Royal Caribbean International’s newest, largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, is currently sailing her maiden voyage, but it hasn’t been without one notable glitch. According to reports from passengers aboard the vessel, a sprinkler malfunction occurred at approximately 12-1 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Sprinkler System Malfunctions
The sprinkler malfunction happened on the Royal Promenade, which stretches down the center of the vessel on deck 5, from the Royal Theater at the ship’s bow to the Main Dining Room toward the aft. The Royal Promenade has a high, open ceiling, with staterooms overlooking the interior from higher decks.
According to eyewitness reports and videos posted to social media accounts, the sprinklers soaked center portions of deck 5. Crew members acted quickly and efficiently to cordon off the area and the promenade was quickly closed for cleanup, including lowering the fire doors in adjacent sections to contain the water and keep guests safe from slippery floors and other possible hazards.
Parts of deck 4 and 6 were also closed, likely to check for any potential leaks or other necessary cleanup adjacent to the impacted sections of the Royal Promenade.
The incident appears to have been a malfunction, and there were no alarm calls made and no fire reported on board. Within a few hours, the area was cleaned up, dried out, and reopened for guests to enjoy.
Guests who witnessed the incident were quick to commend crew members from different departments who pitched in right away to facilitate the cleanup effort, noting how quickly the cleanup happened and the Royal Promenade was reopened.
Maiden Voyage Underway
Wonder of the Seas is currently on her maiden voyage, a 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed Fort Lauderdale on Friday, March 4. Today, the ship was calling in Labadee, Haiti, when the sprinkler malfunction occurred. Because the incident happened in the afternoon, many guests were likely off the ship enjoying the private port of call or participating in shore tours at the time.
The ship is scheduled to call on San Juan on Monday, followed by a day at sea, Nassau on Wednesday, and CocoCay on Thursday, before returning to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, March 11.
Fire Suppression on Cruise Ships
Fire is the gravest risk on any cruise ship, and fire safety protocols are part of every safety briefing before a cruise sets sail. Cruise ships include advanced fire suppression equipment, including sprinkler systems, alarms, isolation doors, and specially trained crews to respond to any risk of fire.
Guests are warned about the risk of fire, and are forbidden from tossing cigarette butts overboard. Even a small bit of hot ash blowing back onto a ship’s deck could cause a fire.
Crew members are routinely trained and drilled to respond to fires, and protocols are updated frequently as new equipment is developed to combat any possibility of fire on a cruise ship.
Maiden Voyage Mishaps
It is not unusual for a brand new ship to have unintended mishaps on a maiden voyage, the first time the ship is fully under sail with a full crew and passengers.
Past Royal Caribbean guests have reported previous sprinkler system mishaps on other vessels, including on an early voyage of Quantum of the Seas, though that sprinkler malfunction was confined to the Sorrento’s pizzeria. Accidental sprinkler activations have also been reported on Anthem of the Seas.
Photo By: René Beauchamp (Wikipedia)
One of the most notable maiden voyage mishaps for modern cruise ships occurred with Carnival Cruise Line’s very first vessel, Mardi Gras, on her very first voyage in March 1972. The ship ran aground on a sandbar shortly after departing Miami, with 530 passengers aboard. No injuries were reported (and no sprinklers were activated), and the “Fun Ship” image was born as drinks kept flowing while the ship was freed.
Cruise Hive wishes Wonder of the Seas all the best to complete her maiden voyage without further mishaps, and may she enjoy many years of incident-free sailings to bring a sense of oceangoing wonder to many cruise travelers.
The lure of the freedom of sailing the open seas and the glamour of traveling to exotic destinations all over the globe tend to be what draws people to the vocation of cruise ship captain. However, what many people don’t fully understand is that being a cruise ship captain is a great deal of work and responsibility. Becoming the captain of a cruise ship takes years of school and experience.
Before we delve into the schooling involved, the duties and responsibilities of this job should be thoroughly explored. As mentioned, while the position appears to be glamorous on the surface, the reality is a stark contrast.
“Master of the ship” is what defines this role. It sounds exciting to oversee an entire ship that sails to far away destinations that most people only dream of visiting. It is alluring to be in an environment where there is fun, romance, and excitement lurking around every corner. Plus, to get paid for it … It seems like a dream come true!
However, reality soon sets in because this job is a great deal of work and responsibility. To truly be successful as a cruise ship captain, you must genuinely love the work you are doing.
The Skills Required to be a Cruise Ship Captain
While not easy, being the captain of a cruise ship is indeed rewarding. They oversee a crew of thousands of individuals to ensure everything gets done and every need gets met. A captain needs to ensure that both local and international laws are met.
Captains use and maintain complex navigational systems, as well as the ship’s engines. They supervise as passengers enter and exit the ship. They need to ensure every person is accounted for and that no passenger is left behind or goes missing.
Safety of both crew and passengers is of the utmost importance in this position. The ship’s captain is responsible to be well-acquainted with the safety equipment and to ensure that it works properly in the event of an emergency. After all, everyone’s lives may be at stake if they don’t.
They need to be able to enforce proper safety protocols, navigate the ship through weather changes, and communicate with nearby ships and ports.
They also must be communicative and social. Captains are often required to socialize with passengers, including hosting dinners and making small talk. Since captains oversee the vessel, there are many people that report to them, like the cruise director, head engineer, and hotel manager.
Captains are the go-to person in all aspects of the ship and are responsible for its safety in addition to the guests. It is easy to see why this position is a huge responsibility, and it can be a weighty one.
Are You Ready for This?
While all of this sounds great, there are things that some people don’t consider with this job. The main thing is that cruise ship captains work long, tiring hours. They work 10 weeks in a row, then have 10 weeks off. However, in those 10 weeks of work, they are required to be on-call 24/7 and function with as little as five hours of sleep, depending on how smoothly things go.
Additionally, there are often emergencies that arise that passengers are completely unaware of. Captains need to be able to read the weather and know what is coming. This may mean changing course to bypass extreme weather. You need to avoid rough seas that can endanger guests.
Then there is the stress of arriving on time at various ports. Sometimes weather can make it challenging to arrive on time when a different course had to be plotted. In this case, the captain must determine whether they’ll speed up the vessel or try to make up for lost time another way.
Ultimately, they are responsible for ensuring that guests are happy. This means that the ship arrives and departs on time. However, not everything may run smoothly. Sometimes people are late, which pushes back departure. Other times, there may be mechanical issues.
Cruise ship captains must remain calm in all circumstances. This job can be highly stressful. Yet if the captain appears stressed, the guests will be uneasy. Guests can never know there is a problem unless they need to be aware of it. Captains try to navigate situations as best as they can, knowing that lives depend on them.
Plus, they often do this on very little sleep. So, when they do have 10 weeks off, they thoroughly enjoy the time to relax. While they are working, the ship truly becomes their mistress.
The responsibilities of a cruise ship captain are as follows:
Oversee navigation and operation of the ship
Work with crew members and senior officers
Oversee the ship’s position
Determine and establish the speed of the ship
Avoid potential and real safety hazards
Upkeep and maintain a vessel’s equipment and engines
Make sure all safety protocol is observed and followed
Comply with international and local laws
Comply with immigration and Customs laws
What Kind of Education is Required?
The very first step is obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. Once that has been achieved, the person must have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marine science/marine engineering. It is preferrable that the degree is received through a reputable maritime academy or college.
If you are in high school and know that you want to enter this career, it is advisable to get into a maritime high school for a more specialized education. This type of school focuses on maritime knowledge and skills.
Good grades are needed to have a better chance to get admitted to a maritime college or academy. Competition for entrance is very tough, so above-average grades are necessary for admission.
To gain good experience, you can try obtaining summer jobs or part-time employment in a maritime industry, like on a ship or in a shipyard. This allows learning to go beyond school. It will also prepare you for ship repairs, the chain of command on a vessel, and how a ship works.
Once admitted, specialized courses like Marine Engineering, Marine Science, Marine Transportation, and Ocean Science can be selected. In order to be considered for employment, a master’s degree isn’t always needed. However, it does provide an advantage. Additionally, you need to have excellent grades, since most cruise ships hire captains who rank in the top five to 10% of their class.
A bachelor’s degree will take three to four years to complete. A master’s will take an additional two to three years. If you want to receive the maximum education, a doctorate will take another two to three years.
Bridge of Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock)
After you graduate, most people begin as a third mate or deck officer. This is an entry-level position, and most captains begin within these ranks. You can also work in the Navy Reserve and the Coast Guard Reserve to gain years of experience.
Individuals must possess an in-depth knowledge of navigation, logistics, maritime/safety laws, and management. They also require a great deal of training to be a cruise ship captain. A captain’s license obtained by a federal maritime authority is required for the position. Obtaining this license may take 10 years.
To put it in perspective, it takes longer to become a cruise ship captain than a brain surgeon. Most captains earn their bars in 18 to 22 years.
Certifications and Exams
Captains of ships are trained by maritime academies. This is the quickest way to receive proper training. There are some academies that require people to serve in the armed forces. After completing a four-year program, potential candidates receive a Bachelor of Science degree, in addition to a Coast Guard license as a third mate.
Photo Credit: Philomena Venturini / Shutterstock
For certification, they require a Transportation Work Identification Credential. This is given by the Transportation Security Administration which aids in locating cruise ship captains. A Merchant Mariner Credential is required by the Department of Homeland Security. This entails passing physical exams, written exams, a vision test, and a drug test. Captains additionally need to complete the captain licensure exam after 10 years of work experience.
The road to how to become a cruise ship captain is not easy. It requires many years of education, good grades, and experience before you take your final testing for your license. You must work your way up after graduation, and you spend a great deal of time at sea.
Many captains love what they do and find it very rewarding. This can be an extremely satisfying career for those who love the sea and have the proper skill set.
San Diego Cruise Terminals are kept busy handling cruises all year round, thanks to the balmy winter climate and excellent connections by road and air. In fact, San Diego is the third busiest cruise port in California after LA and San Francisco.
In 2019, San Diego cruise terminals handled over 200,000 passengers on 93 ships. The port is one of the busiest in the USA for container cargo. The U.S. Navy also uses the harbor as a home base and has three shipyards for building and maintaining its fleet of support vessels.
San Diego Port has two dedicated cruise ship terminals located on the Embarcadero waterfront in the heart of downtown. It operates a state-of-the-art, shore-to-ship power connection, reducing pollution while the cruise ships are in port. The two-mile stretch of downtown real estate offers waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, hotels, museums and attractions as well as the busy port.
As California’s second largest city, San Diego has many attractions, museums, beaches, boat trips and theme parks as well as beautiful Balboa Park, the world-famous Zoo, Horton Plaza Shopping Mall and the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
As well as a marina, the waterfront offers shopping, dining and entertainment. Not surprisingly, many cruisers stay a few days in San Diego either before or after their luxury cruise. Getting around is easy on foot, by taxi or light rail.
Where better than San Diego Cruise Terminals to embark on your next luxury cruise? Here’s everything you need to know:
San Diego Cruise Terminal is located in the historic downtown district, just a short walk from many popular attractions. San Diego Airport (SAN) is just 2.4 miles from the cruise port and the journey takes about 10 minutes by taxi. Known as “The Port of Land and See”, San Diego Port has two cruise terminals:
The main San Diego Cruise Terminal is located at B Street Pier, 1140 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA92101. The second cruise terminal, known as Port Pavilion, is located on Broadway Pier at 1000 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA92101.
San Diego Cruise Terminal at B Street Pier
The B Street Pier is San Diego’s largest cruise terminal and handles the majority of cruises arriving and departing from the port. It can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously.
Port Pavilion
Port Pavilion is located on Broadway Pier, just south of B Street Pier. It is the second cruise terminal at San Diego Port. It was redeveloped to accommodate cruise ships in 2010 and is used when a third cruise ship is in port.
As well as handling cruise arrivals and departures, Port Pavilion also hosts many waterfront events, weddings and festivals. It provides public access to the waterfront and includes a Visitor Center, restaurant and a public plaza.
Port Pavilion has a modern 52,000 sq.ft. terminal and events building “Tidal Radiance” on the 1000-feet-long Broadway Pier. It was the first green building at the port. It features a wall of artistic glass and metal sculptures and projected colored lights.
The Pavilion received LEED Gold Certification for its environmentally friendly features including solar panels, shore power, water efficient fixtures and clever use of glass to reduce the need for indoor lighting.
Broadway Pier is the perfect place for sitting in the sunshine watching ships and boats coming and going against the stunning backdrop at sunset.
Getting to San Diego Cruise Terminals
By car
From Los Angeles and the north
Follow Interstate 5 South (tolls) to Exit 17 (Front Street) San Diego. Head south and turn right on Broadway. Turn right into N. Harbor Drive and follow the signs to San Diego cruise terminals at B Street Pier and Port Pavilion.
From the south
Follow the I-5 north to Exit 17 (Front Street). Stay in the right hand lane and follow the signs to Harbor Drive. The cruise terminals will be on the right.
Cruise Ship in San Diego (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
By air
Getting to San Diego Cruise Terminal by air is very easy and convenient as the airport is 2.4 miles from the port. Just outside Baggage Claim at either of the airport’s terminals there is a taxi rank managed by a coordinator. Allow 10 minutes for the short drive from the airport to San Diego Cruise Port. Cost is around $20 for the trip.
Alternatively, book a seat with SuperShuttle in a shared van. The cost is around $6 per person, so it may work out cheaper to take a taxi or Uber if there are 3 or more in your group.
Uber and Lyft also offer a pre-booked private car service between the airport and San Diego Cruise Terminals.
Airport-Cruise Port Baggage Transfer Service
Another benefit of arriving by air is the new baggage transfer system operated by the airport. Cruise line staff collect guests’ checked luggage and deliver it directly to the ship. It avoids any delay in waiting for bags to be unloaded from the aircraft and allows cruisers to head straight to the port without having to struggle with heavy luggage. Cruisers should pre-arrange this service through their cruise line or travel agent.
Parking at San Diego Cruise Terminal
There are plenty of options for parking near the cruise terminals on the Embarcadero. Long-term cruise parking is offered by several companies, some within walking distance of San Diego cruise terminals. Full details are available in our article San Diego Cruise Parking: All You Need to Know
Photo Credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock
Tips for Luggage and Passenger Drop-off
Both San Diego cruise terminals have drop-off points close to the ship and there are wheelchair accessible elevators and a passenger gangway. Customer service staff are available to help with any special needs.
Most car rental companies have offices just a short walk from B Street Pier. Most companies offer free transfers to and from the cruise terminals.
Cruise Check-in
However you choose to arrive at the cruise terminals, you can drop off your heavy luggage at the drop-off point and join the line for security and check-in. Porters wearing red caps are available to assist with heavy luggage at the entrance to the terminal; tips are appreciated.
Keep your hand luggage, passport and paperwork with you. You might also want to pack shorts and casual clothing, medication and other essentials and carry them on-board yourself. Your checked-in baggage will be screened and then delivered to your stateroom, but it can take several hours to process the thousands of bags, hence the need to keep some items with you.
San Diego Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Eleni Mavrandoni / Shutterstock)
After proceeding through security, cruise passengers proceed to the line of check-in desks where passports, tickets and any necessary visas are checked. Photographs and credit card details are taken and stateroom keys are issued to each passenger.
These plastic “Sail and sign” cards provide keyless access to your stateroom. They are also used to charge any additional fees to your account so you should carry them with you at all times. You will need them for drinks, specialty dining, shopping, booking shore excursions, and more.
These charges will be added to your onboard account along with a daily amount for tips. The total is usually charged to your credit card at the end of your voyage.
San Diego Cruise Terminal Amenities
B Street Cruise Terminal
This busy cruise terminal has ample seating for passengers waiting to board the ship. Porters are available to assist with heavy luggage at the entrance to the terminal. There are restrooms inside the terminal building but no cafes.
B Street Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock)
The nearest place for food and drinks is on N. Harbor Drive about two blocks away. The terminal has free Wi-Fi (up to 4 hours) and the option for faster bandwidth at $5 per day.
Port Pavilion Cruise Terminal
Port Pavilion cruise terminal has a flexible pavilion that is used for passengers when cruise ships are berthed at the pier. It includes a forecourt with food and drinks stands, escalators and restrooms as well as a waiting area. Free Wi-Fi is available in the Foyer and Broadway View Room.
Disabled Service for Wheelchair Users
Elevators and gangways are wheelchair friendly making it easy to get through the check-in and security process. However, the port does not provide wheelchairs for those with limited mobility.
Passengers are required to provide their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs, or rent one from a specialist company for the duration of the cruise. Staff are always available to assist and you should request this through the cruise company before your arrival at the cruise terminal.
Cruise Lines Operating from San Diego Cruise Terminals
Holland America operates many cruises out of San Diego from October to April. Other cruise lines that home port from San Diego include Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity and Windstar.
In addition, the port serves visiting cruise ships from Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Hurtigruten, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Silversea, MSC and Viking Cruises. Destinations include Hawaii and the South Pacific, Mexico, South America, Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast
Cruise Ships at Port of San Diego (Photo Credit: meunierd / Shutterstock)
Attractions and Things to do at San Diego Port
There are so many amazing things to see and do just a short walk from San Diego cruise terminals.
San Diego Tours
Join a hop-on, hop-off tour of this waterfront city to get acquainted with the historic neighborhoods. Harbor cruises are ideal for spotting birds, seals and dolphins. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks and surf boards and enjoy one of the beautiful sandy beaches.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s oldest and best loved attractions. Located within Balboa Park, it’s less than four miles from San Diego Cruise Terminals. It has an emphasis on conservation and education.
San Diego Zoo (Photo Credit: HannaTor / Shutterstock)
Get up close to wildlife on one of the behind-the-scenes experiences or hop aboard the exciting trolley cart, mini trail or open-topped bus tours with an onboard guide. See polar bears, cute koalas and other exotic wildlife from around the world. Rest weary feet and enjoy the specialist talks and keeper presentations.
San Diego Safari Park
San Diego Safari Park is much larger than the downtown zoo. Located 33 miles northeast of the city near Escondido, this drive-through safari provides a thrilling experience among Africa’s wildlife. Drive through the Savannah in an open-air safari truck or join a safari cart guided tour.
Ride the zipline and keep your eyes open for giraffes, antelope, ostriches, rhinos, storks, cheetahs, coatis, camels, kangaroos, gorillas and many cute babies. Tour Elephant Valley with its herd of elephants and learn how this remarkable herd of giants lives. It’s a day you’ll never forget!
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a green urban space just two miles from the cruise port. It frequently hosts events, free concerts and family-friendly activities. The 1,200-acre park has walking trails, natural vegetation zones, shops and cafes within its boundaries. Created in 1868, it has hosted several national expositions and the surviving buildings are now a National Historic Landmark.
Balboa Park in San Diego (Photo Credit: Vlad G / Shutterstock)
There are no less than 16 museums in the park, including the San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego History Center, the Art Institute and the Timken Museum of Art. There is a beautiful Botanical Building, Lily Pond, Desert Garden, Palm Canyon and many other arid themed gardens.
Activities in Balboa Park include archery, bowling, golf, disc golf, a dog park, gym, Old Globe Theatre and the awesome Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Further afield…
If you’re staying a few days in San Diego, it’s well worth taking a trip along the coast to some of the charming neighborhoods and mission towns north of the city. These include Little Italy, Encinitas, Mission Hills and La Jolla.
As well as providing a pleasant promenade for walking and skating, there are many neighborhood cafes and restaurants serving tasty food and fruity shakes with scenic views.
FAQs on San Diego Cruise Terminal
How far is it from San Diego airport to the cruise ship terminal?
San Diego Airport is just 2.4 miles from the cruise ship terminal on B Street Pier. Allow 10 minutes by taxi to make the short journey along N. Harbor Drive.
How far from San Diego cruise terminal to Safari Park?
San Diego Safari Park is 33 miles north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido. The journey takes about 30 minutes by car.
Carnival is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. More than 20 ships in its fleet sail 365 days a year all over the world, with new ships always being developed and new itineraries being explored.
Yet even while Carnival Cruise Line adds newer, larger, and more advanced ships to its fleet, older ships are quietly transferred, sold, or scrapped when they can no longer be sufficiently upgraded or updated for today’s Fun Ship experience. So which vessels are the former Carnival Cruise ships, and where are they now?
Carnival’s very first ship was originally built in 1961 as RMS Empress of Canada for Canadian Pacific Steamships Ltd. In 1972, she was purchased by Carnival Cruise Line and renamed Mardi Gras, serving loyally until 1993. At that time, the ship was sold to Eprotiki Line and renamed Olympic.
Photo By: René Beauchamp (Wikipedia)
Over the years, she was renovated and renamed repeatedly, being called Star of Texas, Lucky Star, and Apollon at different times in her career. In 2000 she was laid up in Greece, and in 2001 reentered service for 3-4 night sailings throughout the Greek Isles. In 2003, the ship was finally sold for scrap.
The name of the ship does live on with Carnival’s first Excel-class LNG-powered Mardi Gras cruise ship, which was delivered to the cruise line at the end of 2020.
Carnivale
Built in 1956, this ship was originally RMS Empress of Britain for Canadian Pacific Steamships Ltd. In 1964, she became SS Queen Anna Maria of the Greek Line, and in 1976 she was sold to Carnival and rebranded as the second Fun Ship.
In 1993, as newer ships were being built exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnivale was transferred to Fiesta Marina Cruises, then a subsidiary line of Carnival Cruise Line intended to service a Spanish-speaking market.
Rich Turnwald/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 4.0
She served as the line’s only ship under the name SS Fiesta Marina, but was sold in 1994 to Epirotiki Line when Fiesta Marina Cruises was discontinued. When she joined Epirotiki Line, she was renamed Olympic, and in 1996, she was transferred to Royal Olympic Cruises.
In 1997, the ship was sold to Thomson Holidays and renamed The Topaz, then in 2008 it became the Peace Boat of Topaz International. In 2008 the ship was laid up, and while it was at anchor it suffered significant damage and was eventually scrapped in India.
Festivale
Originally built as RMS Transvaal Castle in 1961, this ship had several names with sales and transfers to different lines until it was eventually sold to Carnival Cruise Line in 1977. She was rebranded, updated, and entered service as Festivale in 1978, after being converted from serving primarily as a cargo vessel with only very limited passenger capacity.
Photo Credit: Krdort / Creative Commons
In 1998, Festivale was purchased by Premier Cruise Line and became Big Red Boat III. The line, however, went bankrupt in 2000, and the ship had become dilapidated and was not considered worth additional upgrades or renovations. She was sold for scrap in 2003.
Tropicale
The first ship ordered specifically for Carnival Cruise Line, Tropicale was under construction in 1981 and entered service with the fleet in 1982, the first vessel to bear the line’s distinctive “whale tale” funnel.
In 2001, the ship was transferred to Costa Cruises and renamed Costa Tropicale until 2005, when she was transferred again, this time to P&O Cruises and renamed yet again to become Pacific Star.
In 2008 the ship was sold to Pullmantur Cruises to become Ocean Dream, and in 2012 she was chartered by Peace Boat for their mission of raising awareness internationally for human rights, sustainability, environmental protection, and other global causes.
In late 2020, it was announced that the ship, along with another vessel in the Peace Boat fleet, was to be replaced with a larger ship, and Ocean Dreamwas sold for scrap in early 2021.
Holiday
Built in 1985, Holiday underwent several major renovations during her service in the Carnival fleet. One of the largest was in 2003 and again in 2005, after she was used as temporary housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In November 2009 the ship was officially retired from Carnival Cruise Line and transferred to Ibero Cruises as MS Grand Holiday, receiving a new paint job and entering service with her new parent line in 2010.
Photo Credit: Carl Carpenter (Creative Commons/Flickr)
In 2014 the ship was sold to Cruise & Maritime Voyages and renamed Magellan, entering her new family in spring 2015 as the line’s flagship.
Though she was replaced as flagship in 2017, she served the line proudly until the global shutdown of operations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2021, the ship was auctioned off and scrapped at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard in India.
Jubilee
This ship debuted for Carnival Cruise Line in 1986 and served well until 2004, when she was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia and renamed Pacific Sun. At that time, the wings were removed from her iconic funnel and she was repainted.
Photo By: Danzil Vally D’souza
In the summer of 2012 the ship was sold to the Asian line HNA Cruises and renamed Henna. That line shut down in November 2015, and the former Jubilee was laid up as a buyer was sought. None was found, however, and the ship was scrapped in the spring of 2017.
Celebration
Built in 2015, this ship was part of the Carnival fleet until 2008 when she was retired to Ibero Cruises and renamed Grand Celebration. In 2014 she was transferred again, this time moving to Costa Cruises to become Costa Celebration.
Before her inaugural voyage with that line, however, she was purchased by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and instead retained her name of Grand Celebration. She kept her iconic funnel, but was repainted.
Photo Credit: Jon Worth (Creative Commons)
She debuted with that line in early 2015 and sailed two-night cruises to the Bahamas year-round, until the cruise line suspended operations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the cruise line struggled with debt during the shutdown, Grand Celebration was sold for scrap, and she was officially broken up in March 2021.
Carnival Destiny
Carnival Destiny is relatively unique among Carnival’s former fleet. The ship was launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996. In 2013, she underwent the line’s largest ever refit that renewed nearly every guest area onboard, for a cost of $155 million.
Photo Credit: FloridaStock / Shutterstock
Decks were expanded, more than 150 additional cabins were added and much of the ship’s layout was altered to incorporate new lounges, bars, and dining venues. Because of the scope of the redesign and renovations, the decision was made to completely rename the ship to Carnival Sunshine. Today, the ship still sails with the Carnival fleet, but as Carnival Sunshine rather than Carnival Destiny.
Carnival Triumph
Similar to Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph has ceased to exist as an original ship after being refit to join the Sunshine class of vessels. Carnival Triumph was originally in the Destiny class, and first set sail in October 1999.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
Her most notorious moment in the spotlight was in February 2013, when an engine room fire resulted in power and propulsion losses, and the ship was adrift for several days before being towed to Mobile, Alabama. Despite that incident, the ship served the cruise line well until her renovation and rebirth in 2019.
That $200 refurbishment included the addition of new dining, bars, and entertainment options, the adults-only Serenity area, the WaterWorks aqua park, and the energetic SportSquare facilities. Because the renovation was so extensive, the ship was renamed Carnival Sunrise, and continues to sail today under that new name and identity.
Carnival Victory
The third and final vessel to undergo the Sunshine-class upgrade, Carnival Victory first entered the fleet in October 2000. Like Carnival Destiny and Carnival Triumph before her, Carnival Victory was treated to an extensive upgrade and refurbishment.
The renovations had initially been scheduled for April 2020, but work was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic that not only ceased worldwide cruise operations, but also paused shipyard work. The $200 million upgrade was finally completed in Cadiz, Spain, in December 2021.
While the ship was out of service, there were unfounded rumors that she was to be scrapped, but instead the renovated ship – now Carnival Radiance – was the first of her class to receive the updated red, white, and blue livery that debuted with Mardi Gras in June 2021. Today, Carnival Radiance continues to delight guests as part of the Fun Ship fleet, though Carnival Victory has passed into history.
Carnival Fantasy
The first of the new class built exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Fantasy debuted in 1990 and would spend 30 years happily sailing for the Fun Ship fleet. During her three decades of sailing, the ship was updated and renovated several times, bringing new features to eager passengers, and always offering amazing voyages for passengers who grew to love all the Fantasy-class vessels.
In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause on global cruise operations, Carnival Fantasy was removed from service, and in July 2020 it was announced that the ship would be sold as part of fleet modernization plans.
Those plans had already been in place before the pandemic, but the operational shutdown accelerated the timeline for retiring older, less efficient ships. At that time, Carnival Fantasy was the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet. She was sold for scrap in August 2020, and eventually taken to the Aliaga Ship Breaking Facility in Turkey for dismantling.
Carnival Fascination
The fourth of the Fantasy-class vessels, Carnival Fascination – originally named simply Fascination before all ships had the Carnival prefix added to their names in 2007 – joined the fleet in July 1994. She underwent multiple upgrades and refurbishments during her time with Carnival.
Her most notable achievement was in 2017, when Carnival Fantasy housed relief workers offering aid in the U.S. Virgin Islands after the region was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. After that service, Carnival Fantasy received what would be her final upgrade with Carnival in early 2018.
Photo Credit: SeregaSibTravel / Shutterstock
During the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, it was announced that the ship would be retired and would not return to service. Unlike other Fantasy-class vessels, however, Carnival Fascination was sold to another cruise line when Century Cruises acquired the ship in November 2020.
At first it was rumored that she might be converted to a floating hotel, but it was later announced that she would be renamed Century Harmony to set sail in the Asian market.
The ship entered dry dock for refurbishment, but that renovation was incomplete as the local cruise industry restart continued to be delayed in 2021. Eventually, the ship was sold for scrap, and was beached in February 2022 to be dismantled.
Carnival Imagination
Another Fantasy-class vessel, Carnival Imagination first sparked the imagination of guests when she debuted in 1995. She was the fifth of the sister ships in the class, and served the crise line well throughout the years.
Photo: Benson Truong / Shutterstock.com
In July 2011, Carnival Imagination had a minor incident with her sister ship, Carnival Fantasy, when the two ships collided in Key West while Carnival Imagination was berthed, resulting in stern damage but no injuries.
During her service life, the ship typically sailed short itineraries to Mexico, Catalina, Ensenada, and The Bahamas, depending on where she was homeported at the time, and she was upgraded several times with new and popular features. In August 2020, the ship was sold as part of the fleet’s modernization plans, and she was scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey.
Carnival Inspiration
Carnival Inspiration inspired many cruisers to love the Fun Ship fleet when she first set sail in 1996. She served the fleet well, offering a wide range of itineraries through the years, but ultimately the Fantasy-class vessel was part of the cruise line’s modernization plans during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock.com
She was listed for sale and became the second of the line’s vessels to be sold for scrap in July 2020, after Carnival Fantasy. Like her sister ships undergoing the same sudden retirement, Carnival Inspiration was first stripped of valuable materials while in Curacao in early July 2020, then sent along to be sustainably recycled and scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey.
When each of the ships is scrapped, materials may be reused in new ships – such as the new designs in Carnival Celebration – used for repairs to other vessels, or refined to be used in other projects.
Carnival Sensation
The third of the Fantasy-class vessels, Carnival Sensation debuted in 1993, serving well over the years from a variety of homeports, sailing to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Cuba.
In late August 2005, the ship was chartered to house residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina, as well as relief workers in the region devastated by the Category 5 hurricane.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
During the global pandemic pause and even after some Carnival ships began to sail again, Carnival Sensation remained out of passenger service and instead served as housing for crew members transitioning in and out of isolation periods and quarantine.
It was planned that she would return to service in Mobile, Alabama, but in February 2022 it was decided that the ship would be retired instead, and she was likely quickly sold for scrap.
Carnival Ecstasy
From her debut in her 1991, Carnival Ecstasy, another of the Fantasy-class vessels, delighted millions of passengers, and will continue to do so until she is retired in October 2022, an announcement that was made in February as different Carnival ships were redeployed to cover different itineraries as other ships were scrapped
At the time of her retirement she will be the oldest in the Carnival fleet, and enjoyed various refits and updates throughout her lifespan, the most recent of which was in October 2019.
Photo Credit: Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock
She is the only Fantasy-class vessel to have the honor of a final sailing season, offering guests the opportunity to revisit the ship if they have fond memories of her, or to sail on her for the first time and make memories before she leaves the fleet.
Carnival Ecstasy’s final voyage is planned to be a 5-day sailing departing from Mobile, Alabama on October 10, visiting Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico, with one day at sea to begin the voyage and another to end the trip. While Carnival Ecstasy is not yet a “former” ship, her end is confirmed and she will undoubtedly be given good treatment in her final days before her retirement.
What Ships May Become Former Ships Next?
Today, the oldest ships still happily sailing in the Carnival fleet with no retirement plans are the remaining Fantasy-class vessels, two of the original eight sister ships that were built for the line from 1990-1998.
Both Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation have been updated and feature the line’s new Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, and they sail a variety of itineraries in different seasons.
With the extensive renovations these ships have undergone in recent years, plus their unique position capitalizing on shorter itineraries, it is unlikely that they may will be retired or transferred in the near future, though any changes or redeployments are always possible.
The cruise market continues to evolve into a post-pandemic structure, and Carnival Cruise Line is at the forefront of that evolution as it debuts new itineraries, new features, and new ships for passengers to enjoy.
Undoubtedly more ships will be retired in the years to come, but they will always sail merrily on in the memories of the millions of passengers who have enjoyed their long service.
Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, and it is packed with a multitude of activities. With great ships appearing throughout generations, it’s time to cover Wonder of the Seas vs. Titanic. The Titanic is a world-famous ship that was legendary for its generation, yet it is best known today for its tragic demise. So, how do the two vessels compare?
In its day, Titanic was the largest, safest, most luxurious ship ever built, with the reputation of being unsinkable – which tragically proved untrue on the ship’s maiden voyage.
We have learned a great deal since the sinking of Titanic. It was once known as the world’s largest ship, but more than 100 years later Wonder of the Seas has emerged as the most recent ship to take that title. Will this modern Oasis-class Royal Caribbean cruise ship give Titanic a run for its money? How do the two match up against each other?
In this comparison, we will examine both cruise ships. We will compare not just size, but also the accommodations, cost, and facilities of each ship.
Does size really matter? It does when you are looking at the number of guests and activities. Larger cruise ships can cater to a wider demographic cross-section of individuals. Most passengers on these types of ships are young couples or families. Therefore, they must have a broad appeal in terms of activities.
Since they require a larger appeal due to the demographic, more activities need to be incorporated aboard the ship. Thus, they require a larger ship.
When we compare Wonder of the Seas to Titanic, in terms of sheer volume, Wonder of the Seas is 36% taller and 34% wider than Titanic. It can accommodate 5,518-6,988 passengers per voyage compared to Titanic’s 2,435 passengers.
In a side-by-side comparison:
Wonder of the Seas
Titanic
Gross Tonnage
236,857
46,328
Passenger Capacity
5,734
2,435
Crew Capacity
2,300
892
Length in Feet
1,188
882
Top Speed
22 Knots
23 Knots
Passenger Decks
16
9
Wonder of the Seas vs Titanic
In terms of safety, Titanic had only 20 lifeboats onboard, which is only enough to evacuate 1,178 people. The ship required double that amount to ensure space for all its passengers. Wonder of the Seas contains 18 lifeboats. While this seems inadequate, these lifeboats can accommodate 370 people per boat, making the total capacity 6,660.
Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Which Ship Is Faster?
Speed is less important today than it was more than a century ago. Guests today care more about the experience rather than getting to the destination quickly. Comparatively, Titanic was faster than Wonder of the Seas, but by a marginal amount. Titanic’s maximum speed was 23 knots, which is only one knot per hour faster than Wonder of the Seas.
Is Wonder of the Seas Indestructible?
Most people learned from the tragic example of Titanic that no ship is indestructible. It would be foolish to believe otherwise. Thinking that any ship is incapable of sinking can lead to reckless decisions based on overestimating what the ship is capable of withstanding.
Technically, there is the possibility that Wonder of the Seas could sink. The likelihood isn’t high, though, due to the security measures put in place to ensure the safety of those on board. Technology has considerably advanced since the sinking of Titanic to ensure that the safety of passengers and crew members. Safety is always the top priority.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Weather may attempt or even succeed in capsizing the ship, resulting in its sinking. However, the ship is designed to sink slowly so guests and crew have time to escape. Also, learning from Titanic’s example, all cruise ships are equipped with enough lifeboats to accommodate every passenger on the modern cruise ship.
Accommodations
While it almost seems unfair to compare rooms, if put in its proper context, we can use that to examine the luxury contained within the two ships. Titanic’s best suites were Deluxe Parlor Suites. These suites contained two oversized bedrooms, a private bathroom, dual walk-in wardrobes, and a spacious sitting room with writing desks and a false fireplace.
The look of the suites was very opulent for the times, with four-poster beds elaborately decorated with thick drapes, wood wainscots, and ornate decorations. Third-class rooms weren’t as spacious, as only bunk beds and shared bathrooms were present. This deck only had two bathtubs to serve 710 passengers.
However, most guests felt like royalty to even be aboard such a magnificent ship on its maiden voyage. Accommodations mattered less than the simple privilege of being there if you were in third class.
This is an example of luxury at the time. How does it compare to our present-day image of opulence?
Fast-forward over 100 years, and the look of a suite has drastically changed. When going aboard a cruise ship, it is less about making a statement than it is about having fun.
Wonder of the Seas’ best room is the Ultimate Family Suite. It has a private game room, an air hockey table, table tennis, and a private jacuzzi on the balcony. If that isn’t enough, there is a slide that goes from the bedrooms to the living area. The rooms are bright, colorful, and are designed with comfort and fun in mind.
Staterooms and cabins on this cruise ship contain modern standards expected on a cruise ship. Wonder of the Seas has 34 categories of cabins available, ranging from inside rooms with no windows to large rooms capable of sleeping 14 people.
Laundry
On Titanic, bedding was changed daily. This was done despite the fact that there was not a laundry room aboard the ship because of limited supplies of freshwater. Interestingly, Royal Caribbean changes bed linens during the cruise but how frequently depends on the length of sailing and guests’ preferences.
Amenities Compared
While the size of the two ships is impressive, we must also compare the activities on board each ship. It is a wonderful way to illustrate the progression of cruise ships over the past century.
As expected, there were fewer activities available on Titanic. At the time, Titanic was impressive because it had many activities that other ships did not include. Passengers were able to listen to live music, exercise in a gym or play squash, trade tales in the smoking room, and read in the library.
Wonder of the Seas was designed for activities for the entire family. It is known for treating kids like royalty, which would never have been considered on Titanic, which had no youth facilities at all.
Fitness
Titanic’s gyms contained rowing machines, punching bags, exercise bikes, an electric horse, and two electric camels. Wonder of the Seas contains a variety of exercise machines and weights, yet no electric animals are available on board. However, many ships do have outdoor tracks and sports that guests can play outdoors.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Titanic boasted a prestigious 30’ long squash court, which allowed passengers to play racquet sports. The promenade deck allowed people to engage in dominoes, shuffleboard, and a cerebral game of chess.
Wonder of the Seas contains a sports court designed for volleyball and basketball. Throughout the ship, there are areas for rock climbing, mini golf, surfing, zip lining, ice skating, and laser tag. Guests can even take in a fitness class or go swimming in the solarium. The list seems very impressive in comparison, as do the differences in popular activities of the times.
Swimming Pools
Everyone loves to lounge by a pool or take a quick, relaxing dip to cool off on a hot day. Titanic’s swimming pool was only available to first-class passengers, and there was only one available.
In comparison, Wonder of the Seas has three water slides (Ultimate Abyss, The Perfect Storm, and SplashAway Bay), 10 hot tubs, and four swimming pools available to everyone.
Spas
The preferred method for relaxation on Titanic was a Turkish bath, tanning bed, steam room, trips to the barber, and massages. Fast-forward to the present, and guests can enjoy heated stone loungers, fog showers, and saunas on the Wonder of the Seas.
Furthermore, many of these activities were only available to men aboard Titanic. Now, both genders can enjoy relaxation methods incorporated today.
Culinary Experiences
Titanic boasted four restaurants: the A la Carte Restaurant, the Verandah Café, the Dining Saloon, and the Café Parisien. The rooms contained detailed lattice work and wicker seating.
Wonder of the Seas contains 21 restaurants guests can select from, including nine complementary venues, three main dining areas, and 11 specialty dining places. The decor depends on the flavor and type of cuisine being served.
Rendering Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
When you consider dining options, the two menus and restaurant varieties cannot compare. Titanic had a very scaled-back menu when compared to today’s standards, whereas most modern cruise ships have a variety of culinary delights on board.
However, when you compare what was on the menu, the items on Titanic would be considered more fine dining. However, many of us would not consider eating a lot of these delicacies anymore.
The Costs?
Titanic cost $7.5 million to create, or $200 million today. Meanwhile, Wonder of the Seas cost $1.35 billion to build, which is over six times the price of Titanic.
Tickets
According to Lisbnet, the least expensive ticket on Titanic was £7 UK pounds (approximately £800 or $1075 USD today). The cheapest ticket on the Wonder of the Seas is currently $423 (£315).
If you were to book the Ultimate Family Suite over Christmas break on Wonder of the Seas, it would cost you $85,000. It is cheaper when compared to first-class suites on Titanic. The cost to stay in these suites was upward of £870, or $100,000 using today’s currency. The cost of tickets per class was as follows between Titanic and Wonder of the Seas:
First class on Titanic was £870 ($100,000 today) compared to $3,000 for a suite on the Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas
The cheapest first-class cost was $150 ($3,500 by today’s standards); a balcony stateroom on Wonder of the Seas is $1,700, and an oceanview room will cost $1,400
Third-class accommodations onboard Titanic were only from £7 (£800 today) whereas Wonder of the Seas has interior cabins that cost $900 USD
These prices offer a generalization on what to expect. Actual ticket fares depend on season, length of trip, destinations, and the ship’s popularity.
Comparing these two luxury liners reminds us about how much time has changed society. Once, it was all about the destination and reaching it quicker. Traveling by boat was the main method of transportation, which has now been replaced by air travel.
With Wonder of the Seas vs. Titanic, you really can’t define whether one ship is superior to the other. They were both the best of their generation. What becomes evident in their comparison is what aspects of luxury are now emphasized, the advancements in technology, and the demographics that are drawn to cruise line travel.
Both ships are glorious for their time. While Wonder of the Seas may not be considered as elegant or opulent by today’s standards as Titanic was in her time, it does attract a lot of attention from families who want to engage on an exciting cruise.
Carnival Fascination, formerly known as Fascination and under her current name Century Harmony, has reached her final destination on a beach in Pakistan. The vessel will be broken up into scrap metal in the upcoming months at the ship-breaking yard in Gadani.
It’s a sad end for the Fantasy-class cruise ship, which, until recently, was due to start a new career sailing in China for Century Cruises. Century Harmony arrived in Pakistan on February 9 and was beached today, February 18.
25 Years of Fun
The beaching of Century Harmony on February 18 means the end of an illustrious career at sea. For 25 years, she sailed the seven seas offering guests fun at sea and many happy memories of vacations at sea. Now, all that awaits her is a few months on a beach in Pakistan, where workers will slowly start stripping her down until there is nothing left.
Photo Credit: Century Cruises
The Fantasy-class cruise ship is 70,367 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 2,000 and 920 crew members. Built at the Helsinki New Shipyard, she was floated out in 1994. Initially named Fascination, the Carnival prefix was only added later to the Fantasy-class as a part of a Carnival Cruise Line rebranding program.
As Carnival Corporation developed plans to rejuvenate the fleet, it meant the end for the Fantasy class cruise ship. She was laid up in Cadiz, Spain, during the pandemic.
In November 2020, Carnival Fascination was sold to Chinese cruise operator Century Cruises, which renamed her Century Harmony, and intended to use her in addition to the various river vessels the company has sailing the Yangtze River in China. The strict measures in place in China prevented those plans.
Photo Credit: Tony Davis (Flickr)
Following a short period where the plans changed to make the vessel a floating hotel, she was sold off to a Singaporean trading company which sold her off as scrap metal. She arrived at the Gadani ship-breaking yard on February 9 and was beached today, February 18.
Only Three Fantasy Class Ships Left
With Carnival Fascination being scrapped, there are only three Fantasy-class ships left of the original eight. Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Imagination, and Carnival Fantasy have all been scrapped during the pandemic.
Carnival Sensation will not be returning to sea, and this week it became clear she is also heading for the scrapyard. She is heading for the shipbreaking yard in Aliaga, Turkey, where the three other Fantasy-class ships have also been scrapped.
That leaves Carnival Elation, currently sailing out of Port Canaveral; Carnival Paradise, sailing out of Tampa, Florida; and Carnival Ecstacy, currently sailing out of Mobile, Alabama. However, for Carnival Ecstacy, the end is also near. Carnival Cruise Line announced she would be retiring in October of this year.
All this has to do with the rejuvenation efforts underway at Carnival Corporation. The company wants to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and has started the transition to more effective and more environmentally friendly LNG-powered cruise ships.
It looks like one of Carnival’s oldest ships will be scrapped rather than being sold to continue service for another cruise line. Carnival Sensation is heading for the scrapyard in Turkey, according to reports.
Carnival Sensation to Be Scrapped
Another Fantasy-class cruise ship is set to reach the end of service and not continue sailing after leaving the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. According to a report by TradeWinds, the cruise line has gone for a quick sale, with Carnival Sensation being sold for scrap.
With parent company Carnival Corporation opting for EU-approved green shipbreaking facilities, it’s likely the Carnival cruise ship will be heading for the Aliaga in Turkey. The ship-breaking yard in Aliaga has already scrapped three other Fantasy-class cruise ships that were sold off due to the impact of the global pandemic in 2020.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line announced in January that Carnival Sensation would be leaving the fleet but did not say whether she would be scrapped or sold to another cruise line. It was also announced that sister ship Carnival Ecstasy would leave the fleet after its final voyage from Mobile, Alabama, on October 5, 2022.
Carnival Sensation has not returned to operations since the industry-wide pause started in March 2020. Since then, the vessel has been in a warm layup, hoping to welcome guests again from the Port of Mobile. Even though Carnival Sensation never return to operations, she has been used recently to house crew members positive with COVID.
Days of the Fantasy-Class Are Numbered
Carnival Corp has already made it clear that it’s shifting to a more efficient fleet by offloading its much older ships and growing with more environmentally friendly vessels.
In a recent letter to shareholders from Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison, “Our decision to accelerate the exit of 19 ships as part of our fleet optimization strategy resulted in a more efficient fleet overall and lowered our planned capacity growth to approximately 2.5% compounded annually from 2019 through 2025, down from 4.5% annually pre-COVID-19. We achieved a unit cost benefit from the removal of these less efficient ships from our fleet which will grow from the delivery of the larger and more efficient ships.”
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Fantasy, the original ship in the class and purpose-built for Carnival, was the first to be scrapped due to the pandemic at the Aliaga scrapyard. The vessel was beached in July 2021. Carnival Inspiration then arrived at the same facility for scrapping in August 2020. Carnival Imagination was the third in the same class to be beached for scrapping in Turkey in September 2020.
Carnival Cruise Line also sold off Carnival Fascination, but with Chinese-based Century Cruises making the purchase, the hope was that she would remain in service. However, the Chinese cruise line has now decided to sell the vessel for scrap. Carnival Fascination arrived at the Gadani ship-breaking facility in Pakistan just days ago.
With Carnival Ecstasy’s future in question on whether she will be scrapped or continue service under a new operator, there will only be two Fantasy-class vessels reaming in the fleet. Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation are still set to sail for the foreseeable future.
Carnival Sensation will be a missed ship as she’s been offering fun-filled cruise vacations since entering service in 1993. The vessel was built at the Kvaerner Masa-yards in Helsinki, Finland, at 70,367 gross tons. The ship has a guest capacity of 2,052 and 920 crew members.
The former Carnival Fascination cruise ship has reached the end of her long and productive life, as she arrived in Gadani, Pakistan, on February 9, 2022, to be beached and scrapped. This marks the end of the vessel’s service and a distinguished career that spanned more than 25 years and two cruise lines.
Carnival Fascination at Scrapyard
Workers are already aboard the vessel as it approaches the ship-breaking yard in Gadani, Pakistan, preparing the ship for scrapping. This can involve removing items that may be able to be resold, such as lighting fixtures and other electronics, furniture, china, appliances, and more.
The ship will then be broken into pieces, with the material sold for reuse. It is likely that some of the metal, after recycling, may one day end up as part of a new cruise ship that will continue to delight passengers with the same fun and vitality that Carnival Fascination brought to travelers for so many years.
While several of her sister Fantasy-class vessels were scrapped quickly, Carnival Fascination first seemed to find new life as she was purchased by Century Cruises in November 2020. Her name was to be changed to Century Harmony, and the ship was rumored to be refitted for service as a floating hotel in Asia.
Unfortunately, the new owners of the once grand cruise ship were unable to financially maintain the vessel as the pandemic pause wore on and travel in Asia did not resume quickly.
The ship was sold again, this time to be scrapped, as her value as raw material far exceeds the value she could bring after necessary refurbishments and renovations to continue sailing.
Notable Service
Carnival Fascination – originally named Fascination until the prefix Carnival was added to all ships in the fleet in 2007 – was the fourth of the Fantasy-class ships built for Carnival when she entered service in July 1994.
She was constructed at the Helsinki New Shipyard in Finland, and spent most of her years with Carnival Cruise Line sailing Caribbean itineraries from various homeports, including New York, New York; Miami and Jacksonville, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Bridgetown, Barbados.
Photo By: Carnival Cruise Line
The ship received various upgrades and renovations during her time in the Carnival fleet, including the addition of technology, updated staterooms, and, in 2015, the WaterWorks water park with the Splash Zone and Twister Waterslide.
Her final renovation was in 2018, when Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, Cherry on Top, and other dining venues were added.
Over the years, Carnival Fascination offered Fun Ship getaways to millions of passengers and visited a wide range of ports of call. Yet some of her most memorable service was near the end of her tenure with Carnival Cruise Line.
In October 2017, the ship was chartered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to house relief workers in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This was in response to the devastation from Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, and Carnival Fascination served as home to workers restoring the islands until early February, 2018, after which she entered her final drydock.
Carnival Fascination Cruise Ship (Copyright: Tony Davis)
Carnival Fascination ceased sailing, along with the entire Carnival fleet, when the cruise line ceased operations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At first, she was on hold with anticipation of resuming service, but as the worldwide crises continued, Carnival Fascination was laid up with no firm date for a return to service.
In September 2020, Carnival Cruise Line announced that the ship would be retired, part of a restructuring of the Carnival fleet that involved removing several older, less efficient vessels from operation.
This step had already been planned for the future, but the financial challenges of the pandemic accelerated the fleet’s restructuring and Carnival Fascination was placed on the market.
Last of the Fantasy Class
The scrapping of Carnival Fascination is one step closer to the end of Carnival Cruise Line’s popular Fantasy-class vessels. Her sister ships Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Imagination were all sent to the Aliaga ship-breaking facility in Turkey.
Carnival Fascination Cruise Ship (Copyright: Tony Davis)
Earlier this month, Carnival Cruise Line provided an update on two more Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Sensation will not be returning from the pandemic shutdown, and the vessel has already been listed for sale. Carnival Ecstasy is still currently sailing, but will complete her final voyage and leave the fleet October 10, 2022.
At the moment, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation are the last two Fantasy-class ships that are planned to remain in the Carnival fleet, carrying on the proud tradition of these popular vessels.
Most travelers departing on a cruise from San Diego opt to drive to the port and use convenient San Diego cruise parking, either at or near the port. One of the things that’s unusual about cruising from the Port of San Diego is that there are no official cruise parking lots at the port.
However, there are plenty of options for private cruise parking lots. We’ve lined up the options to help you find the closest, cheapest and best San Diego cruise parking currently available.
Compared to other major cruise ports, you’ll find San Diego cruise parking is very affordable as there is plenty of competition. We cover long-term cruise parking, handicapped parking, covered parking and oversized vehicle parking close to the port, waterfront and downtown San Diego.
Some include shuttle transport to the cruise port while other budget parking lots expect you to arrange a taxi or Uber ride.
Cruisers can also find budget long-term parking near the airport which is less than 5 miles from the cruise port. Also, many San Diego hotels offer free cruise parking as part of a Stay, Park and Cruise package. This is a smart option if you plan to arrive the day before your cruise departure.
Cruise parking packages include a night’s stay, parking for the duration of your cruise and transport to and from the cruise port. You won’t have far to travel either; the luxury Wyndham San Diego Bayside is located right across the street from San Diego’s two cruise ship terminals.
San Diego cruise port has two terminals dedicated to cruise ships. These are at the B Street Pier (1140 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego) and at Port Pavilions on Broadway pier (1000 N. Harbor Drive)
The address for driving directions to San Diego cruise port is: Port of San Diego, “B” Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.
Getting to San Diego Cruise Terminal by Car
From the North
From I-5 southbound, take the exit for the San Diego International Airport.
Continue straight on to Kettner Boulevard.
Turn right on Laurel Street.
After crossing over Pacific Highway, stay in the left lane (or you will find yourself actually heading to the airport!)
Turn left on Harbor Drive and follow the signs to San Diego cruise terminal.
Traveling from the North and South (alternate route)
From I-5 (north or southbound) exit at Front Street exit and head south.
Turn right on Broadway.
Turn right again onto Harbor Drive and follow the signs to San Diego cruise terminal.
Best Cruise Parking Closest to San Diego Port
San Diego Cruise (Photo Credit: Rich Koele / Shutterstock)
Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage
Situated right across from the cruise port, parking does not get more convenient than theWyndham San Diego Bayside Garage! Attached to the luxury Wyndham hotel, the parking company prides itself on top customer service and is happy to provide luggage assistance. Self-parking is in a secure lot and valet service is available for an additional $3 per day. There is a complimentary shuttle service or you can walk across the street to the cruise terminal check-in.
Distance from port: 0.1 miles
Address: 1355 N. Harbor Drive
Tel: (619) 544-8360
Price per day: $14 (Valet $17)
Shuttle: Yes free
ACE Parking
ACE Parking is just 2 blocks from San Diego cruise terminals making parking very convenient. It’s also very easy to reach from I-5. Bookings must be made ahead of time and your reservation ticket must be placed in the windscreen so that attendants can verify your booking. It’s a short stroll across the street to the cruise terminals and the start of your voyage or take a taxi for the short trip.
Distance from port: 0.4 miles
Address: 1109 Pacific Hwy
Tel: (619) 233-6624
Price per day: $20
Shuttle: No
BRIC North Garage
Another San Diego cruise parking lot right opposite the cruise terminal is BRIC North Garage. Their brand new covered parking lot is below the Spring Hills Suites Hotel and operates 24/7.
Distance from port: 0.1 miles
Address: 900 Bayfront Court
Tel: (619) 535-0327
Price per day: $16
Shuttle: No
BRIC South Garage
This BRIC South Terminal San Diego cruise parking lot is also opposite the cruise terminal and Broadway Pier. Located under the InterContinental Hotel, it is operated privately by ACE Parking and is not connected to the hotel. There is a height limit of 7 feet. You can easily park and walk across the road to the cruise terminal with your luggage.
Distance from port: 0.1 miles
Address: 901 Bayfront Court
Tel: (619) 535-0327
Price per day: $16
Shuttle: No
Columbia Garage
Columbia Garage offers San Diego cruise parking in a secure garage. Take a ticket to open the barrier and self-park before checking in at the parking office next to the entrance. Although they do not operate a shuttle, they do offer a convenient private ride to the cruise terminal. At check-in, customers receive a prepaid voucher for an Uber taxi ride to and from the cruise port (value up to $10 each way).
Distance from port: 0.6 miles
Address: 1050 Columbia St
Tel: (619) 814-4200
Price per day: $12
Shuttle: No – Uber voucher provided
Budget Cruise Parking San Diego Port
Port of San Diego, California (Photo Credit: Gerald Peplow / Shutterstock)
Manchester Grand Hyatt Garage
The Manchester Grand Hyatt Garage offers low-cost cruise parking (minimum 4 nights) less than a mile from the cruise terminal. Self parking only in a large secure garage. No pre-booking required; simply take a ticket when you enter the garage and pay at the ticket booth when you return from your cruise. This budget cruise parking lot does not operate a courtesy shuttle to the cruise port and customers must use a taxi or Uber to transport themselves and their luggage to the terminal.
Distance from port: 0.7 miles
Address: 1 Market Place
Tel: (619) 358-6658
Price per day: $6
Shuttle: No
Horton Plaza
Horton Plazacruise parking in San Diego is a well-priced option within easy reach of the cruise terminals. On arrival at the garage, take a ticket to access the garage on Fourth Ave and F Street. It’s open 24/7. Park in one of the reserved stalls next to the office and check-in. A shuttle will transport you the short distance to the ship.
Distance from port: 1.0 miles
Address: 814 Fourth Ave
Tel: (619) 233-1491
Price per day: $12
Shuttle: Yes
Bayfront Garage
Located beneath the Hilton, Bayfront Garage offers San Diego cruise parking just a short taxi ride from the cruise port terminals. It offers self parking in a secure covered garage. They do not operate a shuttle so you need to arrange a taxi or pick one up outside the hotel.
Distance from port: 1.6 miles
Address: 1 Park Blvd
Tel: (619) 321-4369
Price per day: $10
Shuttle: No
Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Little Italy
Four Points by SheratonSan Diego Little Italy offers well-priced San Diego cruise parking in a covered garage with valet service. Open 24 hours a day, the price includes a complimentary shuttle service to and from the cruise port. Payment is on arrival at the lot.
Distance from port: 1.0 miles
Address: 1617 1st Ave
Tel: (619) 239-9600
Price per day: $10.95
Shuttle: Yes
San Diego Cruise Parking at the Airport
The Port of San Diego is just 5 miles from San Diego Lindberg (SAN) Airport and there is plenty of long-term parking available at or near the airport. The downside is that once you have parked, you will need to catch a taxi or Uber to transport you and your luggage to the port.
If you’re traveling as a family or group, it could be smart to drop your passengers and luggage off and then for the driver to take the car to the airport to park. Although the official long-term parking at the airport is $32 per day, there are several options nearby offering much cheaper prices.
San Diego International Airport (Photo Credit: 4kclips / Shutterstock)
San Diego Airport Parking Co.
San Diego Airport Parking offers uncovered long-term parking close to the airport. Book online with free cancellation option. It has excellent reviews from past customers. There is a courtesy shuttle to the airport and the cruise port, making this a popular choice with consistently low priced cruise parking.
Distance from port: 2.7 miles
Address: 2771 Kurtz Street
Tel: (619) 574-1177
Price per day: $11
Shuttle: Yes
Laurel SAN Airport Parking
Operating 24/7 as a covered self parking business near San Diego Airport, Laurel SAN Airport Parking is a longstanding business with five star reviews. There’s a free shuttle service to the airport but not to the cruise port. It offers 24 hour security and camera surveillance.
Distance from port: 1.1 miles
Address: 1025 W. Laurel St
Tel: (619) 233-0412
Price per day: $10.99
Shuttle: No
WallyPark San Diego Garage Airport Parking
Just 5 minutes from San Diego Airport, WallyPark Garage offers secure cruise parking and airport parking from its central location. It has a choice of options including outdoor self-parking from $13.95 per day, covered self parking from $14.95 and covered valet parking from $16.95 per day. It runs a free airport shuttle every 5 minutes but cruisers will need to take a taxi or Uber to and from the port.
Distance from port: 1.6 miles
Address: 3298 Kettner Blvd
Tel: (619) 295-2832
Price per day: from $13.95
Shuttle: No
San Diego’s Park, Shuttle and Fly
San Diego Park Shuttle and Fly is a family-owned company offering the low prices for San Diego cruise parking at the airport. The parking lot is open and staffed 24/7 and provides safe and secure parking for cruisers and flyers.
Distance from port: 0.9 miles
Address: 3405 Pacific Hwy
Tel: (619) 291 1234
Price per day: $20.99
Shuttle: Yes
San Diego Cruise Parking for Disabled Passengers
Disabled person parking in San Diego is free in certain places for vehicles displaying a special license plate or official placard. These include in specially marked parking spaces, next to a blue curb denoting handicapped parking. Next to a green curb (limited parking time) and an on-street metered spots. The maximum length of time permitted is 72 hours.
However, in garages and off-street parking lots where disabled parking spaces are marked, all patrons must pay the usual charges.
Once you reach the cruise terminal, there are wheelchair friendly elevators and customer service representatives on hand to assist.
Best San Diego Hotels with Stay and Cruise Parking Packages
San Diego (Photo Credit: Ovidiu Curic / Shutterstock)
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside is one of the closest luxury hotels to the cruise port, so it makes sense to book a package that includes a comfortable night’s stay with free cruise parking. There are various different packages available, so check with the hotel before booking. Generally a package works out cheaper than a night’s stay plus cruise parking in the adjoining lot at $14 a night.
Distance from port: 0.1 miles
Address: 1355 N. Harbor Drive
Tel: (619) 544-8360
Price per day: $14 (Valet $17)
Shuttle: Yes
Other San Diego hotels worth checking out for Stay, Park and Cruise packages include:
Comfort Inn at the Harbor
The Dana on Mission Bay
The Pacific Inn
FAQs
How much to park at the cruise terminal in San Diego?
Prices for San Diego cruise parking range from $6 to $20 per day. Some businesses include complimentary shuttle transport to and from the cruise port.
Where’s the best place to park for cruise from San Diego?
For convenience, there are several cruise parking lots just across the street from the cruise terminals. These include the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage attached to the luxury Wyndham hotel, BRIC North Garage and BRIC South Garage. They are all within walking distance of San Diego cruise terminals.
Can I park near the San Diego cruise terminal?
Yes, there are several cruise parking lots just across the street from the cruise terminals. These include the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage, BRIC North Garage and BRIC South Garage. They are all just a short walk from the cruise terminal.
