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Margaritaville at Sea to Debut Millions in Upgrades in Early June

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 15, 2023

Margaritaville at Sea to Debut Millions in Upgrades in Early June

Margaritaville at Sea has released enticing details about upgrades to their only ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. The vessel is scheduled to enter dry dock on May 21, and will debut completely refreshed, rejuvenated, and upgraded on June 2.

Among the upgrades are brand new dining venues with expanded menus, new entertainment and shows, state-of-the-art fitness upgrades, and updates to the ship’s 658 staterooms.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise to Receive Extensive Upgrades

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is being removed from service for an extensive dry dock, upgrading all areas of the ship and refreshing spaces with new themes, decor, and unique touches that will make the 32-year-old ship as good as new.

The renovation comes just one year after the ship first entered service for the new boutique cruise line. Changes are being based not only on operational needs and general maintenance, but also on guest feedback and what travelers want most in a cruise vacation.

“We’ve been listening to our friends and fans and have invested in the kinds of new offerings passengers said will best enhance their sailing experience,” said Kevin Sheehan, Jr., Margaritaville at Sea President and CEO.

Among the upgrades planned for the ship are a new Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar that will be adjacent to the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill on Deck 10 aft. The burger bar will offer fresh beef customizable burgers for no extra charge.

Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Joe Ciciless / Shutterstock

Other dining upgrades will be made to the ship’s main dining room, Fins, on Deck 8. Not only will the space be refreshed, but the menu will be expanded to include such delicious options as island-inspired signature entrees and made-from-scratch desserts, including the cruise line’s exclusive Key Lime Sponge Cake.

For guests looking to toast a great cruise vacation, the brand new Keys on the Water Dueling Piano Bar will offer high energy entertainment with nightly live music while guests can enjoy unique craft cocktails. The Hemisphere Nightclub will also offer a new cocktail menu with a live DJ spinning all the latest hits and favorite tunes.

Additional entertainment options will be added to the ship with two new immersive theater shows.

The first, “Caribbean Heat” is a musical Caribbean journey infused with dance and acrobatics, while “Radio Margaritaville: LIVE! At Sea” will feature not only live music from outstanding artists, but also musical storytelling and other fun.

New Fitness Options and Fun for Kids

It isn’t only the dining and entertainment that are part of the ship’s multi-million dollar upgrade. New fitness options and refreshed youth programming are designed to appeal to all types of travelers.

The Fins Up! Fitness Center on Deck 11 is being updated with new state-of-the-art equipment, including Touch Smart Fitness Mirrors. Yoga options, interactive bikes, and other equipment will also be available.

For on deck fitness fun, guests will be able to check out Paradise Pickleball at Sea with a regulation-size court adjacent to outdoor lounge space for observers to cheer on their favorite players.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Port of Palm Beach

Younger cruisers will love the updates to the Fin City Arcade with new games, as well as refreshed spaces for the Jolly Mon Kid’s Club and Parakeets Kid’s Club.

Altogether, the updates to Margaritaville at Sea Paradise are extensive, and are sure to give the ship a completely new and rejuvenated vibe perfect for her laid-back, tropical atmosphere.

“The venues we’ve added and enhancements we’ve made are going to take our experience to the next level and will surprise and delight new guests and returning cruisers alike,” said Sheehan.

In addition to the most visible upgrades, the ship will also be generally refreshed with new paint, flooring upgrades, and stateroom rejuvenation.

On Shore Updates

Beyond the ship itself, the cruise line is also updating the experiences offered to guests.

New shore tours will be available when Margaritaville at Sea Paradise resumes service on June 2, including a party boat and snorkeling option as well as a cycling adventures. Tours such as resort day passes, dolphin encounters, and the famous Bahamian swimming with the pigs are already available.

Guests who want a longer getaway will also have a new Cruise & Stay option with a partnership with Pelican Bay Resort on Grand Bahama Island, in addition to the Grand Lucayan Bahamas and Wyndham Fortuna Beach resorts.

To celebrate these new offerings onboard and ashore, Margaritaville at Sea is offering a special “Sail-a-Bration” deal with buy one, get one free offers, or guests can consider the cruise line’s unique “Ultimate Paradise Pass” for unlimited sailings all year long.

The cruise line also offers special rates for college students, solo travelers, and “heroes” of all types, including active and veteran military members, first responders, law enforcement officials, and educators.

Princess Cruises Reveals Name of Second Sphere Class Ship

Princess Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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May 12, 2023

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Princess Cruises Reveals Name of Second Sphere Class Ship

Princess Cruises has unveiled the name of its second Sphere Class ship, which is scheduled to begin its maiden Mediterranean cruise season in August 2025.

The massive 4,300-guest cruise ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and is the sister ship to Sun Princess, which will debut in 2024.

A New Addition to the Princess Fleet

Princess Cruises has revealed the name of its second Sphere-class cruise ship today, May 12. The 175,500 gross tons cruise ship will be called Star Princess. Currently, under construction at the Monfalcone Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Star Princess will join the Sun Princess as the largest ship in the Princess fleet.

The innovative LNG-powered cruise ship will have an air lubrication system to reduce drag on the hull and improve fuel efficiency. The design of the vessel offers a unique experience for guests, combining the familiar aspects of Princess with new, outward-looking views of the sea.

John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming addition: “There’s much to be admired about Star Princess – her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings.”

“We’ve carefully designed these ships to feel familiar to our guests yet significantly advanced with lots of exceptional new and expanded experiences to embrace and explore.”

Despite being 20 percent larger than the line’s existing ships, the Star Princess will maintain the intimate settings for which Princess is renowned.

The vessel will feature new spaces, such as The Dome, an entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, and the Piazza, which features a glass sphere. The high-tech Princess Arena and a majestic dining room promise to offer guests unforgettable wake views.

Princess Cruises promises to reveal more details about its newest ship over the coming months.

Enhancing the Cruise Experience

The second Sphere Class ship will also introduce several features unique to Star Princess, including new food and beverage concepts, an expanded casino, a two-story Lotus Spa, and entertainment led by Cirque Éloize.

Each performance at Cirque Éloize will bring together various artistic, and acrobatic skills, such as aerial hoops, poles, bungees, Cyr wheel, silks, astonishing contortion, and more, all accompanied by music and a variety of technical effects.

Sphere-Class Sun Princess Cruise Ship — Render Courtesy: Princess Cruises

Star Princess will make its debut on August 4, 2025, with a nine-day Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome, stopping at Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Naples, from where guests can visit Capri and Pompeii.

The ship will then offer various 9- and 10-day cruises from Rome, Athens, or Trieste, visiting coastal ports in the Mediterranean. Bookings for the Star Princess cruises will open on June 1, 2023, as part of the larger Europe 2025 program that Princess intends to release on that date.

Meanwhile, the Star Princess‘s sister ship, Sun Princess, is set to debut in the U.S. in October 2024. After completing a season of Mediterranean and European cruises from February to September 2024, Sun Princess will be stationed at Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, starting October

Is Deck 1 on a Cruise Ship Bad – Pros and Cons

First Time Cruisers

Haiyan Ma

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May 12, 2023

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Is Deck 1 on a Cruise Ship Bad – Pros and Cons

One thing you need to know when booking a cruise is what deck you would like to be on. Cruise ships usually have over a dozen decks for guests to choose from, and they have their own qualities.

Deck 1, in particular, has a bad rap among cruisers. Many people tend to stay away from deck 1 on a cruise ship but don’t have all of the facts about this level to fully inform their decision.

This article will explain where deck 1 is and everything you need to know about it.

In This Article…

What Is Deck 1?
Is Deck 1 on a Cruise Ship Bad?
- Pros of Deck 1
- Cons of Deck 1
Deck 1 FAQ
The Verdict: Should You Choose Deck 1?

What Is Deck 1?

Deck 1 is usually the lowest deck on the ship. Some cruise ships have decks lower than deck 1 for the crew and label them with letters instead (deck A, deck B, deck C, etc.).

For some cruise lines, it is the lowest available deck to passengers, sometimes containing cabins available for passengers to book. However, this isn’t always the case, and it largely depends on the ship you’re on.

For example, Royal Caribbean cruise ships usually restrict deck 1 to crew, and the lowest deck that passengers may book is deck 2 or 3.

In contrast, on most Disney cruise ships, deck 1 often contains staterooms for passengers to book. Some Carnival Cruise Line ships also allow passengers to stay on deck 1.

Now that you know where deck 1 is on a cruise ship, you might wonder, is deck 1 on a cruise ship bad? Let’s find out.

Is Deck 1 on a Cruise Ship Bad?

Deck 1 isn’t inherently a bad place to be on a cruise ship. However, like every deck on a cruise ship, there are pros and cons to staying on deck 1. To illustrate further, let’s look at the pros and cons of deck 1.

Pros of Deck 1

For the most part, deck 1 has the most affordable cabins on the cruise ship because it’s seen as a less desirable deck, but that’s definitely a subjective stance.

Cruise Ship Deck Hallway — Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

The top benefit of staying on deck 1 is that you’ll feel minimal motion sickness because the closer you are to the waterline, the less rocking you’ll feel from the ship. So if motion sickness is one of your main barriers to going on a cruise, you may be in luck if you book a stateroom on deck 1.

What’s more, being so close to the waterline, you’ll also have a great view of the ocean and have a better chance of spotting sea life from your cabin location.

Cons of Deck 1

One of the significant downsides to deck 1 is how noisy it is. While all cruise ship cabins can expect some noise, the worst is on deck 1. Much of this noise is from being closer to the ships’ operations.

In the decks just beneath deck 1 are the crew cabins, laundry facilities, and even the engine room. The engines and propellers of the ship are especially noisy and can be majorly disruptive for your stay, especially if you’re a light sleeper.

If possible, avoiding rooms above these facilities is a good idea, even if you end up in a deck 1 cabin.

Do cruise ships have irons — Cruise Ship Laundry Room

Another disadvantage is that, because of the deck’s proximity to the water, there are often no balconies in the suites offered. Some may even have no windows.

However, if you plan on doing numerous activities on the ship and only plan on sleeping in your cabin, this might be a fair trade-off for a more affordable cabin and less seasickness.

Finally, the lower deck is further from the action on the ship. This can be a good thing if you aren’t a fan of being around a lot of people, but depending on the size of your ship, it can also be a nuisance to go up and across the ship for your activities.

Deck 1 FAQ

How many decks are on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships tend to have 12 to 16 decks, depending on the size.

What is below deck 1 on a cruise?

If deck 1 is the lowest passenger deck, below it you’ll find all of the operations for the ship. This includes the crew cabins, crew dining facilities, and other important facilities such as a laundry room, engine room, storage rooms, and even a jail.

What deck level is best on a cruise ship?

The best deck on a cruise ship largely depends on your needs. For most people, the higher the deck, the better. If you’re looking for large suites and specialty cabins, you will most likely find them there. However, this preference does vary from person to person. For those who get seasick, a high deck may be a nightmare in rough seas, and deck 1 might make your cruise a more enjoyable experience.

Is deck 1 underwater?

On some cruise ships where deck 1 isn’t accessible to passengers, it may be underwater. However, on cruise ships where deck 1 is accessible to passengers, it is above the waterline. This is because there are other decks for the crew below. If you want to be as close to the waterline as possible, deck 1 is your best bet!

The Verdict: Should You Choose Deck 1?

To recap, the simple answer to “is deck 1 on a cruise ship bad” is no, it’s not. However, deck 1 is not for everyone.

If you are prone to seasickness and want to be as close as possible to the water line to catch a glimpse of sea life, you may enjoy deck 1.

It’s also a more affordable option if you spend most of your time at different ports and take advantage of various activities on board. However, a higher deck is a better choice for those seeking a more luxurious cruise experience.

How Much Does it Cost to Fuel a Cruise Ship?

How Cruise Ships Work

Haiyan Ma

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May 11, 2023

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A ticket for a cruise can be pricey, and you may wonder where exactly that money is going in terms of the ship’s operation. While paying staff and food costs are notable expenses for every cruise ship, one of the highest costs for your cruise is actually the fuel needed to run the ship.

As you can imagine from their size, the cost of running a cruise ship is significant. But how much does it cost to fuel a cruise ship? How much fuel does a cruise ship need? Keep reading to find out.

In This Article…

How Much Does It Cost to Fuel a Cruise Ship?
- How Much Fuel Can a Cruise Ship Hold?
Factors that Affect the Cost to Fuel a Cruise Ship
Fueling a Cruise Ship FAQ
Wrap-Up: The Price of Your Cruise

How Much Does It Cost to Fuel a Cruise Ship?

The cost to run a cruise ship is difficult to determine, as it varies based on many different factors.

Bigger cruise lines will have much higher fuel costs as they typically operate larger ships and significantly more sails throughout the year. In contrast, smaller cruise ships will, of course, need less fuel.

Refueling a Holland America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)

In general, the cost to fuel a cruise ship ranges from $80,000 a day to $200,000 a day. To illustrate, here are some estimates of how much it costs to fuel some of the most popular cruise ships:

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas (227,000 gross tons): $200,000 per day
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas (154, 407 gross tons): $115,000 per day
Norwegian Spirit (75,500 gross tons): $80,000 per day

How Much Fuel Can a Cruise Ship Hold?

Another question to help understand how much it costs to fuel a cruise ship is how much fuel it can even hold. A larger cruise ship can typically hold around two million gallons of fuel, while smaller cruise ships might hold 130 000 gallons.

Let’s check out the factors that largely affect how much it costs to fuel a cruise ship.

Factors that Affect the Cost to Fuel a Cruise Ship

When considering how much it costs to fuel a cruise ship, you must also consider the factors that determine this cost.

Several elements go into the price of fuelling a cruise ship. These factors are so crucial that virtually no two cruise ship sailings will cost the same to fuel.

Cruise Ship Fuel Depot — Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

The top factors are the cost of fuel, fuel type, size of the ship, length of sailing, and speed. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these elements requires.

Cost of Fuel

There’s no standard price for the cost of fuel for cruise ships. Much like how filling up your car depends on the price of gas that day, the same goes for fueling up a cruise ship. It can be different every day!

Fuel Type

The type of fuel that the cruise ship needs also affects the total fuel cost.

The most common fuel cruise ships use is marine diesel fuel, similar to the diesel fuel used in trucks, except formulated for ships. The price of this type of diesel will largely depend on where the cruise ship fuels up.

Many newer cruise ships are powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). The benefit of LNG fuel is that it burns cleaner than a traditional diesel engine or gas-powered engines. Moreover, while LNG fuel provides many environmental benefits, it has a lower fuel density than diesel.

Size of the Ship

The size of the ship plays a huge role in how much fuel will cost. Generally, the larger the ship, the more fuel it will take!

Large Cruise Ship Refuel (Photo Credit: Riccardo Arata / Shutterstock)

The cruise ship’s size also dictates the fuel tank’s size. Small cruise ships may only be able to hold 100,000 gallons of fuel, while the fuel tanks of some of the biggest cruise ships may hold upwards of four million gallons of fuel.

Length of Sailing

Another factor that significantly affects the cost of fuelling a cruise ship is the length of sailing. Logically, the longer the sailing, the more fuel the cruise ship will consume. For especially long sailings – more than 14 days – there’s a chance that the ship will also have to stop to refuel.

Beyond the length of sailing, the itinerary also plays a vital role in fuel costs. A ship with many ports that are close together will require less fuel than one that stops at ports far away from each other.

Speed

Finally, speed is a major factor in the cost of fueling a cruise ship. The faster a cruise ship goes, the more fuel it burns because of the power required to propel the ship forward. This is one reason why cruise ships usually sail leisurely throughout your voyage.

Fueling a Cruise Ship FAQ

How long can cruise ships go without refueling?

Depending on the ship, cruise ships can sail for 10 to 14 days before refueling. However, there are a lot of factors that go into this number, such as size of the ship, number of days spent at sea, and the fuel efficiency of the ship.

How much fuel does a cruise ship use per day?

A large cruise ship can use up to 250 tons of fuel daily, equivalent to over 80,000 gallons of gas.

How much does fueling a cruise ship on a seven-day cruise cost?

Asset America estimates that a cruise ship with 1000 passengers and 700 crew members could spend about $15,000 a day on fuel. This means a seven-day cruise can cost $105,000 in fuel alone. This cost can, of course, be more for larger cruise ships. Based on these numbers, imagine what the fuel for a mega ship like Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas can cost!

Wrap-Up: The Price of Your Cruise

The answer to “how much does it cost to fuel a cruise ship” is that it depends. However, fuel is one of – if not the largest – costs a cruise ship must incur.

Some cruise lines add a fuel surcharge to their cruise fare, which you’ll see when you book your ticket in times of high fuel prices. However, for the most part, the cruise ship’s fuel is not something you have to worry about on your vacation.

Carnival Requests Voluntary Masks for One Ship in a Fun Way

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 11, 2023

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Carnival Requests Voluntary Masks for One Ship in a Fun Way

Mask-wearing has been a controversial topic for cruise travel since the pandemic state of emergency first required onboard masking as part of health and safety protocols.

Now, Carnival Cruise Line is inviting guests to wear masks aboard one ship in a fun way – for a “Venetian Mask Night” aboard the upcoming Carnival Venezia.

New Theme Night Aboard Carnival Venezia

In honor of the new ship’s Italian connections and specifically its Venetian heritage, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing “Venetian Mask Night” aboard Carnival Venezia. The new theme night will be the ship’s first elegant evening, traditionally the second night of each sailing.

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald announced the new theme with a bit of whimsy.

“I am not here to tell you that you have to wear a face mask on your cruise,” Heald said. “Unless you are on the Carnival Venezia.”

Venetian Mask Night is planned as an elegant special event aboard the Italian-styled ship. Guests are welcome to bring their own Venetian-style masks to wear, or may purchase unique Carnival-themed masks with classic Venetian flair.

Costa Venezia Atrium — Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

“We will of course have them on board for sale for you all,” Heald explained. “These will include our own FUN Italian Style Carnival themed masks as in red, white and blue. Plus there will be the more traditional Venetian masks available as well.”

The first elegant evening is also the date for the Captain’s Celebration when guests can meet and mingle with the ship’s master, Captain Claudio Cupisti, who hails from Viareggio, Italy – a coastal community 150 miles southwest (241 kilometers) of Venice.

Elaborate masks are sure to be on display throughout the evening, and other onboard activities may also center around masks throughout each sailing, though additional details have not yet been revealed. Heald has indicated that more details about Venetian Mask Night will be revealed in the days ahead as Carnival Venezia nears her debut on May 29, 2023.

About Venetian Masks

Classic Venetian masks originated with the Carnival of Venice, a traditional festival that dates from the Middle Ages and celebrates Venetian history and culture dating back for nearly 900 years.

The classic masks are elaborately designed, full-face or partial masks, often decorated with gold leaf, feathers, beading, and gems. Some masks depict the wearer’s occupation or social station, while others are clever disguises.

Gaudy headdresses or other accents are also frequently part of the masks, and entire costumes may coordinate with the most elaborate masks. Some masks also feature beak-like noses, or may be worn either tied around the head or held in front of the face with a stick.

Italian Style Aboard Carnival Venezia

Mask-wearing is not the only bit of Italian flair that will be found exclusively aboard Carnival Venezia. The ship, which is currently undergoing renovation in Cadiz, Spain, to update her spaces with Carnival accents, will preserve much of her Italian styling.

Of particular interest is the Canal Grande Restaurant, the ship’s aft main dining room on Decks 3 and 4, where a full-size gondola is a stunning showpiece displayed in a gorgeous canal setting.

Italian-inspired architecture and décor can be found throughout the ship, such as in the main atrium, Piazza San Marco, with marble columns and luxurious gold accents.

The ship will also be home to a new specialty restaurant, Il Viaggio, with classic Italian dishes on a delicious menu that “tours” guests through the tastes of Italy with regionally-featured dishes.

The 135,225-gross-ton Carnival Venezia will begin sailing from New York after her transatlantic crossing from Barcelona, scheduled to depart Spain on May 29.

From the Big Apple, the ship will offer Bermuda, Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, and Canada/New England cruises, given interested guests a wide variety of itineraries during which to enjoy every moment of Carnival fun, Italian-style.

Exclusive Cirque Performances Coming to New Princess Ship

Princess Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 11, 2023

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Princess Cruises has announced a creative collaboration with the amazing Cirque Éloize to bring three unique and exclusive performances to the upcoming Sun Princess. Each performance is specially created for The Dome, a new feature aboard the ship that will be a transformative space for outstanding entertainment.

Cirque Éloize Coming to Sun Princess

Three new immersive Cirque Éloize performances will debut exclusively on Sun Princess when the ship arrives in February 2024. Each show will last 20-30 minutes, and performances will rotate throughout each sailing to give guests different viewing opportunities.

The first exclusive show, “Blue” is a poetic journey between sky and ocean that highlights the spirit of love, no matter how long one’s travels toward it may be.

“Come Fly Away” is a more playful musical performance evoking the 1950s in which the show’s band leader falls head over heels for an audience member. The musical journey embraces the art of the romantic chance and lighthearted courtship.

Finally, “Artbeat” is a colorful and uplifting show celebrating the joy of life with a kaleidoscope of characters working together in perfect harmony, each contributing their unique talents to create a vibrant masterpiece.

Each show will coordinate various artistic acrobatic talents, including aerial hoops and pole, dramatic bungees, Cyr wheel, silks, eye-popping contortion and more, set to evocative music and utilizing a range of technical effects for a truly immersive experience.

A cast of eight outstanding performers will perform each show with the characteristic flair of Circue Éloize, which blends the circus arts seamlessly with music, dance, technology, and theater for enthralling displays all ages will enjoy.

About the Dome

The new performances will be featured in The Dome, a first-in-fleet multi-level entertainment venue debuting on Sun Princess.

“The Dome is a transformational space that creates a stunning vista with sweeping views of the ocean and creates an unprecedented setting to stage avant-garde spectaculars that will absolutely fascinate our guests,” said Francois Leroux, Princess Senior Vice President, Creative Design and Entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to bring this collaboration with Cirque Éloize to life with three original shows, created specifically for this innovative and spectacular space on our next-generation Sun Princess.”

The glass-enclosed venue, The Dome, features an indoor/outdoor pool that will transform into a stage for evening entertainment, with state-of-the-art lighting effects and other technological support. Extending through Decks 17, 18, and 19, the space offers incomparable airiness and light for outstanding views day and night.

All Cirque Éloize performances onboard will be complimentary, but because space within The Dome will be limited and the shows are sure to be popular, seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, and guests are advised to arrive early.

Sun Princess Coming in Early 2024

Sun Princess, the third ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet to bear the name, is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, with an anticipated debut of February 2024. The ship was floated out in early March, an important milestone for her overall construction.

The 175,500-gross-ton Sphere-class vessel will be the largest ever built for Princess Cruises, and the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship will be able to welcome approximately 4,300 guests per sailing.

The first season of Sun Princess cruises are now available for booking, and the ship will spend her first several months in Europe, offering a variety of Mediterranean sailings with embarkations from Rome, Athens, and Barcelona. The ship will visit a wide range of top Mediterranean ports, including destinations in Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, and Spain.

In late September 2024, Sun Princess will make her first transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, where she will remain homeported and offer Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico cruises.

Carnival Cruise Ship Dry Dock Underway, Dining Changes Planned

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 10, 2023

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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.