Ruby Princess, a cruise ship owned by Princess Cruises, experienced a small number of gastrointestinal illnesses during a recent voyage between February 26 and March 5, 2023. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initiated an investigation.
As a result of increased sanitation that took place after guests had disembarked the vessel, Ruby Princess‘s departure from Galveston, Texas, on March 5, 2023, was delayed for several hours.
CDC Investigates Ruby Princess
The CDC has launched an investigation into several cases of gastrointestinal illness onboard Ruby Princess amongst guests and crew members. During the voyage, 199 passengers out of 2,881 (6.61%) and 20 crew members out of 1,159 (1.73%) reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.
Ruby Princess sailed from Galveston, Texas, on February 26 and visited Cozumel, Mexico, Belize City, Belize, and Mahogany Bay, Honduras. Princess Cruises and the ship’s crew acted swiftly in response to the outbreak, implementing increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to the ship’s outbreak prevention and response plan.
Photo Credit: Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com
Gastrointestinal illness is a common sickness that can happen anywhere in the world. It can be spread quickly by an infected person or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces such as handrails and doorknobs.
Places where people live in close proximity, like cruise ships, are at a higher risk for outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness. This is because the illness can spread easily when people are physically close.
Vessel Sanitation Program
Vessel Sanitation Program epidemiologists and environmental health officers boarded the ship in Galveston, Texas, on March 5, to conduct a formal outbreak investigation. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, sometimes called USPH, aims to ensure that each cruise ship is clean and free of germs and bacteria. The program performs random inspections of each ship that enters US waters.
The areas checked include the medical center, portable water systems, dining areas, pools and whirlpools, housekeeping, pest management, child activity centers, and HVAC systems. Ships then receive a score based on the investigations that took place.
Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
Most cruise ships score 90 out of 100 or higher on the CDC’s inspection scale, and any vessel that fails the inspection must correct the issues before sailing again. While gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships are relatively infrequent, cruise lines take numerous measures to prevent them.
Ruby Princess Departure Delayed Due to Sanitation Measures
Ruby Princess‘s departure from Galveston, Texas, on March 5, 2023, was delayed due to the increased sanitation measures the cruise ship took to prevent the spread of the gastrointestinal illness reported during the previous voyage.
Princess Cruises sent a message to guests booked on the following cruise: “Please be advised that embarkation for your Ruby Princess cruise has been delayed. During the current cruise, there were elevated case counts of gastrointestinal illness among guests. A comprehensive sanitation program was launched in response, and Ruby Princess underwent prolonged disinfection in Galveston on Sunday, March 5, 2023.”
Ruby Princess has since set off on her 7-night Western Caribbean and Mexico cruise. The cruise schedule includes several ports of call, including Roatan, Honduras, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico.
Whether Royal Caribbean still needs the hype around Icon of the Seas to become even bigger is unclear, but the cruise line is certainly trying. The newest part of the extensive marketing efforts around Icon of the Seas? Royal Caribbean International’s addition to the online gaming world.
This one-of-a-kind adventure in the world’s most popular computer game, Fortnite, allows players to experience the cruise ship before its debut in January 2024.
Icon of the Seas in Fortnite
Icon of the Seas promises to be a one-of-a-kind cruise ship that will break every record when she sets sail in January 2024. To give future guests a chance to see what the ship will be like, Royal Caribbean has added a new experience to its already extensive marketing repertoire: Icon of the Seas on Fortnite.
Gamers can explore Thrill Island and The Hideaway, two of the eight revolutionary neighborhoods, while playing Royal Caribbean: Hide ’N’ Sea on Fortnite.
Players can also enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, and Crown’s Edge, a thrilling skywalk and ropes course towering 154 feet above the ocean. The Hideaway Pool, the world’s first suspended infinity pool at sea, and Flowrider are also available in the game. Other areas are not, or possibly not yet, available in the Fortnite gameplay.
Image Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
The digital interpretation of Icon of the Seas is available on desktops, game consoles, smartphones, and tablets. For those who want to explore Icon of the Seas digitally, they will need to download Fortnite and create a free account. Once in the game, enter the Icon of the Seas in-game island code, 2569-9622-8657.
Exploring New Ways to Reach Guests
Royal Caribbean International has said that the company aims to show up unexpectedly and reach families where they spend time. Fortnite is an excellent choice, with around 80 million players worldwide, mostly younger.
Younger guests play a significant role in Royal Caribbean’s plans for Icon of the Seas. The Hide ’N’ Sea Fortnite map allows families to see, touch and experience Thrill Island and The Hideaway before they set foot onboard next year.
Image Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean follows in the footsteps of its sister cruise line, Celebrity Cruises, which introduced its digital version of Celebrity Beyond late last year.
Celebrity Cruises launched the virtual experience called “Wonderverse,” allowing guests to explore a digital version of their newest ship and interact with designers and even Captain Kate McCue as digital avatars. The Wonderverse provides guests with a great insight into what they can expect from their cruise onboard Celebrity Beyond.
Icon of the Seas can carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy, plus 2,350 crew members. It will be Royal Caribbean’s most sustainable ship, powered by liquefied natural gas and fuel cell technology.
The ship will sail weekly from the port of Miami starting January 27, 2024, and will offer a variety of itineraries. These include weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries featuring stops at destinations like St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Roatan, Honduras, and Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean International has been reaching out to guests booked on the March 12, 2023 sailing of Wonder of the Seas with news of overbooking. The cruise line is offering a variety of rebooking options if guests’ travel plans are flexible, with generous compensation for the error.
Guests Offered Rebooking Options
In an email sent to booked guests, Royal Caribbean International has acknowledged an inventory error that has oversold Wonder of the Seas. “We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Wonder of the Seas March 12th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold,”the email reads.
This is not the first time Wonder of the Seas has been inadvertently oversold. A similar situation occurred for the December 11, 2022 sailing. Three different options are being offered in an attempt to correct this latest overbooking, but guests may not be pleased with the proposed options.
Sail on a Different Ship
The first option is to transfer the Wonder of the Seas booking to Explorer of the Seas instead, sailing from PortMiami on March 12 for a 6-night cruise rather than a 7-night cruise. This option will also include a 100% refund of the Wonder of the Seas fare, as well as a $300 onboard credit to enjoy Explorer of the Seas.
If the Explorer of the Seas fare is lower than the fare paid for Wonder of the Seas, guests will also receive a refund for the price difference, returned to their original form of payment. Guests must still pay taxes, port fees, and gratuities for the new cruise.
Photo Credit: Merrillie Redden / Shutterstock
Explorer of the Seas will be sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary for the March 12 cruise, visiting Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and CocoCay.
While the proposed option can be of great value for guests, the differences in cruise itineraries, departure ports, and the ships themselves may make this option less appealing.
Wonder of the Seas is currently the newest and largest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, having just debuted in 2022 and weighing in at 236,857 gross tons.
The Voyager-class Explorer of the Seas is significantly smaller and older, having debuted in 2000. At just 138,194 gross tons, Explorer of the Seas does not have the same features and amenities as the larger, more advanced Wonder of the Seas.
Sail on a Different Date
The second option offered to guests on the oversold sailing is to transfer their Wonder of the Seas booking to a different sailing date. Only two select dates are available for this offer – the July 30 and August 13 sailings this summer.
Both alternative sailing dates are 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises, visiting St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay. While this is not quite the same itinerary as the original March 12 departure date, it is a close comparison.
The dates themselves may be problematic for many travelers, however. The week of March 12 is the local Spring Break week, and it is likely that many families have been looking forward to their oceangoing getaway during that school vacation.
Wonder of the Seas (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
While the alternative July 30 sailing date is before local schools begin the 2023-2024 school year, the first day of school is August 10, meaning the second alternative sailing date – August 13 – is not as attractive, because it would mean students miss critical first days of school.
Full Cancellation and Refund
The third option offered to guests is to completely cancel their sailing. Not only will guests receive a full, 100% refund of their cruise fare, but they will also receive a 100% cruise fare future cruise credit (FCC), which can be used for any Royal Caribbean sailing departing through March 15, 2024.
This would refund the first cruise, and give guests a good credit to use on any future cruise for the next year. This is a great option for guests who do not have immediately flexible travel plans, but who are willing to rebook for a future date on the sailing of their choice.
More Compensation Offered
Regardless of which option guests choose, Royal Caribbean will also fully refund or reimburse any pre-purchased, non-refundable travel expenses, such as airfare and hotel rooms. Guests are also not obligated to accept any of the options, and can instead remain on the original sailing.
“This special offer is time-limited and subject to availability,”the email explains.“If you’re happy to be excluded from the special offer, please disregard this email – no further action is required.”
It is possible, however, that if not enough guests accept one of the options, oversold bookings may be cancelled and refunded, but without the special offers.
Guests who are interested in taking advantage of the offer need to contact the cruise line to make suitable arrangements and select their option. It is likely that the offer is only being made to those guests in oversold stateroom categories, and may not be available to all passengers booked during the Spring Break cruise.
Nautical terms can almost be considered a foreign language. Standardized language at sea is necessary for the safety and efficiency of the crew operating any ship, including a cruise ship. But as a passenger, you may be curious about what these terms mean.
If you’ve ever been on a ship or even simply heard mariners talk about a ship, you’ve probably heard the term “port side.” This term is often used enough that it may have piqued your curiosity, and you may be wondering what exactly it’s referring to. Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out.
In this article, you’ll learn what exactly port side refers to and why it’s called that.
In simple terms, the port side is the left-hand side of the ship or vessel. The right-hand side is referred to as the starboard.
A port is where you meet to get on your cruise ship. Specifically, there is a pier at the port to allow you to embark on the ship. The port side is where ships dock at the port, hence the name.
Historically, this is the side where the cargo would be brought on the ship. In the context of cruise ships, this is the side from which you access the ship to get on and off for your cruise.
Photo Credit: NAPA / Shutterstock
What’s more is that the port side of a ship has a red light that is usually on, especially at night, to let other ships know that it’s coming and which way to go. The starboard side of a ship has a green light.
While this explanation is simple enough, you may wonder, why aren’t the sides simply referred to as “left” and “right”? Let’s find out.
Historically, ships with starboard or steerboard would dock at ports with them on the opposite side to not interfere. With the way the ships were built, the ship’s right side was always the side with the steerboard. This meant that the left side was always the side on which the ship would dock at the port.
However, the language sometimes gets confusing because the sailors would often call out the side based on their orientation, meaning saying “left” or “right” wasn’t always accurate. Most sailors were right-handed, but it would get confusing when the odd left-handed sailor would call out the opposite way.
Sailing Ship (Photo Credit: Henrik A. Jonsson / Shutterstock)
To standardize the language, sailors would call out “larboard” to refer to the ship’s left side, but you can see how that can easily be confused with “starboard,” especially during chaotic times at sea.
The name for the vessel’s left side went through numerous variations in Old English until they decided to refer to this side as “port,” as it accurately describes that side’s use and is much easier to distinguish from “starboard.” That language continues to be used today.
Therefore, using the terms “port side” and “starboard” is a way of standardizing nautical language, avoiding confusion, and ensuring the safety of all onboard.
Wrap-Up
While knowing the port side isn’t particularly necessary knowledge for you as a cruise passenger – it will be obvious on your cruise side you need to use it to get on and off the ship – it’s still an interesting thing to know.
Hopefully, this article hasn’t just explained the port side but has also provided you with a brief history lesson on nautical orientation. Next time you get on your cruise and hear “port side,” you’ll know exactly what the crew is referring to. To impress the crew even more, you may even want to look up other cruise ship terminology!
Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development in Freeport, Bahamas, has been making steady progress, and the latest overhead images obtained by Cruise Hive offer a glimpse of what’s to come. First announced in 2019, the port’s construction was delayed and finally started last year.
The Grand Port project, located at the Sharp Rock site, promises to be one of the world’s largest and most exciting cruise ports, with capacity for two of the largest ships that can accommodate up to 6,000 guests each.
Progress on Carnival Cruise Line’s New Cruise Port
The latest overhead images of the new port development in Freeport, Bahamas, reveal that Carnival Cruise Line’s new cruise port construction is well underway. First announced in 2019, the destination port is expected to be completed on time for the grand opening around the end of 2024.
The images show preparations underway for the large pier that will be able to accommodate at least two of the carnival’s largest cruise ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
For now, the work being done is land preparation work and dredge work to accommodate the deep draft that cruise ships will need. The Grand Port project is located at the Sharp Rock site in Freeport, Bahamas. It aims to showcase the natural beauty and culture of the island, reinventing Grand Bahama as a destination.
As of now, it is still unclear what the official name of Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development project in Freeport, Bahamas, will be. During the groundbreaking ceremony in May of 2022, Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, indicated that there will be another moment to reveal not only the name but also more details about what people can expect from the project when it opens in late 2024.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
What is clear is that the port will offer a range of amenities that cater to all tastes. From the serene relaxation of the beach to high-adrenaline water and adventure amenities, there will be something for everyone. The port will also have many dining opportunities, focusing on local and Caribbean foods.
The port will also have a separate shore excursion pier allowing contracted local shore excursion operators to pick up guests and take them to other areas for experiences such as fishing, glass-bottom boat tours, and snorkeling.
The port is likely to be more a destination in and of itself, much like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, with swimming pools, a waterpark, and other adventure options.
Economic Impact
Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development project in Freeport, Bahamas, is expected to welcome around one million guests in its first year of operations. With the capacity to simultaneously accommodate two of the largest ships in the world, the port is set to become one of the biggest cruise ports globally.
With an estimated one million visitors, we can expect to see the Grand Port project featured heavily on Carnival Cruise Line itineraries in 2024 and beyond.
The project has been designed with the local community in mind, with local vendors and shore excursion operators playing a vital role in the port’s offerings. The $100 million project is expected to create jobs for up to 1,000 residents through the construction phase and ongoing operation of the port, making it a significant investment in the area’s future.
“There will be significant opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship by Bahamians. The new port will result in greater Bahamian ownership in terms of a range of business opportunities,” said the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Philip Davis, when the plans were finalized one year ago in March 2022.
Besides the investments at Freeport, Carnival corporation is also investing in upgrading the offerings at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island destination, for $80 million.
If you’re cruising out of Boston, chances are you’ll be arriving by car and need to find the best and cheapest Boston cruise port parking for the duration of your cruise.
Our ultimate guide to Boston cruise port parking has all the options covered, including prices, distance to the port, shuttle service, oversize vehicles, drop-off points and information. It’s all you need to help you find a great deal in cruise port parking in Boston.
We also compare the official port cruise parking with public long-term parking lots and list the best hotels for Stay, Park and Cruise deals. It’s all here!
Boston cruise port is within Boston Harbor, just two miles from Faneuil Hall and Downtown Boston sights. Also known as Boston Flynn Cruiseport, it operates from April to November.
In 2022, the location of the official Boston cruise port parking moved from the South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center to Summer Street (Lot D3). This new cruise port parking lot must be pre-booked and includes a free shuttle to and from Flynn cruiseport terminal.
There are plenty of alternative public parking lots offering long-term cruise port parking. They are generally cheaper than the official site, but you may need to add the cost of a taxi or Uber, increasing the overall price of cruise parking.
Boston Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock)
If you plan to arrive in Boston a day or two before your cruise, you may prefer to book a hotel that offers a Stay, Park and Cruise package. These deals include transport to the cruise terminal and parking for the duration of your cruise for little more than the cost of a night’s stay.
So now you know what’s on offer, let’s get down to the details…
When to Arrive for Parking
It is recommended that you arrive at your chosen cruise port parking lot at least two hours before your cruise sets sail. You need time to check in with the parking attendant, hand over your car keys, board a shuttle bus (or taxi) to the cruise terminal and then go through security and boarding.
Passenger Drop-off Point
You can drop off passengers and/or heavy luggage before heading to your chosen Boston Cruise Port Parking lot. You need to allow time to park your vehicle and then ride the shuttle bus back to the cruise terminal for check-in.
To reach the drop-off point at Boston Cruise Port, follow signs to Drydock Ave, turn right onto Black Falcon Ave and officers will direct you to the drop-off area,
Official Parking at Boston Cruise Port
Massport Lot D3
Massport Lot D3 on Summer Street is now the official Flynn Boston cruise port parking lot. The South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center is currently used for event parking and no longer accepts extended parking for cruisers.
Parking at Massport Lot D3 is operated by SP+ and it must be booked online ahead of time through Parking.com. Select your cruise ship and the duration of the cruise to reserve your space.
Cruise Port Sign (Photo Credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock)
The price of cruise parking includes a free courtesy shuttle to and from Flynn cruiseport terminal. Getting into Massport Lot D3 is on the northeast side of Summer Street, between D Street and Pumphouse Road.
On arrival at Lot D3, staff will scan the barcode on your booking (printed out or on your phone) and you can then park in any available space. Wait at the bus shelter with your luggage for the next available shuttle bus to take you directly to the cruise port terminal.
Location: 492 Summer Street, Boston
Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: $189 per week (ticketed cruise passengers only). Oversize vehicles will be charged at a higher rate when booking.
Distance from port: 0.6 mile
Shuttle: Yes – Free
Best off-Site Cruise Parking
There are other non-official Boston cruise car parks where you can park your car for the duration of your cruise. These are public car parks (not dedicated cruise parking lots). They are open 24/7 with no gated security and no shuttle service to the cruise terminal.
Boston Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
You will need to drop-off luggage and passengers first, as detailed above. The driver can walk or catch a taxi or Uber to Flynn cruise terminal. Parking is by availability but you can purchase a parking pass ahead of time online.
C1 Parking Lot
Operated by ABM Parking Services, the C1 Parking Lot is the closest to the cruise terminal. It is an open-air car park and is right next to the terminal, making it easy to walk to check-in with your luggage. It is also 5-10 minutes walk from other sights such as the World Trade Center, Lawn D, shops and restaurants if you arrive ahead of time.
You need to reserve cruise port parking at the C1 parking lot ahead of time by booking online or using the app. Parking rates start at $25 per day. 7-day cruise parking is $175 and 14-day cruise parking is $200.
Location: 1 Black Falcon Ave, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $25 per day
Distance from port: 0.2 mile
Shuttle: No
Marine Park Garage
Also operated by ABM Parking Services, Marine Park Garage is very convenient for Boston cruise port parking. It is located in the historic Seaport District of the city, also known as South Boston Waterfront. Parking is in a covered multi-storey building and daily rates are calculated from 5 am each day.
The rate per day Mon-Fri is $30 and Sat/Sunday is $20. Oversized vehicles cannot use this facility as there is a height restriction of 6’10”. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app.
Access to the car park is easy from I-90 or D-Street. Turn onto Haul Rd, then right onto Pumphouse Road. Make a left onto Summer Street and then left again onto Drydock Ave. The entrance to the car park is on the corner of 6th Street. The cruise terminal is within easy 3-minute walking distance of this cruise port parking lot.
Location: 12 Drydock Ave, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $20 per day
Distance from port: 0.1 mile
Shuttle: No
Sargent’s Wharf Parking
Sargent’s Wharf parking lot is a long-term car park a little further from the cruise terminal but it’s well located if you want to do some sightseeing before boarding the ship. It is just a short 4-minute walk into the center of Boston to see Paul Revere House, Quincy Market and the New England Aquarium. You will need to use a taxi or Uber to reach the cruise terminal.
This open-air public car park is open 24/7 with no gated security. The daily rate is $30 Mon-Friday and $24 on weekends. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app.
From I-93 South, keep right and take exit 17A/B towards Government Center. Turn left into John F. Fitzgerald Surface Rd, left again onto Mercantile St and continue onto Atlantic Ave/ Commercial Street. ABM Sargent’s Wharf parking lot is on the right.
Location: 269 Commercial Street
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $24 per day
Distance from port: 2.0 miles
Shuttle: No
V1 Parking Lot
Conveniently located for cruise parking and exploring waterfront pubs and restaurants, the Boston V1 parking lot is operated by ABM Parking Services. It is in the Seaport District opposite Rockland Trust Pavilion. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app. This self-park facility offers a daily rate which is calculated from 5 am each day.
This Boston cruise port parking lot is easy to reach from D Street. Head northwest on Cypher Street then turn right onto S. Boston Bypass. Keep right at form (signposted I-90 W. Haul Rd) and continue onto Haul Road. At the roundabout/traffic circle take the second exit and VV1 parking in on the right.
Location: 302 Northern Ave, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $40 per day
Distance from port: 0.7 miles
Shuttle: No
The Alyx at Echelon Seaport
Another convenient ABM Boston cruise port parking lot is The Alyx at Echelon Seaport. It is well located for the port and sightseeing, if you have time before checking in for your cruise.
The multi-storey car park has electric vehicle charging points and is fully automated for self-parking with a pre-purchased pass. The daily rate is $38 Mon-Friday and $18 on Sat and Sunday. It is calculated from 5 am each day. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app.
It is located just off Congress Street, across the street from the Masspike exit. The entrance is on Pier Four Blvd. You will need to book a taxi or Uber to take you to the cruise terminal.
Location: 60A Pier 4, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $18-38 per day
Distance from port: 1.0 miles
Shuttle: No
Westin Seaport District Garage
This covered parking garage has a height restriction of 6’8” and is unsuitable for SUVs and oversize vehicles. Operated by Pilgrim Parking, the garage is underneath the Westin Seaport Hotel next to the Boston Convention Center.
For cruise parking, make an online reservation with Spothero. Access is from Summer Street. From the circle in front of the hotel, follow signs to the garage ramp.
On arrival, pull a ticket and park in any space that is not “Reserved.” When you return from your cruise, show the attendant in the hotel lobby your reservation and entrance ticket. They will validate your ticket, which you can insert at the exit gate when your drive out.
Location: 425 Summer Street, Boston
Hours: Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm
Cost: $362 for 8 days
Distance from port: 0.7 miles
Shuttle: No
Best Boston Hotels with Cruise Parking Packages
As an alternative to Boston cruise port parking, why not book an all-inclusive Stay, Park and Cruise package with one of these hotels and extend your cruise with time to explore the sights of Boston?
Boston Skyline (Photo Credit: AlainP / Shutterstock)
Rodeway Inn – Boston Logan Airport
The Rodeway Inn is well located near the airport and a short taxi ride from Boston Flynn cruiseport. The hotel offers one room for up to four guests plus up to 8 days of parking while you’re away. Rooms are comfortably furnished with one king or two queen beds and they include free coffee and Wi-Fi. This deal is available when you book online through ParkSleepFly.
Location: 309 American Legion Hwy, Revere
Cost of package: $207
Distance from port: 8 miles
Shuttle: No
Comfort Inn Boston
This mid-range Comfort Inn offers a great deal when you stay, Park and Cruise. In addition to a well-appointed room, the package includes a continental breakfast, up to 7 days of parking, and a free shuttle to and from Boston cruise port. This package represents great value for money and is available to book online through ParkSleepFly. The hotel also has three on-site restaurants and a candy shop too!
Location: 900 Morrissey Blvd, Boston
Cost of package: $299
Distance from port: 5.5 miles
Shuttle: Yes – Free
Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers
There is no designated parking for Disabled passengers at Flynn Cruiseport Boston. However, you can use the drop-off point to transport cruisers with disabilities to the ship. Alternatively, use the official D3 cruise parking lot and the free shuttle provided.
Cruise Parking for RVs and Oversize Vehicles
If you need cruise parking for an SUV or larger vehicle, you should use Massport Lot D3 on Summer Street. Oversize vehicles are over 181 inches in length or more than 70 inches (5’10”) in height. Pick-ups, minivans, trucks, crossovers and SUVs generally fall into this category.
Cruise parking for oversize vehicles must be booked online ahead of time through Parking.com. Click the option to “Select Vehicle size” then select your cruise ship and duration of the cruise to reserve your space. The price will automatically be calculated.
The price of Boston cruise port parking at this location includes a free courtesy shuttle to and from Flynn cruiseport terminal.
FAQs
How much is parking at the Boston cruise terminal?
Cruise parking at Massport Lot D3 on Summer street costs $189 per week for a standard-size vehicle.
Where to park for a cruise out of Boston?
The best place to park when cruising out of Boston is at the official cruise port parking lot D3 at 492 Summer Street, about 0.6 miles from Flynn cruiseport terminal.
Carnival Cruise Line is showing its commitment to one of the largest US cruise homeports in the United States by adding a fourth ship to the Port of Galveston. The Spirit-class Carnival Miracle will begin offering longer cruises from the Texas port starting in the fall of 2024. The vessel will reposition from its current operations from the US west coast.
Carnival Miracle to Sail from Galveston
The Carnival Miracle cruise ship, which is currently offering cruises out of Long Beach in California, will have a new home towards the end of next year. The cruise line has announced that it will be adding a fourth ship to operate out of Galveston, Texas, to expand operations even further from the hugely popular port.
The Carnival cruise ship will reposition from San Francisco, with cruises starting in the fall of 2024 through Spring 2025 out of Galveston. Carnival Miracle will offer much longer 10-, 11, and 12-day itineraries, and those are now open for bookings.
Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship
“We have always offered a great variety of cruises from Galveston, but by adding a fourth Carnival ship to homeport in Galveston and sailing these longer itineraries, we are giving our guests great new choices, especially for those who want to experience a wider variety of beautiful ports of call and more time to enjoy their time at sea,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Miracle will join three other ships in the fleet out of the Port of Galveston. Carnival Breeze is currently sailing four- and five-day Caribbean cruises, and Carnival Dream is sailing six- and eight-day cruises. The new Carnival Jubilee will also begin sailing from the port when she enters service as the third Ecel class LNG-powered ship in December 2023 on week-long Caribbean itineraries.
“Galveston is one of our top homeports, and with the arrival of Carnival Jubilee and the new Carnival Miracle itineraries, it will only grow in popularity with our guests.”Duffy added.
Carnival Mircale Galveston Itinerarires
Carnival Miracle will be the only Spirit-class ship to offer cruises out of Galveston after a one-time Carnival Journeys repositioning cruise that departs on October 1, 2024, and includes visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia; and a Panama Canal transit.
Starting on October 16, 2024, the vessel will begin a series of 19 sailings, including the Caribbean and Panama Canal. The first voyage from Galveston will be a nine-day Western Caribbean itinerary with calls at Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Photo Credit: VIAVAL TOURS / Shutterstock
There will also be a 10-day Panama Canal sailing departing November 15 with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama (and tours of the Panama Canal); and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan. Other highlights include an 11-day Caribbean sailing with popular calls such as Montego Bay, Jamaica; Amber Cove; Grand Turk; Princess Cays and Nassau, The Bahamas.
There’s also a 12-day Carnival Journeys sailing that departs on January 26, 2025, with visits to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Aruba; Bonaire; Curacao; Cozumel. Mexico.
When guests step onboard the 2,200-passenger Carnival Miracle, they’ll be glad to know she recently underwent a dry dock in November 2022. During the upgrade, she received the new red, white and blue livery on the hull, along with a refreshed look on the interior. The cruise line also removed the Casino bar to expand for more room in the casino.
The ship is currently sailing out of Long Beach, but will shift to San Fransisco this May for the summer season.
P&O Cruises has announced that Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, will be the godmother of their newest ship, Arvia.
The vessel will be officially named in a world-first beachside ceremony on March 16, 2023, in Barbados, where Scherzinger will also perform. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the partnership between the cruise line and the global superstar.
A Star-Studded Godmother Tradition
The role of a ship’s godmother is a longstanding maritime tradition that symbolizes good luck and protection for the vessel and its passengers. In recent years, cruise lines have turned to celebrities to add glitz and glamour to the naming ceremony, and P&O Cruises is no exception.
Over the years, the company has invited several famous names to serve as godmothers, including Dame Helen Mirren, Darcey Bussell, and even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The appointment of Nicole Scherzinger as the godmother of Arvia is a testament to her global superstar status and widespread appeal.
Scherzinger will participate in a beachside ceremony in Barbados where she will perform live and officially name the newest P&O Cruises ship. The naming ceremony of Arvia is set to be an unforgettable event, with the ship’s godmother leading the festivities.
Taking place on Thursday, March 16, 2023, the ceremony will be broadcast worldwide on the cruise line’s official YouTube channel. P&O Cruises’ decision to broadcast the ceremony on its official YouTube channel means that viewers worldwide can enjoy the celebrations from the comfort of their homes.
A Perfect Partnership
P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow expressed his excitement about the partnership with Nicole Scherzinger, who he calls the perfect fit for P&O Cruises.
“We could not be more thrilled that she has agreed to be Arvia’s “godmother” and will be with us on March 16 when Arvia is officially named in the Caribbean. Through her many appearances on some of the UK’s best-loved shows, Nicole has won the hearts of the British public.”
Her involvement reflects everything that P&O Cruises stands for – a modern, forward-thinking holiday company which has always excelled in the levels of cutting-edge entertainment we provide.”
Photo Courtesy: P&O Cruises / James Robinson for Christopher Ison
Paul Ludlow emphasized P&O Cruises’ dedication to providing exceptional entertainment to its guests, stating that the company works with hundreds of performers and that the collaboration with Nicole Scherzinger reflects the cruise line’s commitment to excellence in entertainment.
Nicole Scherzinger has expressed her excitement at the opportunity to serve as the godmother of Arvia: “This is an extraordinary and special opportunity for me to create a visual and musical feast for people to immerse themselves in, with the sea as their backdrop, giving them something to truly remember. I want to create an experience to remember for the audiences of Iona and Arvia and I am delighted to become part of the P&O Cruises family.”
Arvia to Spend Summer in Europe
Arvia, a sister ship to the popular Iona, is the largest cruise ship ever built for P&O Cruises, weighing 185,581 gross tons. She features 15 guest decks, over 30 dining venues and bars, six entertainment lounges, and four pools.
Arvia will sail in the Caribbean for a few weeks more before crossing the Atlantic to Southampton in the UK. From there, the cruise ship will sail 14-day cruises to the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Spain such as La Coruna and Palma De Mallorca.
After that, Arvia will sail to La Spezia in Italy, followed by Marseille, France. After two more stops in Spain, visiting Barcelona and Cadiz, Arvia will return to Southampton.
Cunard rolled out the winter 2025 cruise schedules for its three ships, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, plus the new-build Queen Anne, set to debut in 2024.
The four ships will offer 133 cruises and call at 159 destinations. The luxury line also revealed Queen Anne will sail a world cruise in 2025.
107-Night World Cruise
The Cunard fleet will sail an ambitious cruise schedule in winter 2025 as its ships call at 57 countries, including maiden calls at ports in Alaska, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Japan.
The line’s 3,000-guest Queen Anne, under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, will depart on her first world voyage on January 9, 2025 roundtrip from Southampton.
Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line
The 107-night cruise will call at 30 ports on five continents. Guests will enjoy nine overnight calls at ports including Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai, plus three late-evening departures at additional ports.
Cunard Vice President of Commercial Development for North America Matt Gleaves said,”We are thrilled that Queen Anne will be taking on the World Voyage in 2025. With four ships in our fleet, we have the opportunity to spend more time in specific regions around the globe, and guests will be able to explore destinations in great depth, all with the luxury of sailing on Cunard’s new ship.”
The 113,000-gross ton Queen Anne will introduce a new accommodation category, the Cunard Queens Grill Grand Suites, which provide guests with exclusive, private residences on board, complete with living rooms, butler’s pantry, walk-in closets and marble baths.
The Three Queens
The 2,691-guest Queen Mary 2 will operate transatlantic crossings as well as Caribbean cruises between January and May 2025, along with some Mediterranean voyages. Cruises will range from 7 to 35 nights, departing from New York, Southampton and Rome.
Overnight calls are planned for Curacao; Funchal, Madeira; Lisbon; and New York. Guests will have three late evening departures in Bridgetown, Barbados; and Vigo and Malaga, Spain.
Queen Victoria, accommodating 2,061 guests, will operate eight voyages in South America in early 2025, and they can be combined to form the 85-night South America Discovery cruise from Hamburg. The sailing features navigating around Cape Horn, at the southernmost point of Chile. Overnight calls will be offered in Amsterdam, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Callao, Peru.
In February 2025, the 2,081-guest Queen Elizabeth will deploy to Singapore following a series of Australia/New Zealand cruises, and cruise in East Asia through May, calling at Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Seven overnight port calls and 25 late evening departures are scheduled for the East Asia series.
Cunard, now celebrating its 100th anniversary, also revealed details of Queen Elizabeth’s 2024 summer program in Alaska. Ten roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, ranging from 9 to 11 nights, will visit Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park and make calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords and Wrangell.
Queen Elizabeth is sailing to Alaska from Vancouver in the summer of 2023, as well. Cunard recently announced the ship would offer series of add-on rail tours aboard the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train through the upcoming season.
