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Carnival Cruise Ship Dry Dock Underway, Dining Changes Planned

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 10, 2023

Carnival Cruise Ship Dry Dock Underway, Dining Changes Planned

Carnival Pride is currently in dry dock for upgrades and maintenance, and among the planned changes are rebranding the steakhouse and removing the occasionally controversial David statue from the space, as well as adding other new venues to the ship.

The revitalized Spirit-class ship is due to reenter service from May 28, 2023 and will spend the summer and early autumn in Europe before returning to North America.

Carnival Pride Dry Dock Update

Carnival Pride is currently laid up for dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, as different spaces are being revitalized and upgraded and the ship is generally being refreshed. General onboard maintenance and other interior upgrades are all part of this dry dock stay.

The most significant upgrades during the month-long dry dock will be the addition of three completely new venues to the vessel: the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, the Carnival Adventures Shop, and the Dreams Photo Studio.

Carnival Pride Dry Dock (Photo Credit: Dendy Priangga / Carnival Cruise Line)

Furthermore, the ship’s current steakhouse, David’s, will be rebranded to the familiar Carnival favorite Fahrenheit 555, and in doing so, the occasionally controversial replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David will be removed from the ship. While the replica does now bear a modest fig leaf over David’s most private bits, the statue has occasionally raised the ire of more conservative cruisers.

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has commented on the upgrade, confirming the removal of the statue.

“The Steakhouse will be redesigned to become the Fahrenheit 555 as we have on most of the fleet. This means we have to say ‘ciao’ to David,” Heald said. “I know he and his now covered dangly bits have been a feature there since the ship was delivered in 2002 but it is time for David to retire.”

Other planned changes include a complete refreshment of the spa and stateroom changes to create more accessible cabins.

Carnival Pride has not had a significant dry dock since 2019. The ship first joined the Fun Ship fleet in 2002.

Hull to Be Repainted, New Livery Added

One of the most immediately visible projects for Carnival Pride‘s dry dock will be repainting the classic white hull into the new red-white-and-blue livery colors that first debuted in 2021 with Mardi Gras.

Over the past two years, the new livery colors have been added to multiple vessels as they enter scheduled dry docks and the hulls can be completely repainted.

The upcoming “Costa by Carnival” vessels Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze will have similar new livery, but in blue-and-gold colors that pay homage to their original Costa colors. Carnival Luminosa, the first ship to have transferred from Costa Cruises to Carnival Cruise Line, has the red-white-and-blue livery.

Return to Service

Carnival Pride is scheduled to return to service and welcome guests into her newly refreshed and updated spaces on May 28, 2023.

Her first sailing will be a 12-night, one-way cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Dover, England, calling on various ports in Spain, Portugal, France, and Belgium along the way.

For the summer and early fall, the ship will remain homeported in Dover offering different European itineraries, before moving to Rome for a few sailings in September and October. On October 28, 2023, Carnival Pride will reposition from Rome to Tampa, Florida, which will remain her homeport through early April 2024.

Carnival Pride in Tampa, Florida — Photo Credit: Port of Tampa Bay

From Tampa, the revitalized ship will offer 6-, 7-, and 8-night Western Caribbean sailings, including select partial Panama Canal voyages. Ports of call include Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, depending on departure date.

Carnival Pride is now one of the older ships in the Carnival fleet, but still delivers exceptional experiences for everyone aboard. The 88,500-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,124 guests at double occupancy, or up to 2,680 guests when fully booked an all berths filled. An international team of 910 crew members provides great service for all passengers.

Newest Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship Days From Debut

Virgin Voyages News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 10, 2023

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Newest Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship Days From Debut

The third of the fleet of “Ladyships” for Virgin Voyages, Resilient Lady, is just days from her Grecian debut and ready to set sail on her “mermaiden” voyage and her inaugural season in Greece. The ship’s first sailing will officially begin on May 14, 2023, and is a 7-night roundtrip sailing from Athens, calling on top ports in Greece and Turkey.

Resilient Lady Ready to Debut

The third ship for luxury line Virgin Voyages, Resilient Lady continues the cruise line’s adults-only, ultra-luxe vibe as a blend of cruise ship and yacht-like experiences. With glamorous design, gourmet menus, and stellar entertainment, the ship is sure to deliver amazing experiences equal to her sister ships.

“I’m thrilled this day is finally here and that Resilient Lady has officially joined our award-winning fleet,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “I know people are going to love voyaging with Resilient Lady as much as they have with Scarlet and Valiant Lady, and I look forward to sharing this five-star experience with even more Sailors this summer.”

Resilient Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages)

Resilient Lady will spend the summer season sailing from Greece, offering two distinct 7-night itineraries.

The “Greek Island Glow” itinerary, highlighted as the ship’s mermaiden voyage, visits Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos in Greece, as well as a lengthy stop in Bodrum, Turkey. The call to Mykonos is an overnight stay, offering guests even more time to fully immerse themselves in this spectacular destination.

Select sailings are described as “Adriatic Sea Greek Gems” cruises, with visits to Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Kotor in Montenegro, and Corfu Island, Greece. Each port stop is a minimum of 10 hours, providing ample time for thorough exploration of each unique destination.

In early November, Resilient Lady will reposition to Melbourne, Australia, and will offer sailings from Australia and New Zealand for several months before returning to Greece for summer 2024.

During her repositioning in both directions, the ship will also offer departures from Dubai and Singapore.

New Experiences for a New Ship

Along with outstanding itineraries, Resilient Lady will also offer outstanding onboard experiences that set her apart from her two sister ships. Five brand-new shows, exclusive onboard parties, live music, and more are all part of the ship’s lineup.

To refresh and refuel, guests onboard will also be able to enjoy amazing new food and beverage offerings as well as decadent menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs.

To celebrate the ship’s Grecian debut, an onboard “Opa Hour” is also part of the festivities in honor of Greek culinary traditions, featuring Greek-inspired food and drinks. “Opa Hour” will premier on all three Virgin Voyages’ ships.

About the Ladyships

All three Virgin Voyages’ ships are sister ships with very similar designs, though featuring their own unique personalities in décor and branding.

Resilient Lady weighs in at 110,000 gross tons, and can welcome 2,770 guests. She joins Scarlet Lady, who debuted in 2020, as well as Valiant Lady, who first set sail in 2021. Each ship is serviced by 1,160 international crew members to provide superior experiences for every traveler.

Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages

Up next for the cruise line is the fourth sister ship, Brilliant Lady, planned to debut in late 2023. Brilliant Lady floated out at the shipyard in November 2022, and is currently undergoing her final outfitting.

All four ships have been (in the case of Brilliant Lady, is still being) built by Fincantieri in northwestern Italy, the same shipyard that has also built Queen Anne for Cunard Line, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva for Norwegian Cruise Line, Rotterdam for Holland America Line, and MSC Seashore for MSC Cruises, as well as many other top-rated cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean Guest Arrested for Planting Hidden Camera

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 9, 2023

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Royal Caribbean Guest Arrested for Planting Hidden Camera

A guest aboard a recent sailing on Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas has been arrested for several charges after installing a hidden camera in one of the ship’s public restrooms.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the incident, and seeking possible victim information for the case.

Hidden Camera Discovered on Harmony of the Seas

During the April 29, 2023 cruise of Harmony of the Seas, Jeremy Froias installed a hidden camera in a public bathroom onboard.

Video footage recovered from the camera’s micro SD card showed Froias setting up and adjusting the camera so as to view the toilet area, as well as connecting the camera to his iPhone via Wi-Fi.

The camera was placed in a unisex restroom aft on Deck 16, between one of the FlowRider surfing simulators and the Wipe Out Bar. The restroom is a popular place for guests to change in or out of swimwear.

Froias installed the camera on April 30, the second day of the 7-night cruise while sailing in international waters. It was discovered on the evening of May 1 by another passenger, who reported it to the ship’s crew.

Worth Reading: Guests Sue Royal Caribbean After Crew Member’s Secret Cameras

After inspecting the area, crew members removed the camera, reviewed its footage, and subsequently interviewed Froias, who admitted to installing the camera and knowing it had been discovered when he went back to check on it and could no longer find it himself.

In total, more than 150 people are estimated to have been captured on the video, either using the restroom or changing into or out of swimsuits. Of those people, approximately 40 are believed to be minors.

Froias has been charged with video voyeurism and attempted possession of child exploitation material. Charges were filed on May 3, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was previously employed as a cybersecurity officer with the City of Kissimmee, Florida since 2004, but his employment has now been terminated.

Harmony of the Seas continued on its cruise uninterrupted, calling on St Maarten, San Juan, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas, before returning to Miami as planned on Saturday, May 6. No delays were reported, and the next sailing was not impacted.

Victim Input Sought

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of crimes it investigates, and those individuals may be eligible for services or restitution under state or federal law. Participation is completely voluntary, but may be useful in the course of the investigation.

Anyone aboard the impacted Harmony of the Seas sailing who believes they may have been recorded can fill out an information form online, or parents or guardians can fill out the form for their minor dependents.

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Cruise — Photo Copyright: KPegg / Shutterstock

The form includes contact information and a simple declaration of contact with Froias. If necessary, FBI representatives may reach out for further details.

Above the form, the FBI says, “The FBI believes he primarily targeted cruise ship passengers between the timeframe of April 30 and May 1, 2023, who may have used the public bathroom on the aft of the Harmony’s top deck between the “Flow Rider” surfing simulator and a bar. Passengers using this bathroom may have been video recorded by Froias.”

Incidents with hidden cameras onboard cruise ships are extraordinarily rare, but can happen. In 2017, a family discovered a hidden camera in their stateroom onboard Carnival Fantasy.

Are Small Cameras Prohibited?

To safeguard one’s privacy, it is always best to be alert to the surroundings, and to carefully inspect personal areas, such as a stateroom, before using them. Returning to the stateroom to use the bathroom would be more private than using public restrooms.

It should be noted that miniature cameras are not on Royal Caribbean International’s prohibited items list, though electrical extension cords are. Depending on how such a camera might be operated, it could be considered in violation of that policy.

Such cameras are also not directly prohibited aboard Carnival cruise ships, but Carnival Cruise Line does not permit “internet-related equipment” and it is possible these types of cameras could qualify under that description.

With the rise of personal videos taken on smartphones as well as internet influencers and YouTubers, it would be challenging for any cruise line to completely prohibit small cameras, but perhaps certain types of filming devices will be reviewed and added to prohibited items lists in the future.

Pilot Dies After Falling Into Sea While Boarding Cruise Ship

Princess Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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May 9, 2023

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Pilot Dies After Falling Into Sea While Boarding Cruise Ship

A maritime pilot responsible for guiding the Diamond Princess into the port of Nagasaki was involved in a tragic accident that ultimately led to the loss of his life.

The experienced pilot fell into the sea while attempting to board the cruise ship and, despite the efforts of the crew to rescue him, was pronounced dead two hours later.

The accident underscores the daily risks that pilots face as they perform their essential role in ensuring the safe navigation of large cruise ships and other vessels into ports worldwide.

Tragic Accident Claims the Life of Maritime Pilot

On the morning of May 5, 69-year-old Yoshihiro Osuga, a maritime pilot with over 15 years of experience, was preparing to board the Diamond Princess cruise ship from a pilot boat when he fell into the sea.

The ship was approximately 4 kilometers northwest of Iojima Manahana in Nagasaki. The Diamond Princess immediately launched its rescue boat, and the crew managed to retrieve Mr. Osuga. However, he was found but sadly passed away.

Cruise Ship Pilot: (Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock)

Maritime pilots are essential for the safe navigation of large ocean-going vessels into ports. These professionals undergo rigorous training to ensure they can guide ships through various waterways. They often face dangerous conditions while climbing onto ships on small rope ladders during heavy seas and high winds.

Read Also: What Does a Ship Pilot Do?

In this case, the sea was reportedly calm when Mr. Osuga tried to board the Diamond Princess. Mr. Osuga was also wearing his lifejacket and, as mentioned before, was a highly experienced pilot.

This has led the Japan Coast Guard to investigate whether the pilot boat shook or hit Diamond Princess and caused Mr. Osuga to fall while transferring to the cruise ship.

Diamond Princess Crew Trained to the Highest Standards

The crew members aboard cruise ships, such as Diamond Princess, but also maritime pilots, are all trained to the highest possible standards and undergo regular reviews of their training. This includes being up-to-date with STCW.

The “Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping” (STCW) serves as the mandatory training and certification benchmark for all seafarers worldwide. Every leading flag state adheres to this international standard to ensure the highest level of safety and competence among maritime professionals.

Diamond Princess Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Kevin Hellon / Shutterstock

Onboard training is also an ongoing feature, ensuring that the crew is always prepared for any situation. Their quick response to the accident and the deployment of a rescue boat to recover Mr. Osuga demonstrated their dedication to safety.

Crew members onboard the Grand Princess showed their rescue skills just weeks ago, when they rescued two sailors during the midnight hours off the coast of Australia.

The Diamond Princess continued its journey, docking at Nagasaki and departing the same day for Yokohama. This indicates that there is likely no fault from the cruise ship in the accident.

The Diamond Princess sails in Asia year-round, offering various itineraries to destinations such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Over the coming months, the ship will embark on a series of cruises, including a 6-night Korea & Japan Getaway, a 13-night Southern Islands & Kyushu cruise, and a 7-night Southern Islands cruise.

Ports of call include Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka, Kagoshima, Kochi, and Nagasaki in Japan, Cheju in South Korea, and Keelung in Taiwan.

Later this year, the 115,875 gross tons Diamond Princess will also be sailing to ports in Thailand and Vietnam.

Margaritaville at Sea’s Only Ship to Be Out of Service for Upgrades

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 8, 2023

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Margaritaville at Sea’s Only Ship to Be Out of Service for Upgrades

The only ship for the boutique cruise line Margaritaville at Sea will be temporarily out of service this month for renovations and upgrades.

A total of five Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sailings are cancelled for the refresh, and the cruise line has hinted at upgrades to multiple areas of the ship when she returns to service.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise to Be Upgraded

Margaritaville at Sea has announced that the cruise line’s only vessel, Paradise, will be “on vacation” from May 21 through June 1 to refresh the ship.

“On May 21st, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sailings will pause so the ship can take a little R&R (Rest and Rejuvenation),” the cruise line said. “During this time, sailings are paused while she undergoes a well-deserved vacation.”

A total of five of the line’s signature 2-night cruises to The Bahamas are cancelled to accommodate the renovation period. Sailings will resume on Friday, June 2, 2023, just before the summer season begins.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise sails exclusively from the Port of Palm Beach, offering 2-night cruises to Freeport in The Bahamas, just 90 miles (145 kilometers) away.

While few details have been released about exactly what upgrades the ship will receive during the 10-day refurbishment, the cruise line does hint at multiple upgrades across different spaces and venues.

“On June 2nd, we look forward to showing you our revamped spaces, dining, entertainment, and more,” the cruise line said.

All cruise ships have periodic dry dock layups scheduled, during which a variety of standard refreshments may be planned, such as replacing carpeting, updating light fixtures, and minor cosmetic repairs that are easier to do without guests onboard.

Margaritaville at Sea does seem to be hinting at larger-scale upgrades, however, and some spaces may be completely overhauled.

Previous Update in 2022

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise was only recently rebranded and renovated from its previous identity as Grand Classica for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. That cruise line completely rebranded itself as Margaritaville at Sea in late 2021, and the ship was extensively renovated at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport in April 2022.

At that time, all public spaces and staterooms were redone to introduce the line’s new personality and extensive tropical theming, and the 52,926-gross-ton vessel got an entirely new look to welcome its 1,308 guests per sailing (as many as 1,608 if fully booked with all berths filled).

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (Photo Credit: TAH Media / Shutterstock)

While it has only been a year since the previous update, the cruise ship is 32 years old, having first set sail for Costa Cruises as Costa Classica in 1991. Older ships routinely require more frequent maintenance and updates to say competitive with newer vessels and to remain in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Furthermore, recent videos and reviews from guests onboard have shown extensive wear around the ship, including faded paint, rusty drains, evidence of water leaks, and décor that seems to be sagging or loose.

While these may just be small issues, added together on a very small ship, it can make for a poor impression, especially for guests who may be more accustomed to much larger, newer vessels. Nevertheless, the cruise line is always highly rated for excellent service and great onboard energy, which can make for a fun and memorable getaway.

Undoubtedly, Margaritaville at Sea is also taking into account feedback from a year’s worth of sailings and may make changes to venues, seating, and public spaces, as well as staterooms based on guests’ preferences.

Activities lineups, entertainment shows, and other onboard offerings may also be updated as the new cruise line adapts to today’s cruisers.

Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for more information as renovation details are confirmed for this unique and laid-back cruise line.

Cruise Passengers Limited Going Ashore Due to Local Protests

Port News

Robert McGillivray

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May 8, 2023

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Cruise Passengers Limited Going Ashore Due to Local Protests

Despite significant progress in the cruise industry to become more environmentally friendly, not everyone is convinced that cruise ships have shed their polluting past.

A luxury cruise ship arriving in the French town of Douarnenez was met with aggressive protestors condemning the wealthy passengers for exploiting the environment.

While protests against cruise ships are virtually unheard of in the United States, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia, the situation is different in Europe.

Over the last twelve months, protests have been happening in Norway, Italy, and France, with cruise ships not always receiving the warm welcome they would receive elsewhere.

Cruise Ship Protests and Debate Over Environmental Impact

On May 6, the Silversea cruise ship Silver Wind docked in Douarnenez, Brittany, with 274 passengers on board, only to be met by protestors from Sémaphore Douarnenez. Rather than receiving a warm welcome from the locals, only a few guests could debark the ship, while the aggressive behavior of the protestors stopped others.

One young woman stated, “I don’t want the rich to continue polluting the planet. If they have money, they can do positive things for the environment rather than coming to the bay and pollute.”

Axel Lebrun of the BLB travel agency regretted the treatment of the passengers, many of whom are elderly. He argued that the protestors were targeting the wrong ships.

Douarnenez, Brittany (Photo Credit: Aastels / Shutterstock)

According to Lebrun, Silver Wind is not as environmentally damaging as the larger cruise ships that sail the Mediterranean, while the protestors’ image of polluting cruise ships is one of the past.

Axel Lebrun of the BLB travel, told France 3: “We pay for the liners that sail in the Mediterranean and the excesses of yesterday. Here, we are not on the same ship profile. They do not have heavy fuel oil. The boats that come to Douarnenez respect the environment. The Silverwind goes to the Far North, so it must respect very strict instructions. The demonstrators have the wrong target.”

The protestors, however, remain skeptical about the environmental claims. They argue that even smaller ships like the Silver Wind still contribute to pollution, as they emit greenhouse gases, produce waste, and can damage fragile ecosystems in the areas they visit.

Not everyone was happy with the protestors. One local shopkeeper in Douarnenez, who relies on income from the regular arrival of tourists, symbolically put his kiosk ‘on sale’ in protest against the actions.

The cruise industry has been working to implement more sustainable practices, such as using cleaner fuels, improving waste management, and investing in new technologies that reduce emissions. Despite these efforts, the debate over cruise ships’ environmental and social impact continues to divide opinions.

European Protests: Norway and Venice

Protests against the cruise industry have recently occurred in Norway and Venice. CruiseNOTWelcome, a campaign group, has protested the arrival of cruise ships in five different Norwegian ports, citing the environmental and social damage caused by the vessels.

The group posted thousands of posters in ports along the popular Norwegian Fjords route, including Flåm, Trondheim, Stavanger, Bergen, and Oslo.

Venice Cruise Protest — Photo Credit: @NoGrandiNaviVe

In Venice, protestors from the No Grandi Navi movement successfully campaigned to have large cruise ships banned from the city. The protestors, armed with signs, flags, and banners reading ‘Big ships out of the Lagoon’ and ‘No Big Ships,’ argued that the current measures were insufficient.

One of the few protests outside of Europe happened earlier this year, when activists protested the construction of the fourth cruise pier in Cozumel, Mexico.

As the few Silver Wind guests who did make it outside returned to their ship under police escort, the protestors remained steadfast in their mission. The debate over the environmental impact of cruise ships continues, with another four cruise ships expected in Douarnenez this year.

In the meantime, the cruise industry must continue working towards reducing its environmental impact. However, whether that will be enough for protestors remains to be seen.

Guest Evacuated From Carnival Ship After Ingesting Battery

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 8, 2023

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Guest Evacuated From Carnival Ship After Ingesting Battery

A guest has been successfully evacuated from Carnival Dream for a very unusual medical reason – ingesting a battery. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 6, 2023, shortly after the ship departed Galveston for its current sailing. The evacuation was done by the US Coast Guard (USCG).

Guest Evacuated From Carnival Dream

The call for a recommended medical evacuation from Carnival Dream came in at 7:22 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, just hours after the ship had departed Galveston, Texas, on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing.

An 86-year-old male guest was reported to be experiencing gastrointestinal issues and other “side effects from ingesting a battery,” according to a news release from the Coast Guard. The onboard medical team evaluated the passenger and consulted with the duty flight surgeon, who recommended the medevac.

Coast Guard Battery Rescue — Footage Courtesy: US Coast Guard

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Houston was dispatched to the cruise ship, which was approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Galveston at the time.

The helicopter crew was able to successfully hoist the passenger aboard and transported them to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. The guest’s condition is reported as stable, but in order to preserve their privacy and that of their friends, family members, and any traveling companions, no further details have been released.

Carnival Dream has continued on its sailing with no appreciable delay, with port visits scheduled to Key West as well as Freeport, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau in The Bahamas. The 128,250-gross-ton ship will return to Galveston on Sunday, May 14.

How Does Battery Ingestion Happen?

The reasoning for the medical evacuation – “side effects from ingesting a battery” – is an unusual one, as most medical evacuations relate to possible stroke-like or cardiac conditions, progressive illnesses that may worsen during a guest’s cruise vacation, or sudden injuries that require advanced treatment.

Onboard medical centers are able to treat most minor conditions and less severe injuries, but more complicated cases or those requiring extensive care do require evacuation to land-based facilities that have more specialized equipment and staff available.

Different Battery Types (Photo Credit: Sebastian_Photography / Shutterstock)

It is not clear whether the battery ingestion was confirmed or only suspected for this particular medical evacuation, but depending on the type of battery and the guest’s other health concerns, surgery may be required to remove the foreign object.

It is possible that the battery in question could have been a small button cell type of battery, also called a coin cell, coin battery, button battery, or watch battery.

These small, flat batteries are less than an inch wide and are commonly used in car key fobs, pedometers, watches, or hearing aids, and could possibly be mistaken for a pill or piece of candy.

If accidentally ingested, these batteries could react with bodily fluids – such as stomach acid, mucus, or saliva – strongly enough to complete a live circuit and burn tissues such as the esophageal lining or blood vessels. Some batteries may also contain mercury, cadmium, or other toxic substances; prompt removal is essential.

No details have been released about the exact type of battery used in this incident or how or when it was inadvertently ingested.

Carnival Dream has also recently been in the news for another medical evacuation just days ago, when sudden poor weather nearly caused the USCG helicopter to crash while attempting a medevac on April 29. A second crew was able to be dispatched when the weather cleared, and that evacuation was completed successfully.

Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Specialty Restaurant for New Ship

Carnival Cruise News

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May 8, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Unveils Specialty Restaurant for New Ship

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

New Italian Specialty Restaurant on Carnival Venezia

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

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

Emeril Lagasse (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)

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

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

Il Viaggio Menu Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience Il Viaggio Aboard Carnival Venezia

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

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

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

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

MSC Cruise Ship Marks LNG Milestone in Marseille

MSC Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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May 8, 2023

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MSC Cruise Ship Marks LNG Milestone in Marseille

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

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

MSC World Europa First Bunkering Operation

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

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

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

MSC World Europa — Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises

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

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

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

MSC World Europa Cruises

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

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

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

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

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