A former Carnival cruise ship which was known as the Holiday has been put up for auction after Cruise & Maritime Voyages went out of business.
Cruise Ships Up For Auction
The first Holiday-class cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line has been put up for auction, along with four other vessels from the now bankrupt Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) based in the UK.
The Holiday, which was transferred by Carnival to Spanish-based Ibero Cruises in 2009, eventually ended up with CMV in 2015. Unfortunately, due to the global health crisis and the suspension of operations, the cruise line went into administration, a form of bankruptcy in the UK.
The vessel is recently known as MS Magellan and she’s currently up for auction by CW Kellock & Co. The bidding deadline for the 46,052-gross ton cruise ship is midday on Monday, October 19, 2020. Those who are interested can arrange an inspection at the Port of Tilbury where she’s currently located.
Photo Credit: Andrew Balcombe / Shutterstock.com
Here is the full list of former CMV cruise ships that are up for auction:
Marco Polo – Bid deadline: Midday Thursday 22nd October 2020. GT: 22,080 / Passengers: 906 / Cabins: 425 / Decks: 12 (8 pax)
All the ships are located at the Port of Tilbury except for the Marco Polo which is at Avonmouth, also in the UK. Anyone lucky enough to have the funds can buy themselves a cruise ship! The alternative is for the ships to be scrapped, which we’ve already seen with former Pullmantur and Carnival cruise ships at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey.
The former CEO of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Christian Verhounig, recently completed the purchase of assets from the former cruise lines. Those assets included customer databases, computer systems, office items, and more. Verhounig is hoping to relaunch the cruise line at some point in the future. We might even see him snatch up some of the cruise ships too.
The Holiday was the very first new-build for Carnival Cruise Line. She was constructed in Denmark and entered service for the cruise line in 1985.
Southampton is by far the busiest passenger cruise port in the UK and it is served by many hotels in Southampton. Most people departing on a cruise choose to stay in one of the hotels in Southampton UK near the port, ready to check-in the following day without a problem.
Whether you are heading off on a Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Norwegian Fjords or Baltic cruise, or perhaps just hopping across to the Isle of Wight, we have selected some of the best hotels in Southampton conveniently close to the ferry and cruise terminals.
If you’re looking for hotels in Southampton with cruise parking and/or a shuttle, no problem. We have a selection for you to choose from.
We also provide a selection of hotels closest to Southampton cruise port, luxury hotels, budget hotels and hotels offering Cruise and Stay packages. Whatever accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll find it right here!
Where Should I Stay in Southampton before a Cruise?
Southampton is a busy city for business, cruises and tourists so it has hundreds of hotels and apartments offering accommodation. If you’re looking for a hotel in Southampton before departing on a cruise, it makes sense to stay close to the port and cruise terminals. You don’t want to get caught in traffic if you’re travelling to Southampton from London, for example, as it could jeopardize your cruise check-in.
There is no train or bus service to the cruise terminals so you either need to walk from your hotel or use a taxi or Uber to get there. Some hotels offer a shuttle service, usually as part of a package with cruise parking. However, all hotels will be happy to arrange a taxi for you. Expect to pay around £7-10 for the trip if you are staying in the city centre.
There are lots of things to consider when booking hotels in Southampton UK near the port. Price, convenience, standard of luxury, options for Cruise and Stay Parking and the distance from the port can all influence your choice. It makes sense to choose a hotel with a shuttle service or one closer to the port for a shorter (cheaper!) taxi journey.
Know your Cruise Terminal Before Booking a Hotel
Bear in mind that there are four cruise terminals in Southampton port and they are widely spread apart. The Mayflower and City cruise terminals are closest to the city and are within reasonable walking distance (10-15 minutes) from hotels if you do not have too much luggage.
The hotels listed below show the distance from Mayflower Cruise Terminal, which is the part of the Western Docks, along with City Cruise Terminal. The closest hotels to City Terminal are Novotel, Ibis and Holiday Inn hotels. Ibis and Novotel are opposite Gate 10 entrance to the port and the Holiday Inn is outside Gate 8.
If you are cruising from Ocean or QE2 cruise terminals, some hotels around Ocean Village may be considerably closer than indicated. However, the Queen Elizabeth II cruise terminal is over ½ mile from the port entrance so you really need a taxi to take you right to the ship.
We’ve laid out all the facts to help you, so take your pick below.
Closest Hotels to Southampton Cruise Port
Ibis Southampton Centre Hotel
The Ibis Southampton is a modern budget hotel in central Southampton with 93 smart guest rooms. Guests have tea and coffee facilities and Wi-Fi. Opposite Gate 10 to the port and close to West Quay Shopping Centre, the hotel offers bar snacks and has a café. Some upper rooms have views of the cruise ships as they come and go from the port.
Distance from port: 1.3 miles
Address: 9 West Quay Rd, Western Esplanade
Phone number: 023 8063 4463
Shuttle? No
Holiday Inn Southampton
Just a hop from the cruise port and opposite Gate 8 to the port, Holiday Inn Southampton offers modern refurbished bedrooms and mid-range prices. Make use of the pool, gym and lounge bar and upgrade to an oceanview room to get yourself into cruise mode before you depart!
Distance from port: 1.4 miles
Address: Herbert Walker Ave
Phone number: 0871 942 9073
Shuttle? Yes
Novotel
The Novotel is a reliable chain hotel opposite West Quay Shopping Centre and as close as you can get to the Mayflower Cruise Terminal (opposite Gate 10 port entrance). Rooms are spacious and comfortable and include Wi-Fi. This hotel also has a bar, indoor heated pool, gym, sauna and restaurant. Parking is £10 per night.
Distance from port: 1.3 miles
Address: 1 West Quay Road
Phone number: 023 8107 2800
Shuttle? No
Ennios Hotel
Ennios Boutique Hotel is a small hotel offering a personal service. Modern rooms have air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, mini bar and Wi-Fi. It is the closest hotel to Ocean Terminal (0.6 miles) and the shops at Ocean Village as well as being just 0.1 miles from the Town Walls and Medieval Merchant’s House attractions.
Distance from port: 2.3 miles (Mayflower terminal)
Address: Town Quay
Phone number: 023 8022 1159
Shuttle? No
Luxury Hotels near Southampton Port
Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa
This five-star luxury Southampton Harbour Hotel will get your cruise off to a great start. Just a short walk from Ocean Village Marina and 0.7 miles from Ocean Cruise Terminal, it has 119 sumptuous guest rooms, two restaurants, spa, pool and rooftop terrace for enjoying waterfront views.
Distance from port: 2.4 miles (Mayflower terminal)
Address: 5 Maritime Walk, Ocean Village
Phone number: 023 8110 3456
Shuttle? No
Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel
Relax at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel before setting sail on your cruise. Overlooking the waterfront, this grand four star hotel has a leisure centre with indoor pool, sauna, gym and Rena Spa along with a bar and grill. Free Wi-Fi and parking (fee).
Distance from port: 1.7 miles
Address: 5 West Quay Road
Phone number: 023 8063 3033
Shuttle? No
Hotels with Shuttle to Southampton Cruise Port
Doubletree by Hilton Southampton
Convenient for the M3, M27, Southampton Airport and city centre, Doubletree by Hilton is a top choice for those looking for hotels in Southampton with Cruise and Stay packages. Your stay starts with a complimentary chocolate chip cookie as you check in. Upgraded deluxe rooms include bathrobes, slippers, welcome snacks and extended checkout times. There’s a bar, restaurant, gardens and restaurant. Check out the cruise package with parking options for the best deals.
Distance from port: 4.8 miles
Address: Bracken Place, Chilworth, Southampton
Phone number: 02380 702700
Shuttle? Y
Holiday Inn Eastleigh
Just off M3 Junction M13, the Holiday Inn Eastleigh has 129 rooms including family rooms all with Wi-Fi for staying in touch. The Health Club has a 15m long pool, gym, sauna and steam room along with massages and beauty treatments. There’s a bar, lounge and restaurant and Park and Cruise packages include one night’s accommodation, breakfast, parking and transport to and from the cruise port.
Distance from port: 6.5 miles
Address: Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Southampton
Phone number: 0871 942 9075
Shuttle? Yes
Careys Manor Hotel
Nestled in the countryside within the New Forest National Park, Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa is the ultimate luxury retreat with 77 bedrooms, restaurant, spa and more. Book a Cruise and Stay package which includes overnight accommodation, an award-winning New Forest breakfast for two, parking and chauffeur transport to the cruise terminal from just £249.
Distance from port: 12.1 miles
Address: Lyndhurst Rd, Brockenhurst
Phone number: 01590 624467
Shuttle? Yes (Chauffeur transport with Cruise and Stay packages)
Budget Hotels near Southampton Cruise Port
Hunters Lodge BnB
Hunters Lodge Bed and Breakfast is a welcoming private hotel with free Wi-Fi, bar and guest lounge. The price includes a tasty cooked breakfast before you head off to the cruise port (taxi required). This charming mid-range BnB has excellent reviews and is one of the top BnBs in Southampton.
Distance from port: 1.6 miles
Address: 25 Languard Rd
Phone number: 023 8022 7919
Shuttle? No
Travelodge Southampton
The three star Travelodge is centrally located and offers clean comfortable rooms with “bare bones” amenities. Rooms have flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi (fee) and a buffet breakfast is available in the onsite restaurant. Parking is available nearby for an additional fee.
Distance from port: 1.8 miles
Address: Castle Way, Southampton
Phone number: 0871 559 1869
Shuttle? No
Premier Inn Southampton West Quay
Southampton Premier Inn West Quay is a modern purpose-built hotel close to the High Street shops and restaurants. Rooms include luxury Hypnos beds, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, Freeview TV and a desk. Look forward to a full English breakfast at the Thyme Restaurant before hopping in a taxi to the cruise port.
Distance from port: 1.7 miles
Address: 96 Harbour Parade West Quay
Phone number: 0333 321 9233
Shuttle? No
Premier Inn Southampton City Centre
If you want a well-priced hotel in Southampton city centre, this three star Premier Inn on New Road is the best pick. Close to East Park it is within walking distance of the City Art Gallery and several shopping centres. Spacious ensuite rooms have free Wi-Fi and rates include a free breakfast.
Distance from port: 1.8 miles
Address: 6 New Road, Southampton
Phone number: 0333 321 9006
Shuttle? No
City Centre Hotels Near Southampton Port
The Pig-in-the-Wall
The Pig-in-the-Wall is a quirky four star boutique hotel in Southampton’s oldest districts within the medieval walls of the city. The Georgian property includes a well-known deli/bar and has just 12 bedrooms, all individually decorated and furnished. Due to its central location close to the Maritime Museum and Guildhall, parking is an additional daily fee.
Distance from port: 1.6 miles
Address: 8 Western Esplanade
Phone number: 0345 225 9494
Shuttle? No
Mercure Dolphin Hotel
The Mercure Dolphin Hotel is in the heart of Southampton City Centre and one of the closest hotels to the cruise terminals. It is the oldest hotel in the city, dating back over 500 years. This gorgeous hotel is in a Grade II listed building oozing charm from its huge bay windows and original Stables Rooms with old beams. Close to shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Distance from port: 1.6 miles
Address: 34-35 High St, Southampton
Phone number: 023 8038 6460
Shuttle? No
Jurys Inn
The smart contemporary façade at Jurys Inn sets the tone for a comfortable stay at this four star city centre hotel at a surprisingly competitive price. It has 270 air-conditioned rooms with flatscreen TV, work desk and tea/coffee facilities. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, business and conference facilities, 24-hour front desk and a colourful lounge/bar with snack menu for guests along with Costa Coffee Bar. Most attractions are within walking distance including West Quay Shopping Centre and Southampton Railway Station.
Distance from port: 2.0 miles
Address: 1 Charlotte Place, Southampton
Phone number: 023 8037 1111
Shuttle? No
Room2Southampton
Room2Southampton is one of the most popular hotels in Southampton with spacious air-conditioned rooms that include a mezzanine study area. This Hometel offers spacious rooms with kitchenette, refrigerator and microwave as well as a flatsceen TV and Wi-Fi. There’s an onsite bar, lounge and fitness room making it ideal for longer stays.
Distance from port: 2.0 miles
Address: 1-8 Queens Terrace
Phone number: 023 8057 2222
Shuttle? No
Southampton Hotels FAQ
What’s the cheapest hotel near the port of Southampton?
Prices start at just £30 per room per night at the three star Travelodge in Southampton. Just 1.8 miles from Southampton cruise terminals this budget hotel offers clean comfortable rooms with bare bones amenities. Rooms have flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi (fee) and a buffet breakfast is available in the onsite restaurant. Parking is available for an additional fee.
Which hotel is best for getting to the Southampton cruise terminal?
Doubletree by Hilton Southampton is the best hotel for getting to the cruise terminal. Although it is almost 5 miles from the port, cruisers can book a Stay and Cruise package that includes transfers to and from the port along with free parking.
How to get from Heathrow to Southampton?
London Heathrow Airport is 63 miles from Southampton cruise terminals. There is no direct rail link from Heathrow to Southampton so you will need to arrange transport directly with your cruise line or hire a car and drive yourself. Alternatively you can book private transfers, use a bus/coach service such as National Express or book a private car, taxi or Uber.
Southampton cruise terminals have been part of cruising history for over 180 years. Long before air travel, anyone wanting to cross the Atlantic did so on some of the world’s most famous ships, including the RMS Queen Mary,QE2 and the ill-fated Titanic.
Today, Southampton remains the largest passenger cruise port in the UK with a fleet of cruise ships regularly departing down Southampton Water on the first stage of their worldwide voyages.
While most cruise ships depart from Southampton the same day that they arrive (after all, time is money for cruise ships!), some visiting ships drop into Southampton as a port of call and may berth overnight.
If you’re departing from one of the four terminals, we have all the information you need to know before you go. Check out the location, facilities and directions about each cruise terminal so your cruise departure from Southampton will be “plain sailing!”
Southampton Cruise Terminals: An Overview
Port Southampton is managed by the Southampton Port Authority. It has four cruise terminals and each has one or more berths. When busy, the Fruit Shed (Berth 104) is used as a temporary measure. The cruise port handles over 500 ships calls and accommodates more than 2 million cruise passengers in additional to serving another 3 million passengers heading to and from the Isle of Wight.
Southampton cruise terminals are arranged around the point of land at the confluence of the River Itchen and the River Test. They then become known as Southampton Water, which flows into the Solent about 5 miles further south.
The Eastern Docks area on the banks of the River Itchen includes the Ocean Cruise Terminal and QE II Cruise Terminal.
The Western Docks facing the River Test include the City Cruise Terminal and the Mayflower Cruise Terminal.
Port Southampton dock facilities for cruisers include car parking (short-term and long-term) and toilets. There is a taxi rank at each terminal. If you have booked direct bus transfers to and from the cruise ship with your cruise line, these buses will be allowed to pick you up and/or drop you off right next to the ship’s terminal building. Taxis also have access inside the port’s secure area.
Cruise ships generally arrive and depart from the berth or cruise terminal allocated to their cruise line. However, in exceptionally busy times, or when work has to be scheduled, cruise ships can be diverted to another berth by the Port Authority. Check out your cruise paperwork so that you know exactly which terminal to head for on arrival.
Southampton Port is spread over a huge area so you don’t want to be dropped off at the wrong terminal. Ascertaining the correct cruise terminal in Southampton also helps you find the best cruise parking that is closest to your ship’s berth.
Queen Elizabeth Cruise Terminal (Eastern Docks)
The full address of Queen Elizabeth Cruise Terminal is:
Berth 38/39, Dock Gate 4, Southampton, SO14 3GG
Opened in 1966, this terminal occupies Berths 38 and 39 near the Grain Terminal and is part of the Eastern Docks area. It has been modernised in 2003 and again in 2016. Entry is via Gate 4, like Ocean Terminal users, but the road continues for almost 1km (over half a mile) before reaching the docks and cruise terminal at the end of the peninsula.
The terminal does not have public telephones or ATMs but there are full facilities in the Arrivals Lounge once you have checked in. Cruisers can pick up hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks from Ceanos Snack Bar which operates in the Arrivals Lounge and the First Floor Departures Lounge when ships are in dock.
There is comfortable seating, toilets, vending machines offering a limited range of drinks and snacks as well as a magazine stand offering a range of complimentary magazines and local maps.
The closest hotel to the QE Cruise Terminal is the Ennios Hotel, a former warehouse. There is long-term and short-term cruise parking close to this terminal.
Ships expecting to depart from this cruise terminal in 2020 include the following:
Cunard Queen Mary 2
Cunard Queen Victoria
Fred Olsen Balmoral
P&O Arcadia
Celebrity Silhouette
Ocean Cruise Terminal (Eastern Docks)
The full address of Ocean Cruise Terminal is:
Berth 46-49, Dock Gate 4, Cunard Road, Southampton, SO14 3QN
Opened in 2009 and recently upgraded, Ocean Cruise Terminal is generally listed as Berth 46. It is part of the Eastern Docks in Southampton Port. It is the closest terminal to the town and entry is via Dock Gate 4.
Ocean is one of the most modern terminals in Southampton Port and one of the busiest. It has excellent facilities for those waiting to check-in and depart on a cruise with a large reception area, magazine stand and seating for around 1000 cruisers. It is fully accessible for disabled passengers. Large glass windows allow you to watch the ship being loaded with provisions and luggage.
The terminal has a takeaway Ceanos coffee shop and fully licensed bar in the Departure Lounge on cruise days which offers hot food, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
There is also an area with vending machines and a water cooler. Priority seating is in a separate area and P&O Peninsular Club members can also use this area while waiting to board.
This Southampton cruise terminal also has a passenger services desk, cruise parking and Wi-Fi but no phones or ATMs. The nearest cash machine is in Tesco Express at Ocean Village about 10-15 minutes’ walk away. If you are looking for a hotel close to Ocean Terminal, the Ennios Hotel is in a converted former warehouse nearby.
Ships expecting to depart from this cruise terminal in 2020 include the following:
P&O Britannia
Cunard Queen Mary 2
Aida Cruises AIDAsol
Princess Cruises Crown Princess
P&O Iona
Cunard Queen Victoria
Carnival Ventura
City Cruise Terminal (Western Docks)
The full address of City Cruise Terminal is:
Berth 101, Western Docks, Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton, SO15 1HJ
City Cruise Terminal is a modern terminal designed to accommodate larger cruise ships. It was opened in 2003 and upgraded in 2015. It is located at Berth 101in the Western Docks area of Port Southampton.
It is the closest terminal to the railway and coach stations and it is possible to walk the distance if you have light luggage, taking about 10-15 minutes. Entry is via Gates 8, 10 and 20, but gate 10 is the most well-used.
The closest hotels to City Terminal are Novotel, Ibis and Holiday Inn in the city. Ibis and Novotel are opposite Gate 10 and the Holiday Inn is outside Gate 8.
Cruisers can pick up hot and cold drinks, hot food, sandwiches and snacks from Ceanos Snack Bar which operates in the Departures Lounge. It also operates a licensed bar and has a separate kiosk when ships are in dock.
The Arrivals Lounge has seating, toilets, vending machines for drinks and snacks and a magazine stand. There is cruise parking close by and the Mayflower Park offers close views of the ships at berth.
Ships expecting to depart from this busy Southampton cruise terminal in 2020 include the following:
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas
Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas
Saga Cruises Spirit of Adventure
Saga Cruises Spirit of Discovery
Mayflower Cruise Terminal (Western Docks)
The full address of Mayflower Cruise Terminal is:
Berth 106, Dock Gate 10, Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton, SO15 1HJ
The Mayflower Cruise Terminal opened in 1960 and was modernised in 2003 and 2015. It occupies Berth 106 and is over a mile from hotels, railway and bus stations so you will need a taxi or local transport to the berth about a mile away. Entry is via Dock Gates 8, 10 and 20 with most traffic using Gate 10. Just opposite this gate you will find the Novotel and Ibis hotels with Holiday Inn near Gate 8.
Cruisers can pick up hot and cold drinks, hot food, beer, wine, spirits, sandwiches and snacks from Ceanos Snack Bar which operates in the Departures Lounge when ships are in dock. There is a seating area with toilets and a magazine stand. The Arrivals Lounge has seating, toilets, vending machines and a magazine stand when ships are docked. There is short and long-term cruise parking close to the terminal.
Ships expecting to depart from this cruise terminal in 2020 include the following:
Cunard Queen Victoria
Cunard Queen Elizabeth
Cunard Queen Mary 2
Carnival Aurora
Carnival Azura
Carnival Ventura
Carnival Arcadia
Saga Cruises Spirit of Adventure (one date)
Getting to Southampton Cruise Terminals
Southampton cruise terminals are very easy to access from nearby road and rail links.
By train, coach and bus:
Your public transport will end at the railway or coach station in Southampton city centre and you will need to use a taxi or Uber to reach the cruise terminals about 2 miles away. Fares are around £10 one way.
By car:
Follow the M3 southbound and follow signs merging onto M27 west. Exit at J3 and follow signs for Southampton Docks which will take you along the M271 and A33 (first exit) dual carriageway to the Dock Gates.
On arrival at Southampton Docks, electronic signs list each cruise ship that is currently in port and which cruise terminal they are at.
Remember to pre-book cruise parking to get the best rates and be sure of a space when you arrive. These companies are either a short walk from the cruise terminals or offer a complimentary shuttle bus to take you and your luggage to and from the ship.
From the airport:
The nearest airport is Southampton International Airport which serve UK and European destinations. Long-haul flights arrive in Heathrow and Gatwick but they are 70 miles and 90 miles away respectively.
You will need to arrange transport between the airport and Southampton cruise terminals. This can be arranged directly with your cruise line. You can book private transfers, use a bus/coach service such as National Express or book a private car, taxi or Uber.
Trains run directly from Gatwick to Southampton station every hour but there is no rail link from Heathrow.
Current Contracts with Cruise Lines
In 2016, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) signed a £5.5 million deal with Southampton Port. This secured Berth 101 as the official UK cruise departure point for all RCI cruises until 2023. It secured 15,000 cruise related jobs and over £1 billion in associated economic business for the area.
Future Developments for Southampton Cruise Terminals
Southampton cruise terminals received a £7 million government grant to install shoreside power connectivity for cruise ships while they are in port. This power system (known in the trade as cold ironing) allows cruise ships to plug into the power grid and operate all their onboard operations without having to run their diesel or gas turbine engines.
It is a much cleaner and more efficient system, significantly reducing pollution and improving the eco-friendly operations of each cruise ship.
Southampton Cruise Terminal FAQs:
What’s the most popular cruise terminal in Southampton?
The busiest cruise terminal in Southampton Port is City Terminal. It has 50 service decks to check-in cruisers quickly and efficiently as part of the security and embarkation process.
This terminal is also equipped to handle some of the largest cruise ships visiting Southampton. Ocean Terminal is also busy, depending on which cruise ships are arriving and departing.
What cruise lines depart from Southampton?
Port Southampton is the home port to the following cruise lines:
P&O Cruises – Arcadia, Aurora, Azura, Britannia and Ventura Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Silhouette Cunard – Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and the Transatlantic liner Queen Mary 2 Princess Cruises – Royal Princess and Sapphire Princess Royal Caribbean – Independence of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas
It is also used by many other major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC, Fred Olsen, Crystal Cruises, Azamara, AIDA, Saga and Silversea and as a port of call.
How many cruise terminals are in Southampton?
Southampton has 4 cruise terminals:
Queen Elizabeth II at Berths 38 and 39 Mayflower Terminal at Berth 106 City Terminal at Berth 101, and the newest Ocean Terminal at Berth 46
Main Photo Credit: VIIIPhotography / Shutterstock.com
The Fantasy-class cruise ship has been beached ready for scrapping at the ship-breaking facility in Aliaga, Turkey.
Carnival Inspiration Beached
The Carnival Inspiration has joined three other cruise ships by being beached at the ship-breaking facility in Aliaga, Turkey. The ship was beached today after being anchored just off the coast for more than one day.
The ship has been squeezed in between sister ship Carnival Fantasy which was beached last week and the former Sovereign of the Seas which was beached on July 23. The former Monarch of the Seas is also seen beached which occurred on July 22. All the ships are being dismantled after being sold by their cruise operators.
Cruise Hive readers can watch video footage of the moment the Carnival Inspiration was beached below:
Carnival Inspiration has now reached the end and workers will soon begin cutting off large chunks of the ship. Carnival hasalready detailed plans so that the ship can be recycled in a safe way. Specialist Specialists EGE CELIK and SIMSEKLER will be dismantling the two Carnival ships and a recycling plan has been put in place.
In the coming weeks and months, Carnival Inspiration will no longer look like a ship and will soon be hard to believe that once thousands of passengers were enjoying a fun-filled vacation on her.
The ship has already been stripped of all her valuable and important items when she was docked at the Brion Wharf in Willemstad, Curacao in the first half of July. From there the ship sailed across the Atlantic directly to Turkey which has ended in today’s beaching.
It’s likely the remaining crew members had left before the vessel was beached with only a handful of staff onboard to oversee the ship being beached safely. A crane will be lowed onto the ship so the captain and other essential crew can leave.
Carnival Inspiration was not the oldest in the fleet and entered service in 1996. The Fantasy-class ship has a gross tonnage of 70,367 and a guest capacity of over 2,000 at double occupancy along with 920 crew members.
Carnival has announced details on Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration dismantling and recycling in Turkey.
Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration Recycling Details
Carnival has announced an agreement so that two of its retired Fantasy-class cruise ships can be dismantled and recycled responsibly. Specialists EGE CELIK and SIMSEKLER will take apart the two vessels at the ship-breaking facility in Aliaga, Turkey.
Carnival Corp has been working with Bellona Foundation which a lead partner in the NGO Shipbreaking Platform and SEA2Cradle to come up with an approach to safely and sustainably recycle both cruise ships.
Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation, said:
“Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the communities we visit and our crew.”
“That commitment extends to our cruise ships, starting from the moment a ship becomes part of our fleet and continuing all the way through to its retirement. In addition to limiting our vessels’ impact on the environment throughout their service time in our fleet, recycling our retired ships following the European Ship Recycling Regulation ensures we are applying the highest global standards and contributing to a sustainable cruise industry.”
The recycling companies will formulate a Ship Recycle Plan for each vessel – Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration – that goes beyond what is required by consulting with Carnival Corporation’s advisor Sea2Cradle to ensure optimal compliance with key national and international environmental standards.
Each plan will include a complete inventory of hazardous and regulated materials and the procedures planned for safely removing and processing the materials in an environmentally friendly way. Once these materials are safely removed and processed, the companies will begin dismantling each ship.
Ships will be stripped of machinery, electronic equipment, glass, wood and other materials that can be directly upcycled for reuse in new ships, used in ship repair or repurposed for other applications. Steel and metal scraps will be salvaged and recycled for direct use or be sent to the mill for producing other products and goods.
Working on behalf of Carnival Corporation and as an added assurance, Sea2Cradle will supervise ship dismantling and recycling at the demolition yards throughout the entire process to ensure the highest health, safety and environmental standards are maintained.
Sea2Cradle estimates that a significant percentage of the ship materials from both vessels will be reused, reclaimed or recycled.
Cruise Hive has already posted on the Carnival Fantasy recently being beached at Aliaga and as we write this, the Carnival Inspiration is just off the coast and will also soon be beached. Both ships have been sold for scrap due to the health crisis and the impact on the cruise industry.
Carnival Cruise Line recently retired one of the most iconic ships in its fleet, Carnival Fantasy. On July 13, 2020, the cruise ship was sold and then, not a month later, on July 29, it was beached in Aliaga, Turkey, where now the ship awaits its fate as scrap, alongside its sister ship, Carnival Inspiration, as well as two former Royal Caribbean cruise ships also at the Aliaga ship breaking facility, Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas.
Some speculate that the sale came about due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, in which Carnival was forced to suspend its service on all ships starting March 14. The cruise line had every intention of resuming service by April 10, but of course the suspension was then extended into the fall. However, it’s not fair to blame the sale of the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship entirely on the coronavirus pandemic.
By 2020, Carnival Fantasy had become the oldest cruise ship across Carnival’s entire fleet, at 30 years old, and as any seasoned cruiser knows, when a ship reaches that age, it’s difficult to continue dry docking and updating it in a way that will be profitable.
However, regardless of the reason for Carnival Fantasy’s eventual retirement and sale, there’s no denying that this cruise ship made an impact on the industry.
The Carnival Fantasy Cruise Ship: A Brief History
The Carnival Fantasy cruise ship was floated out on December 9, 1988, but was not completed until 1990, when it left its first home at the Helsinki New Shipyard in Finland.
Compared to much of the newer cruise ships out there today, Carnival Fantasy was on the smaller side, with a gross tonnage of 70,367 GT and a length of 855 feet, with capacity for 2,675 passengers and 920 crew members.
Still, Carnival Fantasy was the very first and the namesake ship of the Fantasy class of cruise ships, which proved to be a very popular class for the line, made up of eight separate ships, with Carnival Fantasy setting the standard. Fantasy-class ships include Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise.
The entire Carnival Fantasy class stood out as being the last cruise ships built with lifeboats on the upper deck only, and recent passengers could even still see some remnants of Carnival’s pre-Fantasy class ship designs, as the Fantasy-class ships featured cabins mostly in the hull and very few balcony cabins and suites, a design choice more similar to what could be seen on the Holiday class of ships, which Carnival had launched in the 1980s.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
Primarily serving the Caribbean, Carnival Fantasy operated out of the Port of Miami for the first few years of its life, before relocating to Port Canaveral in 1993. In 2006, Carnival Fantasy was moved to Louisiana and New Orleans, making it the first Carnival cruise ship to return to the region following Hurricane Katrina. At that point, the cruise ship began serving itineraries to Mexico.
In 2008, Carnival Fantasy underwent a much needed dry docking period, before going on in 2009 to operate out of Mobile, Alabama, and then on to Charleston, South Carolina.
Another extensive refit occurred in 2016, at which point the ship returned to Mobile. Most recently, the ship was refitted in 2019 — which, honestly, does seem a bit of a waste, since the ship would be sold just a year later (which, though, does lend some credence to the theory that Carnival wasn’t exactly expecting to retire the ship, but was forced into the decision due to the changing and tumultuous cruising industry influenced by 2020’s coronavirus pandemic).
What’s Next for Carnival Fantasy?
So what happens to a ship when it’s sold and goes on to the ship breaking facility?
After the ship is beached, it’s dismantled, beginning with the interior. All of the furnishings are removed for scrapping and items that can be sold, are. After anything with any monetary value is removed and sold, then the ship is disassembled, cut apart piece by piece. Steel can be sold to scrap metal dealers and then melted and reformed into other products.
What Could Cruisers Expect from a Carnival Fantasy Cruise?
Even in most recent years, some cruisers still preferred Carnival Fantasy to some of the newer ships among Carnival’s fleet, for the simple facts that the ship was on the smaller side, it gave new cruisers an easy and simple introduction to the Carnival brand and there was plenty of classic cruising fun and experiences to be had.
Sure, some of the decor was a little outdated, hearkening back to a 1980s era of cruising, but the experiences made up for that fact (if you even considered it a con in the first place). In fact, many of the cruisers you could see on a Carnival Fantasy cruise were senior citizens who probably were already pretty well familiarized with the world of cruising as it was several decades ago.
In terms of amenities at its sale, Carnival Fantasy offered complimentary dining in two main dining rooms, at a traditional cruise ship buffet and at several dining options that were added during the handful of the ship’s dry-docking periods, including Pizza Pirate, Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
For-a-fee dining simply included a coffee bar and the Chef’s Table experience that you can find on all the other Carnival ships. While this selection might seem extremely limited to cruisers accustomed to 20 or more dining options on a ship at one time, when Carnival Fantasy launched, this range of options was pretty standard.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
Similarly, Carnival Fantasy’s entertainment options were pretty par for the course as well, at least compared to other cruise ships from that era. There was a 1,400-person theater and lounge, where you could expect not only shows, but also family-friendly, interactive entertainment (including the HASBRO The Game Show experience, which Carnival added a few years ago, as well as the family-favorited Dr. Seuss experiences). Music-heavy, Vegas-style shows were popular.
Daily fun was, again, more of that classic cruising entertainment led by enthusiastic staff members who encouraged all cruisers to get involved and compete in fun little games around the pool and in the more populated common areas.
As for nighttime fun, the cruise ship didn’t boast the bevy of bars and lounges you might see on some of Carnivals’ newer ships, but there was something to be said for the casinos, karaoke parties and comedy shows. There were actually more bars on the ship than there were restaurants, however, including an Atrium Bar, piano bar, club-style bars and the newer RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, among others.
Outdoor fun at the time of the ship’s sale included a WaterWorks water park, one main pool and sun decks, as well as a mini-golf course. Other amenities included your standard spa, gym, shopping and children’s programming.
In terms of cabins, you couldn’t expect the ritziest, latest and best in terms of decor, but things were certainly a blast from the past, with that cheery cruise line combination of oranges, yellows and reds across the carpets, walls, drapes and more.
Carnival Fantasy Over the Years: Significant Dry Docks
Of course, as with every cruise ship, the features and amenities that Carnival Fantasy debuted with didn’t hold cruisers’ attention forever. Updates and dry docks were needed to maintain the ship’s appeal, and changes were made until the ship evolved into what was seen right before it retired and made its way to the Aegean Sea.
Some of Carnival Fantasy’s most notable dry docks took place during 2008 and 2015.
In 2008, Carnival Fantasy, as well as all Fantasy-class ships, received refurbishments under Carnival’s Evolutions of Fun initiative. All refurbishments were completed in 2010, to the tune of $250 million.
For Carnival Fantasy, Evolutions of Fun changes included the addition of the new WaterWorks water park, some adults-only areas, a redesigned main pool and a new preteen childcare center for cruisers aged 12 to 14.
At the time, the Evolutions of Fun changes included the addition of the longest water slide at sea to the Fantasy-class ships; the 300-foot-long spiral water slide was part of the Carnival WaterWorks water park. The dry dock also added the Serenity adults-only deck. The ship’s limited number of suites received new wall coverings, bathrooms, carpeting and more.
In 2015-2016, upgrades were made to restaurants and child care areas. This dry docking period was probably Carnival Fantasy’s most significant dry dock in terms of bringing the ship up to modern standards, because it refitted the ship according to the Funship 2.0 standards that Carnival put in place slightly before.
The Funship 2.0 initiative brought in new restaurants and new entertainment across a good portion of Carnival’s fleet, adding restaurants and bars that soon became cruiser favorites, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, as well as new water park features.
In fact, the Funship 2.0 initiative improved Carnival Fantasy so much, according to cruisers, that the initiative won Carnival Fantasy the Most Improved Ship award from cruseilne.com in 2018.
Carnival Fantasy Over the Years: Significant News Events
Unlike some of Carnival’s other cruise ships, Carnival Fantasy mostly avoided bad press throughout its long existence.
One of its more notable headlines was made just recently, in 2019, when Carnival sent the ship to the Gulf of Mexico to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in rescuing 23 Cubans traveling in a powerless wooden boat between Cuba and Mexico.
What’s Next for Carnival?
Unfortunately (or maybe, not so unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the selling of Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration are just one of many changes that Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced.
Carnival is overall reducing its capacity (possibly in response to reduced demands) and is focusing on its newer ships. This means that, in addition to selling the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration cruise ships, other vessels Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination are going into a long-term, lay-up status. Other ships will be moving to new ports, and itineraries are being adjusted to meet cruiser demand.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
On the positive side of things, though, we will get some new, updated ships as part of all these upcoming changes. A November 2022 delivery date has been set for the yet-to-be-named, second, Excel-class ship, which will join Mardi Gras and feature many of the same exciting amenities, such as the first roller coaster at sea. It’s expected that itineraries for the unnamed ship will go on sale later in 2020.
Additionally and similarly, Carnival Radiance will make its home in Long Beach in spring of 2021, following a $200 million refurbishment in Europe. Anyone who booked a Carnival Imagination or Carnival Inspiration cruise for sailing after 2021 will be re-booked on Carnival Radiance.
Carnival Fantasy FAQ:
What year was the Carnival Fantasy built?
The Carnival Fantasy cruise ship was floated out on December 9, 1988, but was not completed until 1990, when it left its first home at the Helsinki New Shipyard in Finland.
When was the Carnival Fantasy refurbished?
Carnival Fantasy underwent dry docking and refurbishments in 2008, 2015 and 2019. The most notable of these refurbishments occurred in 2008 and 2015. In 2008, Carnival Fantasy, as well as all Fantasy-class ships, received refurbishments under the Evolutions of Fun initiative.
Evolutions of Fun changes included the addition of the new WaterWorks water park, some adults-only areas, a redesigned main pool and a new preteen childcare center for cruisers aged 12 to 14. In 2015, the Funship 2.0 initiative brought in new restaurants and new entertainment across a good portion of Carnival’s fleet
What other cruise ships are the same class as Carnival Fantasy?
Carnival Fantasy was the very first and the namesake ship of the Fantasy class of cruise ships, which proved to be a very popular class for the line, made up of eight separate ships: Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise.
When was Carnival Fantasy sold?
Carnival Cruise Line recently retired one of the most iconic ships in its fleet, Carnival Fantasy. On July 13, 2020, the cruise ship was sold and then, not a month later, on July 29, it was beached in Aliaga, Turkey, where now the ship awaits its fate as scrap, alongside its sister ship, Carnival Inspiration.
Video footage was captured of the moment the Carnival Fantasy was beached in preparation for scrapping at Aliaga, Turkey.
Carnival Fantasy Beached
The Carnival Fantasy cruise ship which is the first in her class has officially reached the end as the vessel as been beached at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey. She joins the two former Royal Caribbean cruise ships of Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas.
The former Carnival cruise ship arrived just off the coast of Aliaga on Tuesday morning and was anchored until she was able to be beached today. The ship will be taken apart, and her metal will be sold off. The ship has already been stripped of all important items when she was docked in Curacao 15 days ago.
As you can see below, the cruise ship is now right next to the former Royal Caribbean and Pullmantur ships where they all await to be scrapped. They will soon be joined by the Carnival Inspiration cruise ship, which is already on its way towards Aliaga and currently in the Meditteranean.
More cruise ships could be beached and scrapped as the global health crises continue to impact the cruise industry around the world. The Carnival Imagination and Carnival Fascination are also going into a cold lay-up as the cruise line plans on a phased-in return to service.
Carnival Fantasy is the first ship in her class and entered service in 1990 at 70,367 gross tons. She helped grow to what it now the world’s largest cruise line. Carnival Cruise Line “did” have a total of eight Fantasy-class vessels.
Royal Caribbean-owned cruise lines are replacing the traditional safety drill and implementing a new virtual drill that reimagines the process.
New Virtual Royal Caribbean Safety Drill
Royal Caribbean Group has announced it’s ditching the traditional safety drill and moving forward with a new virtual drill which is the first of its kind and even patented. The new process is more personal and allows for improveds social distancing and higher levels of safety.
With Muster 2.0, the key elements of the safety drill – including reviewing what to expect and where to go in case of an emergency, and instructions on how to properly use a life jacket – will be accessible to guests on an individual basis instead of a group approach that has been followed historically. New technology, eMuster, will be used to help provide the information to guests via their mobile devices and interactive stateroom TVs.
Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said:
“The health and safety of our guests and crew are our number one priority, and the development of this new muster process is an elegant solution to an outdated, unpopular process.”
“The fact that this will also save guests time and allow the ship to operate without pause means that we can increase health, safety and guest satisfaction simultaneously.”
“Muster 2.0 represents a natural extension of our mission to improve our guests’ vacation experiences by removing points of friction,” said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group’s senior vice president of digital. “In this instance, what’s most convenient for our guests is also the safest option in light of needing to reimagine social spaces in the wake of COVID-19.”
Travelers will be able to review the information at their own time prior to setting sail, eliminating the need for the traditional large group assemblies. The new approach also enables everyone on board to maintain better spacing as guests move about the ship, and it allows guests to enjoy more of their vacation with no interruption.
Image Via: Royal Caribbean
After reviewing safety information individually, guests will complete the drill by visiting their assigned assembly station, where a crew member will verify that all steps have been completed and answer questions. Each of the steps will need to be completed prior to the ship’s departure, as required by international maritime law.
The cruise company has been working with the relevant authorities to make sure the new drill procedures comply. Muster 2.0 is being implemented across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara. TUI Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line will be able to use the new patented safety drill.
When cruises start to resume from October guests will be using the new procedure which is part of a much larger change with new measures to keep guests and crew safe before, during and after a vacation at sea.
Two former Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been beached in Turkey ready to be scrapped, new video footage shows the moment.
Sovereign and Monarch Reach End of the Line
As seen in the above photo by Nautica Goods, two cruise ships that have been covered a lot recently since operator Pullmantur Cruises went out of business have now reached the end of the line at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey.
Monarch, which is formerly known as Monarch of the Seas, was beached yesterday at Aliaga, which is just north of Izmir in Turkey. The last remaining crew members, apart from the essentials, were already transferred to Celerity Infinity. The crew will be taken on by Royal Caribbean, which is some good news. Valuable items and equipment were already removed when the ship was docked in Naples recently.
Video footage has been captured of the moment the Monarch was beached and the final time the engine will be used as she’ll be taken apart bit by bit. A sad ending for a vessel that has such a long history, which those who love cruise ships will appreciate.
This morning sister ship Sovereign which is also formally known as Sovereign of the Seas was beached too. The ship will now await scrapping after already being stripped of important items in Naples, Italy recently. The crew were already transferred to the Celebrity Constellation cruise ship on July 20.
Another vessel which was part of the Pullmantur fleet named Horizon is just one step behind and also set to be scrapped. The ship is current off the Greek coast after being stripped of all important items. The ship will soon join Monarch and Sovereign on the beach at Aliaga.
Pullmantur was forced to close its business due to the impact of the suspension of operations. The Spanish cruise line was no longer able to continue and Royal Caribbean partly owned the operator and took back control of the fleet before selling the ships for scrap.
A lot of memories for many cruisers on these ships. Sovereign of the Seas was first in her class and at the time she entered service in 1987 was the new mega-ship of the industry. The vessel was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and is over 73,500 gross tons with a passenger capacity of over over 2,800 at double occupancy
Monarch of the Seas was the second in the Sovereign-class for Royal Caribbean and was also built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The ship debuted in 1991 and is over 73,900 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 2,700.
