Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development in Freeport, Bahamas, has been making steady progress, and the latest overhead images obtained by Cruise Hive offer a glimpse of what’s to come. First announced in 2019, the port’s construction was delayed and finally started last year.
The Grand Port project, located at the Sharp Rock site, promises to be one of the world’s largest and most exciting cruise ports, with capacity for two of the largest ships that can accommodate up to 6,000 guests each.
Progress on Carnival Cruise Line’s New Cruise Port
The latest overhead images of the new port development in Freeport, Bahamas, reveal that Carnival Cruise Line’s new cruise port construction is well underway. First announced in 2019, the destination port is expected to be completed on time for the grand opening around the end of 2024.
The images show preparations underway for the large pier that will be able to accommodate at least two of the carnival’s largest cruise ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
For now, the work being done is land preparation work and dredge work to accommodate the deep draft that cruise ships will need. The Grand Port project is located at the Sharp Rock site in Freeport, Bahamas. It aims to showcase the natural beauty and culture of the island, reinventing Grand Bahama as a destination.
As of now, it is still unclear what the official name of Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development project in Freeport, Bahamas, will be. During the groundbreaking ceremony in May of 2022, Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, indicated that there will be another moment to reveal not only the name but also more details about what people can expect from the project when it opens in late 2024.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
What is clear is that the port will offer a range of amenities that cater to all tastes. From the serene relaxation of the beach to high-adrenaline water and adventure amenities, there will be something for everyone. The port will also have many dining opportunities, focusing on local and Caribbean foods.
The port will also have a separate shore excursion pier allowing contracted local shore excursion operators to pick up guests and take them to other areas for experiences such as fishing, glass-bottom boat tours, and snorkeling.
The port is likely to be more a destination in and of itself, much like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, with swimming pools, a waterpark, and other adventure options.
Economic Impact
Carnival Cruise Line’s new port development project in Freeport, Bahamas, is expected to welcome around one million guests in its first year of operations. With the capacity to simultaneously accommodate two of the largest ships in the world, the port is set to become one of the biggest cruise ports globally.
With an estimated one million visitors, we can expect to see the Grand Port project featured heavily on Carnival Cruise Line itineraries in 2024 and beyond.
The project has been designed with the local community in mind, with local vendors and shore excursion operators playing a vital role in the port’s offerings. The $100 million project is expected to create jobs for up to 1,000 residents through the construction phase and ongoing operation of the port, making it a significant investment in the area’s future.
“There will be significant opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship by Bahamians. The new port will result in greater Bahamian ownership in terms of a range of business opportunities,” said the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Philip Davis, when the plans were finalized one year ago in March 2022.
Besides the investments at Freeport, Carnival corporation is also investing in upgrading the offerings at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island destination, for $80 million.
If you’re cruising out of Boston, chances are you’ll be arriving by car and need to find the best and cheapest Boston cruise port parking for the duration of your cruise.
Our ultimate guide to Boston cruise port parking has all the options covered, including prices, distance to the port, shuttle service, oversize vehicles, drop-off points and information. It’s all you need to help you find a great deal in cruise port parking in Boston.
We also compare the official port cruise parking with public long-term parking lots and list the best hotels for Stay, Park and Cruise deals. It’s all here!
Boston cruise port is within Boston Harbor, just two miles from Faneuil Hall and Downtown Boston sights. Also known as Boston Flynn Cruiseport, it operates from April to November.
In 2022, the location of the official Boston cruise port parking moved from the South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center to Summer Street (Lot D3). This new cruise port parking lot must be pre-booked and includes a free shuttle to and from Flynn cruiseport terminal.
There are plenty of alternative public parking lots offering long-term cruise port parking. They are generally cheaper than the official site, but you may need to add the cost of a taxi or Uber, increasing the overall price of cruise parking.
Boston Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock)
If you plan to arrive in Boston a day or two before your cruise, you may prefer to book a hotel that offers a Stay, Park and Cruise package. These deals include transport to the cruise terminal and parking for the duration of your cruise for little more than the cost of a night’s stay.
So now you know what’s on offer, let’s get down to the details…
When to Arrive for Parking
It is recommended that you arrive at your chosen cruise port parking lot at least two hours before your cruise sets sail. You need time to check in with the parking attendant, hand over your car keys, board a shuttle bus (or taxi) to the cruise terminal and then go through security and boarding.
Passenger Drop-off Point
You can drop off passengers and/or heavy luggage before heading to your chosen Boston Cruise Port Parking lot. You need to allow time to park your vehicle and then ride the shuttle bus back to the cruise terminal for check-in.
To reach the drop-off point at Boston Cruise Port, follow signs to Drydock Ave, turn right onto Black Falcon Ave and officers will direct you to the drop-off area,
Official Parking at Boston Cruise Port
Massport Lot D3
Massport Lot D3 on Summer Street is now the official Flynn Boston cruise port parking lot. The South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center is currently used for event parking and no longer accepts extended parking for cruisers.
Parking at Massport Lot D3 is operated by SP+ and it must be booked online ahead of time through Parking.com. Select your cruise ship and the duration of the cruise to reserve your space.
Cruise Port Sign (Photo Credit: 2p2play / Shutterstock)
The price of cruise parking includes a free courtesy shuttle to and from Flynn cruiseport terminal. Getting into Massport Lot D3 is on the northeast side of Summer Street, between D Street and Pumphouse Road.
On arrival at Lot D3, staff will scan the barcode on your booking (printed out or on your phone) and you can then park in any available space. Wait at the bus shelter with your luggage for the next available shuttle bus to take you directly to the cruise port terminal.
Location: 492 Summer Street, Boston
Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: $189 per week (ticketed cruise passengers only). Oversize vehicles will be charged at a higher rate when booking.
Distance from port: 0.6 mile
Shuttle: Yes – Free
Best off-Site Cruise Parking
There are other non-official Boston cruise car parks where you can park your car for the duration of your cruise. These are public car parks (not dedicated cruise parking lots). They are open 24/7 with no gated security and no shuttle service to the cruise terminal.
Boston Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
You will need to drop-off luggage and passengers first, as detailed above. The driver can walk or catch a taxi or Uber to Flynn cruise terminal. Parking is by availability but you can purchase a parking pass ahead of time online.
C1 Parking Lot
Operated by ABM Parking Services, the C1 Parking Lot is the closest to the cruise terminal. It is an open-air car park and is right next to the terminal, making it easy to walk to check-in with your luggage. It is also 5-10 minutes walk from other sights such as the World Trade Center, Lawn D, shops and restaurants if you arrive ahead of time.
You need to reserve cruise port parking at the C1 parking lot ahead of time by booking online or using the app. Parking rates start at $25 per day. 7-day cruise parking is $175 and 14-day cruise parking is $200.
Location: 1 Black Falcon Ave, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $25 per day
Distance from port: 0.2 mile
Shuttle: No
Marine Park Garage
Also operated by ABM Parking Services, Marine Park Garage is very convenient for Boston cruise port parking. It is located in the historic Seaport District of the city, also known as South Boston Waterfront. Parking is in a covered multi-storey building and daily rates are calculated from 5 am each day.
The rate per day Mon-Fri is $30 and Sat/Sunday is $20. Oversized vehicles cannot use this facility as there is a height restriction of 6’10”. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app.
Access to the car park is easy from I-90 or D-Street. Turn onto Haul Rd, then right onto Pumphouse Road. Make a left onto Summer Street and then left again onto Drydock Ave. The entrance to the car park is on the corner of 6th Street. The cruise terminal is within easy 3-minute walking distance of this cruise port parking lot.
Location: 12 Drydock Ave, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $20 per day
Distance from port: 0.1 mile
Shuttle: No
Sargent’s Wharf Parking
Sargent’s Wharf parking lot is a long-term car park a little further from the cruise terminal but it’s well located if you want to do some sightseeing before boarding the ship. It is just a short 4-minute walk into the center of Boston to see Paul Revere House, Quincy Market and the New England Aquarium. You will need to use a taxi or Uber to reach the cruise terminal.
This open-air public car park is open 24/7 with no gated security. The daily rate is $30 Mon-Friday and $24 on weekends. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app.
From I-93 South, keep right and take exit 17A/B towards Government Center. Turn left into John F. Fitzgerald Surface Rd, left again onto Mercantile St and continue onto Atlantic Ave/ Commercial Street. ABM Sargent’s Wharf parking lot is on the right.
Location: 269 Commercial Street
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $24 per day
Distance from port: 2.0 miles
Shuttle: No
V1 Parking Lot
Conveniently located for cruise parking and exploring waterfront pubs and restaurants, the Boston V1 parking lot is operated by ABM Parking Services. It is in the Seaport District opposite Rockland Trust Pavilion. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app. This self-park facility offers a daily rate which is calculated from 5 am each day.
This Boston cruise port parking lot is easy to reach from D Street. Head northwest on Cypher Street then turn right onto S. Boston Bypass. Keep right at form (signposted I-90 W. Haul Rd) and continue onto Haul Road. At the roundabout/traffic circle take the second exit and VV1 parking in on the right.
Location: 302 Northern Ave, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $40 per day
Distance from port: 0.7 miles
Shuttle: No
The Alyx at Echelon Seaport
Another convenient ABM Boston cruise port parking lot is The Alyx at Echelon Seaport. It is well located for the port and sightseeing, if you have time before checking in for your cruise.
The multi-storey car park has electric vehicle charging points and is fully automated for self-parking with a pre-purchased pass. The daily rate is $38 Mon-Friday and $18 on Sat and Sunday. It is calculated from 5 am each day. You can reserve a parking spot ahead of time by booking online or using the app.
It is located just off Congress Street, across the street from the Masspike exit. The entrance is on Pier Four Blvd. You will need to book a taxi or Uber to take you to the cruise terminal.
Location: 60A Pier 4, Boston
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Cost: From $18-38 per day
Distance from port: 1.0 miles
Shuttle: No
Westin Seaport District Garage
This covered parking garage has a height restriction of 6’8” and is unsuitable for SUVs and oversize vehicles. Operated by Pilgrim Parking, the garage is underneath the Westin Seaport Hotel next to the Boston Convention Center.
For cruise parking, make an online reservation with Spothero. Access is from Summer Street. From the circle in front of the hotel, follow signs to the garage ramp.
On arrival, pull a ticket and park in any space that is not “Reserved.” When you return from your cruise, show the attendant in the hotel lobby your reservation and entrance ticket. They will validate your ticket, which you can insert at the exit gate when your drive out.
Location: 425 Summer Street, Boston
Hours: Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm
Cost: $362 for 8 days
Distance from port: 0.7 miles
Shuttle: No
Best Boston Hotels with Cruise Parking Packages
As an alternative to Boston cruise port parking, why not book an all-inclusive Stay, Park and Cruise package with one of these hotels and extend your cruise with time to explore the sights of Boston?
Boston Skyline (Photo Credit: AlainP / Shutterstock)
Rodeway Inn – Boston Logan Airport
The Rodeway Inn is well located near the airport and a short taxi ride from Boston Flynn cruiseport. The hotel offers one room for up to four guests plus up to 8 days of parking while you’re away. Rooms are comfortably furnished with one king or two queen beds and they include free coffee and Wi-Fi. This deal is available when you book online through ParkSleepFly.
Location: 309 American Legion Hwy, Revere
Cost of package: $207
Distance from port: 8 miles
Shuttle: No
Comfort Inn Boston
This mid-range Comfort Inn offers a great deal when you stay, Park and Cruise. In addition to a well-appointed room, the package includes a continental breakfast, up to 7 days of parking, and a free shuttle to and from Boston cruise port. This package represents great value for money and is available to book online through ParkSleepFly. The hotel also has three on-site restaurants and a candy shop too!
Location: 900 Morrissey Blvd, Boston
Cost of package: $299
Distance from port: 5.5 miles
Shuttle: Yes – Free
Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers
There is no designated parking for Disabled passengers at Flynn Cruiseport Boston. However, you can use the drop-off point to transport cruisers with disabilities to the ship. Alternatively, use the official D3 cruise parking lot and the free shuttle provided.
Cruise Parking for RVs and Oversize Vehicles
If you need cruise parking for an SUV or larger vehicle, you should use Massport Lot D3 on Summer Street. Oversize vehicles are over 181 inches in length or more than 70 inches (5’10”) in height. Pick-ups, minivans, trucks, crossovers and SUVs generally fall into this category.
Cruise parking for oversize vehicles must be booked online ahead of time through Parking.com. Click the option to “Select Vehicle size” then select your cruise ship and duration of the cruise to reserve your space. The price will automatically be calculated.
The price of Boston cruise port parking at this location includes a free courtesy shuttle to and from Flynn cruiseport terminal.
FAQs
How much is parking at the Boston cruise terminal?
Cruise parking at Massport Lot D3 on Summer street costs $189 per week for a standard-size vehicle.
Where to park for a cruise out of Boston?
The best place to park when cruising out of Boston is at the official cruise port parking lot D3 at 492 Summer Street, about 0.6 miles from Flynn cruiseport terminal.
Carnival Cruise Line is showing its commitment to one of the largest US cruise homeports in the United States by adding a fourth ship to the Port of Galveston. The Spirit-class Carnival Miracle will begin offering longer cruises from the Texas port starting in the fall of 2024. The vessel will reposition from its current operations on the US West Coast.
Carnival Miracle to Sail from Galveston
The Carnival Miracle cruise ship, which is currently offering cruises out of Long Beach in California, will have a new home towards the end of next year. The cruise line has announced that it will be adding a fourth ship to operate out of Galveston, Texas, to expand operations even further from the hugely popular port.
The Carnival cruise ship will reposition from San Francisco, with cruises starting in the fall of 2024 through Spring 2025 out of Galveston. Carnival Miracle will offer much longer 10-, 11, and 12-day itineraries, and those are now open for bookings.
Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship
“We have always offered a great variety of cruises from Galveston, but by adding a fourth Carnival ship to homeport in Galveston and sailing these longer itineraries, we are giving our guests great new choices, especially for those who want to experience a wider variety of beautiful ports of call and more time to enjoy their time at sea,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Miracle will join three other ships in the fleet out of the Port of Galveston. Carnival Breeze is currently sailing four- and five-day Caribbean cruises, and Carnival Dream is sailing six- and eight-day cruises. The new Carnival Jubilee will also begin sailing from the port when she enters service as the third Ecel class LNG-powered ship in December 2023 on week-long Caribbean itineraries.
“Galveston is one of our top homeports, and with the arrival of Carnival Jubilee and the new Carnival Miracle itineraries, it will only grow in popularity with our guests.”Duffy added.
Carnival Miracle Galveston Itineraries
Carnival Miracle will be the only Spirit-class ship to offer cruises out of Galveston after a one-time Carnival Journeys repositioning cruise that departs on October 1, 2024, and includes visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cartagena, Colombia; and a Panama Canal transit.
Starting on October 16, 2024, the vessel will begin a series of 19 sailings, including the Caribbean and Panama Canal. The first voyage from Galveston will be a nine-day Western Caribbean itinerary with calls at Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Photo Credit: VIAVAL TOURS / Shutterstock
There will also be a 10-day Panama Canal sailing departing November 15 with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama (and tours of the Panama Canal); and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan. Other highlights include an 11-day Caribbean sailing with popular calls such as Montego Bay, Jamaica; Amber Cove; Grand Turk; Princess Cays and Nassau, The Bahamas.
There’s also a 12-day Carnival Journeys sailing that departs on January 26, 2025, with visits to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Aruba; Bonaire; Curacao; and Cozumel. Mexico.
When guests step onboard the 2,200-passenger Carnival Miracle, they’ll be glad to know she recently underwent a dry dock in November 2022. During the upgrade, she received the new red, white and blue livery on the hull, along with a refreshed look on the interior. The cruise line also removed the Casino bar to expand for more room in the casino.
The ship is currently sailing out of Long Beach, but will shift to San Francisco this May for the summer season.
P&O Cruises has announced that Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, will be the godmother of their newest ship, Arvia.
The vessel will be officially named in a world-first beachside ceremony on March 16, 2023, in Barbados, where Scherzinger will also perform. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the partnership between the cruise line and the global superstar.
A Star-Studded Godmother Tradition
The role of a ship’s godmother is a longstanding maritime tradition that symbolizes good luck and protection for the vessel and its passengers. In recent years, cruise lines have turned to celebrities to add glitz and glamour to the naming ceremony, and P&O Cruises is no exception.
Over the years, the company has invited several famous names to serve as godmothers, including Dame Helen Mirren, Darcey Bussell, and even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The appointment of Nicole Scherzinger as the godmother of Arvia is a testament to her global superstar status and widespread appeal.
Scherzinger will participate in a beachside ceremony in Barbados where she will perform live and officially name the newest P&O Cruises ship. The naming ceremony of Arvia is set to be an unforgettable event, with the ship’s godmother leading the festivities.
Taking place on Thursday, March 16, 2023, the ceremony will be broadcast worldwide on the cruise line’s official YouTube channel. P&O Cruises’ decision to broadcast the ceremony on its official YouTube channel means that viewers worldwide can enjoy the celebrations from the comfort of their homes.
A Perfect Partnership
P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow expressed his excitement about the partnership with Nicole Scherzinger, who he calls the perfect fit for P&O Cruises.
“We could not be more thrilled that she has agreed to be Arvia’s “godmother” and will be with us on March 16 when Arvia is officially named in the Caribbean. Through her many appearances on some of the UK’s best-loved shows, Nicole has won the hearts of the British public.”
Her involvement reflects everything that P&O Cruises stands for – a modern, forward-thinking holiday company which has always excelled in the levels of cutting-edge entertainment we provide.”
Photo Courtesy: P&O Cruises / James Robinson for Christopher Ison
Paul Ludlow emphasized P&O Cruises’ dedication to providing exceptional entertainment to its guests, stating that the company works with hundreds of performers and that the collaboration with Nicole Scherzinger reflects the cruise line’s commitment to excellence in entertainment.
Nicole Scherzinger has expressed her excitement at the opportunity to serve as the godmother of Arvia: “This is an extraordinary and special opportunity for me to create a visual and musical feast for people to immerse themselves in, with the sea as their backdrop, giving them something to truly remember. I want to create an experience to remember for the audiences of Iona and Arvia and I am delighted to become part of the P&O Cruises family.”
Arvia to Spend Summer in Europe
Arvia, a sister ship to the popular Iona, is the largest cruise ship ever built for P&O Cruises, weighing 185,581 gross tons. She features 15 guest decks, over 30 dining venues and bars, six entertainment lounges, and four pools.
The Excel-class LNG-powered cruise ship can accommodate up to 5,200 guests and is staffed by a team of 1,800 international crew members. The cruise ship sailed on her maiden voyage just before Christmas 2022.
Arvia will sail in the Caribbean for a few weeks more before crossing the Atlantic to Southampton in the UK. From there, the cruise ship will sail 14-day cruises to the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Spain such as La Coruna and Palma De Mallorca.
After that, Arvia will sail to La Spezia in Italy, followed by Marseille, France. After two more stops in Spain, visiting Barcelona and Cadiz, Arvia will return to Southampton.
Cunard rolled out the winter 2025 cruise schedules for its three ships, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, plus the new-build Queen Anne, set to debut in 2024.
The four ships will offer 133 cruises and call at 159 destinations. The luxury line also revealed Queen Anne will sail a world cruise in 2025.
107-Night World Cruise
The Cunard fleet will sail an ambitious cruise schedule in winter 2025 as its ships call at 57 countries, including maiden calls at ports in Alaska, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Japan.
The line’s 3,000-guest Queen Anne, under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, will depart on her first world voyage on January 9, 2025 roundtrip from Southampton.
Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line
The 107-night cruise will call at 30 ports on five continents. Guests will enjoy nine overnight calls at ports including Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai, plus three late-evening departures at additional ports.
Cunard Vice President of Commercial Development for North America Matt Gleaves said,”We are thrilled that Queen Anne will be taking on the World Voyage in 2025. With four ships in our fleet, we have the opportunity to spend more time in specific regions around the globe, and guests will be able to explore destinations in great depth, all with the luxury of sailing on Cunard’s new ship.”
The 113,000-gross ton Queen Anne will introduce a new accommodation category, the Cunard Queens Grill Grand Suites, which provide guests with exclusive, private residences on board, complete with living rooms, butler’s pantry, walk-in closets and marble baths.
The Three Queens
The 2,691-guest Queen Mary 2 will operate transatlantic crossings as well as Caribbean cruises between January and May 2025, along with some Mediterranean voyages. Cruises will range from 7 to 35 nights, departing from New York, Southampton and Rome.
Overnight calls are planned for Curacao; Funchal, Madeira; Lisbon; and New York. Guests will have three late evening departures in Bridgetown, Barbados; and Vigo and Malaga, Spain.
Queen Victoria, accommodating 2,061 guests, will operate eight voyages in South America in early 2025, and they can be combined to form the 85-night South America Discovery cruise from Hamburg. The sailing features navigating around Cape Horn, at the southernmost point of Chile. Overnight calls will be offered in Amsterdam, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Callao, Peru.
In February 2025, the 2,081-guest Queen Elizabeth will deploy to Singapore following a series of Australia/New Zealand cruises, and cruise in East Asia through May, calling at Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Seven overnight port calls and 25 late evening departures are scheduled for the East Asia series.
Cunard, now celebrating its 100th anniversary, also revealed details of Queen Elizabeth’s 2024 summer program in Alaska. Ten roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, ranging from 9 to 11 nights, will visit Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park and make calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords and Wrangell.
Queen Elizabeth is sailing to Alaska from Vancouver in the summer of 2023, as well. Cunard recently announced the ship would offer series of add-on rail tours aboard the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train through the upcoming season.
Carnival Cruise Line aims to expand its European offerings in 2024 with the Spirit-class Carnival Legend. The season will begin following an epic transatlantic voyage departing in April 204 from Baltimore. Guests planning to cruise Europe have options, including the Mediterranean, British Isles, Iceland, and the Greek Islands.
Carnival Legend to Sail Europe in 2024
With the cruise industry well on the road to recovery after a difficult few years, Carnival Cruise Line is looking at expanding its options in Europe for the 2014 season. The Carnival Legend will be the lucky ship sailing the continent which covers a series of 17 departures.
The vessel will start its European season after departing Baltimore, Maryland, on April 15, 2024, on a 12-day transatlantic voyage. The cruise will include calls at Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; Malaga and Valencia, Spain.
“This extensive series for 2024 offers an excellent variety of itinerary lengths and options for our valued guests who want to experience Europe the best way possible: with our amazing crew providing outstanding service along with all the favorite venues aboard a Fun Ship,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Reservations for the new Carnival Legend sailings are now open. They include the Mediterranean, western Europe, the British Isles, Iceland, and the Greek Islands, along with departures from Barcelona in Spain, Civitavecchia in Italy, and Dover in the UK.
“Our guests who sail with us in Europe enjoy exploring diverse and spectacular destinations across the continent while simultaneously enjoying the comfort and convenience of having the amenities they know and love available to them on board,”Diffy added.
Carnival Legend European Itineraries
After the Carnival Legend completes her transatlantic sailing, European cruises will kick start out of Barcelona on May 30, 2024. That first voyage will be an eight-day Meditteranean itinerary, visiting Malta; Messina (Sicily), Italy; Naples (Capri/Pompeii), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; and Toulon (Provence), France.
There will be second sailing out of the Spanish port departing on June 7, 2024, on a nine-day Western European itinerary. The cruise will include calls at Malaga, Sevilla (Cadiz), and La Coruña, Spain; Lisbon and Leixões (Porto), Portugal; and Le Havre (Paris), France. The voyage ends in the UK, ready for the next phase of the European deployment.
On June 28, the Carnival cruise ship will depart London in the UK on a nine-day sailing around the British Isles. The itinerary will include visits to Holyhead, Wales, UK; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Liverpool, England; Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Ireland; and Cork (Cobh), Ireland.
There will be multiple departures from the UK, including sailings to Iceland. On July 7, 2024, the vessel will sail further north on an epic 12-day itinerary, including visits to Dublin (Dun Laoghaire), Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Grundarfjordur, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; and Invergordon, Scotland.
Italy’s leading cruise homeport of Civitavecchia is also not missing out on the Carnival Legend’s deployment in August 2024. The ship will begin sailing from the port with a 10-night Greek Islands itinerary which includes calls to Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Santorini, Greece; Athens, Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Messina (Sicily) and Naples (Capri/Pompeii), Italy.
The Carnival Legend will remain sailing in Europe until October 26, 2024, when the ship departs Civitavecchia on another transatlantic cruise back to the US. The voyage will include calls at Cartagena, Spain; Funchal (Madeira) and Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal, before crossing the Atlantic and stopping in Nassau, The Bahamas, and will finally arrive home at the Port of Tampa, in Florida.
Following the European deployment, the Carnival Legend will begin offering itineraries from Tampa, Florida. There will be Panama Canal sailings, along with Western Caribbean cruises.
Additional Carnival Cruises in Europe
It’s not just the Carnival Legend that will be enjoying the historic ports of Europe, as the Carnival Glory will also be visiting some ports as part of its transatlantic voyage. The Conquest-class ship will depart on a Carnival Journeys cruise from Barcelona, Spain, on April 18, 2024. The 14-day sailing will include visits to Valencia, and Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Spain, and finally arrive home in Port Canaveral, Florida.
Photo Credit: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / Shutterstock
It’s not just 2024 European cruises travelers can get excited about, with the Carnival Pride soon starting its 2023 season of sailings out of Dover, in the UK, and Barcelona in Spain. The Spirit-class ship will sail in Europe from May through October, with the final voyage being a 15-night transatlantic cruise from Italy and ending in Tampa on November 12, 2023.
The Carnival Freedom will also spend some brief time in Europe with a transatlantic voyage departing Port Canaveral, Florida, on September 21, 2023. The sailing will end in Barcelona on October 4. The ship will return across the Atlantic by departing Barcelona on October 23 and arriving at Port Canaveral on November 6.
MSC Cruises announced it is taking proactive steps to lower the risk of its ships colliding with marine life, including whales, dolphins and porpoises. The cruise line, which currently operates 21 vessels worldwide, partnered with a marine conservation charity that offers specialized training to deck officers.
MSc Cruises Implements Strike Mitigation Plan
MSC Cruises is working with ORCA, the UK-based marine conservation group, to implement a ship strike mitigation plan designed to reduce the chances of ship collisions with marine mammals.
The cruise line revealed on March 2 that bridge officers aboard the 171,598 gross ton MSC Bellissima will be the first to undergo an online training program.
MSC Bellissima was selected as the pilot vessel for the educational program because she regularly navigates the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, a large wildlife reserve in the Ligurian Sea that reaches from the Italian Riviera to Monaco. The ship sails Mediterranean cruises from her home port of Genoa.
Photo Credit: A.Casinos / Shutterstock
MSC Cruises Vice President of Environmental Operations and Compliance Captain Minas Myrtidis said, ”By working together with ORCA we are able to play an important role in protecting the seas for future generations. We are committed to supporting the health of our oceans and believe partnering with experts to introduce bespoke training and education is a positive step forward.”
The training is meant to educate officers stationed on the ship’s bridge about marine mammals and how to avoid ship strikes. Following the training of MSC Bellissimo’s officers, the course will be launched across the entire MSC fleet, including on the cruise line’s latest newbuild, MSC Euribia, which will debut in June and sail in Northern Europe.
Whale Safety
Cruise lines in recent years have been dealing with government protections aimed at safeguarding whales, particularly right whales, a species that was added to the endangered list in 1970.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement are the two primary causes of right whale deaths and serious injury. There are only approximately 350 right whales alive today.
Photo Credit: Manamana / Shutterstock
A proposed NOAA rule change for right whale safety announced last August alarmed officials at Port Canaveral, which is the world’s busiest cruise port. The rule change reduces the speed limit to 10 knots for cruise ships and other large vessels within five miles of the coast from November to April — prime cruise season for ships operating between Florida ports and the Caribbean.
Other major cruise destinations also have been affected by marine mammal protections, such as Alaska. A Canadian government order enacted in June 2022 and seeking to protect killer whales in the waters of southern British Columbia prompted Princess Cruises to drop planned port calls at Victoria and avoid the area by replacing the destination with Prince Rupert during the ship’s 2023 Alaska season.
MSC Cruises joins other cruise lines in partnering with the ORCA conservation group. Adventure cruise line Hurtigruten Expeditions, for example, has the group’s ocean conservationists onboard its ships as part of the line’s expert expedition teams.
Royal Caribbean has recently announced a change to its wine policy, which won’t be well-received by everyone. Starting from March 3, 2023, passengers can only bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult of drinking age per sailing. This is a significant reduction from the previous policy that allowed guests to bring up to two bottles per stateroom on the first day of the cruise.
The new measure will mostly impact single travelers, who are typically already hit with a supplemental charge for occupying a cabin alone. The move is part of a series of cost-cutting measures implemented by Royal Caribbean.
One Bottle of Wine Per Adult
Royal Caribbean International has changed its policy on bringing wine onboard. Now, guests may bring one bottle per person instead of two bottles of wine per cabin. While this may be good news for suites and cabins with more than two adults, who can now enjoy more wine, it could be considered a downside for solo travelers who will now be limited to one bottle per sailing.
The new wine policy still requires passengers to bring wine via hand luggage/carry-on; boxed wine or other containers are prohibited. Passengers wishing to enjoy wine or champagne in dining or bar venues will be charged a corkage fee.
Photo Credit: SeaRick1 / Shutterstock
The new policy now states, “On embarkation day, each guest of drinking age may bring one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited. Guests who purchase alcohol bottles onboard, in a port-of-call, or bring more than the one permitted bottle on boarding day, will have their items safely stored by the ship.”
Passengers booked on consecutive sailings with Royal Caribbean will be pleased to know that they are allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne for each sailing, provided they are of drinking age.
This is another measure that doesn’t sit well with most guests. The ship will store any extra bottles brought on the first sailing and deliver to the cabin, one bottle at a time, on the first day of each new voyage.
Impact on Passengers
The updated wine policy is expected to bring mixed reactions from passengers. Royal Caribbean and various other cruise lines have been on a cost-cutting spree since the restart of operations in 2021. While understandable that the companies need to think of their bottom line, this policy change is unnecessary for the amount of money it will bring in.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
There is another aspect to consider, and that is guests becoming disorderly when over-consuming alcohol. This behavior could be another reason for the policy change, as Carnival Cruise Line in particular, has seen numerous incidents in the last couple of months. Royal Caribbean has always been strict in this aspect.
Alcoholic beverages such as beer, seltzer, or hard liquor are not permitted to be brought on board, and any seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security personnel are also authorized to inspect any containers, including water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage, and other items that could contain alcohol.
Guests who violate any of the alcohol policies, including over-consuming, providing alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, demonstrating irresponsible behavior, or attempting to conceal alcoholic items at security or luggage checkpoints, may face severe consequences, such as disembarking the vessel.
On Sunday morning, Lexus Moorer, a 31-year-old woman, was arrested at the Port of Miami by police officers for allegedly stealing eight credit cards to fund a family vacation to the Caribbean.
According to reports, Moorer is accused of using the stolen credit cards to book two staterooms on a seven-day cruise ship with the Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International. The cost of the trip amounted to $22,425, which was allegedly paid for using fraudulent credit cards.
Royal Caribbean reported the suspicious activity to the police, which led to Moorer’s arrest at the Port of Miami. The alleged fraud was detected after Moorer had already boarded the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship, which made several stops in the Caribbean before returning to Miami.
Crime on the High Seas
Lexus Moorer, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, faces eight counts of grand theft, eight counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, and four counts of unlawful possession of a stolen credit card, according to county records obtained by News 10.
Royal Caribbean reported the fraudulent activity to the police. Upon her arrest, U.S. Customs officials and Border Protection officers found four of the eight stolen credit cards in Moorer’s wallet.
Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
According to the arrest report, Moorer used the eight stolen credit cards to book two cabins on the 225,282 gross tons Oasis of the Seas sailing departing February 19. The seven-day cruise made stops at Labadee in Haiti on Tuesday, Puerto Rico on Wednesday, St. Thomas on Thursday, and The Bahamas on Saturday before returning to Miami on Sunday morning.
Arrested on Arrival
Crew onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship detected the fraudulent activity and alerted the police, who arrested Moorer at the Port of Miami at about 11 a.m. on Sunday.
After her arrest, Moorer appeared in court on Monday in Miami-Dade County, where she faced eight counts of grand theft, eight counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, and four counts of unlawful possession of a stolen credit card.
According to county records, corrections officers held Moorer since 1:40 p.m. on Sunday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The investigation also involved Homeland Security Investigations.
Crime Doesn’t Pay, Even onboard Cruise Ships
The alleged credit card fraud committed by Lexus Moorer is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. Fortunately, in this case, Royal Caribbean was vigilant in detecting and reporting the fraudulent activity to the police.
Cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology that can help detect and prevent credit card fraud. Cruise ships often work with financial institutions to monitor onboard credit card transactions. This allows them to detect and respond to any fraudulent activity quickly.
While this case involving Lexus Moorer may be an exception, it serves as a reminder that even on cruise ships, credit card fraud will be detected, and those who commit such crimes will face severe legal consequences.
The 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas set sail again on Sunday afternoon on its next itinerary. The ship departed from Miami, Florida, and spent the next day at Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Bahamas.
Today, Oasis of the Seas is in Cozumel, Mexico. Tomorrow, March 2, guests will spend the day in Roatan, Honduras, followed by Costa Maya, Mexico. The ship returns to Miami, Florida, on March 5.
