Celebrity Cruises has announced that the upcoming Celebrity Ascent will have not one, but two ceremonial godmothers, sisters Sandy Yawn and Michelle Dunham. Both women offer inspiration and purpose to the vessels through their own dedication to others, and they join the brother co-captains of the new Edge-class vessel.
Co-Godmothers Announced for Celebrity Ascent
Two inspirational women will hold the honor of godmother for the upcoming Celebrity Ascent – Captain Sandy Yawn of Bravo TV’s series ‘Below Deck’ and her sister, Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism.
“We are honored to have Captain Sandy and her sister Michelle join the legacy of Celebrity’s Godmothers, as they are both inspirational women who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in the world,”said Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ President.“Both women live by Celebrity’s values, and we have no doubt they are the perfect choices for Ascent.”
The sisters will join the ship’s christening ceremony in late November, ahead of the Celebrity Ascent‘s official debut in December 2023.
During the ceremony, the women will assume their roles and name the ship in a time-honored tradition, joining the other ceremonial godmothers of the Edge-class ships, including Olympic medalist and world champion gymnast Simone Biles (Celebrity Beyond); founder and CEO of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani (Celebrity Apex), and Nobel laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai (Celebrity Edge).
Captain Sandy Yawn
Captain Sandy Yawn is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and triple survivor of cancer, addiction, and a life-threatening accident who has never let such obstacles deter her.
Captain Sandy Yawn
“As I embark on this remarkable journey as a co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, I am deeply honored to represent not only the spirit of leadership but also the strength of women empowerment,”said Yawn.“Women can steer their destinies with grace and determination, commanding the seas of possibility and inspiring others to follow their own paths with courage and conviction.”
Captain Sandy is best known for her role on the reality show “Below Deck” that showcases life aboard luxury superyachts. She received the prestigious Distinguished Crew Award from the International Superyacht Society in 2006 in recognition of her leadership and bravery during a fire and pirate threat off the coast of Yemen.
Michelle Dunham
Michelle Dunham is the co-founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism, established in 2005. The not-for-profit private school focuses on individualized programs for students and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, promoting independence and quality of life for each individual in an inclusive environment.
Michelle Dunham
“It fills my heart with immense pride to stand as co-godmother of the Celebrity Ascent, alongside my sister,”said Dunham.“As we embark on this journey, much like Celebrity Cruise’s commitment to delivering exceptional vacations and enriching lives, we embrace the same spirit of compassion and positive change.”
Today, the Jacksonville School for Autism welcomes its many students on an expansive campus that includes a vocational gardening program.
Sailing Celebrity Ascent
After the new ship is christened, her official maiden voyage will be a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on December 3, 2023, visiting St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic. This follows a pair of short preview sailings in late November, before the official maiden voyage.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Ascent will then homeport from Port Everglades and offer 7-night roundtrip Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico sailings. Her varied itineraries will call on such popular ports as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, San Juan, Nassau, and more.
In May 2024, the new ship will move to the Mediterranean for the summer season, before returning to Fort Lauderdale in November 2024.
On each sailing, the fourth sister ship of the innovative Edge class can welcome 3,260 guests aboard at double occupancy. She offers 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with the open-air Rooftop Garden, cantilevered pools, Infinite Veranda staterooms, and much, much more for guests to truly take their cruise vacations to the edge.
Have you ever wondered how cruise ships get rid of human waste? While it might not be the most pleasant topic, it certainly is an essential aspect of ensuring that all passengers have an enjoyable experience while at sea.
To help you better understand one of the lesser-known areas of cruise ship engineering, we will provide a detailed explanation of how these massive ships store and dispose of human waste. We will also cover other essential topics, such as odor control and how cruise ships manage other types of waste on the water.
So, if you are ready to expand your knowledge of cruise ships, it’s time to get started!
Before we get into the methods and procedures cruise ships use to get rid of human waste, it is useful to briefly explain how human waste is stored. While this may seem like a reasonably unimportant topic, if you pause to think about how unpleasant the smell and sight of human waste would be if not stored correctly, it makes you realize how important storage actually is.
The Separation of Various Forms of Waste Water
Human waste on a large cruise ship is separated according to its source. Where flushed toilet water needs specific treatment systems and storage facilities, less contaminated wastewater sources can be collected and stored in other ways. For example, wastewater from showers and sinks can be treated, filtered, and recycled to serve other purposes onboard the ship.
Storing Human Waste
Once the water is separated into the correct storage and processing areas, it must be held in the appropriate tanks. Water contaminated with human waste is stored in specialized, sealed tanks, known as black water storage tanks, or sewage holding tanks.
These tanks are designed to have completely airtight seals, which help with odor control. Human waste storage tanks are also located in areas of the cruise ship that are far from areas accessible to passengers.
Even though they are designed to be completely leak- and odor-proof, strategically positioning them within the ship’s off-limits areas reduces the risks of any accidents.
Regular maintenance and inspections are also performed to ensure that the waste water tanks are maintaining their airtight seals.
How Do Cruise Ships Dispose of Human Waste?
Now that you know how human waste is separated from other forms of wastewater and how it is stored, we can explore the ethical and responsible ways cruise ships dispose of this unpleasant waste.
In the past, cruise ships and other large vessels simply waited until they were far at sea, then released their waste tanks. Naturally, this short-sighted and irresponsible attitude towards waste disposal damaged sea and ocean ecosystems. Thankfully, the cruise ships of today use more environmentally-friendly methods.
Onboard Waste Treatment and Disposal
Given their immense scale, modern-day cruise ships carry their own water treatment systems. These systems rely on a combination of physical filters, chemical treatments, and even biological processes that can break down and treat human waste. The wastewater treatment systems cruise ships separate solid waste from liquid waste, then they disinfect and treat the water.
Once the water has been filtered and heavily treated to ensure it is sanitary and safe, it can be discharged into open water. This can only occur in certain areas where the impact on marine life and the ecosystem will be minimized.
Garbage Disposal Area on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mohd Syis Zulkipli / Shutterstock)
The treated wastewater must also meet extremely strict environmental standards before it is released. Samples are taken regularly and randomly, ensuring that the water any cruise ship releases will not have a significant impact on marine ecosystems.
All solid human waste is stored in an airtight holding tank after being treated, dehydrated, and removed from the wastewater. These tanks are not released into the water. Instead, they are held until the cruise ship is docked and in the harbor. From here, it can be disposed of safely and in accordance with local standards and regulations.
In Port Disposal of Human Waste
When a cruise ship is in port, waste disposal procedures differ greatly. This is because wastewater cannot be released into a port even if it is heavily treated. Instead, the wastewater is still filtered and treated the same way as it would be at sea; however, it goes through several extra steps, like being scanned and sampled to ensure it meets local regulations.
Once this has been completed, the heavily tested and treated wastewater can be discharged into the municipal sewage system, where it is treated at a standard water treatment facility per local standards.
Cruise lines must pay certain fees to dispose of their wastewater in port. Local authorities’ fees help to subsidize the costs associated with treating additional wastewater.
How Do Cruise Ships Dispose of Other Forms of Waste?
While proper storage and treatment of human waste is one of the most pressing concerns, cruise ships must also be capable of handling other forms of waste, especially at sea.
While cruise ships put a significant amount of effort into using recyclable materials, food waste and certain forms of packaging must be stored and treated properly. The same applies to hazardous materials, like medical by-products, cleaning chemicals, and more.
To handle solid waste, cruise ships segregate the material and dehydrate it. This helps with odor control. Onboard recycling programs salvage, sanitize, and repurpose items that do not need to be disposed of, as this helps cut down on the amount of waste that needs to be stored and helps reduce the ship’s environmental impact.
Once the waste is separated, treated, and stored appropriately, it can be disposed of properly once the ship visits a port equipped with the correct waste management facilities.
As you would expect, cruise ships take extra precautions when handling and disposing of hazardous materials. Everything is dealt with in the most efficient and eco-conscious ways possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is black water?
Black water is a term used to describe human wastewater within the maritime world, including by the cruise industry. Water that has come in contact with human feces, urine, or toilet paper is deemed black water.
Until treated, it cannot be discharged into the sea or ocean, as it could harm marine life and human beings living near coastal areas.
How do cruise ships hide odors from human waste?
Cruise ships hide and eliminate unpleasant odors from human waste by using airtight holding tanks. They also use specialized ventilation systems that make use of activated carbon filters.
To ensure that passengers and crew members do not detect smells relating to human waste, these storage tanks are also located as far away as possible from all personnel and passengers.
Do cruise ships release human waste into the ocean?
Cruise ships are only permitted to release human wastewater that has been heavily treated. Solid waste is also treated and dehydrated but not released into any open body of water. Instead, it is disposed of through standard, onshore waste disposal methods once the cruise ship is in port.
Which chemicals do cruise ships use to treat human waste?
In addition to heavy filtration processes and settlement chambers, cruise ships use chlorine and a specialized combination of aerobic bacteria to break down and treat human waste.
Do you use previously treated wastewater when you are on a cruise ship?
No, none of the water that flows from the taps in your cabin is previously treated sewage wastewater. When you turn on your faucets or flush your toilet waste, you will always receive fresh water.
The wastewater that the cruise ship uses is heavily treated. It is either discharged into the water in designated areas of the ocean or released onshore into the local water treatment system.
Have any cruise ships ever leaked human waste unintentionally?
There have been some unfortunate incidents where cruise ships have accidentally discharged human waste or experienced unexpected leaks in their onboard waste treatment and holding facilities.
While these instances have occurred, they were all accidents, and the cruise lines were penalized according to strict regulations. This is done to limit the cruise industry’s environmental impact and protect passengers from exposure to unpleasant smells and bacteria.
Today’s cruise ships have advanced waste treatment facilities that use the latest technologies and protocols to manage and dispose of human waste. Ensuring that waste is disposed of in a way that protects passengers and the environment is the primary concern of all cruise ships.
If there’s one thing that a captain of a cruise ship owned by British line Cunard needs to know, it’s the etiquette of afternoon tea. That is precisely what the captain of the line’s iconic Queen Mary 2 learned about onboard his ship during the UK’s Afternoon Tea Week.
Royal Household Expert Sails Aboard Queen Mary 2
Afternoon Tea Week, the UK celebration of one of the nation’s best-known traditions, is an annual event held the second week of August. To mark the occasion in 2023, the UK’s top expert in all-things-afternoon-tea, Grant Harrold, was onboard Queen Mary 2 and offered his guidance to the ship’s captain.
The master class was recorded in a cheeky video, in which Harrold and Captain Aseem Hashmi compare notes on etiquette, service, and protocols attached to the formal presentation and enjoyment of afternoon tea. You can watch the video below:
Cruisers who have sailed on any of the Cunard ships will know that afternoon tea is a celebrated daily event, where formal white glove service lends a truly elegant atmosphere to dining on finger sandwiches, scones and other pastries, and, of course, a wide selection of teas, all served on the finest of china.
Harrold is at the top of his game when it comes to protocol. He was, after all, a member of the Royal household of Their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort at Highgrove House in the Cotswolds for seven years. And he continues to advise royal households across the globe.
“It was a real pleasure to join Captain Hashmi for Afternoon Tea, and as expected, he conducted himself like a true gentleman – he certainly doesn’t need my help. It was a pleasure to share my unique perspective on the British monarchy and its traditions with Cunard guests, especially on ships that boast Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Consort, as their godmothers,” said Grant Harrold, UK etiquette expert.
As the Cunard captain finds out, there are proper ways to stir tea, and an official order for eating the delicacies that are served with it. Harrold also advises on what not to do when serving afternoon tea.
The Queen Mary 2 cruise was not Harrold’s first onboard a Cunard ship. Earlier this year he joined guests sailing on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, regaling them with tales working for the royal families. His lectures, titled The Life of The Royal Butler, provided insights into the British royal family.
Queen Anne Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Cunard Line)
Due to enter service in May 2024, the 3,000-guest ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The Pinnacle-class vessel will homeport mostly in Southampton, UK, with several cruises scheduled to depart from Hamburg and Kiel, Germany, and Rome, Italy.
New Special Event, Themed Cruises in 2024
Grant Harrold’s sailings aboard Cunard ships and his lectures were part of Cunard’s Insight Speaker series, one of many special events that are featured programs on the line’s vessels. The line recently announced several new onboard events and themes for 2024.
On Queen Mary 2, an 8-night eastbound transatlantic from New York to Southampton on June 15, 2024, will offer a “London Theatre at Sea” musical theme. Guests on the sailing can participate in acting workshops, lectures, and performances.
Another special event cruise, aboard Queen Elizabeth as she sails roundtrip from Melbourne, Australia, in January 2024, is touted as the “Great Australian Culinary Voyage.” The 7-night voyage will feature Chef Karen Martini, and departs on January 5.
No matter how travelers like their chocolate – white, light, or dark – Costa Cruises is offering the perfect sailing to explore all things decadently delicious: ChocoCruise. Setting Sail in November 2023 aboard Costa Toscana, the themed cruise is entirely dedicated to chocolate and will feature five master pastry chefs to offer workshops, lectures, and of course, signature chocolate treats to enjoy.
Costa Cruises to Offer Chocolate-Themed Cruise
Costa Cruises (part of the Carnival corporation family) has partnered with Belgian-Swiss chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut to offer an amazing voyage every chocolate lover will drool over: ChocoCruise – Explore the World of Chocolate.
This richly themed voyage will set sail aboard Costa Cruises’ flagship, Costa Toscana, on November 17, 2023 for seven of the most delicious nights in the Mediterranean.
Costa Toscana Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock)
From breakfast to dinner and every treat in between, guests will be sailing on waves of chocolate with both savory and sweet dishes, cooking demonstrations, chocolate workshops, and more as they visit top culinary destinations during the 7-night sailing.
The sailing departs from Genoa, Italy and will visit Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Cagliari, Sardinia; and both Naples and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy before arriving back in Genoa on November 24, 2023.
Master Pastry Chefs Onboard
Onboard as special presenters for ChocoCruise will be five world-renowned, award-winning pastry chefs from five different countries, each bringing their own insights to chocolate and associated pastry techniques for guests to discover.
The five pastry masters for ChocoCruise 2023 are Alberto Simionato (Italy), Joël Perriard (Switzerland), Philippe Bertrand (France), Ramon Morató (Spain), and Alexandre Bourdeaux (Belgium). Each pastry chef will share a signature chocolate dish, showcasing their own chocolate influences and techniques.
Photo Courtesy: Costa Cruises
Alberto Simionato, for example, share dishes with both bakery and ice cream influences, while Philippe Bertrand offers creative decadence with a passion for perfection and global influences with inspirational trends. Ramon Morató delves into innovative desserts and brings teaching expertise to help others develop their flair for chocolate.
Joël Perriard has worked worldwide leading confectionary circles, and Alexandre Bourdeaux brings a lifetime of baking experience combined with extensive traveling to his chocolate recipes.
Each of the master pastry chefs has years of expert experience working in different restaurants, authoring cookbooks, presenting workshops, and more, all of which helps to elevate their own chocolate expertise.
Also on board ChocoCruise will be Riccardo Bellaera, Costa Cruise Line’s Corporate Pastry & Bakery Chef. Since 2012, Bellaera has crafted unique pastries for all Costa ships, balancing crispness, sweetness, and acidity in his award-winning creations.
In 2022 and 2023, Bellaera won the “Different Visions Great Ideas” award at Sigep in Rimini, the International Exhibition of Ice Cream, Pastry, and Bakery.
Even beverages will offer chocolate flair on this sailing, with two Italian master bartenders presenting unique chocolate cocktails in partnership with Bacardi.
Beyond Chocolate on Costa Toscana
Guests may be immersed in chocolate during ChocoCruise, but the 185,010-gross ton Costa Toscana offers much more than just delicious desserts. The LNG-powered ship debuted in 2021, and features 11 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges for guests to enjoy a wide variety of culinary creations.
Also onboard are 13 pools and hot tubs, the Splash Aqua Park, the Solemio beauty spa and salon, and much more.
Costa Toscana offers a varied schedule of Mediterranean and Arabian Peninsula sailings. In late November, the ship will reposition to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for exclusively Arabian itineraries, before returning to the Mediterranean in March 2024.
Norwegian Cruise Line is ready to officially welcome the brand-new Norwegian Viva into its fleet, as the ship was delivered to the cruise line from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The delivery comes just days before the ship’s planned inaugural sailing on August 19.
Norwegian Viva Delivered
Fincantieri has announced the delivery of Norwegian Viva, the official handover of the ship to Norwegian Cruise Line, on Thursday, August 3. The vessel now joins her sister ship and the first vessel in the innovative Prima class, Norwegian Prima, which debuted in August 2022.
According to Fincantieri, the new class of vessels “will form the backbone of the future NCL fleet” with their unique designs that cater to Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature freestyle cruising, offering freedom and flexibility to travelers without sacrificing experiences or quality.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Each of the vessels weighs in at 143,500 gross tons, measures 965 feet (294 meters) long, and is home to more than 1,500 international team members who will ensure every guest enjoys a truly amazing vacation.
Now that Norwegian Viva has been delivered, the following days will be busy onboard as crew members begin arriving to familiarize themselves with the ship’s layout and operation.
Supplies will be delivered, retail spaces will be set up, entertainment casts will practice performances, and other steps will be taken to be sure the ship is ready to welcome guests.
One Part of the Ship Not Ready, Much More on Offer
One aspect of the ship will not be ready to debut when the vessel sets sail on August 19 – Norwegian Cruise Line recently notified guests booked on the inaugural sailing that the ship’s signature show, ‘Beetlejuice: The Musical,’ will not be ready for the debut due to “delays in production.”
Guests will still be able to enjoy a variety of other entertainment onboard, however, including intimate and immersive shows in Syd Norman’s Pour House as well as the ‘ICONS’ concert experience showcasing musical legends from Dolly Parton to Lady Gaga. Live music, trivia contests, and a wide range of games will also be part of the ship’s entertainment showcase.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Entertainment is not the only thing awaiting guests on Norwegian Viva. The ship offers stunning relaxation and wellness experiences in the Mandara Spa, the fastest slides on the high seas with The Drop and The Rush, delicious dining at both specialty restaurants and complimentary venues, the first-in-fleet glass bridge with Oceanwalk, and the seaside sculpture garden, The Concourse.
Sailing Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva‘s first sailing is a 7-night Mediterranean cruise departing from Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, August 19. On the way to Rome, the ship will visit the iconic ports of Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, and Livorno.
The ship will remain in the Mediterranean until November, offering assorted itineraries visiting Italy, the Greek Isles, and other top destinations.
On November 16, Norwegian Viva will depart on her first transatlantic cruise – an 11-night sailing from Lisbon to Miami, stopping in the Azores, the US Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic before arriving in Florida.
Norwegian Viva‘s official christening is scheduled for November 28, 2023, in Miami, where the ship will also host grand prize winners of the cruise line’s Giving Joy contest to honor educators. After her christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will sail two cruises from Miami before moving to her homeport of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
From San Juan, Norwegian Viva will offer a variety of Caribbean cruises through the winter months, taking guests to popular destinations such as both the British and US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Aruba, Curacao, and more, depending on sail date and itinerary.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the inaugural sailing of the new Norwegian Viva to inform them that the ship’s main production show, ‘Beetlejuice: The Musical’ will not be performed onboard that first sailing. Other shows still scheduled, including live music performances, but the headliner show is not yet ready to greet guests.
Headline Show Not Ready for Norwegian Viva Debut
Norwegian Cruise Line has contacted travelers booked on Norwegian Viva‘s inaugural sailing as well as associated travel agents to inform them that the headline production show – ‘Beetlejuice: The Musical‘ – will not be ready for that first voyage when the ship sets sail on August 19, 2023.
“We regret to inform you that ‘Beetlejuice ‘ The Musical’ is not quite ready for your voyage. Due to some delays in production, the entertainment team will not be stage-ready in time for your sailing,”the email notification read.
Original Broadway Company- Beetlejuice
Details about the “delays in production” have not been revealed, but several factors could be contributing to the postponement. It is possible that necessary props, costumes, or other equipment is not yet available for the show, or else the cast may yet be incomplete due to scheduling or contract conflicts. Technical challenges with special effects could also be a consideration.
Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to showcasing only high quality entertainment onboard, and it is a testament to the cruise line’s wish to provide spectacular experiences to guests that the decision has been made to delay the show’s debut even while the ship sets sail.
“NCL has a history of pioneering the cruise experience and delivering the high-caliber entertainment programming our guests expect. We are dedicated to pushing the envelope, delivering on those expectations, and putting our guests first as we elevate our onboard offerings for the ultimate vacation at sea,”David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line president, said when the show was first announced.
Render Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
At this time, it is unknown when the main production show will first be performed, and it is possible that several early sailings of the ship may not feature the Tony Award-nominated musical.
This announcement follows Norwegian Cruise Line’s revelation in June that many of the cruise line’s main production shows are being retired. Replacements for the shows have not yet been announced, but it does not appear that ‘Beetlejuice’ is in danger of being cancelled before it has even begun.
Other Onboard Entertainment
While ‘Beetlejuice: The Musical’ may not be ready for guests in mid-August, Norwegian Viva will feature a variety of other entertainment options, including live music, comedians, and more.
“There will be plenty of programming and entertainment options on board, including show-stopping performances in Syd Norman’s Pour House; ‘ICONS,’ a concert experience featuring songs from musical legends from Dolly Parton to Lady Gaga; as well as a number of other musical talent and comedians to fill your days at sea,”the email to guests read.
Photo Copyright: EWY Media / Shutterstock
The ship will also be hosting “Press Your Luck LIVE” onboard as an immersive game show experience where guests can win prizes in a high-energy environment, similar to “The Price is Right LIVE” onboard Norwegian Viva‘s sister ship, Norwegian Prima.
Additionally, the ship’s entertainment team will have a range of trivia contests, games, question-and-answer sessions, and other fun activities for guests on every sailing.
Norwegian Viva Days From Debut
The 142,500-gross ton Norwegian Viva is the second of the Prima class of vessels that Norwegian Cruise Line debuted with Norwegian Prima in 2022. The ship, built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, can welcome 3,099 guests onboard and 1,506 crew members are available to provide amazing service.
Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
The ship will debut on August 19, 2023, with a 7-night Mediterranean sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Rome, Italy. Along the way, the new vessel will call on ports of call in Spain, France, and Italy.
Norwegian Viva will remain in the Mediterranean for several months, offering a variety of itinerary options that include Italy, the Greek Isles, and other top destinations. In mid-November, she will make her initial transatlantic crossing with an 11-night sailing from Lisbon to Miami, and after a few sailings from Miami, the new vessel will homeport from San Juan with various Caribbean itineraries.
In April 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to the Mediterranean for the summer sailing season, before again homeporting from San Juan in November 2024.
Renowned innovative artist David Le Batard has died at the age of 50. His colorful artwork is well known to cruise fans not only as part of the popular Park West art galleries on board many cruise lines, but he also designed the eye-catching hull artwork of Norwegian Getaway, which joined the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in 2014.
Cruise Ship Artist Passes
Cuban-American graphic artist David “Lebo” Le Batard died in the early morning hours of August 1, 2023. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but the artist’s passing was announced by his older brother, Dan Le Batard, on a popular podcast.
Lebo’s passing is mourned throughout the art world, including by Park West Gallery – the gallery most frequently seen aboard cruise ships, where many travelers have first discovered Lebo’s colorful work that often featured animals, bold lines, bright colors, and exaggerated shapes.
David “Lebo” Le Batard
Lebo himself described his unusual work as “postmodern cartoon expressionism” and credited influences from comic strips, morning cartoon shows, and Egyptian hieroglyphics as helping define his personal style.
His goal was to bring joy into the modern art world and make it accessible to everyone with imagery they could engage with, such as the cats and owls he often incorporated into his pieces.
“While the work of every artist is innately unique, Lebo’s style was so distinctive and easily identifiable that it resonated in the hearts and minds of so many collectors and me personally. Lebo’s personality and demeanor were just as colorful and bold as his art,”said Marc Scaglione, President, Park West Gallery.“I was so excited to have him join and share his passion with our collectors and he is going to be greatly missed.”
Norwegian Getaway Hull Artwork
One of Lebo’s most well-known pieces is also one of his largest – the hull mural for the 145,655-gross ton, Breakaway-class Norwegian Getaway.
With bold swirls of blue, teal, yellow, orange, and red, the cartoon-esque mermaid on the ship’s hull guides the vessel through rough waters and brings joy to passengers both onboard the ship and as they see the vessel in port.
The whimsical design includes the mermaid holding a bright sun above the waves, evoking good weather and sunny skies for every sailing. Also part of the hull design are pelicans, waves, and palm trees.
Norwegian Cruise Line also noted the artist’s passing with a touching tribute on social media, thanking Lebo for his amazing work and preserving his legacy.
Today, we celebrate the life of our friend/artist David “Lebo” Le Batard, hull artist of Norwegian Getaway. Thanks for sharing your light within the Miami community and around the world. We’re honored to share your artistry and legacy as Norwegian Getaway sails across the globe. pic.twitter.com/AgFlKEU9it
— Norwegian Cruise Line (@CruiseNorwegian) August 1, 2023
Lebo was selected as the ship’s hull artist in part because he was based in Miami, where the cruise line is headquartered and where Norwegian Getaway was initially homeported year-round. When the ship debuted in 2014, it was the largest vessel to homeport from PortMiami.
Today, Norwegian Getaway is offering European sailings for the summer, including visits to destinations in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and other ports of call.
In October, the ship will reposition to New York to offer Caribbean and Bermuda sailings through the winter, before returning to Europe to spend the 2024 summer season in the Mediterranean and sailing the Greek Isles.
Norwegian Getaway Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wojciech Wrzesien / Shutterstock)
In late 2024, Norwegian Getaway is scheduled to homeport from New Orleans, Louisiana, offering 7-night Caribbean sailings and bringing its colorful artwork to even more cruise and art fans.
Norwegian Cruise Line is well-known for selecting unique and influential artists to design the instantly recognizable hulls of its ships, particularly in the Breakaway class. Other amazing artists to have designed Norwegian ship hull art include Peter Max (Norwegian Breakaway), Guy Harvey (Norwegian Escape), and Robert Wyland (Norwegian Bliss).
Carnival Cruise Line has emailed guests booked on select sailings of Carnival Legend to Greenland that the unique destination poses challenges to travelers who may have mobility difficulties.
The notification comes just days before the impacted departure dates, however, giving guests only limited time to make adjustments if necessary.
Accessibility Challenges in Greenland
Carnival Legend is scheduled to make two fantastic sailings to Greenland in the next few weeks, 14-night voyages roundtrip from Baltimore, Maryland and visiting both Nanortalik and Qaqortoq in southern Greenland as well as ports in Canada. The first of these sailings departs on Sunday, August 13, 2023, with the second, identical cruise departing on Saturday, September 2.
Carnival Cruise Line has now reached out to guests booked on both departures with an advisory about accessibility and mobility challenges to visit the Greenland ports of call.
Carnival legend Cruise Ship
“Like some of our destinations, facilities are not equipped for people with mobility difficulties, like what we are accustomed to seeing in the U.S.,”the email explains.“We will be anchoring in both Nanortalik and Qaqortoq and using water shuttles to take you between the ship and shore.”
While water shuttles are not uncommon at different ports of call, the email to guests specifically for these voyages explains that “water shuttles are not accessible for guests with mobility limitations, and it will be necessary to take stairs to board them.”
Guests are also advised that an inclined ramp is used to debark the water shuttle, and any mobility devices must be collapsible to be brought aboard a water shuttle. This would include canes, wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters.
Greenland
Carnival’s website information on water shuttle ports also notes that “certain water shuttles may not be accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices” and “the final determination of whether any guest may board a water shuttle is made by the captain.”
The letter also goes on to discuss the overall landscape in Greenland so guests are fully aware of the conditions they may encounter, which can influence their decision of whether or not to debark the ship and explore the ports.
“Resting facilities are unavailable or limited in the ports of call and the areas are very hilly with uneven terrain, which may be difficult to navigate,”the email notes.“It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes to safely move around the landscape.”
Remaining Onboard the Ship
No guests are required to debark at ports of call, and any travelers who feel uncomfortable about the potential conditions for taking water shuttles or exploring ports in Greenland are, of course, welcome to remain aboard Carnival Legend.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
During the time in port – scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in both Nanortalik and Qaqortoq – the ship’s entertainment team will have various activities planned, such as games, trivia contests, crafts, and more. The ship’s facilities, such as pools, the shuffleboard court, miniature golf course, library, and the Serenity adults-only retreat will also be available.
The 88,500-gross ton Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class vessel, able to welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy or up to 2,610 travelers when fully booked.
Why Such Late Notice?
The advisory of accessibility limitations less than two weeks before the August 13 sailing and only a month prior to the September 2 departure leaves guests with little time to adjust their travel preparations if necessary. This may be disappointing to travelers who do have mobility challenges and had hoped to thoroughly explore the destinations in Greenland.
Photo Credit: Emi330 / Shutterstock.com
It must be noted that both Nanortalik and Qaqortoq are listed on Carnival’s water shuttle ports list, which also includes a discussion of the difficulties of accessibility in water shuttle ports depending on local conditions and facilities.
Many popular ports of call require water shuttle (also called tendering) service, including Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; both Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, the cruise line’s private destinations in The Bahamas; and multiple ports in Norway, Iceland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Some ports of call also may require water shuttles only at certain times, depending on local availability of pier space or tidal conditions at the time of sailing. This includes some ports in Alaska, Hawaii, Norway, and the UK.
Travelers with accessibility concerns should always investigate ports of call on their planned itinerary before booking a cruise.
Discovery Channel and YouTube star Adam Savage will be the special guest aboard an upcoming Princess Cruises’ sailing onboard Discovery Princess. Cruisers can interact with the TV celebrity as he leads a guided tour of the popular Royal-class ship.
Cruise Guests Can Meet, Interact With Adam Savage
Princess Cruises will host Adam Savage, the special effects designer and former co-host of the Emmy-nominated Discovery TV series “MythBusters,” on a 4-night West Coast Getaway cruise departing November 25, 2023.
During the cruise, operating roundtrip from Los Angeles with port calls at San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico, guests can meet Savage, attend social events and activities, and participate in his guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Discovery Princess.
Savage has a connection to Discovery Princess; he was one of the ship’s four godparents when she entered service in April 2022. The godparents all are Discovery Channel stars, and besides Savage included Randy Fenoli, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, and Page Turner.
Adam Savage
Additionally, Princess Cruises’ Hotel General Manager Terri Cybuliak served as the vessel’s ceremonial godmother.
Discovery Princess, which accommodates 3,660 guests and is the sixth and final Royal-class ship to be built by Princess Cruises, continues to garner enthusiasm from Savage. But the celebrity also is turning his attention to the line’s new Sun Princess, due to launch in early 2024, and is creating a video series focused on the new vessel.
“When I was asked what part of the ship I wanted to see during the christening of Discovery Princess in 2022, I chose the engine room and spent five hours learning about how the many complex systems onboard are able to efficiently — and almost invisibly — service thousands of customers’ needs. The scale of it is staggering,“ said Savage.
“The engineering of these ships, including Sun Princess, is riveting to me. Fresh off an Alaska cruise on Discovery Princess myself, I can’t wait to meet fellow passengers and share all the exciting below-deck technology I’ve learned about in science and engineering in general and cruise ships in particular,” he added.
Discovery Princess in Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Cruisers aboard the Discovery Princess’s West Coast Getaway sailing with Savage can meet the celebrity at the Sailaway Party, participate in a question-and-answer session with him in the Princess Theater, have their photo taken with him, sign up for the guided ship tour he will lead, and attend one of several specialty dinners that Savage will host. (Fees apply for the ship tour and dinners.)
Discovery Princess is currently sailing a series of Alaska cruises from Seattle, with two remaining Alaska sailings scheduled in September. The ship also is operating other West Coast itineraries this fall, such as a 6-day Pacific Wine Country sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles on October 1, and a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles on October 14.
Savage Reveals First Sun Princess Video
The first completed YouTube video in Savage’s Sun Princess series reveals some sneak peeks at the ship’s Dome and Sphere features, and chronicles the ship’s construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Sun Princess is the cruise line’s first Sphere-class ship, and will have capacity for 4,000 guests.
The 175,500-gross-ton Sun Princess will sail her 10-day Inaugural Grand Mediterranean cruise on February 8, 2024, from Barcelona to Rome. The ship will operate a full season in the Mediterranean, offering 7- to 23-night itineraries from multiple departure ports, including Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Southampton. The ship is slated to reposition to Fort Lauderdale in November 2024.
