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Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues Sailor from Sinking Boat

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues Sailor from Sinking Boat

The Carnival Paradise has come to the rescue of a sailor who was on a sinking boat. The Carnival cruise ship was heading back to Florida at the time.

Carnival Paradise Rescue Sailor

The Carnival vessel was sailing back towards its homeport in Tampa, Florida when it came to the rescue of a sailor on a sinking boat 13 miles north of Cozumel. On Saturday, May 18 the Carnival Paradise crew responded to a distress call from a small boat which was taking on water. The ship immediately activated its rescue procedures which included the launch of lifeboat 15.

The mariner was found in the water and was brought onboard the Carnival Paradise. He was provided with food, water, and medical treatment. A rescue boat arrived from the Mexican Coast Guard to take the two sailors back to land. The Fantasy-class cruise ship had departed Cozumel, Mexico just hours before which also meant the local authorities of Mexico were involved and they met the ship to pick him up, he was in a good condition.

A passenger from onboard the Carnival ship at the time tweeted a photo of the lifeboat having some minor damage. It is now known how this occurred during the rescue operation.

Carnival Paradise was on a 4-night cruise that departed Port of Tampa on May 16. The ship’s only port of call was in Cozumel on May 18 with a departure time of around 6:00 PM. The vessel is arriving back into its homeport today with a slightly longer 5-night western Caribbean itinerary departing later today.

The ship is 70,300 gross tons and has a guest capacity of over 2,100 at double occupancy. We’ve reached out to the cruise line for an official response and will update this post accordingly.

Just last month, we posted about the sister ship Carnival Fantasy, which rescued 23 people who were adrift at sea. This also took place around 130 nautical miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, which includes Cozumel Island. You can read more about this fascinating rescue at sea right here.

How to Get Your Photo on the Carnival Pixels Wall

Melissa Mayntz
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How to Get Your Photo on the Carnival Pixels Wall

Photos are essential souvenirs for any cruise vacation, and the snapshots, panoramics, and selfies you take are perfect to share on social media, add to your personal albums, and document all the great cruise memories you’ve made.

If you want more professional photos, however, you’re in luck – cruise ships have a dedicated staff of experienced photographers and onboard photo labs to process and print every memorable moment. Carnival Cruise Line goes one step further, however, and your professional photo could turn you into a vacation celebrity if you make it on The Wall.

What Is the Photo Wall?

The Wall is a fun feature of the Pixels Gallery on every Carnival ship. Pixels is the onboard photo studio and is responsible for all professional photos on board, from embarkation and gangway photos to dining room photos, fun shots on deck, casual backdrops, and formal poses, including the elegant stairway poses and black-and-white photos. There are no sitting fees for any photos and no obligation to purchase any photos you have taken.

The only exception is for private sessions through the Dreams Studio, which include more unique around-the-ship photo locations and more detailed post-processing for the very best results. Dreams Studios sessions have only limited availability and prices vary.

Carnival Cruise Line Pixels Photo Wall
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

The Wall is a fun showcase of Pixels Gallery photos, with 8-12 photos highlighted at once in the “Frame of Fame.” Different photo sizes and both landscape and portrait orientations are part of The Wall, and the ship’s photographers choose which photos make this exclusive display.

If your photo is showcased on The Wall, you get that photo print for free!

Making the Carnival Pixels Wall

Getting your photo on The Wall is all about fun. While the photographers select which photos make The Wall, you can make your photo stand out for recognition in several ways.

First, simply take a lot of photos. The more you are noticed, the more likely it is that your photo will appear in one of the coveted spots on The Wall. If you don’t take any, there is no chance your photo will be selected.

Get into the fun of each pose, using any available props and striking an appropriate pose. The more enthusiasm and enjoyment you show in your photo, the more likely you are to become a cruise celebrity.

Carnival Cruise Line Pixels Photo Wall
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

If you have your own props, such as a sombrero for a Mexican backdrop, Hawaiian shirts on a Hawaiian cruise, or fun souvenirs from your latest shore tour, put them to good use with your photos.

Keep your poses, props, and photo fun family-friendly. Inappropriate photos will not make The Wall, and photos that could be considered grossly offensive may not be printed at all, or the ship’s photographers may refuse to take such a photo.

Finally, smile! You’re on vacation and having fun, and let that enjoyment show in your smiles. Fun, enthusiastic photos are the ones most likely to make The Wall.

Claiming Your Free Photo

Check The Wall each day to see what new photos have been added. As photos are claimed and more spots open up on The Wall, new photos will be available and you might find yourself cruise-famous.

Carnival Cruise Line Pixels Photo Wall
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

If you do spot your photo on The Wall, rejoice! You can leave the photo on display if you like, or you can claim it right away. Simply ask one of the staff on duty when the Pixels Gallery is open, and let them know you’ve made The Wall. They will collect your photo and package it in a stiff envelope so it stays in good shape, and it’s yours to keep.

There is no charge for any photo of yours that has made The Wall, and you do not need to make any other purchases at the photo gallery before or after your moment in the spotlight.

It is polite if you claim your photo the same day, giving more people the opportunity to have their own chance at the Frame of Fame. While claimed spaces may remain blank until the next round of photos is processed, they will eventually be refilled.

Carnival Cruise Ship Sunset
Photo Credit: Russell Otway

There is no set schedule for refilling photos on The Wall, nor any minimum requirement for how many photos must be featured on any given cruise. In general, longer cruises with more photo opportunities will likely have more photos featured as earlier shots are claimed.

If you know how best to take advantage of every photo opportunity and enjoy every click-worthy moment of your cruise, you just might see yourself on The Carnival Pixels Wall!

Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues 23 People Adrift at Sea

Emrys Thakkar
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0
Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues 23 People Adrift at Sea

A Carnival cruise ship has rescued 23 people from a disabled boat just off the Yucatan Peninsula after being adrift at sea.

Carnival Fantasy Rescue Details

The Carnival Fantasy cruise ship which is operated by Carnival Cruise Line rescued 23 people who were adrift 130 nautical miles off the Yucatan Peninsula on Sunday.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a report at around 1:15 AM that a sports fisher vessel was distressed and disabled with a total of 23 people onboard. The boat had engine issues and had been adrift for three days.

https://twitter.com/brianscha4/status/1117457052404551683

What’s more shocking about the situation according to the Coast Guard is that 22 people who were on the sports fisher boat were rescued from a smaller wooden boat which was sailing from Cuba to Mexico. The smaller boat had lost power and was also adrift for three days. So the 22 people out of 23 were adrift for a total of six days between the two different vessels.

Thankfully the Carnival Fantasy was able to get involved after being notified by the Coast Guard. A search was already underway for the disabled sports fisher vessel and at around 8:40 AM they were finally spotted by an Ocean Sentry aircrew on their third search location.

The Carnival Cruise ship was directed to that location and arrived at the scene at 10:47 AM on Sunday. A rescue operation was launched by the cruise ship’s crew, and all 23 individuals were brought aboard — two of the people needed to be treated by the medical staff for minor issues.

Carnival Fantasy Cruise Ship
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive

The rescued people remained on the Carnival Fantasy until the cruise ship arrived at Mobile, Alabama this morning. They will be transferred to U.S. authorities.

The Carnival ship was on a 4-night western Caribbean cruise and at the time of the rescue was already sailing back towards its homeport from a call at Cozumel, Mexico on April 13. The ship is the oldest in the fleet at 70,360 gross tons and passenger capacity of over 2,000 at double occupancy.

Carnival Cruise Line Reveals New Secluded Retreat for Mardi Gras

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival Cruise Line Reveals New Secluded Retreat for Mardi Gras

Carnival Mardi Gras which is a new class cruise ship coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2020 will feature new premium suites and a new secluded retreat.

New Suites and Retreat for Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line has announced new details about the new Mardi Gras cruise ship which will arrive in 2020. The cruise line revealed details about new premium level suites Carnival Excel suites, exclusive new amenities for suites and even a new secluded retreat space called “Loft 19.”

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:

“As we continue to announce details on Mardi Gras, guests will see that this ship is going to have more choices to stay and more choices to play.”

“All of our accommodations have been designed to exceed our guests’ expectations, and the suite offerings will kick that up a notch or two for those who want an extra special Choose Fun vacation.”

Secluded Retreat Named Loft 19

The new retreat will debut on the Mardi Gras in 2020 and it will be called Loft 19. The exclusive space will be located on the highest deck of the ship and inspired by some of the world’s best resorts.

There will be a full bar service and a private pool. Sun loungers and cabanas will be located around the pool too. The cabanas will be stocked with fresh fruit, chilled towels, robes, and guests can even get lunch delivery along with concierge service. Those booked in the new premium Excel suites will get priority reservations.

Carnival Mardi Gras - Loft 19
Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line

Premium Carnival Excel Suites

It was also revealed that the new cruise ship will have 32 suites across four categories. There will be six Carnival Excel suites on decks 10, 11 and 12 which includes expanded space for dining. The will be twelve Carnival Excel corner suites on the port and starboard side of the ship with wraparound balconies and even more space. Twelve Carnival Excel aft suites will provide large wraparound balconies with lush ocean views. There will be two Carnival Excel presidential suites located on deck 17 and the largest in the fleet.

All those booked in any of the 32 Carnival Excel suites will be able to enjoy priority boarding and debarkation, priority main dining room seating, plush bathrobes and bottled water upon arrival. They will also enjoy these added extras:

  • Unlimited access to Loft 19
  • Dedicated concierge phone line
  • Guaranteed specialty dining times (with the exception of Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table)
  • Complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda package, room service and laundry
  • Sparkling wine and fresh fruit basket upon arrival
  • Upgraded bathroom amenities

The ship will also feature Ocean suites, Havana suites, family harbor suites, and cloud 9 spa suites. Many of these were first introduced on the Vista-class cruise ships. All accommodations on the Mardi Gras do come with USB outlets.

The new ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The maiden voyage will depart Copenhagen on August 31, 2020. The ship will be around 180,000 gross tons once completed.

The cruise line also announced today of the iconic Family Feud TV game show that will be part of Mardi Gras’ entertainment offerings.

Three Oasis of the Seas Sailings Canceled After Crane Damage

Emrys Thakkar
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0
Three Oasis of the Seas Sailings Canceled After Crane Damage

Royal Caribbean has canceled three Oasis of the Seas sailings after a crane collapsed onto the ship during dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Sailings

Royal Caribbean has canceled three sailings out of Port Canaveral after a crane fell onto the aft section of the ship. After assessing the damage, the cruise line will need extra time to make fixes.

Those guests who are booked on April 7, April 14 and April 21 sailings are receiving full refunds as the Royal Caribbean cruise ship will be delayed returning to service due to the damage done.

  • April 7: 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise – Canceled
  • April 14: 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise – Canceled
  • April 21: 14-Day Transatlantic Cruise – Canceled

The cruise line has been communicating the details directly to guests who are impacted by the cancellations. The company has also been responding to worried guests via Twitter. After assessing the damage to the ship the AquaTheater and some suites located at the aft were damaged. The ship was also listing towards its starboard side.

Worth Reading: Oasis of the Seas Departing Late Due to Minor Mechanical Issue

Around 1,200 crew members were evacuated from Oasis of the Seas just after the crane fell. With nowhere for them to go two cruise ships operated by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offered to help.

While Grand Celebration was also in Freeport, the ship provided aid to the Royal Caribbean crew members. Grand Classica also let the stranded crew members stay overnight and provided food. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers short round trip sailings to the Bahamas from Port of Palm Beach, Florida.

Related: Another Cruise Line Helps Crew of Crane Hit Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is one of the world’s largest cruise ships at 225,285 gross tons with a guest capacity of 5,480 at double occupancy.

Cruise Hive will keep readers informed on any new updates on this developing news.

Another Cruise Line Helps Crew of Crane Hit Oasis of the Seas

Emrys Thakkar
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0
Another Cruise Line Helps Crew of Crane Hit Oasis of the Seas

Another cruise line has come to help those crew members who had to evacuate Oasis of the Seas after a crane collapsed onto the ship.

Two Cruise Ships Help Oasis of the Seas Crew

You’re probably already aware of a major incident yesterday at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. A large crane at dock 2 collapsed onto the aft section of Oasis of the Seas at the beginning of dry dock. This forced everyone to be evacuated from the ship as it also listed towards the starboard side. You can read our original breaking news post right here.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line which offers short cruises from Port of Palm Beach to the Bahamas has been involved in helping crew members of the Royal Caribbean operated Oasis of the Seas.

Grand Celebration was in Freeport at the time when the crane fell onto the Oasis-class vessel. In a letter to guests posted by WPBF 25 News, the ship welcomed the crew members after they were unable to return to Oasis of the Seas with all their belongings onboard. The ship remained in port longer to provide humanitarian relief.

As a result, the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operated ship was delayed by 2-3 hours arriving back into Port of Plam Beach, Florida.

Another cruise ship named the Grand Classic which the same cruise line operates is going a step further by looking after the approximately 1,200 crew members from Oasis of the Seas overnight. The ship is acting as a hotel for the stranded crew and is offering dinner, lunch, and breakfast. The ship captain has also asked the Grand Classica crew members to help in any way they can by providing a toothbrush, phone charger or anything else to make things easier for them.

This is developing news and Royal Caribbean is expected to release a new statement at around 5:00 PM EST including details of the damage done to Oasis of the Seas which is one of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Featured Image: WPBF 25 News

Crane Collapses on One of World’s Largest Cruise Ships

Emrys Thakkar
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0
Crane Collapses on One of World’s Largest Cruise Ships

A crane has collapsed on Oasis of the Seas in the Bahamas. The cruise ship is operated by Royal Caribbean and one of the largest in the world.

Crane Falls on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

A large crane has collapsed onto the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship during a routine dry dock at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Eight people have been injured.

As seen in a video posted online, the crane has caused the 220,900 gross ton ship to list towards its starboard side. The crane collapsed onto the aft of the ship where the AquaTheatre is located.

The cruise line released a statement to Local 10:

“We are responding to a construction site incident at the Great Bahamas Shipyard, where Oasis of the Seas is currently in dry dock.”

“As of 1:45 pm EDT, we are accounting for the whereabouts of all site personnel and working with local authorities to determine if there have been any injuries. We are aware of damage to the dock structure and to construction cranes. We are assessing damage to the ship.”

In a video posted by the Bahamas Press, a worker mentioned that Dock 2 is gone and it is a “big disaster.” The emergency services have also been seen attending as there have been injuries.

The only people onboard a ship during a dry dock would be a limited number of crew members and shipyard workers. Royal Caribbean released another follow-up statement with further details:

Earlier today, we responded to a site incident at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard, where Oasis of the Seas is currently in drydock.

Shipyard management has informed us of eight injuries, none of them considered life-threatening.

We are aware of damage to the dock structure and to construction cranes. We are assessing damage to the ship. Drydock is a maintenance procedure, and there are no guests aboard the ship.

Oasis of the Seas, which was once the largest cruise ship in the world when she entered service in 2009, only just entered the dry dock for routine maintenance. The ship was set to be fully upgraded and ready for a new summer service of Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona, Spain, starting in May 2019.

Read Also: Passenger Vessel Strikes Crane at Popular Cruise Port in Europe

The ship has a guest capacity of 5,400  at double occupancy, along with 1,650 crew members. While in dry dock, however, the full crew is typically not on board, as many are transferred to other ships in the fleet or begin their vacation during the renovation.

It’s not clear if the ship’s larger dry dock later this year or any upcoming sailings will be delayed. This is developing news and we’ll keep Cruise Hive readers updated as new details come out.

New Cruise Ship Adrift After Suffering Power Loss

Emrys Thakkar
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New Cruise Ship Adrift After Suffering Power Loss

UPDATE:

Holland America Line has now released a statement regarding the ms Nieuw Statendam cruise ship losing power which resulted in blackouts and a canceled port of call.

Repairs have been made to the engines and the ship is now fully functional. The issue was related to one of the diesel generators. You can read the full statement below:

While Nieuw Statendam was underway from St. Thomas to Half Moon Cay the ship experienced a technical issue with one of the diesel generators, causing a short black-out. During this time the ship, all guests & crew were completely safe & in calm water with good weather conditions.

Due to the delay and in an abundance of caution while the cause of the blackout was being addressed, the scheduled port call at Half Moon Cay was cancelled. The repair is complete and Nieuw Statendam is proceeding as scheduled.

PREVIOUSLY:

The newest Holland America cruise ship named Nieuw Statendam is suffering from major power loss and was adrift. A port of call has been canceled and there have been blackouts onboard.

Newest Holland America Cruise Ship Suffers Power Loss

Guests who are currently on the March 17 sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida are posting that the Nieuw Statendam is suffering engine problems. As a result, the ship had lost power and was adrift for some time early this morning.

Thankfully the captain managed to safely keep the ship away from any land. Unfortunately, the scheduled call at the cruise line’s private island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas was canceled.

The newest ship in the fleet was originally expected to drop anchor at the island around 8:00 AM this morning. The power failure started as the ship was approaching the island according to guests.

Engineers onboard are actively working on fixing the engine issue and limited power has already been restored for food and drinks. It’s not clear what services were impacted and if the blackouts were shipwide.

Nieuw Statendam is very slowly heading back to its homeport of Port Everglades, Florida and is scheduled to arrive on Sunday morning. With limited power and propulsion, it is not known if the arrival back will be delayed. Guests booked on the next March 24 sailing should check with Holland America Line for confirmation and details about this.

The new Holland America cruise ship is currently sailing a 7-night eastern Caribbean cruise which also included stops at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and finally Half Moon Cay which did not take place.

The ship recently joined the fleet and was delivered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri on November 30, 2018. A recent christening ceremony was held on February 2 which featured godmother Oprah Winfrey.

The 2,666 passenger vessel is the second Pinnacle-class and sister ship to ms Koningsdam. The ship is 99,500 gross tons and the most advanced in the fleet so far.

Everything You Need to Know About Crafts at Sea

Melissa Mayntz
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Everything You Need to Know About Crafts at Sea

Crafts – beading, jewelry making, cross stitch, scrapbooking, crocheting, and more – don’t have to be just stay-at-home projects. If you enjoy crafts as a way to relax, why not enjoy them on your vacation? More and more cruise lines are offering craft projects on board as fun, engaging activities for all ages, and dedicated crafters can always bring their own projects along to relax during their cruise vacation.

Craft Activities at Sea

Many different cruise lines are offering craft activities on board, with different options available for all ages. While the exact projects will vary depending on the cruise line, sailing itinerary, and port destinations, different craft options are becoming more popular with passengers.

Projects such as key chains, beaded bracelets, paracord bracelets, cross stitch pictures, custom door hangars, charm bracelets, decorated flip flops, scrapbook pages, seashell photo frames, and painting canvases are all fun activities.

Some activities may only be offered in children’s or teen programs, while others are available for all passengers to enjoy. Check the daily newsletter for the times and locations of craft projects, but be aware that most projects are only offered one time per cruise. Different activities on other days are likely to be completely different projects, so don’t miss all the fun opportunities to try new crafts throughout your cruise.

In general, projects can be completed in an hour or less, and before you know it you’ll have a hand-made souvenir to remember all the fun of your cruise vacation.

Most cruise activity craft projects are free of charge, with all materials and instructions provided, though some more complicated projects may have nominal fees that will be disclosed before you begin.

Craft-Themed Cruises

If you want even more craft-oriented fun on your cruise vacation, why not consider a specialized craft-themed cruise? These specialty sailings offer more detailed enjoyment of a popular craft, such as beading, knitting, scrapbooking, quilting, stamping, or cross stitch.

Craft-themed cruises can be found on all types of cruise ships, including both ocean liners and river cruises, and different lines offer may craft themes throughout the year while visiting a variety of destinations and ports of call.

On a themed cruise, crafting passengers can sharpen or expand their skills with expert lectures and personalized instruction, and there may be an exclusive project available for passengers to complete. Designers and retailers may be on board and offer talks and tips, and there may also be specialty excursions such as to a local craft museum, factory, or other craft-related attraction.

While all passengers are welcome on craft-themed sailings, guests interested in joining the craft activities may need to pay additional fees for that specialized access. Guests who do not want to join the crafting activities do not pay the theme-related fees.

You browse all these arts and crafts from Amazon.

Bringing Your Own Crafts on a Cruise

You can easily make any cruise vacation a crafting voyage if you bring your own projects along when you set sail. While there are plenty of activities to do on board – including craft projects – passengers are always welcome to bring their own projects.

To safeguard your carefully crafted work, however, it is best to double-check lists of prohibited travel items on the ship, as well as on airlines if you will be flying before or after your cruise, to be sure no materials or supplies might be confiscated.

If you need large needles or hooks such as knitting needles or crochet hooks, for example, plastic or wooden tools are safer for travel and less likely to cause any confusion or difficulties with security precautions.

This travel sewing kit might come in handy for the cruise.

Bring along disposable supplies if possible, such as copies of charts or patterns rather than originals, and leave behind any supplies you won’t be needing during your cruise, such as finishing details when you’re only just starting the project.

If you have heirloom supplies, such as a pair of sewing scissors or snips passed down from a favorite relative, it may be best to leave them at home and bring along less expensive, more readily disposable options just in case.

All sharp parts of your project, such as needles and scissors, should be securely wrapped and kept safely fastened so they pose no risk to security inspectors or baggage handlers.

Similarly, any paints, glues, or other materials that might spill should be stored tightly closed and layered with protection so there is no risk for damage, and you should bring along the smallest quantities possible to save room in your luggage and be sure no supplies are wasted or over travel allowances.

Also Read: What You Need to Know on Decorating Your Stateroom Door

For more convenience, store your entire project in a clear bag or case that can be easily examined in case there are any questions or concerns.

With care and proper precautions, you can easily bring along your favorite craft projects on your cruise, turning any voyage into your very own craft-themed sailing.

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