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Giant New Princess Cruise Ship to Make US Debut in Late 2024

Robert McGillivray
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Giant New Princess Cruise Ship to Make US Debut in Late 2024

Princess Cruises has announced that its largest ship ever, the Sun Princess, will make its U.S. debut in October 2024. The ship will allow guests to visit their favorite Caribbean destinations on seven- and 14-day itineraries departing from Florida. 

As the first ship in the cruise line’s new Sphere class, Sun Princess will be stationed at Port Everglades during the winter 2024 cruise season after completing a season of Mediterranean and Europe cruises from February to September 2024.

Sun Princess Sails from Ft. Lauderdale October 2024

Princess Cruises has revealed that its newest cruise ship, Sun Princess, will be homeporting in Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, starting from October 9, 2024. The cruise line’s first LNG-powered cruise ship will be sailing a series of five-day and seven-day Caribbean cruises that will visit the Bahamas, the eastern Caribbean, and the Western Caribbean. 

“We are thrilled about the expansion of the Princess fleet and know that homeporting Sun Princess in Ft. Lauderdale offers a convenient option for guests to explore the most elevated experience ever from the Love Boat,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

Cruises include a five-day Caribbean Getaway, with visits to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk. There will be two different eastern Caribbean cruises on offer which either visit Puerto Rico and Princess Cays or Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Princess Cays. 

The western Caribbean cruises will be sailing to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan, Honduras. 

“The warmth, pristine beauty, and crystal-clear waters found throughout the Caribbean form an idyllic backdrop for our iconic new ship and create the perfect setting for Princess guests to enjoy the stunning views and playful adventure that are magnified on this beautiful, iconic new ship,” Padgett continued.

Guests can combine the 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries for an ultimate 14-day Caribbean East/West Adventurer experience.

Delivery Scheduled for Early 2024

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new dining, entertainment, and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories.

The steel-cutting for Sun Princess took place in September 2021 at Centro Servizi Navali, a sheet metal production specialist near Trieste, Italy.

Sun Princess Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Fincantieri

The ship was floated out from its dry dock facility at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone on March 8, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the ship as it progresses toward the completion of interior design work.

The Sun Princess is the first of two sister ships in Princess Cruises’ new Sphere class, which is filled with exciting new designs and spaces. Before heading to the US, she will sail for a season in Europe. 

Sun Princess Cruises

Sun Princess’ European cruises begin with the 10 Night Inaugural Grand Mediterranean cruise. This cruise will start on February 8, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. Guests will visit destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Messina, Italy; Piraeus, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Naples, Italy; and Civitavecchia, Italy.

Following the inaugural cruise, the Sun Princess will continue sailing on 10 Night Grand Mediterranean cruises. The Sun Princess‘s European cruise season will conclude with the 16-night transatlantic cruise, sailing on September 23, 2024. 

From Southampton, England, the itinerary includes a visit to Portland, England, before sailing south to Vigo, Spain. From there, the ship will continue to Madeira, Tenerife, and arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 9, 2024.

What Color Is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?

Emrys Thakkar
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What Color Is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?

If you’re a cruise or maritime enthusiast, you may get excited about learning the different terminology and processes that go into the operation of a cruise ship.

You may have already heard of the term “port side,” but do you know what it means? Are you wondering about the significance of the colors on the ship? If so, keep reading to learn what color is port and other port facts.

In This Article…

What Is Port?

Before getting into the color of port, let’s first make sure you know exactly what the port side on a cruise is. 

Put simply, the port side is the ship’s left side when you’re looking forward or toward the front part of the ship. In contrast, the right side is referred to as starboard. 

For the captain and crew, port side is used in navigation and making sure there is no confusion with the starboard side. While this makes the name self-explanatory, referring to this side as port side is mainly to differentiate it from the other side of the ship, and ensure that everyone onboard understands what this universal term means. 

What Color Is the Port Side?

In addition to having different names for the left and right side of the ship, there are also different color navigation lights associated with each side.

Red Port Side Light on Ship
Red Port Side Light on Ship (Photo Credit: Richard Nantais / Shutterstock)

The port side of the ship is red. The starboard side is green. Ships often emit a red light to allow other vessels at sea to clearly see them coming and letting them know in what direction they are traveling.

What Does the Port Color Mean?

As mentioned, the port color of a ship is red. The main reason for this is for others to see the ship at night or in low visibility.

Since these color conventions are universal, a ship that spots the colors of another ship will have an idea of whether the ship is coming towards them or going the opposite way based on the position of the color. 

These nautical terms and the overall system are set by the International Maritime Organization. This system makes it easier for captains to navigate the water, and minimizes the risk of accidents at sea. 

Port Color FAQs

Is the port color universal for all cruise lines?

The port color is universal not only for all cruise ships, but for every maritime vessel across the globe. This ensures that safety standards are clear across the waters to prevent accidents from happening.

How do I know if a port is arriving or departing a port of call?

You’ll be able to tell whether a ship is arriving or departing a port of call based on how it moves. Either way, from the dock, you’ll always see the red. Following the color will help you see whether the ship is coming or going.

Summary: Know the Colors of Your Ship

To recap, the color of a cruise ship’s port side (or left-hand side) is red to let other ships on the water know which direction the ship is coming from.

Read Also: Port and Starboard: Which Side Is Which?

Understanding the port side may not be crucial to enjoying your cruise, but it’s great to know if you’re curious and interested in ships in general. Knowing the color of the port side is a great piece of trivia to tell your friends and family on your next cruise!

Cruise Ship Security Jobs – 5 Pros & Cons

Emrys Thakkar
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Cruise Ship Security Jobs – 5 Pros & Cons

There are a multitude of different job options on a cruise ship. While jobs in entertainment and guest services are common and popular, there are other very important jobs onboard, such as security. 

Every cruise ship has a security team that works the ship. This is one of the most critical jobs on the ship, as the security team is responsible for the overall safety of the passengers on the cruise ship. In fact, cruise ships even have jails. However, cruise ship security jobs aren’t for everyone. 

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about working security on a cruise ship to determine if it’s the right job for you.

In This Article…

What Does a Cruise Ship Security Job Involve?

Working security on a cruise ship requires a lot of responsibility and discipline. After all, you’re in charge of the safety of everyone on the ship! Depending on the cruise line, there are several possible positions within a cruise ship’s security team. Some examples include:

  • Security guards: Responsible for the control and entry of the passengers onto the ship and also screening of passengers.
  • Security officer: In charge of daily security operations. 
  • Supervisors: Overlooks all other security personnel to ensure the ship’s safety.

The job description of each of these positions differs between cruise ships. However, being part of a cruise ship’s security team involves a mix of each of these jobs. Here’s what to expect from a cruise ship security job.

Duties and Responsibilities

Cruise ship security personnel are first and foremost responsible for keeping passengers and crew safe. There are several ways that security does this.

Cruise ship security guards continuously monitor and secure areas of the ship as needed. This includes ensuring that people follow the rules in areas such as the pool and that the casinos and nightclubs are safe.

Security Staff on Cruise Ship
Security Staff on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Michele Rinaldi / Shutterstock)

At a higher level, the security team is trained to respond to emergencies and security incidents. This ranges from controlling unruly guests to preventing and responding to piracy or terrorism threats.

Check out the International Maritime Organization (IMO) security guidelines to learn what responsibilities you may face in a cruise ship security job. 

Skills and Qualifications

Here are some skills that are expected from most cruise ship security jobs:

  • Ability to act fast
  • Work well under pressure
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail

While it isn’t usually a requirement, many security persons on cruise ships have experience in law enforcement or the military. This means they are physically fit and have developed an ability to handle stress, a major job requirement.

What’s more, to succeed as part of cruise ship security, you need to be able to collaborate with the other security personnel, as you’ll need to be coordinated and work as a team to cover the most ground on the cruise ship.

Carnival Cruise Line Getting Strict
Carnival Cruise Line Security

Finally, you should have basic knowledge of security protocols and procedures. If you’ve never worked on a cruise ship before, you may need to attend a maritime training program, undergo firearms and safety training, and obtain any other certifications your desired cruise line may require. 

Now let’s check out the pros and cons of a cruise ship security job.

Pros of Working in Cruise Ship Security

There are several benefits to working a cruise ship security job. Here are some of the top advantages. 

Good Pay and Benefits

Working cruise ship security pays relatively well. According to Indeed, the average security officer makes about $57,000 annually. While the rate would differ depending on the cruise line and position, you can potentially make more.

In addition, working on a cruise ship provides additional benefits you wouldn’t get working security on land, including free room and board, insurance, and travel.

Travel and Adventure

Speaking of travel, this is one of the biggest perks of working any position on a cruise ship. Working on a cruise ship lets you visit new and exciting destinations almost daily. You’ll also get to experience different cultures and meet new people. Plus, you get paid to do it!

Challenging and Dynamic Work Environment

What’s great about working on a cruise ship is that you never know what to expect. Guests and destinations are always changing, making working security on a cruise ship a great way to stay on your toes.

Security Crew Members on Carnival Cruise Ship
Security Crew Members on Carnival Cruise Ship

With such an ever-changing environment, there are many opportunities to learn and grow as a security professional. You’ll learn to act quickly, think fast, and respond to any situation. 

Opportunities for Advancement

One of the best parts about cruise ship security jobs is that there are always opportunities for advancement. If you enjoy working security, you can move up the ladder within the security department to obtain a management role.

Better yet, if you feel like you need a bigger change, it’s possible to transfer your skills to a different ship or even find a whole new position that isn’t in security. Cruise ship security jobs open many doors for your career!

Cons of Working in Cruise Ship Security

While there are several advantages to working cruise ship security, there are also several drawbacks that you must consider.

Cruise Security Camera
Cruise Security Camera (Photo Credit: Aleksandrkozak / Shutterstock)

Long Working Hours and Limited Time Off

Cruise ship crew work long hours and often don’t get time off for weeks or months. This is especially true for security, a job that needs coverage 24/7.

You can expect to work in shifts around the clock as a security guard. These shifts may even be as long as 12 hours. You need to remain alert during this time to respond to anything that may happen.

Being Away From Home and Family for Extended Periods

One of the downsides for anyone working on a cruise ship is how long they have to be away from home. You may be at sea for weeks or months without seeing your family and friends. This can be challenging for some, so you must ensure you’re ready for this possibility. 

Plus, with different time zones and limited time off, staying connected and finding time to contact your loved ones could be difficult.

Physical Demands of the Job

Cruise ship jobs are physically demanding, and this is especially true for cruise ship security jobs. At the very least, security guards must be used to standing for long periods. At most, they must be fit to respond to physically demanding situations, such as assisting passengers or displacing large items.

Read Also: The Top 6 Best Cruise Lines to Work For

Potentially Dangerous Working Conditions

Security is always dangerous work, whether dealing with dangerous people, handling dangerous situations, or working in dangerous weather conditions. Security on cruise ships may also have to handle hazardous materials if ever found on the ship, which can also be dangerous. 

Conclusion: Is a Cruise Ship Security Job Right for You?

Cruise ship security jobs are extremely important for the maintenance of a cruise. Both passengers and crew alike depend on security to keep them safe.

That said, working cruise ship security can be rewarding and even enjoyable. It’s essential to fully understand the job to know what it entails to decide whether it’s right for you.

Carnival Reveals Senior Staff For First ‘Italian-Style’ Ship

Donna Tunney
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Carnival Reveals Senior Staff For First ‘Italian-Style’ Ship

Carnival Cruise Line revealed the senior officers and top entertainment staff who will lead operations aboard the line’s new addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia, formerly the Costa Venezia.

The ship, which was built for Costa Cruises and transferred to the Carnival brand, is undergoing a dry dock refit at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, and is due to arrive in New York in June.

Veteran Carnival Captain at the Helm of Carnival Venezia

The 4,208-guest Carnival Venezia is in the process of a major refurbishment that will signal the launch of Carnival Cruise Line’s “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept.

The ship promises to bring a distinctly Italian vibe to the New York cruise scene. Her atrium is modeled on the Piazza San Marco in Venice, the Lido deck has influences from the Italian Riviera and the Gondola Lounge is inspired by Venetian canals.

So it seems fitting that Captain Claudio Cupisti, who hails from Viareggio, Italy, will be at the helm of the 135,225 gross-ton ship. Captain Cupisti has 34 years of experience at Carnival, having worked on 20 Carnival ships, including Carnival Breeze, Carnival Elation, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Valor and others.

Carnival also appointed Cesare Boldrini as chief engineer of Carnival Venezia. He’s from La Spezia, Italy, and joined the cruise line in 1996 as an engine cadet. Boldrini has worked as chief engineer since 2011.

Karl Hallberg, from Sweden, will be the ship’s hotel director. Hallberg has previously served in the hotel director role on 10 Carnival ships since he joined the company six years ago.

Milena Krivokapic
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Milena Krivokapic was tapped as entertainment director. Hailing from Montenegro, she has been with Carnival since 2015 in a variety of entertainment-related positions.

Perhaps no staff member has as much influence on a cruiser’s experience as the cruise director. For the new ship, Carnival has named Marques “MarQ” Matthias to the position. He joined Carnival in 2015 and was part of the launch team on Carnival Vista. Matthias was named a cruise director just one year later.

Cruise Director Marques “MarQ” Matthias
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said, “As we continue to grow our operations, it’s key for us to build strong teams who can ensure the success of our new ships and their crew members. We’re fortunate to have some of the most experienced mariners in the cruise industry coming together to make Carnival Venezia feel right at home, for our guests, as part of the Carnival fleet.”

Ship Will Soon Depart Barcelona For New York

The ship will depart on her transatlantic crossing from Barcelona on May 29, en route to her new homeport of New York.

Duffy and Carnival brand’s chief culinary officer, Emeril Lagasse, will be onboard for part of the 15-night crossing and participate in several special events during the cruise. Planned activities include a Sail Away Party, a Captain’s Venetian Toast, and cooking demonstrations.

Carnival Venezia is due to arrive in New York on June 13. A four-day Bermuda cruise departs June 15, followed by year-round sailings to destinations including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Canada, and New England.

Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship
Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The ship formally became Carnival Venezia in late March when she was officially registered with the Bahamas Maritime Authority during a ceremony in Cadiz, Spain.

Another ship, the 4,072-guest Carnival Firenze, also a former Costa Cruises’ vessel, will become the second Carnival Cruise Line “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship in 2024.

In all, three Costa ships were transferred to the Carnival brand. The third, the 2,260-guest Carnival Luminosa, is not part of the Italian-style project. Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises are both Carnival Corporation brands.

Royal Caribbean Considers Rum Cay for Possible Bahamas Expansion

Robert McGillivray
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Royal Caribbean Considers Rum Cay for Possible Bahamas Expansion

Royal Caribbean is exploring the possibility of expanding its presence in the Bahamas by considering Rum Cay as a potential new location. Michael Bayley, the company’s president and chief executive, advised not to draw conclusions but acknowledged that the cruise line constantly seeks opportunities to expand. 

Royal Caribbean currently operates the popular ‘Perfect Day’ destination on Coco Cay in the Bahamas, is underway with the development of its new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, and is also working on expanding its activities in Freeport in the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Eyes Rum Cay for New Destination Opportunity

Rum Cay is a small island in the southern region of the Bahamas. It is about 345 miles southeast of Nassau and is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and pristine natural beauty. It has now come to the attention of cruise giant Royal Caribbean Group as a potential new private island cruise destination.

In response to questions about Royal Caribbean’s interest in Rum Cay, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s President and CEO, confirmed that the company was approached about a potential opportunity and sent a team to investigate.

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

He mentioned: “It’s true. Our perspective is that you can never have enough great product. We are constantly looking for any opportunity where we can create a customer experience that we think the customers will love. We were approached about a potential opportunity and sent a team to look at that opportunity.

Read Also: Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To

Bayley did not provide any information on whether the cruise line plans to pursue the Rum Cay opportunity further or if negotiations have begun to secure the necessary land. Nevertheless, visiting the southern Bahamian island signifies that the company may want to expand beyond Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, and Freeport.

Potential Rum Cay Site

The Bahamas newspaper Tribune Business reports sources informed them that Royal Caribbean’s interest in Rum Cay is focused on a 375-450 acre parcel in the island’s northwest corner.

This site is part of a larger 1,000-acre area previously involved in multiple land disputes. However, all title issues and legal battles are believed to have been resolved.

Rum Cay, Bahamas
Rum Cay, Bahamas (Photo Credit: netsign33 / Shutterstock)

One source even mentioned that negotiations over the land might be in the final stages, suggesting Royal Caribbean could have already accepted a contract. However, this would seem unlikely, given the timeframe. 

The northwest area of Rum Cay is considered ideal for accommodating cruise ships due to the deep water close to the shore, allowing for the construction of a pier for passengers to disembark easily.

Royal Caribbean’s Bahamas Investments

While it would seem unlikely that Royal Caribbean would be looking at another private island destination in the Bahamas, the idea is not entirely without merit. Royal Caribbean has long been looking at redeveloping the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport, but that project fell through in 2021.

Royal Caribbean's Bahamas Beach Club
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

In Freeport, Royal Caribbean is working on a joint venture with ITM Group to redevelop and expand the Freeport Harbor cruise port. The project aims to bring more capacity to the port, improve its facilities, and attract more visitors by adding more cruise ship berths and developing a water-based adventure theme park for passengers close to the harbor.

Bayley stated, “I would say we are increasingly optimistic about the timing of that. In the coming months, hopefully, we will be in a position to make some positive announcements on Freeport.”

There is also Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club which will soon be developed in Nassau, and there is the hugely successful Perfect Day at CocoCay. That last one, in particular, is so successful and popular that it’s not unlikely Royal Caribbean Group would be looking at developing more sites like this, possibly at Rum Cay.

Royal Caribbean Ship Drops Port Visit and Shortens Others

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Ship Drops Port Visit and Shortens Others

Royal Caribbean International has reached out to booked guests aboard one January 2024 sailing of Anthem of the Seas with notification of multiple itinerary changes. One port of call is being dropped completely, and times in port are being changed for every other port on the 11-night voyage.

Itinerary Changes for Anthem of the Seas

The January 29, 2024, departure of Anthem of the Seas is being altered, with every port of call being changed in some way. The cruise line has contacted booked guests to explain the changes as follows:

“To maintain a safe and comfortable speed along our journey, we’ll now have a sea day instead of Puerto Plata,” the email began. “Additionally, we’ve adjusted our arrival and departure times for a few of our ports.”

In actuality, every port of call for the sailing has been adjusted. The cruise was initially planned to have five ports of call, but the time in each one has been altered.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
  • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Cancelled
  • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (+2 hours)
  • Philipsburg, St. Maarten – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (-1 hour)
  • Castries, St. Lucia – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (-1.5 hours)
  • Bassetere, St. Kitts & Nevis – 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. instead of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (-1.5 hours)

In total, while extra hours have been added to Charlotte Amalie to give guests more time to enjoy that beautiful port of call, a total of 2 hours have been lost from the overall time in ports for the entire itinerary.

While this may not seem like a significant change, adjusting every port of call can impact multiple shore excursions and cuts down on the time guests may have to shop locally, enjoy the beaches, visit local restaurants, or otherwise truly immerse themselves in these amazing destinations.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this,” the email continues. “Nevertheless, we’re excited to sail away with you!” The whole cruise is an 11-night sailing, roundtrip from New York. The ship’s New York times – departing on January 29 and returning on February 9 – are unaffected.

Explaining so Many Changes

Royal Caribbean has offered no further explanation for the adjustments other than to “maintain a safe and comfortable speed” for the sailing.

This seems to indicate that the ship may be having technical issues, but it would be unusual for a cruise itinerary to be altered more than nine months prior to sailing, as that is ample time for such issues to be repaired before this particular voyage.

Anthem of the Seas in the UK
Photo Credit: Matt Alexander/PA Wi

This would not be the first time that the Quantum-class Anthem of the Seas has experienced propulsion issues, however. Both the upcoming June 4 and June 16 departures have also had itinerary changes shortening time in different ports of call, and in early March, another sailing was adjusted due to engine issues.

Similarly, in 2017, the ship was forced to alter an in-progress itinerary due to propulsion issues that required sailing at a reduced speed. During that incident, engineers fixed the problem before the end of the cruise and the following sailing was unaffected.

At this time, there is no confirmation of further upcoming itineraries being altered, but guests booked aboard Anthem of the Seas in the coming months should stay alert for the possibility of changes to their sailings.

Anthem of the Seas debuted in 2015 as the second ship in the Quantum class. Weighing in at 168,888 gross tons, the ship can welcome 4,180 guests at double occupancy, or as many as 4,905 passengers when fully booked.

The ship is homeported in New York for the winter season of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, but moves to Southampton for the summer, offering a variety of European, Mediterranean, and Norwegian fjords sailings.

Multiple Carnival Cruise Ships Begin Deployment Shifts

Robert McGillivray
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Multiple Carnival Cruise Ships Begin Deployment Shifts

Carnival Cruise Line is kicking off the summer season with the deployment shift of three ships, two of which will sail across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, while a third will embark on a Carnival Journeys cruise in the coming days.

The voyages mark the beginning of summer deployments for Carnival’s ships, which will sail to Alaska and Europe.

Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit To Sail in Alaska

Carnival Cruise Line has begun preparations for the summer season with three cruise ships setting sail to their summer homeports today, April 13, and this weekend.

Carnival Luminosa departed Brisbane, Australia, on a 23-day transpacific sailing to Seattle, where she will arrive on May 4. Her arrival next month marks the first time that Carnival Luminosa is sailing in U.S. waters since joining the fleet in November 2022. From her Washington base, the former Costa Cruises ship will sail a season in Alaska.

Carnival Spirit New Livery
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Pride is leaving Tampa today for a transatlantic cruise to Europe. Carnival Spirit is set to sail from Miami to Seattle this weekend.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Guests on board Carnival Luminosa have thoroughly enjoyed all the extraordinary experiences of sailing from Australia, visiting pristine beaches, and taking in the local culture. Now, our fantastic shipboard crew members have a great opportunity to share this beautiful ship with even more guests for a new series of unforgettable cruises across Alaska.”

Carnival Spirit will depart Miami for a 16-day cruise to Seattle on Sunday, arriving just ahead of Carnival Luminosa on May 2, 2023, to begin operating in Alaska.

Guests will stop in destinations such as Santa Marta and Cartagena, Colombia; Costa Rica; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and cruise through the Panama Canal.

Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit will each sail a four-month Alaska season, along with their sister ship, Carnival Miracle, which homeports in San Francisco. The ships will sail 49 Alaskan cruises, with itineraries ranging from six to fourteen days and visiting ports such as Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and scenic cruising of Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm Fjord.

Carnival Pride Cruises to Europe

While Carnival Luminosa leaves Australia, another Carnival ship is making its way to Europe. Carnival Pride is sailing a 13-day transatlantic cruise from Tampa Bay to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will stop in Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Malaga, and Valencia, Spain.

Before guests can set foot onboard in Dover, UK; Barcelona, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Carnival Pride will go into dry dock.

Carnival Pride in Dover
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Amongst the works scheduled for the Spirit-class cruise ship is the addition of the new Carnival livery, a red, white, and blue hull design. Carnival Pride is one of the very few Carnival cruise ships which hasn’t yet received the iconic livery.

Read Also: All Carnival Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest

There will also be the addition of a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, and the steakhouse will be rebranded as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and span two decks. 

Carnival Pride will sail 15 European cruises from May 28, 2023, through October 28, 2023. The ship will conclude its European season with a 15-day transatlantic voyage back to Tampa, Florida, on October 28, 2023.

Two Carnival Cruise Ships to Begin Unique Journeys

Melissa Mayntz
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Two Carnival Cruise Ships to Begin Unique Journeys

Two Carnival cruise ships are poised to set off on lengthy repositioning cruises on the same day to bring them to entirely different regions for new sailing seasons.

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, Carnival Pride will depart for a transatlantic cruise, while her fleet mate, the new Carnival Luminosa, will begin a transpacific voyage.

Carnival Pride Moving to Europe

On Thursday, April 13, Carnival Pride will begin a transatlantic crossing, a 13-night cruise from Tampa, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. While the ship will not be homeported from Barcelona, this sailing does bring her to Europe for the summer season.

On the 13-night transatlantic cruise, the ship will visit just three ports of call – Ponta Delgada in the Azores as well as both Malaga and Valencia in Spain. This means nine full days will be spent at sea, giving guests an amazing time to fully immerse themselves in all the ship has to offer.

Onboard will be 1,825 guests of the Spirit-class ship’s typical capacity of 2,124, with guests from many different countries enjoying the journey.

Carnival Pride Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald recently interviewed Carnival Pride‘s master, Captain Vito, who has been with Carnival since 1990, about what it’s like to sail a transatlantic cruise with so many days at sea, so far from other ports of call.

“No matter how many times we have done it, is always a very sobering and a moment of reflection being so far from everyone and at the same time so close to many on board,” Captain Vito said. “This is the moment that guests and crew become one….the so-called “Ship Company!”

After arriving in Spain, Carnival Pride will sail from Barcelona to Dover, stopping at ports in Portugal, Spain, France, and Belgium before arriving in England. She will remain homeported from Dover for the summer season, offering 9- and 12- night European sailings, before moving to Rome in September to spend several weeks offering additional itineraries from Italy.

In late October, the ship will return to Tampa via another 15-night transatlantic crossing, returning to her Caribbean home for the winter season.

Carnival Luminosa Setting Sail for Alaska

At the same time, Carnival Pride sets sail for Europe, the newest ship in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Luminosa, will depart her first homeport to reposition via a transpacific cruise to Alaska.

The renovated and rebranded ship, formerly Costa Luminosa, debuted with Carnival homeported from Brisbane, but on April 13, she will begin moving north to Seattle. The transpacific sailing is an epic 21-night journey with amazing ports of call in New Caledonia, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Hawaii, before arriving in Seattle on May 4.

During the sailing, Carnival Luminosa will cross the International Date Line, always a special event for both crew and guests, no matter how many times they may have passed that marker.

Carnival Luminosa Cruise Ship
Photo Copyright: litttree / Shutterstock

A full 15 days will be spent at sea during the cruise, giving guests ample time to enjoy everything unique and distinctive about Carnival Luminosa and her Italian flair.

For the summer, the ship will offer 7-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle, visiting top Alaskan ports such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising along the dramatic Inside Passage.

When Carnival Luminosa returns to Brisbane in the fall, the transpacific crossing will be an even more astonishing 31-night cruise, first heading north to Alaskan ports and then moving south to ports in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. That sailing departs Seattle on September 14, and arrives in Brisbane on October 15.

About Transoceanic Cruises

Transoceanic cruises are one-way journeys across oceans that reposition ships to new markets in distant regions. In some cases, cruise lines rotate ships to new homeports to drive local interest and attract new travelers who may have already cruised frequently on the same homeported ship.

In other instances, transoceanic cruises are seasonal movements to take ships to different areas of the world with more limited cruise seasons. This can bring vessels to popular markets during vacation periods or times when weather cycles are more clement for comfortable, amazing cruises.

Some cruise ships may make transoceanic crossings multiple times a year while other ships only make these monumental journeys infrequently, but no matter when they sail, which ocean they cross, or where they are going, the sailings are amazing experiences for every traveler.

More Repositionings to Come

While these two ships are setting sail on very special journeys on the same day, they aren’t the only repositioning cruises coming up this week. On Sunday, April 16, Carnival Spirit will leave her Miami homeport for a Panama Canal sailing that will take her to Seattle for the Alaska season, where she will arrive two days before Carnival Luminosa.

Have you ever cruised across an entire ocean? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!

MSC Cruises’ Biggest Ship Begins Mediterranean Voyages

Robert McGillivray
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MSC Cruises’ Biggest Ship Begins Mediterranean Voyages

MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises’ biggest and most environmentally advanced cruise ship, has arrived in Europe to begin its summer season in the Mediterranean Sea. The World-class cruise ship will offer 7-night itineraries, visiting Italian ports such as Genoa, Naples, and Messina, Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, and Marseille in France.

MSC World Europa Arrives in Europe

MSC World Europa has completed her repositioning cruise from the Middle East, where she spent her maiden season, and has arrived in Italy. The 5,400-guest ship left Abu Dhabi on March 27, stopping at Sir Bani Yas, Muscat, and Jeddah in the Middle East along the way. The ship then sailed through the Suez Canal on her way to Italy.

The vessel has been incredibly popular in the Middle East, particularly with guests from the United States. 

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA, said: “Our guests from the U.S. have been thrilled to cruise on board MSC World Europa during her inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf, and many more of them are flocking to Europe as she starts her first summer season in the Mediterranean.”

MSC World Europa will sail 7-night cruises to Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona, and Marseille during her time in the Mediterranean. As is the standard with MSC Cruises, guests can board and disembark cruises at any port of call, offering great flexibility for homeport options.

MSC World Europa, World Promenade / Photo Courtesy MSC Cruises

Guests won’t be bored on the ship with the 350-foot-long outdoor World Promenade; The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, an 11-deck-drop dry slide; state-of-the-art entertainment options; and the largest kids’ area in the MSC Cruises fleet. There are also 20 bars and lounges, 13 dining venues, an onboard microbrewery, and the exclusive MSC Yacht Club for the ultimate in luxury.

MSC World Europa’s Environmental Promise 

The 215,863-gross-ton MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest marine fuel currently available. The vessel plays a significant role in MSC’s drive to become carbon neutral by 2050. 

The cruise line is effectively using its newest cruise ship as a platform to test and use groundbreaking technology to improve its environmental footprint.

“This groundbreaking ship exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainable cruising,” Rodríguez said.

“MSC World Europa’s innovative environmental and marine technologies represent a major step forward on our journey towards meeting our target of net-zero emissions by 2050, and it offers a glimpse at our future in the U.S. as we move toward bringing MSC World America into service in 2025.”

MSC World Europa / Photo Courtesy MSC Cruises

MSC World Europa is among the first cruise ships to incorporate fuel cell technology. The ship’s 150-kilowatt SOFC fuel cell uses LNG to efficiently produce electricity and heat through an electrochemical reaction. The technology looks promising for the cruise industry, functioning efficiently and generating more energy than anticipated.

Read Also: New MSC Megaship Out of Miami Opens for Bookings

The ship has shore power plug-in connectivity, an advanced wastewater treatment system, and a ballast water treatment system. The ship also features an underwater radiated noise management system to minimize disturbance to marine life, as well as equipment that optimizes engine use and hotel energy needs.

MSC World Europa is scheduled to operate its Mediterranean itineraries until the end of May 2024.

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