The latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, Carnival Venezia, has embarked on its inaugural voyage from New York City today. The arrival of the first ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the cruise line and those eager to sail onboard the former Costa Cruises ship from the Big Apple.
Carnival Venezia set sail to Bermuda after a spectacular and Fun naming ceremony on Wednesday evening, hosted by the first-ever Godfather for Carnival Cruise Line, Jay Leno.
Special Inaugural Event Sets Sail
The latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, Carnival Venezia, embarked on its inaugural voyage from New York City today, June 15, 2023.
The first cruise will sail to King’s Wharf, Bermuda, where she arrives on June 17. She will return for her next cruise, an 8-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, on June 19. The newest cruise ship in Carnival’s fleet made her grand arrival in the city on June 13.
Carnival hosted a welcome event at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal to commemorate the ship’s maiden voyage from New York. The festivities began on Wednesday evening with a naming ceremony onboard and continued into Thursday morning with the boarding of the first guests.
Carnival Venezia Naming Ceremony
The event was highlighted by a special blessing from Father Enrique Salvo of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The 135,500 gross tons cruise ship also received a visit from Jay Leno, the acclaimed comedian and Late-Night television host, who has been named the first-ever godfather of a Carnival ship.
In addition to his godfatherly duties, Leno performed a unique comedy show exclusively for the event attendees.
In her remarks, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, celebrated Leno’s participation, stating, “By highlighting his own Italian heritage, Jay is helping us celebrate the Italian theming guests will experience when they cruise on this beautiful ship.”
Carnival Venezia Naming Ceremony
On Thursday morning in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Christine Duffy held a special event to receive guests boarding the newly named cruise ship. Accompanied by Captain Claudio Cupisti and a group of early boarders, Duffy led a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official start of the embarkation process.
Carnival Venezia New York Debut
Given the strong historical ties between New York City and Italy, Carnival Cruise Line could not have picked a better place to homeport its first-ever ‘Italian Fun Ship.’
“We’ve heard great reviews from guests who sailed on the ship’s transatlantic crossing, and now I am so happy to welcome our first guests joining us from New York to enjoy what’s in store for them,” Duffy said.
Carnival Venezia: Fun Italian Style
Carnival Venezia, a Vista-class cruise ship, was formerly a part of the Costa Cruises fleet, destined to sail in China. After an extensive refurbishment, the vessel now boasts popular Carnival favorites while maintaining its unique Italian flair, offering guests an experience of American spirit blended with Italian elegance.
It marks the introduction of Carnival’s innovative “Fun Italian Style” concept, which integrates the line’s signature fun-filled elements with Italian design reminiscent of her past.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Following her inaugural cruise, Carnival Venezia has a summer schedule packed with four-, five-, six-, and eight-day sailings.
Destinations include the Caribbean, Bermuda, and ports in Canada and New England. After the summer, from September 29, 2023, the ship will embark on eight- to 12-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, and The Bahamas from Port Canaveral.
Highlights include Saint Thomas, San Juan, Aruba, and four of Carnival’s private destinations: Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk.
Carnival Venezia is the first of three new cruise ships joining the Carnival fleet over the next year. Next up will be Excel-class LNG-powered Carnival Jubilee, which is expected to make her debut on December 23 from Galveston, Texas.
Carnival Firenze will be handed over to Carnival by Costa Cruises later this year and will debut from Long Beach, California, on May 2, 2024.
MSC Cruises has identified more than a dozen ports where its ships will soon be able to use shore power while vessels are docked, substantially reducing emissions. The cruise line’s ships are already using shore power or are testing the system at several European ports.
Line Identifies 15 Ports For Local Grid Connection
MSC Cruises announced the next phase of its shore power plan on June 14, identifying 15 additional ports in Europe and the US where its ships will be able to connect to shore power between 2024 and 2026.
The plan includes five ports in Italy; Barcelona and Valencia, Spain; Stavanger and Norfjordied, Norway; Miami; Copenhagen, Denmark; Marseille, France; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Valletta, Malta, and Stockholm, Sweden.
Photo Credit: Fitria Ramli / Shutterstock
Shore power connections have been installed on all of MSC Cruises’ new ships constructed since 2017, and other vessels have been retrofitted with the system, making 67% of the MSC Cruises fleet currently equipped with the technology.
Additionally, all ships in the cruise company’s new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, will be fitted with shore power capabilities. Explora Journeys’ first ship, Explora I, is due to enter service in July 2023, with five additional vessels to follow in the next five years.
MSC Cruises Moves Toward 100% Net-Zero
The ability to connect to shore power allows cruise ships to turn off their engines while in port while continuing to run hotel services on board.
MSC Cruises said it intends to use shore power at every port where it is available as part of the line’s goal to be 100% net-zero on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“We have invested heavily in hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems to substantially reduce local air quality emissions and we now need more ports across Europe and beyond to introduce shore power as quickly as possible,” said Linden Coppell, MSC Cruises’ vice president of sustainability.
“By making major reductions to emissions in ports, we are fulfilling our responsibility to the ports and coastal communities that our ships visit and serve,” he added.
Two MSC Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Damitha Rukshan / Shutterstock)
MSC Cruises’ ships since early this year, have used local grid shore power at Southampton, UK, and Kristiansand, Norway. In summer 2023, the line will test shore power at the Norwegian port of Haugesund, and later this year, shore power trials are slated at the ports in Bergen and Alesund, Norway, and at Warnemunde, Germany.
The cruise line’s ships will connect to shore power at two other German ports, Hamburg in the winter of 2023 and Kiel in the summer of 2024.
MSC Cruises also hopes to advance the installation of shore power at Baltic Sea ports, and last year signed an agreement with Cruise Baltic to have shore power widely available in ports in the region by 2024.
MSC Euribia Considered Most Energy Efficient
MSC Cruises last week launched its newest ship, MSC Euribia, which features the most energy-efficient technology in the industry. The ship operates on liquified natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur marine gas oil.
In addition to her LNG-powered engines, MSC Euribia is designed to incorporate future environmental sustainability innovations, such as carbon-neutral synthetic and alternative fuels. The ship was built with advanced onboard wastewater treatment and waste management systems.
MSC Euribia was christened in Copenhagen on June 8. The 184,011-gross-ton ship accommodates up to 6,334 guests. The ship will spend her inaugural season in Northern Europe this summer, operating 7-night cruises from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords.
Explora Journeys, meanwhile, has committed to green technologies for its future ships. While the luxury brand’s first two ships will be traditionally powered, Explora III and Explora IV will be powered by LNG and hydrogen, eliminating many air pollutant emissions.
Explora V and Explora VI also will be powered by a combination of LNG and hydrogen, and will contain a six-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell, a technology that eliminates all emissions while ships are in port.
In an unexpected move, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of its stop at Valdez, Alaska, this week on its cruise aboard the Norwegian Spirit.
The shift in the itinerary has sparked rumors online about Valdez being permanently scrapped from the ship’s routes. Norwegian Spirit will sail in Alaska through August this year, after which it will be repositioning to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
Norwegian Cruise Line has informed guests booked onboard the 7-night Alaska cruise onboard Norwegian Spirit departing today, June 14, that it has removed the port call to Valdez, Alaska.
Norwegian Spirit, which weighs 75,390 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 2,018 guests, is currently sailing a series of seven and 14-day cruises to Alaska from Vancouver and Seward. However, as communicated in a recent letter to its guests, the cruise line has had to revise its itinerary due to reasons beyond its control.
“We are committed to delivering incredible vacation experiences. While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, unfortunately, at times, there are circumstances outside our control that require us to make adjustments. “the cruise line said in the letter.
“While we understand the disappointment this itinerary change may cause, we assure our guests that our other offerings will provide equally thrilling experiences.”
The Norwegian Spirit‘s itinerary was initially set to cruise from Seward to Valdez on June 14, with the call to Valdez scheduled for June 15.
The new itinerary has replaced the Valdez stop with a cruise through Hubbard Glacier, followed by a stop at the replacement for Valdez, Icy Strait Point, on June 16. Shore excursions booked for Valdez will be automatically canceled, and a full monetary refund will be issued.
Valdez, known for its diverse range of activities, is considered less popular than other Alaskan ports but still has many activities to enjoy. From adrenaline-filled activities like ice climbing and river rafting to various arts, entertainment, family activities, and natural attractions, the destination has much to offer its visitors.
Image Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line
This week’s cancellation has sparked rumors online with the suggestion that Norwegian Spirit will no longer call Valdez for this season. However, this has not currently been confirmed by Norwegian Cruise Line. Each of Norwegian Spirit’s cruises through August includes the port in its itineraries.
Future Plans for the Norwegian Spirit
The Norwegian Spirit is set to sail in Alaska until August this year. From there, she will reposition to the Pacific Ocean, with future cruises including a 16-night Alaska to Hawaii itinerary from August 30 to September 15, followed by several Hawaii and Pacific Ocean cruises and, from December, cruises between Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.
Norwegian Cruise Line disclosed the cancellation of most of Norwegian Spirit’s 2024 Alaska sailing season due to a full ship charter in May 2023 and has also cancelled various cruises due to dry docks and other reasons.
While these changes may disappoint some guests, Norwegian Cruise Line has plenty of alternative options. Guests can choose to sail on other Norwegian ships in Alaska, such as Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Sun.
Additionally, Norwegian Spirit will offer longer itineraries in 2024 that include visits to Alaska alongside Hawaiian destinations.
Guests aboard Carnival Elation have had an unexpected visit to Port Canaveral because the ship is currently unable to produce adequate fresh water. The onboard engineering and maintenance team is working to repair the issue, but it was necessary for the ship to call on Port Canaveral to take on more fresh water.
As a result, the ship’s current 5-night itinerary must be adjusted and the port time in Nassau, Bahamas, may be modified.
Carnival Elation Water Supply Issues
Guests onboard Carnival Elation have been notified by the ship’s master, Captain Vittorio Marchi, that the ship’s fresh water production system needs repair and as a result, it was necessary for the ship to divert to Port Canaveral to resupply.
“The ship has developed an issue that is impacting the production of fresh water,”the letter to guests read.“While we were able to take on a full supply of fresh water in Jacksonville, it is necessary for us to divert to Port Canaveral to replenish.”
The Fantasy-class vessel was in Port Canaveral to take on more fresh water on Tuesday, June 13, the first full day of its current sailing. The day was originally planned to be a day at sea on the way to Nassau, The Bahamas.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Due to the unexpected stop, the ship’s time to Nassau is impacted, and Carnival Elation will be arriving to the capital of The Bahamas later than initially planned.
The port of call to Nassau was to have been from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14. Now, tracking data estimates the ship’s arrival to be approximately 11 a.m., but that may be updated as the ship gets closer to the destination.
The captain is keeping passengers onboard apprised of changes. “We are sorry for this change of plans and thank you for your understanding,”the letter concluded.
No mention was made of adjusting shore excursion times, though the onboard shore excursion teams is undoubtedly making appropriate arrangements to reschedule tours or cancel excursions if necessary.
The next port visit for the ship is Princess Cays on Thursday, June 15, which is not expected to be impacted.
Repairs Underway
Even as Carnival Elation has diverted to resupply with fresh water, the ship’s technical team is working on repairs. No details have been shared about what issue has developed, but the onboard engineers are well able to correct the problem.
It is possible that conservation measures may be taken onboard until repairs are completed, such as restricting ice or not having as much water available at dining venues or bars, unless bottled water is used.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Water in the ship’s pools and whirlpools is saltwater, and use of those facilities should not be affected.
Carnival Elation is one of just two Fantasy-class ships left in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet and is the oldest ship still sailing for the cruise line, having first debuted in March 1998.
The 71,909-gross-ton vessel can welcome 2,190 guests aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 2,697 passengers when fully booked with all berths filled. An international crew of approximately 800 team members is also aboard to offer fantastic fun service.
Homeported in Jacksonville, Florida, Carnival Elation offers 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas with port visits to Nassau, Bimini, Princess Cays, and Freeport depending on the cruise length and sailing date.
When people think about cruising, what often comes to mind are the mega-ships that carry more passengers than the population of a small town.
However, cruise ships come in all sizes. While smaller cruise ships may not be as popular as the vessels offered by large cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, they provide a unique experience that you can only get in a more intimate setting.
Keep reading to learn about the world’s smallest cruise ships, why some people prefer them, and why you should consider setting sail on a smaller vessel for your next cruise vacation.
Small cruise ships typically carry 100 passengers or less. In contrast, the average cruise ship capacity is around 3,000 guests, and the biggest cruise ships can carry up to 7,000 guests.
Small cruise lines typically operate small cruise ships, while the major cruise lines usually only have ships that accommodate at least 1,000 guests. For example, the smallest vessels offered by cruise line giant Carnival Cruise Line are the Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, which each have a guest capacity of over 2,000.
What is the Smallest Cruise Ship in the World?
The Celebrity Xploration is the smallest cruise ship in the world at just 320 gross tons and a passenger capacity of 16. Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises operates the small vessel, and the ship mainly sails the Galapagos Islands.
Top 10 Smallest Cruise Ships in the World
There are more small cruise ships available than you might think. They are becoming increasingly popular, but one vessel is way smaller than the rest. Without further ado, here is the world’s smallest cruise ship. Plus, here are those in the running for the title based on their gross tonnage.
1. Celebrity Xploration (Celebrity Cruises)
While it is true that large cruise lines don’t usually operate small vessels, Celebrity Cruises is an exception. Accommodating only 16 guests and with only eight cabins available, the Celebrity Xploration is the world’s smallest cruise ship.
Celebrity Xploration
Celebrity Xploration sets sail in the Galapagos Islands, where you can see Los Lobos and Kicker Rock. The best part is that all of the cabins on this ship have a view, with some including a private veranda. Other features include a lounge and a sun deck to relax throughout your voyage.
Although you can book one of the eight cabins individually, Celebrity Cruises mainly markets Xploration for family gatherings and getaways with friends. So gather 15 of the closest people in your life and book this all-inclusive cruise around the Galapagos Islands.
Also, in the Celebrity Cruises fleet are two other small vessels, but they don’t make the top 10. Celebrity Xpedition is at 2,842 gross tons, and the newer Celebrity Flora is at 5,739 gross tons.
Guest Capacity: 16
Gross Tonnage: 320
Length: 98.3 feet
Crew: 12
Entered Service: 2017
2. Safari Quest (UnCruise Adventures)
Safari Quest comes in at No. 2 on our list, offering a true small-ship Alaska experience with the ability to get up close to glaciers and to explore hidden coves and harbors along the Frontier State’s dramatic southeast coastline. Excursions by kayak and inflatable skiffs enable cruise adventurers to see Alaska and its wildlife.
Safari Quest
Onboard the ship, which sails from Juneau, guests will enjoy an on-deck hot tub and fitness equipment. Underwater cameras allow guests to glimpse sea life and other ocean wonders found in this coastal destination. There are a total of 11 cabins to choose from.
Guest Capacity: 22
Gross Tonnage: 345
Length: 120 feet
Crew: 11
Entered Service: 1992
3. MS Panorama II (Variety Cruises)
If you’re looking for an experience of classical sailing, look no further than the MS Panorama II.
This vessel features three tall sails and wood paneling to provide an authentic cruise experience. It’s motor sailed, meaning the vessel relies partially on the wind to sail – a unique feature for a cruise ship. The vessel has a speed of 10 knots and was last refurbished in 2015.
MS Panorama II (Photo Credit: Variety Cruises)
Guests can choose from 25 cabins with ocean views and have access to several indoor and outdoor lounges. You can also enjoy the outdoors, weather permitting, and entertain yourself with board games or rent equipment for water sports.
Guest Capacity: 49
Gross Tonnage: 498
Length: 164 feet
Crew: 16-18
Entered Service: 2004
4. Admiralty Dream (Alaska Dream Cruises)
Admiralty Dream, No. 4 on our list, cruises the exciting Inside Passage of Alaska and shines a spotlight on the region’s native peoples, the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Cruisers have opportunities to see dance performances and carving demonstrations, and can interact with local people, including hunters and fishermen.
Glacier cruising via expedition vessels provides outstanding experiences, and beach landing craft offer land explorations guided by experts. Dining specialties feature locally caught king salmon, halibut, and crab, among other Alaskan delicacies.
Guest Capacity: 49
Gross Tonnage: 540
Length: 143 feet
Crew: 21
Entered Service: 1979
5. Aqua Mare (Aqua Expeditions)
The Aqua Mare, No. 5 on our list, is considered a super-yacht designed for exploring the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. Personalized services and naturalist guides make a Galapagos cruise on this ship truly magical.
Aqua Mare (Photo Credit: Aqua Expeditions)
Onboard the ship, cruisers find panoramic dining venues, outdoor lounge and barbecue areas, a swimming platform, and a Jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing after a day spent exploring the region’s wildlife and nature. With elegant interiors and just seven suites, the ship has more living and gathering spaces than most other yachts of similar size.
Guest Capacity: 16
Gross Tonnage: 629
Length: 163 feet
Crew: 16
Entered Service: 1998
6. National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird
Next on our list of the world’s smallest cruise ships is the National Geographic Sea Lion and the identical sister ship, Sea Bird.
As you can guess from any National Geographic cruise, this ship was designed to navigate passages rich in wildlife inaccessible to larger ships. The vessel has all the innovative tools you need to explore, including a SplashCam and a hydrophone that enable you to look and listen beneath the waves.
Sea Lion (Photo Credit: National Geographic)
Enjoy excursions that include kayaking and other adventures to explore the beautiful natural world of your destination. You may not have known that National Geographic offered cruises, but now that you know, they are definitely worth looking into.
Guest Capacity: 62
Gross Tonnage: 630
Length: 147 feet
Crew: 31
Entered Service: 1981
7. Le Ponant (Ponant)
Le Ponant is next on our list. This three-masted ship was refurbished in 2022 and features common areas with expansive water views. The small ship offers 16 elegant staterooms and is known for its gourmet cuisine served in the ship’s single dining venue, Le Diamant.
Le Ponant (Photo Credit: Korvil / Shutterstock)
The ship hoists its sails and navigates by the wind as much as possible on each cruise, giving cruisers a unique, environmentally responsible experience not typically available on cruise ships.
Guest Capacity: 32
Gross Tonnage: 1,189
Crew: 33
Length: 288 feet
Entered Service: 1991
8. MS Monet (Noble Caledonia)
The MS Monet, No. 8 on our list, was built to cruise the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Aegean seas. The ship’s goal is to offer a private yacht/country house hotel experience with an attentive crew and upscale onboard areas. Indoor and outdoor dining areas give cruisers a choice of venue, and guests can enjoy their meals al fresco with ocean views.
MS Monet (Photo Credit: Noble Caledonia)
Guest speakers and an expedition team provide insights during the ship’s island-hopping itineraries. Gathering spaces include an indoor lounge, and the ship also features a deck-side Jacuzzi.
Guest Capacity: 50
Gross Tonnage: 1,453
Length: 220 feet
Crew: 29
Entered Service: 1998
9. Chichagof Dream (Alaskan Dream Cruises)
The Chichagof Dream is outfitted for active explorations of the thrilling Alaskan coast as well as its remote wilderness areas. Special expedition and landing crafts allow guests to enjoy shoreside hikes. Glacial fjords are seen up close in skiffs, and guests of all skill levels are invited to kayak. The ship even has custom-built kayak launchers that make loading and unloading easy.
Meals feature freshly caught Alaskan seafood, and the ship encourages holistic experiences too, such as in its Himalayan salt room. Expedition leaders help cruisers learn about the geography and ecology of Alaska’s pristine Inside Passage.
Guest Capacity: 76
Gross Tonnage: 1,471
Length: 207 feet
Crew: 25
Entered Service: 1984
10. Hebredian Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises)
The final ship in our list is Hebridean Princess, a small luxury vessel that plies the waters off the coast of the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland, and destinations farther afield such as England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Channel Islands.
Hebridean Princess (Photo Credit: Paul Wishart / Shutterstock)
With a cozy Inglenook fireplace in its main lounge, the ship offers individually designed staterooms. Experts in maritime history, ornithology, archaeology, and horticulture entertain guests onboard the ship.
Guest Capacity: 48
Gross Tonnage: 2,112
Length: 236 feet
Crew: 38
Entered Service: 1964
Why Choose a Small Cruise Ship?
Some people prefer to be on small vessels rather than larger ones which often are compared to small cities at sea. There are a variety of reasons why. Let’s look at the top reasons the world’s smallest cruise ship may appeal to people.
Fewer People
One of the top reasons people choose to travel on smaller cruise ships is that fewer guests are on board.
When there are 3,000-plus passengers onboard, you may have trouble relaxing by the pool or feel a little crowded at dinner. While a smaller cruise ship is indeed smaller in size, fewer passengers mean fewer people to deal with overall.
Another reason fewer people onboard can be good is that it provides a more intimate setting for meeting other passengers. On a large cruise ship, even cruising for 30 days, you’ll still see new faces on disembarkation day. What’s more, when you meet someone once, you may never see them again on your cruise unless you exchange information.
While many people don’t go on cruises to spend time meeting strangers, for others, meeting new people is what a cruise is about. A small vessel is conducive to this goal, as you’ll likely see the same people daily. This allows you to get to know each other and spend time together. You may get to know the crew even better.
More Luxury
You’ll find that many small cruise ships offer “luxury” experiences because they prioritize the individual guest experience. This luxury may be seen in the ship’s cabins, staterooms, dining options, spa, and other recreational offerings.
With fewer guests onboard, the crew may focus more on each guest’s needs. You may even find that some cruise ships have almost one crew member for every guest on board, providing outstanding, attentive service.
Visit Remote Areas
One of the most significant advantages of smaller cruise ships versus much larger ones is that they can more easily visit remote areas and hidden gem destinations.
The smaller size of these ships makes it easier to enter smaller ports, do some river cruising, and dock at smaller islands that larger vessels can’t reach.
Galapagos Islands (Photo Credit: Peter Sobolev / Shutterstock)
For example, the Galapagos Islands off the northwest coast of South America is a popular destination for small cruise ships as the region is largely inaccessible to large vessels. Other destinations that smaller ships may more easily access include polar regions, the interior of France, and Fiji’s Out Islands.
Moreover, smaller ships translate to a smaller environmental footprint to minimize harm to the destination. Now that you know why small cruise ships should be on your list, let’s address some final questions.
FAQ
What is the tiniest cruise ship in the world?
The tiniest cruise ship in the world is the Celebrity Xploration offered by Celebrity Cruises. The ship has a guest capacity of 16 and sails around the Galapagos Islands.
What are small cruise ships called?
Some are called small yachts instead of cruise ships. However, this is largely inaccurate, as, unlike a typical yacht you can rent, cruise ships always have a set itinerary. While some vessels, such as the Celebrity Xploration, can also be booked by one party, there is still a fixed itinerary.
What is the difference between a small cruise ship and a ferry?
The difference between a small cruise ship and a ferry is that small cruise ships are recreational vessels with a set itinerary and call at ports along the way. In contrast, ferries are not recreational and are only designed to carry you from point A to point B.
What is the best small cruise ship?
The best small cruise ship for you depends on what you are looking for. If you seek adventure at the ports, you should choose expedition-driven ships such as National Geographic Sea Lion. If you prefer to relax in luxury, something like the Le Ponant may be the best choice for your needs.
Recap
To recap, the world’s smallest cruise ship is the Celebrity Xploration from Celebrity Cruises. However, a variety of other vessels are worth exploring. The benefits of a small-ship cruising can be summed up as fewer people, more luxury, and more remote destinations. If you want to explore the Galapagos Islands, you should definitely do it on a small cruise ship!
Carnival Venezia, the newest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, made her grand entry into her homeport of New York City on Tuesday morning.
This exciting arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for Carnival Cruise Line. With the deep-rooted ties between New York and Italy, there is no better port to sail from for the Italian-themed cruise ship.
For its inaugural season sailing from New York City, the Carnival Fun Italian Style ship will embark on a series of 22 unique itineraries, sailing to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada.
A Historic Arrival
Carnival Venezia has arrived in the United States, sporting her new blue-and-gold livery. The newest cruise ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet sailed into the New York Harbor during the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, June 13.
Carnival Venezia is the first ship for Carnival Cruise Line to be named by a godfather Jay Leno, the iconic comedian and television host. He will officiate the naming ceremony set for tomorrow evening, Wednesday, June 14.
Carnival Venezia Arrival in New York
“I am truly honored to be named the godfather of Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,”said the former late-night show host earlier this month.“Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”
Following the ceremony, Carnival Venezia will depart from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Thursday, marking its first voyage with a four-day cruise to Bermuda.
The Vista-class cruise ship has already sailed on her first cruise, a transatlantic voyage that departed on Monday, May 29, 2023, from Barcelona, Spain. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, and Emeril Lagasse, the cruise line’s Chief Culinary Officer, were among the first guests to sail aboard the cruise ship.
During the 15-day voyage, Carnival Venezia made calls to Malaga, Spain; Gibraltar; Lisbon, Portugal; Ponta Delgada, Azores; and Halifax, Canada.
American Spirit and Italian Elegance
Formerly a Costa Cruises vessel, Carnival Venezia has undergone an extensive wet and dry dock refit, embracing the distinctive Carnival style while retaining its characteristic Italian flair.
This refurbishment included not only routine maintenance but also introduced novel aspects that mark an Italian spin on the traditional Fun Ship cruises. The 25th ship in the fleet, Carnival Venezia, weighs 135,500 gross tons and can host up to 4,232 passengers.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival favorites such as Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, Camp Ocean, and Club O2 have been added to the ship’s dining and entertainment options.
However, Carnival Cruise Line has also incorporated and retained unique Italian elements, such as a full-size gondola, an Italian specialty restaurant, bocce ball, foosball, and a Venetian Mask Night party.
Itineraries from New York and Port Canaveral
Once settled in New York, Carnival Venezia will offer a wide range of options for guests, including 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.
The itineraries will encompass popular destinations such as Bermuda, The Bahamas, Canada, New England, and various Caribbean ports of call on both Southern Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, such as Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St Lucia, St. Maarten, and St Thomas.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
In December 2024, Carnival Venezia will reposition to Port Canaveral, offering Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean sailings, and select Panama Canal cruises.
Meanwhile, the Carnival fleet is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next Carnival Fun Italian Style ship, Carnival Firenze, in 2024. The vessel is currently sailing Northern European cruises for Costa Cruises as Costa Firenze, with plans for refurbishments before it starts sailing Baja and Mexican Riviera itineraries from Long Beach, California.
MrBeast, the widely acclaimed YouTube superstar and philanthropist famed for his exhilarating challenges and acts of goodwill, has embarked on a new adventure at sea.
The video blogger takes his audience on a tour of various yachts, each more luxurious and expensive than the last, culminating in the grandeur of a $300 million yacht.
However, the fun doesn’t stop there. As the ultimate finale, MrBeast takes his subscribers on a cruise onboard one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. During the first two days that the video has been live, it has racked up a massive 62 Million Views on Youtube.
MrBeast Embarking on a Humorous Sea Adventure
MrBeast has gone maritime in his latest video. The extremely popular YouTuber has embarked on an unprecedented adventure that has taken his content creation to a new level. MrBeast’s latest endeavor is an exploration of luxury yachts and cruise ships, including one of the world’s largest, Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas.
Credit: Mr. Beast
The journey commences with MrBeast humorously purchasing a $1 yacht. The novelty of this tiny vessel was quickly overshadowed by its lack of seaworthiness as it started to sink, prompting a comical, quick escape by MrBeast and his companions.
The next step in the maritime journey is a tour of a $1 million yacht. This more spacious vessel offers surprising luxury, with several bedrooms and a sizeable living area.
Credit: Mr. Beast
Continuing the luxurious maritime tour, MrBeast and his friends proceeded to a $10 million yacht. They admire its larger size and the superior amenities it offers, such as additional bedrooms and plush seating areas.
The extravagance doesn’t stop there. On a $25 million yacht, MrBeast and his crew enjoy the added novelty of having pizza delivered by helicopter. The excitement increases even further when they tour an impressive $50 million yacht. However, this is where it starts getting interesting.
The conclusion of the superyacht section is a jaw-dropping $300 million yacht. With an onboard crew of 50 members attending to their every need, MrBeast and his friends explore numerous decks, extravagant suites, a state-of-the-art gym, a movie theater, and even a helicopter pad.
In a surprise twist, NFL legend Tom Brady even makes a guest appearance, adding more fun and games to the nautical experience.
MrBeast Setting Sail on Harmony of the Seas
The video’s grand finale sees MrBeast setting sail on the Harmony of the Seas. This cruise ship is one of the world’s largest in the world at 226,963 gross tons.
MrBeast’s video begins with a tour of the ship without any guests onboard, touring all the amenities onboard, and concludes with him showing what he has become famous for, giving back to his subscribers. Four hundred of his subscribers are all given a free cruise onboard the 1 billion dollar cruise ship.
Photo Credit: GERARD BOTTINO / Shutterstock
MrBeast has undoubtedly shown his audience the full spectrum of maritime experiences, ranging from a modest $1 yacht to the colossal Harmony of the Seas. The popular YouTuber’s video provides a unique, entertaining perspective on the differences between private yachts and massive cruise ships.
Harmony of the Seas is currently sailing from Miami, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Stops include Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Bahamas, Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan in Honduras in the western Caribbean. On eastern Caribbean cruises, the ship visits Perfect Day, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and St. Kitts.
The third-largest Oasis-class cruise ship stretches an impressive 1,188 feet in length and spans 215.5 feet in width. Although not the largest cruise ship in the world, she is the longest by about eight cm or three inches over her sister, Wonder of the Seas.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Harmony of the Seas can accommodate a total of 6,687 guests, with 5,479 guests in double occupancy supported by 2,200 dedicated crew members. Guests have a choice of 2,747 staterooms, including 1,957 balcony rooms, 448 inside rooms, 266 outside rooms, and more.
The ship features 16 guest decks and 18 total decks, highlights include attractions such as the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide, The Perfect Storm, a trio of water slides, and Splashaway Bay, a kids’ water park. Built by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, she sailed on her maiden voyage on May 29, 2016.
Construction of a new cruise terminal is underway at the Tarragona Cruise Port, a popular port just south of Barcelona. The project is intended to prepare the port for future growth and is seen as a boon to the tourism economy of Spain’s Catalonia region.
Terminal Slated to Open in Spring 2024
The Tarragona Cruise Port announced that work has started on a $6 million cruise terminal at the port’s Balears Wharf, where four cruise ship berths receive some of the world’s largest vessels, since the docks have no length and draft limitations.
Located roughly an hour from Barcelona by train or car, the port is well-positioned for excursions to the Mediterranean city. However, Tarragona itself is a cultural treasure, due to its Roman Empire-era heritage and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
New Tarragona Cruise Terminal (Render Courtesy: Tarragona Cruise Port)
Plans to build a new cruise terminal emerged last year after Global Ports Holdings was contracted to operate the port. The terminal will be constructed on a half-acre site as a modular building, with the manufacturing happening off-site. Once the modules are constructed, they will be transported to the port and assembled.
The terminal was designed for eco-efficiency, including using renewable energy to limit its environmental impact, and is estimated to open in spring 2024. The design includes advanced security measures as well as accessible spaces to accommodate cruise guests with reduced mobility. Additionally, its design provides flexibility and the capacity for expansion as market demand grows.
In 2022, the cruise ship wharf underwent a $32 million upgrade involving various port infrastructure projects, with the port authority investing in adding electrification to the cruise quay in an effort to substantially reduce emissions from docked ships.
Major Cruise Lines Call at Tarragona Port
The Tarragona Cruise Port welcomed 35 ships and 64,470 cruise guests, in 2022. In pre-pandemic 2019 it saw 63 cruise ship visits and 128,089 cruisers.
In summer 2023, several of the major lines will call at the port, including MSC Cruises’ 2,500-guest MSC Magnifica, Costa Cruises’ 3,470-guest Costa Fortuna and 5,322-guest Costa Fascinosa, and Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Marina, carrying 1,250 guests.
Photo Credit: Wayleebird / Shutterstock
The port this summer also will host smaller ships and luxury vessels such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator and 706-guest Seven Seas Voyager.
Cruise guests whose ships call at Tarragona can access Barcelona by train, and cruise ships often offer shore excursions to the city as well. Those who opt to explore Tarragona will find that its attractions include many Roman ruins, such as the Amphitheater Roma, a 2nd-century arena; the Necropolis, containing Roman tombs; the remains of a 1st-century Roman circus; and a set of ramparts that provide views of the city.
Tarragona’s old town is known for its medieval history with its narrow alleyways and streets dotted with cafes and shops, and its 12th century cathedral.
MSC Cruises Focusing on Spanish Ports
Earlier this year, MSC Cruises announced that more of its 2023 Europe cruises would focus on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, making 500 port calls to Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Malaga, Cádiz, and Tarragona.
Photo Credit: Fitria Ramli / Shutterstock
The cruise line’s decision to feature Spanish ports followed double-digit growth in the market in 2022. In fact, the line’s new MSC World Europa will homeport in Barcelona this summer. The ship entered service in the fall of 2022 following her christening in Qatar.
MSC Cruises’ port call schedule reflects a 23% increase in visits to Spain. Tarragona port operator Global Ports Holding controls 27 cruise ports in 14 countries and has seen considerable growth in recent years.
It runs major ports such as the Port of Nassau, Bahamas, as well as small, up-and-coming ports like Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia. It recently was contracted to operate the San Juan Cruise Port, in Puerto Rico.
When you see cruise ships today, they come off as some of the most advanced technology we have. So hearing that cruise ships still use what may be considered ancient technology – such as anchors – may come as a surprise.
Anchors are still an essential part of a ship’s operation. This leads to several questions, including what exactly is the purpose, and how big is the anchor of a cruise ship? If these are your questions, you’ve come to the right place to find answers.
Keep reading to learn how big a cruise ship anchor is and other important frequently asked questions.
A cruise ship anchor is a device that keeps a vessel in place. The anchor is lowered from the vessel using a heavy anchor chain and digs into the seabed to ensure the ship stays stationary in the water.
Cruise ship anchors are used anytime a vessel needs to be stationary. For example, if a ship cannot pull up to the dock due to shallow waters, it might have to stop a little away from the shore to let passengers off onto boats that will transfer them.
Another example is when some ships had to remain at sea during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These ships used their anchors to stay stationary as they could not dock immediately.
How Big Is a Cruise Ship Anchor?
Cruise ship anchors are much larger than you think, especially considering what an important part they play in the vessel’s stability.
They are typically 10 to 20 feet long, 15 to 20 feet wide, and weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 tons. That’s about 20,000 to 40,000 pounds! For perspective, one elephant weighs anywhere from 2 to 7 tons.
MSC World Europa Anchor (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock)
Why Are Cruise Ship Anchors So Big?
The reason for the massive size of these anchors is that they have to be heavy enough to keep the ship stable and stationary when the ship needs to be stopped. The weight of the anchor chain plays a significant factor in the total weight of the anchor and keeps the ship stable.
The anchor itself mainly serves to keep the chain and ship in place. For this reason, in most cases, the bigger the ship, the bigger the anchor. You can imagine how big an anchor a ship like Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas might have!
Do Cruise Ships Have More Than One Anchor?
Most vessels have an anchor on both the port and starboard sides. Both anchors are found at the front of the ship. However, they are usually deployed at different times.
Docked Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: David Ionut / Shutterstock)
While there are special circumstances where using two anchors can be beneficial, the reason for having two is mainly to have a backup in case one fails at the moment.
Do All Cruise Ships Have Anchors?
In general, you’ll still see anchors on every vessel. However, some modern cruise ships primarily use dynamic positions, which means they use propulsion and thrusters to maintain a steady position.
While this method is more straightforward and versatile for ships, it also uses up more fuel and comes at a high cost. So they are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
What are Cruise Ship Anchors Made of?
They are usually made of heavy metal. Considering that they’re meant to spend large amounts of time in the water, they use metals resistant to long-term corrosion damage. They may also be made from fiber-reinforced composites or polymers such as carbon fiber.
Wrap-Up
To recap, cruise ship anchors weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 tons, depending on the size of the vessel. The chain that the anchor is attached to does a lot of work to keep the ship stable when it needs to remain stationary.
Even if you have never wondered about cruise ship anchoring equipment, it’s good to have this context when embarking on your next cruise. You might even glimpse the anchor in use if you know where to look!
