Blog Page 535

Pilot Dies After Falling Into Sea While Boarding Cruise Ship

Robert McGillivray
-
0
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
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

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
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
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise (Photo Credit: Grand Bahama Shipyard)

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
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.

More From Cruise Hive

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

Robert McGillivray
-
0
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
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

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
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
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

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
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
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
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
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

Robert McGillivray
-
0
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.

Yet Another Royal Caribbean Ship Oversold Days Before Sailing

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Yet Another Royal Caribbean Ship Oversold Days Before Sailing

Royal Caribbean has oversold yet another Allure of the Seas cruise, and is contacting guests just a week before embarkation with enticing offers to switch or cancel their sailing.

Allure of the Seas Oversold Again

Just a week after Allure of the Seas was oversold for its April 30, 2023 departure, Royal Caribbean International is once again reaching out to guests about another overbooked cruise – now the May 14, 2023 departure.

“We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Allure of the Seas May 14th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold,” the email reads.

The impacted cruise is a 7-night roundtrip Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston, calling on Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. This is the only itinerary Allure of the Seas is currently sailing, though the port order varies depending on the departure date.

Guests are being offered generous options for last-minute compensation, with three choices to consider. If guests prefer to remain booked as-is on the oversold sailing, they can disregard all offers. But which choice is best for which guests?

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas
Photo Credit: NAN728 / Shutterstock

Different Cruise, Different Ship

The first option is for guests to move to Voyager of the Seas for a similar 5-night sailing departing either June 3 or June 17. Both sailings will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, but not Roatan.

Travelers who choose this option will not only move to their selected Voyager of the Seas cruise, but will also receive a 100% refund of their Allure of the Seas fare, plus $300 (USD) of non-refundable onboard credit for Voyager of the Seas.

Whereas Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship weighing in at 225,282 gross tons with a guest capacity of 5,492 at double occupancy, Voyager of the Seas is a much smaller Voyager-class ship at 138,194 gross tons and with a double-occupancy capacity of only 3,114. Measured by weight, Voyager of the Seas is 39% smaller than Allure of the Seas, and 43% smaller by guest capacity.

Same Cruise, Same Ship

The second option offered is to lift and shift the cruise to an identical but later Allure of the Seas sailing. Two departure dates are available for this option – July 16 and July 30. Because the new sailings are on the same ship, for the same cruise length, and with the same itinerary, no further compensation – refund or onboard credit – is offered with this option.

Cancellation and Refund

Guests on the oversold sailing can completely cancel their cruise to receive a 100% refund, as well as a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) valid for any upcoming Royal Caribbean sailing. The FCC will be valid for any cruise departing by May 15, 2024, giving guests a full year to plan a new getaway.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Sterling Images / Shutterstock)

Which Option to Pick?

Ultimately, while each offer can be attractive, each guest’s choice will depend on their specific needs, vacation plans, and travel flexibility. The cruise line also insists that guests do not need to select any of the offers, and can instead keep their original booking as-is.

“This special offer is time-limited and subject to availability. If you’re happy to be excluded from the special offer, please disregard this email – no further action is required,” the email explains.

Staying on the same cruise with no changes will appeal most to guests with specific or complicated travel plans, such as for a honeymoon or large family getaway, when multiple staterooms may be involved, or arranging time off work for alternative dates may be challenging.

Furthermore, just because guests opt-in to one of the alternatives, they may not be selected for the special offer. Guests must first apply for the offer, then wait for updated confirmation.

“If you’re not contacted by us, you will remain booked on your existing Allure of the Seas sailing,” the email concludes. Which offer would you choose, or would you keep your original plans? Discuss your options in the Cruise Hive Boards!

Huge Royal Caribbean Ship Fast Approaching Critical Milestone

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Huge Royal Caribbean Ship Fast Approaching Critical Milestone

The wildly anticipated new vessel from Royal Caribbean International, Icon of the Seas, is nearing a very critical milestone in its construction, one that will determine the overall functionality of the ship and its seaworthiness – the sea trials.

With these essential tests just over a month away, the excitement over the new ship is nearing a fever pitch.

Icon of the Seas to Begin Sea Trials in June

Icon of the Seas, which floated out into the water for the first time in January, is slated to begin sea trials in mid-June, according to a statement by Meyer Turku, the shipyard where the massive vessel is under construction.

“Icon is scheduled to start her sea trials in mid-June,” the statement said. “Sea trials are one of the most important milestones on a ship’s road to completion. The construction of the ship is progressing at a good pace and preparations for her sea trials have already started.”

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Water Challenges
Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

As the most technologically advanced ship ever built, Icon of the Seas‘ sea trials will be especially critical. These tests put every engineering system on the ship to work, demonstrating whether the vessel performs as predicted.

Engine efficiency, braking, turning, navigation, noise, vibration, safety systems, and more are checked out to ensure optimum performance.

“As the world’s largest prototype ship, Icon’s early sea trials are important to ensure that all the ship’s main equipment such as propulsion equipment, main engines and power plant, thrusters and fin stabilizers are working as they should,” said Meyer Turku.

No exact date has been revealed for the sea trials to begin, and there is also no firm timeline for how long the tests will take. The complexity of Icon of the Seas, as well as the innovations the ship presents, make it likely that the tests will be longer than typical for a proven cruise ship design.

It is also possible that Icon of the Seas will undergo multiple rounds of sea trials, particularly if adjustments are made to enhance the ship’s operation after initial tests.

Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship
Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Finmiki / Shutterstock)

After the sea trials are successfully completed, additional detail work will be completed, such as finishing painting, interior décor, and other finishing items to complete the vessel.

When all is completed, Icon of the Seas will be officially delivered to Royal Caribbean International and become the property of the cruise line rather than the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Not Quite Ready to Sail

While no official date has yet been confirmed for the handover ceremony that will deliver Icon of the Seas to Royal Caribbean – it is always possible that some problem could be discovered during the sea trials that might require additional work – the ship will not yet be ready to welcome guests as soon as it joins the Royal Caribbean fleet.

After delivery, Royal Caribbean will begin provisioning the ship, including stocking retail spaces and loading supplies for both crew and guests.

At that time, crew members will also begin reporting to the ship to familiarize themselves with the new layout and operational idiosyncrasies of the new vessel.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

It can take several weeks or months for a cruise ship to be ready to welcome passengers after the initial delivery, especially when the ship is as new and complex as Icon of the Seas.

Many of the ship’s brand new areas, for example, the very unique and distinctive AquaDome, will require specialized training and practice before crew members can confidently perform and deliver spectacular service for vacationing guests.

Crew members will also run frequent safety drills to ensure all operations run smoothly no matter what may happen aboard the massive new vessel, and it is important that all crew members are confident and comfortable in their duties before the first guests arrive in January 2024.

Record-Setting Bookings

Excitement for Icon of the Seas is already unprecedented, with the new ship shattering previous one-day booking records when the first sailings opened for reservations.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

The new ship’s maiden voyage is scheduled to be a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Miami, Florida on January 27, 2024. That initial cruise will visit St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas.

Icon of the Seas will remain homeported from Miami at least through April 2025, offering alternating Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings. The Western Caribbean cruises will visit top ports such as Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, as well as CocoCay.

Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further Icon of the Seas updates as the new ship’s debut draws closer!

Disney Cruise Ship Debuts New Experiences and Enhancements

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Disney Cruise Ship Debuts New Experiences and Enhancements

Disney Magic is now showcasing brand new entertainment options based on recent popular Disney movies, as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” are coming to life on the high seas.

The new entertainment productions, as well as upgrades to the ship’s concierge accommodations, were introduced during Disney Magic’s recent drydock.

Newest Entertainment for the Oldest Disney Ship

Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, having entered service in 1998. Now, the ship is looking better than ever after a 3-week dry dock refurbishment in Freeport, The Bahamas, which has included the addition of brand new and exclusive entertainment options.

The new entertainment comes from two fan-favorite films – “Encanto” and “Soul” – and each brings new vibrancy to the ship and new experiences to eager guests.

“An Encanto Celebration” is an all-new immersive experience with the Madrigal family, designed to engage families through music, crafts, and storytelling. Photo opportunities with popular characters, sing-alongs of the movie’s hit songs, and butterfly and flower crafts inspired by the film are all part of the activities lineup.

Disney Magic Encanto
Disney Magic Encanto

During the show, Disney Cruise Line guests can also indulge in a true taste of the magic with “Encanto”-inspired mocktails, local Colombian beers, and unique cocktails.

Meanwhile, the new Soul Cat Lounge on Deck 3 designed to look like the Half Note Lounge, Joe Gardner’s favorite music spot from the popular 2020 film “Soul” with classic jazz club vibes. Live music will fill the lounge, while wood accents, leather seating, and record label décor make the space a rich musical feast for the eyes as well as the ears.

To match the big-city experience of the lounge, table-side Manhattans are served as well as martinis and cocktails made with New York spirits.

Enhanced Concierge Retreat

In addition to the new entertainment, concierge spaces aboard Disney Magic have received new enhancements and refreshment during the extensive dry dock.

The concierge lounge was expanded and now features a sophisticated new theme with tropical vibes reminiscent of “Moana” along with shaded outdoor seating for true oceanside relaxation.

All concierge suites have also been completely refurbished with fresh fixtures, furniture, and artwork, further elevating the premium experience for concierge guests to make the most magical of memories onboard.

Technical Upgrades

Finally, Disney Magic also received some critical technical upgrades during the dry dock, most notably the installation of shore power technology to help the cruise line maintain its dedication toward environmental sustainability.

Now, Disney Magic can utilize shore power at applicable ports of call, overall reducing emissions and lowering the ship’s environmental impact.

Disney Magic
Disney Magic

Other typical dry dock maintenance was also performed on the ship, including routine painting, deep cleaning, and other minor refreshments.

Disney Magic‘s current sailing, an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing from San Juan, is the ship’s first itinerary as it returns to service after the dry dock.

The ship will offer several sailings from San Juan before heading to Miami near the end of May, where it will remain homeported through early October, offering 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises.

On October 5, 2023, Disney Magic will depart on a 14-night one-way repositioning cruise to San Diego, where it will begin offering 3- and 4-night Baja Mexico sailings. In the following months, the ship will be positioned for short deployments from both Galveston and New Orleans, before moving to Fort Lauderdale from May 2024.

1...534535536...611Page 535 of 611