older guests tend to choose earlier dining times as a personal preference, or to accommodate medication schedules that require food at the time the medicine must be taken.
Similarly, families with young children often eat dinner earlier so the children are ready for bed at an appropriate time, and are not overly tired and cranky for a much later dining time.
Photo Credit: Yevgen Belich / Shutterstock
Earlier mealtimes are also a popular preference in American culture, with dinner times from 5-6:30 p.m. very common. European cultures, however, tend to eat later in the evening, with mealtimes from 8-9 p.m. or even later.
In some areas, work schedules impact mealtimes. Many American jobs, for example, only permit very short lunches, and so a larger, longer dinner meal is eaten earlier in the evening. Other cultures may have much longer or later lunch periods, leading to later dinner mealtimes.
Climate can also impact typical mealtimes, with some extremely northern or extremely southern global cultures preferring earlier meals to maximize evening recreation hours when sunlight hours are more limited at certain times of year.
Disney Cruise Line has just unveiled the date for its big reveal of the much-anticipated Disney Treasure. Set to offer a special glimpse on August 30, 2023, Disney fans are marking their calendars for what promises to be an exciting day for the cruise line’s sixth cruise ship.
Currently under construction at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Disney Treasure’s designs focus on Disney’s love for travel and adventure. Two main characters for the vessel have already been announced, Peter Pan and Aladin, but the video released by Disney today, August 15, hints at more to come.
A Teasing Glimpse into Treasure
On August 15, 2023, Disney Cruise Line announced it will reveal Disney Treasure through an intriguing video highlighting three spots on a global map.
A connection to Disney animations that might be central to the ship’s theme seems evident. The regions spotlighted—Middle East, Mexico, and South America—point to characters like Aladdin, Coco, and, potentially, Encanto.
Disney Treasure Reveal
The caption accompanying the post further fuels the curiosity:“Unbelievable awaits! Tune in to a virtual grand reveal event on August 30 at 11 a.m. EST for a special look at what’s on board the all-new Disney Treasure. Drop a heart if you’re excited for the reveal! #DisneyTreasure #DisneyCruiseLine.”
At the same time, during the video, a voice-over states: “Fellow adventurers, for years, my family has explored far-off lands in search of magical realms. But I feel that my greatest discovery is yet to come. Tune in on August 30, eastern time, to see what we can uncover. See you there!”
While the animated figures could be the heroes of the ship, the video could also point toward the ship’s sailing areas. Disney cruise ships are currently present in the US, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe, and the west coast of Mexico.
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line
However, the Middle East and South America would be new areas for the cruise line. Southeast and Eastern Asia, on the other hand, will most likely not be on the itineraries for Disney Treasure.
Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that the subsequent vessel after Disney Treasure will have its base in Singapore for a minimum of five years. This ship, previously known as the Global Dream, was acquired by Disney Cruise Line in November 2022.
What We Know So Far About Disney Treasure
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her final designs, entertainment and dining options, and sailing areas, construction is progressing at breakneck speed so Disney Treasure can welcome its 4000 guests aboard in 2024.
Disney Treasure‘s journey began with the steel-cutting ceremony in January 2023. Fast forward to now, and most of the ship’s block installations are in place, thanks to the team at the Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Currently, efforts are geared towards outfitting the ship’s interior spaces, from dining venues to entertainment hubs.
Disney Treasure Construction at Meyer Werft
Themed around travel and adventure, Disney Cruise Line has previously announced Aladdin as the showstopper in the 144,000 gross tons Disney treasure’s Grand Hall and pays tribute to Peter Pan and the magical Neverland at the ship’s stern.
As is customary, the Disney Cruise Line ship’s stern will boast a sculpture of a cherished character. For the Disney Treasure, Peter Pan uses Tinker Bell’s pixie dust to spruce up the stern. Captain Hook, smeared in yellow paint, can be seen leaning out of a porthole, raring for a duel with Peter.
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line
The ship’s three-deck Grand Hall is designed to resemble an opulent palace, drawing inspiration from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, especially echoing the enchanting realm of Agrabah. Dominating this majestic space will be the iconic figures of Aladdin, Jasmine, and their magical flying carpet.
In 2024, the launch of the LNG-powered Disney Treasure will also coincide with the inauguration of Disney’s second private Bahamian island, Lighthouse Point. She is also the sistership to the 2022-launched Disney Wish, and a third, as yet unnamed cruise ship set to launch in 2023.
All eyes are now on August 30 as Disney promises to unveil more from its treasure trove. Whether you’re an adventurer or a fan of Disney’s magical storytelling, the upcoming reveal will be full of wonderful surprises.
Celebrity Cruises is climbing aboard the Port Canaveral bandwagon with the announcement it will homeport a ship at the Central Florida port for the first time.
Celebrity Equinox will spend the 2024-25 winter season sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from the port.
Celebrity Equinox to Arrive at Port in Late 2024
Port Canaveral, now the world’s busiest cruise port based on 2022 passenger volume, will welcome the first Celebrity Cruises’ ship as a homeport, with cruises starting on December 3, 2024. Celebrity Equinox, a Solstice-class ship, was launched in 2009 and accommodates 2,850 guests.
With its first-time deployment to Port Canaveral, Celebrity Cruises will join several other major cruise lines that currently operate from the port or plan to base a ship there in the coming months.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
With Celebrity Equinox, cruisers can choose from 20 7-night sailings with port calls to the Bahamas; Belize; Grand Cayman; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten; and select Mexican destinations.
Celebrity Equinox cruises from Port Canaveral will continue to April 19, 2025, and two spring break cruises in March will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
A private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay was developed by Royal Caribbean and opened in 2019. It is reserved for guests of Royal Caribbean, but in 2024 will become available to some Celebrity Cruises’ ships, Royal Caribbean announced in June 2023. The two sister-brands are owned by Royal Caribbean Group.
“The demand for Celebrity Cruises’ sailings from our Port has been growing. Now, with Celebrity Equinox homeported here, there are great opportunities for even more cruise travelers to experience the cruise line’s high-quality experience, while experiencing the comfort and ease of travel provided by our Port,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
The 122,000-gross ton ship was renovated in 2019, when the line’s signature experience called The Retreat was added. The space features a private indoor lounge, sundeck, and dining venue all reserved for suite guests.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
Celebrity Equinox offers 10 restaurants and lounges, and the popular Lawn Club, an outdoor grassy area where guests can sunbath, watch outdoor movies, and enjoy other recreational activities.
Celebrity Cruises hopes to attract Floridians as well as out-of-state residents to the ship’s offerings from Port Canaveral.
“We are so excited to unveil this new program. As part of this expansion, we are thrilled to add Port Canaveral to our list of home ports – it is a perfect market to reach a wide mix of both in- and out-of-state travelers looking for fun in the Caribbean sun,” Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, said.
Four Celebrity Cruises Ships To Be Florida-Based
Celebrity Cruises’ decision to deploy Celebrity Equinox to Port Canaveral means the line will have four ships sailing from Florida ports during winter 2024-25.
Celebrity Apex, the line’s second Edge-class ship that launched in 2019, and Celebrity Summit, a Millennium-class vessel that entered service in 2001, will be home-ported at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
Cruisers aboard Celebrity Apex can choose from five new itineraries from October 23, 2024, to March 8, 2025. The sailings range from 6 to 7 nights and with port calls that include St. Maarten, San Juan, and Grand Cayman, and some Mexican destinations. Some cruises also will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
From February 25, 2025 to April 10, 2025, Celebrity Summit will offer five new itineraries ranging from 5 to 9 nights across the Western and Eastern Caribbean.
“As one of Celebrity Cruises’ homeports, we are excited about the new sailings on Apex and Summit. In addition to the line’s ‘resort at sea’ experience, their cruise guests can expect to experience unrivaled customer service and ease of sailing at Port Everglades,” said Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades CEO and Port Director.
The Millennium-class Celebrity Constellation, meanwhile, will sail a revamped schedule from Tampa’s Port Tampa Bay from January 2, 2025 to April 6, 2025.
Four new itineraries of 6 and 7 nights will feature port calls to Belize, Honduras, Key West, select Mexico destinations, and New Orleans during Mardi Gras season.
Carnival Cruise Line has begun surveying past passengers about additional comedy offerings, particularly the prospect of adding an earlier evening show for guests to enjoy before early dinner seatings. What could such a new comedy show mean, and how would guests be able to enjoy it?
Will Carnival Add Another Comedy Show?
Many cruise lines send detailed surveys to guests after they finish a cruise, not only to gauge their experiences and get feedback on the recent sailing, but also to test out different ideas for new activities, dining options, destinations, and more.
Thorough guest input can help cruise lines develop new products, ship designs, and options that will draw more travelers to cruise vacations.
Guests returning from recent Carnival cruises have noted one line of questioning that revolves around the line’s popular comedy shows and the timing of the entertainment. Specifically, the survey asks whether or not guests would be interested in an earlier evening comedy show, one that runs from 5-5:30 p.m.
Such an early show would be before the “Early Seating” for the ship’s main dining rooms, which is usually at 5:30, 5:45, or 6:15, depending on the vessel and exact dining room, if the ship has more than one.
Punchliner Comedy Club, Carnival Cruise
No details are available about what such an early comedy show would have for content, but it would be more likely to be a family-rated show rather than an adults-only performance.
Typically, Carnival’s earlier comedy shows – often 30-45 minute sets scheduled between 8-10 p.m. – are family-friendly, while later shows that begin after 11 p.m. are generally adult-rated.
Guests who have taken the survey have noted a wide range of follow up questions about different types of comedy, which would help the cruise line narrow down different interests for a new show offering.
There is no way to tell whether or not Carnival will implement an earlier comedy show, on what dates such performances might begin, or which of Carnival’s 25 ships might be the first to premier early evening comedy, but it could be a strong move for the cruise line.
Could an Earlier Performance Work?
Some cruisers are questioning whether or not an earlier show – right before dinner seatings – would be popular, especially for guests who want to get cleaned up from a busy day in port or those who may prefer to dress more elegantly before dinner. A 5-5:30 showtime may not be very accessible for those travelers.
Carnival Liberty Promenade Deck (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock)
On the other hand, many guests prefer the cruise line’s “Your Time” open seating dining option, by far the most popular time selected for dinner. Guests with “Your Time” dining could easily attend an earlier, pre-dinner show. Similarly, guests with later dining times could also enjoy the earlier show.
It is possible that an early comedy show may interfere with other ship’s activities in the early evening hours, such as trivia contests and other fun. Providing one more option, however, ensures that everyone aboard can find something fun to do at any time.
One possible benefit to an earlier show is that such timing could accommodate a comedian’s schedule better if the ship is in port that day, with a later departure time.
The comedian would then be able to deliver a final performance before departing the ship. This may also be a way to bring aboard more local comics for more unique shows while a ship is in port.
About Carnival Comedy Acts
Carnival Cruise Line employs a wide range of comedians with varied backgrounds and performance credits, many of which have been showcased on Comedy Central, HBO, or other popular networks and venues.
Comedians typically perform several sets across multiple days, and more than one comedian is usually aboard each ship, particularly for longer sailings.
Carnival Cruise Theater (Photo Credit: gary yim / Shhutterstock)
Most comedy performances are held in the ship’s Punchliner Comedy Club, a more intimate venue specifically designed for comedy crowds with a shorter, narrower stage and both group and individual seating. On rare occasions, if a particular comedian is exceptionally popular, shows may be held in the main theater to accommodate larger crowds.
Family-friendly performances tend to avoid the most controversial topics and salty language, with material suitable for younger cruisers as well as adults. The later, adults-only performances are definitely more risque and not for the easily offended, but certainly for the laugh-loving.
There is no charge for attending comedy shows, and reservations are not required. Most Punchliner clubs offer bar service, with a special menu of rib-tickling cocktails to enjoy.
While the Titanic is arguably the most famous ship ever built, there is still so much mystery surrounding it. One of the most common misconceptions about this iconic vessel is the belief that it was designed to function purely as a cruise ship.
Today, we will explain whether or not the Titanic was a cruise ship. Not only will we explain the true purpose of the Titanic, but we will also look at the ship’s classification at the time of its tragic first voyage. We will also examine how the Titanic compares to modern-day cruise ships.
If you are ready to expand your knowledge about the infamous RMS Titanic, you have come to the right place!
While the Titanic may seem designed to operate like a cruise ship at first glance, it was not classified as a cruise ship. Instead, the Titanic was classified as an ocean liner.
Where cruise ships of the day were designed to make multiple stops at various ports, ocean liners were designed to carry passengers between one continent and another.
More specifically, the Titanic was designed to act as a transatlantic ocean liner, meaning it would efficiently and comfortably transport passengers from Europe to North America.
This explains why its first and, sadly, last voyage was meant to be between Southampton, England, and New York City in the United States.
Where the main focus of a cruise ship is a leisurely voyage where time spent on the ship is the primary purpose of the trip, an ocean liner, like the Titanic, was designed for more practical transportation.
While the Titanic was undoubtedly a luxurious and comfortable ship, its primary purpose was transporting passengers, mail, and some cargo across the North Atlantic Ocean.
What Is the Difference Between an Ocean Liner and a Cruise Ship?
While the primary difference between the two types of ships is their slightly different functions, there are also physical and design differences.
Cunard’s Queen Anne Ship (Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line)
For an in-depth explanation of these two types of ships, we encourage you to read the differences between an ocean liner and a cruise ship. It offers a simple breakdown of the differences and explains why Ocean Liners, like the Titanic, have fallen out of favor in modern times.
The Titanic’s Design and Size
While a modern cruise ship or ocean liner may dwarf the Titanic in scale, it was considered a truly remarkable engineering marvel of its time.
Titanic Design Blueprints (Image Credit: Elena Kozak / Shutterstock)
The Titanic had an impressive length of nearly 900 feet, making it the largest ship ever built at its completion in 1912. Not only was it much longer than other ocean liners of its day, but it also weighed significantly more. Without passengers and cargo, the Titanic weighed 46,300 tons!
The Titanic was designed to carry approximately 2,250 passengers during a transatlantic voyage safely. While this figure was impressive for its time, it is essential to note that these passengers were spread across three distinct classes. As you may know, each class of accommodations offered drastically different levels of luxury and comfort than others.
Where first-class accommodations were incredibly luxurious and offered spacious cabin quarters, beautiful dining areas, and lounges, the second-class accommodations were significantly less comfortable. Finally, the third-class section of the ship simply offered basic accommodations.
Titanic Voyage
This drastic difference in luxury and comfort speaks to the Titanic’s primary function: crossing the ocean. Given the modest accommodations offered to those third-class passengers in the lower portions of the ship, you may wonder why anyone would choose to pay to travel this way.
The truth is many of the passengers the Titanic was designed to carry were simply those looking for an affordable way to get across the ocean.
By contrast, traveling on a cruise ship is meant to be an experience. By design, the voyage is intended to be enjoyable for all passengers on board the vessel, not just those willing to pay for the most opulent cabin quarters.
Did the Titanic Function as a Cargo Ship?
While the Titanic is widely known as a famous passenger vessel, it was also designed to carry cargo across the ocean. Again, this speaks to the fact that the Titanic was not actually a cruise ship.
The Titanic had a somewhat large cargo hold on its lower decks. Had it not sunk during its maiden voyage, the Titanic would have been used to transport everything from transatlantic mail to livestock and grain.
Where the ship’s upper decks featured incredibly luxurious passenger quarters, cargo holds served far more utilitarian purposes.
Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock
When the Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, it was intentionally designed to have significant and usable cargo holds to help offset the costs of running such a lavish ocean liner.
The Titanic could raise additional funds by transporting cargo across the ocean during each voyage. White Star Line, the company that owned the Titanic, always planned to use the cargo holds to offset the immense cost of constructing and operating the Titanic.
How Does the Titanic Compare to Modern Cruise Ships?
While the Titanic certainly stood out in its day for its immense size and the luxurious interior of its upper decks, it would be seen as a relatively small ship compared to modern-day cruise ships.
Titanic Compared to an Oasis-Class Cruise Ship
Not only would the Titanic differ in size, but its passenger amenities, itinerary, and even safety standards are also very different from today’s cruise ships.
Here is a more in-depth breakdown of how the Titanic differs from modern full-size cruise ships.
Differences in Size and Passenger Capacity
As mentioned above, the Titanic measured 882 feet long and weighed just over 46,000 tons. While these measurements made it the largest ship of its time, it is relatively small compared to modern cruise ships.
For example, one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class cruise ships, Symphony of the Seas, measures 1,184 feet and weighs 228,081 gross tons! This means a modern-day cruise ship can weigh over four times what the Titanic weighed when it set off on its tragic voyage.
Not only are the largest cruise ships of the present day much larger and heavier than the Titanic, but they can also carry far more passengers. Where the Titanic was considered at full capacity with just over 2,000 passengers, today’s largest cruise ships can comfortably accommodate up to 8,000 passengers.
Unlike the Titanic, where many passengers were given basic, shared accommodations in the third-class decks, modern cruise ships have the space and decks required to provide all passengers with private cabins.
Differences in Passenger Accommodations and Amenities
While the Titanic certainly had luxurious accommodations for those who paid the price to stay in the first class section of the ship, nearly half of the passengers traveled in the ship’s third class or steerage section. These areas offered relatively little in the way of enjoyable amenities.
By comparison, modern-day cruise ships provide cabins for all passengers. While they can be shared between families and friends, they are far more comfortable than the quarters offered to third-class passengers on the Titanic.
The Titanic also had luxurious dining areas and lounges that those on the upper decks could enjoy; the ship offered relatively little else. Even the ballroom and cinema featured in James Cameron’s Titanic movie were invented for the purpose of the film.
By contrast, modern cruise ships offer passengers an incredible range of amenities and entertainment options.
Swimming pools, gyms, spas, casinos, concert venues, movie theaters, casinos, numerous bars and restaurants, stores, and even waterparks and theme park rides can all be found on today’s cruise ships. Modern technology has made it possible to transform cruise ships into what could only be described as floating cities!
Itinerary Differences
As we discussed above, the Titanic was designed to transport passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Its sole purpose was as a transport link between Europe and North America. This is why it was considered an ocean liner rather than a cruise ship.
In contrast, cruise ships today can explore just about every region you can think of. Those looking to enjoy a cruise vacation can book a spot on a multi-stop Caribbean cruise line or explore the rugged terrain and wildlife of Alaska.
Image Credit: lightmax84 / Shutterstock
The type of cruise vacation passengers can choose these days is unlimited. Not only are the destinations radically different, the number and type of stops these cruise ships make differ significantly from the planned itinerary of the Titanic.
Where the Titanic would have simply traveled back and forth between Europe and North America with no stops beyond the final destination, cruise ships today allow passengers to disembark and explore various destinations by stopping in various ports. Today’s cruise ships also return to their original departure point so passengers can return home.
Where you travel on a cruise ship today as a relaxing and entertaining vacation, the Titanic was designed to act more as an efficient and enjoyable way to get from one place to another.
Safety Standards and Technology
While it may seem morbid to discuss the safety standards of a ship that sank during its first voyage, it is worth mentioning that the Titanic was equipped with the finest safety features of its day. The Titanic even featured wireless radio systems, which would have been seen as incredibly advanced for its time.
RMS Titanic (Photo Credit: D. Ribeiro / Shutterstock)
With that said, modern cruise ships benefit from far more reliable and advanced safety systems. State-of-the-art navigation equipment, fire suppression systems, and evacuation procedures keep these modern vessels incredibly safe. Even advanced weather detection systems and stabilizers keep passengers comfortable as the ships travel through rough waters.
Final Words
While the Titanic was not one, it shared many similarities with cruise ships. As a luxurious ocean liner, it offered many passengers a comfortable and lavish experience. When it was constructed, there was no other way to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a way that would rival the luxury the Titanic was designed to offer.
Despite its tragic fate, the Titanic’s designers prioritized speed, comfort, and luxury for its passengers, similar to what can be found on today’s cruise ships.
