Several safety features onboard your cruise ship are ready to go in an emergency. You may be unaware of many of these safety features, and others you may have heard of but don’t know what they are, including EPIRB.
If you’ve ever wondered what EPIRB on cruise ships means, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep reading to learn what EPIRB stands for, what it does, and where it’s located on your cruise ship.
EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. This distress beacon is used in the case of an emergency as an alerting system.
When an EPIRB is activated, it transmits an SOS message on the 406 MHz frequency. This message indicates to Search and Rescue that a ship or vessel is in trouble at sea.
It is usually reserved for times of grave or imminent danger, where immediate assistance is required. There are instances when an EPIRB is activated by accident, so authorities often first check to see if it wasn’t mistakenly activated. Once verified, Search and Rescue usually initiates a response within minutes.
It is mandatory for every ship at sea to have at least one EPIRB. They must be registered with the National Search and Rescue relevant to the specific ship.
There is a unique identification number programmed into each one. This number is recorded when you register your EPIRB and used to identify your vessel in case of use.
Where Is EPIRB Located?
While it’s difficult to find information on where an EPIRB is on specific cruise ships, chances are you’ll eventually spot one on your cruise if you’re looking for it.
For the most part, when choosing where to put EPIRB on the cruise ship, ease of access in an emergency is top of mind for every cruise line.
EPIRB on a Ship (Photo Credit: NickEyes / Shutterstock)
In general, the EPIRB is usually located at a clear location on the ship, where it can be easily sighted in case of emergency. Places where EPIRB devices are commonly put, include the ship’s top deck or the wing of the bridge.
It is also crucial that the EPIRB is not put in a position where it might be trapped in case the ship sinks, or anywhere it might be subject to the impact of waves.
EPIRB FAQ
Can you bring your own EPIRB on a cruise ship?
For the most part, no, you cannot bring your own EPIRB on a cruise ship. Some cruise lines’ policies on prohibited items, including Carnival, outline this. This is due to safety concerns, as they may interfere with the ship’s other safety features. However, on most ships, you can bring a PLB – personal locator beacon or distress signal, if you are worried about going overboard.
EPIRB on Cruise Ship – Wrap Up
While knowing where EPIRB is on a cruise ship may not be important information for you as a guest or passenger, knowing where it is may still provide peace of mind. For now, you can rest assured that every cruise ship has at least one EPIRB ready to go in case of any emergency.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the new Carnival Venezia, currently making its way to New York on its inaugural sailing after joining the Carnival fleet, will not have a godmother, but will be the first of the line’s ships to have a ceremonial godfather.
Late night talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will have the honor, and will christen the ship in a naming ceremony on June 14, 2023.
Carnival Venezia Godfather Named
Carnival Venezia will be the first-ever Carnival cruise ship to have a godfather, rather than a godmother, Carnival Cruise Line has announced as the ship is less than two weeks from its formal christening.
“Carnival Venezia originally entered service for our Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and was christened in 2019, so she already has a godmother,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Costa Venezia’s godmother is Gan Beiye, the matriarch of a Chinese family who are fans of Costa Cruises and had been sailing with the line for several years before Costa Venezia debuted. As the ship was designed for the Chinese cruise market and debuted in Shanghai, the relationship was a natural one.
Carnival Venezia Cruise Ship (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Now, as Costa Venezia prepares to debut in the Big Apple and bring “Carnival Fun, Italian Style” to cruise fans, it is only appropriate that the new ceremonial godparent be a New York native with Italian heritage.
“With Carnival Venezia joining the fleet and sailing from New York, we wanted to ensure a proper welcome for the ship and decided having a godfather would be both fun and appropriate,”said Duffy.“And when we thought of someone who would make a FUN godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather!”
Jay Leno and Carnival
Celebrated late night talk show host, comedian, and noted collector of vintage cars and motorbikes, Jay Leno is the ideal choice to welcome Carnival Venezia. He is a native of New Rochelle, New York, and the grandson of immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, Italy.
“I am truly honored to be named the godfather of Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,”said Leno.“Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”
Jay Leno (Photo Credit: Philip Pilosian / Shutterstock)
Leno is best known as host of the top-ranked late night talk show, The Tonight Show, from which he retired in 2014. He also produces and hosts the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage, writes a regular column on car restoration and maintenance for Popular Mechanics, and is involved in multiple charitable causes.
Leno has also been involved with Carnival Cruise Line previously, having been part of the Carnival LIVE entertainment series.
The naming ceremony for Carnival Venezia will be Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in New York. Further details about the event have not yet been announced, but will include the traditional blessings for a new vessel to wish her and all who sail on her safety and fun.
The ship is currently in the midst of her first voyage, a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York. Guests onboard the revitalized ship are enjoying port of call visits to Malaga, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Lisbon and Ponta Delgada, Portugal; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Carnival Venezia has spent more than two months in wet and dry dock in Cadiz, Spain being refit into her new personality. While much of the ship’s Italian architecture has been preserved, new updates have incorporated Carnival Cruise Line’s unique and distinctive brand of fun aboard.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Now on the ship are popular Carnival venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Camp Ocean, and more.
A new elevated Italian specialty restaurant, Il Viaggio, has also been added, offering regional specialties to bring authentic Italian fare to guests.
The ship’s exterior has also been updated to reflect her new cruise line, with new blue-and-gold livery to reflect Costa Cruises but with the patterning and graceful lines that match Carnival Cruise Line’s red-white-and-blue livery.
Carnival Venezia will remain homeported from New York sailing a variety of Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, New England, and longer Caribbean itineraries through mid-December 2024, at which time she will be redeployed to Port Canaveral to offer Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises as well as occasional Panama Canal sailings.
Holland America Line has announced decadent updates to the menu at its popular Canaletto restaurant, including new, house-made pasta, authentic Italian dishes, and infusions of freshness throughout all selections. New desserts and favorite Italian cocktails are also available at the specialty restaurant.
New Menu for Canaletto
The popular Italian restaurant Canaletto onboard all ships in the Holland America Line fleet has unveiled a menu refresh with completely new dishes, updated classics, and a commitment to authentic Italian style and taste.
A special focus has been made on fresh pasta made on each vessel by the cruise line’s expertly trained chefs, ensuring the best taste and quality for truly memorable and palate-pleasing meals.
“The pasta we make on board is exceptional and we want the updated menu to continue to reflect an Italian experience with a focus on freshness and authenticity,”said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president, food and beverage.
Canaletto Menu
The specialty restaurant offers a complete menu from appetizers to entrees to desserts, and even specialty Italian cocktails are available to toast “Saluti!” for a delicious meal. Each course has been carefully curated for authenticity and amazing tastes to appeal to all guests.
“Each course has a selection that brings the flavors of Italy on board no matter where our ships are cruising, and the update adds some exciting new dishes and cocktails,”said Stendebach.
Appetizers
The “Small Plate” selections of appetizers at Canaletto offer delightful tastes to whet the appetite. The Antipasto Plate, featuring prosciutto di parma, two types of Italian salami, Terre Ducali coppa, Parmigiano Reggiano and Sicilian olives is especially popular.
Guests can also choose from Veal and Sage Meatballs with glazed cipollini onions in a rustic tomato sauce, Grilled Tiger Shrimp with salsa verde and lemon-herb grattato, or two types of flavorful salads, both of which are vegetarian and one of which is gluten-free.
Entrees
House-made pastas made fresh daily are the stars of the entrée menu, with several new dishes to tempt guests who may already be familiar with the restaurant’s former menu.
Holland America Canaletto
The Seared Mediterranean Sea Bass with fava bean puree, fresh ricotta, roasted vegetables, and romanesco is a standout option, as is the new Italian Sausage Pacchere or the Casarecce Pesto Genevese.
Classic favorites such as the Chianti-Braised Beef Short Rib and Herb & Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast remain on the menu, while the popular signature Ossobuco with mascarpone, saffron arborio risotto, asparagus, and roasted carrots has now been made a daily option rather than a once-a-week special.
The Casarecce Pesto Genevese is a vegetarian option, while the Grilled Scampi is gluten-free.
Desserts
Topping off meals at Canaletto are amazing Italian desserts, including traditional favorites like Tiramisu, Lemon Ricotta Baked Cheesecake, and Chocolate Hazelnut Tart.
Holland America Canaletto
Gelatos are also available, and are made fresh each day on board. Desserts can also be accompanied with espresso or cappuccino as a dramatic finish to a delicious meal.
Cocktails
New cocktails are also part of the refreshed Canaletto menu. An Aperol Spritz, Spumoni (made with Holland America Line’s own De Lijn Gin), Tuscan Lemon Drop, or a Canaletto Bellini with a selection of fruit puree can all be great options to toast an amazing meal, outstanding crew, or overall memorable cruise.
Sparkling, white, and red wines, as well as beer and other drinks, are also available.
Dining at Canaletto
Canaletto is available onboard every Holland America ship, though the overall restaurant capacity varies based on individual ship sizes and layouts.
The specialty restaurant has a $25 surcharge per person, or is available as an option with the “Have It All” booking package, which also includes select shore excursions, a signature beverage package, and Wi-fi access.
Guests interested in the new menu should note that the surcharge only covers one homemade pasta or entrée per person; there is an additional $10 charge per additional entrée if a guest wants to indulge in multiple dishes. Meals for children 12 years old or under are half-price.
Guests booked on the upcoming June 3, 2023 departure of Carnival Panorama have been alerted to a delay in embarkation, as the ship will not be arriving on schedule on Saturday as planned when it returns to Long Beach.
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests via text and email to notify them of the situation, and is urging guests to sign up for text alerts to stay informed.
Carnival Panorama Delayed
Carnival Panorama is currently experiencing a technical issue that impacts the ship’s maximum cruising speed, and because of this, will not be arriving back to its homeport of Long Beach, California on time on Saturday, June 3. Guests booked on the next sailing have received messages alerting them to the delay.
“The ship will be returning to Long Beach later than scheduled and this will impact embarkation for your cruise,”the email said.Carnival Panorama was scheduled to arrive and begin debarkation no later than 9 a.m.
Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock
At this time, the Vista-class ship is docked in Cabo San Lucas, the last port of call on its current 5-night “Mexican Riviera” itinerary, which left Long Beach on Saturday, May 27, and has already called at Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Friday, June 2, is to be a day at sea as the ship returns to California.
The email to the next sailings’ guests does state that “our team is working on a repair plan” which indicates that repairs may not yet be underway. The issue may need further evaluation or specific parts may be required before work can begin.
What About Guests Onboard?
Guests onboard the current sailing were informed prior to embarkation that the ship’s maximum cruising speed is impacted, and that the port visit to Cabo San Lucas would be shortened by 30 minutes to help provide more time for the ship to return to Long Beach.
A letter delivered to guests’ staterooms on Wednesday, May 31, indicates the change in port call as well as when the ship is expected to return to Long Beach.
“We now expect to dock in Long Beach by 9:30 AM, Saturday,”the letter reads.“We apologize for this change of plans and thank you for your understanding.”
Photo Credit: mikeledray / Shutterstock
Current tracking data, however, shows the ship’s estimated time of arrival at Long Beach to be 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. It is possible this information does not reflect the most recent data, or else the ship’s arrival has been further revised and guests onboard are not yet alerted to the change.
Guests on the next sailing – an identical 7-night “Mexican Riviera” sailing – are being asked to sign up for text alerts and will receive more information by 6 p.m. on Friday evening.
Future Sailings Possibly Impacted
It is possible this issue may not be resolved for the next several cruises, which has happened in the past when different Carnival cruise ships have experienced engine difficulties. The ship’s safety and guest operations are in no way impacted, only the maximum cruising speed of the vessel.
Carnival Panorama joined the Fun Ship fleet in 2019, and her typical cruising speed is 18 knots (21 miles per hour / 33 kilometers per hour).
At maximum speed, the ship can reach as high as 22.6 knots (26 mph / 42 km/h). There has been no information shared about what the ship’s speed can be with this technical issue as a concern.
This is not the first time Carnival Panorama has had issues impacting is maximum cruising speed. In August 2021, the ship experienced a very similar issue on the same itinerary, with adjustments to the port time in Cabo San Lucas as well as a delayed arrival back to Long Beach.
Guests booked on upcoming Carnival Panorama sailings may want to reconsider their post-cruise travel plans, particularly any early flights from either Long Beach Airport (LGB) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as well as other regional airports, just in case of delays on future sailings.
The sea is a focal point for any cruise, and Royal Caribbean International’s latest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, takes this to new heights.
The cruise line has released a new video in its ‘Making an Icon’ series, revealing the intricate engineering behind the ship’s expansive pool decks.
The video also explains how the cruise line’s engineers managed to get onboard thousands of tons of water and create what will be the most spectacular set of pools at sea. She will sail from Miami, Florida, early next year.
Engineering a Water Wonderland at Sea
Chill Island and The Hideaway embody more than your standard pool deck. Located at the ship’s top and mid-section, Chill Island is a multi-level experience centered around relaxation.
“We dedicated an entire neighborhood to Icon to Chill because chill can mean different things to different people. Our guests also travel with different mindsets.”
“Chill Island was really based on that mindset. This is everything from relaxing poolside, listening to the Caribbean band, or even engaging in the Swim Up Bar, Swim and Tonic. The Hideaway should be a little bit of a day club, beach club kind of vibe with this incredible infinity pool,” according to Jennifer Goswami and Emily Rodriguez at Royal Caribbean.
Both neighborhoods were thoughtfully designed around guests’ connection to the ocean, using advanced nautical technology to amplify this connection. The novelty is not limited to the number of pools but also lies in their positioning.
“The naval architects, innovators, designers, and engineers, designed both neighborhoods around the research that showed everyone is looking for more connections to the ocean when it comes down to market research and, of course, understanding what our guests are looking to do,” said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.
The result is a staggering 62% more water surface area than today’s largest cruise ships spread across no less than seven different pools.
Icon of the Seas, 250,800 gross tons and with a capacity to host around 7,600 guests, is truly a testament to modern maritime architectural design. It’s not just the huge amount of water onboard and the massive size of the ship that makes it stand out, but also the careful planning and ingenious design to provide a unique cruise experience.
A Deeper Dive into the Pools of Icon of the Seas
Adding more pools than ever before was the driving force behind the Icon of the Seas design. Given the staggering amount of water they had to incorporate—between 500 and a thousand tons—it was no small feat.
Harry Kulovaaro, VP of Maritime and Newbuilding: “It’s a large ship, and that canvas allows us to bring forward a lot of incredible experiences, and so with a larger canvas, it gives us the opportunity to bring more pools. Normally, a ship has maybe a couple of hundred tons of water in the pools here we said that we will have between 500 and thousand tons of water.”
Icon of the Seas Royal Bay Pool
The crowning achievement is Royal Bay, the largest pool ever at sea, with 5,813 square feet of water. Described as a multi-level experience, Royal Bay offers a variety of aquatic adventures within the pool itself.
The standout feature of the Royal Bay pool is its wading area, characterized by its shallow water depth that steadily gets deeper. Complemented by a pair of hot tubs and built-in seating arrangements, Royal Bay guarantees a great swimming experience.
Another highlight is Swim and Tonic, the ship’s swim-up bar. Guests can enjoy handcrafted gin and tonics without ever leaving the pool. Lively music, a whirlpool, and a party atmosphere contribute to the space.
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
“We are bringing Swim and Tonic to Icon of the Seas. It’s our first true swim-up bar. It’s gonna be a party vibe all day. A DJ is right there, and we’ve really designed it in a way that allows for dancing. If you want to, on a more shallow end of the pool, it has a whirlpool right next to it. Swim and tonic is gonna be a unique space.”
Quiet and Busy Areas
A haven of tranquility, the Cove Pool offers a more serene experience. Located right on the ship’s edge, this pool lets guests relax in the water while gazing out into the ocean.
For an even more exclusive experience, the Suite Neighborhood features a private pool and hot tub exclusively for guests staying in Star- or Sky-level suites.
Cloud 17 in the new Chill Island neighborhood
At the aft of the ship, guests will find the world’s first suspended infinity pool at sea, part of the beach club experience in the Hideaway. Overlooking the wake of the ocean, this pool offers unmatched views, particularly at sunset.
Apart from the alluring swimming pools, guests can enjoy a wide range of poolside activities. From casual bites to drinks and tropical vibes, Chill Island and the Hideaway offer an extensive array of entertainment. There are also plenty of choices for food and beverages, with four different bars on the pool deck and new food booths serving diverse cuisines.
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Besides the enormous amount of pools onboard, guests can also look forward to enjoying the biggest waterpark ever constructed onboard a cruise ship, Category 6 Waterpark.
Exciting Times Ahead
Icon of the Seas will offer weeklong Eastern Caribbean cruises to Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Western Caribbean cruises will sail to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico.
The inaugural sailing for the world’s biggest cruise ship is scheduled for January 27, 2024. She will be homeported in Miami through April 2025.
With an array of pools, innovative food and beverage options, and activities galore, Icon of the Seas sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation. The next episode of ‘Making an Icon’ promises to offer more insights into one area no guests will ever see, the crew’s very own neighborhood.
Authorities have ended search operations for a male passenger gone missing from Carnival Magic early on Monday, May 29. Search efforts were unsuccessful and the man was not recovered, despite the use of both air and water assets and with more than 5,171 square miles searched and over 60 combined hours of resource use.
Search Efforts Called Off
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) search efforts to find a 35-year-old male passenger confirmed overboard from Carnival Magic have not been successful, and the search operations ended on Wednesday evening.
“The Seventh Coast Guard District dispatched multiple search and rescue assets as soon as we were notified of the missing person. Our command center watchstanders provided search patterns to cutter crews and air crews who actively searched from Monday through Wednesday evening,”said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Hooper, Coast Guard District Seven search and rescue mission coordinator.
“The decision to suspend the active search efforts pending further development is never one we take lightly. We offer our most sincere condolences to Mr. Peale’s family and friends.”
Coast Guard Overboard Search Area
There is no explanation at this time as to why the man’s traveling companion, identified by some news outlets as his wife or longtime fiancé, failed to report him missing earlier in the day.
The USCG was contacted about the emergency and immediately deployed both air and water assets to the appropriate search area, 186 miles (300 kilometers) east of Jacksonville, Florida.
Search efforts continued through Monday night, all day on Tuesday, and through much of Wednesday using both air and water assets as available for the light conditions. A total of more than 5,000 square miles (12,950 square kilometers) was thoroughly searched without success. The combined asset resources amounted to more than 40 search hours.
Carnival Magic Continuing to Sail
Because the man was not reported missing for many hours after he was confirmed overboard, Carnival Magic was quickly cleared to resume its original course and itinerary, as the cruise ship had already passed well out of the applicable search range when the report was made.
The ship was at the end of a 5-night cruise that had visited both Nassau and Freeport in The Bahamas, and was to have a final day at sea on Monday before returning to Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday, May 30.
Carnival Magic, Norfolk, Virginia (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
The ship did return to its homeport on schedule as planned, and has already begun its next sailing, an identical itinerary to The Bahamas.
Guests onboard the cruise where the man went missing reported multiple public address announcements were made in an attempt to locate the passenger, but no further information was made available.
Investigation Ongoing
Social media posts after the cruise ended identified the missing man as Ronnie Lee Peale Jr., a Virginia resident who was apparently on his very first cruise.
Just hours after the cruise ended in Norfolk, the woman he was traveling with – Jennilyn Blosser, who identified herself as his “lover” – started a GoFundMe fundraiser asking for $20,000 to help with funeral expenses.
The fundraiser was discontinued after just one day, having only raised $1,055, according to its GoFundMe page.
Due to the as-yet-unknown circumstances of how the man fell from the cruise ship, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun an investigation, as is typical in these types of incidents. Cruise line authorities are cooperating in every way.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the friends and family members of the missing man, as well as the Carnival Magic crew members impacted by this tragic occurrence.
It seems that Florida’s Port Canaveral is just too good to pass up. The popular port on the Sunshine State’s Space Coast stands ready to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic to its roster of home-ported ships for the winter 2023-24 season after the cruise line recently cancelled the vessel’s winter European season.
Ship to Sail Eastern, Western Caribbean Series
Norwegian Cruise Line will deploy Norwegian Epic to Port Canaveral for the upcoming winter season, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, according to a May 30, 2023 report in Seatrade Cruise News. A series of weeklong cruises will be operated, although port calls have not yet been announced.
Cruise watchers will recall that last week, Norwegian cancelled the 4,100-guest Norwegian Epic’s entire Europe season, which was to begin in December 2023 and continue to mid-April 2024.
The cruise line has instead decided to move the ship to Port Canaveral due to growing demand for Caribbean cruises this winter. Norwegian Epic was to have sailed a series of Mediterranean cruises departing from Rome and Trieste, Italy; Haifa, Israel; and Lisbon, Portugal.
Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock
It was the second time recently that Norwegian Cruise Line canceled a substantial series of cruises. Earlier in May, it nixed Norwegian Spirit’s entire 2024 Alaska season. In that case, however, the line disclosed it opted to allow a full ship charter, which means the ship will still be sailing those itineraries, just not for public bookings.
Norwegian Epic was already scheduled to homeport in Port Canaveral for winter 2024-25, and those plans are unchanged. It seems likely that the same port calls the ship is slated to make during that later season also will be visited this winter, 2023-24.
The ship will sail on two different itineraries in 2024. One itinerary calls at Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The second features port calls at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay.
Another of the cruise line’s ships, Norwegian Escape, accommodating 4,266 guests, is scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral from December 2023 to February 2024. That ship’s 7-day itineraries visit the same ports noted above, unless it, too, is redeployed elsewhere, though there has been no hint of such plans at this time.
Port Canaveral’s Popularity Continues to Grow
Port Canaveral continues to grow in popularity as more cruise lines move to homeport ships at the central Florida port. On May 9, Princess Cruises announced its first-ever deployment to the homeport with Caribbean Princess to be based at Port Canaveral from November 2024 through April 2025, offering a range of Caribbean voyages.
Port Canaveral recently became the world’s busiest cruise port based on passenger volume, surpassing PortMiami, which had held the top spot for years. In total, 4,072,396 multi-day cruise guests moved through Port Canaveral in 2022, edging out PortMiami’s 4,022,544 multi-day guests.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
The port is within an hour’s drive of Orlando, with its multitude of theme parks and other entertainment spaces, and its international airport, making for excellent pre- and post-cruise add-ons.
The port’s plans for the future include building a new cruise terminal, which is expected to cost $175 million. Port officials are looking at construction sites on the south side of the port, but have yet to reveal any major details or a construction timeline.
It also is unknown which cruise ships might be based at the new facility. A new terminal would enable the port to accommodate thousands more weekly passengers, and officials say the port will eventually be able to handle 6.4 million cruise passengers per year. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the port is expecting to accommodate 5.8 million cruise guests.
MSC Cruises’ status as the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing cruise line got another boost on May 31, 2023 as it celebrated a significant milestone for its newest cruise ship, MSC World America.
A coin-laying ceremony was held at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, where the second World-class cruise ship will be built over the next two years.
Introducing MSC World America: A Groundbreaking Addition
Designed for the US cruise market and powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), MSC World America represents a key phase in MSC Cruises’ strategic US expansion, with several of the cruise line’s ships permanently based in the United States.
The Coin Ceremony, a time-honored maritime tradition held on Wednesday, May 31, marks an important step in the ship’s construction process. During this ceremony, commemorative coins were placed within the keel of MSC World America as a sign of blessing and good fortune.
MSC World America Coin Ceremony (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
The event was graced by MSC Cruises’ Silvia Turbia and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Séverine Blandin, who have the honor of being the ship’s godmothers.
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA, emphasized the cruise line’s dedication to bringing its largest, most innovative, and environmentally advanced ships to the North American market.
Rubén A. Rodríguez said:“Our commitment to bringing our largest, most innovative and environmentally advanced ships to the North American market is stronger than ever, and all of us at MSC Cruises are looking forward to welcoming guests on board MSC World America.”
“She will join our growing U.S. fleet amid our ongoing homeport expansion, which saw the recent addition of Port Canaveral and New York City with plans for Galveston on the horizon. The ship’s long list of new spaces and experiences will set a new standard for Caribbean cruising when she arrives in the U.S. in 2025.”
MSC World America is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France, the same shipyard where cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, MSC Euribia, and numerous others have been built.
MSC World America Coin Ceremony (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
Henri Doyer, Chantier de l’Atlantique MSC Program Director, expressed pride in the partnership between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique: “This 19th ship—the second of the World Class series—is the result of a long partnership between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. I am thrilled to announce that MSC World Europa, MSC Euribia, and MSC World America are the three most energy-efficient, most environment-friendly ships of the cruise industry.”
Caribbean Cruising
With the completion of MSC World America by 2025, guests can look forward to various 7- and 14-night Caribbean cruises. Rodríguez promises that the ship’s itineraries will all include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
“All of MSC World America’s itineraries include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, our beautiful island destination that highlights the natural beauty of The Bahamas and our focus on marine conservation,”Rodríguez said.
MSC World America is set to embark on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage from PortMiami on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The maiden voyage will take guests to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas on April 18.
Other ports of call during the 7-night or combined 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises include Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. All cruises also include several days at sea to enjoy the ship.
420,000 square feet of public space
MSC World America spans 22 decks, with space for 5,252 guests at double occupancy and 6,762 at maximum occupancy. The massive cruise ship weighs 215,863 gross tons and has over 420,000 square feet of public space.
With a blend of European glamour and American comfort, MSC World America is set to introduce several innovations specifically designed for the North American market.
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises
Among the ship’s groundbreaking features is the innovative Harbor, an outdoor destination combining the thrill of a water park with VR-enabled water slides, an array of comfortable relaxation spots, and a selection of food and beverage outlets.
In addition, the ship boasts a reimagined World Promenade that offers a unique outdoor experience with dining and lounging options, entertainment facilities, ocean views, and LED light shows.
Complementing this, the indoor World Galleria is lined with various bars, restaurants, shops, and boutiques, all under a state-of-the-art LED and kinetic light ceiling.
Onboard MSC World America, there are 13 restaurants and 20 bars and lounges, including six specialty venues, four main restaurants, two buffet restaurants, and a Pizza & Burger spot available at no extra cost. Like her sister, MSC World Europa, the MSC World America also features an 11-deck-high dry slide made of stainless steel, The Spiral.
The coin ceremony for MSC World America was already the second highlight that MSC Cruises celebrated today, May 31. The cruise line has also taken delivery of MSC Euribia, a Meraviglia-class LNG-powered cruise ship.
Costa Cruises revealed the itineraries that four of its ships will sail during winter 2024-2025, offering guests a wide choice of destinations across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
Italian line Costa Cruises, based in Genoa, Italy, announced details of next year’s winter deployments, from December 2024 to March 2025. All cruises are open for bookings.
The line will deploy two ships, Costa Fortuna and Costa Fascinosa, to the Caribbean while Costa Toscana will operate in the Mediterranean, and Costa Smeralda will be based in United Arab Emirates.
In the Caribbean, the 3,470-guest Costa Fortuna and the 3,780-guest Costa Fascinosa both will sail two different alternating one-week itineraries that can be combined into a two-week cruise. The line offers its signature “flight+cruise” packages on these itineraries.
Costa Fortuna will sail the Lesser Antilles, with one itinerary featuring Guadeloupe, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Martinique, while the second visits Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados, and Martinique. The ship will remain in ports for at least 10 hours, giving guests more time to explore.
Costa Fascinosa’s first itinerary is touted as a full immersion in the Dominican Republic, offering shore excursions to mangrove forests and coffee plantations, plus a full day on Catalina, Costa’s exclusive island. Calls include La Romana, Dominican Republic; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Turk; and Amber Cove, Samana, and Catalina Island, all in Dominican Republic.
The ship’s second itinerary visits La Romana, St. Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Antigua, and the British Virgin Islands.
In the Mediterranean, the 6,600-guest Costa Toscana will operate weeklong cruises to Italy, France, and Spain, along with the Balearic Islands and Sicily. Long port calls of at least 10 hours are promised on these itineraries, too.
Departure ports vary by date, and include Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Trieste, and Civitavecchia/Rome.
Winter offerings from Costa Cruises will again feature the United Arab Emirates, with a series of weeklong cruises onboard the 5,224-guest Costa Smeralda. (The larger Costa Toscana was deployed to the UAE on similar itineraries during winter 2023.)
Next year, Costa Smeralda will visit Dubai, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Guests will be able to depart from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Costa Deliziosa to Sail World Cruise
Costa Cruises’ 2025 edition of its Around the World Cruise is a 131-day voyage roundtrip from Trieste, Italy, on the 5,322-guest Costa Deliziosa. The ship will circumnavigate the globe, keeping mostly to the Southern Hemisphere, with port calls to Tierra del Fuego, Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
Photo Credit: Thirasia / Shutterstock
The ship will depart Trieste on December 7, 2024, offering holiday season festivities on the cruise. Costa Deliziosa will spend New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro, where guests can experience a spectacular fireworks display from famous Copacabana Beach. Additional port calls in Brazil include Recife and Maceio.
Other highlights of the voyage include Casablanca, Morocco; Ushuaia, Argentina; several calls in southern Chile, and Easter Island, before the ship sails to the South Pacific, Australia, and South Africa.
World cruise guests also can embark the ship in Rome or Savona, Italy; Marseille, France; or Barcelona, as the vessel makes her way through the Mediterranean toward her Atlantic Ocean crossing.
The flagship of the Costa line, Costa Deliziosa offers interior, ocean view, and balcony stateroom, plus suites. Five restaurants, a dozen bars and lounges, seven pools and hot tubs, outdoor sports areas, and a spacious theater are among the ship’s popular venues. The ship entered service in 2010.
