Norwegian Cruise Line has made a further adjustment to its prohibited items list, clarifying its new policy about guests bringing fans onboard. Now, the policy will permit small fans, subject to inspection and approval by ship’s security if necessary.
Policy Defined, Small Fans Now Permitted
Norwegian Cruise Line has clarified its new prohibition on fans, which are now listed on the cruise line’s prohibited items list.
When fans were recently added to the prohibited list, the inclusion only read “All types of fans including handheld, battery operated, electric etc.” which indicated that every type of fan, no matter its size or power source, would not be permitted onboard.
Small Travel Fan
Now, the list item has been clarified to read “All types of fans with the exception of small electrical and battery-operated fans.”
While there is no specific size listed as acceptable, the list does go on to state that “fans are subject to confiscation by the ship’s security team for inspection and approval.”
“Small” is a subjective measurement, and fans come in a range of sizes from very tiny handheld personal fans that may run on AA batteries and measure just a couple of inches in diameter, to large towers, box fans, and stand fans with oscillating heads.
It’s fair to consider that most fans labeled specifically as portable, personal, or travel may be acceptable, while larger models are more likely to be rejected and confiscated.
The fan’s power source, no matter what size the fan may be, will also be a consideration as to whether or not a particular fan will be allowed, and fans may be inspected to be sure their cords and casings are also secure and present no risk of fire or injury.
There was significant outcry when guests first learned of the outright ban on fans, as there are many reasons why cruise travelers often bring fans along.
For some, the white noise of a fan is necessary for more comfortable sleep, depending on overall noise levels, sounds of the ship, or whether or not a travel partner may snore.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
For other travelers, slow or poor air circulation in a stateroom can make it less comfortable for sleeping, especially on tropical itineraries where temperatures are naturally higher. While cruise ships are air conditioned, extra airflow can make the room seem much cooler.
Guests who may have health conditions that cause excess perspiration or body temperature irregularities may need fans available to stay comfortable as well.
Finally, some cruisers also use a small fan to help dry swimwear, wet shoes and socks, or other clothing after a day at the beach or pool, so damp items will be ready to wear for the next day’s adventure. Most cruise ships do have small clotheslines available in the bathroom, but lack of air circulation can mean it may take many hours for something to dry.
Bringing Your Fan Onboard
For guests who do want to bring a fan on a Norwegian cruise ship, it is best to bring the smallest possible fan that will meet your needs. Choose a travel-sized fan or small portable fan if possible.
If you have used the same small fan for several years, it may be a good idea to upgrade to a new model that might be a bit smaller but more energy efficient, with lower power requirements that will be less of a concern to ship officials.
Less complicated fan models may also be more readily acceptable, so choose a simple fan to pack for a cruise vacation. Just in case the fan is confiscated at embarkation, it will not be as much of a loss if you are unable to retrieve it after the cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line passengers have recently noticed price increases onboard. While the most attention has gone to WiFi and gratuity prices that have gone up on April 1, another price increase that has gotten people to become outraged is the bottled water price.
Carnival increased the price of a 12-pack of bottled water by more than double in November last year. However, as the price hikes receive online attention, comparisons with other cruise lines reveal that Carnival Cruise Line remains the cheapest option.
Bottled Water Price Increases on Carnival Cruise Line
Guests aboard Carnival cruise ships have started to notice further hikes in onboard prices, particularly for bottled water. In November last year, the price of a 12-pack of 16.9 oz. bottled water increased from $4.95 to $9.95. The attention to this issue was intensified as Carnival also increased the price of gratuities and Wi-Fi rates on April 1.
Carnival Bottled Water
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald addressed the water price issue:“Good morning again from Hockley and as I promised Stella in my opening post this morning I will indeed address the price of our bottled water. I am sure I have discussed this before but anyway, yes, prices did go up a bit recently with our bottled water because of inflation which I know many of you are facing on land as well.”
“The price of a 12-pack of Crystal water is $9.95. That works out to 0.83 cents a bottle. Still not too bad. I do not know what water prices are where you live, but when I fly and travel through airports, I head to the shops to buy bottled water and don’t even flinch when the checkout lady asks me for $3.99 or $5.00 if I want my water to come from a volcanic spring in Cleveland, Ohio.”
The cruise line has not changed the price for the 8-pack of bottled water at 50.72 oz. This package still remains at $20.00 per pack.
Onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships, guests can order bottled water in their cabins. However, it’s also possible to pre-order bottled water, and many other items, before the start of the cruise.
Guests can make an order via the Carnival Cruise Line website, so it’s already in the cabin when the voyage begins. From a price point, there is no difference between pre-ordering a pack of bottled water to your cabin vs. ordering from room service while onboard.
Comparing Cruise Line Bottled Water Prices
Guests on John Heald’s Facebook page questioned whether Carnival Cruise Line’s water prices were more expensive than other lines.
As the previously mentioned Stella commented:“This is gouging. Carnival is taking advantage of us. I think it’s in bad taste to charge so much when other lines are reasonable about it. These are the things you should be writing about.”
However, is this right? We’ve done some fact-checking, and here is a comparison of bottled water prices on different cruise lines:
Carnival: $9.95 for 12 12 oz. bottles
Royal Caribbean: $11.99 for 12 12 oz. bottles
MSC Cruises: $37 for 14 one-liter (24 oz. bottles) in the water package
Celebrity Cruises: Drinking tap water is free, or guests can purchase a premium beverage package that includes water.
Norwegian Cruise Line: $34.95 for 12 16.9 oz. bottles of water
As the above shows, despite the 101% price increase for water, Carnival Cruise Line remains the cheapest option for having bottled water delivered to your cabin.
Royal Caribbean comes in at a close second. Carnival’s policy does not currently allow guests to bring packaged water or sodas onboard, so purchasing through the cruise line is important for many.
MSC Cruises comes in third place; however, the Italy-based cruise line does not allow guests to bring drinks onboard. Celebrity Cruises offers reasonably priced drinks packages that include bottled water, and reports are that the tap water is also very drinkable. In last place, Norwegian Cruise Line with a pretty incredible $34.95 for 12 16.9 oz. bottles of water.
Although the price increase may be disconcerting for some guests, it is important to consider the overall value offered by each cruise line. In this case, Carnival Cruise Line still offers the most affordable option for bottled water.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular cruise directors has returned to lead the Fun Squad team aboard the cruise line’s flagship, Carnival Celebration. Lee Mason has begun his new contract assignment with the cruise line, bringing his distinctive brand of fun and charismatic energy to the ship.
Cruise Director Handoff Complete
Lee Mason officially took back the microphone for Carnival Celebration this week with the ship’s Sunday, April 2, 2023 departure, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata, San Juan, and St. Maarten.
The popular cruise director has been between contracts, but returned to Carnival Celebration recently to transition back into his leadership role. The handover period is used to help teams adjust to new leadership styles, and for a new or returning cruise director to learn any new policies or practices since their last contract.
Lee Mason, Carnival Cruise Director
Mason was the first cruise director assigned to Carnival Celebration when the ship debuted, and now returns to continue the fun.
“We’re about to set sail on my first cruise back of the contract,”Mason announced from the bridge just prior to the guest safety briefing on Sunday morning. “So much fun to be had!”
Mason takes over from another of the cruise line’s most popular cruise directors, Chris “The Flying Scotsman” Williams, who is now himself between contracts and enjoying time off with his family.
“It is always an honor and a joy to experience a cruise with [Williams] –he has done wonders for Celebration and the Fun Squad family here onboard,”said Mason.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Williams will return to Carnival Celebration in late July and will become the ship’s primary cruise director from July 31. Mason will once more become Carnival Celebration‘s cruise director in September. At the moment, there are no other cruise director assignments announced for Mason.
It is not unusual for cruise lines to move cruise directors around to different vessels, especially to fill in gaps for other cruise directors’ vacation periods, or to participate in training on different ship classes or in different sailing regions.
What Cruise Directors Do
No matter which ship he serves on, Mason brings a distinct personality and creative energy to his cruise director role.
Cruise directors work all over the ship with duties such as making shipboard announcements, introducing main production shows, hosting question-and-answer sessions, and leading dance parties and other special events, as well as greeting and interacting with guests.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Each one brings their own style to the role, whether it is through certain jokes, colorful outfits, dance moves, or other flairs that cruise passengers love. In fact, many frequent cruisers plan future sailings depending on where their favorite cruise directors are currently serving.
Mason has served with Carnival Cruise Line since November 2016, and has served as cruise director on a dozen ships across the fleet, including Carnival Celebration‘s sister ship, Mardi Gras.
Not only is Mason one of the line’s most popular cruise directors with guests, but he is also popular with the teams he leads. Mason has received several peer awards during his service with Carnival, including the Cast Champion Award, Peer Choice Award, and Leader of the Year Award.
Carnival Celebration is homeported from PortMiami, offering 7-night roundtrip Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean voyages calling on some of the region’s most popular ports, including St. Thomas, Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.
Select departures are also available for 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries visiting Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
The 183,521-gross-ton ship can welcome 5,374 guests aboard at double occupancy, or as many as 6,500 passengers when fully booked. Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras will be joined by their third Excel-class sister ship, Carnival Jubilee, in November 2023, which will be homeported from Galveston, Texas.
A cruise is a wonderful idea for a family vacation. However, finding the right cruise line to accommodate your family’s needs is essential.
From entertainment to lodging, there are several factors to consider when choosing a family cruise. The best way to ensure your family is comfortable throughout the voyage is to choose a cruise ship with family suites.
In this article, you’ll learn which cruise lines have suites large enough for your whole family and what to expect from them.
As cruise lines aim to lure more guests than ever before, we’re seeing even more luxurious and impressive family suites than ever. There are cruise ship cabins located in funnels, suites with floor-to-ceiling views, and even suites with slides!
The best cruise lines with family suites are Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises. Let’s dive deep into what each of these cruise lines offers for families.
1. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean offers various accommodations suitable for families on many of their ships. However, the most unique option provided by Royal Caribbean is the Ultimate Family Suite.
You can watch the video below from when the cruise line first launched the suite onboard the oasis-class Symphony of the Seas:
This ocean view suite is exclusively available on Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas ships. This suite has two floors and sleeps up to eight people, making it an excellent option for large families. It boasts several features to keep the entire family entertained, including:
A jacuzzi
An in-suite slide
Table tennis
Private game room with a video game system
A dining table that can convert to an air hockey table
Floor-to-ceiling building block wall
This suite also contains a separate master bedroom suite for parents to escape and have their own space.
These family rooms with classic nautical decor have space for five guests, allowing your entire family to get behind the theme. Better yet, these rooms are located near the Family Harbor lounge, an exclusive spot offering video games, family movies, and more.
When you book the family harbor cabins, you also get one free night of Night Owls babysitting service to sneak in a date night during your family vacation.
3. Disney Cruise Line
If there’s a cruise line you’d expect to have quality family suites, it’s Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line has a variety of suites that sleep at least five, including their biggest and most luxurious suite – the Concierge Royal Suite. This suite sleeps seven and features:
Concierge service
2.5 bathrooms
A whirlpool tub
Living room
Media library
Dining salon
Private veranda
This stateroom is only available on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ships and is very difficult to book. Luckily, Disney Cruise Line offers other family suites without concierge services on all of their other ships.
Disney Wish Tower Suite
Disney has gone a step further by having the first-ever cabin within a cruise ship funnel. Known as The Wish Tower Suite, this first-of-its-kind accommodation can only be found onboard the Disney Wish cruise ship. At 1,966 square feet, the penthouse can sleep up to eight guests, with a first and second bedroom, along with a room for the kids, a bedroom converting library, and four full bathrooms.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers two levels of family suites that can accommodate four to six people on the Norwegian Dawn, the Norwegian Star, and Pride of America ships.
Two-Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite
They offer one or two-bedroom family suites, or you can upgrade to the two-bedroom deluxe family suite exclusively found on Pride of America, which features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two TVs, and a larger balcony. Be sure to call for butler and concierge service anytime you like to help you out or plan a family culinary feast in your dining area.
5. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises have cabins that connect that can accommodate up to ten people comfortably, making them perfect for families. Each of these connecting cabins has its own bathrooms, making them ideal for families that want their own space or for families with teens or older children.
MS Meraviglia Family Cabin
You can choose between Superfamily Plus, Superfamily + Oceanview or Balcony, Superfamily, Family Balcony, and Family Oceanview cabins. MSC’s family suites are available on the following ships:
Fantastica Experience on MSC Grandiosa
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Bellissima
MSC Seaview
MSC Seaside
MSC Preziosa
MSC Divina
MSC Opera
6. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises also has some modern and stunning suites that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The cruise line has The Retreat, which doesn’t just feature different suite options, but also an exclusive sun deck and lounge just for those guests booked in a suite. There are a number of accommodation options that also include several amenities:
Iconic Suite – Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 689 square foot terrace
Edge Villa – Just one bedroom, two bathrooms, and a 211-square-foot terrace
Penthouse Suite – Has 1-2 bedrooms, two bathrooms at 1291-1432-square feet interior, and 197-1098 square-feet terrace
Celebrity Edge Penthouse Suite
There are also seven further suites that are available to book, depending on the Celebrity cruise ship. It’s best to check which ships have which suites and features as part of The Retreat. However, the latest Edge-class ships, including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Beyond, offer all the latest.
7. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers a variety of options for families. They have many staterooms that accommodate up to four guests, connecting stateroom options, and two-bedroom family suites with room for up to eight people. The two-bedroom staterooms, in particular, contain features including:
Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table, and ottoman
2 bathrooms, one with a bathtub and the other with a walk-in shower
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table
Sky Suite
The cruise line also features Sky Suites, first introduced on Sky Princess, but also on Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess. The Suite can sleep up to five passengers and offers 270-degree panorama views at approximately 1,873 square feet.
FAQ
Are family suites suitable for kids?
Cruise ships with family suites are specifically designed for families with kids. You’ll usually find twin beds or bunk beds and entertainment for children in family suites.
Do family suites have separate sleeping areas?
Some family suites have separate sleeping areas – it all depends on the suite size you choose. If separate sleeping areas are a priority, you should choose cruise ships with two-bedroom stateroom options.
Is it safe for kids on a cruise ship?
Cruises are generally safe for children. In fact, many cruises specifically accommodate children! That said, it’s essential to supervise your children at all times, especially when you’re near the edge of the ship.
Wrap-Up: Plan Your Next Family Adventure
Now that you have your list of cruise ships with family suites, it’s time to plan your next family vacation. With a variety of options, it can be challenging to choose. Consider other factors, such as the entertainment and dining options, when selecting your family cruise. When you’re ready, check out the essential items for family cruises you can’t forget at home.
Holland America Line has revealed its 2024-2025 South America season, which features a range of cruises on the Oosterdam and Zaandam, exploring the diverse landscapes of South America, Antarctica, and the Amazon River.
The reveal comes after the cruise line launched new voyages for its 2024-2025 Caribbean season and introduced a new category called Legendary Voyages last month, all of which feature much longer itineraries that offer guests the chance to explore the sailing destinations fully.
South America and Antarctica Cruises
Holland America Line’s South America cruises from November 2024 through March 2025 will offer guests several memorable experiences, from visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to rounding Cape Horn and sailing to the remote continent of Antarctica.
“Holland America Line’s South America cruises continue to attract travelers looking for those memorable experiences like the Amazon, Macchu Pichu, and Antarctica, and South America delivers not only cultural immersion but also some of the most spectacular scenery in the world,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line.
“Our perfectly sized ships make it possible to explore these remote locations and visit smaller ports that give our guests a unique perspective of the continent.”
Zaandam Cruise Ship in South America (Photo Credit: Ion Mes / Shutterstock)
The South America and Antarctica season will feature 14-day “South America Passage” itineraries, 17-day “Panama Canal and Inca Discovery” cruises, and 22-day “South America and Antarctica” itineraries.
Highlights include overnight visits to Buenos Aires, journeys through the Panama Canal, four days exploring Antarctica guided by an onboard naturalist, and scenic cruising along the Chilean fjords, Drake Passage, Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley.
In February 2025, Zaandam will sail on a 27-day Amazon adventure roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, traversing the longest river in the world. The cruise will explore 12 ports in the Caribbean and Brazil, as well as French Guiana, and spend several days cruising along the Amazon River. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Manaus, the heart of the Amazon, and two equator crossings.
Early Booking Bonus, Upgrades, & Extra Amenities
Holland America Line offers guests an early booking bonus and added amenities and upgrades for its 2024-2025 South America and Antarctica cruises.
Guests who book the Have It All premium package will receive standard package amenities such as shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi, along with free prepaid Crew Appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Mariner Society loyalty members can also enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom on select cruises when booked by June 5, 2023.
Holland America Line recently introduced a new category of longer, destination-immersive sailings called Legendary Voyages. Launched on March 7, 2023, and featuring itineraries ranging from 25 to 59 days, these cruises commemorate Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary.
Besides the Amazon and South America, The Legendary Voyages will visit various locations, including Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific and Hawaii, Greenland and Iceland, Asia, Alaska, and the Arctic Circle.
Furthermore, the cruise line unveiled its 2024-2025 Caribbean season on March 30, 2023. Holland America Line will offer cruises ranging in length from five to 21 days, covering eastern, western, and southern Caribbean regions and featuring Panama Canal sailings, with Boston as a new Caribbean departure port, in addition to Fort Lauderdale.
A very unfortunate incident has occurred onboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, resulting in a passenger passing away on the first night of the ship’s current sailing.
The incident happened late in the evening of April 2, 2023, and the ship immediately returned to PortMiami to debark the deceased passenger. This has also forced a dramatic itinerary alteration for the vessel.
Passenger Falls Over Balcony Railing
According to CBS News, at approximately 9:35 p.m. on Sunday evening, a female passenger fell from her Deck 14 stateroom balcony aboard Valiant Lady onto one of the ship’s lower decks. Her injuries were severe, and while emergency medical care was administered as quickly as possible, it was not successful.
“This passenger went over their balcony to a lower deck, and despite receiving immediate medical attention, has passed away,”read a statement from Virgin Voyages.
Photo Credit: Imaxe Press / Shutterstock
Further details of the incident, including the guests name and age as well as what may have led to her fall have not been released in order to safeguard the woman’s privacy as well as for her family members and friends.
The circumstances of the fall are also under investigation, as is customary procedure in such incidents.
Guests onboard the ship have reported that emergency personnel quickly erected tents and caution tape around the deck area where the fall happened, to further safeguard the guests’ privacy at a very difficult and challenging time.
Valiant Lady Returns to Miami
Immediately after the incident, Valiant Lady – which had just departed PortMiami less than four hours earlier – reversed course and headed back to port. This allowed the deceased passenger to be carefully debarked and the scene to be visited by authorities immediately.
At the time of the fall, the ship was roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Key Largo, roughly 44 miles (71 km) from PortMiami.
The ship remained back in Miami for several hours, but has once more departed and is now en route to Cozumel. The original itinerary was for the ship to sail the 6-night cruise with visits to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Bimini, The Bahamas, as well as two days at sea before returning to Miami on Saturday, April 8.
Photo Credit: Kevin Shipp / Shutterstock
Now, the ship will reportedly visit Cozumel, Mexico and the visits to Roatan and Costa Maya have been dropped. It is likely that the last port of call, Bimini in The Bahamas, will be able to proceed as scheduled, as the lost time with the diversion back to Miami can easily be made up through the days at sea.
Valiant Lady is the second of Virgin’ Voyages cruise ships, and only debuted with the line in February 2022. Unfortunately, this is not the first sad incident aboard the vessel, as a guest went intentionally overboard in late March 2022 off the coast of Portugal.
The 110,000-gross-ton ship can welcome 2,700 guests per sailing, and is currently homeported from Miami offering Caribbean sailings. On April 22, Valiant Lady will reposition to Barcelona with a 15-night one-way transatlantic cruise, and will remain homeported in Spain sailing Mediterranean voyages through October.
Cruise Hive’s condolences are with the woman’s family and friends, as well as other guests aboard Valiant Lady and the cruise ship’s emergency teams and other crew members at this very difficult and distressing time.
Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has experienced remarkable growth in the Americas and Europe over the last two years, as it has taken over management of several cruise ports worldwide post-pandemic.
Among the ports managed by Global Ports Holding are Alicante Cruise Port, Prince Rupert Cruise Port, St Lucia, San Juan Cruise Port, The Canary Islands, and Taranto Cruise Port. But it’s the ports in the Americas where the operator is booking its biggest successes.
Significant Developments in the Americas
During Seatrade Cruise Global this week, Global Ports Holding executives discussed the latest developments at their ports in North America, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, which include two of the most popular cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean, Antigua Cruise Port, Nassau Cruise Port.
At Antigua Cruise Port, the port’s fifth berth’s official commissioning occurred on December 6, 2022. Additionally, the port successfully completed a highly successful homeporting season with P&O’s Excel-class 180,000 gross tons cruise ship Arvia in March 2023.
Nassau Cruise Port, the busiest cruise port in the world, set a new record in February 2023 by welcoming 28,554 passengers aboard six cruise ships in a single day. Among the ships docked at the port were two of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class vessels, Wonder of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, the first and third largest ships in the world, respectively.
Photo Credit: Gianfranco Vivi / Shutterstock
Other cruise ships in port included Carnival Cruise Lines’ Excel-class Mardi Gras, Celebrity Cruise Line’s Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond, and MSC Meraviglia.
Nassau is currently busy with a $250 million-plus redevelopment project, with expanded berths to accommodate larger ships and a new waterfront area to enhance the overall cruise experience for visiting cruise guests.
Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director of Global Ports Holding Americas, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s growth and investments in these destinations.
Mike Maura Jr.: “The investments being made in these destinations will enhance the experience for millions of cruise passengers each year and provide a boost in economic activity in the surrounding communities. These investments have been strategically designed to support the holistic development of each destination and clearly show why Global Ports Holding is the world’s largest port operator.”
San Juan Cruise Port & Prince Rupert Cruise Port
Global Ports Holdings is not just looking at well-established cruise ports such as Antigua and Nassau. San Juan Cruise Port has long been a popular destination for cruise ships but needs upgrades to continue to welcome the world’s biggest ships to its docks.
Photo Credit: NAPA / Shutterstock
San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico signed an agreement with Global Ports Holding to upgrade, expand, and manage the cruise piers in the city. The $425 million project will involve repairing and refurbishing existing port facilities and constructing a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, enabling San Juan to welcome the world’s largest cruise ships.
Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia, which welcomed just 41,000 cruise ship passengers in 2022, has entered into a 10-year concession agreement with Global Ports Holding, with a 10-year extension option to manage cruise services at the port.
Due to its location, Prince Rupert is an ideal place to take full advantage of the many cruise ships sailing to Alaska each summer. For the 2023 cruise season, passenger numbers will rise to nearly 80,000 and are expected to continue growing after this year.
As the global community becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, the cruise industry is setting sail towards a greener future. Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, cruise lines, shipbuilders, and research institutions are joining forces to develop sustainable technologies and practices that revolutionize the way we travel on water.
Pioneering projects like the NEcOLEAP and “Reverse” are reimagining cruise ship design, while industry giants like MSC Cruises lead the charge in sustainable innovation. From liquefied natural gas to methanol-powered ships, the quest for carbon neutrality is driving the cruise industry to push the boundaries of sustainability and reshape the future of maritime travel.
The NEcOLEAP Project
Launched in February 2022, the primary purpose of the NEcOLEAP project is to create a climate-neutral cruise ship concept within the next few years.
The project also seeks to strengthen and expand innovative research and development within shipbuilding, ensuring that the maritime sector remains at the forefront of sustainable technology and design.
The project is a joint development by the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the Finnish government, Aalto University, and others. It aims to make Finland a leader in sustainable shipbuilding.
Render: Meyer Turku
It is a title that the Meyer Turku shipyard has been working hard on getting, as it is already involved in Carnival Corporation’s Excel Class ships, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7.
A core aspect of the NEcOLEAP project is its direct connection to the Meyer Group’s sustainability strategy. The group has committed to developing a climate-neutral cruise concept by 2025, and the NEcOLEAP project serves as a crucial step in achieving this goal.
The project’s success will demonstrate the viability of climate-neutral cruise ships and help pave the way for more sustainable and responsible practices within the sector. This is also where the ‘Reverse’ Project plays a significant role.
The “Reverse” Project: Envisioning the Cruise Ship of the Future
The Meyer Group unveiled an innovative cruise ship concept this week called “Reverse,” offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable cruise ship design.
While the design itself is something that has drawn the most attention, and not always in a positive manner, the technology behind the vessel is impressive and, more importantly, achievable with the technology now available.
Render Courtesy: Meyer Werft
Inspired by the aerodynamic shape of a rockhopper penguin, the “Reverse” features a closed glass façade, urban gardening areas, and drone landing pads. Its energy concept relies on innovations such as harvesting wave energy and using solar power, fuel cells, and wind energy to eliminate the need for fossil fuels.
The “Reverse” project shows that the NEcOLEAP project is achievable in the next few years. However, for now, it is mostly on the cruise lines themselves to get the ball rolling.
To accomplish these ambitious goals, MSC Cruises has implemented various innovative technologies and practices, including low-noise hull designs, advanced waste processing systems, intelligent ventilation, air conditioning systems, and energy-saving LED lighting systems.
However, MSC Cruises is not alone. In line with the 2050 goals, many cruise lines are exploring the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel to reduce their environmental footprint.
MSC World Europa
Although LNG has its critics due to methane emissions during production and use, the industry sees it as a stepping stone towards more sustainable fuel options, such as methanol or biofuel. Methanol, in particular, seems to be a viable option, with many new build ships already being fitted with the ability to run on Methanol.
Cruise lines also work with port authorities to utilize shore power, allowing cruise ships to switch off their engines while docked. The only issue with shore power is that it is only sustainable if the power source is sustainable.
The Pursuit of Carbon Neutrality
The pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050 shows the cruise industry is serious about environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation.
In the coming years, as the world becomes greener, the focus on sustainable initiatives will become increasingly important to passengers and stakeholders alike.
Various European countries are banning diesel from their cities. The steps to banning a diesel-burning cruise ship are only small for the government but one that has a massive impact on the hundreds of large and small cruise destinations in Europe.
The NEcOLEAP project, MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainability, the 2050 goals, LNG and Methanol-powered cruise ships, and innovative concepts like the “Reverse” project all highlight the industry’s dedication to creating a more eco-friendly future for cruising. It also shows that it isn’t just something the cruise industry wants to do; it is something that it will have to do to remain operational.
The history of Holland America Line, today a premium cruise brand of Carnival Corporation, dates back 150 years ago, when the company was first registered in the Netherlands in 1873.
Who were those early cruisers? A newly completed archival project reveals the names of passengers who sailed with the line between 1900 and 1969.
Passenger List Reaches Back to 1900
Holland America Line’s past springs to life thanks to a set of passenger list archives that span nearly 70 years of operation. Now digitized in a searchable database created by CBG | Center for Family History and Rotterdam City Archives, the list details each guest’s name, port of departure and date of departure.
According to the Holland America blog, “This three-year project could not have been completed without the help of volunteers from the Dutch crowdsourcing platform Many Hands. Those volunteers scanned approximately 150,000 passenger logs and documents and entered them into the database.”
Photo Credit: Holland America Line
The archives are found on the Rotterdam City Archives website. Most of the passengers left from Rotterdam, the database shows, and there are some notable events, such as onboard births, a stowaway and a dog traveling solo. The earliest passenger list is from May 3, 1900 and the last is from December 29, 1969.
During those early and mid-century years, Holland America Line guests were in good company. Albert Einstein’s name appears several times, as does Winston Churchill’s.
Line Celebrates Earliest Voyages
It was the Rotterdam I that set sail for the line in 1872, making her maiden voyage and first transatlantic cruise from Rotterdam to New York, even before the line was officially registered.
The late 19th century was a busy time for Holland America, as it made 1,300 transatlantic crossings with upward of 500,000 passengers traveling with the line, many of them immigrants headed for the New World.
Photo Courtesy: Holland America Line
This year, Holland America is marking its 150th anniversary with special sailings and onboard events. It also recreated the first voyage of the Rotterdam I in October 2022, when Rotterdam VII, which entered service in 2020, retraced the 1872 voyage from the Netherlands to New York.
Part two of the milestone celebration happens in April 2023, when the 2,668-guest Rotterdam VII departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and returns to the city of Rotterdam, again with special onboard events marking the 150th anniversary of the line’s official registry. The cruise in April calls in New York, and Plymouth and London, England, before ending in the Netherlands.
And here’s a bit of trivia: The line’s first so-called pleasure cruise sailed in 1910 aboard the 10,500 gross ton Statendam I. Cruise line records show that the ship cruised from New York to the Mediterranean and the Holy Land.
Today’s Nieuw Statendam VI, which launched in 2017, is just under 100,000 gross tons, illustrating how ship capacities have grown over the decades.
