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New MSC Cruise Ship to be Named in Copenhagen

Donna Tunney
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New MSC Cruise Ship to be Named in Copenhagen

MSC Cruises has chosen Copenhagen, Denmark, for the naming ceremony of its newest ship, MSC Euribia. The 6,334-guest ship will be the cruise line’s second vessel powered by LNG, one of the cleanest marine fuels available.

MSC Cruises said Denmark was selected for the honor due to the country’s efforts in environmental sustainability.

MSC Euribia Ceremony Set for June 8

MSC Cruises will officially name its newest flagship, MSC Euribia, in a June 8, 2023 ceremony at Copenhagen Malmö Port, the cruise line announced on February 23.

The Meraviglia-class ship will be the 22nd vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet and is being built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

LNG also powers the 6,850-guest MSC World Europa, which launched in December 2022 and is the first ship in the highly anticipated MSC World class.

MSC Euribia Cruise Ship
Render Courtesy: MSC Cruises

LNG virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulfur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%), and particles (98%), and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to traditional heavy fuel oil.

In addition to using LNG, the 183,500 gross ton MSC Euribia will have other advanced environmental technologies such as a ‘Baltic Standard’ wastewater treatment system, energy efficiency measures and shore power connectivity, which enables zero emissions from the ship at ports where onshore power is available.

MSC Cruises said, “MSC Euribia symbolizes the line’s commitment to protecting the oceans and this is why the port of Copenhagen was selected as the launch location – as not only does the port have a rich maritime heritage but Denmark is a country with a deep respect for the sea and commitment to sustainability.”

The Copenhagen Malmö Port itself has taken steps that will make it climate neutral by 2025.

Inaugural Season in Norway

Following her naming ceremony MSC Euribia will spend her inaugural season in Northern Europe, sailing 7-night cruises from Kiel, Germany, and Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords, with calls at Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.

German artist Alex Flaemig is designing a Save the Sea-themed fresco for the ship’s exterior that will reflect the cruise line’s commitment to protecting and preserving the marine environment.

MSC Euribia Cruise Ship
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises

The ship is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, “who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas,” said MSC Cruises, which added that the name mirrors the cruise line’s vision to “master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies to protect and preserve the precious marine ecosystem.”

Technology Evolving

MSC Euribia’s emissions will be further reduced as new bio and synthetic fuels become available, said the cruise line.

According to MSC Cruises, “LNG is key to the development of low carbon solutions for shipping as emerging technologies such as fuel cells can be operated with LNG until zero emissions bio-LNG or green hydrogen become available at scale.”

The line said it already is involved in developing these technologies with regulators, academia, shipyards and industry. Along with the latest advances in energy and power, MSC Euribia also will have an underwater radiated noise management system aimed at lessening vibration effects on marine life.

The MSC Euribia will feature 12 cabin categories plus the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, 10 dining venues, 21 bars and lounges, five pools, an AquaPark, and a full children’s program.

P&O Cruises Teases Details of New Ship Naming

Melissa Mayntz
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P&O Cruises Teases Details of New Ship Naming

P&O Cruises’ much-anticipated new ship, Arvia, will be officially named next month, and the cruise line has released the names of top performers who will be hosting the exciting celebration.

The ceremony will also be broadcast live, permitting cruise travel fans around the world to get a taste of the tropics and welcome the new ship to the P&O Cruises fleet.

Top Performers for Arvia Naming

Award-winning British singer Olly Murs will lead the performance lineup for the naming of the new ship Arvia on Thursday, March 16, 2023 as the Excel-class vessel officially joins the P&O Cruises fleet.

Two of the UK’s most famous broadcasters and DJs, Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson, will also be on hand to direct the event both onboard the ship and on Heywood’s Beach, along the northwest coast of Barbados.

“For our guests watching Arvia’s naming ceremony from home and from Barbados this is a real treat,” said Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president. “Olly, Sara, and Trevor really do make a star-studded line up which showcases the contemporary entertainment for which P&O Cruises is known.”

P&O Arvia Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: P&O Cruises

While Olly Murs is sure to deliver a fantastic performance from the beach, Trevor Nelson will be hosting the onboard celebration in Arvia‘s Skydome, where he will introduce the famous bottle smash moment as the ship is christened. For the moment, the new ship’s ceremonial godmother is a closely guarded secret and has not yet been announced.

Sara Cox will be hosting the beachside ceremony on Heywood’s Beach, 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Bridgetown and near the town of Speightstown, bringing the event to even more guests and community members.

Both Nelson and Cox will be aboard Arvia for the March 11, 2023 sailing. Not only will they co-host the naming ceremony on March 16, but both DJs will offer late-night sets onboard the ship for guests to dance the night away.

Beachside Naming Ceremony

The first-of-its kind naming ceremony for Arvia will give attendees, both online and in person, a beautiful glimpse of the tropics at a time when many eager cruisers are struggling with winter weather.

“It is not often that in the depths of UK winter you can be transported to a spectacular white sand, palm-fringed beach in the Caribbean and watch a live performance from one of Britain’s best-loved stars,” said Ludlow. “It really will be a moment to remember.”

The spectacular Heywood’s Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Barbados and a perfect, quiet retreat preferred by many cruise travelers, with shallow reefs, calm waters, and watersports available.

P&O Arvia Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: P&O Cruises

This will be the cruise industry’s first-ever naming in Barbados, and celebrates the fact that the tropical destination will be one of Arvia‘s Caribbean homeports to offer getaways visiting stunning tropical paradises such as St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts, Martinique, St. Lucia, and the British Virgin Islands.

The naming ceremony will also be broadcast live online, bringing even more guests to the momentous event and allowing them to share in this historic christening.

Arvia, sister ship to the hugely popular Iona, is the largest cruise ship ever built for P&O Cruises, weighing in at 185,581 gross tons and with 15 guest decks featuring more than 30 dining venues and bars, six entertainment lounges, and four pools. A library, cinema, escape room, miniature golf, skywalk, thermal suite, casino, and more are all part of her amazing features.

Arvia can welcome 5,200 guests, with 1,800 international crew members providing superior service, led by Captain Robert Camby.

Cruise Ship Horn – The History and Significance

Emrys Thakkar
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Cruise Ship Horn – The History and Significance

Cruise ship horns have a particularly distinct sound that is very, very loud. However, you shouldn’t mistake a cruise ship’s horn for the same purpose as your car’s horn, for example. 

They are an essential part of water navigation and are crucial for the safety of the ship and other ships at sea. They have a unique significance, and different blasts mean different things. 

Keep reading to learn the history and significance of a cruise ship horn, and discover the meaning of the different blasts you may hear throughout your cruise.

In This Article…

Cruise Ship Horn History and Purpose

As maritime vessels, cruise ships subscribe to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and other standard regulations.

Standardized international regulations were established to codify important vessel operation procedures. Part of this standardization includes having adequate horns on large vessels, and cruise ships are no exception.

Cruise Ship Horns
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

These regulations are essential to ensure good communication between all vessels for the safety of all those onboard. The main point of a cruise ship horn is to avoid a collision at all costs. 

Cruise Ship Horn – Why Do They Blast Their Horns?

There are various reasons why cruise ships blast their horns, ranging from a simple salutation to other passing ships to a warning of potential danger or an emergency.

For the most part, however, most horn blasts are to communicate with other passing ships what direction the ship plans on going. This is done using various horn signals that all vessels understand.

Why Are Ship Horns So Loud?

You’re on your cruise deck relaxing and trying to get a tan when suddenly you hear the loud blaring of the horn. While this may startle you and even be annoying, there’s an important reason that cruise ship horns are so loud. 

Cruise ship horns are so loud because of how big the open sea is. They act as a warning to other boats and vessels at sea. They need to be heard in cases of low visibility and in cases of emergency.

Docked Cruise Ships
Photo Credit: Halit Sadik / Shutterstock

In general, you can hear cruise ship horns from up to two miles away. Cruise ships are pretty slow to stop and turn due to their enormous size, so this much space is needed as a warning to get out of another ship’s way. 

Ship Horn Blasts – What Do They Mean

You may have noticed that cruise ships have several different blasts. But what do they mean? Here’s a quick look into what the horn blasts mean.

  • One short horn blast: This communicates to another ship that you intend to pass it on your port side. 
  • Two short horn blasts: This communicates to another ship that you intend to pass on your starboard side.
  • Three short horn blasts: This means that you are operating in reverse, such as backing away from the dock.
  • One prolonged horn blast: This is the first blast you’ll often hear onboard your cruise, as the blast signals that a vessel is leaving the dock.
  • Five short horn blasts: This typically signals danger and is the type of blast you are least likely to hear on your ship

Aside from these reasons, your ship might also sound its horn in times of low visibility just to make its presence known.

Wrap-Up

Although cruise ship horns tend to startle and scare people onboard the ship, there’s rarely anything to worry about. In general, the ship’s captain blasts the horn signal only to communicate.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Tendering – Top Pro Tips

You’re more likely to hear your captain blast the ship’s horn signal for fun than you are to be in an emergency. Either way, you now know what different blasts mean so that you can be prepared for your next cruise.

Cruise Tourism in Mexico Soars to New Heights

Robert McGillivray
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Cruise Tourism in Mexico Soars to New Heights

Mexico has always been a top destination for cruise ships and their guests, and this trend continued throughout 2022. According to Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Torruco, 7.7 million cruise ship passengers arrived at different Mexican ports last year, representing a substantial increase from the previous year.

Cozumel has the busiest cruise port in the world, which proved true again in 2022, with almost 3 million passengers visiting the popular island. However, places such as Costa Maya, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada have done equally well in recovering from the hardships experienced in 2020 and 2021. 

Busiest Ports in Mexico for Cruise Arrivals in 2022

Cozumel and Costa Maya in Quintana Roo, Ensenada in Baja California, Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur, Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and Mazatlán in Sinaloa are the top ports that received the highest number of cruise arrivals in Mexico in 2022. These ports alone accounted for 94.6% of the cruise passengers who arrived in Mexico last year.

Cozumel, in particular, saw a significant increase in arrivals, with 1,114 ships and 2.9 million passengers in 2022, a trend it’s continuing this year. Mahahual in Quintana Roo had 462 arrivals, with 1.23 million cruise passengers.

Cruise Ships in Costa Maya, Mexico
Photo Credit: byvalet / Shutterstock

Ensenada in Baja California received 323 cruise ships and 744,221 passengers, while Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur had 227 vessels arrive with a total of 540,773 tourists. Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco received 184 cruise ships with 458,319 passengers, and Mazatlán in Sinaloa had 141 arrivals and 399,926 cruise passengers.

2022 was off to a flying start in Mexico’s cruise tourism industry. By the end of May, 2.9 million cruise passengers had already visited the country—a clear indication of Mexico’s growing popularity and recovery as a cruise destination.

Throughout the year, more than 2500 cruise ship calls were made to one of Mexico’s many cruise ports. These ships arrived in different ports of Mexico, including some lesser-known ports such as Progreso, Huatulco, Acapulco, Manzanillo, and Zihuatanejo.

Mexico is home to more than 12 ports equipped to handle the arrival of cruise ships to its shores. Each port has unique attractions and experiences to offer, making them popular destinations for cruise passengers from around the world.

Some ports, like Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, offer beautiful beaches and water activities, while others, like Ensenada, are known for their wineries and gastronomy.

Government’s Focus on Developing Tourism Sector

The Mexican government has been working hard to ensure that the country’s ports are equipped to handle the growing number of cruise ships and passengers. Many ports have undergone upgrades in recent years to accommodate larger vessels and provide better services to tourists.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

The average expenditure of cruise passengers was $76.7, which is an 8.3% increase from the previous year, showing that the focus from the government is paying off.

This spending resulted in a significant economic impact on the region, particularly in the ports that received the most arrivals. The cruise industry generated a foreign exchange income of 542.7 million dollars, significantly boosting Mexico’s economy.

Despite the challenges posed by the global pause in operations during 2020 and 2021, Mexico’s tourism industry has remained resilient. Many visitors have felt confident in traveling to Mexico and enjoying all the country offers.

Carnival Cruise Line Ships to Serve New Drink

Donna Tunney
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Carnival Cruise Line Ships to Serve New Drink

First came the delicious burgers, and then the delectable barbecued pork, and now there are distinctive tequilas to top it all off. Guy Fieri, the chef and Food Network celebrity who’s a restaurant partner with Carnival Cruise Line, has added Guy and Sammy’s Santo Tequilas to his mix of onboard delights.

A Fieri-Hagar Brand

Carnival Cruise Line and food partner Guy Fieri announced an expansion of shipboard offerings by the celebrity chef with the addition of Santo Tequilas in every bar on all of the line’s ships.

Santo Tequilas is a brand partnership between Fieri and rock star Sammy Hagar, formerly of the band Van Halen.

Carnival Drink
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Fieri said, “When Sammy Hagar and I partnered up to bring our real deal, 100% Blue Weber Agave Santo to the tequila-loving masses, we worked hard to make it available coast to coast. But something just seemed to be missing…Santo at sea! So, we joined forces with my longtime partners at Carnival Cruise Line to bring our old world-style Blanco and Reposado tequilas to every ship in the fleet.”

An Expanding Partnership

The celebrity chef’s partnership with Carnival Cruise Line began in 2011, when his Guy’s Burger Joint was introduced on Carnival Liberty as part of the ship’s FUN 2.0 upgrades. Since then it’s been added to many more ships during dry dock renovations and to new-builds.

The burger joint made a name for itself with Fieri’s secret donkey sauce, and with burgers like The Ringer, with his bourbon and brown sugar barbecue sauce topped with a spicy onion ring. In 2017, Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line won the best burger venue at sea by Cruise Hive readers.

Carnival Cruise Line Funderstruck Burger
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Five years after the burger venue launched, the line celebrated the grand opening of a second Fieri eatery, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, which debuted on Carnival Magic and has since been added to several other ships.

Cruiser favorites include Fieri’s bone-in, dry-rubbed, slow-smoked and pulled Championship Pork Butt, dry-rubbed and grilled Blue Ribbon Chicken, and smoked Andouille sausage.

Three vessels, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, and Mardi Gras, boast Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouses, which feature signature, exclusively brewed ales that enhance the menu.

National Margarita Day

The launch of the tequila brand onboard Carnival ships came on February 22, which also happened to be National Margarita Day. Onboard all of the line’s ships cruisers now can enjoy the brand’s old world-style Santo Blanco Tequila and oak-aged Santo Reposado Tequila.

The Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse venues also will serve Guy Fieri’s Caliente Margarita, made with Santo Blanco Tequila, triple sec, cilantro, jalapeno, lemonade, and lime, according to the line.

Hagar teamed up with Fieri and the two founded their tequila business in 2017. It wasn’t Hagar’s first go-round with the liquor. Years earlier he founded the tequila brand Cabo Wabo, a company he sold back in 2007.

Carnival Cruise Line Bringing Back Classic Option to Inform Guests

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Bringing Back Classic Option to Inform Guests

While many cruise lines have created dedicated apps to bring guests all the updated information about activities, entertainment, dining, and more during their cruise, some passengers prefer the more relaxed, traditional vibe of a paper newsletter. Carnival Cruise Line is now bringing back its classic Fun Times newsletter, to be delivered to guests’ staterooms on each evening of their cruise.

Fun Times Newsletter Returning

Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald has announced the return of the delivery of the Fun Times newsletter, a feature many guests have missed in recent years.

Prior to the pandemic industry-wide shutdown of cruising, many cruise lines had already begun slimming down onboard newsletters to save paper and reduce waste.

Instead, cruise lines introduced digital apps for guests to use. Carnival Cruise Line was no different with the Carnival Hub app, which includes detailed information about onboard activities, dining, and entertainment, as well as useful features such as deck plans and safety information.

Carnival Fun Times
Photo Credit: Kim / Creative Commons)

Many guests, however, continue to prefer the printed newsletter for the convenience of having daily schedules at their fingertips without carrying around a cell phone or mobile device.

Printed newsletters have always remained available, but were no longer delivered to staterooms as part of pandemic precautions to have fewer people entering cabins and to reduce the possibility of disease transmission.

Instead, guests could pick up a printed newsletter at the Guest Services desk, public cafes, or other public venues. Now, the Fun Times will once again be delivered to guests’ cabins to inform them of the next day’s onboard schedule.

“In the days and weeks ahead we will provide a printed version of the Funtimes in the cabin mail box the night before,” Heald said.

Cabin mailboxes are located outside each cabin, usually near the door or where the cabin numbers are seen. Older ships may not have dedicated mailboxes, but papers can be folded and either slipped underneath the stateroom door or tucked behind the stateroom number sign.

The Carnival Hub app will continue to be available, giving guests their choice of how they prefer to be kept updated about what is coming up on their cruise.

About the Fun Times

The Carnival Fun Times (called the Carnival Caper Paper in years past) offers daily information about cruise activities, along with other useful details such as sunrise and sunset times, operating hours for different dining venues, highlights for top-tier entertainment, emergency phone numbers to call, and retail special offers and sales.

Carnival Cruise Line Fun Times
Carnival Cruise Line Fu Times

During port days, the newsletter also includes information about when guests must be back onboard the ship, as well as tips for going ashore.

One of the most popular features of the Fun Times has been a tear off, quick reference schedule of onboard activities, which many guests will carry to refer to throughout the day rather than toting along the whole newsletter. Some guests even bring special highlighters or pens to mark up the newsletter to ensure they don’t miss any excitement throughout the day.

Onboard Newsletters – Pros and Cons

Paper newsletters are convenient for many guests, especially those who prefer to “unplug” during a cruise vacation and do not want to constantly carry a cell phone or other mobile device.

The newsletter can be similar to a “morning paper” ritual to review and plan out one’s day. Also, a paper schedule does not require recharging one’s phone or adjusting the brightness when outdoors to read it easily.

Carnival Cruise Line Ship Deck
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

Printed newsletters, however, cannot be updated without using even more paper and ink, and if there are last-minute changes to a cruise itinerary – such as being unable to visit a port of call due to poor weather or canceling a show because of crew illness – the electronic apps can be updated much more efficiently.

Occasionally, the online apps and printed newsletters don’t always show the same information, which can be confusing. When in doubt, it is more likely that the electronic version has been updated and is more accurate.

Apps can also offer more interactive features, such as setting reservations for dining or entertainment, messaging other guests, and reviewing one’s onboard account.

Do you prefer a printed newsletter, or are you committed to using a cruise line’s app instead? Share your preferences on the Cruise Hive boards!

Costa Rica Unveils Plans for New Cruise Terminal

Robert McGillivray
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Costa Rica Unveils Plans for New Cruise Terminal

Costa Rica is preparing to unveil a new cruise terminal in Puerto Limón, promising visitors an experience they will never forget. Puerto Limón, situated on the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica, has long been a favorite destination for cruise passengers, although facilities were somewhat lacking. 

The terminal’s exterior will undergo a significant redesign. At the same time, investments from the Costa Rica government and local stakeholders will improve the public and artisan areas and offer enhanced services for visitors. The project was announced during a presentation by President Alvarado, the president of Costa Rica, and local officials.

New Cruise Terminal for Puerto Limón

Cruise ship visitors to Puerto Limón can expect a new experience when they arrive at the Hernán Garrón Salazar port terminal in the future. During a press conference, stakeholders and government officials announced the redesign of the current facilities, which will receive a full makeover.

The upgrade of the Hernán Garrón Salazar port terminal’s infrastructure is set to increase the quality of services in line with international standards.

It will aim to highlight the culture and activities of the Limón region, ensuring that the first impression encourages cruise ship passengers to go out and get to know the Costa Rican Caribbean. 

Andrea Centeno, Executive President of the Port Administration and Economic Development Board of the Atlantic Coast (JAPDEVA), expressed her excitement for the project, saying:

“We want to take their breath away right from the first glance so that they will go on to fall in love with the flavor, natural surroundings, music, culture, and beauty of the cantons of this Caribbean province.”

The President of Costa Rica attended the press conference, stating that the makeover aims to promote the province and boost the local economy:

“Limón is capable of winning over tourists with its nature and its incredible people. Our objective is to promote stays in the province, which will not only reactivate the local and national economy but also position the province as a destination that can compete with other destinations, offering quality and a tourist experience steeped in Limón’s culture and tradition”, said President Alvarado.

New Costa Rica Cruise Terminal

Upgrades will include artisan areas, which will give local families a chance to sell their wares to visiting cruise ship passengers, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. 

“This is a way of giving better service to the passengers who will stay in the region and consume local services, meaning that many of us can increase our sales and bring the benefits to our families,” said one local artisan. 

Cruise Ships Visiting Costa Rica

The new terminal will welcome approximately 193,000 cruise ship passengers each year to the Costa Rican Caribbean. Costa Rica has become an increasingly popular destination thanks to its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and the country’s unique wildlife. 

The cruise industry has noticed a significant increase in ships visiting the six official ports across the country over the last few years, in particular since the end of the global pause in operations.

More From Cruise Hive

During the 2019-2020 season, 239,566 cruise ship guests visited Costa Rica, with 113 ships visiting ports in the Pacific and 84 vessels visiting ports in the Caribbean. 

The country is a popular destination for passengers due to its natural beauty, including tropical rainforests, beaches, and mountains, as well as its adventure activities such as white water rafting, hiking through the dense jungles, surfing on the Pacific Coast, visiting Poás Volcano National Park, or snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. 

Between September 2022 and July 2023, more than 300 cruise ships are expected to visit the country, representing a 20% growth compared to 2019. The recent arrival of nine ships, which arrived simultaneously in five different ports across the country, marked a significant moment for the cruise industry in Costa Rica. 

Cruise Ship to Help Shelter Earthquake Refugees in Turkey

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Ship to Help Shelter Earthquake Refugees in Turkey

Miray Cruises’ Gemini will be used as a temporary shelter for refugees after the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.

The vessel has a history of relief work and will be docked at the Port of Iskenderun, Turkey, while housing refugees, many of whom are families with children.

Ship to Serve as Emergency Shelter

Gemini is a 19,093-gross-ton vessel with the capacity for 1,074 guests, which will help tremendously with displaced families who lost their homes in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck south-central Turkey and northern Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023, one of the strongest earthquakes to ever impact the region.

Miray Cruises has offered the vessel for emergency relief to welcome refugees. The cruise line will not only furnish housing onboard the ship, but will also furnish all meals and provide 24-hour medical care to those aboard.

Gemini Cruise Ship
Gemini Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: cherry-hai / Shutterstock)

Furthermore, a special schedule of activities for the children aboard will be created to help create a sense of normalcy and relieve anxiety for the youngest guests.

Gemini features 400 cabins as well as several bars and restaurants, lounges, duty-free shopping, a main pool, and a spa area. It is not known how many features will be available for the refugees to use, or whether areas may be temporarily repurposed to better serve the refugees’ needs, such as for extra sleeping quarters, storage space, or an onboard schoolroom.

The ship will be housing refugees until March 15, after which it will begin a planned season of short Greek Island cruises including visits to Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Rhodes, and other top destinations.

History of Service

Gemini first entered service in 1992 as Crown Jewel, the largest vessel ever built in Spain, for the now-defunct Crown Cruise Line. The ship has been owned and operated by various lines over the past 30 years, including Cunard Line, Star Cruises, and Celestyal Cruises. Miray Cruises acquired the vessel in 2019.

In addition to welcoming cruise travelers with various lines and sailing to various destinations around the world, Gemini also has a history of alternative service and humanitarian aid.

Gemini Cruise Ship
Gemini Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Bennian / Shutterstock

During the London Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2012, the ship was used as housing for security staff, and she has been used several times as accommodations for workers in various locations for different companies.

In 2017, the ship was chartered by FEMA to hose emergency response crews after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, stationed in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Cruise lines often offer vessels for relief support when there is great need. Several ships have been chartered to house Ukrainian refugees, for example, and ships are regularly used after hurricanes and tropical storms.

About the Earthquake

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck at approximately 4:17 a.m. local time on February 6, with far-reaching damage and an estimated 47,800 deaths.

This is the strongest recorded earthquake in the region since 1939, which also registered as a 7.8 magnitude. Shaking was felt as far away as Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Cyprus. More than 2,000 aftershocks followed the main pair of quakes, with severe winter weather causing further complications for rescue and relief efforts.

Total damage is estimated to be $84 billion (USD), making this earthquake the fourth-costliest earthquake in recorded history and the deadliest natural disaster modern Turkey has ever seen.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone impacted by this devastating earthquake, including crew members of cruise lines worldwide who have family and friends in Turkey and Syria.

Carnival Cruise Line Teases New Addition to the Fleet

Robert McGillivray
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Carnival Cruise Line Teases New Addition to the Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a new feature to help guests stay up-to-date with the latest information about the upcoming Carnival Firenze.

The ship is set to join the Carnival fleet in spring 2024, and this new tool will allow guests to register for updates on the ship’s itinerary and special sale promotions.

Carnival Firenze will sail year-round from Long Beach, California, with itineraries that include popular destinations in Baja, California, and the Mexican Riviera.

While details about the ship’s onboard offerings have not yet been announced, the cruise line has promised that Carnival Firenze will offer a new experience that complements Carnival’s signature fun with the ship’s spectacular Italian atmosphere.

Guests Can be First-to-Know About Everything Carnival Firenze

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Firenze is set to debut in spring 2024 from Long Beach, California. With year-round cruises to popular destinations in Baja, California, and the Mexican Riviera, guests can expect an unforgettable experience that combines Carnival’s signature fun with an Italian atmosphere.

To keep guests in the loop about everything related to Carnival Firenze, Carnival Cruise Line has released a new feature that allows guests to register to be the “first to know” about upcoming itineraries and special sale promotions. Guests can stay updated with everything related to Carnival Firenze with just a few clicks.

Carnival Firenze; Rendering by Carnival Cruise Line

“We embark more guests from California than any other cruise line, and soon Carnival Firenze will provide a great new option for them,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “When the ship joins our fleet, she’s going to bring our valued guests a new experience that complements our signature fun with the ship’s spectacular Italian atmosphere.”

Guests can enter their details on the Carnival Cruise Line website to stay updated and be the first to hear the new-ship news. According to the cruise line, those who registered will also be first in line for an exclusive deal.

What Is Carnival Fun Italian Style?

Carnival Firenze is part of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Fun Italian Style experience, which debuts with the arrival of Carnival Venezia in New York in June 2023. 

The experience combines Carnival’s signature high-energy environment, friendly team members, and many familiar venues with new, creative concepts, including Italian-themed restaurants, bars, and entertainment. At the same time, the idea also incorporates several well-known classics from the other Carnival Cruise Line ships. 

“Just like their Carnival sisters, fun will be at the heart of Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, but they will also carry a unique experience – incorporating the spectacular Italian atmosphere and rich culture they embody,” said Duffy.

Costa Venezia Atrium
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

In addition to introducing a new experience for guests, the debut of Carnival Firenze and Carnival Venezia also represents an expansion of the company’s presence in two of its 14 U.S. homeports.

Carnival has been sailing from New York since 1998 and from the West Coast for over 40 years, first cruising from Los Angeles in 1979. Today, Carnival embarks more guests from Long Beach, California, than any other cruise operator.

Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze will undergo dry dock work before joining the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in Spring 2023 and 2024, respectively. Costa Venezia is 135,500 gross tons, can carry up to 5,260 guests, and made her debut for Costa Cruises in 2019.

Costa Firenze has the same gross tonnage and passenger capacity and was launched in 2020. Both ships are modified versions of the Vista-class vessels, a popular class of cruise ship among passengers of both Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises.

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