Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of three Norwegian Epic cruises. All sailing in 2025, the cruise line cites a dry dock the ship is scheduled for during the spring of 2025.
The cancellation is one of several that Norwegian Cruise Line has announced lately, including thirteen cruises between December 2023 and April 2024. NCL has also cancelled several cruises onboard other ships in recent weeks for various reasons.
Three Norwegian Epic Cruises Cancelled
Norwegian Cruise Line recently sent guests an email announcing the cancellation of three scheduled sailings on the Norwegian Epic. The affected voyages, scheduled to sail on April 15, April 20, and May 5 in 2025, have been scrapped due to a dry dock and revitalization of the ship.
In a letter issued to guests and travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line states: “As part of our commitment to continuously offer extraordinary vacation experiences around the world for our guests and to uphold a consistent world-class product across our fleet, Norwegian Epic will be undergoing a revitalization in 2025.”
“In order to complete these enhancements, Norwegian Epic’s sailings on April 15, 2025, April 20, 2025, and May 5, 2025, have been canceled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The three cancelled cruises were the first of Norwegian Epic’s summer season cruises in Europe. The dry dock will follow the Epic-class ship’s transatlantic cruise from New York City on March 31.
During the transatlantic cruise, the cruise ship will visit Kings Wharf, Bermuda; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; Livorno and Naples, Italy; and concludes in Civitavecchia on April 15.
In light of the cancellations, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a full refund for the guests booked on these cruises. In addition to the refunds, the cruise line also offers a 10% discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for a future voyage. This credit can be used for any sailing through December 31, 2025.
With space for 4,100 passengers at double occupancy, the 155,873 gross-ton Norwegian Epic was the third-largest cruise ship in the world when she launched in 2009.
Sixteen Cruises Canceled for Norwegian Epic in One Month
The cancellation of the three cruises in 2025 follows a similar pattern to a series of cancellations of Norwegian Epic’s sailings announced in May 2023, due to the vessel’s redeployment. In total, 16 cruise cancellations have been announced for Norwegian Epic in the last two weeks.
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock)
Towards the end of May 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it would cancel thirteen European cruises and instead said it opted to redeploy Norwegian Epic to the Caribbean. The ship will offer guests seven-day cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
In January, NCL cancelled a full month of cruises onboard Norwegian Joy for a dry dock in early 2024. Twelve Alaska cruises were also cancelled for Norwegian Spirit recently, although the ship will remain in service for charter sailings. The 2025 transatlantic crossing for Norwegian Breakawayhas also been cancelled.
Bad Planning?
This cancellation pattern raises some questions about Norwegian Cruise Line’s operational strategies. Most cruise lines schedule dry docks and charter sailings well in advance to avoid disrupting their cruise schedules.
The question that naturally arises is why NCL put cruises up for sale only to cancel them later in favor of charter sailings or dry docks.
It is important to understand that this practice affects not only the passengers who have booked in anticipation of a relaxing cruise. It also impacts travel agents and agencies who have to deal with the inconvenience and disappointment of their clients.
While the offer of refunds and discounts for future voyages somewhat cushions the blow for affected passengers, the potential long-term implications of these disruptions on NCL’s reputation and customer loyalty could be significant.
In a significant step towards the company’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, MSC Cruises is set to officially welcome its latest flagship cruise ship, MSC Euribia, into its fleet today with a grand naming ceremony.
The ship will sail on her maiden voyage on June 10 from Kiel, Germany. MSC Euribia has just completed a first-of-its-kind sailing between the shipyard where she was constructed and Copenhagen, the first-ever zero-emissions sailing for a cruise ship.
Naming Ceremony for Groundbreaking Cruise Ship
The traditional maritime naming ceremony, held today, June 8, 2023, in Copenhagen, Denmark, will honor traditional maritime heritage while paying tribute to the vast leap in environmental responsibility that MSC Euribia represents.
Designed to be the most energy-efficient cruise ship ever, MSC Euribia is MSC Cruises’ second vessel powered by LNG, currently the cleanest commercially available marine fuel.
Distinguished guests, international media, key travel partners, and the top management of MSC Cruises and its parent company, MSC Group, will be at the naming ceremony. Renowned Danish television host, actress, and model Sarah Grünewald will oversee the ceremony.
Sophia Loren, the godmother of nearly all ships in the MSC Cruises fleet and globally recognized screen legend, will grace the occasion and officially name the ship, continuing her long-standing and close relationship with MSC Cruises.
During the ceremony, there will be live entertainment, speeches, a gourmet gala dinner, and live performances, including a DJ set by Bob Sinclar, an internationally acclaimed French DJ and record producer.
Introducing MSC Euribia
Aboard the MSC Euribia, guests will enjoy many remarkable features that make it the most innovative and extraordinary ship in the MSC Cruises fleet.
This includes dazzling LED artwork commissioned especially for the ship, sweeping views from The Carousel Lounge, an extensive selection of over a dozen dining options, five luxurious pools, and the vibrant Ocean Cay Aquapark, themed after a coral reef.
Named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who mastered the seas by harnessing the winds, weather, and constellations, the 184,011 gross tons MSC Euribia is the 22nd vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet. Boasting 37,6736 square feet of public space, the ship stands 19 decks high and 141 feet wide, with 2,419 cabins, with room for 6,334 guests.
Most Environmentally Friendly Cruise Ship in History
MSC Euribia represents the most innovative and environmentally advanced ship in the fleet. It is designed to minimize the impact on the air and marine environment through a range of technologies and solutions. Additionally, the vessel is future-ready, designed to incorporate future sustainability innovations such as carbon-neutral synthetic and alternative fuels.
The ship’s engines can run on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and low-sulfur marine gas oil (MGO). MSC Euribiacompleted a net-zero Greenhouse Gas trip on her first voyage from the Chatiers de Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, where she was constructed, to Copenhagen this week.
MSC Euribia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Studio Porto Sabbia)
“This industry-first net zero gas emissions voyage of our latest flagship MSC Euribia heralds another significant step on our decarbonization journey and demonstrates more than anything the extent of our commitment,”said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group.
The vessel emits up to 19% fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger per day than the other Meraviglia-class cruise ships that use conventional marine fuels.
Onboard, MSC Euribia features state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems and waste management handling, as well as a host of other features designed to keep the environmental impact at an absolute minimum.
The vessel’s inaugural season will sail in Northern Europe, offering guests sailings from Kiel, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Southampton—the maiden voyage departs on June 10th, 2023. Sailing from Kiel, Germany, the cruise will call at Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flam in the Norwegian Fjords.
Carnival Cruise Line is taking a serious stand against banned substances. Carnival has employed a K-9 unit with a keen nose to curb consumption onboard its ships, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy onboard its vessels.
New Four-Legged Crew Members at Carnival
Carnival’s drug-detection dogs have become integral to the cruise line’s security detail. The K-9 unit, featuring an Italian drug-sniffing dog named Cucciolo, is being deployed across Carnival’s fleet and home ports to inspect passengers and their luggage.
“We are employing narcotic dogs in various locations,”according to Carnival Captain Andrea Catalani.“So, if you see Cucciolo or one of his colleagues at the terminal, at the destination port, or onboard, please do not interfere.”You can watch a video that the cruise line released about its new stance:
The sniffing dogs are part of several initiatives Carnival has implemented over the past year to curb unruly behavior onboard its cruise ships.
While users are much less likely to create a scene onboard, the penalties for drug use are much more severe than most people would expect. No wonder then that Carnival is taking a tough stance.
According to Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson Matt Lupoli: “The K-9s are part of our security team and are deployed to various locations, so guests may very well see them at terminals, destination ports, or onboard, and their deployment could change at any time.”
Stiff Penalties
While the use of marijuana is legal in some states, federal laws override state jurisdiction on Carnival Cruise ships.
It’s worth noting that even when passengers use drugs for medicinal purposes, cruise lines do not make exceptions. Carnival’s President, Christine Duffy, reiterated this in a public statement, advising users to seek alternative therapies during their cruise.
“In case there’s any confusion, let me remind guests that while marijuana and cannabis products may be legal in some states, we are required to follow federal law irrespective of the law in the state where you may be boarding your ship,”she stated.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
Those found in possession could face severe consequences, ranging from confinement to their cabins to removal from the ship and a ban from future cruises.
Furthermore, individuals found with banned substances could face arrest or prosecution by law enforcement authorities, especially when the ship is docked in a port where possession is criminalized. For instance, in some Caribbean countries, drug offenses can lead to harsh penalties, including imprisonment.
Cruise Line’s Hardline Stance
While some guests appreciate Carnival Cruise Line’s policies, others have voiced dissatisfaction with the cruise line’s anti-drugs policy. Social media channels and online forums are awash with discussions and debates, with some disgruntled guests expressing their discontent openly.
The use of drugs is illegal onboard cruise ships, and Carnival Cruise Line could be in serious trouble if it looks the other way while guests smoke weed onboard. Let alone the fact that once the ships dock in international ports, guests have been participating in international drug trafficking.
Carnival’s stance on banned substances is not the only measure the cruise line takes to curb unruly behavior onboard its ships, which could even result in a fine of up to $500.
The cruise line now has a curfew for minors, a fining system for guests who cannot follow the rules onboard, and more. It follows, amongst other things, a series of alterations between guests during the initial start-up period post-pandemic.
Holland America Line announced it will deploy two ships in Asia for a series of itineraries from September 2024 to April 2025. Citing heightened demand for the region, the cruise line is offering routes that call at off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Longer Cruises Included in Itinerary Offerings
Holland America Line on June 6 revealed the details for a slew of Asia voyages that allow guests to explore the Far East from a variety of departure ports, including a 53-day itinerary that leaves from a US city.
The 1,964-guest Westerdam will embark on the line’s 53-day “Majestic Japan” sailing, which falls under the line’s Legendary Voyage collection of longer cruises, ranging from 25 to 59 days.
Guests can depart from either Vancouver, British Columbia, or Seattle, a port that reduces the cruise by one day. The cruise will call at 21 total ports, including 13 calls in Japan, with the bonus of overnight port calls at Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Photo Credit: Angel DiBilio / Shutterstock
The line will base the 1,924-guest Noordam in Asia for the entire season, sailing nine unique 14-day itineraries featuring Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Guests can choose to depart from Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Singapore.
Noordam also will operate a Legendary Voyage sailing called “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef.” The 28-day itinerary is new for the line and sails roundtrip from Singapore on January 5, 2024. The cruise visits 10 ports in five countries, and features scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
“The demand for Asia remains strong as cruisers seek experiences to exotic and off-the-beaten-path locales that give them unique travel moments,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer.
“By offering three departure cities we’re able to diversify our itineraries and showcase an incredibly robust season. With 24 ports in Japan alone and two dozen more spread among several countries, our guests are in for an immersive Asia adventure,” she added.
14-Day Itineraries Sweep Through East Asia
Noordam’s 14-day cruise series includes “Far East Discovery,” sailing between Hong Kong and Singapore with calls at Halong Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu My, Vietnam; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Laem Chabang and Nathon, Thailand.
The ship will explore Indonesia on her “Indonesian Discovery” cruise roundtrip from Singapore. All ports calls are in Indonesia, including Probolinggo and Semarang, Java; Celukan Bawang and Benoa, Bali; Komodo Island; Lembar, Lombok; and Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. Guests also will experience scenic cruising by the active Krakatau Volcano.
Cruisers eager to visit Taiwan can book the ship’s “Japan and Taiwan” voyage roundtrip from Yokohama. The ship will make two calls in Taiwan, at Hualien and Keelung, and several calls in Japan, at Amami, Naha, Ishigaki Island, Nagasaki, Abruatsu, Kochi and Kobe.
Noordam Cruise Ship
A special 15-day cruise, departing April 27, 2025, from Yokohama to Vancouver, features port calls at Kushiro, Japan, and the Alaskan destinations of Kodiak, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay.
Another unique voyage that calls at Alaska ports is the 13-day “North Pacific Crossing,” departing Vancouver on September 29, 2024, and sailing to Yokohama. Sitka and Kodiak, Alaska, are featured calls on this cruise, along with Kushiro, Japan.
Holland America Line noted that a range of its Asia voyages can be booked back-to-back, with nonrecurring port calls, resulting in a nearly monthlong experience at sea visiting new destinations.
For a limited time, guests who book select 2024-25 Asia cruises with the Have It All premium package also will receive the line’s standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi, along with free crew gratuities and other perks.
Ahead of its 130th anniversary, Hurtigruten has revealed plans for its first zero-emission ship, marking a significant milestone in the cruise industry’s sustainability endeavors.
Designed in collaboration with a consortium of 12 maritime partners and the research institute SINTEF, this groundbreaking project, initially announced under the name ‘Sea Zero,’ introduces the concept of the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship.
The Vision Behind the Project
Hurtigruten Norway has released plans for its inaugural zero-emission ship. The initiative was first announced under the project name ‘Sea Zero’ in March 2022 and presents early concept designs for what could potentially be the world’s most energy-efficient cruise vessel.
The CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, Hedda Felin, reflected on the ambitious vision of the ‘Sea Zero’ project.
“When we initially announced the ‘Sea Zero’ project over a year ago, we were faced with the challenge of not knowing which technologies would be available to us in 2030. Our task was to pave the way for new innovations and enhance existing ones to align with our sustainability objectives,” according to Felin.
“While some of these technologies have reached a relatively advanced stage, they still necessitate dedicated research and development to ensure successful implementation within the maritime context. On the other hand, certain technologies are still in early development and require fundamental research and thorough testing,” Felin added.
Felin’s statement also mentioned the challenges faced by the consortium, with technologies at different levels of development and various hurdles to overcome before they can be implemented.
Hurtigruten aims to transform its entire fleet into zero-emission vessels by 2030, a monumental step in a world where only 0.1% of ships use zero-emission technology.
As companies strive for sustainability, the ‘Sea Zero’ initiative might serve as a blueprint for future eco-friendly cruise ship design advancements. While it is unlikely that cruise ships will ever be fully electric, further designing the technologies could lead engineers to find better, more sustainable options than what is available today.
Revolutionizing Cruise Ship Design
Hurtigruten Norway’s forthcoming ships plan to combine 60-megawatt battery packs with wind technology. They will showcase numerous innovative features, such as retractable sails with solar panels, artificial intelligence maneuvering, and contra-rotating propellers. Other unique additions include advanced hull coating, air lubrication, and proactive hull cleaning.
The futuristic vessels, equipped with batteries that charge in port, will harness A.I. to collect data for efficient docking and undocking methods for each port of call, optimizing operations under challenging weather conditions. The ships will also feature autonomous wing rigs comprised of solar panels and wind surface, helping further reduce their carbon footprint.
The Research and Innovation Manager at VARD, Henrik Burvang, responsible for the concept visuals, spoke about the innovative design.
“The streamlined shape, with its innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also increases passenger comfort. In the process, we are developing new design tools and exploring new technologies for energy efficiency,” he said.
The Guest Experience
Beyond technological advancements, the ships will focus on providing an unmatched experience for their guests. The first zero-emission ship is designed with a streamlined shape for less air resistance, reducing energy use and enhancing comfort.
The design features ample outdoor spaces and large window areas, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of what is often described as ‘the world’s most beautiful coastline.’
The prototype ship, modeled at 135 meters (443 feet) long, is designed to accommodate 500 guests and 99 crew members in 270 cabins.
The Sea Zero project has entered a two-year phase of testing and developing the proposed technologies. It’s focused on achieving a 50% energy reduction compared to Hurtigruten Norway’s current ships. This involves optimizing energy use for onboard hotel operations, which consume up to half of a ship’s total energy.
The company is also engaging in one of the most comprehensive environmental upgrades with its existing fleet. It has already upgraded two out of seven ships to battery-hybrid power, with a third one scheduled for an upgrade later this year. The remaining vessels have technologies to reduce CO² emissions by 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxides) by 80%.
The unveiling of the first zero-emissions cruise ship comes on the heels of the first-ever zero-emission voyage by MSC Euribia, culminating in Copenhagen today, June 7.
The first day of your cruise will mainly consist of boarding the ship. Boarding cruise ships is one of the most exciting parts of your cruise. You’re full of anticipation of what the next few days at sea will bring. However, if this is your first cruise, you may also be nervous about boarding your ship and not knowing what to expect.
What time should you check in? When should you arrive? What do you need to have with you? These are all normal questions to ask before embarking on your first cruise vacation. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to find answers.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about boarding cruise ships so that you’re ready to kick off your vacation right from the start.
The first thing that you have to do before boarding your cruise ship is check in. Depending on the cruise line, you may be required to check into your cruise days before setting sail through an app, similar to what you do for a flight.
NCL Cruise Check In (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)
Here are some check-in policies for cruise ship passengers on major cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean: Check in up to 48 hours before sailing on the Royal Caribbean app.
Carnival Cruise Line: Online check-in up to 14 days before departure and no later than midnight before the sailing time. Must be checked in at least 60 minutes before sailing time.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Online check-in is up to 21 days before departure and no later than three days before departure. Must be checked in at least 60 minutes before sailing time.
You can also complete check-in in person on the day of your sailing at the cruise terminal. However, you must get to your terminal earlier if you choose to go this route.
Most cruise lines require you to choose an arrival time for the day you arrive at the cruise ship terminal. In general, getting there earlier is better than getting there too late. However, if you arrive too early, you may be stuck waiting around for a while before you’re allowed to board.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
The busiest time for boarding is between noon and 2 pm. If you don’t want to wait in line to board, you’re better off choosing an arrival time after 2 pm or at noon, if possible.
If you have large checked luggage, porters may be available at the cruise ship terminal to carry it onto the ship so that you don’t have to lug it around before you get to your cabin.
Ensure your carry-on bag has everything you need to last the day in case you don’t get your bag until later. This is highly secure, and since it’s tagged and you watch your luggage enter your ship, there’s very little chance of it getting lost.
Since your luggage will be screened for prohibited items, ensure not to lock your suitcases in case they must open your bag.
Pre-Boarding Process
Once it’s time for you to board, you want to ensure you have all your necessary boarding documents. The required documents may differ from cruise line to cruise line, but in general, you should have the following documents ready to go:
All documents mailed to you on your phone or printed
Government ID or passport (valid for at least six months after your cruise ends)
Travel visa (if applicable)
COVID-19 test (if applicable)
Cruise Terminal Check In (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)
Ensure you have all of the appropriate documentation for everyone in your party and that all the names match on all documentation. You must bring all necessary documentation, or you may be denied boarding.
Once you enter the cruise ship terminal, you must show these documents before going through the security line. It’s easiest to have one person in your party provide the agent with all the documents to speed things along.
Going Through Security
All cruise ships have security to ensure the safety of all cruise passengers before boarding the cruise ship. While the extent of the cruise line security isn’t that of the TSA, it’s still important to know the process.
Once you’ve shown your cruise documents, you’ll be sent to the security line. Cruise ship security involves walking through a metal detector to ensure that you have no prohibited items on your person and having your bags scanned through an X-ray to ensure that you aren’t bringing prohibited items such as irons or alcohol aboard.
While you don’t have to remove anything from your bag, be aware that the security agent may flag your bag if anything suspicious comes up in the X-ray, such as additional liquids.
If this happens, your bag will be brought to a separate side table for further inspection. They’ll confiscate any prohibited items before allowing you to board.
Once you pass through security, you can pick up your bags, and you’ll be provided a room key by the check-in agent after completing check-in.
Boarding the Cruise Ship
Once you’re clear to board the cruise ship, you’ll be directed by either signs or staff on where to go to get on the cruise ship. You may also be directed to a waiting area in anticipation of instructions on when to board.
Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock
Boarding cruise ships can be a lively affair. You may find cruise ship photographers asking to take your picture and greetings from much of the staff. If you don’t want your photo taken, you can say no; even if you get it, you are not obligated to purchase it.
You’ll enter the cruise ship through a gangway into a public area. This may be one of the most exciting parts of the boarding process, as you’ll actually be boarding the ship!
What to Do Once You Board
Once you board, you’ll have at least one free hour before the cruise ship sets sail. This is a great time to explore the cruise ship and discover all the amenities.
The first thing you’ll want to do is find your cabin and settle in, making sure that everything is as expected. The crew can help direct you to it. It’s important to note that if you board very early, your cabin may not be ready yet as they’re probably still cleaning from the last cruise.
Once settled in, or if your cabin isn’t ready, it’s time to explore the ship and check out everything there will be to do throughout your trip. A variety of snack and lunch options should be available so you can grab some food before your cruise begins.
Boarding Cruise Ship FAQ
How long does it take to board a cruise ship?
How long the boarding process takes depends on how busy it is. If you try to board during the busiest times – between 12 pm and 2 pm – it may take over an hour, especially if there are a lot of people in front of you. However, if you board during your scheduled arrival time or at a less busy time, the entire process – from arrival to security – shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
What time should you board the cruise ship?
For more cruise lines, boarding starts at around noon. The last chance to board is usually one hour before sailing. Therefore, the best time to board a cruise is between noon and about two hours before your sailing. Most cruise lines request that you choose an arrival time when checking in. It’s essential to stick to arriving at that time to avoid any boarding delays.
What should you wear to board a cruise ship?
Embarkation day may be full of a lot of movement. For this reason, it’s important to wear something comfortable. Remember that your cruise will be pretty casual, so you’ll be fine with simply a T-shirt and shorts.
Wrap-Up: Successfully Boarding Cruise Ships
How boarding day goes for your cruise vacation can make or break the entire experience, so it’s essential to be as prepared for boarding as possible. After all, you want to start your vacation off on the right foot.
You can do so by researching what to expect from boarding the specific cruise line of your ship and understanding the process. Once you’re on your ship, it should all be smooth sailing!
The Government of the Bahamas is proposing departure tax hikes for cruise passengers along with two new tax levies, all in a bid to substantially raise annual revenues from travelers who visit the destination by cruise ship.
If all of the planned actions move forward, the government will boost yearly revenues from cruise ship guests to about $145 million, up from the current $50 million.
Most Fees Could Take Effect in July 2023
A plan by the Bahamas government seeks to nearly triple the country’s annual revenues from cruise ship guests visiting either of the destination’s main ports, Nassau and Freeport, with some charges proposed to take effect next month, according to The Tribune, based in Nassau.
The changes are detailed in the Passenger Tax Amendment Bill 2023, which is slated to be included in the government’s fiscal budget.
The Bahamas currently levies an $18 per passenger departure tax, and that tax would rise by about 27%, to $23, for guests whose ships leave from Nassau and Freeport.
Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock
The tax would increase by about 38%, rising to $25 per passenger, for those who depart the country by sea from a private island, without calling at another port in the country.
The higher fee would affect many cruisers, since all of the major cruise lines operate private islands in the Bahamas, and itineraries frequently will bypass the two main ports.
Additionally, the bill creates a $5 tourism environment tax and a $2 tourism enhancement tax on cruisers arriving or departing the destination. All told, each cruiser leaving from Nassau and Freeport would be charged $30, while those leaving from a private island would pay $32.
As proposed in the bill, all but the tourism enhancement tax would take effect on July 1; the enhancement levy would follow on January 1, 2024.
None of the cruise lines have commented publicly on the proposals yet, and industry watchers believe that the major cruise trade groups are privately discussing the bill with Bahamian officials.
Popular Nassau Port Recently Upgraded
The Bahamas is a wildly popular cruise destination visited by virtually every major cruise line. The Nassau Cruise Port recently set a new cruise passenger record, when more than 28,000 cruise guests from several lines visited on one day in February 2023.
The port also recently emerged from a massive upgrade that took four years and cost $300 million. Work included the addition of a new berth and the refurbishing and repairing of all piers.
Photo Credit: Georges_Creations / Shutterstock
With the renovations, Nassau Cruise Port can now accommodate six cruise ships per day, including three Icon or Oasis-class ships.
The expansion of the port increases its capacity from 20,000 cruise passengers per day to over 30,000 cruise passengers per day. The port expects to welcome a total of 4 million cruise guests in 2023.
Cruise Line Investment in Bahamas Keeps Growing
Several of the major cruise lines also have made, or are in the process of making, significant investments in the Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line, for instance, recently announced the opening of its new island destination at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, in The Bahamas, set to debut in the summer of 2024.
Photo Credit: ENKA
Plans for the 700-acre beach retreat were announced in 2019, and the project represents an investment by the cruise line of up to $400 million. The cruise line already has a private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Royal Caribbean also has big plans for a new destination in Nassau and is working with the Bahamian government to bring it to fruition.
The luxury-level Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will be a public-private partnership that enables Bahamians to own up to 49% equity in the project, and local businesses will manage most of the guest experiences.
The plan received government approval in March 2023, and the beach club is slated to open in 2025.
Virgin Voyages has unexpectedly decided to cancel four of its Resilient Lady cruises scheduled to sail from Melbourne and Sydney to New Zealand in early 2024.
The move follows feedback from guests and travel industry partners, resulting in a shift towards offering more round-trip sailings within Australia.
Four Cruises Scrapped for Shorter Options
Virgin Voyages has informed local travel partners about the cancellation of four cruises onboard the new Resilient Lady, scheduled between January and March 2024.
The cancelled departures were initially set for January 23, February 2, February 14, and February 24, 2024, all sailing to and from New Zealand.
The decision came after feedback from guests and travel partners, indicating a preference for more round-trip sailings in Australia from Melbourne and Sydney.
Resilient Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Alex Anderson / Maritime Filming UK)
A guest booked on one of the cruises posted the following quote in an email from Virgin Voyages:
“We have received significant feedback from Sailors and travel partners about the voyages available, so we’re adjusting our sailing schedule to provide more round-trip sailings in Australia from Melbourne and Sydney.”
The four cruises onboard Resilient Lady would have sailed from Sydney and Melbourne to Auckland, and vice versa. Ports of call on the four voyages included Hobart, Tasmania, and Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Tauranga, New Zealand.
Guests booked on the cancelled voyages will have the choice of receiving their cruise fare in the form of Future Voyage Credit and a bonus credit depending on their booked cabin category, or a full refund will also be available.
While the precise motivations behind the cancellations are yet to be officially clarified, several plausible speculations exist. The cancelled cruises were longer, which could have dampened the popularity.
Resilient Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Alex Anderson / Maritime Filming UK)
The decision to shift from longer voyages to shorter, round-trip sailings within Australia might also be advantageous for Virgin Voyages in terms of operational costs. Shorter cruises require less fuel than longer ones, considering the shorter distances involved.
Given the considerable expenses associated with fuel consumption in the cruising industry, this could lead to significant savings. According to online reports, the new, shorter cruises sailing around the Australian coastline will be available soon.
Resilient Lady is Newest in Fleet
The Resilient Lady is a 110,000 gross-ton cruise ship with a guest capacity of 2,700. As of June 2023, the Resilient Lady is sailing a series of cruises around the Greek islands from Pireaus. Ports of call include destinations like Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.
In October this year, Resilient Lady will reposition to Australia during three separate voyages from Athens to Dubai, Dubai to Singapore, and Singapore to Sydney.
Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages operates three identical ships, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady. Another, Brilliant Lady, is on order and expected to be delivered later this year.
Known for its unconventional offerings, Virgin Voyages provides a unique cruising experience. The cruise line has broken away from buffet-style dining and instead focuses on diverse culinary experiences. The company has more than 20 distinctive restaurants onboard its ships, all included in the cruise price.
Virgin Voyages also boasts novel features like Squid Ink, the world’s first tattoo studio at sea, and entertainment that includes immersive and interactive theatrical performances, modern dance shows, and live music performances across multiple venues.
Cruise industry watchers know that the vacation-at-sea option is in comeback mode, big time, as pandemic fears have all but dissipated and travelers are eagerly resuming their global explorations.
On June 6, a leading travel protection company revealed results of a new survey that show what is motivating today’s cruisers, and chief among them is a preference for sailing on smaller ships.
Results Indicate Vessel, Destination Choices
The results of a new survey by Global Rescue, a firm providing medical, security, evacuation, and other travel protection services, offer some surprising insights into what makes today’s cruisers tick, including what kinds of ships they prefer and where they are most interested in going.
According to the Global Rescue Spring 2023 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, fully half of respondents who plan to cruise this year will embark on smaller ships that accommodate less than 800 guests. That compares to 11% who will sail on cruise ship with more than 3,500 guests.
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The survey found that 17% of respondents prefer ships that carry between 800 and 1,499 guests; 20% favor ships with capacity for between 1,500 and 2,500 guests, and the same percentage chose larger ships that accommodate between 2,500 and 3,500 guests.
“Smaller cruise ships are easier to maneuver and have greater port access compared to mega-cruise ships. The smaller capacity ships open up river cruising, visiting tucked-away harbors, exotic locales, pristine beaches and remote places or ports where larger ships can’t reach,” said Michael Holmes, vice president of marketing for Global Rescue.
The survey questions also delved into the kinds of destinations this year’s cruisers are most interested in visiting. Tropical cruise destinations are preferred by 21% of respondents, followed by glaciers at 14%, and fjord cruising at 12%. The survey found other leading destinations this year, including river, transocean, fall foliage, and Panama Canal voyages.
Forty-five percent of cruisers who participated in the survey, all of whom are current or former members of Global Rescue (the company operates on a membership basis), also indicated that, even with inflation and concerns of a possible recession, they are prepared to pay higher travel costs.
Continued Growth in Cruise Volume Expected
Overall, Global Rescue found that cruising has returned as a robust vacation options. In fact, the survey found that 40% of respondents have either taken a cruise since the pandemic started or will cruise in 2023. These indications mesh with other industry sources.
The 2023 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry Report predicts that cruise volume this year will exceed 2019 – the year before the pandemic hit. CLIA’s report states that 31.5 million travelers will cruise in 2023, compared to 29.7 million in 2019.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Furthermore, CLIA sees continued growth, predicting that 36 million will cruise next year, and in 2027 the number will jump to 39.5 million cruisers. The industry will respond to the growing numbers of cruises guests with a slew of new vessels; according to CLIA’s industry order book, 44 new ships will debut between 2023 and 2028.
A Predicted Comeback Year Materializes
The 2023 comeback has been documented by cruise lines, too, with many of the top lines reporting banner Wave Season bookings at the start of this year.
Luxury line Cunard this year reported its busiest Wave Season in the past decade, while Holland America Line set its highest weekly booking level ever recorded in January, when bookings jumped by 20% compared to the same time frame in 2019, for example. Both are Carnival Corporation brands.
In its first quarter earnings report last month, Royal Caribbean Group said its brands were operating above the historical levels it had reached pre-pandemic. The group owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and top luxury line Silversea Cruises.
Global Rescue surveyed 1,700 respondents in mid-April 2023.
