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Carnival Cruise Line Introduces a Seasonal Special for One Ship

Robert McGillivray
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Carnival Cruise Line Introduces a Seasonal Special for One Ship

Australia has a distinctive tradition of celebrating a second Christmas in July as a way to enjoy the holiday festivities in a more seasonally appropriate setting. 

Carnival Cruise Line offers guests an alternative to the usual Christmas in July celebrations in Sydney Harbour this year. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit aboard the Carnival Splendor for the ‘Grinchmas in July’ sailings while exploring some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

Grinchmas in July Sailings Offer a Festive Cruise Experience

Australia has a rich cultural history that includes many traditions from its British roots. One such tradition is the concept of a “perfect Christmas,” characterized by cold weather, warm fires, hearty meals, and festive songs. 

However, due to Australia’s location in the southern hemisphere, snow in December is a rarity, and the typical Christmas weather is better suited for beach celebrations rather than fireside gatherings.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Grinchmas in July sailings offer a fresh and exciting way to embrace this unique Australian tradition. Guests can indulge in the holiday spirit while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the region, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Carnival Splendor Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Gerry H / Shutterstock

Carnival Splendor will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree, glittering lights, baubles, and even winter ‘snow.’ Guests can indulge in festive food and beverage offerings, including Christmas-themed beverages and specialty dining options. 

Carnival’s usual array of over 45 onboard activities will complement the holiday atmosphere during the Grinchmas in July sailings, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all guests. Guests can participate in various holiday activities, including partaking in festive caroling and competing in the ugly sweater competition.

Enjoying a New Take on the Christmas in July Tradition

Carnival’s Grinchmas in July sailings provide a diverse selection of cruise itineraries, each offering unique experiences for guests. Departing from Sydney starting June 30, 2023, the five different departures ensure a memorable Christmas in July celebration for everyone.

The nine-night South Pacific Cruise, sailing from June 30 to July 9, 2023, takes guests through the picturesque South Pacific region. This cruise stops at Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and Lifou in New Caledonia. 

From July 9 to July 13, 2023, the 4-night Tangalooma – Moreton Island Cruise offers an escape to one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. This cruise sails from Sydney to Moreton Island, allowing guests ample time to explore its pristine beaches.

Carnival Splendor in Sydney
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

For those looking for a quick getaway, the 3-night Getaway Cruise sets sail on July 13 and returns to Sydney on July 16, 2023. This sampler cruise allows guests to experience the best of Sydney’s famous landmarks while enjoying the festive atmosphere and onboard activities that Carnival is known for.

Guests seeking a longer and more immersive experience can embark on the 12-night South Pacific Cruise from July 16 to July 28, 2023. This longer itinerary includes stops at Noumea, Mystery Island, Port Denarau, and Dravuni in Fiji. Finally, a second 3-night Getaway Cruise departs from Sydney on July 28 and returns on July 31, 2023.

Each of these Grinchmas in July sailings onboard the 113,000 gross tons, 3,012-guest, Carnival Splendor promises a memorable and festive holiday experience, allowing guests to celebrate the unique Australian tradition of Christmas in July while exploring various destinations.

For guests who may not be particularly fond of Christmas celebrations, they can rest assured that Carnival Splendor will continue to operate in Australia until at least 2025, offering a variety of cruises.

Cruises Line Offers Affordable Residential Life at Sea

Donna Tunney
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Cruises Line Offers Affordable Residential Life at Sea

Victoria Cruises Line has a long-term, cabin rental option for cruisers who want to travel the world by sea. The Cyprus-based line said cruisers who book its multi-year world cruise aboard Victoria Majestic can experience the voyage for just $79 per day.

Departs Florida in September

Victoria Cruises Line announced it is renting cabins aboard the 1,350-guest Victoria Majestic, a ship that formerly operated as Holland America Line’s Veendam before parent company Carnival Corporation sold the ship, along with Holland America Line’s Maasdam, in 2020.

Victoria Majestic will depart from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades in September 2023 and sail to 200 destinations worldwide over the course of about 27 months.

Victoria Majestic Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Victoria Cruises Line

Cabins can be rented for a minimum of six months, with the cost decreasing for longer bookings. The company said that cruisers who rent for 37 months or longer, including indefinitely, will pay $79 per day for an inside cabin.

Victoria Cruises Line CEO Olavs Zvinelis said, ”See the sights you always wanted to experience around the world without a huge investment. Rather than having to invest in a condo on a ship or in a longer-term trip for years, Victoria Cruises Line offers our customers a more flexible lifestyle at sea.”

He added, “There is no need for our customers to pay a year or more in advance. This makes it easier for customers to plan as our rental option is more wallet-friendly. Also, as part of our loyalty program, the longer you rent, the bigger the discount.”

The line’s around-the-world trip will include about 540 days spent at ports. The ship will remain in each port for up to 7 days.

Meals, Drinks Included

Rental fees include three meals daily, drinks and room service. Cabins are outfitted with a TV, DVD player, minibar, bathrobe and towels, bath amenities, binoculars and umbrellas.

Additionally, a fruit basket and flowers are to be delivered daily. A variety of staterooms and suites are available, with different floor plans. In addition to inside cabins, premium and luxury staterooms can be rented at higher rates.

Victoria Cruises Line also is planning continuous live coverage of the ship’s journey via onboard cameras, and has plans to create a reality TV show highlighting the lives of some of the ship’s passengers. Renters must be at least 18 years old.

The line said that about half of the cabins and suites onboard Victoria Majestic have been booked, and the majority of renters have chosen the unlimited, indefinite rental period.

P&O Cruises Ship Assists With Rescue Efforts for Capsized Vessel

Melissa Mayntz
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P&O Cruises Ship Assists With Rescue Efforts for Capsized Vessel

The P&O Cruises ship Britannia has assisted with intensive rescue efforts near St. Kitts after a small boat capsized. The cruise ship helped to rescue 16 individuals while 13 are confirmed deceased and 3 others remain missing.

The incident is a complex one that also has potential political complications, but the cruise ship’s role has been protecting life rather than any political connection.

Britannia Helps Rescue 13 From Sinking Ship

A 30-foot boat was 12 nautical miles (15 miles / 24 kilometers) northeast off the coast of St. Kitts when it began to have trouble and capsized, and it wasn’t until 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 that the imperiled boat was spotted by a passing yacht.

The craft was in obvious distress and “dangerously overcrowded” according to local news reports.

Emergency authorities were immediately notified to render aid, and Britannia diverted course to assist the local coast guard in the rescue efforts. The cruise ship remained on site to continue to search for survivors, but ultimately it was confirmed that 13 people of the original 32 onboard had perished. Three further individuals remain missing.

P&O Britannia Cruise Ship
P&O Britannia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Quirky Badger / Shutterstock)

“The Britannia was the lead ship to help out in the efforts with the yacht, which capsized in the early hours of the morning,” said a spokesperson for P&O Cruises. “The incident has now been handed over to the St Kitts and Nevis coastguard.”

Britannia has now continued on her sailing, a 14-night repositioning sailing between Bridgetown, Barbados and Southampton, England, that departed Barbados on Friday, March 24.

Prior to the incident, the cruise ship had already visited St. Lucia and St. Kitts, and was en route to Antigua for its next port of call on Tuesday, March 28.

The ship’s next port of call after Antigua is Ponta Delgada in the Azores of Portugal, after five days at sea. There is no reported delay to that arrival, since the cruise ship has adequate days to make up the time lost in the search and rescue efforts.

The voyage will conclude in Southampton on Friday, April 7, and Britannia will remain homeported there through the summer and early autumn, offering a variety of Mediterranean, British Isles, and Norwegian Fjords cruises, along with select Northern Europe and Scandinavia sailings as well as visits to Spain and Portugal.

Britannia is a Royal-class vessel that entered service for P&O Cruises in 2015, having been christened by Queen Elizabeth II. The 143,730-gross-ton ship has a guest capacity of 3,647 passengers, and also hosts nearly 1,400 crew members to provide excellent service.

Political Complications

The capsized vessel, which had been stolen in Antigua, was reportedly traveling between Antigua and St. Thomas, with individuals onboard seeking refuge in the US Virgin Islands.

No information is available about the motivations of those onboard. Some individuals are reported as Antiguan and others are from Cameroon, but exact details about nationalities or citizenship status are not available.

P&O Cruises Ship
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock

Regardless of any political, economic, or social considerations, any vessel at sea is obligated to render aid to another vessel in distress. This was obviously the case for this small craft with so many people aboard, the capsizing, and survivors clinging to the hull of the boat.

More From Cruise Hive

Once the emergency has passed, rescued individuals are turned over to appropriate authorities for next steps, which can vary greatly depending on the individuals involved and their unique circumstances.

Cruise Hive commends the actions of Britannia‘s crew, for without the ship’s assistance there would undoubtedly have been greater loss of life in this already tragic incident.

Norwegian Cruise Line Quietly Adds Popular Item to Prohibited List

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Quietly Adds Popular Item to Prohibited List

Cruise lines regularly update their restricted and prohibited items lists to incorporate new items of concern or new technology that might be problematic aboard ships, but Norwegian Cruise Line has recently added a very popular and long-standing cruise staple to its list. According to the updated list, guests may no longer bring fans onboard any Norwegian ship.

Fans Now Prohibited on Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line‘s list of prohibited items now includes 31 different items. They are listed in order of when each item was added to the list, and the most recent addition is number 31 – “All types of fans including handheld, battery operated, electric etc.”

This will be a concern to many cruise guests, who bring aboard fans of different sizes to help with air circulation in their staterooms, white noise for better sleep, helping to dry wet swimwear or clothes, or just for personal comfort.

Many cruise lines prohibit electrical items to ensure the ship’s power grid is not impacted by non-regulation items, but personal fans are generally an exception and are permitted onboard.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ship
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

Some lines do limit certain types of fans, such as Carnival Cruise Line permitting fans that are no larger than 12″ in diameter. Bigger box fans, fan towers, or oscillating fans on large stands are not allowed.

Royal Caribbean International has no limits on any types of fans, nor does MSC Cruises. Disney Cruise Line permits “portable fans” which would still exclude larger fans.

On most cruise lines, guests can request a fan from their stateroom attendant. Even if certain fans may be prohibited, a “loaner” fan may be available. Supplies are limited and not guaranteed, however, so interested guests should request a fan as soon as they can contact their stateroom attendant.

Are All Fans Banned?

Because Norwegian Cruise Line’s prohibited list states that all types of fans are not permitted, it appears that no fans at all will be allowed on any of the line’s 18 current ships.

It is possible, however, the policy may be adjusted in the future to permit smaller fans or those that only use certain types of power sources to ensure they are safe onboard and compatible with the ship’s power system.

For example, fans that might use large batteries could still be banned no matter what the size, as large batteries are listed separately on Norwegian’s prohibited item list (number 20).

Small Travel Fan
Small Travel Fan (Photo Credit: Honeybee49 / Shutterstock)

If guests do attempt to bring a fan onboard, they are subject to the cruise line’s policy about prohibited items.

“The safety and security of our guests and crew is our number one priority,” the policy reads. “These items will be confiscated and not transported aboard. When an item is determined to be illegal the appropriate authorities will be informed.”

In some cases, items might be stored at the embarkation port until guests return to claim them. If guests drove to the port, they might also be able to return prohibited items, including fans, to their vehicle before boarding their cruise ship.

Other Prohibited Items You Wouldn’t Expect

While some items on Norwegian Cruise Line’s list of prohibited items are sensible and obvious such as weapons, illegal drugs, and fireworks, other items might seem simple and innocuous but are still not permitted.

For example, no candles or other items with an open flame or exposed heating element like immersion heaters, clothing irons, and hot plates are permitted.

Read Also: Things You Can’t Take on a Cruise

Also prohibited are items that could cause difficulty with the ship’s navigate or operation, such as emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), ham radios, radio or telephone signal jamming equipment, or satellite phones. Even simple laser pointers are prohibited, as they could be misinterpreted as distress signals.

All cruise guests, no matter what line they may be sailing with, should check the line’s prohibited items list before setting sail to see if there have been changes or additions that might impact what they plan to pack. When in doubt, any questionable items are best left at home to avoid possible confiscation or delays with embarkation security screenings or other difficulties.

New MSC Megaship Out of Miami Opens for Bookings

Donna Tunney
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New MSC Megaship Out of Miami Opens for Bookings

MSC Cruises has officially opened sales for bookings on its new-build MSC World America, the second of the line’s World-class vessels slated to enter service in April 2025. The ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France and will be home-ported in Miami.

MSC Mega-Ship to Cruise Caribbean, Bahamas

MSC Cruises, the Italy-based cruise line that’s been making inroads into the North American market in recent years, has started taking bookings for MSC World America, a ship that’s being designed specifically for the market, with new restaurants, bars and public spaces. The 205,700 gross ton ship will accommodate 5,240 guests and 2,138 crew.

Once home-ported in Miami, the ship will operate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Eastern Caribbean itineraries will call at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas. Western Caribbean sailings will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and the MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Cruises USA President Ruben Rodriguez said, “MSC World America will be another major milestone in our North American growth story and a fantastic new experience for our guests, whether they’re local or visiting from different parts of the world.”

He added, “Our goal with this ship is to go beyond her long list of features with thoughtful touches that make each guest’s cruise experience unique and memorable. On board, they’ll find the elegant European design that’s a hallmark of our entire fleet, mixed with classic American elements and hospitality.” 

MSC Cruises also revealed some incentives for early bookings. Members of the line’s Voyager’s Club who book more than 12 months ahead of departure date will receive a discount, an onboard credit of $50 and double membership points for the cruise experience selected. Members who book even earlier, by April 12, 2023, will receive an additional $50 onboard credit.

Designed for North American Market

MSC World America will offer 2,626 staterooms and 420,000 square feet of public spaces. The 22-deck ship will debut a new outdoor destination called The Harbor, designed for families and children. The space will feature a water park, zip line, the Harbor Lighthouse play area, food trucks and several lounge areas.

The cruise line has reimagined its outdoor World Promenade to include dining and entertainment options and LED light shows. Six specialty restaurants will include two new dining spaces, details of which have not yet been announced.

MSC World America Cruise Ship
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Other new features that will debut on MSC World America include a sports bar, a comedy club and an 11-deck-high stainless steel dry slide for thrill seekers. Six pools and 14 hot tubs will be offered as well.

MSC World America will be the third liquid natural gas (LNG) powered ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet and its first based in the U.S. The ship is being constructed with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces emissions by 90% when LNG is unavailable and the ship must run on marine gas oil.

Other environmentally friendly features include systems to maximize efficiency, and an underwater radiated noise management function that minimizes acoustic sound impact, reducing potential effects on marine life.

MSC World America Cruise Ship
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises currently has four ships sailing Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from North American ports. The 4,132-guest MSC Seaside is home-ported in Port Canaveral, Florida; the 3,502-guest MSC Divina and 4,540-guest MSC Seascape are based in Port Miami, and the 4,500-guest MSC Meraviglia is home-ported in New York.

In late 2023 the North America-based fleet will increase by one, when the 4,540-guest MSC Seashore deploys to Port Canaveral.

At PortMiami, the new ship will offer embarkation and disembarkation from MSC Cruises’ new Terminal AA/AAA, which is under construction. The terminal will have two berths large enough to accommodate two of the line’s World class vessels simultaneously.

Carnival Cruise Line Leadership to Join New Ship’s First Crossing

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Leadership to Join New Ship’s First Crossing

Two VIPs will be joining Carnival Venezia‘s first transatlantic crossing as the revitalized “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship will make her way from Barcelona to New York for the first time. Both the cruise line’s president, Christine Duff, and chief culinary officer, Emeril Lagasse, will be on the ship’s May 29, 2023 sailing.

Top Names to Sail on Carnival Venezia

Two high-profile Carnival Cruise Line celebrities will be aboard a very celebrated ship as Carnival Venezia sails across the North Atlantic on her first crossing under the new flag and her new position as a Carnival cruise ship.

“Just got word our President, Christine Duffy, and our Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Lagasse, will be sailing aboard Carnival Venezia’s May 29th sailing from Barcelona!” the cruise line announced on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy
Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy

The May 29, 2023 sailing is a one-way 15-night Carnival Journeys transatlantic crossing departing from Barcelona and calling on Malaga, Gibraltar, Lisbon, the Azores, and Halifax before arriving in New York on Tuesday, June 13.

Duffy and Lagasse will only remain onboard for the first part of the sailing, but will be part of a number of festivities in the early days of the cruise.

“We are eagerly awaiting the debut of Carnival Venezia and so we wanted to welcome the ship with ‘BAM’ by having Emeril join me on board as we interact with guests and show off this beautiful ship,” said Duffy.

“Together for the first part of Carnival Venezia’s first sailing, we’ll experience Carnival’s signature fun with a new Italian flair, exclusive onboard events and beautiful European destinations – I can’t wait!”

Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse
Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse

The exact number of days Duffy and Lagasse will be onboard and when they will leave the ship has not been announced, but they will likely depart the vessel in a European port rather than remaining onboard for the six sea days between the Azores and Canada.

Special VIP Events

Programming highlights featuring Duffy and Lagasse include a Sail Away Party and Captain’s Venetian Toast, guest appearances on The Wave Morning Show, a special Fireside Chat, and a private cooking demonstration planned for May 30, the ship’s first sea day.

Reservations for the cooking demonstration can only be purchased onboard the ship and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis, with proceeds going to Carnival Cruise Line’s long-time charitable partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Other special activities and events are likely to be part of the unique cruise, not only to celebrate the VIPs onboard, but also to commemorate the beginning of the ship’s new position in the Carnival fleet and all that makes Carnival Venezia unique and distinctive.

Sailing With Carnival Venezia

Even if guests cannot book the transatlantic sailing in May, there are many great options for cruising aboard Carnival Venezia. Once she arrives in New York at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the ship will begin offering a variety of sailings from the Big Apple.

Shorter 4-night cruises will visit Bermuda, while longer 8-night sailings will be Eastern Caribbean itineraries calling on destinations such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk. Some cruises will also visit Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Canada and New England itineraries are also available and range from 5-7 nights, with ports of call such as Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, and Portland.

Carnival Costa Cruise Ship
Render Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Venezia will also offer longer 10-, 11-, and 12-night Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean cruises on select departure dates, offering travelers even greater options for fantastic cruises. In total, the ship will offer 22 unique itineraries that together visit 25 ports of call across 14 countries.

Once onboard, guests will experience the Italian vibe of the gorgeous ship, including the stunning atrium modeled after Venice’s main public square, the Piazza San Marco. The Lido deck draws inspiration from the Italian Riviera, the Gondola Lounge is designed to evoke the famous Venetian canals, and the Carnevale Bar & Lounge celebrates the elegance of Venetian masquerades.

The ship, currently being renovated and updated in Cadiz, will also feature many classic Carnival favorites, such as Carnival Waterworks, Heroes Tribute Lounge, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, Guy’s Burger Joint, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and Dr. Seuss Bookville.

With so much to offer in such a beautiful and engaging way, Carnival Venezia truly can bring a bit of Italy to every Carnival cruiser’s experience.

Giant New Disney Cruise Ship to Be Based in Singapore

Melissa Mayntz
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Giant New Disney Cruise Ship to Be Based in Singapore

Disney Cruise Line has announced that an upcoming brand-new vessel will be homeported in Singapore for at least five years, offering a variety of itineraries throughout Southeast Asia. The Memorandum of Understanding for the positioning was signed on March 29, 2023, and the ship will begin sailing in 2025.

New Disney Ship to Sail From Singapore

In collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Cruise Line has announced its first ever Southeast Asian ship deployment, with an upcoming new vessel to be homeported exclusively in Singapore for at least five years, to begin in 2025.

“This is a very exciting year for The Walt Disney Company — 2023 marks our 100th anniversary,” said Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman.

“As part of this, Disney Cruise Line is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion with new ships and new destinations around the world. We are incredibly excited to make Singapore the home port to our seventh-launched ship, which will sail from here year-round starting in 2025.”

Future Disney Global Dream Cruise Ship
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line

This announcement also comes as Disney Cruise Line prepares to celebrate its “Silver Anniversary at Sea” having first debuted 25 years ago, in 1998.

The note that this will be Disney’s “seventh launched ship,” plus the detail that the vessel will weigh 208,000 gross tons with a guest capacity of approximately 6,000, confirms that the Singapore-based ship will be the former Global Dream, which Disney Cruise Line purchased in November 2022.

Global Dream was under construction for Genting Cruise Lines when that cruise line went bankrupt, and the not-yet-completed ship was sold. Disney Cruise Line has taken over the construction, and the ship’s finishing details will be in distinctive Disney style.

The as-yet-unnamed ship is under construction at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, managed by Meyer Werft, the same shipbuilders who constructed Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish and is also constructing two additional Wish-class ships – Disney Treasure and one further sister ship that is also planned to debut in 2025.

Sailing Disney in Southeast Asia

While the upcoming ship’s overall theme, onboard features, itineraries, and maiden voyage have not yet been announced, Singapore is the ideal homeport for a very diverse and attractive range of cruise options, which will help further enrich the already thriving local tourism sector.

“We look forward to welcoming the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Singapore in 2025,” said Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “This is an important milestone for STB and reflects Disney Cruise Line’s strong confidence in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The new Disney cruise ship will be an attraction itself and is expected to boost the tourism sector in Singapore for many years to come.”

Disney Wish Funnel
Photo Credit: MartinLueke / Shutterstock

From Singapore, the new Disney ship could easily sail itineraries that include destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and even China, Japan, or India, depending on the length of the cruise and whether they are roundtrip or one-way voyages.

Regardless of homeport or itineraries, the new ship is sure to incorporate all of Disney’s magic to delight its guests, including the dazzling entertainment, world-class innovative dining, and legendary guest service the cruise line is known for.

Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

Popular characters such as such as Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses, and Marvel Super Heroes are sure to be onboard as well.

Because the ship is being largely dedicated to the Asian market, it is likely to have even more unique features to appeal to that guest audience, and will undoubtedly cater its service to exceed every guest’s magical dreams for the ultimate oceangoing getaway.

Disney Cruise Line’s Captain Minnie Teases About New Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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0
Disney Cruise Line’s Captain Minnie Teases About New Ship

With Disney Treasure scheduled to debut in just over one year, both Disney fans and cruise fans are eager for details on the new ship. The cruise line has hinted at some of the ship’s possible theming and décor with a new teaser video featuring Captain Minnie getting ready to set sail.

New Video Hints at Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line has released a teaser video with Captain Minnie styling new outfits, presumably in preparation for the arrival of Disney Treasure. First, she receives a “treasure map” scroll, with an “X” marks the spot after a winding trail. “Time to get ready for an adventure!” she exclaims.

Captain Minnie tries on several outfits – her tropical gear for Castaway Cay, a long coat with fur trim for Alaska, and a pirate ensemble.

Finally, she ends with an adventure-seeking outfit of khaki pants, rugged brown boots, a blue denim jacket, tan belt, and a tan hat. The hat and a neckerchief both sport her classic white polka dots on a red background, though the red is a more muted tone than her classic theme park dress.

“Now this, says adventure!” she says. Captain Minnie then picks up the treasure map scroll and a spyglass, and is off to seek her adventure, as the video is “To Be Continued…”

What Does This Say About Disney Treasure?

The video has no footage or renderings of the upcoming cruise ship, currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and scheduled to debut in the autumn of 2024.

Yet the adventure-seeking hints in the video do tie in with the ship’s theme, which will be based on Africa and Asia and will feature the popular couple of Aladdin and Jasmine, along with Magic Carpet and undoubtedly other characters from the 1992 movie and possibly the 2019 live action remake as well.

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
Rendering Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line

Exploration gear is perfect to encourage guests to seek out their own magical adventures, which the new ship is sure to offer.

While little has yet been released about the Triton-class vessel, it is a sister ship to Disney Wish, which set sail in July 2022. Disney Treasure will be homeported from Port Canaveral, offering Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruises, likely each with a stop at the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

It is not yet known how long the sailings may be or what exact ports they will visit, nor whether or not Disney Wish – which is currently homeported from Port Canaveral – may relocate to a different homeport once Disney Treasure arrives.

That is a likely possibility, however, as it would be most convenient to base the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line’s main homeport and the closest cruise port to Orlando, home of Walt Disney World and a common add-on for Disney cruise vacations.

When the 144,000-gross-ton Disney Treasure sets sail, she will be able to welcome 4,000 guests onboard for magical, adventure-seeking getaways. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for more details on Disney Treasure in the months to come as more treasures are unveiled for this highly anticipated new ship!

Royal Caribbean Unveils Never-Before-Seen Venues on Icon of the Seas

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Unveils Never-Before-Seen Venues on Icon of the Seas

New details have been revealed about Icon of the Seas and the news is something to truly raise a glass to – new bars and lounges, including more themed venues, intimate spaces, and new-to-brand offerings never before seen on any Royal Caribbean ship. With fantastic options around the ship, guests will never lack for somewhere to quench their thirst.

New Bars for Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has done extensive market research to bring guests exactly what they enjoy the most for their vacations, and that research is reflected in new bar offerings aboard Icon of the Seas.

The ship will feature more than 15 bars and lounges, from brand new concepts to favorites of returning cruisers.

“From all-new venues and bolder favorites to new iconic drinks on every menu, zero-proof cocktails and twists to classics, there’s something for everyone to make the most of their nights out on Icon of the Seas,” said Linken D’Souza, vice president, food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International.

Dueling Pianos

Sure to be an immediate hit, Dueling Pianos will debut on Icon of the Seas‘ Royal Promenade with high energy live music for guests to sing along. A first for any Royal Caribbean ship, the bar will be home to a pair of baby grand pianos and talented pianists who will take song requests and offer a fun, energetic atmosphere every evening.

Icon of the Seas Nightlife Venue
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

“One of the things that kept coming up as a guest favorite in all of the research that we’ve done is this dueling pianos experience,” said Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, associate vice president, product development, Royal Caribbean International. “There’s no holding back on just singing at the top of your lungs and kind of seeing the two singers battle.”

“We loved that idea of the interactivity of the piano players with the crowd and creating that lounge that really brings late-night entertainment to life.”

Lou’s Jazz and Blues

Giving Central Park a new and distinctive vibe will be Lou’s Jazz and Blues, a live jazz club for both classics and pop with a blend of both New York and New Orleans jazz styles.

Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

The venue will provide both indoor and outdoor cafe seating on Deck 8, amidst the hundreds of live plants that give Central Park such a unique style for an oceangoing vessel.

Rye & Bean

An innovative all-day bar with an evolving menu for different moods at different times, Rye & Bean will be part of the AquaDome neighborhood on Deck 15.

Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

In the morning, it will be a brisk coffee bar offering a variety of perk-up options from cappuccinos to lattes, and through the day it will transform to offering espresso cocktails and other coffee-infused libations for elevated drink preferences.

1400 Lobby Bar

At the heart of the ship on Deck 5 will be the 1400 Lobby Bar, inspired by Icon of the Seas‘ unique shipbuilding number.

“The number of the hull on every ship is unique to that ship, and on icon of the seees that number was 1400,” said D’Souza. “The 1400 Lobby Bar is our tribute to all of those hard-working folks who bulit this amazing an iconic shop.”

Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Not only will the bar offer a range of drinks from tropical juice-based favorites to more sophisticated, elegant cocktails, but it will also be the first lobby bar in the Royal Caribbean fleet to open up to the outdoors with an ocean-facing terrace.

Bubbles

Another new venue will be Bubbles, a walkup champagne bar window for grab-and-go glasses, bottles, and a signature cocktail in Central Park on Deck 8.

Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

The bar will be open throughout the day for whenever guests may desire a bit of the bubbly, with options such as mimosas, prosecco, and bellinis available.

The Overlook

Sure to become another hotspot in the AquaDome neighborhood, The Overlook is an elevated lounge with astonishing nooks for amazing views, just steps from the popular aqua shows.

Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Edgy decor still has an oceanic vibe for relaxation, and it is designed as a great spot for guests to get away but still be close to the ship’s hotspots.

Returning Favorites

In addition to the new bars and lounges, Icon of the Seas will also host favorite venues popular across the fleet. This includes the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Boleros, Schooner Bar, Music Hall, Spotlight Karaoke, and more.

Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

All of these fantastic options will be available to guests when Icon of the Seas debuts from PortMiami in January 2024, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings to some of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean, including the cruise line’s private island destination, CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Even though Icon of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world and able to welcome up to 5,610 guests at double occupancy and as many as 7,600 passengers when all berths are filled, every single person will be able to find a drink they enjoy to toast an amazingly iconic vacation.

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