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MSC Cruises Makes Major Beverage Changes Passengers Won’t Like

MSC Cruises News

Robert McGillivray

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Feb 27, 2023

MSC Cruises Makes Major Beverage Changes Passengers Won’t Like

MSC Cruises has recently increased the prices of its beverage packages, which include the Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra packages. These changes are effective starting from February 27, 2023, and depend on the voyage length.

Although the price increases are up to 20% in some cases, the gratuity charge, which was previously not included in the package price, has been removed. This means that the actual increase is only about 5%.

Price Increases to Beverage Packages

MSC Cruises has made some modifications to the pricing structure of its beverage packages, which includes the Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra packages. The new prices have been adjusted based mainly on the voyage length.

Guests will notice that some package prices have been raised considerably, between 5-30% depending on the voyage length.

For instance, the Easy package now costs €273, or $322, for a cruise lasting more than seven days. This is a price increase of more than 20%. Per person per day, the Easy package costs €39, or $46, if purchased in advance. It will cost guests €47, or $57 if purchased onboard on a cruise for more than seven days. The Easy package will now cost €43, or $49, if booked in advance, and €51, or $60, on board for trips lasting less than seven days.

MSC Cruises Drinks (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)

The Easy Plus package, which includes drinks up to €9, or $10, now costs €378, or $427, for a seven-day or longer cruise. The Premium Extra package, which includes drinks up to €14, or $16, now costs €518 or $595.

The euro prices apply for cruises in the Mediterranean, Emirates and Antilles. The prices in USD apply for cruises in the Caribbean, North America, South America and Japan.

The drinks included in the beverage packages have not changed much, except for the Easy package, which now comprises canned soft drinks, some beers, and bottled fruit juices. Previously, it only offered draft beer and soft drinks.

Read Also: MSC Yacht Club: Is it Worth it?

In addition to the Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra beverage packages, MSC Cruises offers two other drink packages, the Alcohol-Free Package and the Minors Package. Interestingly, the prices for these packages have not changed, indicating that the price adjustments only affect the alcoholic beverage packages.

The Alcohol-Free Package is an excellent option for guests who do not consume alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic drinks. The package includes a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, sodas, flavored water, a wide range of hot drinks.

The Minors Package is a great choice for families traveling with children or teenagers. It includes non-alcoholic cocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, flavored water, soda by glass and bottle, a wide range of hot drinks, and soft-serve ice cream.

Service Charge Changes

One of the significant changes implemented by MSC Cruises is the inclusion of the service fee in all beverage packages, including the Alcohol-Free Package and the Minors package. Previously, guests had to pay a separate service charge on top of the package price, which could add up to a considerable sum.

With the new pricing structure, the package price is all-inclusive, and guests do not have to worry about additional service charges. However, guests who choose to purchase individual drinks without a package will now have to pay a service charge of 15% if they pay in euros and 18% if they pay in US dollars.

MSC Seascape Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: MSC Cruises

This means purchasing a package is a more attractive option for guests, allowing them to save money in the long run, despite the seemingly excessive increase in price. By bundling the service fee into the package price, MSC Cruises simplifies the pricing structure and makes it easier for guests to know exactly what they are paying for.

More From Cruise Hive

Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have also increased their beverage package prices in the last six months. The rising price of ingredients worldwide is a significant factor that has contributed to the price hike. As the cost of raw materials such as sugar, coffee, and fruit continues to rise, cruise lines are forced to raise their prices to maintain profitability.

Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship – What to Know

First Time Cruisers

Emrys Thakkar

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Feb 27, 2023

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Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship – What to Know

Cruise ships have various rules to follow during your stay. One rule you might be wondering about before your big cruise is: can you smoke on a cruise ship?

Whether you’re a smoker or non-smoker, understanding the smoking rules for your upcoming cruise can help you prepare. Keep reading to learn whether or not you can smoke on a cruise ship and other potential smoking rules you must follow.

In This Article…

Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?
Royal Caribbean’s Smoking Policy
Carnival Cruise Line Smoking Policy
Princess Cruises Smoking Policy
Cunard Smoking Policy
Costa Cruises
Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship – Marijuana
Where to Find Smoking Information
The Verdict: Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?

Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?

Let’s jump right into the question: can you smoke on a cruise ship?

The simple answer to this question is yes, you can. All cruise ships allow smoking onboard to some capacity, although this capacity is in designated areas. It’s important to note that various cruise lines have different smoking policies.

Cruise Smoking Policy — Photo Credit: vvoe / Shutterstock

Here’s how the rules go for most cruise lines in the US:

For the most part, indoor smoking in public spaces is off-limits. However, some cruise lines make exceptions for casinos.
You must be at least 18 years old to smoke from any departing destination, except the U.S., where you must be 21.
European cruise lines tend to have more relaxed smoking rules and offer more designated smoking areas than cruise lines leaving from other destinations.
No cruise lines allow you to smoke in your room, as this is considered a fire hazard for the entire vessel. Some do let you smoke on stateroom balconies, but this is becoming less and less common.
Most cruise lines treat electronic cigarettes the same as cigarettes and cigars.

If you violate a ship’s non-smoking policy, you will likely be subject to a fine, depending on the cruise line. Let’s look at the smoking policy of some of the most popular cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean’s Smoking Policy

Royal Caribbean’s ships are technically designated as non-smoking. You cannot smoke on the pool deck, outside decks, pool bar, cabin balconies, or any public area.

However, to accommodate the guests who smoke, they have designated outdoor areas indicated with signage that even comes with ashtrays for proper disposal. This rule applies to electronic cigarettes as well.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship — Photo Copyright: Solarisys / Shutterstock

The exception to the smoking rule is in Casino Royale, where smoking is allowed, and there are designated non-smoking areas instead. This casino exception applies for all routes except for trips from Australia and the United Kingdom.

Carnival Cruise Line Smoking Policy

The majority of Carnival Cruise Line ships have designated smoking areas both indoors and outdoors, with the indoor areas always being in the onboard casino, but only while seated and playing.

The exceptions to this general rule are Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor, where smoking is not permitted indoors at all, including the casinos.

It’s important to note that on embarkation and debarkation day, smoking is not allowed outdoors on any of Carnival’s cruise ships due to refueling. To find the smoking policy of a specific Carnival cruise, check out their website.

Princess Cruises Smoking Policy

On Princess Cruises ships, smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas. You’ll find these smoking areas on deck and in bars. You’re also not allowed to smoke in your cabin or on the balcony of your cabin. If you try to circumvent these rules, you may be subject to a fine.

Cunard Smoking Policy

Cunard’s smoking policy is identical to that of other popular cruise lines. Each ship has designated smoking areas on open decks. The only exception to this is the Churchill’s Cigar Lounge on the Queen Mary 2, where guests may partake in cigar and pipe smoking only.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises has one of the most relaxed smoking policies, as they allow guests to smoke in their cabin balconies. They even supply wind-proof ashtrays.

Other than that, however, smoking is not permitted in any other indoor area, aside from designated cigar lounges. There are clearly indicated external smoking areas throughout their ships.

Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship – Marijuana

When figuring out whether you can smoke on a cruise ship, there are different rules for marijuana use.

While in some states, marijuana use is legal in some form, it is still federally banned in the US and many other areas of the world. Therefore, cruise lines err on the safe side and prohibit the use of marijuana on board entirely.

Cruise News Update — Photo Credit: Tverdokhlib / Shutterstock

Even if it’s legal in your departing destination, cruise ships make stops in many other destinations along the way and must follow the laws of each. This would make regulating marijuana use on the cruise challenging to regulate and coordinate.

What’s more, cruise lines do not make exceptions for medical use. This also means that you cannot bring marijuana onboard the ship or use it in any way. This rule applies to marijuana in all forms, including edibles.

The punishment for bringing and consuming marijuana on a cruise ship can be harsher than the punishment for smoking in non-smoking areas. In the best-case scenario, you’d be subject to a high fine. Worst case, you may be asked to disembark or even be subject to arrest, depending on the destination.

Where to Find Smoking Information

You can usually find smoking information on your cruise line’s website. Checking the FAQ section is a great place to start. If you’ve already booked your cruise, check out the guidelines provided to you with your confirmation. Once you’re on your cruise, ask guest services for a map of the designated smoking areas on your ship.

No Smoking Sign on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Pixel62 / Shutterstock)

The Verdict: Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?

To recap, you can smoke on a cruise ship, but only in designated smoking areas. Mostly, these smoking areas are only outdoors, although some cruise ships allow cigarette smoking in their casinos.

Cruise ships treat cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes the same, so don’t try to bypass the rules with your electronic cigarette, or you may be subject to a fine.

Finally, marijuana use in any way, shape, or form is prohibited on all cruise ships. The punishment for marijuana use on a cruise ship can be severe, so it’s best not to test your luck and abstain from it entirely during your cruise.

These rules are for the safety and comfort of all passengers onboard, so to ensure that your cruise goes as planned, make sure to know your cruise line’s smoking policy well before departure.

What about other cruise ship rules? Check out this article to learn whether you can bring food onto your cruise ship.

World’s First and Only Three-Year Cruise to Visit 375 Ports

Cruise News

Robert McGillivray

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Feb 27, 2023

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World’s First and Only Three-Year Cruise to Visit 375 Ports

Miray Cruises has announced it will open for bookings for a three-year world cruise on March 1, 2023. The cruise will sail onboard the 1992-built MV Gemini and visit 135 countries on seven continents from November 2023 through the end of 2026.

The fantastic part of the three-year cruise is that the cost for guests can be as little as $2,500 per stateroom per month. This provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to travel while working while having all their daily needs taken care of.

Three Years At Sea

It won’t be something everyone will enjoy, but many will still see the benefits of embarking on a three-year journey that will span 130,000 miles, visit 375 ports of call in 135 different countries, and sail to all seven continents.

Miray Cruises announced it would be opening up bookings for the first-ever three-year world cruise. In essence, the cruise is a variation of the ever-more popular concept of living onboard a ship.

Miray Cruises' Three-Year World Cruise — Image Credit: Miray Cruises

Several companies announced new residency ships in the last year, where guests live onboard instead of ashore. The cruise will sail on November 1, 2023, and return in 2026.

MV Gemini‘s journey around the world will begin in November of this year. Most ports of call on the trip will include several days in port, giving guests a chance to fully explore each destination, which includes 13 of the modern and ancient Wonders of the World

The cruise ship will have been fully modernized by the time she sets sail. Currently, she is in use to housing earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. The cruise line is aimed towards working professionals that want to spend time at sea while being able to carry out their work remotely.

Aiming for Remote Workers

For just $85 per day for a stateroom onboard the MV Gemini, guests will be able to enjoy world-class dining, onboard entertainment, and recreational activities with modern workspace facilities such as a first-of-its-kind business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, a relaxing lounge, and business library.

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” says Mikael Petterson, Managing Director of Life at Sea Cruises.

The ship will also include a 24-hour on-call hospital with free medical visits, learning and enrichment classes, and the opportunity to make a positive impact through volunteer and philanthropic initiatives.

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” says Irina Strembitsky, Director of Sales & Marketing of Life at Sea Cruises. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

Prices for the cruise start at $29,999 per year, and the entire voyage is all-inclusive. Cabins range from 130 sq ft for Virtual Inside and Oceanview staterooms to 260 sq ft Balcony Suites.

MV Gemini first sets sail in 1992 as the Crown Jewel for Crown Cruise Line. Since then, the cruise ship has sailed for a long list of owners, including Cunard, Star Cruises, and Celestyal Cruises.

Miray Cruises, a Turkish cruise operator and hotel services provider for the cruise industry, acquired the vessel in 2019. The ship is just 19,093 gross tons and has space for 1,074 guests.

Carnival Cruise Line Announces Dates for Popular Tour to Return

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 27, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Announces Dates for Popular Tour to Return

Carnival Cruise Line guests will finally be able to get a close-up look at how a cruise ship operates with the exclusive “Behind the Fun” tour, now returning fleetwide. Depending on the ship, tours will resume either March 6 or April 1, and can only be booked onboard each ship with limited spaces available.

Behind the Fun Tour Returns

In early January, Carnival Cruise Line announced the impending return of the popular “Behind the Fun” tour, but dates were not yet confirmed. The exclusive tour, which takes guests into crew-only areas onboard the ship, is one of the last onboard activities that has been on hold since the industry-wide pandemic shutdown.

Now, brand ambassador John Heald has shared the restart dates for the tour, which will resume either on March 6 or April 1, depending on the vessel.

“It is with great pleasure I can tell you that your look behind the crew only door or BEHIND THE FUN as it is officially known will be returning,” Heald said, followed by a list of ships and the dates the tour will resume.

Carnival Cruise Line Crew Area — Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

Carnival ships that will start hosting the “Behind the Fun” tour as of March 6 are: Sunrise, Spirit, Miracle, Luminosa, Valor, Splendor, Dream, Vista, Panorama, and the newest Fun Ship, Carnival Celebration.

The remaining ships in the fleet will begin offering “Behind the Fun” on April 1: Elation, Paradise, Radiance, Sunshine, Pride, Legend, Conquest, Glory, Liberty, Freedom, Magic, Breeze, Horizon, and Mardi Gras.

Heald also noted that the upcoming Carnival Jubilee should also be offering the tour. “I am sure we will have this on Carnival Jubilee and more news on that closer to the time,” he said.

Carnival Jubilee is scheduled to join the cruise line’s fleet in December, but the tour may not be immediately available for the inaugural sailings.

Where Behind the Fun Visits

The “Behind the Fun” tour takes guests behind the scenes into operational areas of the ship, showing how crew members live and work onboard and how different essential tasks get accomplished, such as laundry, navigation, cooking, and much more.

While each ship’s tour varies based on the layout of the ship, time allotted for the tour, and what areas can be safely visited, top areas that are part of “Behind the Fun” include the main galley, engine control room, bridge, backstage of the main show lounge, the environmental room, and storeroom for all the supplies a cruise ship must carry.

Exclusive crew areas are also part of the tour, such as the crew lounge, gym, laundry, and dining room.

Accessing different areas does mean narrow hallways and sometimes steep stairs, and guests who may have mobility or accessibility concerns should speak with the shore excursion staff onboard to discuss the details. At times, the tour may be able to be modified to better accommodate guests’ needs.

Booking Behind the Fun

Because “Behind the Fun” is so limited – the tour is only offered once per cruise, and only to a small group that can easily be accommodated in the different spaces visited – it does sell out quickly. On larger ships, multiple tours may occasionally be available, depending on the ship’s itinerary and whether operational tasks will permit multiple groups to visit restricted areas.

To keep the opportunity to get behind the scenes onboard a cruise ship available to everyone, guests can only book the tour once onboard their cruise, as it is not available for pre-booking online.

Carnival Cruise Ships — Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

“My advice is if you really want to do this, the first thing you should do as soon as you walk on the ship is to go to the [shore excursion] desk and book right there and then,” Heald recommends.

Depending on the ship and itinerary length, the tour runs from 2-3.5 hours. Participating guests get an exclusive baseball cap as a souvenir, as well as other commemorative keepsakes. For security reasons, no large bags, cameras, mobile phones, or other recording devices are permitted.

All participating guests must be at least 8 years old, and guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour costs also vary by ship and tour length, in general from $55-95 (USD) per person. Guests must also wear close-toed shoes or sneakers, and no swimsuits, skirts, sandals, or flip-flips can be worn.

Princess Cruises Adds New Package Option for Passengers

Princess Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 26, 2023

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Princess Cruises Adds New Package Option for Passengers

Coffee lovers will be ecstatic about Princess Cruises’ newest addition to the beverage package lineup, the new Grounds Coffee Package, which covers espresso-based beverages and teas.

The package is now available fleet-wide, but costs and other terms vary on different ships depending on cruise length and itinerary.

New Grounds Coffee Package on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has quietly introduced a new beverage package option, just covering specialty coffees and teas – similar to the old “punch card” previously available.

Called the “Grounds Coffee Package” the option includes a “specified number of specialty coffees” though the number of coffees will vary on different cruise itineraries, presumably with more beverages included – at a higher price – for longer sailings.

Pricing is calculated to offer the pre-purchased number of specialty coffees or teas at a discount of approximately 20% of the full price if the drinks were purchased one at a time, without any beverage package savings. The actual discount will vary depending on the overall package cost and exact coffees ordered.

Coffee on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Lukassek / Shutterstock)

Guests who have the Grounds package may only get the included coffees at venues where espresso is available, as the drinks cannot be properly crafted at more general bars or lounge venues. The package can only be redeemed during each venue’s normal operating hours.

It should be noted that coffees ordered from room service or selected through stateroom mini bars are not included, nor are bottled or ready-to-drink items such as canned coffee.

If guests do not consume the number of coffees available in the pre-paid package, there will be no prorated refund or credit for drinks left at the end of the cruise. Furthermore, the package cannot be transferred to others, though specialty coffees can be shared if ordered by the purchaser.

Guests may buy the coffee package on board their cruise, or online up to four days prior to sailing to allow for adequate processing time to each guest’s account.

As with all beverage packages, an 18% gratuity will be added to the overall package cost for Grounds.

Isn’t Coffee Already Included?

Princess Cruises offers two other non-alcoholic drink packages in addition to the new Grounds Coffee Package. Specialty coffees and teas are included in the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package, which also includes fountain sodas, fresh juices, smoothies, and mocktails, as well as bottled water and energy drinks.

The Classic Soda Package, however, does not include coffees or teas of any kind. Guests can, however, choose to purchase specialty coffees or teas at a-la-carte pricing.

Princess Cruises Coffee — Photo Credit: Veronika1702 / Shutterstock

Both the Zero-Alcohol and Classic Soda packages are priced per person, per day, while the Grounds Coffee Package is based on the number of drinks, and those drinks can be consumed at any time during the cruise.

Specialty coffees and teas as also automatically included in both the Plus Beverage and Premier Beverage packages, which include alcoholic drinks, wines by the glass, and discounts on wine bottles, large bottles of water, and cans of soda.

Will Other Cruise Lines Offer Coffee Packages?

Because Princess Cruises is part of the Carnival Corporation & PLC family, there is speculation that similar specialty coffee packages may be introduced to other related cruise lines.

This could include Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (including P&O Cruises Australia), Cunard Line, Holland America Line, and Seabourn.

It should be noted, however, that each cruise line offers different packages, inclusions, and options, and not all lines offer the same drink options.

Where specialty coffees are branded – such as Starbucks – it is unlikely they would be included in any package through the cruise line, as such offerings might be a violation of the agreements and licensing the cruise line has with the coffee retailer.

Popular Experience Returns to Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Robert McGillivray

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Feb 25, 2023

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Popular Experience Returns to Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled its seventh season of the Meet the Winemaker series. This unique program offers an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. It provides an exclusive opportunity to engage with celebrated winemakers and culinary experts through various seminars and activities onboard NCL’s ships.

Guests can enjoy intimate wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations, and meet-and-greets with the experts while also having the chance to purchase wines not readily available elsewhere.

Norwegian Cruise Line Brings Food & Wine Experts Back Onboard

Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing back the Meet the Winemaker series for the seventh time. The program provides wine enthusiasts and foodies of all skill levels with an exclusive opportunity to engage with winemakers and connoisseurs.

There will be various enriching seminars and activities, intimate wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations, and meet-and-greets on board.

NCL’s seventh Meet the Winemaker series will feature a new and noteworthy addition: Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Emma Walker. Walker has over a decade of experience in perfecting whisky production.

Norwegian Cruise Line Meet the Winemakers

She will join guests onboard NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Prima, on the September 17, 2023, cruise in Northern Europe. This will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line: “Our Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever. Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience, and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup.”

“These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”

The program also includes new culinary components, such as Executive Chef Ashley Breneman of Certified Angus Beef. She will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo on the July 9, 2023 sailing aboard Norwegian Encore to Alaska. Breneman began her career studying at Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute. She has worked for numerous celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay.

A Cruise Experience to Remember

The Meet the Winemaker series is not just about onboard programming; it also offers a unique vacation experience.

Guests can visit multiple destinations while enjoying world-class wine and culinary experiences, such as a wine-paired dinner while viewing the majestic Alaskan scenery or savoring the pink sand beaches of Bermuda while experiencing a wine seminar led by a Master Winemaker.

Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker

On April 2, 2023, the Norwegian Bliss sails for the Mexican Riviera, featuring award-winning celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez. A week later, on April 9, 2023, the Norwegian Encore takes guests to the Eastern Caribbean. The cruise will feature fourth-generation winemaker Miguel Torres, creator of the famous Mas La Plana wines.

On June 10, 2023, guests can enjoy the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner hosted by special guest Diane Flamand on board the Norwegian Bliss in Alaska.

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite is among the world’s most prestigious wines. Diane Flamand will give guests a unique opportunity to experience some of the finest wines from the region.

In October 2023, NCL has three Meet the Winemaker cruises scheduled. On board the Norwegian Escape’s Bermuda sailing, guests can enjoy the wines of Michael Mondavi.

Norwegian Joy will host Gérard Bertrand, the “Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 in the Western Caribbean. Finally, when Norwegian Escape returns to Bermuda, she will host Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family.

Norwegian Cruise Itinerary Dramatically Altered for Sustainability

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 25, 2023

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Norwegian Cruise Itinerary Dramatically Altered for Sustainability

Guests booked aboard the June 8, 2023 sailing of Norwegian Sky will have a dramatically different itinerary than originally planned. Ports of call have been rearranged and the length of every single port stay has been adjusted for a radical loss of time in port, all in the name of the cruise line’s global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain.

Ports Rearranged for Norwegian Sky

The June 8, 2023 sailing of Norwegian Sky is a 10-night roundtrip sailing from Miami, with seven ports of call from The Bahamas to Puerto Rico and many ports in between.

On the itinerary are Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination, as well as San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Johns, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.

Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

Norwegian Cruise Line has now reached out to travel partners and booked guests about changes for the sailing, however.

All the same ports of call are remaining on the cruise, but the itinerary has now been rearranged, and with Great Stirrup Cay moving from the first port of call to the last port visited. Likewise, Puerto Plata has been moved from the end of the original itinerary to the first port of call for the rearranged cruise.

More Than a Full Day Lost

The remaining five ports of call for the sailing will still be on the same days as originally scheduled, but every single port has had the visit times adjusted, with six out of seven ports now having shorter visit times, and only one port – Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic – extending the visit by just one hour.

The adjusted times are as follows:

Great Stirrup Cay – 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. will now be 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (-30 minutes)
San Juan – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. will now be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (-2 hours)
St. Maarten – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. will now be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (-3 hours)
St. John’s – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. will now be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (-4 hours)
St. Kitts – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.m will now be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (-4 hours)
St. Thomas – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. will now be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (-1.5 hours)
Puerto Plata – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will now be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (+1 hour)

In total, 14 hours of port time is being trimmed from the itinerary, more than a full day’s typical port visit time. This will impact the number of shore tours that can be offered and will trim any extra, at leisure time either guests or crew members may have been able to enjoy while in the port of call.

Any shore tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line are being automatically adjusted to the new port visit days and times, and guests do not need to take any action to guarantee pre-booked tours.

Any guests who have made independent tour arrangements should contact their tour operators to make adjustments, request refunds if possible, or inquire about other options.

All for Sustainability

Norwegian Cruise Line is making these adjustments to support its global sustainability program.

“We are continually seeking opportunities to reduce our overall carbon footprint, and recently committed to pursuing net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and value chain by 2050,” the email explained. “To support this mission, we have optimized our arrival and departure times.”

By trimming the time in port, a cruise ship can sail at a slower speed between ports of call. Slower speeds are more efficient on the engines, reducing emissions, maximizing fuel efficiency, and reducing overall wear on the engines.

Norwegian has made similar changes to other ship’s itineraries recently, including adjustments to two Norwegian Getaway sailings in January, as well as a change to eight different Norwegian Joy departures from May through August, all removing Norfolk, Virginia from the itinerary.

How much difference these changes have made to the cruise line’s overall sustainability goals has not been disclosed, but may be shared at a later date with annual reports or other reviews.

Carnival Cruise Ship to Have Delayed Embarkation

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 24, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Ship to Have Delayed Embarkation

Guests planning to board Carnival Vista for the ship’s February 25, 2023 departure will see a slight delay for embarkation, due to a medical disembarkation from the previous cruise that means the ship will be returning to Galveston later than originally planned.

This will also mean that guests departing the ship on Saturday may have difficulty making flights for travel home if applicable.

Carnival Vista Delayed for Medical Debarkation

Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the next sailing of Carnival Vista, scheduled to depart on Saturday, February 25, 2023, to inform them of an embarkation delay, similar to a recent delay aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas.

“Last night, Carnival Vista deviated course to disembark a guest who needed urgent medical care ashore,” the email read. “As a result, the ship will be arriving into Galveston later than scheduled tomorrow, and embarkation for your cruise will be revised.”

The medical debarkation was on Thursday night, but no further details have been released about the nature of the emergency in order to safeguard the privacy of the guest and their family or traveling companions.

Carnival Vista Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

No definite window for the ship’s arrival into Galveston has been confirmed, but tracking data estimates the ship’s time to dock at approximately 11:30 a.m. This would mean a delay of 3-4 hours from the originally scheduled 8 a.m. arrival. Undoubtedly the ship’s master will attempt to bring the ship in earlier if possible, but other marine traffic and local weather conditions must be taken into consideration.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with an update by 7:00 AM (CT) tomorrow,” the email explained.

Guests are being advised not to arrive at the cruise terminal until they receive that final update. Text alerts will be sent with information and can help booked guests stay informed as quickly as possible.

Any travelers who booked Carnival’s transfer services from local airports will have their transfer times automatically adjusted based on the revised embarkation time, which may mean longer waits in the airport before proceeding to the cruise terminal. This can help relieve congestion at the terminal and keep both debarkation and embarkation as smooth and efficient as possible.

The February 25 sailing of Carnival Vista is a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling on Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan Island, Honduras. Because there is a day at sea prior to the first port visit, it is unlikely that any other changes will need to be made to the ship’s next cruise other than the delayed embarkation.

Onboard While Delayed

While guests waiting for the next cruise will have a slightly longer wait than anticipated, guests onboard Carnival Vista for the extra hours have different considerations, depending on the length of the delay.

Meal service and onboard activities will continue, with the ship’s Fun Squad quickly planning new games, dance lessons, or trivia contests to offer guests something to do during their extra time onboard if necessary. The casino may be open for a limited time, or extra retail sales could be offered.

While every cruise line will handle similar delays in whichever manner is best for the situation, guests may also be granted free internet access to help rearrange flights or other post-cruise plans as well.

Medical delays can happen at any time on any cruise, and guests should always plan for some flexibility in the pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements.

Carnival, for example, recommends that guests returning home the same day as a cruise ends book a flight no earlier than five hours after the ship is scheduled to arrive in port to minimize the risk of missing a flight if there is a slight delay, traffic or transportation problems, or other complications.

Cruise travel insurance can often help with expenses related to ship delays, and many experienced cruisers prefer to book flights at least a day or two ahead or after a cruise to ensure there is plenty of time in case of flight delays, cancellations, or missed connections.

Holland America Line Unveils New Cruise Tour Perk

Holland America Line News

Donna Tunney

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Feb 24, 2023

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Holland America Line Unveils New Cruise Tour Perk

Holland America Line marked Yukon Heritage Day on February 24 with a new incentive for residents of four U.S. states and a province of Canada who book certain Denali and Yukon cruise tours departing in summer 2023.

A credit of $150 for the first and second cabin occupants will be awarded to those hailing from California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Ontario.

Summer Incentive

Holland America Line rolled out a new perk designed to get more Americans and Canadians onboard for an Alaska cruise tour this summer. The cruise line has 16 cruise tours that feature Denali National Park and six options that include a Yukon extension.

A $150 spending money promotion is valid on cruises booked by March 31, and can be combined with the line’s existing Time of Your Life wave season offer, which was expanded earlier this year to include cruise tours.

Holland America Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Eleanor Scriven / Shutterstock

The wave offer provides a stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free cruises for children, and reduced deposits. Adding in the line’s Have It All premium package gives cruisers free tours, and dining, drinks, and WiFi packages. Holland America Line’s promotion follows on the heels of its Kids Cruise Free program, announced last week and valid on select itineraries.

Holland America Line Chief Commercial Officer Beth Bodensteiner said in the line’s Illinois offer, ”Summer is the perfect time for residents in the Midwest to escape heat and head to Alaska on a Cruisetour, and we’re excited to showcase the Holland America Line experience in the Yukon. Holland America Line is the only way to see Alaska and the Yukon with a combined cruise and overland vacation.”

Spending Money for Guests

Under the promotion, the first and second cruisers in a stateroom will receive $50 in onboard spending money, $50 in Denali Dollars, which can be used for dining, tours and shopping in Denali National Park, and $50 in Dawson Dollars, valid for dining and tours in the Yukon destination of Dawson City, the heart of Yukon Gold Rush territory.

Worth Reading: Holland America Reintroduces Guest Tours of Restricted Ship Areas

The cruise tours combine an Alaska cruise with an overland trip to Denali and the Yukon. Trips range from 10 to 18 days and include either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on the 2,650-guest Koningsdam or the 1,432-guest Volendam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam or the 1,916-guest Noordam, plus a two- or three-night stay at Denali National Park and a journey into the Yukon.

Cruise tour guests sailing to the Last Frontier state also can take advantage of the line’s Alaska Up Close program, a set of destination-immersive activities tied to historical, cultural, culinary, and shoreside experiences. Events include workshops and lectures by destination experts, special tours, and dining events highlighting local culinary traditions.

Widely considered the pioneer cruise line in Alaska, Holland America Line has been sailing to the destination for 75 years. Its land extensions in the Yukon offers guests the chance to learn about the region’s Klondike Gold Rush heritage and other aspects of Yukon culture. Excursions even offer cruisers the chance to pan for gold.