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Princess Cruise Ship Cancels Port Calls Due to Severe Weather

Robert McGillivray
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Princess Cruise Ship Cancels Port Calls Due to Severe Weather

Due to severe weather conditions, Majestic Princess has been forced to cancel two of its scheduled port calls in New Zealand. Steady winds of 35-40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50-60 mph, are expected in the region. Cruise line officials informed guests of the changes via a letter from the ship’s captain.

The change is painful for Princess Cruises and the guests onboard, especially those on the 5-night seacation cruise from Sydney, as they will now have no port calls during their voyage.

High Winds and Swells Force Cancellations

Majestic Princess is currently on a five-night Australia Seacation cruise. This cruise can be combined into a 32-night crossing to Vancouver, Canada. The cruise sailed from Sydney, Australia, on April 4.

The original first section of the itinerary included stops at the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, on 7 April, Tauranga, New Zealand, on 8 April, and Auckland, New Zealand, on 9 April.

However, steady winds of 35-40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50-60 mph, are expected in the region. Additionally, swells are forecasted to reach heights of 15 to 16 feet on April 7 and April 8.

Majestic Princess Cruise Ship
Majestic Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: RickDeacon / Shutterstock)

It has led to the point where Princess Cruises has decided to prioritize the safety of its guests and crew. As a result, the cruise line decided to cancel the planned port calls to the Bay of Islands on April 7 and Tauranga on April 8.

The ship will now sail directly to Auckland, New Zealand, where it will anchor outside the port to avoid the worst of the weather system. While the vessel may still experience some rough seas, this change should provide guests with the most comfortable cruise possible.

Read Also: Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship – How They Handle it

Majestic Princess is expected to arrive in Auckland on 9 April at 8:30 AM as scheduled. With the recent cancellations, all port calls in New Zealand, except for homeport Auckland, have been cancelled.

Captain Tony Draper of the Majestic Princess expressed his regret for the necessary changes to the itinerary. 

Captain Draper wrote in the letter to guests: “We realize the cancellation of a port of call, regardless of the reason, is disappointing. When we create itineraries, we look forward to taking our guests to the destinations they expect to visit. When unexpected issues occur, and we must make the decision to change our itinerary, we share in your disappointment.”

Majestic Princess Summer 2023 Cruises

Following the call to Auckland on this current voyage, the ship will begin her Pacific Ocean crossing, including stops to Papeete, Tahiti; Lahaina, Honolulu, and Kailua Kona, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Victoria, British Columbia; and Vancouver, Canada.

Majestic Princess Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Joe Dejvice / Shutterstock

The Pacific crossing means the beginning of the Alaska cruise season for Majestic Princess is nearing. Starting May 5, the ship will sail an eight-night Inside Passage cruise, including stops in Ketchikan, Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, Alaska; and returning to her homeport Vancouver, Canada, on May 13. Majestic Princess is scheduled to sail in Alaska through October 3.

The 144,216 gross tons, 3,560-guest Majestic Princess, is a Royal-class cruise ship built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy. She is the third Royal-class ship in the fleet and made her debut in April 2017.

Majestic Princess was purpose-built for the Chinese market. Although she did sail in China for a short while, since the Chinese market collapsed following the cruise lock-down, the ship has been operational in Australia and on the US West Coast.

Carnival Cruise Line Planning Busiest Alaska Season Ever

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Planning Busiest Alaska Season Ever

Carnival Cruise Line is getting ready for its busiest season ever in Alaska, with three ships deployed to the Last Frontier for a total of 49 different sailings.

Along the way, guests will get to enjoy new and unique shore excursions, carefully curated children’s programs, and all the signature fun of an amazing Carnival cruise.

Three Carnival Ships in Alaska for 2023

Three Fun Ships will be sailing Alaska itineraries this summer, and all three ships are the popular Spirit-class vessels: Carnival Miracle, Carnival Spirit, and for the first time in North American waters since joining the fleet, Carnival Luminosa.

Carnival Miracle will be the first to set sail for Alaska when she leaves Long Beach on April 23 for a 14-night roundtrip sailing up the California coast to visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, before returning to Long Beach on May 7.

The ship will then reposition to San Francisco for alternating 10-night Alaskan sailings and 4-night Baja Mexico cruises, a unique blend of opportunities for sailing from the Golden State. In September, Carnival Miracle will again return to Long Beach after another 14-night Alaska cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line in Alaska
Photo Credit: Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

Carnival Spirit will return to Alaska beginning on May 2, after a 16-night repositioning cruise from Miami to Seattle. From Seattle, the ship will offer 7-night roundtrip Alaska cruises for the season, with stunning visits to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, until her last Alaska sailing departs on September 12.

After the Alaska season, Carnival Spirit will reposition to Mobile via a 16-night one-way cruise from Seattle to New Orleans, and from Mobile she will offer a selection of sailings to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

Carnival Luminosa will join her sister ships in Alaska for the first time, bringing Italian flair and Carnival fun to the Last Frontier. Currently homeported in Brisbane, the restyled ship will depart on April 13 for a 21-day sailing between Brisbane and Seattle, calling at ports in New Caledonia, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Hawaii along the way.

“I can’t wait to welcome our guests on board our stunning Carnival Luminosa, as she joins her beautiful sisters, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle, for this year’s Alaska season,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“There’s no better way to see the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Alaska than by cruise ship, and we anticipate making that happen for more than 100,000 guests this year.”

Carnival Luminosa in Australia
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

From Seattle, Carnival Luminosa will offer primarily 7-night roundtrip sailings, though the June 15 departure is a 6-night cruise and the June 28 departure is an 8-night voyage. Carnival Luminosa‘s cruises will visit Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, though itineraries on the two special departures do vary slightly.

After the Alaska season ends, Carnival Luminosa will return to Brisbane via an epic 31-night cruise, visiting ports in Alaska, Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia as she heads down under.

New Immersive Shore Excursions

No matter which ship guests choose for their fun Alaska sailings, Carnival Cruise Line has prepared unique and authentic tours.

In Prince Rupert, guests will have the opportunity for a full-day wildlife viewing adventure through Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, or taking a jet boat through the temperate rainforest to enjoy a meal of fresh wild salmon cooked over a campfire at the base of 4,000-foot cliffs.

In Juneau, guests can enjoy up close wildlife viewing via high-speed expedition vessels and guided tours of Mendenhall Glacier, while in Skagway, the Ultimate Yukon and White Pass Railroad Adventure offers a picturesque tour of the Yukon River with tales of the Klondike Gold Rush.

Carnival Cruise Line in Alaska
Photo Credit: Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

In Ketchikan, a top tour is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a fun event for all ages that showcases real lumberjack skills and gets the audience involved in rooting for their favorite competitors.

In every port, guests will have additional tour options for wildlife adventures, hiking, historical sightseeing, shopping for authentic Alaskan crafts and artwork, and much more.

Family-Friendly Fun

While the ports of call are don’t-miss destinations in Alaska, Carnival guests don’t have to leave their ships to explore Alaska during their sailing. New Alaska-specific programming has been carefully designed for children and families, including the Great Alaskan Deck Party.

Local naturalists will be visiting Camp Ocean, Club O2, and Circle C on all Alaskan sailings, offering fun programs such as overviews of Alaskan wildlife, photography lessons to capture every view, square dancing with an Alaskan vibe, and Alaska-themed crafts.

Read Also: Icy Strait Point Cruise Port – Terminals, Piers and What’s Nearby

Fun family competitions will also be part of the activity schedule, including an ice fishing challenge and a lumberjack challenge sure to get every family member involved in making once-in-a-lifetime memories on their once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise.

With so much to offer, the Last Frontier is sure to be the Fun Frontier with Carnival Cruise Line this summer.

Holland America Line Prepares for Biggest Event in Its History

Robert McGillivray
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Holland America Line Prepares for Biggest Event in Its History

Holland America Line is all set to celebrate its 150th anniversary with several historical events in its founding city of Rotterdam on April 18, 2023. 

The cruise line’s newest cruise ship, Rotterdam, will arrive on April 18 in its namesake city Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and join local dignitaries, port officials, and guests in marking the milestone.

Meanwhile, another Holland America Line cruise ship, Zuiderdam, will be stationed in Amsterdam to host an evening gala party for Grand World Voyage guests.

A Celebration of Heritage and History

After many months of preparations, and many different events and happenings, Holland America Line will officially celebrate its 150th birthday in the cruise line’s official home, Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The company’s newest cruise ship, Rotterdam, will be front and center of the celebrations on April 18.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha will lead the celebrations, which will also be attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam’s godmother; Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam; and descendants of two founding families of Holland America Line.

Rotterdam Sea Trials
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line President: “Holland America Line is a company that takes deep pride in our heritage and respects the role we played in history, so our 150th-anniversary events honor our tradition while recognizing the brand we are today.” 

“All of the festivities we have planned carry special meaning, and we’re excited to celebrate with so many individuals who have been a part of our story throughout the years, alongside our guests, team members, and the people of the Netherlands.”

The 150th-anniversary celebrations will begin at the famous Hotel New York, which once was Holland America Line’s headquarters. A ship bell will be gifted to the hotel, symbolizing the company’s maritime history. Following Holland America Line’s custom, Princess Margriet will bless the bell before it is presented to the hotel.

A unique Holland America Line share will also be donated to a collection housed in Rotterdam’s city archives. The Dutch postal service, PostNL, will reveal a limited edition 24-carat gold-foil collectible stamp in honor of the 150th anniversary, with only 1,000 copies available for purchase across the Netherlands.

In Amsterdam, the Holland America Line cruise ship Zuiderdam will host an evening gala party on board for Grand World Voyage guests.

Following a Gala Dinner on board Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, the celebrations will move to the Lido pool area with live music and a toast to the special day. Anniversary-themed parties will also be held on the nine other ships in Holland America Line’s fleet.

Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing Pays Tribute to Dutch Heritage

To honor its 150th anniversary and Dutch roots, Holland America Line has curated a unique experience for guests on the special Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing aboard the Rotterdam.

Departing from New York City on April 7 and arriving in Rotterdam on April 18, the cruise pays tribute to the company’s rich history and heritage.

Guests will be treated to a selection of cuisines from previous Holland America Line voyages dating back to the 1920s, enjoy a “Throwback Happy Hour” with drink prices as low as 75 cents, and a traditional Dutch High Tea will be served.

Classic Rotterdam
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line

Guests will also be treated to a unique gastronomic experience; a Rijsttafel pop-up will be hosted in the Tamarind restaurant. Rijsttafel, meaning “rice table” in Dutch, is a traditional Indonesian meal with an elaborate spread of Indonesian dishes.

Besides the celebrations in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and onboard Rotterdam, Holland America Line is celebrating in many more ways, including a unique look back into its history.

The cruise line has digitized passenger list archives detailing guests who sailed with the company between 1900 and 1969. The digitized archives include each guest’s name, port of departure, and departure date. The archives reveal a wealth of information about early Holland America Line guests, including Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill. 

An Anniversary Sale will also be available on select sailings from summer 2023 to spring 2024. Guests who book eligible sailings can receive up to 45% off cruise fares, up to $150 onboard spending money per person, reduced deposits, and much more.

Celebrity Ship to Sail Real Housewives Fan Cruise

Emrys Thakkar
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Celebrity Ship to Sail Real Housewives Fan Cruise

Calling all Real Housewives fans! The ultimate fan experience–and series crossover event–is about to go down in International Waters with the help of Celebrity Cruises, and all of the important details have finally been released.

Orchestrated by Flip Phone Events and Prysm Management, “WIVES AT SEA: A HOUSEWIVES FAN CRUISE” promises to be “the ultimate girls trip” in the Caribbean Sea.

With four days and nights of events and three different housewives, each representing a different spinoff of the obsessed-over reality television series.

Joining the fans will be Whitney Rose from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Ashley Darby from The Real Housewives of Potomac, and Dolores Catania from The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Come Celebrate Onboard the Celebrity Silhouette

The Housewives Fan Cruise will set sail on board the luxurious Celebrity Silhouette. Departing Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 11, 2024, celebrities, passengers, and crew will embark on a 4-night cruise through the Caribbean to Cozumel, Mexico.

According to Celebrity Cruises, this itinerary includes two sea days in International Waters, during which the ship will be filled with a variety of activities from game shows to drag shows and a slew of bar crawls and dance parties in between.

Real Housewives Celebrity Cruise
Real Housewives Celebrity Cruise

The resident Housewives will also participate in the games, meet and greets, Q&A panels, and dance workshops.

One of Celebrity’s most-beloved Solstice-Class ships, the Silhouette offers a modern and elegant cruising experience featuring culinary experiences crafted by MICHELIN-Starred and world-renowned chefs, a variety of unforgettable bars and lounges, as well as a plethora of other amenities from the Spa and Persian Gardens to the Quasar Nightclub.

Sitting at 122,400 tons and boasting 1047 ft and 16 decks, the Celebrity Silhouette cruise ship has room for nearly 3,000 passengers ready to celebrate The Real Housewives.

Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship
Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises)

The Bravo-based reality franchise began with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006 and has expanded to become an international phenomenon showcasing the lives of wealthy and drama-drenched housewives in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Dallas, Dubai, Miami, New Jersey, New York, The Potomac, and Salt Lake City.

There is little doubt that Celebrity Cruises and Flip Phone Events will struggle to sell out this once-in-a-lifetime fan experience.

Proven Party Cruise Professionals!

This is not the first time Flip Phone Events has put on a show at sea for television fans. Famous for producing drag shows across the country, this organization was also responsible for the Golden Girls-themed “Golden Fans at Sea” cruise, as well as the Schitt’s Creek-themed “Moira’s Party Boat,” which was also on a Celebrity cruise ship.

For their latest sailing adventure, Flip Phone Events partnered with Prysm Management, the full-service talent agency that represents the Real Housewives stars.

Disney Cruise Line Introduces New Wearable Device for Guests

Robert McGillivray
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Disney Cruise Line Introduces New Wearable Device for Guests

Disney Cruise Line intends to introduce a wearable called the DisneyBand+ to its cruise ships this summer. The wearable is already used in the Disney Theme Parks and will have various uses onboard the Disney cruise ships. 

The cruise line will test the wearable on select cruises onboard Disney Wish in the coming weeks before its official launch later this year.

Hands-Free Convenience Onboard the Disney Cruise Line Ships

Following in the footsteps of Princess Cruises’ OceanMedallion, MSC Cruises’ MSC for Me, and Royal Caribbean’s WOW Bands, Disney Cruise Line is jumping onboard with next-gen technology in the form of its wearable, the DisneyBand+.

Disney has been using the technology for wearables in its parks for over ten years and is finally bringing the technology to its cruise ships.

The line will try out the wearable onboard the 144,000 gross tons, 5,555-guest Disney Wish on select sailings over the following months before the official launch later this year. The cruise line’s newest cruise ship is currently sailing short Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral.

DisneyBand+ allows guests to enjoy the hands-free benefits of wearable technology while cruising onboard Disney ships. Available in three Disney Cruise Line-exclusive designs, the intelligent features of DisneyBand+ promises to make the cruise experience more enjoyable.

Disney wouldn’t be Disney if it didn’t provide some unexpected magical surprises throughout the cruise. The cruise line promises that guests will be able to have new experiences with the DisneyBand+, which is only available for those wearing it, so they should keep their eyes peeled for extra moments of magic.

Disney Cruise Line Band
Photo: Disney

The DisneyBand+ also enables guests to unlock their stateroom doors, make payments for snacks and souvenirs, and even grant access to onboard kids’ clubs. The bands are designed to be worn while swimming or participating in various water activities, including at the line’s private island of Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Not limited to cruise vacations, DisneyBand+ technology can be used at Disney Parks and Disney Resort hotels, making it a versatile accessory for guests who want to combine a cruise onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship and a visit to one of the parks.

Disney Cruise Line Band
Photo: Disney

For Disney, these are exciting times, and there is no surprise that the cruise line is introducing the wearable DisneyBand+ now. The cruise line is introducing a new private island destination at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, in The Bahamas, in the summer of 2024.

Disney Cruise Line’s second Triton class LNG-powered cruise ship, the Disney Treasure, reached an important milestone recently, and will be launched in 2024 as well.

Finally, Disney also took possession of the former 208,000 gross ton Global Dream, which is scheduled to start operations in 2025. All of these new acquisitions together provide a great basis to start offering the new wearable DisneyBand+.

Cruise Lines Embrace Next-Gen Wearable Technology

As faster internet technology becomes more common onboard ships, the cruise industry moves towards incorporating advanced technology. Over the last couple of years, several cruise lines have introduced wearable devices for passengers. 

Princess Cruises’ OceanMedallion is a great example of how a company thinks outside the box to use technology to improve the cruise experience while also collecting vast amounts of data on its guests.

Princess Cruises MedallionClass

OceanMedallion is a wearable, casino chip-sized disc that serves as an access point to a passenger’s “digital identity,” allowing them to personalize their onboard experience. The Medallion is scanned by thousands of sensors on the ship, enabling automatic cabin door unlocking, payment for purchases, and more while tracking guests’ movement onboard.

These wearables offer various functions, such as serving as a door key, it can be used as an onboard credit card, and facilitating check-ins. Additionally, guests can enjoy on-demand food and beverage service anywhere onboard, onboard navigation, and even gaming experiences. 

As technology continues to develop, we can expect more cruise lines to adopt such wearables, enhancing the cruise experience for passengers.

Major Royal Caribbean Change With Leadership at Celebrity Cruises

Donna Tunney
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Major Royal Caribbean Change With Leadership at Celebrity Cruises

A high-level change at the helm of Celebrity Cruises will see the cruise line’s current president and CEO transition to a corporate position while an executive vice president steps up to the top job at the brand.

Cruise line parent company Royal Caribbean Group on April 6 detailed new roles for Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and Laura Hodges Bethge.

Laura Hodges Bethge Is Named President, CEO

Royal Caribbean Group, parent of the Celebrity Cruises brand, announced that the line’s president and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, will become the group’s corporate vice chair of external affairs effective on May 1.

At the same time, Laura Hodges Bethge, currently Celebrity Cruises’ executive vice president, shared services operations, will be named president of the line.

Hodges Bethge joined the company 23 years ago and has held senior positions in product development, hotel and marine operations, sales, marketing, product innovation, market development and investor relations.

Laura Hodges Bethge
Laura Hodges Bethge

She played leadership roles in conceptualizing new ships and private island destinations, including Royal Caribbean Group’s Perfect Day at CocoCay experience. 

Hodges Bethge said, “Now 15 ships strong, this is an exciting time for Celebrity Cruises. This year alone, we’ll be welcoming Celebrity Ascent, and reaching key construction milestones in the yet-to-be-named fifth ship in the revolutionary Edge Series. I look forward to building on the incredible achievements of Lisa and this world-class team, as we continue to break boundaries and chart new courses in the industry.”

Outgoing President Known as Trailblazer

Lutoff-Perlo has served as president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises since 2014, overseeing the launch of three Edge-class ships, two expedition vessels and a major fleet-wide revitalization project.

She joined the Royal Caribbean Group as a district sales manager in 1985 and rose to executive-level positions, including senior vice president of hotel operations and executive vice president of operations for Royal Caribbean International.

Widely considered a trailblazer in the cruise industry, Lutoff-Perlo was the first cruise executive to name a female captain of a cruise ship when she appointed Kate McCue to Celebrity Summit in 2015.

Lisa Lutoff Perlo
Lisa Lutoff Perlo

Lutoff-Perlo also presided over Celebrity Cruises as it won a major recognition early this year from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, which named five Celebrity Cruises’ ships to its Forbes Star Awards list.

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said, “Lisa has been instrumental in transforming the Celebrity Cruises brand to what it is today. From helping us introduce the revolutionary Edge Series of ships to advancing the role of women in maritime careers, Lisa has had an incredible career during her time leading Celebrity Cruises, and multiple parts of our Royal Caribbean International brand.”

Liberty also congratulated Hodges Bethge: “With her operational experience, business acumen and deep understanding of our company and the cruise industry, I know Laura is the right person to lead Celebrity Cruises to its next phases of growth.”

Celebrity Ascent to Debut in Late 2023

The new Celebrity Cruises’ president will preside over the launch of the line’s newest ship, the 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent, under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France and slated to launch in late 2023.

The fourth in the line’s Edge Series, Celebrity Ascent reached a major construction milestone in January 2023 when she was floated out of the shipyard. Work on the 140,600 gross ton vessel continues at her mooring location, prior to sea trials later this year.

Her maiden voyage is slated for December 3, 2023, from Port Everglades. The 7-night Western Caribbean cruise will call at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata. Alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises will follow the inaugural voyage.

Celebrity Ascent will also sail two preview cruises before the official maiden voyage. The first is a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise departing November 22, 2023, giving cruisers a Thanksgiving week getaway. The ship will call at Cozumel. The second preview sailing is a 3-night Bahamas cruise departing November 26, 2023, and calling at Nassau, Bahamas.

MSC Cruises’ New Ship to Tempt Wine, Food Lovers

Donna Tunney
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MSC Cruises’ New Ship to Tempt Wine, Food Lovers

MSC Cruises is beckoning wine and cuisine aficionados with new specialty dining options set to debut aboard the MSC Euribia when the ship enters service in June 2023. International flavors and immersive restaurant experiences await cruisers sailing on the 6,334-guest vessel.

Wine Bar, French Brasserie Debut on MSC Euribia

MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the Meraviglia-class MSC Euribia now under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, will feature five specialty restaurants when she launches in June. The cruise line on April 6 revealed details about two of those dining options, the Helios Wine Bar and Le Grill.

Wine lovers who indulge at the Helios Wine Bar can enjoy the venue’s 96 featured wines while learning the history of the wine they’ve chosen, thanks to high-tech tables and digital coasters that will reveal a particular wine’s grape varieties, the regions it comes from and other interesting facts.

Helios Wine Bar
MSC Euribia, Helios Wine Maker

Food pairings will be offered, too, including a selection of cheeses, finger foods and nuts curated to enhance the chosen wine. The venue also will host master classes for guests who wish to learn more about wine.

Le Grill is a traditional French brasserie that will serve classic favorites and shared dishes, including oysters, caviar and lobster, beef and pasta selections, plus French onion soup, Dover sole Meunière and a range of fancy French desserts.

“We are always looking to anticipate the next big thing in food and beverage, and with MSC Euribia, we wanted to offer venues that are unlike anything we have ever done before,” said MSC Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage Jacques Van Staden.

He added, “The same culinary quality and exceptional service that define our offering will remain at the heart of the experience but will be brought to new heights. We want to offer our guests something to talk about, something to marvel at and something to remember, long after their cruise has ended.”

MSC Euribia Cruise Ship
Render Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Another specialty venue and a favorite across the MSC Cruises fleet, Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar will be featured on the line’s new flagship, dishing up the flavors of the Far East.

Chefs at the eatery’s teppanyaki grills will prepare dishes while guests watch. While Kaito is not a new venue, it is being enhanced onboard MSC Euribia with robatayaki, the popular Japanese barbecue cuisine.

Ship to Feature Five Main Dining Rooms

Along with her specialty restaurants, MSC Euribia will feature five main dining venues and 21 bars and lounges. The main dining rooms, all serving three meals a day and included in the cruise fare, are Colorado River, Green Orchid, Il Campo, Aurora Boreale and Aurora Borealis. Also covered in the fare is the ship’s 1,336-seat Marketplace buffet, which offers international cuisines.

Desserts will abound onboard MSC Euribia, with the Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolat & Café offering 40 types of chocolate goodies, and the Crêpes & Gelato venue tempting cruisers with 17 ice cream flavors and 10 signature crêpes.

Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolat & Café
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Before or after enjoying the new ship’s dining options, cruisers will have a wide variety of entertainment spaces to check out. The cruise line in late March revealed that MSC Euribia will feature seven new theatrical productions, a reimagined Carousel Lounge, and one of the largest big band performances at sea.

MSC Cruises will officially name MSC Euribia on June 8, 2023, during a ceremony at Copenhagen Malmö Port. The ship, which will be the 22nd vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet, will spend her inaugural season in Northern Europe, sailing 7-night cruises from Kiel, Germany, and Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords, with calls at Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.

Norwegian Testing Starlink for All Three Cruise Lines

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Testing Starlink for All Three Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced a trial run for high-speed Starlink internet access onboard ships, and if successful, the company plans to roll out the service to all three of its cruise line brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The initial test of the high-speed, broadband internet service Starlink is being conducted aboard Norwegian Breakaway, one of the larger vessels in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. This will help improve internet speeds and reliability onboard the ship even while at sea, bringing guests a premium service.

“We are thrilled to offer Starlink on board our ships to improve internet connectivity at sea,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO-elect of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“This initiative is a testament to our continuous quest to find new and innovative ways to enhance the experience for both guests and crew while sailing on our award-winning brands.”

Starlink on Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson / Creative Commons

If successful, the improved internet service would permit guests and crew members alike better options for staying connected to family and friends, as well as to enjoy streaming services and online gaming if they prefer. At the moment, a slow rollout is tentatively planned.

The test period is essential to be sure the technology is as reliable as expected. “Ensuring that this technology meets our high standards of excellence for our guests is incredibly important to us, which is why we are introducing this cutting-edge technology across our fleet in a phased manner,” said Sommer.

“Once deployed, guests and crew will have a faster and more reliable method to stay connected with friends and family including by sharing in real-time the incredible memories they create while at sea.”

Starlink Coverage
Starlink Coverage

In addition to guest and crew usage, the enhanced high-speed service would also provide extra bandwidth to improve onboard services such as app usage, reservations systems, and daily schedule updates, as well as improve ship-to-shore connection for operational needs.

Starlink is the high-speed internet service offered by SpaceX, using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to improve broadband internet connectivity around the world, particularly in remote and rural areas with less access to high-speed services.

To date, SpaceX has launched thousands of small but highly advanced satellites to create its ever-expanding “constellation” network for Starlink, and is able to frequently update its network with new launches of its Falcon 9 rockets.

Additional Ships to Be Equipped

If the test aboard the 145,655-gross-ton Norwegian Breakaway is a success, seven additional ships are planned to be outfitted with Starlink before the end of 2023.

Three of the ships are the newest additions to the NCLH fleets – the upcoming Vista for Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur. The remaining four ships that will be the first outfitted with Starlink have not been announced.

Norwegian Viva Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line

In time and if successful, the company plans to roll out Starlink throughout all three fleets, a total of 32 ships – 19 for Norwegian Cruise Line, 7 for Oceania Cruises, and 6 for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

More From Cruise Hive

The company is developing a timeline for the possible rollout across the three fleets, but no details about which ships would be first to use Starlink or when the service would be available are yet available.

Starlink on Other Cruise Lines

Several other cruise lines are already utilizing or planning to install Starlink access, including SeaDream Yacht Club, Hurtigruten, American Cruise Lines, and Windstar Cruises.

Other large cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, have already announced their own plans to implement Starlink service on their combined fleets.

Royal Caribbean, for example, began testing Starlink aboard Freedom of the Seas in mid-2022, and is nearing completion of rolling out the service across its entire fleet. Carnival Cruise Line is also in the process of bringing Starlink aboard its fleet in 2023.

Holland America Celebrates Birthday With Gifts to Cruisers

Melissa Mayntz
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Holland America Celebrates Birthday With Gifts to Cruisers

Holland America Line is continuing its 150th birthday celebrations with a variety of gifts for cruise guests in the form of amazing fare discounts, onboard credit, reduced deposits, special sailings, and more. These special Anniversary Sale offers are available on select sailings from summer 2023 to spring 2024.

150th Birthday Savings on Holland America Line Cruises

Holland America Line first set sail in 1873, and is celebrating its 150th birthday this year with a wide range of celebrations. Already getting great attention is the pair of special anniversary transatlantic crossings, recreating a bygone era of cruising with special routes and unique onboard activities.

Now, guests who have been unable to set sail with those commemorative voyages can still celebrate with the Holland America cruise of their choice by taking advantage of the special Anniversary Sale.

Koningsdam Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: KPegg / Shutterstock

As part of the offer, guests who book eligible sailings will receive up to 45% off cruise fares, along with up to $150 onboard spending money per person for the first and second stateroom guests, depending on cruise length and stateroom category. Overall deposits are also reduced as a special incentive.

“Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary is an opportunity to show our guests how much we appreciate them, whether it’s through special onboard activities or amazing offers like the Anniversary Sale that make cruising with us an even more valuable vacation,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line.

The onboard credit can be used for a wide range of expenses, including spa treatments, specialty dining, shore tours, drinks, photographs, souvenirs, and more.

These are limited time deals, however, and bookings must be completed by May 4, 2023 to take advantage of these anniversary offers. Furthermore, Anniversary Sale offers are not valid on Grand Voyages or itineraries of four days or less.

Combining With Other Savings

Interested guests can save even more by combining the Anniversary Sale offers with other ongoing promotions, including Holland America Line’s “Have It All” premium fares, an upgrade that includes shore tours, a signature beverage package, specialty dining options (varies by ship), and a Wi-Fi surf package.

Holland America Line Alaska
Photo Credit: Jennifer G. Lang / Shutterstock

The “Kids Cruise Free” offer can also be applied to Anniversary Sale deals, making it a great bargain for families as children age 18 and younger can sail free as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom.

All offers include a variety of destinations, giving travelers great flexibility for cruise itineraries, departure dates, homeports, and regions to discover.

More Anniversary Celebrations

In addition to great sales, Holland America Line is also celebrating its rich history in spectacular ways leading up to August 18, its official 150th birthday.

“Our milestone birthday this month is one that few companies ever reach, and we’re taking the year to celebrate Holland America Line and the historical significance of the brand,” said Bodensteiner.

The cruise line has recently completed a searchable archival project of passenger manifests from 1900 to 1969, offering insights into some of the line’s earliest voyages.

Select cruises in the coming months will feature celebrity chef appearances for deliciously decadent dining options, and new music offerings are being added to all ships this summer. Special heritage cruises throughout the year are also of special interest, highlighting 56 different ports of call and with special activities onboard each sailing.

With 150 years of cruising expertise and history to draw upon, Holland America Line is sure to have a spectacular year as it celebrates this very significant and unique milestone of serving cruise guests and exploring worldwide destinations.

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