Cunard Line, already known for its ultra luxurious appointments and classic style of cruising, has announced amazing special cruises with its Event Voyages for 2024.
These unique sailings offer immersive onboard experiences with top experts in different fields, giving guests the opportunity for in-depth exploration of popular topics and first-hand insights into the arts, sports, gastronomy, and more.
Cunard Line’s 2024 Event Voyages
While every cruise is an event unto itself, particularly on a renowned line such as Cunard, the special “Event Voyages” offer much more than typical cruise ship entertainment and activities.
For 2024, Cunard Line is offering seven themed voyages, each with spectacular opportunities that travelers will not find on land.
“Cunard’s Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances. Each is expertly curated to offer our guests unique opportunities to immerse themselves into theme or occasion, meeting and hearing from world-renowned leaders in their fields, many with interactive workshops and a programme of activities and performances to choose from throughout the day and evening,”said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America.
The line’s current flagship, Queen Mary 2, will host four of the themed voyages, while the other three will be aboard Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Mary 2 Event Voyages
In June, an 8-night eastbound transatlantic sailing from New York to Southampton will offer a “London Theatre at Sea” musical theatre theme in partnership with the Olivier Awards, first established in 1976 to honor theatre, opera, and dance.
Onboard, guests can join in-depth acting workshops, participate in behind-the-scenes talks, and enjoy award-winning performances. The cruise will depart on June 15, 2024.
Queen Mary 2‘s 400th transatlantic crossing will be even more celebratory with its own anniversary theme, sure to evoke the rich history of Cunard Line’s transatlantic voyages. This momentous sailing is August 23-30, departing from New York and traveling to Southampton, and will pay homage to the cruise line’s lengthy history along the way.
The ship will welcome guests aboard the 15th anniversary of Cunard’s spectacular “National Symphony Orchestra” voyages from October 4-13, another eastbound transatlantic sailing that will be filled with choir rehearsals that guests can join as well as classical concerts in the evening for a musically enriching experience.
Finally, book lovers are sure to enjoy the “Literature Festival at Sea” voyage from November 13-20, 2024, a westbound transatlantic sailing featuring inspiring literary events and curated programing with more than 20 acclaimed authors. Writing workshops, literary discussions, and author Q&A sessions are sure to be part of this storied cruise.
For each of these amazing, immersive voyages, the 149,215-gross ton Queen Mary 2 can welcome as many as 2,695 guests, while 1,250 officers and crew members provide the luxurious service Cunard Line is so well known for offering.
Queen Elizabeth Event Voyages
The Vista-class Queen Elizabeth will host three Event Voyages in 2024, each with a different theme: culinary adventures, wellness journeys, and amazing nostalgic music.
From January 5-12, great tastes will rule the high seas with the “Great Australian Culinary Voyage,” an unforgettable foray into the world of food and wine, including special guest chef Karen Martini taking over The Steakhouse at The Verandah. Roundtrip from Melbourne, Australia, the 7-night voyage will visit Adelaide and Hobart along the way.
Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe / Shutterstock
In February, the “Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage” will welcome special guests for sports fans with some of Australia’s most iconic sporting superstars, such as cricketer Brett Lee and golfer Karrie Webb.
Special sessions offering play tips and game insights are sure to be popular activities onboard the February 13-20 voyage, roundtrip from Sydney, Australia and calling on Hobart, Port Arthur, and Melbourne.
Finally, guests can dance the night away aboard Queen Elizabeth on the “Big Band Ball” voyage from May 5-14, when the swing era will be in full musical mode with special guests such as internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe. The unique musical voyage promises to be as exciting as its Japanese itinerary roundtrip from Tokyo.
The 90,901-gross-ton Queen Elizabeth can welcome as many as 2,547 guests on any of these three voyages, if booked to full capacity.
Each of these unique voyages is sure to sell out quickly, and interested guests should seize the opportunity to immerse themselves in their passions onboard so they don’t miss the opportunity to make truly one-in-a-lifetime cruise vacation memories.
Holland America Line’s special 2024 Solar Eclipse cruises aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam will offer travelers more than just a unique viewing opportunity for the total eclipse.
The cruise line will now include insightful guidance and immersive programming from astronomy experts onboard. This will make the cruises truly unforgettable for everyone, with deeply enriching lectures and activities for all guests.
Experts Added to Eclipse Cruises
Aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam, both of which have special voyages planned to bring cruise guests right into the best possible viewing locations for the April 8 eclipse, astronomy experts will add even more enrichment to the sailings with special lectures, activities, and insights.
University of California San Diego Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Adam Burgasser will be aboard the Pinnacle-class Koningsdam, offering detailed lectures prior to the eclipse and helping guests make their own eclipse viewers for optical safety.
During the event – which should last approximately 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its peak – Burgasser will provide commentary and viewing assistance.
UCSD’s Professor Adam Burgasser (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)
“We’re positioning our ships in the perfect location for guests to see the eclipse,”said Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment for Holland America Line.“For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so being able to receive the guidance of a renowned physicist like Dr. Burgasser is an exciting opportunity for our guests. We’re known for creating immersive programming, and this will be an unforgettable live event.”
Koningsdam will be sailing a 22-night “Solar Eclipse Cruise” that will depart San Diego on April 5. The ship will call on Cabo San Lucas the day before the eclipse, and will be positioned offshore for unimpeded viewing on April 8.
Other ports of call include Puerto Vallarta and several top Hawaiian destinations, before the ship reaches Vancouver, Canada on April 27, in preparation for the Alaska sailing season.
“This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven years is something astronomers — amateur and professional — are all excited to observe, and there’s no better or unique place to observe it than at sea off the coast of Mexico,”said Burgasser.
“I look forward to joining Holland America Line guests aboard Koningsdam to witness this phenomenon and help them better understand the science and history behind it.”
Holland America Line Ship (Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line)
Zaandam will be sailing a 14-night “Solar Eclipse & Mexican Riviera” cruise for the event, departing from San Diego on March 30 and calling on several Mexican ports of call along the way before being in Puerto Vallarta on the day of the eclipse. After the stunning astronomical event, the cruise will continue to Loreto, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas before returning to San Diego on April 18.
On board, guest presenter Jim McParland will lend his expertise to the eclipse experience, offering lectures and demonstrations as Zaandam is positioned for total viewing.
About the Eclipse
The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, is a highly anticipated astronomical event. Because of its location, cruise lines can make the most of the eclipse by offering spectacular viewing opportunities in the “path of totality” – a thin region where the visual eclipse will be most spectacular and most prolonged. Totality is when the moon completely obscures the sun and the brilliant solar corona is visible.
The maximum width of the totality band will be 123 miles (198 kilometers) wide, covering just one-fortieth of a percent of the earth’s surface.
Solar Eclipse
Because ships can remain at sea and away from any obstructing features like skylines, mountain ranges, and pollution, eclipse viewing from the deck of a cruise ship promises to be spectacular.
Furthermore, depending on local conditions, cruise ships may even be able to reposition themselves in case of poor weather or cloud cover so guests onboard don’t miss prime viewing opportunities.
This particular total eclipse will be the first to have totality visible in Canada since 1979, the first in Mexico since 1991, and the first in the US since 2017. The next eclipse will occur on October 2, 2024, but that event will be entirely over the Pacific Ocean and well away from established cruise travel regions.
As seasoned cruisers are all too aware, there are times when the excitement of visiting a port of call can make you lose track of time, a lesson brought home in a recent event aboard Carnival Vista.
In a video shared on TikTok, which has captured the attention of millions, a late-arriving guest managed to turn a simple departure from Cozumel into a spectacle of epic proportions.
While those that arrive late are typically called pier-runners, nothing would hint at a sense of urgency from the guest in question, something that fellow passengers did not appreciate.
One Lady Gets All The Attention Due to Late Arrival
A seven-day Western Caribbean cruise sailing from Galveston, Texas, on May 27 was just another routine voyage aboard the Vista-class vessel until a late guest turned the tide during the vessel’s call to Cozumel.
While the late arrival to a ship would typically be cause for a sense of urgency, the opposite was true in this case as an ‘entitled’ guest casually strolled up to the dock 45 minutes past the scheduled boarding time on June 1. You can watch the footage below:
Footage of the late arrival was shared on TikTok by @designsbyd1, capturing the attention of over 8.4 million viewers so far. The video depicts the woman strolling towards the ship, holding her bags with no apparent urgency.
Her apparent indifference to the departure time did not sit well with her fellow passengers onboard the 133,596 gross tons, 3,934-passenger Carnival Vista, who jeered and sarcastically applauded her arrival from their cabin balconies.
Late Carnival Cruise Passenger (Credit: @designsbyd1)
It remains unclear why the guest arrived so late for the departure of Carnival Vista. Online speculation is rife with ideas, ranging from a shopping spree, a snooze on the beach, to returning from a tour. The last option seems unlikely as the guest was the only one to arrive late. Whatever the reason, it pays to keep an eye on the scheduled departure time of your cruise ship, as you could land yourself in a lot of trouble.
Rules of the Sea
Cruise lines typically follow strict departure times at all ports of call. While exceptions may be made for passengers participating in excursions organized by the cruise line, the cruise ship generally does not wait for late passengers.
Various factors, such as the number of missing guests and planned arrival times at the next destination, are considered before the difficult decision to leave a passenger behind is made.
Photo Credit: Yingna Cai / Shutterstock
In cruise industry jargon, guests who arrive late and find their ship has already left the port are known as ‘pier runners.’ Should this unfortunate event occur, the guest is responsible for catching up with the ship at the next port or arranging their return home. The guest bears the costs of such arrangements, including accommodation and transportation.
On rare occasions, local port authorities may establish communication with the ship, but this does not guarantee the vessel’s return due to the high associated costs and potential itinerary delays.
Furthermore, stranded guests must possess the required travel documents, including passports and potential visas, necessary for onward travel or re-entry into certain countries.
Carnival Vista Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
As for Carnival Vista, the vessel continues its Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston until November. Afterward, it will reposition to Port Canaveral, offering three, five, six, and eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.
In the meantime, this saga serves as a stark reminder to all future cruise guests about the importance of punctuality and respecting the schedules of the ship and their fellow travelers.
A cruise is a shared experience; one person’s delay can negatively affect everyone involved. Here’s hoping the lesson has been learned, at least for this one guest.
Have you ever wondered what happens during a cruise ship muster drill? We have all of the answers. Here is everything you can expect as a passenger.
Whether you have been on numerous cruises or are preparing for your first cruise vacation, you probably have questions about muster drills.
While many first-time cruise ship passengers assume that these drills are reserved for the ship’s crew and other staff members, passengers must also participate to some degree.
If you are unsure what to expect during a cruise ship muster drill, don’t worry, we are here to explain everything you need to know.
We will cover many of the safety procedures conducted during a muster drill and explain why they are considered an essential component of the maritime safety briefing. Let’s dive right in!
Essentially, “cruise ship muster drills,” or “lifeboat drills,” as they are also known, are a series of drills and instructional presentations designed to familiarize passengers with emergency protocols.
These drills are considered to be mandatory requirements that are set and enforced by international organizations. During muster drills, passengers gather at designated meeting areas known as muster stations.
Here, they will receive safety information from trained crew members. Most muster drills designed for passengers also involve practicing the donning of life jackets and other essential components of emergency preparedness at sea.
Photo Credit: MikhailBerkut / Shutterstock
The purpose of any cruise ship muster drill is to ensure that all passengers are educated about emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and where to find the nearest life-saving equipment.
While these drills can vary in how they are carried out and what is covered, the overall goal is always to ensure that all passengers are safe and prepared for the unlikely event of a serious emergency.
What Is an E-muster Drill?
An e-muster drill, or electronic muster drill, is a type of virtual muster drill that is beginning to phase out traditional, in-person muster drills.
Where muster drills used to be carried out in person, so they would require all passengers to gather in specific locations within the ship for safety instructions and demonstrations, mobile technology and smartphones have enabled muster drills to be carried out electronically.
What Is Involved in an E-muster Drill?
If the cruise ship you are traveling on offers e-muster drills rather than in-person muster drills, you should receive basic instructions prior to boarding the ship.
This could be a simple email requesting you to download the cruise line’s e-muster drill app. It is often suggested that you download the app before boarding, making it much easier to complete the drill once you are on board.
Royal Caribbean E-Muster App (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
Once onboard the ship, you will be informed of a specific timeframe in which you must complete your e-muster drill.
Typically, the e-muster drill will involve watching various safety videos that cover everything from evacuation protocols, meeting points, and how to locate and wear a life jacket properly in the stateroom.
You will not be able to simply press play and ignore the e-muster drill, as many will have prompts you will need to click in order to acknowledge that you have understood the instructions. Some even have basic quizzes at the end of the drill; however, this is not always the case.
Once the allotted timeframe for completion has expired, crew members will verify that all passengers have completed their e-muster drill training.
Royal Caribbean E-Muster App (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
This can be done by manually having a crew member inspect your smartphone, tablet, or other smart device to show that you completed the drill within the app.
Some cruise lines use more user-friendly forms of e-muster drill completion verification, such as giving users a QR code once they have completed the drill that can be scanned by crew members or simply presented to a scanning terminal.
Are Muster Drills Mandatory?
While certain cruise ship passengers are excluded, such as children under a certain age, muster drills are considered a mandatory requirement, so they must be conducted on every commercial cruise ship.
This is because they are a legal requirement set out by international maritime regulations, most specifically, the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), which sets out all safety standards for ships operating on open water.
According to the SOLAS Convention, all passengers that are the legally required age must participate in a muster drill within 24 hours of boarding a cruise ship. This rule can be enforced by the local coast guard and other port authorities, so it must be carried out according to the regulations.
Do I Have to Participate in a Muster Drill Even If I Have Been on a Cruise Before?
Yes! Even if you have been on numerous cruises in the past, you would still be required to participate in a muster drill within 24 hours of embarkation day on a new cruise ship. This is because all cruise ships differ in their layout, size, and even how they handle emergencies.
So, you need to understand the relevant safety procedure for each cruise voyage you participate in. Remember, muster drills are conducted for your own safety, as well as the safety of all of your fellow passengers. While they may seem repetitive to the seasoned cruise vacationer, they are a valuable use of your time!
When Are Cruise Ship Muster Drills Carried Out?
The specific timing of a muster drill can vary from one cruise line to the next, but they must be carried out within 24 hours after the ship has departed for the first time. Most cruise ship crews will schedule a muster drill shortly before or after the ship departs from port.
Not only does this get this vital training session out of the way so guests can return to enjoying their trip, but it also ensures that passengers will be familiar with safety protocols if an emergency occurs shortly after departure.
Cruise Ship in Port During Drill (Photo Credit: natatravel / Shutterstock)
With that said, the crew on larger cruise ships may wait a little longer to start their muster drill than those on smaller ships, as it gives the passengers additional time to find their cabins and get settled, but they still must be carried out within 24 hours.
What Can You Expect During a Cruise Ship Muster Drill?
While it is true that the specific procedures of a muster drill can somewhat differ from one cruise ship to the next, some essential elements and objectives are the same on all ships – informing passengers of emergencies by familiarizing them with the ship’s safety protocols.
The overriding goal is to protect the safety and well-being of all passengers, crew members, and anyone else traveling on the ship.
To help you understand what you can expect from a muster drill, here are some of the most common procedures that are covered.
Familiarization with Relevant Muster Points
Unsurprisingly, the first thing that most muster drills will cover is where passengers should be meeting.
Typically, each passenger’s assigned muster point will be indicated on their key card and in their cabin. Each ship deck will also have signs directing passengers where to go in an emergency.
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock
During your muster drill, you will meet at your assigned muster point. The crew member running the drill will explain why this is important. They will also explain what you should do if you are in another part of the ship in an emergency.
Emergency Signal Demonstration
Once familiar with muster points, you will be given a demonstration of the emergency signal going off if you need to assemble at your muster point.
On most ships, the emergency signal involves a combination of loud alarms, audible warnings and announcements over the ship’s main speaker system, and a series of flashing lights and illuminated emergency signs.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
The muster drill instructor will explain what these signals mean. Once this has been explained, a demonstration will be conducted. On most ships, this demonstration also doubles as the official start of the muster drill.
Practice Roll Call and Basic Safety Instructions for the Ship
After the emergency signal has been tested and demonstrated, a crew member assigned to a particular muster station will take attendance to ensure that all relevant passengers and crew members are present. This involves calling out names and cabin numbers.
Passengers at Assembly Station (Photo Credit: karenfoleyphotography / Shutterstock)
Once it has been established that everyone that should be at the muster point is in attendance, additional safety instructions can be explained to the group. These instructions and training demonstrations often include:
How to locate, wear, and secure a life jacket
Instructions on how to find the nearest emergency exit
An overview of where the cruise ship’s lifeboats and life rafts are located, as well as a basic breakdown of how and when they are boarded
What passengers should do if they encounter a fire, and where they can find fire safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and first aid kits
Where passengers can locate medical facilities in the event of an injury or medical emergency
Life Jacket Demonstration and Safety Video Presentation
Again, the exact instructional techniques used and the timeline of each step can differ from one ship to the next, but almost every muster drill will involve having a crew member demonstrate how to wear and fasten a life jacket correctly.
Just like on a plane, the crew will also explain how you can help another passenger with their own life jacket if they cannot put it on without assistance.
Assembly Station on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Eyesonmilan / Shutterstock)
Many cruise ships also use instructional safety videos to provide more information and detailed instructions on procedures that would be difficult to demonstrate, such as the safe use of emergency evacuation slides and lifeboats.
The screens used for these demonstrations are often available at muster points, so it is easy for the crew to ensure that all passengers can view the video.
Fielding Passenger Questions and Concerns
Once the demonstrations have been concluded, the crew member in charge of the muster drill will field questions from passengers. They can also offer clarification and repeat any information that any passenger was unclear about.
The main goal of the muster drill is to ensure that everyone traveling on the cruise ship is fully aware of safety procedures. If a passenger is not confident that they fully understand what to do during an emergency, the crew members will be happy to address their concerns.
Practice the Use of Life Jackets
Once passengers know how to locate, wear, and fasten a life jacket, they can practice doing so. The appropriate number of life jackets is often located within a passenger’s cabin, so crew members can ask those at the muster drill to retrieve their life jackets.
Passenger Life Jacket (Photo Credit: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock)
Depending on the nature of the muster drill, passengers will either bring their life jackets to the muster point or be asked to put them on in their cabins, then step into the hallway. From there, a crew member can visit to ensure the life jacket is worn correctly.
This is one of the most critical components of any muster drill, as knowing how to wear and secure a life jacket correctly is an essential part of maritime safety.
Conclusion of the Muster Drill
Once all of the components of the drill have been covered and every passenger has had the opportunity to practice putting on a life jacket, the drill is concluded. Passengers will be instructed to return their life jackets to their cabins.
From here, the crew will submit their attendance record to the relevant officer, ensuring that all passengers on board the ship have completed the muster drill.
Muster Drill Mobile Apps
Today, many cruise lines are developing smart mobile phone and tablet apps. These apps allow passengers to view safety drill demonstrations on their portable devices.
These apps can send passengers notifications directly to their mobile devices. They can also update the passenger with the closest muster points and other relevant safety information as they navigate the ship.
In many cases, passengers are asked to check in to the app to complete the virtual muster drill. They are asked to meet at their designated muster point for further instructions and attendance. While these muster drill apps are relatively new, they give guests a far more convenient experience, as they can review the information anytime!
What Happens if You Miss Your Muster Drill?
You cannot simply skip your muster drill, as you will be forced to attend a makeup drill. If you refuse, you can be forced to exit the ship at its next port of call.
In most cases, your cabin number and name will be summoned so that you can participate in the makeup muster drill. You will be asked why you did not attend your assigned muster drill, so avoiding embarrassment and following the appropriate training is better!
Final Words
Muster drills are essential. Even if they seem repetitive or somewhat boring, it is important to remember that they are designed with your safety in mind. Attend the muster drill and pay attention to the information covered; it could be essential for your safety and well-being!
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a new, exclusive series of “Been There” Starbucks mugs to debut aboard nine vessels, including the upcoming Norwegian Viva, beginning in August 2023.
Each mug has unique design elements specific to the featured ship, making them great collectibles and souvenirs for every coffee aficionado on the high seas.
New Starbucks Mugs to Debut
Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing exclusive souvenirs perfect for coffee lovers to nine of its vessels with new Starbucks “Been There” mugs, colorful and whimsical designs perfect for enjoying a favored hot beverage at home or onboard.
These limited-edition mugs will each showcase unique features of the ships they represent, such as the Wyland whale tail hull art distinctive to Norwegian Bliss or the dueling “Drop” and “Rush” slides aboard Norwegian Prima.
NCL Coffee Mugs
Other decorative details are reminiscent of popular onboard features like the ships’ casinos, distinctive smokestacks, great food, The Haven, and amazing crew members.
Some accents on each mug also highlight popular cruise destinations, such as Alaska, tropical islands, and both Harvest Caye and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island ports of call in Belize and The Bahamas, respectively.
The new souvenir mugs will be available aboard the Breakaway-class ships Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy; the only-ship-in-its-class Norwegian Epic; the Jewel-class Norwegian Gem; the Sun-class Norwegian Sky; and the two Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima and the upcoming Norwegian Viva.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
The mugs will only be available aboard their respective ships from the Starbucks Cafes onboard, and will not be carried in gift shops or aboard other vessels.
The first mugs are expected to debut with Norwegian Viva when the ship launches in August, but there has been no firm date announced for when each mug will appear on each ship.
Royal Caribbean International also has a line of Starbucks “Been There” mugs for certain vessels debuting in late summer 2023.
Starbucks and NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line has a lengthy history with Starbucks, the longest of any cruise line across its entire fleet. Since 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line has enjoyed an expanded partnership with the coffee chain when it began rolling out Starbucks products across all its vessels and private destinations, not just on select ships.
Freestanding, fully licensed Starbucks Cafes are onboard nine Norwegian ships (the same ships that will be featuring the new souvenir mugs), and “We Proudly Serve” cafes across the rest of the fleet’s 18 ships also carry Starbucks beverages.
Main dining rooms, as well as specialty restaurants onboard, also feature Starbucks’ handcrafted espresso beverages, and self-pour coffee stations are available on select ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line also shares a special relationship with Seattle, home of Starbucks’ headquarters and its first-ever shop which opened in 1971 at Pike Place Market.
The cruise line homeports from Seattle for the Alaska sailing season, which in 2023 includes Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Sun.
Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship in Seattle (Photo Courtesy: Port of Seattle)
“Our teams both share a similar passion for providing meaningful experiences and opportunities for people to connect, and together we are delivering on that commitment,”Harry Sommer, former NCL president and CEO, said of the partnership between the companies.
Norwegian Cruise Line also runs the longest Alaska sailing season from Seattle of any cruise line, with sailings extending from mid-April through the end of October – both times when cooler temperatures will make a mug of Starbucks coffee especially welcome.
Celebrity Cruises has reached out to guests booked aboard Celebrity Millennium for the June 8, 2024 sailing to notify them of itinerary changes.
Instead of dropping or shortening ports of call, however, this cruise will now enjoy slightly more time in port and adjusted times for an even better cruise experience.
Celebrity Millennium Itinerary Adjustments
Guests booked aboard Celebrity Millennium‘s June 8, 2024 cruise – a 12-night “Best of Japan” voyage from Tokyo – will have a slightly different itinerary than originally planned.
Celebrity Cruises has reached out with adjustments that impact five ports on the schedule to permit guests to plan accordingly.
“We’re reaching out now to make you aware of a change to this sailing’s itinerary, made in cooperation with our global partners,”the email read.“To ensure smoother sailing, and the absolute best cruise experienced possible, a modified navigational path had been plotted for this sailing, which has adjusted some call times in port.”
A total of five port times have been altered, resulting in some extra time in port and slightly adjusted visit windows.
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
The very first port – the ship’s homeport of Tokyo – is adjusted, as Celebrity Millennium will be departing at 7 p.m. on June 8, 2024 rather than 9 p.m. as originally planned. Guests joining the ship later on embarkation day will need to take note of this adjusted time to be sure they arrive on schedule.
By leaving Tokyo two hours early, the ship will reach the first port of call – Mt. Fuji (Shimizu) – two hours early, at 7 a.m. The departure time for Mt. Fuji remains at 7 p.m., giving guests an extra two hours to explore this amazing destination.
The overnight call in Kyoto from Tuesday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 12 has been shortened by two hours, as the ship will depart Kyoto at 3 p.m. on Wednesday rather than 5 p.m. as originally planned.
The next port of call – Hiroshima – is also adjusted, and Celebrity Millennium will be docked from 1-10 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 rather than the earlier docking time of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The total time in Hiroshima remains unchanged.
Finally, the call to Busan, South Korea has also been adjusted by one hour, and the ship will be in port from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. instead of from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but again, the total time remains the same.
Shore Excursions Adjusted as Needed
Celebrity Cruises has assured guests on the impacted sailing that any pre-booked tours through the cruise line will be automatically adjusted if necessary to accommodate the new port times. If any tours need more than minor adjustments, guests will be contacted about those changes.
If guests have booked independent excursions, they are urged to contact their tour operators about making adjustments or cancelling arrangements if need be.
Photo Credit: Alexander Piragis / Shutterstock
“It is never our desire to present challenges to your holiday planning,”the letter concludes.“We thank you sincerely for your patience and understanding as we navigate this necessary change.”
These changes and the extra time to visit Mt. Fuji give guests on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise itinerary wonderful opportunities to immerse themselves in the fabulous history, culture, art, and beauty of Japan for a vacation they will never forget.
Visiting Japan Aboard Celebrity Millennium
The 90,963-gross ton, Millennium-class Celebrity Millennium can welcome 2,138 guests per sailing, with approximately 950 crew members aboard to deliver truly celebrity-worthy service.
The ship is currently homeported from Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, Canada during the Alaska sailing season, but will be offering a variety of Asian itineraries from mid-September 2023.
The “Best of Japan” voyages are a favorite, and it is possible that additional departure dates will have similar changes to port times.
Guests booked on upcoming Celebrity Millennium Japan cruises should stay in close contact with the cruise line for updates and notifications so their travel plans can be kept updated.
Carnival Cruise Line has provided an update on where it stands with the installation of Starlink Maritime across its fleet. In January 2023, Parent company Carnival Corporation announced it would install faster internet service onboard Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA ships, followed by the rest of the fleet later.
According to Brand Ambassador John Heald, eleven ships in Carnival’s fleet have been upgraded, with guests enjoying significantly higher internet speeds than previously possible.
Carnival’s Fleet Upgrades
John Heald, Carnival brand ambassador, has provided an on the progress of the Starlink installation on July 10 across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The fast internet service was first announced in January of 2023, and since then, the cruise line has upgraded eleven ships in total.
John Heald: “The Excel class of ships have already been upgraded from delivery and are excellent. And as John, our Vice President of Global Infrastructure and Space Exploration, mentioned, we are working hard to upgrade the rest of the fleet with Starlink and other internet providers.”
Among the ships that have already been outfitted with Starlink Maritime are Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Elation, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Valor, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Pride, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Vista.
Guests onboard the other Carnival cruise ships will need to wait a little longer. However, Heald promises more ships are expected to follow suit, ensuring that guests across the Carnival fleet can enjoy the benefits of high-speed internet at sea.
A Game-Changer at Sea
Starlink Maritime, a product of SpaceX, offers Low Earth Orbit satellite technology. It provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi, surpassing traditional maritime high-orbit satellite connections and many traditional home internet service packages.
With download speeds ranging from 100-350 Mbps and upload speeds of 20-40 Mbps, guests can enjoy a high-speed internet experience, even in the most remote sailing areas.
“For many of our guests, it has become more and more important to maintain the type of connectivity at sea that they’ve become accustomed to at home, and of course, to share the unforgettable experiences of their cruise with friends and family,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation.
Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson / Creative Commons
The dual satellite connection system of Starlink Maritime is expected to be superior to land-based connections and provide many more benefits than just being able to stream your favorite Netflix series onboard.
The technology will also enable cruise lines to boost operational and safety functions such as monitoring onboard equipment and makes real-time communications possible between ship and shore teams.
Starlink in the Cruise Industry
Carnival Corporation is not the only cruise company to recognize the benefits of Starlink Maritime. Since Starlink Maritime became available in 2022, many cruise lines have been eager to install the service onboard their vessels.
Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten, and SeaDream Yacht Club were among the first to switch to Starlink Maritime Internet.
While one would expect Starlink to be more costly for cruise lines than traditional internet onboard, the opposite is true. The cost of Starlink Maritime for cruise lines is significantly lower.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean / Celebrity Cruises
Starlink Maritime has a one-time installation price tag of $10,000 and a monthly fee of $5,000. Compared to the older systems, companies previously paid up to $150,000 monthly for a reliable internet connection; this means a considerable cost decrease.
This cost reduction is a significant factor in the decision of cruise lines to switch to Starlink Maritime. Lower costs could allow them to offer the service for free or at a reduced rate to their guests. However, Carnival has not announced plans to reduce or remove the internet costs onboard.
As for other ships in Carnival Corporation, three ships from German cruise line AIDA have been fitted with Starlink and are currently undergoing field testing, with the rest of the fleet to be fitted during or just after the summer.
Seabourn Cruise Line has also started installing Starlink, with luxury expedition cruise ship Seabourn Venture being the first with the service.
Princess Cruises’ Crown-class Ruby Princess is finally ready to get underway after appropriate repairs and inspections following the ship’s collision with Pier 27 in San Francisco in the early morning of Thursday, July 6, 2023. The ship has been certified fit to sail, and will be departing San Francisco for an abbreviated voyage on Sunday afternoon.
Ruby Princess Repairs Complete
The repairs to Ruby Princess‘ hull have been completed and fully certified by the US Coast Guard as safe and fit to sail, meaning the 113,561-gross ton cruise ship can finally begin what was to have been a 10-night Alaska sailing from San Francisco.
Ruby Princess is instead departing on a revised 7-day Alaska sailing. Princess Cruises’ released a statement about the ship’s readiness and departure shortly after noon local time on Sunday.
“Princess Cruises can confirm that repairs on Ruby Princess have been completed, and following inspection and certification by the United States Coast Guard the ship is safe and fit to sail. With the certification, Ruby Princess is expected to depart the Port of San Francisco on Sunday at 2:30pm PT for a 7-day Pacific Northwest/Alaska voyage,”the statement read.
The vessel is scheduled to visit Ketchikan, Alaska on July 12 and Prince Rupert, British Columbia on July 13, ports of call that were already planned on the original itinerary, before returning to California on July 16 as originally scheduled.
Because of the unexpected delay caused by Thursday’s collision, the ship is not able to call on Sitka, Juneau, or sail through Glacier Bay as the initial itinerary had planned.
My friend and her family affected by the Ruby Princess crashing into the dock. She sent me pics of the repair just now.
— Cheesehead 🏊🏻♀️🧀🏳️🌈 (@lbcheesehead) July 8, 2023
“We deeply regret the disappointment the delays have caused and appreciate our guests’ understanding as we manage this unexpected situation,”Princess Cruises said in a prior statement.
The 2:30 p.m. departure is slightly earlier than a previous estimate of 4 p.m. on Sunday, which speaks well of the efficiency of repairs and inspections so the ship can get promptly underway. However, the eventual departure time looks to be later as the ship was still docked at 3:05 PM.
Fewer Passengers
At the time she finally departs San Francisco, Ruby Princess will be hosting 2,677 guests, which is 651 passengers fewer than the Friday count of 3,328 travelers.
Ruby Princess Cruise Ship
Guests onboard were given the option to cancel their sailing for a full refund and a 50% future cruise credit (FCC) if they no longer wished to sail the abbreviated itinerary. In order to make travel plans to return home, guests could remain onboard through Sunday morning.
Travelers who do elect to continue on with the shorter 7-night cruise will receive a 75% refund as well as a 75% FCC for a future Princess cruise. For all travelers, the compensation amounts to 150% of the cruise fare paid, when refunds and future credits are combined.
Cause of the Collision
The cause of the early morning collision when Ruby Princess made “unexpected contact” with Pier 27 is still under investigation. At the time, local currents were high and could have contributed to the ship’s position when the aft port quarter contacted the pier and caused dents, scrapes, and holes. Tidal levels, wind speed and direction, communication challenges, and other factors will all be considered.
There were no injuries reported with the incident, and the ship’s safety, restaurant, and hotel operations were not impacted.
Shipbuilders and cruise lines are being informed that two types of fire-resistant panels have lost their safety certifications and are now being recalled, which raises concerns not only for new ships currently under construction, but also for recently launched ships as well as cruise ships that have undergone recent dry docks or renovations.
According to the supplier, as many as 45 ships may be impacted, including vessels from Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and other lines.
Critical Safety Equipment Loses Certification
As reported by The Financial Times, Helsinki-based Paroc, which manufactures fire-safe insulation panels and materials used on cruise ships for bulkheads, decks, ventilation ducts, and other applications, has informed the Fincantieri shipyard that two types of its panels have lost their safety certifications due to recent failures in safety certification testing.
This has caused local distributors to recall the impacted panels, which have already been used in 45 ships, according to Paroc.
Photo Courtesy: MSC Explorer Journeys
The last-minute delay of Explora I, the new luxury expedition cruise ship for MSC Cruises, was described as being due to supply chain issues and the need for “further enhancements,” but the vessel’s construction likely used the now non-safety-certified panels. The ship was scheduled to debut on July 17, 2023, but now the first voyage is planned for August 1.
It is unclear whether or not the new maiden cruise will move forward as planned, which may be impossible if significant refitting with different materials is necessary.
Which Ships May Be at Risk?
The safety certification for Paroc’s fire-resistant panels has a five-year validity period, and the most recent certification was completed in 2020 with an expiration date of 2025.
This means that any vessel constructed or refit with the panels since 2020 could potentially be sailing with unsafe materials due to the recent safety test failure.
MSC Euribia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Studio Porto Sabbia)
In addition to Explora I, MSC Euribia, which just debuted in early June, has also used the affected panels as has at least one ship from Carnival Cruise Line. Vessels from Royal Caribbean International may also be impacted, as the Meyer Werft shipyard, where Royal Caribbean’s newest ships have been constructed also contracts with Paroc for fire insulation materials.
The exact ships that may include the recalled panels have not been disclosed, but could include vessels such as AIDA Cruises’ AIDACosma, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima, and Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, among many others.
AIDA Cruise Ship at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany (Photo Credit: INTREEGUE Photography / Shutterstock)
Upcoming ships that could be impacted by this safety issue include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva, Cunard Line’s Queen Anne, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubliee, and other ships for Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and more.
At this time, there have been no delays or cancellations announced for any possibly impacted ships, whether they are currently sailing or are scheduled to debut in the next few months.
While new panels cannot be fitted into ships until the safety certification is restored, vessels already sailing did hold all appropriate and valid safety certifications when launched.
Carnival Jubilee Construction at Meyer Werft
It is up to each individual ship’s flag state and ports to determine whether or not a vessel is fit to sail according to their safety requirements, regardless of test results.
The next steps might also include additional testing to ensure valid results, which may show the panels are indeed up to the appropriate safety requirements.
Fires at Sea
Frequent cruise travelers are very familiar with ship safety briefings and muster drills, which always include warnings about how dangerous fire can be on a cruise ship.
Items with a known fire risk due to overheating, such as certain types of chargers or extension cords, are also prohibited on cruise ships.
Carnival Freedom Fire
There have been several notable fires on cruise ships since 2020, including the May 2022 fire aboard Carnival Freedom that destroyed the ship’s iconic “whale tail” funnel, a small fire caused by an electrical short onboard Disney Wonder in November 2022, and in May 2023, a fire that caused evacuation aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure.
In April 2020, a small fire broke out aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras while the ship was being outfitted prior to her debut, and more recently, in February 2023, a fire broke out on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas while under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
It is not known at this time whether any of these fires are related to or impacted by Paroc’s insulation panels or other materials.
