American Queen Voyages, is following several other cruise lines by upgrading its entire fleet of seven vessels with SpaceX Starlink Maritime, a satellite-based internet service that provides fast, reliable, and global internet coverage for ships worldwide.
The company aims to provide its guests with the best internet access while cruising through North America. American Queen Voyages will become the first cruise line to have its entire fleet fully upgraded with Starlink technology with 5G backup.
All American Queen Cruise Ships Will Have Starlink
American Queen Voyages has announced that it will be equipping its entire fleet of authentic paddlewheel riverboats, boutique exploration vessels, and expedition ships with satellite internet technology from SpaceX Maritime.
American Queen Voyages is the first cruise line in the US to fully upgrade its entire fleet with cutting-edge new technology, providing guests with fast and reliable internet access while they explore North America.
The Starlink Maritime system is designed to provide satellite internet access and coverage globally. It is considered one of the fastest and most powerful internet services available, particularly for maritime environments. The system will be integrated with 5G cellular backup, ensuring a seamless and stable internet connection for guests and crew alike.
Photo Courtesy: American Queen Voyages
Each vessel in the American Queen Voyages fleet will have multiple maritime Starlink-grade kits, providing significant bandwidth in partnership with the FMC Global Sat 5G solution.
Emmanuel Cotrel, Chief Executive Officer of FMC, commented: “FMC’s innovative solutions integrated with Starlink’s connectivity enables applications and services that require low latency and significant Mbps of bandwidth that were, until now, considered unrealistic or cost prohibitive. We are pleased to help provide American Queen Voyage passengers and crew with best-in-class internet connectivity wherever they travel.”
The technology will be an included amenity in American Queen Voyages’ luxurious all-inclusive offerings, ensuring that guests and crew can access the internet anywhere they travel.
Starlink will be installed, tested, and ready to use on all vessels before they set sail in 2023. American Queen, American Countess, and Ocean Navigator have already undergone Starlink installation and are ready for guests and crew to enjoy.
Improving the Guest & Crew Experience
With the upgrade to Starlink, American Queen Voyages aims to provide its guests with the ability to stay connected and access the internet at high speeds, much like they would at home. The fast and reliable internet service will allow guests to browse the web, stream content, and stay in touch with loved ones back home, making the cruise experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
“Upgrading our included Wi-Fi to Space X’s Starlink will enhance the guest and crew experience on all of our vessels,”said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages.“This new internet service will now allow guests to stay connected while deeply discovering North America, enjoying the comforts of at-home Wi-Fi at sea.”
The upgrade to Starlink will not only improve the guest experience but will also enhance the crew experience. The fast and reliable internet service will allow crew members to communicate quickly and stay in touch with their loved ones, making the cruise experience better for everyone on board.
Guests sailing on a cruise on the American rivers will likely be able to use Starlink Maritime on a number of different river cruise ships this summer. Earlier this year, American Cruise Line announced it would also install Starlink onboard its cruise ships.
With a bit of planning, there are many ways to save money on your first cruise. Consider these strategies to reduce the costs before and during your vacation voyage.
We have all seen those glamorous advertisements online, on television, and in print with gorgeous ships, happy travelers, and stunningly low prices. Simply stated, this will not be the accurate cost of your cruise vacation. It is a starting point; the base number to which you will need to add other expenses.
If you see an advertised “price” you like from a particular cruise line, it is time to do some research about the details. The big question to answer: What specifically is included?
For example, where will the cabin be located on the ship? Interior rooms and those near busy areas are always cheaper. But if you want a balcony or window, then the advertised price may not be right for your needs.
Make a list of what you are getting for the advertised price and shop for similar “deals” with other cruise lines. One strategy for doing this is to peruse third-party booking sites. Here you will likely find comparable rates with the option of getting some competitive perks. Usually offered as onboard credits (a useful and simple way to pay for things onboard), the differences can be hundreds of dollars.
Added tip: Check with your credit cards to see if you can earn some travel point or other benefits for paying with them.
When to Book
Another way to save money on your first cruise is to book your reservations at certain times. There are a couple of ways to use this strategy to save money: Book early or book at the last minute. For the former, cruise lines want to sell all the reservations they can, as quickly as possible. This means they often offer upgrades (better cabins) and value-added benefits (packages) for those who book six to 18 months ahead.
If you can travel spontaneously, it can be easy to book a cheap, last-minute spot on a cruise. The possible downside here can be the cost of getting to port, the type and location of your cabin and (read the fine print) the kinds of amenities included.
Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock
During ‘wave season’ (January to March), cruises are cheaper. This is also a good time to make reservations – and, you do not have to travel during that period—just book for whatever dates you like.
Make a reservation during shoulder season. These are the times that are not peak and not off season. For example, late summer and early fall in the Caribbean is in this category because it is hurricane season as well. If you book these dates, purchase some travel insurance – just in case.
An added tip: Book your second cruise while still on your first one! Deep discounts and semi-negotiable perks are generally standard practice when making reservations onboard.
When to Cruise
If the students are out of school (summer, fall and spring breaks and holidays), the cost of a cruise is generally higher. However, there are still great deals available during these times with a bit of research and planning.
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
Added tip: Keep an eye on the price of your cruise. If the cost drops, contact the cruise line and ask for a reimbursement of the difference. This is usually issued as an onboard credit – the same as money while on the ship. And, they cannot say ‘yes’ to your request if you do not ask!
Where to Stay on the Cruise Ship
There are basically four types of staterooms (cabins) on a cruise ship: inside, outside, balcony and suites. Each of these come with a wide array of characteristics and price differentials with inside (no windows) as the cheapest.
Outside cabins (ocean views via a window or porthole) are a bit higher in price; balconies are the next most costly; and, suites are the most expensive. Weigh the cost differences against your accommodation priorities.
Photo Credit: Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock
On a related note, older ships have cheaper prices. While everyone is scrambling to book the latest and greatest on the sea, consider a voyage on a seasoned vessel. The comforts are comparable; the food is just as good; and, the itineraries are comparable.
Shop for Packages
Many of the expenses related to a cruise vacation are now grouped into packages. These can be the essentials like food (at specialty restaurants), drinks and gratuities or extras like spa days, classes, events, Internet and shore excursions.
One way to save money is to either negotiate their inclusion with your price or pre-purchase them when you make your reservations. Again, do a bit of research to find the best deals.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Specifically, Internet access onboard can (cumulatively) be expensive. It is usually priced per device per day. So, with a family of four, this can quickly become expensive. One suggestion is to purchase a shared Internet package.
While only one person can be online a time, access is available across multiple devices. This is a great way to save if everyone does not need to be online at the same time, or you would like access only sporadically.
Added tip: Ports of call with Internet cafés and restaurants often offer this for free to their patrons. For those who do not have to be online at any given moment, this is a cost saver.
Packing for Your First Cruise
It might be tempting to pack lots of luggage if you are driving to port. Keep in mind that space is limited in the cabins and porters will (appropriately) expect a gratuity for handling your big bags. And, if you are flying, baggage check is another expense you can avoid by packing light. (The cruise ship will have hairdryers, irons, soaps and shampoos.)
Should you need personal toiletries and over-the-counter medicines after boarding (sunscreen and motion sickness remedies, for example), they are…well… hugely overpriced!
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While it is good to have the option to purchase something you might not have anticipated needing, avoid an expensive aspirin by bringing what you need with you. And, if you run out of something or do not have an immediate need, shop for these items at stores and pharmacies in your ports of call for cheaper prices.
Also, bring along plenty of cash. As we all know, ATM fees are quite high everywhere – and this includes on the ship and in the ports of call. Check the exchange rates for your destinations and only use banks to change your money should you need local currency when you go ashore.
Added tip: Consider packing and bringing some of your favorite snacks. Or, buying some local treats when you go ashore. If they are prepackaged, they are allowed on the ship.
Waiting for Departure
It is always a good idea to arrive at your departure port at least one day ahead of sailing. Therefore, you will need overnight accommodations. Ask the hotel if they have any stay/cruise benefits. One of the best perks is the option of leaving your vehicle at the hotel during the cruise.
Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock
Parking at the port can quickly add up. Also, ask if they have a free shuttle for transportation to and from the port – another way to save money on your first cruise regardless of whether you drive or fly.
Where to Eat Onboard
Included in the price of your cruise will be breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining room (and possibly some buffet locations). Since you have already paid for these meals (and they are quite delicious), eat there as often as possible. For example, when you pull into a port of call, have a meal before going ashore. And, you are free to come and go as you please while in port. So, consider returning to the ship to eat.
Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock
If you would like to enjoy the cuisine at the various specialty restaurants onboard, this will cost extra. Meals are often a flat price per person. For the best deals, have lunch rather than dinner at these eateries.
The option to order “free” room service is often included in the price of the cruise as well. However, this is another time to read the fine print. To avoid any surprises, make sure that there are no restrictions related to the menu or time of day (or night) to use this perk.
Shore Excursion Options
Time ashore at various ports of call is one of the best parts of a cruise vacation. To save money on your first cruise, read ahead of time about where you are stopping during your itinerary. Pick out some places and activities that fit your interests and look for local guides to give you a tour.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
Or, simply go exploring on your own at the ports of call. These strategies can be considerably cheaper than signing up for the cruise line tours. Do keep an eye on the clock though; the ship will not wait should you arrive late back to port.
Shop for Souvenirs
The gift shop onboard can be a tempting place to shop. They have all the neat items you would like to purchase for your memories and your family. Resist the urge to buy it when you see it, unless it is on sale.
Carnival Sun Shops (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Souvenir shops on ships have a rolling system of marking down inventory throughout the cruise. Check back and wait for a better price. And, remember, when you go ashore in your ports of call, there will be many opportunities to negotiate a price with vendors for their local wares.
Group Cruises
One way to enjoy an inexpensive cruise, with the possibility of traveling for free, is to organize a group vacation. If you have a large group of friends or family that would like to take a cruise together, see what options your chosen cruise line offers. By signing up a certain number of passengers in your group, you (and possibly your cabin mate) could receive a free cruise or substantial discounts and credits.
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Keep in mind that you will be the organizer and work directly with the line or travel agent to plan everything, like finding the best cruise, communications with your group and on time deposits/payments.
Consider a Luxury Cruise Line
If traveling in style at the best price is in the plans for your first cruise consider booking a reservation on a luxury cruise line. While it may seem counterintuitive for saving money, it might just be the best deal for the price.
For example, if you want to stay in the nicest suites and want to eat at all the best restaurants onboard a standard cruise, it may actually cost more than a reservation on a luxury line.
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The reason for this is that most of the upper-tier cruise lines include everything we have been considering here – shore excursions, drink packages, gratuities, Internet access and pre-sailing hotels and even flights. Do the math and see how the costs compare when placed side-by-side.
Repositioning Cruise
Our final tip is possibly the most unique idea for a way to save money on your first voyage – a repositioning cruise. These are one-way trips that cruise ships take to move from one operational region or seasonal homeport to another.
The difference? Repositioning cruises can be considerably cheaper (particularly per day) compared to a typical sailing. Additionally, they often have fewer passengers. They usually occur in spring or fall and can last two weeks or more.
There are multiple days at sea and the ship has a full crew and conducts itself as if it were on a regular voyage – food, activities, stops at exotic locations and so forth. If an extended trip sounds fun, be sure to select a ship with activities of interest to you since you will be at sea for days at a time.
With some careful planning, you can coordinate the additional travel requirements with a repositioning cruise. For example, frequent flyer miles to the departure port and a comparatively inexpensive cruise back home – perfect!
Guests booked to sail next week aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam have been notified of an itinerary change that involves a port swap and slightly less time in the replacement port due to an engine issue that limits the ship’s speed. The safety of the vessel is not impacted, and guests are being provided with compensation for the change.
Nieuw Amsterdam Itinerary Change
The impacted itinerary is the February 12, 2023 sailing of Nieuw Amsterdam, a 7-night roundtrip Southern Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale. The original itinerary has the ship calling on Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in The Bahamas, as well as Bonaire and Curacao before returning to Florida on Sunday, February 19.
Guests have now been notified of a modification to the itinerary, with a port swap as a result.
“Please be advised that Nieuw Amsterdam is experiencing a technical issue with the Azipod propulsion system,”the email explained.“As a result, we will no longer call to Kralendijk, Bonaire on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Instead, we will now call to Oranjestad, Aruba.”
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Bonaire was planned to have been the second port of call for the cruise, after Half Moon Cay and with a day at sea between the two ports. The email explains that the Azipod issue “does restrict our ability to operate at full speed” as the reason for the port swap.
Bonaire and Aruba are just 125 miles (201 kilometers) apart. At Nieuw Amsterdam‘s top cruising speed of nearly 24 knots (27 miles per hour / 44 kilometers per hour), it would take the ship just under 5 hours to move between the ports.
The call to Aruba will be from 5-11 p.m, whereas the original itinerary had the ship visiting Bonaire for two hours longer, from 3-11 p.m. on the same date.
This does confirm that the ship must move more slowly to reach the port, but not so slowly that the itinerary must be more dramatically altered, such as switching to an Eastern rather than a Southern Caribbean route.
Compensation Provided
To help alleviate disappointment over the change, guests are being provided with $50 (USD) of non-refundable onboard credit, which will be posted to each guest’s onboard account for this sailing.
Furthermore, all shore excursions for Bonaire that have been booked through the cruise line are being fully refunded, and updated excursion options for Aruba will be available for booking onboard.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
As no other ports of call have been modified in any way at this time, this is quite generous compensation for the alteration. Experienced cruise travelers know that cruise lines have full authority to change or cancel ports of call at any time, even after the cruise sets sail, and have no obligation to provide compensation to guests for such alterations.
More Changes for Nieuw Amsterdam
This is the second change announced recently for the Signature-class Nieuw Amsterdam. Earlier this week, the cruise line notified guests booked on the 14-night May 7, 2023 Alaskan sailing that there were several changes to that lengthy itinerary, including a port swap and changes to the days the ship would be visiting other ports along the way.
Those changes were attributed to “operational changes” with no mention made of any engine issues impacting the ship’s speed.
This may mean that the Azipod issue is a relatively minor concern, one that can be easily fixed while the ship is in operation. It is likely that the issue will be corrected well before the ship repositions to Vancouver in April in preparation for the Alaska sailing season.
Nevertheless, guests booked on Nieuw Amsterdam for the next several weeks will want to stay in close contact with the cruise line for potential updates and itinerary changes for their sailings, just in case further adjustments are necessary or the issue becomes more critical.
MSC Cruises is set to make a splash in 2023 with its summer itineraries, offering guests a wide selection of 140 destinations across 40 countries, with more than 50 embarkation ports.
The world’s third-largest cruise brand has 22 ships in its fleet, each sailing to must-see destinations, including the Arctic, Copenhagen, the Greek Islands, the Bahamas, Japan, and the Caribbean.
Experience the Best of Europe and the Arctic Circle
This summer, guests booking a cruise onboard one of the state-of-the-art MSC Cruises ships can look forward to visiting some of the most exciting destinations in Europe.
Sailing from Kiel, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark, the 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, MSC Euribia will sail to Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flaam in Norway. MSC Euribia is the newest ship in the fleet launching in June, and is a sister ship to MSC World Europa.
For a more adventurous experience, guests can opt for the exclusive destination of Svalbard, Norway, which is only available for four sailings during the summer of 2023 onboard MSC Preziosa.
Render Courtesy: MSC Cruises
Svalbard, located 500 miles from the North Pole, offers a unique opportunity to discover the Arctic Circle and its breathtaking landscapes. Excursions include a hybrid-electric catamaran tour of the fjords, a hybrid-electric speedboat visit to a walrus colony, or e-biking through polar bear country.
MSC Cruises is introducing a brand-new destination for the summer of 2023, the Greek Island paradise of Zakynthos, onboard MSC Lirica, which will begin in May. The island boasts white pebbled shorelines, turquoise waters, and rugged clifftops. The ship will sail from Venice and also visit Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Bari, Italy.
The 215,863 gross tons, 6,762-passenger MSC World Europa, the flagship of MSC Cruises, will sail to popular Western Mediterranean destinations this summer, including Genoa, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Barcelona, and Marseille.
The first LNG-powered vessel in MSC’s fleet, the ultramodern vessel, has been operating in the Persian Gulf since December last year. This summer will be the first season of cruises in Europe for the cruise ship.
Three Cruise Ships Sailing from the U.S.
MSC Cruises is offering three ships sailing from US homeports, providing guests with a variety of Caribbean cruise options. MSC Seascape offers 7- or 14-night sailings from Miami, MSC Meraviglia offers 7-night Bahamas cruises from New York, and MSC Seaside offers 3 to 11-night cruises from Port Canaveral.
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
All cruises visit the highlight of MSC’s Caribbean itineraries, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The island was built by dredging in the late 1960s is a former sand mine but now features a tropical landscape that only MSC guests can enjoy.
Return to Japan
MSC Cruises will finally return to Asia and offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover the beauty of Japan during one of six cruises. Aboard the MSC Bellissima, guests can experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and modern attractions.
The itineraries include stops at the island of Kyushu, which was recently named one of the 23 must-visit destinations in 2023 by Architectural Digest, and other popular cities like Kagoshima and Fukuoka. Cruises depart from Yokohama, conveniently located just south of Tokyo, allowing guests to explore the exciting capital of Japan pre- or post-cruise.
Princess Cruises will turn the spotlight on American history in the summer of 2024, when two of its cruise ships will call at the port of Yorktown, Virginia, and offer guests the opportunity to explore Virginia’s Historic Triangle — Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg.
The port of Yorktown is within a small harbor where Chesapeake Bay meets the York River in southeastern Virginia. Princess will be the first major cruise line to call at the port.
Ties to Revolutionary War
Two Princess Cruises ships will include five-day-long port calls to Yorktown on their itineraries in summer 2024, with three visits by the 92,000 gross ton, 2,200-guest Island Princess and two visits by the 113,561 gross ton, 3,080-guest Emerald Princess.
Dates and itineraries will be announced in coming weeks, the line said, along with excursions, which are certain to include the historically significant sites and events that tie the region’s Historic Triangle destinations to the Revolutionary War.
Princess Cruises President John Padgett said,“Princess is already well known for our unique itineraries that appeal to our guests who gravitate toward interesting historical and cultural opportunities and Yorktown is perfectly in tune with that philosophy, offering not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises
It was the Battle of Yorktown that decisively ended the war when British General Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington in 1781.
Williamsburg is home to Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum, while Jamestown has the ruins of the first permanent English settlement in North America as well as a living-history museum. The three historical sites are within a short drive of each other.
According to Padgett, the calls at Yorktown and excursions to the region’s historic sites are significant as the country approaches the 250th anniversaries of the start of the Revolutionary War and the writing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The anniversary will be celebrated in 2026.
Padgett added, ”We couldn’t be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries. As a native Virginian myself, I can attest that an itinerary that offers the chance to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown promises to be a most welcome addition for our guests, providing them with memorable vacation experiences that they can’t find anywhere else.”
Local Tourism Boost
With the Princess ships sailing at full capacity, the five port calls could deliver around 14,000 cruise guests to the area, representing a boost to local tourism and to local tour operators.
York County Economic & Tourism Development Director Kristi Olsen-Hayes said,“Our community is rooted in history and it is an important part of our visitor mix. We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown.”
“Additional visitors coming to our area via the cruise line would contribute to the region’s economy, benefiting retail, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments,”Olsen-Hayes added.
Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock
Excursions are likely to include revolutionary battlefields, colonial architecture, gardens, the living-history museums at Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, and other area attractions.
As a small port with limited docking facilities, the Princess ships will tender guests ashore. Another cruise line already includes Yorktown on its itineraries, American Cruise Lines, which operates small ships carrying under 200 guests.
The line’s 170-guest American Constitution calls at Yorktown on her 6-night Chesapeake Bay Cruise and 10-night American Revolution Cruise, both departing from Baltimore.
The Princess announcement of port calls at Yorktown was the second itinerary reveal by the line this week. On February 7, it unveiled its Alaska 2024 schedule, which will see seven vessels deployed to the destination.
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that pre-cruise online reservations for onboard entertainment will now be effective fleetwide, with booking windows opening for guests based on the stateroom category of guests’ reservations and individual loyalty tiers.
This process is sure to be a hit for some guests, but may lead to disappointment for others if reservations fill up very quickly.
Online Entertainment Reservations Now Fleetwide
Guests booked for upcoming cruises throughout the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet will now be able to pre-book reservations for onboard entertainment, including production shows, comedy, and exclusive live music venues.
Exactly when guests will be able to book, however, will vary depending on the category of stateroom booked as well as guests’ loyalty status in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards program.
Guests in The Haven staterooms or suites will be able to pre-book entertainment as early as 26 days before embarkation, as will guests who are at least Platinum level in the Latitudes Rewards program. To reach the Platinum level, guests must have accumulated 75+ points. Guests earn one point for every cruise night, with additional points for suite or The Haven stateroom bookings as well as insider offer bookings.
Photo Copyright: EWY Media / Shutterstock
Guests at lower loyalty levels or staterooms from Club Balcony Suites and lower – balconies, oceanviews, inside, and studios – will be able to pre-book their entertainment beginning 21 days before sailing.
Bookings can be made through the cruise line’s website or through the NCL app if guests are logged in to their associated cruise reservations. There is no cost for reservations for any complimentary entertainment options.
While this announcement was just made earlier this week and is effective from February 7, 2023, some booked guests have reported that the entertainment booking options for upcoming cruises are not yet open, despite being within the specified windows. It is possible that some tech glitches will occur while the reservation system is fine-tuned.
Will Reservations Fill Up?
With guests at upper loyalty levels or in more exclusive cabins having five extra days to secure their reservations, some cruisers are concerned that reservations may be filled and unavailable for the most popular shows and entertainment by the time other guests are able to reserve their space.
This can be especially true in smaller venues or for more exclusive shows with fewer showtimes available throughout a single sailing.
There is no indication that any number of seats in specific venues may be earmarked for specific guest categories, or held back to ensure some available for reservations onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line does use wait lists onboard, however, and guests can add their names to those lists as showtime approaches.
Shortly before the show begins, reserved seats for guests who have not yet arrived will be opened for the wait list in order to ensure as many guests as possible are accommodated for different shows. Guests on the wait list are notified in the order in which they requested a seat, and have just a few minutes to check in for the show or else the reservation will move on to the next wait list guest.
Do you prefer a reservation system for onboard entertainment, or a first-come, first-served walk-up system? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
The long-debated fate of Costa Magica has finally been decided as Carnival Corporation & plc has confirmed the sale of the vessel to Seajets, a Greek ferry operator, for an undisclosed amount.
The new owner has not announced any immediate plans for the cruise ship, which has been out of passenger service since March 2020, never having resumed guest operations after the pandemic lockdown.
Costa Magica Sold
The Destiny-class Costa Magica has been sold to the Marios Iliopoulos-led Seajets high-speed ferry company. The ship’s fate has been uncertain for some time, as it was announced in June 2021 to be transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.
That plan was dismissed in mid-2022 when it was announced that Costa Luminosa would instead become Carnival Luminosa, while Costa Magica was to remain with Costa Cruises for the time being. The ship had not been sailing since the industry-wide shutdown began in March 2020, being one of the few ships to not resume guest service.
In the meantime, Costa Magica was offered to house Ukrainian refugees in March 2022, with Costa Cruises reaching out to the Italian government with that proposal. Though generous and appreciated, the offer was ultimately unnecessary.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
In late December 2022, as part of the Fourth Quarter 2022 Business Update from Carnival Corporation, it was announced that three “smaller-less efficient ships” would be removed from the corporation’s overall fleet. At that time, it was known that two of the ships would be retired from the Costa Cruises fleet, but the names of the vessels were not released.
Then, in early January, AIDAaura was confirmed to be leaving the AIDA Cruises fleet as part of those optimization plans. Now we know that Costa Magica will be another of the impacted vessels, but the third vessel is still unknown, other than the fact that it will be retired from Costa Cruises.
At this time, two additional Costa ships – Costa Serena and Costa Diadema – are still in lay up, though Costa Diadema is slated to resume passenger operations in April 2023 with Mediterranean itineraries. Costa Serena is also scheduled to resume service in December 2023, but her itinerary plans are not yet finalized and she is not listed on the Costa Cruises website any longer.
What Will Become of the Former Carnival-Owned Ship?
With Costa Magica now belonging to Seajets, her future is still murky. The company, which operates a fleet of high-speed ferries in the Aegean Sea, has purchased several cruise ships since the pandemic began, scrapping two vessels and keeping others in layup for the time being.
It is possible that Seajets has plans to begin offering cruise service, or may renovate the ships for modified ferry service of some kind. No official announcement of their plans has been made.
In addition to Costa Magica, Seajets has also purchased Holland America Line’s Veendam, P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria, P&O Cruises Oceana, and Royal Caribbean International’s Majesty of the Seas. Of all the ships, Costa Magica is the youngest, having first debuted in 2004. The other ships first set sail in 1996, 1994, 2000, and 1992, respectively.
Costa Magica can host 2,718 passengers and weighs in at 102,784 gross tons. This also makes her the largest gross tonnage vessel Seajets has purchased in the past two years, with one of the highest guest capacities (Majesty of the Seas is slightly higher with a 2,767 guest capacity). Of course, Seajets may do any sort of renovation to the vessel to dramatically change her size, capacity, or venues, or the vessel may yet be scrapped or resold.
Royal Caribbean Group has big plans for Perfect Day at CocoCay, its private island in the Bahamas. During the recent Q4 earnings call on February 7, CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President Michael Bayley revealed plans to increase the island’s capacity to 13,000 visitors daily.
Perfect Day at Cococay has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for cruise travelers. With the launch of Icon of the Seas coming and with the addition of the new Hideaway Beach, an adult-only neighborhood set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, the island is sure to become even more popular.
Perfect Day at CocoCay: A Growing Destination for Cruise Travelers
Perfect Day at Cococay is a private island owned and operated by Royal Caribbean that offers visitors a tropical escape complete with breathtaking views from a hot-air balloon and many exciting activities. From a waterpark to zip-lining to snorkeling and everything in between, Perfect Day at Cococay has something for everyone.
During the fourth quarter earnings call on February 7, company CEO Jason Liberty revealed the cruise line has big plans for the private island, including increased capacity due to the addition of Hideaway Beach.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
“In addition to our incredible new vessels, we plan to launch Hideaway Beach in the fourth quarter of 2023, an adult-only neighborhood, making Perfect Day at CocoCay more perfect and increasing capacity in the island to 13,000 visitors daily,”Liberty said during the Q4 earnings call.
Little is known about Hideaway Beach at this time, except that it will be an adults-only resort area. This new addition to the cruise line’s private island is set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2023 and is expected to bring an additional 3,000 people to the island. This will further increase the island’s capacity to 13,000 visitors daily.
Royal Caribbean Sees Increased Interest in Caribbean Vacations
The Royal Caribbean International’s North America-based itineraries, many of which visit Perfect Day at Cococay, are already booked in line with the record-breaking year 2019, indicating that the ships will be full while sailing.
During the first quarter of 2023, approximately 80% of Royal Caribbean’s capacity will operate from North America, with the majority sailing to the Caribbean.
This is higher than in the first quarter of 2019, especially for short Caribbean sailings, as the company has added more capacity in the region to take advantage of the incredible interest that both Perfect Day at Cococay and the upcoming release of Icon of the Seas has brought.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean betting big on CocoCay comes as no surprise. The cruise company’s costs for sailing to the island are reasonably low for the cruise company, while the returns are excellent.
Jason Liberty expanded further on the importance of CocoCay for Royal during the call:“The demand for that product is exceptionally high. We have a significant increase in our overall capacity that we bring into CocoCay. And the demand not only is there from a volume perspective, but the rate is there. It’s the same with the spend for the products and experiences on Perfect Day. We’ve seen a great demand and a lot of resilience as the prices go up.”
“So, it’s a hit, and it’s very successful. We are opening Hideaway Beach in the fourth quarter of this year in preparation for Icon of the Seas. Hideaway Beach will allow us to bring an additional 3,000 people to Perfect Day.”
With the addition of Hideaway Beach, the island is sure to become an even more popular destination for cruise travelers. Royal Caribbean expects to bring 2.5 million to 3 million guests to CocoCay in 2023. This would mean between 7000 and 8000 guests visiting the island each day of the year.
Many travelers enjoy bringing a small gift to give their stateroom attendants or other crew members, such as favorite bartenders, youth counselors, or cruise directors in thanks for their dedicated and often personalized service.
Carnival Cruise Line is now adapting new guidelines that might mean some gifts are unacceptable. What can grateful cruisers to do to offer thanks without violating the guideline?
Not All Gifts Permitted to Crew Members
For many years, cruise travelers have brought small gifts to give to crew members as appreciation for their helpful service in creating amazing vacations. Items have ranged from treats such as cookies, candy, and snacks to more practical items like phone cards, socks, and toiletries.
Carnival Cruise Line is now introducing a policy to prohibit some gift items, however. Brand ambassador John Heald addressed the new policy on his Facebook page, in response to guests’ questions about items to give crew members.
“There is a new guideline for this,”Heald said.“Please only bring something that is factory sealed and still in the packet or box. Individual candy or cookies etc. won’t be able to be taken by the crew I am afraid. This is for their safety.”
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
This means that any opened or homemade items will not be able to be accepted, or may be immediately discarded regardless of the item or to whom it is given.
No further details about this restriction were made immediately available, but the new guideline is intended for the safety of the crew. There are several ways that even the most well-meaning gift could be unsafe. Homemade goodies, for example, might have unknown allergens in the recipe, such as nuts that could give a crew member a dangerous reaction.
To best safeguard crew members, Carnival Cruise Line is restricting any gift items that are not in the original, factory-sealed packaging. This will ensure that items have not been tampered with and are properly labeled so their safety is confirmed.
The Best Gifts You Can Give
The quickest, easiest gift to give any crew member who goes above-and-beyond with excellent service is an additional gratuity, a bit of extra cash they can spend on whatever they like. While extra gratuities are never expected, they can be greatly appreciated.
Many cruise ship crew members send their paychecks home to their family members, and a bit of extra onboard cash could be spent on their favorite treat in port when they have a break. This will also ensure that even factory-sealed treats aren’t inappropriate due to allergies or personal preferences.
While crew cabins onboard are small and space is limited, many crew members also enjoy small tokens to remember guests by.
“The crew love to remember you so if you want to bring them something like a baseball cap, a key ring, or something that will remind them of you and the kindness you showed them then that would be marvelous,”explained Heald.
Consider small items from your hometown like local postcards, magnets, or other fun keepsakes. Other great gifts include personalized notes or a sincere, face-to-face thank you acknowledging superior service. These greetings mean a lot to crew members and can brighten anyone’s day.
Taking extra steps to make crew members’ jobs easier is another way to show thanks. This can be as easy as returning empty glasses to the nearest bar so they don’t need to be collected, discarding trash in appropriate trash cans instead of leaving it on deck, or keeping your stateroom a little neater so it can be cleaned up more quickly by the stateroom attendant.
Have you ever brought gifts to give out to crew members? Share your favorite ways to say thanks on the Cruise Hive boards!
