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Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Specialty Restaurant for New Ship

Carnival Cruise News

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May 8, 2023

Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Specialty Restaurant for New Ship

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a brand new, first-in-fleet specialty restaurant to debut exclusively aboard Carnival Venezia. The “Il Viaggio” restaurant will offer a culinary journey through Italy, a delicious and very appropriate experience aboard the first “Carnival Fun Italian Style” cruise ship.

New Italian Specialty Restaurant on Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia is bringing amazing Italian flair to cruise guests, and now will offer a truly gourmet experience with “Il Viaggio” – a new specialty dining restaurant. Meaning “The Voyage” in Italian, Il Viaggio will offer elevated Italian fare from different regions of the country in an authentic, welcoming atmosphere.

“Highlighting the various Italian regions renowned for certain specialties will invite our guests to enjoy an immersive exploration of flavors – a meal that’s truly unique, delicious and offers an enriching experience as well,” said Emeril Lagasse, Carnival’s chief culinary officer. “Guests will find their favorite Italian staples here, and they’ll also have the chance to try authentic dishes and drinks that might just become new favorites.”

Emeril Lagasse (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)

Furthermore, the entire design of the restaurant is planned to evoke a true visit to Italy, with artwork and architectural touches highlighting different regions of the country, just as the menu pays tribute to Italy’s diverse tastes. Guests can also choose to dine al fresco on the restaurant’s lanai.

The full-service restaurant will cost $42 (USD) per adult guest, and $10 per child. The suggested attire is cruise casual, and reservations are required. Each reservation includes an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert.

Il Viaggio Menu Highlights

The Il Viaggo menu will be a true taste-of-Italy experience, offering appetizers, entrees, desserts, wines, and cocktails that all highlight various regions of Italy, showcasing the diverse tastes of the country. From Lombardy and Lazio to Tuscany, Venice, and Sicily, there is something on the menu to appeal to everyone.

First, every guest will be welcomed with fresh focaccia bread, which chefs will make in the restaurant’s show kitchen, demonstrating excellent traditional techniques.

New Carnival Venezia Restaurant (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)

Each dish on the menu is carefully selected as a regional specialty, and “Favorito” entrees are highlighted as signature dishes, such as the Sicilian-inspired Pollo Parmigiana Pizza, a crispy chicken crust pizza with tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini flakes, parmesan, and a honey-chili dressing.

For appetizers – “Antipasti” – guests can choose from such amazing starters as Suple al Telefono from Lazio, a crisp risotto croquette filled with mozzarella and marinara sauce, or Panzarotti from Campania, a golden brown, savory puff stuffed with sausage and pesto.

Entrees include Pappardelle Al Cinghiale from Tuscany, a luxe ribbon pasta tossed with pork ragu in a red wine marinade, as well as Pasta alla Genovese from Liguaria, ziti pasta flavored with San Marzano tomato sauce and cooked with slow-simmered beef rib and onion.

Don’t forget a decadent “dolce” – dessert and choose from such mouth-watering options as classic tiramisu from Venice, cannolis from Sicily, or a special creation, “Mile-High Gelato Pie” inspired by Tuscany with the delicious flavors of salted caramel, mocha, toasted coconut, and Chantilly cream.

The culinary team for Il Viaggio will be led by a full-time Italian executive chef, ensuring authenticity in every bite.

Experience Il Viaggio Aboard Carnival Venezia

This new specialty restaurant will be available exclusively aboard Carnival Venezia, debuting with Carnival Cruise Line on May 29, 2023. The ship’s first voyage is a 15-night transatlantic sailing that will bring the revitalized and renovated ship to New York, its new homeport.

Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)

From New York, Carnival Venezia will begin offering a diverse array of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, ranging from 4-12 nights in length and ultimately visiting 25 ports of call across 14 countries. The ship can welcome 4,208 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 5,260 passengers when fully booked.

At the moment, Carnival Venezia is undergoing renovations in Spain to add Carnival touches to the former Costa Cruises ship, while still preserving her unique and distinctive Italian flair. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates as the days count down to the new ship’s debut!

MSC Cruise Ship Marks LNG Milestone in Marseille

MSC Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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May 8, 2023

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MSC Cruise Ship Marks LNG Milestone in Marseille

MSC World Europa, the MSC Cruises flagship, has reached an important environmental milestone by bunkering Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for the first time in the port of Marseille.

The achievement highlights the growing capabilities of ports in the Mediterranean to supply ships with environmentally friendlier fuel, as both Marseille and Barcelona are now offering bunkering possibilities for LNG. MSC World Europa arrived in the Mediterranean in April and is sailing 7-day cruises around the western Mediterranean.

MSC World Europa First Bunkering Operation

MSC Cruises and TotalEnergies Marine Fuels successfully completed the first LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Marseille-Fos for MSC World Europa. TotalEnergies refueled the vessel via a ship-to-ship transfer of LNG on April 22, while guest operations continued as usual.

This operation marks the beginning of a previously announced LNG bunker supply contract between TotalEnergies and MSC Cruises. The cruise line has been working hard to clean up the image of cruise ships as polluting and is driving forward its decarbonization plans which should be complete by 2050.

Philippe Charleux, Senior Vice President of Lubricants and Specialties at TotalEnergies, said: “This operation also expands our LNG bunkering capabilities to the cruise ship segment, demonstrating our ability to serve a broader range of shipping clients as the industry strives to reduce emissions.”

MSC World Europa — Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Marine LNG helps cut sulfur emissions and fine particle emissions by 99%, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85%, and greenhouse gas emissions by around 20%.

Patrick Pourbaix, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in France, highlighted the importance of the milestone, stating: “LNG is not only the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale, but also a transitional fuel as we look ahead to source and use synthetic LNG or other alternative non-carbon fuels as soon as they become available at scale.”

MSC World Europa is also the world’s first ship to implement an LNG-powered fuel cell. The 50-kilowatt fuel cell demonstrator aboard the ship incorporates solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, using LNG to produce electricity and heat, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to ships powered by conventional LNG engines.

MSC World Europa Cruises

Delivered in October 2022 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique at the Saint Nazaire shipyard in France, MSC World Europa is a 215,863 gross tons cruise ship with space for 6,762 passengers at maximum capacity. The vessel is considered one of the world’s most sustainable large cruise ships regarding CO2 emissions per passenger.

After completing its repositioning cruise from the Middle East, MSC World Europa arrived in Europe for its summer season in the Mediterranean Sea on April 12, 2023. The ship is now sailing 7-night cruises to Genoa, Naples, and Messina, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain; and Marseille, France, allowing guests to board and disembark at any port of call.

Onboard entertainment options include a 350-foot-long outdoor World Promenade, an 11-deck-drop dry slide called The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, the largest kids’ area in the MSC Cruises fleet, 20 bars and lounges, 13 dining venues, an onboard microbrewery, and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club.

MSC Cruises will be launching another LNG-powered cruise ship this summer. MSC Euribia, a Meraviglia-plus class cruise ship, recently completed sea trials.

She will sail on her maiden voyage from Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 8, 2023. The sister ship of MSC World Europa, the MSC World America, opened for booking in March this year, she will be the cruise line’s third LNG-powered cruise ship.

Yet Another Royal Caribbean Ship Oversold Days Before Sailing

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 7, 2023

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Yet Another Royal Caribbean Ship Oversold Days Before Sailing

Royal Caribbean has oversold yet another Allure of the Seas cruise, and is contacting guests just a week before embarkation with enticing offers to switch or cancel their sailing.

Allure of the Seas Oversold Again

Just a week after Allure of the Seas was oversold for its April 30, 2023 departure, Royal Caribbean International is once again reaching out to guests about another overbooked cruise – now the May 14, 2023 departure.

“We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Allure of the Seas May 14th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold,” the email reads.

The impacted cruise is a 7-night roundtrip Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston, calling on Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. This is the only itinerary Allure of the Seas is currently sailing, though the port order varies depending on the departure date.

Guests are being offered generous options for last-minute compensation, with three choices to consider. If guests prefer to remain booked as-is on the oversold sailing, they can disregard all offers. But which choice is best for which guests?

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas — Photo Credit: NAN728 / Shutterstock

Different Cruise, Different Ship

The first option is for guests to move to Voyager of the Seas for a similar 5-night sailing departing either June 3 or June 17. Both sailings will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, but not Roatan.

Travelers who choose this option will not only move to their selected Voyager of the Seas cruise, but will also receive a 100% refund of their Allure of the Seas fare, plus $300 (USD) of non-refundable onboard credit for Voyager of the Seas.

Whereas Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship weighing in at 225,282 gross tons with a guest capacity of 5,492 at double occupancy, Voyager of the Seas is a much smaller Voyager-class ship at 138,194 gross tons and with a double-occupancy capacity of only 3,114. Measured by weight, Voyager of the Seas is 39% smaller than Allure of the Seas, and 43% smaller by guest capacity.

Same Cruise, Same Ship

The second option offered is to lift and shift the cruise to an identical but later Allure of the Seas sailing. Two departure dates are available for this option – July 16 and July 30. Because the new sailings are on the same ship, for the same cruise length, and with the same itinerary, no further compensation – refund or onboard credit – is offered with this option.

Cancellation and Refund

Guests on the oversold sailing can completely cancel their cruise to receive a 100% refund, as well as a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) valid for any upcoming Royal Caribbean sailing. The FCC will be valid for any cruise departing by May 15, 2024, giving guests a full year to plan a new getaway.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Sterling Images / Shutterstock)

Which Option to Pick?

Ultimately, while each offer can be attractive, each guest’s choice will depend on their specific needs, vacation plans, and travel flexibility. The cruise line also insists that guests do not need to select any of the offers, and can instead keep their original booking as-is.

“This special offer is time-limited and subject to availability. If you’re happy to be excluded from the special offer, please disregard this email – no further action is required,” the email explains.

Staying on the same cruise with no changes will appeal most to guests with specific or complicated travel plans, such as for a honeymoon or large family getaway, when multiple staterooms may be involved, or arranging time off work for alternative dates may be challenging.

Furthermore, just because guests opt-in to one of the alternatives, they may not be selected for the special offer. Guests must first apply for the offer, then wait for updated confirmation.

“If you’re not contacted by us, you will remain booked on your existing Allure of the Seas sailing,” the email concludes. Which offer would you choose, or would you keep your original plans? Discuss your options in the Cruise Hive Boards!

Huge Royal Caribbean Ship Fast Approaching Critical Milestone

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 6, 2023

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Huge Royal Caribbean Ship Fast Approaching Critical Milestone

The wildly anticipated new vessel from Royal Caribbean International, Icon of the Seas, is nearing a very critical milestone in its construction, one that will determine the overall functionality of the ship and its seaworthiness – the sea trials.

With these essential tests just over a month away, the excitement over the new ship is nearing a fever pitch.

Icon of the Seas to Begin Sea Trials in June

Icon of the Seas, which floated out into the water for the first time in January, is slated to begin sea trials in mid-June, according to a statement by Meyer Turku, the shipyard where the massive vessel is under construction.

“Icon is scheduled to start her sea trials in mid-June,” the statement said. “Sea trials are one of the most important milestones on a ship’s road to completion. The construction of the ship is progressing at a good pace and preparations for her sea trials have already started.”

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Water Challenges — Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

As the most technologically advanced ship ever built, Icon of the Seas‘ sea trials will be especially critical. These tests put every engineering system on the ship to work, demonstrating whether the vessel performs as predicted.

Engine efficiency, braking, turning, navigation, noise, vibration, safety systems, and more are checked out to ensure optimum performance.

“As the world’s largest prototype ship, Icon’s early sea trials are important to ensure that all the ship’s main equipment such as propulsion equipment, main engines and power plant, thrusters and fin stabilizers are working as they should,” said Meyer Turku.

No exact date has been revealed for the sea trials to begin, and there is also no firm timeline for how long the tests will take. The complexity of Icon of the Seas, as well as the innovations the ship presents, make it likely that the tests will be longer than typical for a proven cruise ship design.

It is also possible that Icon of the Seas will undergo multiple rounds of sea trials, particularly if adjustments are made to enhance the ship’s operation after initial tests.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Finmiki / Shutterstock)

After the sea trials are successfully completed, additional detail work will be completed, such as finishing painting, interior décor, and other finishing items to complete the vessel.

When all is completed, Icon of the Seas will be officially delivered to Royal Caribbean International and become the property of the cruise line rather than the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Not Quite Ready to Sail

While no official date has yet been confirmed for the handover ceremony that will deliver Icon of the Seas to Royal Caribbean – it is always possible that some problem could be discovered during the sea trials that might require additional work – the ship will not yet be ready to welcome guests as soon as it joins the Royal Caribbean fleet.

After delivery, Royal Caribbean will begin provisioning the ship, including stocking retail spaces and loading supplies for both crew and guests.

At that time, crew members will also begin reporting to the ship to familiarize themselves with the new layout and operational idiosyncrasies of the new vessel.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship — Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

It can take several weeks or months for a cruise ship to be ready to welcome passengers after the initial delivery, especially when the ship is as new and complex as Icon of the Seas.

Many of the ship’s brand new areas, for example, the very unique and distinctive AquaDome, will require specialized training and practice before crew members can confidently perform and deliver spectacular service for vacationing guests.

Crew members will also run frequent safety drills to ensure all operations run smoothly no matter what may happen aboard the massive new vessel, and it is important that all crew members are confident and comfortable in their duties before the first guests arrive in January 2024.

Record-Setting Bookings

Excitement for Icon of the Seas is already unprecedented, with the new ship shattering previous one-day booking records when the first sailings opened for reservations.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

The new ship’s maiden voyage is scheduled to be a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024. That initial cruise will visit St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas.

Icon of the Seas will remain homeported from Miami at least through April 2025, offering alternating Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings. The Western Caribbean cruises will visit top ports such as Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, as well as CocoCay.

Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further Icon of the Seas updates as the new ship’s debut draws closer!

Disney Cruise Ship Debuts New Experiences and Enhancements

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 6, 2023

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Disney Cruise Ship Debuts New Experiences and Enhancements

Disney Magic is now showcasing brand new entertainment options based on recent popular Disney movies, as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” are coming to life on the high seas.

The new entertainment productions, as well as upgrades to the ship’s concierge accommodations, were introduced during Disney Magic’s recent drydock.

Newest Entertainment for the Oldest Disney Ship

Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, having entered service in 1998. Now, the ship is looking better than ever after a 3-week dry dock refurbishment in Freeport, The Bahamas, which has included the addition of brand new and exclusive entertainment options.

The new entertainment comes from two fan-favorite films – “Encanto” and “Soul” – and each brings new vibrancy to the ship and new experiences to eager guests.

“An Encanto Celebration” is an all-new immersive experience with the Madrigal family, designed to engage families through music, crafts, and storytelling. Photo opportunities with popular characters, sing-alongs of the movie’s hit songs, and butterfly and flower crafts inspired by the film are all part of the activities lineup.

During the show, Disney Cruise Line guests can also indulge in a true taste of the magic with “Encanto”-inspired mocktails, local Colombian beers, and unique cocktails.

Meanwhile, the new Soul Cat Lounge on Deck 3 designed to look like the Half Note Lounge, Joe Gardner’s favorite music spot from the popular 2020 film “Soul” with classic jazz club vibes. Live music will fill the lounge, while wood accents, leather seating, and record label décor make the space a rich musical feast for the eyes as well as the ears.

To match the big-city experience of the lounge, table-side Manhattans are served as well as martinis and cocktails made with New York spirits.

Enhanced Concierge Retreat

In addition to the new entertainment, concierge spaces aboard Disney Magic have received new enhancements and refreshment during the extensive dry dock.

The concierge lounge was expanded and now features a sophisticated new theme with tropical vibes reminiscent of “Moana” along with shaded outdoor seating for true oceanside relaxation.

All concierge suites have also been completely refurbished with fresh fixtures, furniture, and artwork, further elevating the premium experience for concierge guests to make the most magical of memories onboard.

Technical Upgrades

Finally, Disney Magic also received some critical technical upgrades during the dry dock, most notably the installation of shore power technology to help the cruise line maintain its dedication toward environmental sustainability.

Now, Disney Magic can utilize shore power at applicable ports of call, overall reducing emissions and lowering the ship’s environmental impact.

Other typical dry dock maintenance was also performed on the ship, including routine painting, deep cleaning, and other minor refreshments.

Disney Magic‘s current sailing, an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing from San Juan, is the ship’s first itinerary as it returns to service after the dry dock.

The ship will offer several sailings from San Juan before heading to Miami near the end of May, where it will remain homeported through early October, offering 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises.

On October 5, 2023, Disney Magic will depart on a 14-night one-way repositioning cruise to San Diego, where it will begin offering 3- and 4-night Baja Mexico sailings. In the following months, the ship will be positioned for short deployments from both Galveston and New Orleans, before moving to Fort Lauderdale from May 2024.

MSC Cruise Ship Fails Inspection With Remarkably Low Score

MSC Cruises News

Donna Tunney

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May 5, 2023

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MSC Cruise Ship Fails Inspection With Remarkably Low Score

MSC Cruises’ 4,000-guest MSC Seaside received a failing score on her most recent inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The health agency’s report details a slew of infractions and provides corrective actions that the ship, homeported at Port Canaveral, Florida, should undertake.

MSC Seaside Earns Low Score of 67

An inspection report dated April 27, 2023, shows the MSC Seaside received a failing grade of 67 following a shipboard review by CDC inspectors.

Ships must receive a score of at least 85 to pass their inspections, which are unannounced. All cruise ships sailing from US ports are subject to CDC inspection twice yearly.

An overall score of 67 is remarkably low. In fact, according to CDC records, only three other cruise ships have scored below 85 since 2017, and none of those scores was lower than 77.

In 2020, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess scored 77, and Un-Cruise Adventures’ Safari Endeavour scored 79. In 2017, Compagnie Du Ponant’s Le Boreal scored 84.

MSC Seaside Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: FabioMitidieri / Shutterstock)

MSC Seaside, which began sailing from the Florida port on April 27, has previously scored high on inspections; in February 2019, her overall score was 92, and in April 2018, it was 94.

However, in the CDC’s latest inspection, dozens of items are cited as needing improvement. Some are more egregious than others.

In several instances, for example, flies were spotted in a bar or food handling area, water was found pooled on the deck, and the number of guests and crew were not properly recorded.

Other instances that led to the failing grade were more significant. These included infractions such as self-service tongs, which would have been handled by crew or guests, found to be touching food at the buffet, dried food residue found at the buffet’s pizza preparation counter, and encrusted or wet food residue seen on previously cleaned dishes, cups, pots and pans, and utensils in a Deck 16 galley.

At the dining venue Teppanyaki, old food soil, and pooled water were found inside condiment storage inserts below the grills.

Another serious infraction was observed by one of the CDC inspectors, who watched as a crew member handled raw and bloody hamburger meat and then opened a store room door to obtain supplies without first washing his hands.

CDC Inspections Based on a 100-Point Scale

The CDC rates cruise ships on a 100-point scale based on inspection criteria outlined in its operations manual. The criteria are each assigned a point value, and points are deducted from the score when there is a pattern of similar violations of the same criteria or when there is a single, significant violation.

Inspections can, in theory, lead to a do-not-sail order if the CDC determines there are imminent public health risks, such as a ship’s inability to properly chlorinate drinking water, clean and sanitize food equipment, or dispose of solid or liquid waste, among others.

CDC Sign — Photo Credit: Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com

Cruise lines often tout their high CDC inspection scores, particularly if they earn a perfect score of 100. A search of high scores in recent months found several ships that earned a grade of 100, including Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Moon, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunshine, to name a few.

Under CDC rules, MSC Seaside will file a response to her failing score, as each infraction needs to be individually addressed.

The ship is currently sailing 3-, 4- and 7-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises while homeporting at Port Canaveral.

Three- and 4-night Bahamas cruises call at Ocean Cay – MSC Marine Reserve, while the longer Caribbean sailings visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Ocean Cay.

The 153,516-gross-ton MSC Seaside, an EVO-class ship, entered service in 2017. She was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

MSC Cruises and Formula 1 Extend Partnership Through 2026

MSC Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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May 5, 2023

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MSC Cruises and Formula 1 Extend Partnership Through 2026

MSC Cruises has announced an extension to its global partnership with Formula 1. The announcement was made ahead of the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix, which takes place this weekend.

The partnership extension means that MSC Cruises will remain the Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1 until the end of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It also means guests sailing on MSC Cruises ships will have more opportunities to visit a Formula 1 race while sailing on a cruise.

MSC & F1 Announce Partnership Expansion

MSC Cruises and Formula 1 announced an extension to their partnership today, which has been highly successful for both brands since the start of the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The ongoing collaboration between MSC Cruises and Formula 1 has increased interest in both brands worldwide, especially in markets important for the cruise line. Building on the success of their partnership, MSC Cruises aims to enhance its association with Formula 1 through an expanded program.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises: “Formula 1 and MSC Cruises are great partners on many levels and our successes are founded in teamwork. Not only this, but we are both driving towards sustainable change. We want to build the future of our industries and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. We are both working at the forefront of our industries and helping to make a real difference.”

Pierfrancesco Vago and Stefano Domenicali

One aspect of the partnership involves MSC Cruises bringing ships to select Grand Prix weekends, offering unique experiences from track to ship. The first of these events will take place when MSC Virtuosa arrives in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Various packages are available, including a cabin-only choice for those who already have race tickets, and a cabin + Formula 1 Grandstand ticket option.

More exclusive alternatives include a cabin + F1 Experience, featuring trackside activities such as a pitlane walk, premium all-inclusive hospitality, access to the Paddock Club, and meet and greets with F1 personalities.

MSC Cruises has also been confirmed as the title sponsor of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, which takes place at Spa-Francorchamps on July 30. Further title sponsorships will be announced for selected Formula 1 Grands Prix during the 2024 World Championship season.

Former Ferrari team boss and now President & CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership extension:

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with MSC Cruises, as both our brands share a commitment to innovation and excellence. This collaboration has brought exceptional results, and we look forward to enhancing our relationship further. Together, we’ll continue pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in sports and hospitality.”

Cruises and Formula 1

The connection between Formula 1 and cruise lines may initially seem surprising, but the two industries have a history of collaboration.

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has been hosting the Ferrari Formula 1 team during the Monaco Grand Prix for many years. One of Seabourn’s ships serves as the team’s home for the entire week, providing an exclusive and fitting atmosphere for the racing team and its VIP guests.

Silversea has hosted several Formula 1 cruises in the past, where former F1 drivers, such as Mark Webber, would come onboard to hold lectures during Grands Prix weekends.

And only recently, Windstar Cruises introduced a unique Formula 1 experience for its guests, allowing them to attend the final race of the 2023 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. This new offering complements Windstar’s existing F1 cruise to the Monaco Grand Prix.

Carnival Completes Alaska Opening With Special Announcement

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 4, 2023

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Carnival Completes Alaska Opening With Special Announcement

With Carnival Luminosa arriving in Seattle on Thursday, May 4, 2023, Carnival Cruise Line’s seasonal deployment to the Last Frontier is complete.

That doesn’t mean, however, that there won’t be changes through the season, as the cruise line has announced shore power plans so that within a matter of weeks, the new ship will connect while docked in Seattle, strengthening the cruise line’s sustainability initiatives at the very important homeport.

Third Carnival Ship Arrives for Alaska Season

Carnival Luminosa has arrived in Seattle, Washington, following its 23-night transpacific journey repositioning from Australia. This completes the cruise line’s biggest deployment ever for Alaska sailings, as Carnival Luminosa joins Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit in offering Alaska cruises.

The cruise line held an onboard ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the ship’s Alaska season from the port. Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy also attended the event.

Ribbon-Cutting on Carnival Cruise (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit will both be offering mostly 7-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle, while Carnival Miracle is sailing from San Francisco with alternating Alaska itineraries and Baja Mexico cruises.

Popular ports of call on their various itineraries include Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Victoria, and Prince Rupert for all three ships. Exact schedules and destinations vary by ship and departure date and are always subject to change.

Work to Begin on Shore Power for Carnival Luminosa

But, the simple fact of the Carnival Luminosa’s arrival in Washington isn’t the only significance to its repositioning.

“Not only is Carnival Luminosa completing our Alaska deployment for this season, which was so successful last year after we expanded it to three ships that we decided to bring her all the way from Australia to do it again, but she’s also front and center in another important effort for us as well,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Work starts today on getting Carnival Luminosa shore power ready so she can hook up to the port when she’s docked here in Seattle. Shore power is one of our overall sustainability initiatives and Carnival Luminosa is now part of that important investment in our future.”

Carnival Luminosa Cruise Ship — Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Sustainability is of keen interest in Seattle and for all Alaskan ports of call, as the area’s pristine natural beauty is one of its greatest assets for healthy, popular tourism.

The cruise line expects Carnival Luminosa to be shore-power-ready for electric operation while docked in Seattle by early June. Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle already operate on shore power when available.

The Port of Seattle is firmly committed to providing shore power to homeported ships, which reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Port forecasts that 111 sailings will connect at Terminal 91 this year, nearly double the connection rate of last year.

“The demand for the Seattle to Alaska cruise itinerary made it possible for our port to expand investments in workforce development and clean energy infrastructure,” said Steve Metruck, Executive Director for Port of Seattle.

Big Season for Seattle

In just three weeks, the 2023 cruise season in Seattle has truly gotten underway, beginning with the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss on April 15.

Through the close of the season on October 30, Port of Seattle estimates that more than 285 sailings will carry more than 700,000 travelers to Alaska and back from the Emerald City, supporting more than 5,500 jobs and more than $900 million (USD) in economic activity from travelers, provisioning ships, tour companies, and more.

In addition to Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, other cruise lines homeporting from Port of Seattle include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International. A variety of ships will also visit Seattle as a port of call, bringing even more visitors to the city.

Carnival Cruise Ship Makes US Debut and Begins Alaska Season

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 4, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Ship Makes US Debut and Begins Alaska Season

One of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest additions to the fleet, Carnival Luminosa, has made its North American debut as it arrived in Seattle on Thursday, May 4. The ship begins its Alaska season today, offering roundtrip Last Frontier sailings through early September.

Carnival Luminosa Has Arrived

Carnival Luminosa arrived in Seattle early in the morning on May 4, completing the 21-night repositioning cruise that has brought the vessel from Australia to the US. While the ship has been sailing as part of the Carnival fleet since November 2022, this is the first time the vessel has been deployed in North America.

Three Carnival ships are sailing Alaskan itineraries for the summer. Carnival Luminosa is offering primarily 7-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle, calling on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with scenic cruising in the Tracy Arm Fjord on each itinerary.

The June 15 departure, however, is a 6-night cruise and will not be going to Skagway, while the June 28 departure is an 8-night sailing and will include Sitka as an additional port of call.

Ports of call may also vary on other sailings depending on operational concerns and port schedules. Visits to Skagway may be in particular jeopardy because of docking concerns and rockslide safety, and all cruise lines are keeping a close watch on that port of call. At this time, no changes have been made to Carnival Luminosa‘s itineraries.

In addition to Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit are also offering Alaska cruises this summer.

About Carnival Luminosa

All three Carnival ships in Alaska are Spirit-class, but each has its own theme and personality. Carnival Luminosa, in particular, stands out with a unique vibe, thanks to its former sailing life as Costa Luminosa for Costa Cruises.

Costa Luminosa was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in September 2022, and underwent a significant renovation to bring familiar Carnival features and venues to the vessel.

The upgrades include adding Bonsai Sushi Express, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88, Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, and the adults-only Serenity to the ship.

Guests will also find popular experiences onboard, such as the intimate Chef’s Table dining experience, as well as the stellar lineup of comedians in the Punchliner Comedy Club that Carnival Cruise Line is known for.

Not all of the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades are found on Carnival Luminosa, however. Most notably missing is Guy’s Burger Joint, a favorite among many cruise guests. It is possible that the venue may be added during a future renovation.

The ship’s appearance also sets it apart from the rest of the Carnival fleet. While Carnival Luminosa does have the new red-white-and-blue livery that first debuted with Mardi Gras, the ship has retained its classic straight Costa funnel rather than getting the split “whale tail” distinctive on Carnival ships.

After Alaska

When Carnival Luminosa finishes its Alaska season in September, the ship will depart on an epic 31-night transpacific sailing to return to Australia.

Along the way, not only will the ship visit Alaskan ports of call one final time, but it will also stop in amazing destinations all along the Asian route, including Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki in Japan; Puerto Princesa in the Philippines; and Bitung, Indonesia.

Carnival Luminosa will depart Seattle on September 14, 2023, arriving in Brisbane on October 15. The vessel will remain down under from October through April, when it will once again move to Seattle to sail Alaskan itineraries in 2024.

In October 2024, the ship will return to Australia yet again through at least March 2025, but there is no indication where Carnival Luminosa may sail after that time, or whether or not the ship will be deployed to a completely different homeport.