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Princess Cruises Ship Performs Daring Midnight Rescue

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Cruises Ship Performs Daring Midnight Rescue

The Princess Cruises’ ship Grand Princess responded to a police call for assistance in the very early hours of Monday, March 20, 2023, off Wilsons Promontory in southernmost Victoria, Australia. As the closest vessel in the area, the cruise ship helped safely rescue two sailors who had become stranded and abandoned their boat.

A Grand Overnight Rescue

The sailors, a man and a woman, were just off Skull Rock, a small but distinctive rock formation 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost point of Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Their boat began having difficulties, the nature of which have not been disclosed, and the couple abandoned the vessel for a dinghy. They deployed an emergency beacon to call for assistance.

Princess Cruises Ship
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock

Near midnight, local authorities located the dinghy and coordinated rescue efforts by contacting Grand Princess, which was the closest vessel capable of rendering suitable aid.

“A rescue craft was deployed from the cruise ship in Bass Strait and the pair were taken aboard,” said Belinda Batty, a media officer for the Victoria Police. “No one was injured during the incident.”

The tense video shows the approach of the cruise ship’s rescue craft in rough water and large swells. The stranded pair appear to have been wearing safety gear, but the turbulent water made the operation tricky and the rescue craft had to circle the dinghy to find the best angle to help the sailors aboard.

Everyone returned to the cruise ship safely, and while the ship was slightly delayed returning to Melbourne to conclude its sailing, the outcome is a happy one.

Grand Princess was finishing a 13-night, roundtrip voyage from Melbourne, having visited a diverse number of ports circumnavigating New Zealand. The next sailing has already gotten underway, a 7-night Southern Australia Explorer cruise visiting Philip Island, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island.

The first vessel in the cruise line’s Grand class, Grand Princess debuted in 1998 as the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever constructed to that date. Weighing in at 107,517 gross tons, today she is one of the smallest vessels in Princess Cruises‘ fleet, but is still a favorite among cruise travelers.

In comparison, the upcoming Sun Princess, which was just recently floated out, will be the cruise line’s largest vessel ever when she debuts, weighing in at 175,500 gross tons.

Rescuing Stranded Sailors

Grand Princess‘s sailor rescue comes at almost the same time as another rescue of stranded sailors, also in difficult conditions, albeit in completely different waters on the other side of the world.

P&O Cruises’ Ventura rescued three yacht sailors from choppy waters in the Gulf of Mexico, also on Monday, March 20. In that incident, the yacht’s equipment failed causing steering difficulties, requiring a rescue.

All mariners are required by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) agreements to assist any vessel in distress, no matter what the condition, size, or complement of the vessel requiring aid, so long as the rescuing craft can do so with reasonable safety.

Refugee Boat in the Distance - Photo Courtesy: Vici Sheffield
Photo Courtesy: Vici Sheffield

Many notable rescues involve refugee watercraft, such as unstable or makeshift rafts or small, overcrowded boats that are not seaworthy or safe, yet are carrying 6, 8, 10, or even more refugees at once.

Cruise ships can and do come to the assistance of other mariners, including pleasure sailors, fishermen, and others who may find themselves in suddenly dangerous waters or in an emergency situation due to poor weather or equipment failure.

For example, in April 2022, Carnival Magic responded to a distress call from a disabled sailboat near Florida, while in 2016, Carnival Spirit rescued two people from a stranded luxury yacht near Australia.

Have you ever been aboard a cruise ship during a rescue operation? Share your experiences on the Cruise Hive Boards!

Costa Venezia Arrives for Transformation into Carnival Cruise Ship

Robert McGillivray
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Costa Venezia Arrives for Transformation into Carnival Cruise Ship

Costa Venezia, a cruise ship initially built for Costa Cruises, has arrived at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain, to be converted into a Carnival Cruise Line ship. After a dry dock period, the vessel will be renamed Carnival Venezia and adapted to showcase the new “Carnival Fun Italian Style” product.

Carnival Venezia is the first cruise ship to sail under the Carnival Fun Italian Style banner. Carnival Firenze will join her in 2024. In the meantime, the former Costa Luminosa has also been converted into a Carnival Cruise Line ship but is not part of the new program. 

The Transformation of Costa Venezia into Carnival Venezia

Costa Venezia, a Vista Class cruise ship of 135,225 gross tons with a capacity of 4,208 passengers, has arrived at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment. 

This conversion will introduce Carnival’s signature activities and experiences, such as the Carnival Waterworks aqua park, the Piano Bar 88, and the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Additionally, the ship will feature Bonsai Sushi, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Salon & Spa, and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

During the two-month dry dock period, the Costa Venezia will receive a new livery that shows off the traditional Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line colors and lines and is highlighted by the traditional Costa Cruises funnel. Upon completion of the refurbishment, the newly transformed Carnival Venezia will embark on a 15-night transatlantic crossing in late May. 

The cruise ship will then homeport in New York City, commencing year-round cruising operations in June with a variety of four- to 15-night cruises to destinations such as Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Canada, and New England.

Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia will be perfect for the colder weather that can be expected on the North-East coast of the United States, as she will be one of the few cruise ships in Carnival’s fleet that features a dome over the main pool deck. 

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy: “I think this may be my favorite spot on the ship. The Lido deck, believe it or not, and it’s unique. This ship has a Dome, so we thought it would be a perfect ship to bring to New York year-round. Because obviously, in the winter months, as we leave New York, we’re probably going to keep that Dome closed.”

For the coming three weeks, Costa Venezia will be in a wet dock to prepare for her dry dock period, which will begin once Symphony of the Seas sets sail for her summer of Mediterranean cruises starting April 12. 

Introducing the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” Concept

Carnival Cruise Line has taken possession of Costa Luminosa, Costa Venezia, and Costa Firenze due to the collapse of the Chinese cruise market. All three cruise ships were due to sail in China, but as the cruise industry in China is far from fully operational, there was a significant overcapacity for Costa Cruises. 

This acquisition has led to the creation of the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept, which combines Carnival’s signature experiences with the Italian theme of these ships.

Costa Venezia Atrium
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Venezia‘s interior design is inspired by the city of Venice, with themed areas such as the main restaurants featuring Venetian architecture and life-sized gondolas made by local artisans. This unique combination of Carnival’s signature elements and the Italian theme will be the hallmark of the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept.

The Carnival Venezia will be the first to sail under the concept after its transformation at the Navantia shipyard. Meanwhile, Costa Firenze will join in 2024, sailing from Long Beach, California. 

Carnival Luminosa joined the Carnival fleet last year and has been operational in Australia since then. She will be repositioning to Alaska for the summer season. Although a former Costa cruise ship, she is not part of the Carnival Fun Italian Style. Yet, she does share many similarities with the concepts of Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. 

P&O Cruise Ship Safely Rescues Three From Sailing Yacht

Melissa Mayntz
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P&O Cruise Ship Safely Rescues Three From Sailing Yacht

The P&O Cruises ship Ventura has successfully rescued three sailors from a damaged yacht, bringing the stranded individuals aboard safely. The incident occurred on Monday, March 20, 2023, while the cruise ship was en route to New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of a 35-night sailing.

P&O Cruises Ventura Rescue

The Grand-class Ventura was enjoying time at sea in the Gulf of Mexico between Belize City and New Orleans when the sailing yacht was first sighted. Initially, there was no distress and the cruise ship passed the yacht safely, but later received a distress call and turned to relocate the vessel and render aid.

The weather was somewhat rough, including choppy waves and swells, and the yacht’s rigging and engine had failed making steering impossible. Three sailors were aboard, two women and one elderly man.

P&O Ventura
P&O Ventura (Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel / Shutterstock)

The P&O Cruises ship approached the yacht’s port side to attempt to break the wind and make rescue operations safer. The elderly man was taken aboard first, followed by the two women as the yacht’s mast began to collapse and hit the side of the cruise ship, causing additional safety concerns.

The three rescued sailors were given medical attention, food, and water aboard the ship, as is customary with any at-sea rescue. All three are reported well. The yacht was left adrift, though local authorities would have been notified of its position as a potential sailing hazard.

Such rescues, while not frequent, are not unheard of in the Caribbean, where generally calm waters can suddenly become rough and challenging, especially for smaller watercraft.

Ventura’s 35-Night Voyage

At the time of the rescue, Ventura was sailing a 35-night roundtrip Caribbean and USA itinerary from Southampton, England, which began on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

Only halfway through the trip, the ship has now already visited ports in seven different countries: Spain, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and the United States.

The 116,017-gross-ton ship still has three more ports of call after leaving its overnight stay in New Orleans. On Saturday, March 25, the ship will visit Miami, followed by Port Canaveral (Orlando) the next day.

P&O Cruises Ship
Photo Credit: Sterling Images / Shutterstock

Ventura will then recross the Atlantic Ocean and stop in the Azores of Portugal before returning to Southampton on Thursday, April 6.

The ship, which is homeported in Southampton, will then be offering a variety of shorter roundtrip cruises ranging from 4-14 days. Itineraries include explorations of the Canary Islands, “short break” cruises to Amsterdam, and Western Europe voyages stopping in Spain, Portugal, France, and the UK, depending on the cruise length.

While all cruise ships are bound by maritime law to render aid to any vessel in distress, whether it is a sailing yacht, makeshift raft, rowboat, freighter, fishing boat, or other craft, Ventura has actually had to call for aid itself.

In late 2019, the ship suffered engine failure and issued a mayday as it fell adrift northeast of the Canary Islands. Several tugboats assisted and brought the ships safely back into port, with no passengers ever in danger. The following cruise was cancelled so complete repairs could be made.

In a less life-concerning incident, the ship needed to dispatch lifeboats during a June 2022 embarkation after a full cage of luggage was inadvertently dropped overboard, much to the dismay of passengers. Unfortunately, not all the soggy bags were able to be retrieved.

Ventura debuted in 2008 and was most recently refurbished just weeks ago, in February 2023 with minor updates and renovations. The ship can welcome 3,192 passengers at double occupancy, and as many as 3,597 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.

Carnival Warns Guests About Heavy Weekend Homeport Traffic

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Warns Guests About Heavy Weekend Homeport Traffic

Carnival Cruise Line has contacted guests booked on weekend sailings from PortMiami to alert them about potentially heavy traffic in downtown Miami due to the Ultra Music Festival, taking place from March 24-26.

This can potentially impact a number of Carnival cruises over the weekend, as well as other cruise lines sailing from Miami during the festival dates.

Heavy Traffic Expected

Guests sailing on Carnival ships from PortMiami this weekend may see significant traffic congestion through the downtown area, and the cruise line has reached out via email to alert travelers about the potential difficulties.

“While you prepare for your cruise, we’d like to inform you that the City of Miami will be hosting Ultra Music Festival in the downtown area from Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26, 2023,” the email explained. “As a result, there will be numerous street closures and heavier than normal traffic in and around the city.”

Miami Cruise Ships
Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

Guests are urged to allow ample time to commute to the cruise terminal so as to arrive within their pre-selected arrival windows, as redirected traffic, congestion, and road closures will likely cause delays.

If driving, Carnival suggests guests use the PortMiami tunnel to avoid the downtown area. Guests using rideshare services might also suggest that route to their drivers for the most efficient service.

Travelers who have purchased airport transfers from Carnival Cruise Line will be contacted individually, as their transfer times may also be affected by the excess traffic. “We will remain in close contact with our transportation provider throughout embarkation day,” the email said.

Impacted Ships

With PortMiami the second busiest passenger cruise port in the world, multiple Carnival ships will likely be impacted by the increased traffic through the festival weekend.

While only Carnival Conquest will be in PortMiami when the festival opens on Friday, March 24, Saturday and Sunday are both busier days. Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Spirit are both docked on Saturday, while Carnival Horizon and the cruise line’s newest ship, Carnival Celebration, will be in port on Sunday, March 25.

Carnival Conquest Cruise Ship in Miami
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

In addition to Carnival ships, vessels from Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Seabourn are also scheduled throughout the weekend.

Sunday will likely be the most challenging day for port traffic, as eight different cruise ships will be in port, including the Oasis-class Oasis of the Seas and Carnival Celebration, as well as Norwegian Encore, the largest ship by gross tonnage in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.

Options to Avoid Traffic

Cruise travelers can use several options to avoid the worst of the Miami traffic during the festival weekend.

Taking shuttle services, public transportation, or carpooling with other cruise guests can help minimize traffic, or guests can adjust their route for arriving to the cruise port to avoid the worst congestion. Extra time will be necessary to navigate through road closures and account for traffic delays as well.

Carnival Cruise Ship in Miami
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

To make arriving at the port as easy as possible, travelers should check which terminal their ship will be docked at before arriving at the port, so they can better adjust which traffic lanes to use and learn which parking structures or lots are most convenient.

Worth Reading: Carnival Advises Guests on Port Challenges Before Sailing

It is important to note, however, that ships do not always return to the same terminal at the end of a cruise that they may have used for embarkation.

Above all, it will be critical for guests to be patient with the traffic difficulties, and not take out frustrations on either port personnel or cruise ship crew members. While the arrival may be more challenging, guests are sure to still have a fabulous cruise vacation to enjoy!

About the Festival

The Ultra Music Festival is an outdoor electronic music festival that began in 1999. The event is held annually in Bayfront Park, just at the base of Port Boulevard in downtown Miami and less than a mile from the cruise terminals.

The three-day festival drew 165,000 total attendees in 2022, and along with the bands themselves – typically more than 100 groups or performers throughout the event – as well as vendors and service personnel, can bring significant crowds to downtown Miami.

The festival has been so successful that international festivals have also been debuted, and the event has been nominated for numerous awards, and won for “Best Festival” from the International Dance Music Awards in 2018.

First Engine Started on Massive New Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Emrys Thakkar
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First Engine Started on Massive New Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

With Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, currently under construction in Finland, any milestone is significant! That includes when the engines are turned on for the very first time.

The shipyard confirmed that the first of six multi-fuel engines was activated. It comes as progress continues on the first Icon-class vessel, which will be completed at the end of 2023, and ready for sailing in early 2024.

Icon of the Seas Engines Started for the First Time

Royal Caribbean’s new LNG-powered Icon of the Seas has already reached some major milestones while under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Now, the ship has reached another milestone, with the first of six engines getting started for the very first time.

These engines will ensure the giant new class vessel is fully powered as over 7,000 passengers and crew are busy on board working or enjoying. The first engine was started on March 15 using diesel fuel. However, the main engines can be powered by fuel and gas.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas at Shipyard
Icon of the Seas at Meyer Turku (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)

Chief engineer Tuomas Auvinen says: “Icon of the Seas has six Wärtsilä main engines. The first of them (number 2) was started today, Wednesday 15.3. at 11:00 a.m. Both diesel and natural gas can be used as fuel in the main engines, Wednesday’s start was made with diesel.”

With the complex technology involved, it’s a huge milestone for the workers at the shipyard. It shows that the installation has succeeded, which is especially important for a new design.

“The first main engine start on a ship largely tells a lot about the ship’s readiness. It is a sign that the various departments throughout the yard have achieved something significant. To achieve this milestone, all professional groups are needed, and for that, big thanks to everyone!” Auvinen added.

Royal Caribbean plans to use the six multi-fuel engines with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), each providing 67,500 KW of energy to run the ship. The cruise line will scrutinize kilowatts to ensure the Icon of the Seas is energy efficient and reduces emissions.

The ship will be shore power ready, use fuel cell technology, have waste heat capture and air lubrication systems, and even have one of the best water management systems at sea.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Under Construction

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has been under construction at Meyer Turku since the first piece of steel was cut on June 16, 2021. Since then, the cruise ship has come together block by block. Construction milestones included the keel being laid for the first time in April 2022 and the ship floating out onto the water on December 2022.

The ship is well on its way to completion, focusing very much now on the interior spaces. And oh my, are there a lot of spaces that need work!

When Icon of the Seas is delivered to the cruise line, she will become the new world’s largest cruise ship at 250,800 gross tons, with a maximum guest capacity of 7,600 and 2,350 crew members across a total of 20 decks.

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

With all that capacity and space comes eight neighborhoods, each with its own features and styles, including the Aquadome, Central park, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, Surf Side, Suite Neighbourhood, The Hideaway, and Thrill Island.

Icon of the Seas will be delivered at the end of 2023 following the necessary sea trials. The ship will debut out of Miami, Florida, on January 27. the first guest sailing will be a seven-night Caribbean itinerary with visits to St. Kitts, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, and the Royal Caribbean private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The ship will sail year-round from PortMiami, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Guests will be happy to know a second Icon-class cruise ship is already under construction and will be completed in 2025. Are third in the same will class will also be constructed, with delivery in 2026.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Breaks Transatlantic Crossing Record

Robert McGillivray
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Breaks Transatlantic Crossing Record

Considering that transatlantic voyages sailed with a few thousand people onboard at most just a hundred years ago, it is pretty remarkable that Symphony of the Seas just arrived in Europe carrying more than 7,000 people onboard. 

After completing a transatlantic voyage that departed Miami on March 9, the Oasis-class cruise ship became the ship carrying the most people onboard during a completed transatlantic voyage in peacetime. 

Symphony of the Seas Breaks Atlantic Crossing Record

With 7,604 people on board, which includes 5,350 passengers and 2,224 crew members, Symphony of the Seas arrived in Malaga, Spain, on March 19, completing a voyage across the Atlantic that will enter the history books. 

The Oasis-class cruise ship is now the world record holder for the vessel carrying more people across the Atlantic Ocean than any other vessel in history in peacetime. After visiting Malaga on March 19 and Valencia today, March 20, Symphony of the Seas is scheduled to complete the 12-day cruise and arrive in Barcelona, Spain, on March 21.

The 228,081 gross tons Symphony of the Seas, built in 2018, was the world’s largest cruise ship between 2018 and 2022. She will go into dry dock in Cadiz and undergo routine maintenance and class work at the shipyard. 

Symphony of the Seas will resume operations on April 16 with a series of seven-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean, departing from Barcelona every Sunday. Ports of call include Palma De Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, and Naples. 

The season in Europe will be relatively long for Symphony of the Seas. The cruise ship will be sailing in the western Mediterranean through October 29 this year. 

Symphony of the Seas isn’t the All-Time Record Holder

While impressive, the transatlantic record set by Symphony of the Seas is not the all-time record for a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean. In July 1943, the Cunard Line ocean liner Queen Mary set the record for a crossing of the Atlantic carrying 16,683 crew members and troops on a single passage.

RMS Queen Mary
Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock

During the second world war, Queen Mary sailed a massive 765,429 military personnel between the United States and the United Kingdom. Due to her tremendous efforts, it was later noted by Sir Winston Churchill that Queen Mary and her sister Queen Elizabeth had shortened the war efforts considerably:

Sir Winston Churchill: “Built for the arts of peace and to link the old world with the new, the queens challenged the fury of Hitlerism in the battle of the Atlantic. Without their aid, the day of final victory must unquestionably have been postponed.”

Nine Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships in Europe in 2023 

Royal Caribbean is placing a lot of importance on Europe this summer, with no less than nine of its cruise ships based in the Mediterranean, the UK, and Western Europe this summer. 

Besides Symphony of the Seas, this will be Anthem of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean The Key
Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

Anthem of the Seas will be based in Southampton, England, offering seven-night cruises to Spain and France, or the Norwegian Fjords. 

Odyssey of the Seas returns to Rome, Italy, offering seven- to nine-night cruises from Rome to Naples, the Greek islands, and Turkey, as well as 12-night Holy Land sailings, which includes calls in Limassol, Cyprus; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Jerusalem, Israel.

Serenade of the Seas will sail 8-night itineraries to the Western Mediterranean, 12-night cruises to the Greek Isles, and 5-night sailings to Italy and France from Barcelona. Explorer of the Seas sails from Ravenna, Italy, on seven-night cruises to Olympia, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro, and Chania, Crete.

Brilliance of the Seas sails from Rome, Ravenna, Athens, and Barcelona on a variety of itineraries. Rhapsody of the Seas will operate from Haifa, Israel, and Limassol, Cyprus, on a series of cruises between four and seven nights to Turkey, Israel, and Greece. 

Sailing on cruises around Western and Northern Europe are Jewel of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Another Carnival Cruise Director Promoted to Fleet Position

Melissa Mayntz
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Another Carnival Cruise Director Promoted to Fleet Position

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the second popular cruise director to be promoted to the position of “Fleet Cruise Director” to oversee the line’s entire cadre of cruise directors. Chris “Donkey” Salazar will be the second person with this new title, and the position will include training operations and other work aboard multiple ships.

Two Cruise Directors Promoted

The second employee promoted to the Fleet Cruise Director position has been revealed as Christopher Salazar, a long time, popular cruise director on multiple Carnival ships.

This followed the cruise line’s January announcement that Mike Pack was the first to be promoted to “Fleet Cruise Director.” Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald announced the two promotions, with congratulations for both Pack and the as-yet-unannounced second cruise director for their amazing work.

Carnival Cruise Line Fleet Cruise Director
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

“I would like to add my congratulations to Mike Pack who along with one other Cruise Director has been promoted to Fleet Cruise Director,” Heald said. “[They] will be responsible for working with and assisting all the current group of wonderful Cruise Directors and will help train new CDs.”

Meet Chris “Donkey” Salazar

Salazar has been with Carnival Cruise Line since November 2008, serving on a number of vessels, including as cruise director aboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Glory, Carnival Liberty, and other ships. He has been recognized as “Team Member of the Month” several times, and is always a positive force not only for cruise guests, but also for all crew members.

Salzar embraced the nickname “Donkey” early in his Carnival career when a young guest innocently commented that Salazar’s big ears and teeth had a resemblance to the popular Shrek animated character. Salazar loved the nickname and has made it his own with his quirky, vibrant personality.

The Australian-born natural entertainer is an energetic, colorful personality (with the outfits to match) and a favorite cruise director for many guests, who will be sad to learn he will no longer be assigned to a single vessel. Many frequent cruisers will select specific voyages in order to sail with their favorite cruise directors.

“Hey Carnival family, so this will be my last contract as Cruise Director,” Salazar said when announcing his new position. “I’m very proud and happy to say that I have been promoted to Fleet Cruise Director. A massive thank you to everyone one for the love and support over the last 14 years and so excited for what the future will bring.”

What Will Fleet Cruise Directors Do?

While cruise directors are well known for leading onboard events such as dance parties and evening performances, as well as interacting with crew members and facilitating all entertainment on a vessel, what will a fleet cruise director do?

The newly created position is intended to help guide the training for new cruise directors and to assist with entertainment operations across the entire Fun Ship fleet, rather than remaining assigned to a single cruise ship.

Read Also: How Much Does a Cruise Director Make?

Mike Pack on Mardi Gras
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The overall role is sure to be defined in part by how both Pack and Salazar embrace their new duties. Some of the responsibilities are obvious, such as conducting training for cruise directors and entertainment staff, including each ship’s “Fun Squad” members who host trivia contests, line dance lessons, deck games, and more.

Other fleet cruise director duties are likely to include participating in product and event development, such as new game show or Lido Deck game options, as well as interacting for guest relations and safety, crew morale, mentoring staff, and more.

It is also likely that the new fleet cruise directors will make appearances at notable events, such as naming new ships, visiting new ports of call, land-based conferences or award ceremonies, or opening newly constructed cruise terminals.

While no announcements have yet been made about what sailings on which ships either Pack or Salazar may participate in, guests are sure to find them onboard here and there throughout the Carnival fleet for amazing and memorable voyages.

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces a Huge Leadership Change

Robert McGillivray
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Norwegian Cruise Line Announces a Huge Leadership Change

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, with Harry J. Sommer set to become the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective July 1, 2023. 

Sommer will replace the current CEO and President, Frank Del Rio, who has decided to retire and step down from his position and the board of directors effective June 30. The company also announced that David J. Herrera would be Norwegian Cruise Line’s new President, effective April 1, 2023. 

Major Changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced some major changes in its executive leadership team. 

Harry J. Sommer, the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, will become the next President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, effective July 1, 2023. David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer, will be the cruise line’s new President, effective April 1, 2023.

Harry J. Sommer
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line

The changes come as Norwegian announced that its current President and CEO, Frank Del Rio, has decided to retire. This news surprised many since Del Rio had spent three decades in the cruise business and successfully led the company since 2015. Del Rio will resign as President and the Board of Directors effective June 30.

Harry Sommer, the new NCLH CEO, said the following: “David and I have worked closely together for almost a decade expanding NCL’s global presence and shaping its future. With over 25 years of robust corporate business experience and a strong financial, sales, marketing, and business development background, David is a key contributor to NCL’s success, and I am certain he will continue to guide the NCL brand on an accelerated path forward.”

David J. Herrera Appointed President of Norwegian Cruise Line
David J. Herrera Appointed President of Norwegian Cruise Line (Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line)

As Norwegian Cruise Line’s President, David Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and business plan execution for the brand.

David Herrera: “I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the passionate and incredible team at NCL, as well as to continue to work alongside Harry and our stellar leadership group to build on our strong momentum. It is going to be another milestone year for us as we continue the Prima Class rollout, and I am looking forward to leading our team and guests along this exciting journey.”

Strong Leadership At NCLH As Company Looks to the Future

David Herrera is currently NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer and has been with NCLH since 2015. In his previous positions within the organization, he served as Senior Vice President of Brand Finance, Strategy, and Consumer Research, President of NCLH China, and was behind the military appreciation program. 

As Norwegian Cruise Line’s new President, Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and business plan execution for the brand.

Harry Sommer, the Chief Executive of Norwegian Cruise Line since 2020, will take over as the new CEO of NCLH effective July 1, 2023. With over 30 years of experience, he has played a significant role in itinerary planning, ship design, and onboard guest experiences. Sommer will work closely with Herrera during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

“I am incredibly humbled to succeed Frank as this iconic Company’s next President and CEO, and I’m grateful to have the unwavering support of him and the Board to lead the Company as we embark on the next chapter for our storied brands,” Sommer said. 

Del Rio, who spent three decades in the cruise business, has led the company since 2015. Del Rio guided Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings through the global operations pause between 2020 and 2021. He will remain as a senior adviser to the board through 2025.

Frank J. Del Rio
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line

In a statement, the current NCLH CEO and the president said, “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to our 39,000 team members around the globe whose innovation, tenacity, and collaboration have strengthened this Company and built the industry’s most passionate and loyal base of cruisers.”

This recent announcement of executive leadership changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is not the first time the company has undergone significant organizational changes. In December of last year, the company announced the appointment of new presidents for its Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises brands.

In addition to these leadership changes, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also announced a 9% reduction in its shoreside workforce at the time, which the company called a “rightsizing” to align with its strategic priorities.

With all brands expanding further set to launch and new leadership in place, NCLH is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the years to come. The company has also announced several design changes to the Prima class of ships, and Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises are launching new ships soon.

Can I Bring A Steamer On A Cruise – The Rules

Emrys Thakkar
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0
Can I Bring A Steamer On A Cruise – The Rules

Figuring out what to pack for a cruise can be difficult. What makes it more difficult is the list of items you can or can’t bring on board. 

If you want to keep your clothes fresh and pressed throughout your cruise, you may be wondering which list steamers are on. This article will tell you whether you can bring a steamer with you to prepare for your upcoming vacation.

In This Article…

What Is a Steamer?

A steamer is a device that uses hot steam to take wrinkles out of clothing. This device features a container to put the water in and a warmer to convert the water into steam. The steam typically comes from a small spout for easy application to your clothes.

Steamer on a Cruise
Photo Credit: Yarrrrrbright / Shutterstock

There are several types of steamers, including vertical steamers, which can hold more water, and handheld portable steamers. A hand steamer is what you would consider bringing on your cruise due to its portability, but are you actually allowed to bring one on board? Let’s find out.

Can You Bring a Steamer on a Cruise?

Simply put, you cannot bring a steamer on a cruise ship. This rule applies to the majority of mainstream cruise ships. Although they don’t all explicitly say that steamers are prohibited on their websites, it’s safe to assume that steamers are prohibited. The same goes for irons. If you try to bring a steamer on board, chances are that it will be confiscated. 

You can’t bring a steamer on a cruise ship because it’s a fire hazard. Cruise ships not only prohibit passengers from bringing many fire hazards items onto the ship, but they may not have them on board at all or only have them in minimum quantities. 

So does this mean that there’s no chance for you to have wrinkle-free clothing on a cruise ship? Not necessarily.

Do Cruise Ships Have Steamers?

While you can’t bring your own steamer onto a cruise ship, you may still be able to get your hands on one during your voyage. 

Cruise ships have a limited number of steamers for laundry services and housekeeping. Some cruise lines lend these steamers out to passengers for a limited time for you to use in your cabin. 

Cruise Line Steamer Rules

Here are some rules for specific cruise lines when it comes to steamers.

Cruise Ship Steamer
Photo Credit: Andrey Sayfutdinov / Shutterstock

Royal Caribbean International

Irons and steamers are prohibited items not allowed onto the ship under any circumstances. 

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits all electric and household appliances containing a heating element, including steamers. However, all Carnival ships provide facilities with ironing boards and irons so that you can still keep your clothes wrinkle-free. 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises prohibits all items that generate heat or produce an open flame, which is what steamers fit under.

Disney Cruise Line

Steamers are prohibited on all Disney Cruises. However, they encourage passengers to take advantage of their full-service laundry service, with press-only service costing just half the price. 

Alternatives to Steamers On Cruise Ships

While steamers are very useful, they aren’t the only way to keep your clothes wrinkle-free on your cruise. Check out these alternatives to steamers that you can use on your next cruise.

Irons

Although both are prohibited on cruise ships, even if your ship doesn’t have steamers, they may still have irons available to guests.

You have a couple of options for finding an iron on your cruise. Firstly, you can contact housekeeping or guest services and see if you can borrow an iron. Alternatively, some cruise ships have self-laundry service, and you can sometimes find irons in the laundry rooms. 

Laundry Service

Another way to ensure your clothes are wrinkle-free is to take advantage of your cruise ship’s laundry service.

Do cruise ships have irons

Many cruise ships offer wash and press services for a charge or complementarity if you’re part of their rewards programs.  Depending on the cruise, this service can range from $3 to $10 per item, but the turnaround is usually quick, typically taking about 24 hours.

Wrinkle Release Spray

If you’re really a stickler for wrinkles and creases, you may want to bring onboard some wrinkle-release spray. These sprays continue to grow in popularity, as they allow you to remove wrinkles from your clothes without an iron or steamer. This is certainly a must-pack for every cruiser. 

Hanging Clothes in the Bathroom While Taking a Shower

Even though you aren’t allowed a steamer on a cruise, that doesn’t mean you can’t create steam.

One old-school alternative to steaming your clothes is to hang them up in the bathroom while you take a shower. This is an effective trick to get rid of minor wrinkles. It also takes less time than steaming would, which leaves you with more time to enjoy your vacation!

Pack Better

Finally, you can eliminate the need for a steamer if you pack strategically. Steam, press, and fold your clothes before packing them in your suitcase. Be sure not to overpack, yet keep your clothes compact enough that they don’t shift around during the commute.

As soon as you get to your stateroom, hang up all of your clothes to prevent them from wrinkling throughout your trip.

FAQs

Can I use a steamer in my stateroom?

If your cruise ship does lend out steamers, you may be able to use one in your stateroom. However, they may also request that you use the steamer in their laundry facilities for safety reasons. 

How do I access a steamer on a cruise?

To access a steamer on a cruise, ask your housekeeper whether they can lend you one. They may direct you to guest services to actually gain access to a steamer. Some cruise lines may have steamers in their self-service laundry facilities if applicable, but it’s more common for these facilities to have irons instead.

The Verdict: Can I Bring a Steamer on a Cruise?

To recap, you cannot bring a steamer on a cruise for safety reasons. However, alternatives, such as borrowing a steamer from the ship or using self-service laundry facilities, may be available.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Provide Towels?

One of the best options you can take advantage of is packing clothes that don’t wrinkle easily. After all, you are on vacation, and the last thing you want to worry about is laundry!

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