Carnival Cruise Line has released a range of great new itineraries onboard Carnival Spirit from Mobile, Alabama, for the 2024-2025 cruise season. Carnival Spirit will set sail from Mobile for the first time in October this year, after a full year without cruises sailing from Alabama.
In addition to the cruises sailing from Mobile, Carnival Cruise Line has announced two new Carnival Journeys cruises departing from Seattle. These include Carnival’s first-ever cruise from Seattle, Washington, to Hawaii, and a 16-day voyage from Seattle to Louisiana.
2024/2025 Carnival Spirit Sailings from Mobile, Alabama
Carnival Cruise Line has opened up bookings for Carnival Spirit cruises from Mobile, Alabama, for the 2024/2025 cruise season.
The 88,500 gross ton cruise ship will return to Mobile in October, after a year in which no other ship in the fleet has sailed from since the departure of Carnival Ecstacy from the fleet.
The Spirit-class cruise ship will be operating a series of six- and eight-day cruises through the spring of 2024. The new itineraries released today, May 2, onboard Carnival Spirit from Mobile, offer a diverse selection of cruises, spanning from the fall of 2024 to the spring of 2025.
Photo Credit: fitzcrittle / Shutterstock
Fred Stein, Carnival’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment: “The sailings we’re opening today offer some great new choices for our guests and build on our plans for the Mobile community, where we’ve enjoyed a long and successful partnership.”
“When Carnival Spirit arrives for her first season this year and then returns for the cruises we’re announcing today for next year, she won’t just be bringing a newer and larger ship experience to the port, she’ll deliver more opportunities to visit beautiful destinations compared to our past operations there.”
Cruises on offer include, amongst others, an eight-day exotic Western Caribbean cruise sailing on October 26, 2024, visiting Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize; Costa Maya, and Cozumel, Mexico. There is also an eight-day Bahamas cruise to Key West, Freeport, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, sailing on November 9 and 23, 2024.
A six-day Western Caribbean cruise will have multiple departures between November 2024 and April 2025, visiting Belize and Cozumel. There will also be a 12-Day Carnival Journeys Cruise departing Mobile on January 18, 2025, and visiting Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Aruba; Curacao; Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
The ship is presently sailing from Seattle, Washington, offering a series of Alaskan sailings that will conclude this fall with a Carnival Journeys cruise from Seattle to New Orleans.
New Carnival Journeys Itineraries from Seattle
The 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit will also sail two Carnival Journeys cruises from Seattle, offering longer sailings and more destinations. Carnival Journeys cruises are enhanced with dining and entertainment activities reflecting the ship’s destinations.
Photo Courtesy: Panama Canal Authority
The newly opened Carnival Journeys sailings aboard the Carnival Spirit include a 15-day Hawaii cruise departing Seattle on September 24, 2024. This cruise marks Carnival’s first-ever sailing from Seattle to the Hawaiian Islands, visiting Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Hilo, Hawaii; and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The second Carnival Journeys is a 16-day Panama Canal cruise departing Seattle on October 9, 2024. This voyage includes stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; a transit through the Panama Canal; and a visit to Cartagena, Colombia, before arriving in New Orleans.
It was a busy weekend for Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, with three separate rescues evacuating four passengers from cruise ships within a 24-hour period off the coast of southern California.
Two of the three incidents were from Carnival cruise ships, while the third – involving two passengers at once – was from a Princess Cruises vessel.
Three Rescues From Three Different Cruise Ships in 24 Hours
Coast Guard Air Station San Diego rose to the challenge of multiple rescues with precision and efficiency over the weekend, when multiple calls came in from cruise ships requesting medical evacuations.
Carnival Panorama Rescue
The first was at approximately 7:10 p.m. Friday evening, April 28, from Carnival Panorama. At the time of the assistance call, the ship was positioned 165 miles (265 kilometers) south of San Diego on the last night of a 7-night Mexican Riviera sailing roundtrip from Long Beach, California.
Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock
A 47-year-old female was reportedly suffering from a “progressive acute illness,” and the cruise ship rendezvoused with the USGS MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter 100 miles (161 km) south of San Diego. The guest was hoisted aboard and transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego.
Majestic Princess Rescues
Just three hours later, a second call came in from another cruise ship involving two guests requiring medical evacuation from the same vessel. The guests were aboard Majestic Princess when the call for assistance was made at 10:20 p.m. on Friday evening.
One passenger, a 74-year-old female, was suffering stroke-like symptoms, and the second passenger, a 77-year-old female, was suffering from kidney failure.
Both evacuations were recommended within 12-14 hours, and the airlift by a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was coordinated for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, approximately 150 miles (241 km) southwest of Point Conception, or 280 miles (450 km) west of San Diego. Both patients were again transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital.
Photo Credit: RickDeacon / Shutterstock
Majestic Princess was sailing her 31-night repositioning cruise from Sydney, Australia to Vancouver, Canada, in preparation for the Alaska sailing season. The ship had departed Australia on Tuesday, April 4, and the evacuation came en route to Los Angeles as the ship’s next port of call on the extended itinerary.
Carnival Spirit Rescue
While the evacuation from Majestic Princess was being completed, a third evacuation request was made, this time from Carnival Spirit. As soon as the transfer of the two Majestic Princess passengers was completed, the same aircrew diverted directly to Carnival Spirit, at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.
The Carnival ship was approximately 86 miles (138 km) west of San Clemente Island, or 165 miles (265 km) west of San Diego at the time of the airlift.
The 84-year-old female passenger was reported with stroke-like symptoms, and was transferred to emergency medical services at Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
At the time of the airlift, Carnival Spirit was also on a repositioning cruise, moving from Miami, Florida to Seattle, Washington to begin the Alaska season. The ship’s most recent – and last – port of call on the journey was Cabo San Lucas on Thursday, April 27, and the ship is due to arrive in Seattle on Tuesday, May 2.
To protect the privacy of the evacuated guests, as well as their family members and loved ones, no further details about their conditions have been released.
Medical Evacuations Not Uncommon
While medical evacuations from cruise ships are not uncommon, it is unusual for a single air crew to participate in so many airlift operations in such a short time span. To do so requires superior training, commitment, and focus.
Cruise ships are equipped with medical centers and highly trained medical staff, but equipment onboard may be limited. If the onboard medical team determines that additional care or emergency services are needed, guests can be evacuated from the ship.
Medical evacuations can vary depending on where the ship is located, what its sailing route may be, and what resources are available. At times, the cruise ship may be able to divert directly to a nearby port with adequate medical facilities, or a pilot boat from a port could meet the cruise ship offshore.
However, when ships are further out to sea, airlifts are the fastest and safest option to ensure guests get prompt emergency care.
Cruise Hive says well done, and thanks to all the dedicated crew members of the United States Coast Guard and other organizations that provide such emergency evacuations to safeguard all cruise travelers as needed.
MSC Cruises has announced winter sailings from Japan, a first-ever commitment from the cruise line, which has sailed seasonally in Japan for 15 years.
Now, MSC Bellissima will offer varied sailings from November 2023 with cruises of different lengths to permit travelers multiple options for exploring the region, providing a new seasonal look at the intriguing nation and other top Asian destinations.
New Winter Season Japan Cruises
While MSC Bellissima was docked in Yokohama, Japan recently to begin the summer 2023 season, MSC Cruises used the opportunity to announce a new winter season in Japan, just open for sale on May 1, 2023 and marking the beginning of a year-round presence in Japan for the rapidly growing cruse line.
MSC Cruises is proud to offer the largest cruise capacity in the region, and with the new winter season offerings aboard MSC Bellissima, MSC Cruises is on course to become Japan’s number one cruise line.
The new winter season will begin in November 2023 and will include 6-, 9-, and 11-night sailings from Yokohama. Then, from January through March 2024, MSC Bellissima will move to homeport from Naha/Okinawa for additional cruises, with 4- and 5-night itineraries.
Depending on the sailing date and cruise length, the ship will visit such phenomenal ports of call as Okinawa, Ishigaki, Kobe, Hakodate, and Mijako Island, bringing guests to the heart of Japanese culture and beauty with pristine tropical beaches, stunning waterfront communities, amazing snorkeling and diving options, inspiring historical sites, and so much more.
Select itineraries will also visit Keelung, Taiwan, where guests can marvel at breathtaking views and indulge in deliciously varied street food to get a true taste of the area, while others call on Busan, South Korea, for yet another perspective of diverse Asian cultures.
The new winter Asian sailings are now available for booking, and other itineraries are also available exploring the region throughout the year.
Sailing Aboard MSC Bellissima
The Meraviglia-class MSC Bellissima is one of the largest ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet, and offers a wide range of amenities everyone can enjoy.
The ship features 12 distinctive dining venues, from the Butcher’s Cut American-style steakhouse to HOLA Tacos & Cantina to the French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot. More than 20 bars and lounges offer luxe libations, while the Mediterranean-style promenade is the heart of the ship, topped with a 262-foot-long spectacular LED Sky Screen at Sea.
Photo Credit: Lena Maximova / Shutterstock
The MSC Aurea Spa is a luxurious Balinese spa offering signature relaxation treatments as well as a relaxing thermal area and pampering appointments, while guests can also relax poolside.
For evening flair and excitement, the London Theater offers excellent sightlines for Broadway-style production shows with an international lineup of artists. The Carousel Lounge presents exclusive high-energy, avant-garde performances with immersive elements and cutting-edge effects.
Family areas, the Arizona Aquapark, a full-size bowling alley, and children’s programs are also available onboard MSC Bellissima, or guests can opt for even more luxury and all-inclusive elegance by staying in the exclusive 3-deck MSC Yacht Club.
MSC Bellissima weighs in at 171,598 gross tons, making her one of the top 20 largest cruise ships in the world, along with her sister ship, MSC Meraviglia. MSC Bellissima joined the MSC Cruises fleet in 2019, and can welcome 4,500 guests onboard each sailing.
Persistent rumors on social media have prompted Carnival Cruise Line to confirm documentation requirements for cruise travelers. This is specifically for roundtrip sailings from US homeports and whether or not passports are required, or will soon be required, by the cruise line.
Rumors Suggest Carnival Cruise Line to Require Passports
Rumors on different social media sites have suggested that Carnival Cruise Line will begin requiring all guests to have passports for all sailings beginning in 2024, regardless of the cruise embarkation port, itinerary route, or duration.
While all cruise guests are required to present proper identification before embarkation, Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that passports are not required for all sailings and that the cruise line’s documentation requirements are not planned to change.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald spoke in detail about the concern, verifying document requirements for guests.
US Passport (Photo Credit: diy13 / Shutterstock)
“There are no requirements from us that a passport will be needed next year except on specific cruises to places in Europe and other specific locations,”Heald said.“However for Caribbean and all closed loop cruises there have been no changes set by Unites States Customs and Border Protection so you may use your birth certificate and Government issued ID.”
A “closed loop” cruise is defined as one that both embarks and debarks from the same homeport – a roundtrip sailing.
Guests booked on upcoming Carnival cruises should note that one-way, repositioning, or transoceanic sailings, as well as voyages departing from homeports outside the US that require guests to travel to a different country before embarkation may have different documentation requirements.
Depending on the sailing, some cruises – even though they may be closed loop itineraries – still require all guests to have valid passports. For example, all Carnival cruises that visit Greenland require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the last day of the cruise.
Similarly, all Europe and transatlantic cruises also require US citizens to carry passports valid for at least 6 months after their visit. These requirements are set by the countries being visited as part of their international security protocols, and are not determined by Carnival Cruise Line.
Cruising Without Proper Documentation
All cruise travelers should be aware that without the required documentation, guests will not be permitted to board their cruise ship and will instead be turned away at the embarkation terminal.
Documentation requirements are set by US Customs and Border Protection, and all cruise lines must abide by those guidelines.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
Carnival Cruise Line’s online FAQ states“Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.”
Travel documentation requirements can change on short notice, and cruisers should stay updated about required documents well before their sailing date to ensure they have the proper documents.
Passports are often recommended and can make the check-in process faster at the cruise terminal, as well as being valuable documentation in case of any emergency during the cruise that might require guests to remain in a port of call or leave the ship to return home before the cruise ends.
Cruise ducks are a fun phenomenon that has truly taken flight aboard cruise ships, but why? What is up with ducks on a cruise? What is so appealing about these cute and quirky figures, and how can you join the feathered fun? Let’s get quacking!
A cruise duck is a small rubber duck that gets to take a big vacation aboard a cruise ship. These colorful toys may be plain or themed, and may even be homemade or decorated. They are hidden around cruise ships in a fun, passenger-led game of hide-and-seek.
Exciting to find and cheerful to share, cruise ducks come with a “hide or keep, you decide” philosophy. Some passengers love to re-hide ducks to bring joy to other passengers, while some collect ducks as whimsical vacation souvenirs.
Various Cruise Ducks (Photo Credit: Cliff Johnson / Creative Commons)
Many cruise ducks are labeled with stickers, tags, or ribbons with the name of the ship and sailing date, and may also include a family name, social media hashtag, or QR code with an invitation to snap a duck selfie to share in Facebook groups or on other platforms such as Twitter or Instagram.
Some ducks travel even further than a single cruise, and may eventually be spotted on different ships all around the world as they are kept by different guests for re-hiding on future sailings.
How Cruise Ducks Got Started
The exact beginning of the cruise duck phenomenon is shrouded in mystery, as some guests remember setting sail with rubber ducks for many years as far back as 2015 or earlier.
The most widespread acknowledgment of the accepted beginning of cruising ducks is in March 2018, when an 11-year-old girl named Abby Davis brought 50 ducks aboard Carnival Breeze, setting sail from Galveston to spread kindness and fun during her spring break vacation. The project was a rousing success, with one duck “hiding” in plain sight for three days before being found.
The Original Cruising Duck! (Photo Credit: Cruising Ducks Original)
Today, the cruise ducks phenomenon has become a type of oceangoing geocaching, with guests from all over the world eagerly hunting ducks on every major cruise line, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and more.
Social media groups dedicated to the ducks continue to drive interest in the game, and finding even one duck can be a source of delight for folks of all ages. Similar to the painted rocks scavenger hunts, the hide-and-seek of ducks can add even more fun to every cruise sailing.
Types of Cruise Ducks
The traditional cruise duck is a small rubber duck, similar to the classic bathtub toy, but that’s only the beginning of the fun.
Many rubber ducks have themed designs, and holiday ducks are especially popular for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or other holiday sailings. Pirate, captain, or mermaid ducks are other fun designs popular on cruises.
Many guests also choose ducks with themes to match their hometowns – cowboy ducks for Texas cruisers, for example – or to represent their favorite sports teams, careers, animals, or military branches. Some ducks are used to help raise awareness of individual causes, or to celebrate a special someone.
Handcrafted ducks are a popular favorite, or basic ducks may be hand-decorated with extra bling. Crocheted or origami ducks are also great choices. Many cruisers are opting for even more unique ducks with key chains, magnets, hair barrettes, or plush toys. Some ducks have wacky hairstyles, and some even light up.
Guidelines for Hiding Ducks
No matter what type of duck will take a cruise, there are basic guidelines for safely and effectively hiding the ducks. While no formal rules exist, these guidelines help ensure everyone can enjoy cruise ducks.
Ducks should be hidden in public areas only, never in crew-only areas or on any restricted equipment such as lifesaving gear.
No ducks should be hidden in any retail stores to minimize any hint of shoplifting or theft when the duck is discovered and picked up.
Do not hide ducks in restrooms or locker rooms, spa treatment rooms, on buffet food serving dishes, or anywhere sanitation may be a concern.
Duck tags or labels should be family-friendly without any vulgarity or profanity, as it is never known who will find and pick up the duck.
Avoid placing ducks in any spot that may be windy or if there is any risk of the duck accidentally going overboard, which would violate many cruise lines’ environmental policies.
Do not place ducks in a ship’s pools or hot tubs where kids might overreach in their eagerness to collect the duck and could fall into the water.
Do not place ducks irretrievably high where they will be hard for most passengers to reach, even if they do spot the duck.
Ducks should be in relatively plain sight so they can be seen without moving or rearranging items such as stacks of towels, library books, or dishes.
Fortunately, there are many great nooks and crannies to hide ducks. In stairwells and elevators are favorite spots, as are nestling ducks into potted plants or balancing them on sculptures, artwork frames, or statues.
The tops of signs, sitting on tables or chairs, atop a piano, in corners, or in a ship’s atrium are other popular places to hide cruise ducks. Some cruisers also choose to leave a duck in their stateroom for their attendant or future cruisers to find.
Once ducks are hidden, many participating cruisers enjoy going back to the hiding spot to see if the duck has been discovered, and it can be even more fun to try and find the same duck later during the cruise.
Tips for Finding Ducks
You don’t have to hide ducks in order to find them, as the game is not necessarily a reciprocal activity. If you find a duck, you can choose to rehide it, or you can keep it as a souvenir or gift. But how can you improve your odds of finding a cruising duck?
Be alert to unique and unexpected hiding places, especially high (above eye level) and low (closer to the ground), and frequently check for clever hiding spots.
Choose different stairwells and elevators when walking around the ship to cover as many potential hiding spots as possible.
Head out early in the day on a duck hunt to check out as many hiding spots as possible, as many participants hide ducks either late at night or early in the morning.
Revisit different areas of the ship throughout the day, as ducks may migrate to new spots each time they are found and rehidden.
Two Cruise Ducks (Photo Credit: G Allen Penton / Shutterstock)
When you find a duck, the choice is yours whether or not to keep it or hide it again for someone else to enjoy, with no judgment about which you choose. Some travelers reposition ducks immediately, while others might wait for a day or two.
Some even keep ducks until their next cruise, or photograph them on different adventures at different ports of call, even on different ships as they travel the cruising world.
What Do Cruise Lines Think?
There is a lot of debate about whether or not cruise lines approve of hidden ducks or not. While there are no official policies about cruise ducks, in general, crew members enjoy finding them and may keep or hide the ducks again themselves.
Some guests report seeing ducks discarded in the trash, though this was more frequent when the game was less well-known than today.
Large Cruise Duck! (Photo Credit: Cuson / Shutterstock)
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has commented on cruising ducks, and encourages the fun aboard the Carnival cruise ship fleet.
“Many of the crew love finding the ducks and have them in their cabins as they bring them cheer,”Heald said.“We have absolutely no problem with guests leaving them as we do think it’s fun.”
While there are always those who hate ducks and think the practice should be banned, no cruise line has yet added “little rubber ducks” to its list of prohibited items.
Travelers who think the activity is silly can simply overlook any ducks they see, just as all cruisers are able to pick and choose which activities onboard a ship they want to join in and those they prefer to avoid.
Where to Buy Cruise Ducks
If you want to bring your own toy ducks to hide onboard a cruise, where do you buy them? Any small rubber duck will work, such as those found in claw game vending machines or sold as bath toys for young children.
Ordering ducks online is the easiest way to get a selection of ducks, with a greater variety of designs and themed ducks available with bulk quantity discounts. Amazon, party stores, and toy store websites generally have good selections of ducks available, and you can even buy duck kits that include pre-printed labels to attach to the ducks.
Rubber Ducks in Ship (Photo Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock)
Other options to check for buying ducks are local discount or dollar stores, as well as flea markets that may have bulk toy vendors. Online auction sites like eBay may also have great deals on ducks perfect for cruising.
Just how many ducks to bring along for a cruise vacation is a personal decision. Some travelers prefer to pack along just a few ducks, while others may prepare whole flocks to set sail. While cruise lines do not mind the activity, it is always best to be mindful not to cross the line between fun and obsession, and be sure not to bring so many ducks that they start to be seen as litter or debris.
If the ducks you buy do not come with pre-made labels or passport tags, a variety of templates for cruise duck tags can be found online, including on the dedicated cruising ducks Facebook page and groups.
You can also choose to make cruise ducks with whatever craft you enjoy, such as crocheting or knitting ducks, making hair bows, carving wooden ducks, creating felt ducks, or decorating duck ornaments. Every style is welcomed in the game, and more unique ducks make even more desirable and sought-after ducks to find.
Cruising ducks are a creative, cheerful, and fun way for many passengers to add enjoyment to their cruise vacations. Whether you bring ducks aboard to hide, prefer to be a duck finder and keep the ducks you seek, or rehide every quirky duck you come across, everyone can be a part of this oceangoing scavenger hunt.
Royal Caribbean International has reached out to guests booked aboard Allure of the Seas for the Sunday, April 30, 2023 departure to inform them that the ship has been oversold.
Guests have been able to choose from several options with very generous compensation if they revise their sailing, but little explanation has been offered as to why these overbookings continue to happen across the fleet.
Allure of the Seas Oversold
The April 30, 2023 sailing of Allure of the Seas is oversold, and guests have been offered several compensation options to change their travel plans.
“We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Allure of the Seas April 30th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold,”the email explained.
“We’re aware that this may cause disruption to your booking, so if your travel plans are flexible, you may be able to take advantage of our special offer.”
Photo Credit: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock
The impacted cruise is a 7-night roundtrip Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston, calling on Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, with three days at sea for guests to enjoy all Allure of the Seas has to offer.
The email did not indicate how much of the ship is oversold, but very generous compensation offers have been created to encourage guests to change their travel plans.
Compensation Options
The first option is for guests to move to the May 15, 2023 sailing of Voyager of the Seas. That cruise, also departing from Galveston, is a 5-night sailing (rather than the oversold 7-night cruise on Allure of the Seas), and will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, but not Roatan.
Guests who choose that option would receive a full, 100% refund of their Allure of the Seas cruise fare, plus $300 of non-refundable onboard credit for the free cruise on Voyager of the Seas.
While a financially generous compensation offer, Allure of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are radically different ships in size, guest capacity, and onboard amenities.
Photo Credit: Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock
Guests who prefer to remain sailing onboard Allure of the Seas can shift their cruise to one of three alternative departure dates later this year. Instead of the overbooked April 30 sailing, guests can opt for the June 4, July 9, or July 16 departures, all of which are identical to the impacted cruise.
Guests who choose to shift their sailing to a later date will have their original stateroom category price protected or reduced to the current fare rate on the new departure date, whichever is lower, to ensure they receive the best deal.
Because the shifted sailing date is for an identical cruise, however, guests receive no onboard credit for accepting this option.
A third option is to simply cancel the cruise altogether. Guests who do so will receive a 100% refund, as well as a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) for the cruise fare paid, valid for any Royal Caribbean cruise departing through April 30, 2024.
Because the cancellations are happing just days before the cruise is to set sail, Royal Caribbean is also offering compensation for other charges.
“Regardless of which option you choose, we’ll also reimburse you for any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses (e.g. hotel, flight) you have incurred,”the email said.
It must be noted that this “special offer” is extended to guests on the oversold cruise, but their reservations are not being forcibly cancelled.
Instead, the various compensation offers are designed to be so tempting as to encourage enough guests to take advantage of the options that no mandatory cancellations are required.
Why Are So Many Cruises Oversold?
Oversold situations have been happening more and more frequently across the Royal Caribbean fleet.
In August 2022, the Vision-class Rhapsody of the Seas, one of the smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, was similarly oversold for a Greek Isles cruise, and offered massive incentives to compensate guests.
Photo Credit: BA Arts / Shutterstock
In each instance, the explanation is given only as an “unexpected inventory error” with no other details. It is possible a technical glitch on the cruise line’s booking engine may be responsible for oversold sailings, or there could be other factors involved.
While Royal Caribbean has been generous with alternative offers, it can be frustrating and disappointing for travelers to have their plans disrupted or cancelled altogether just days before setting sail.
Guests booked on upcoming Royal Caribbean cruises will want to stay in close contact with the cruise line or their travel agent in case of similar situations or other adjustments, such as itinerary alterations, embarkation delays, or weather-related disruptions.
While joining the Carnival fleet, the Venezia will have a style that honors her roots at Costa Cruises.
The Costa Venezia nears the completion of her transformation into Carnval Venezia at the Cadiz shipyard in Spain. The cruise line has released a first look and the unique Italian and Carnival-inspired livery that has been painted.
Carnival’s First “Italian-Style” Ship
Coined “Fun Italian Style,” the Venezia is set to leave the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, with a unique hull. A bright yellow stripe outlines the Carnival blue instead of red, an hommage to Costa Cruises. The smokestack funnel will also remain yellow.
“The unique take on the Carnival livery is just the beginning of what the ship holds in store for its guests, who will experience fun influenced by the ship’s Italian design with the same warm hospitality Carnival is known for fleetwide,” Carnival stated in a press release.
Among the Italian features retained from her Costa days is an atrium based on Venice’s famous Piazza San Marco, and a Gondola Lounge. The Lido deck will also appear to fit on the Italian Riviera. Even her first Captain and Chief Engineer are Italian, announced earlier in April.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Several Carnival staples will still be present, including the Carnival Waterworks aqua park, the Piano Bar 88, and the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
The Venezia will become the first in the fleet to carry out Carnival’s “Fun Italian Style” program. The Costa Firenze will also become part of the fleet from sister line Costa Cruises, The vessel will follow the same Italian style concept when she begins sailing year-round from Long Beach in California in May 2024.
Towards the end of 2022, the Costa Luminosa was also transferred from the sister brand to Carnival Cruise Line. However, the ship is not part of the Italian concept and dons the traditional red, white, and blue livery.
Carnival Venezia to Begin With Transatlantic Sailing
Originally sailing with Carnival’s sister cruise line, Costa, the 135,225 gross-ton ship transferred to the Miami-based cruise line to offer passengers a unique experience.
She has the capacity to carry 4,208 guests at a time, and will be taking guests on 22 different itineraries that visit 25 ports in 14 countries under the Carnival Cruise Line brand.
The first, of course, will be a 15-day Carnival Journeys Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to New York City, currently scheduled to set sail on May 29, just over two months after arriving in Spain for her transformation.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Along the way, she will be stopping at ports of call such as Malaga, Gibraltar, Lisbon, the Azores, and Halifax. The cruise line also recently announced that Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and chief culinary officer, Emeril Lagasse, will be on the first part of the voyage for all the festivities and events.
New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal will become her new home, and her first sailing from there will be a four-day cruise to Bermuda, which is scheduled for June 15.
Frequent cruisers often have a special love for a favorite cruise ship, and it is difficult sometimes to recognize which ship in the Port was the one that carried you on your special adventure.
But with this unique design and experience, it is clear on our end that the powers that be are making it clear they want the Carnival Venezia will be easy to spot and remember.
Icon of the Seas has been hailed by Royal Caribbean and many cruise industry experts as the ultimate family vacation. The cruise line is certainly rising to the occasion. The Miami-based cruise line has unveiled a series of family-orientated fun that will keep everyone from young to old entertained.
And, for the first time, Royal Caribbean will welcome Admiral Awesome, a newly created character responsible for ensuring family fun and laughter onboard Icon of the Seas.
Next-Level Family Experiences on Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is making sure that every inch of the 250,800 gross tons, 5,610-passengers, Icon of the Seas is designed to cater to young families, kids, and teens and providing them with as many activities and entertainment as possible. You can see what’s to come for onboard family experiences in the video below:
Today, April 28, the cruise line revealed even more activities that guests can look forward to from the most anticipated cruise ship in years, beginning with the introduction of Admiral Awesome. This new character will ensure kids have the time of their lives in Surfside, Thrill Island, the Royal Promenade, or one of the many other areas onboard.
Surfside for Young Families & Kids
Surfside has been designed as the ultimate stay-all-day neighborhood for young families. Here, parents can join in the fun or kick back and relax while their little ones stay entertained for hours.
Activities include the Larger-than-Life Family Festival, the Big Shark Block Party, and the Steel Pan Family Jam, all hosted by Admiral Awesome. Kids can also wind down with Once Upon a Bedtime Story, a unique storytelling experience narrated by Admiral Awesome himself.
Kids on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
Not to be missed will be Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program Adventure Ocean. Kids can do as their hearts please with dedicated spaces and activities that engage all the senses, including a place to tinker at Workshop, Hangout, which has games and cozy spots to lounge, and Adventure Ocean Babies for the youngest kids onboard.
Kids on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
Thrill Island for the Teens and Young at Heart
Thrill Island is a dedicated space for older kids and teens (and those young at heart), offering adrenaline-pumping activities and plenty of ways to chill out. The hidden, teens-only hangout Social 020 is perfect for playing video games, listening to music, watching movies, and comfy lounging, away from the prying eyes of parents.
Kids on Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship (Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)
Of course, Thrill Island also features Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, home to six record-breaking slides.
Among the slides are Frightening Bolt, a 282-foot drop/body slide with a 46-foot fall into a 360-degree looping, and Hurricane Hunter, a 425-foot raft-type slide with space for four riders.
Storm Surge, another raft-type slide, features a zero-gravity drop, while the 108-feet Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide at sea, has a 66° incline on its 108-foot length.
Other exciting attractions include the Lost Dunes mini-golf course, Adrenaline Peak rock climbing, the FlowRider surf simulator, and the Sports Court. Desserted, the first Insta-worthy milkshake bar in the fleet, is another must-visit spot for guests of all ages.
Icon of the Seas Laser Tag
Of course, that’s not all. Icon of the Seas will offer endless entertainment for families, friends, and anyone looking for a good time.
Some of the activities families can enjoy together onboard Icon of the Seas include Laser Tag: The Fight for Atlantis, the Royal Escape Room, and the Absolute Zero ice-skating area, while afterward, they can eat at one of the many restaurants and finish the evening with some fun singing at Spotlight Karaoke.
Setting Sail January 24, 2024
Icon of the Seas will embark on its maiden voyage on January 27, 2024. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary includes stops in Basseterre, St. Kitts; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas; and Miami, Florida.
Other itineraries on offer are a seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise, with stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Coco Cay, Bahamas; and another 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Coco Cay, Bahamas.
There is also a seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary with stops in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Coco Cay, Bahamas.
Carnival Pride has arrived at its scheduled dry dock in Cadiz after completing her transatlantic cruise to Barcelona earlier this week. The ship will undergo a series of interior and exterior changes, including a new Carnival livery featuring a patriotic red, white, and blue hull design.
Carnival Cruise Line will also add a new lounge and an upgraded steakhouse, and the Spa and fitness area will receive a fresh new look. On top of that, Carnival Pride will receive several upgrades that will make getting around the vessel a lot easier for guests with disabilities.
New Features and Upgrades for Carnival Pride
Following her transatlantic cruise, which ended on April 26 in Barcelona, Carnival Pride arrived in Cadiz, Spain, this morning, April 28, for her scheduled dry dock.
The 88,500 gross tons, 2124-passenger, Spirit-class cruise ship has been long overdue for some upgrades, being one of the few cruise ships in the Carnival fleet which still needs to receive the new Carnival livery.
Photo Credit: Symeonidis Dimitrios / Shutterstock
It has also been nine years since the cruise ship received updates to its onboard offerings, which in 2014 included Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog Rum Bar, WaterWorks, and several more.
Among the upgrades and additions to the ship scheduled for this dry dock is the addition of the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge will be included to honor the military. The Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center will receive a fresh look and state-of-the-art equipment.
Other changes include the ship’s steakhouse, which will be rebranded as the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and will occupy space on two separate decks. Furthermore, a Carnival Adventures shop and Dreams Photography Studio will be introduced to the ship.
Increased Accessibility and New Cabins
Carnival Pride will also see an improvement in its accessibility features, with 29 existing cabins being converted into ADA-compliant cabins.
These cabins typically feature wider doorways, bathroom grab bars, roll-in showers, and lowered sinks and countertops, among other amenities, to ensure guests with disabilities have a comfortable and safe stay onboard.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
In addition, five new cabins will be added on the same level as the nightclub. Guests do not need to worry about noise pollution as these cabins will come complete with soundproof insulation. One of these new cabins will also be ADA-compliant, two will be inside cabins, and the remaining two will have ocean views.
Carnival Pride’s Summer Cruises
Following dry dock, which is scheduled to end on May 27, 2023, Carnival Pride will embark on a 12-day voyage from Barcelona to Dover, starting on May 28.
The itinerary includes stops in Gibraltar, UK; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal; Vigo, La Coruna, and Bilbao, Spain; La Rochelle and Le Havre, France; and Zeebrugge, Belgium, before arriving in Dover, England, on June 9.
This cruise marks the start of a summer of fifteen European cruises that will see the ship visiting various destinations across Western Europe, the Baltic, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
From September through the end of October, Carnival Pride will sail four cruises around the Mediterranean. On October 28, Carnival Pride will return to the United States with a 10-night Transatlantic voyage from Rome to Cartagena, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Grand Turk; and arriving in Tampa, Florida on November 12.
