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Royal Caribbean Orders Another Icon Class Cruise Ship

Emrys Thakkar
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Royal Caribbean Orders Another Icon Class Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean is set to order a third Icon class cruise ship which will be built at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

The cruise line has entered into an agreement for a third Icon class cruise ship. The cruise ship will be built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will be completed in 2025.

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Icon-class fleet that affirms our commitment to clean-power technologies at sea.”

“We’ve designed a class of ships powered by liquefied natural gas that leverages the latest, environmentally-friendly applications.  We believe that innovative shipbuilding can reduce our carbon footprint and boost energy efficiencies to help to build a cleaner future.”

The Royal Caribbean ship will join two other Icon class ships which have already been ordered and will join the fleet in 2022 and 2024.

The ship will bring environmental friendly innovations and likely new enhancements to the fleet. As long as the finances are agreed then the order should go ahead. Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed any specific details about the Icon class ships such as design, itinerary and features so do keep checking Cruise Hive for when the cruise line does begin detailing the first ship coming in 2022.

Also Read: A Simple Guide on Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

This now brings the total number of Royal Caribbean cruise ships on order or currently under construction to a total of five. Odyssey of the Seas which is the second Quantum ultra class vessel is the next to enter service in 2020.

Cruise Ship Passengers Injured After Vehicle Ends Up in Sea

Emrys Thakkar
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Cruise Ship Passengers Injured After Vehicle Ends Up in Sea

Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers have been injured during a vehicle accident in St. Maarten in the Eastern Caribbean.

Freedom of the Seas Passengers Injured

While the Royal Caribbean cruise ship was docked at Philipsburg, St. Maarten yesterday there was a vehicle accident which according to Cruceros Puerto Rico involved cruise visitors from Freedom of the Seas.

According to a video posted on social media by local authorities, a minivan can be seen half into the water in Marigot Bay which is located on the French side of the island known as St. Martin.

According to the local Police, the minivan ended up in the water while doing a maneuver at the seafront and several people were clearly injured. There were no reports of any deaths. You can view the footage below:

Video accident today Saint Martin. Tourists and cab flip into the sea.

Posted by SXM KPSM Sint Maarten Police on Saturday, June 22, 2019

It’s not clear if the cruise passengers were on a shore excursion at the time or just using general transportation. There was a delayed departure from the Caribbean island due to the accident. The ship arrived in St. Maarten at 8:00 AM on Saturday and was originally scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM.

It is also known that three local youngsters were involved in rescuing those in the vehicle before emergency services arrived. They have been called heroes of the day by Police in Marigot.

Freedom of the Seas is arriving back at its homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico today after completing a week-long southern Caribbean cruise. Port of calls included Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and then finally Philipsburg, St. Maarten which is where the accident occurred.

The large Royal Caribbean cruise ship is 154,000 gross tons and a guest capacity of over 3,700 at double occupancy. The vessel joined the fleet in 2006 as the first in its class.

We have reached out to the cruise line for further details and how the accident has impacted passengers. We’ll update the post shortly.

Main Photo: St. Martin Police

8 Must Know Things About the Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Emrys Thakkar
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8 Must Know Things About the Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Manhattan is a very big city and home to the longest running cruise port in the United States. Over the years it has seen millions and millions of passengers come through Pier 88 and Pier 90, each pier being updated now and then to accommodate larger ships and more passengers.

Whether you’re traveling to the cruise terminal for the first time, or you’re a frequent “flyer”, it is important to learn everything you can about the terminal and the surrounding area.

In this article, we’ll give you a brief history of the Manhattan cruise terminal and how it became a port for cruise passengers. Then we’ll go over other details and information you’ll need to help make your trip planning go much smoother.

History of Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Originally called the New York Passenger Ship Terminal (or the Port Authority Passenger Ship Terminal), this cruise port was built and finished in 1935. At the time there were four piers serving ships, piers 88, 90, 92, and 94.

These piers were built to replace the Chelsea Piers (which had once been the destination for the RMS Titanic. The Chelsea Piers now serve as a sports and entertainment complex, which includes TV production facilities, spas, batting cages, and more.

In the early 2000s, in order to accommodate the amount of cruise ships, additional home ports were built around the city: Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ (2004) and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brooklyn, NY (2006).

At that time, piers 92 and 94 were sold. Now the Manhattan Cruise Terminal has only two piers (88 and 90) and can comfortably accommodate three ships at once at each.

Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line is the only cruise liner to use the Manhattan Cruise Terminal year round, while seasonal travel is used by Carnival, Crystal, Cunard, Holland, Princess, and Disney.

Manhattan is also a popular port of call for various other cruise liners, including Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Location and Directions

If you’re driving to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the address you’ll want to use in your GPS or maps program is 711 12th Ave, New York, NY.

Entrance to the Terminal comes from the north at the intersection of 55th Street and 12th Ave (State Route 9A). All routes, no matter where you’re coming from, will eventually take you to 12th Ave and 55th street where the entrance is.

The official terminal website offers a printout of directions to the port from various locations around New York and New Jersey.

Embarking and Disembarking

If you’re driving in, dropping off passengers and luggage before parking is not advised as you have to exit the terminal in order to park. Instead, park first, and then drop off your luggage at the second level for check-in.

Once checked in, the porters will deliver your luggage to the ship, while you follow the posted signs for where you are to board your vessel.

When you return, you’ll first be directed to the baggage hall to get your luggage, then to the parking garage, or any awaiting coaches, taxis, or limos. 

Transportation to the Terminal (Best Ways to Get Around)

There are other numerous ways to get to the terminal if driving is not your chosen mode of transportation. Depending on how you plan to travel, where you’re traveling from, and what airport you may be flying into, there is no shortage of options.

The trick is finding the option that will get you there with little fuss that also doesn’t cost a lot of money.

It’s important to note that many folks who live in and around the city strongly advise not to drive in the city. Traffic quickly gets backed up due to the large amount of people also trying to get around, and it may take you twice as long to get to your destination if you’re trying to navigate city roads.

Rental Car

You can still choose to drive yourself, even if you are flying into the city. There are many rental companies available to get a car from in Manhattan. You can easily pick up a car at the airport from Enterprise, Avis, or Hertz, or any other company, and drop off the car just a few blocks away from the cruise terminal.

However, even for one-way rentals, this option could get pricey (average of $50-$100 for a car), depending on where you’re picking up. And traffic in Manhattan is always a concern.

NYCruise.com offers a discount for Avis (location code W42 and AWD# A427700) and Budget (location code NY5 and BDC# R643700) through the locations closest to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The discounts only work if you pickup and drop off at those locations but can save you roughly 10% on a rental car.

Taxi

Taking a yellow taxicab around the city is the most used method of transportation and depending on where you’re being picked up at dropped off it can be much cheaper than renting a car.

Standard metered fare starts at $2.50, adding 50 cents per half mile (or 60 seconds in slow or stopped traffic). For more information regarding other possible fees involved visit the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission Rates of Fare.

Estimated rates for transportation to the cruise terminal via yellow taxicab are included below. There are no extra fees for additional passengers or luggage:

  • From JFK International Airport: $52 flat rate
  • From La Guardia Airport: $25-$35
  • From Newark International Airport: $80-$100
  • From Port Authority Bus Terminal: $8-$10
  • From Pennsylvania Train Station: approximately
    $16-$17 (busy and slow traffic could raise this rate)
  • From Grand Central Terminal: approximately
    $18-$19 (busy and slow traffic could raise this rate)

Uber or Lyft

Rideshare services are becoming extremely popular for travelers around the United States and is especially common around Manhattan.

Using services like Uber and Lyft may cost significantly less than taking a taxi. But just like taxis, the cost is determined based on where you’ll be picked up. It’s a good idea to compare approximate Uber/Lyft rates with taxi rates to figure out which would be best for you.

Uber (rates are for UberX)

  • From JFK: $92
  • From LaGuardia: $66
  • From Newark Intl: $53
  • From Port Authority Bus Terminal: $16
  • From Pennsylvania Train Station: $18
  • From Grand Central Terminal: $24

Lyft (Personal ride)

  • From JFK: $120-$130
  • From LaGuardia: $65-$70
  • From Newark Intl: $50-$55
  • From Port Authority Bus Terminal: $21-$24
  • From Pennsylvania Train Station: $24-$28
  • From Grand Central Terminal: $20-$25

Bus or Subway

The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the closest to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, but you can also ride the New York City Buses – Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Information regarding buses, their schedules, and rates can be found at their prospective websites.

With either option, once you arrive you should be able to take quick cab to the cruise terminal.

The subway can be taken from anywhere in New York and the closest stop to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is at Columbus Circle, which is a short walk from the terminal. For more information about subway trains, times, and cost visit the MTA Subway website.

New York Parking Information

If you drove your own car to Manhattan, you’ll want to find a place to park for the duration of your cruise. Luckily, there are various options around the city to choose from.

A few of the best parking options are:

For a much more extensive list of parking options and New York driving tips, read our article about Manhattan Cruise Parking. (link to the parking article)

Also Read: Ultimate Guide on Manhattan Cruise Terminal Parking

Hotels

Many people plan to arrive two or three days before their cruise ships out. This is a great way to visit the city and do some sightseeing, while also allowing for travel delays.

If you’ll be staying in the city an extra day or so, you’ll need a place to sleep before you ship off. The type of hotel you look for will not only depend on preferences and budget, but also whether or not you’ll need parking.

Hotels Within Walking Distance

If you left the car at home and flew in, your best bet is to find a hotel within walking distance from the cruise terminal. Because public transportation is so readily available in the city, many hotels near the terminal don’t provide shuttle transfers. Here is a brief list of hotels that are a mile or less from the terminal.

Hotels with Free Parking/Shuttle

If you’re looking for a hotel that has free parking during your cruise, and maybe a shuttle ride to and from the cruise port, you’ll be better off staying in New Jersey. The hotels listed below offer cruise packages that provide these features to cruise passengers.

Travel Tips

New York Weather

Checking the weather forecast before coming to New York for your cruise will make planning your trip easier, especially if you’ll be travelling during an especially rainy or snowy period. You want to have the opportunity to adjust your schedule for possible travel delays, just in case.

New York tends to have mild spring and fall seasons, while summer can get very warm, and winter can be frigid with lots of snow. Pay attention to the time of year you’ll be shipping out and plan accordingly.

For instance, if you’re cruising to the Caribbean, but your ship leaves from Manhattan in December or January, you’ll want to pack both winter and summer clothes to accommodate both sides of the ocean.

What to Bring on Your Cruise from Manhattan

You don’t want to pack willy-nilly. It’s important to know what to bring with you that will help you enjoy your trip and make it as stress-free as possible. There’s nothing like being on the middle of the ocean and realizing you forgot your toothbrush, or a special medication you need.

Make a list of everything you’ll need to have with you. Here are a few suggestions of what to bring, including ones you may not have thought of.

  • Proper clothing – This should really go without saying. As we mentioned above, look at the forecast for both your homeport and your cruise itinerary, and pack your clothing accordingly. If you check far enough in advance, you may have time to do some last minute shopping for what you need. 
  • Toiletries and medicines – Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and any other toiletries you need. Make sure you also bring plenty of ibuprofen, Tylenol, stuff for seasickness, and any prescriptions with you.
  • Waterproof dry bag and a phone/passport dry pouch – When you’re out on the ship, anything can happen. Keep your valuables in dry pouches or bags as much as possible while on the ship, or if you go out to the beach during a port stop. The last thing you need is soggy money, IDs, or passports.
  • Slip-resistant flip flops – Boat decks get wet a lot, especially if there are on-deck pools and hot tubs. Having some slip-resistant flip flops will make it much easier to walk around the ship.
  • Outlet adapter – Outlet space can be very minimal in your cruise cabin, so it’s recommended that you bring an adapter to give you more options to plug things in to. Just be sure to get one that doesn’t have a surge protector.
  • Refillable water bottle – If you don’t already have one of these, get one. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, whether your cruising to the Caribbean or Alaska, and having a water that you can easily refill with water wherever you go is essential.

Things to Do in Manhattan

One of the biggest draws of Manhattan is that you can do just about anything, even if you’ve visited a hundred times. There’s something for everyone here to enjoy, so we highly recommend arriving two or three days in advance to take advantage of everything the Big Apple has to offer.

City Nightlife

Manhattan is also known as the city that never sleeps. If you have never experienced city nightlife, or just haven’t done so in New York, now’s the time to do it.

There are plenty of bars and clubs available for any tastes or preferences (jazz, dance, comedy, late night dining, etc.). There are even a few spots that let minors in for some fun (minus the alcohol, of course).

Museums

For lovers of art, history, or science, New York is famous for its wide variety of museums and exhibitions. Visit multiple spots to really experience the wide array of cultures represented in NYC.

There’s the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which is just down the road from the cruise terminal. Learn the history of popular aircraft, seacraft, and space craft, some of which date back to World War II.

You can also visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), National Museum of the American Indian, Cloisters Museum (which is a branch of the MET), and so many more.

Music

You don’t have to stay up late in order to enjoy some of the music found in Manhattan. There are plenty of musical opportunities in daytime or evening hours. Visit the Radio City Music Hall for a tour where you’ll get to meet a real Rockette, then come back in the evening for a show that will blow you away.

New York hosts a litany of concerts for all tastes year-round, so check ahead of time to see who will be playing during your visit so you can book your show tickets.

Live Plays at the Big Apple!

If seeing a play performed live on Broadway has been a lifelong dream, now is the time to fulfill your wish. Visit Broadway’s website for their extensive list of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. If you see something you like that will be playing during your visit, book your tickets right there!

You’ll easily be able to enjoy Broadway’s newest plays, as well as revivals of well-loved classics. Whatever your preference, you’ll regret not going.

New York Shopping

New York City is a shopper’s paradise. Anything you could ever want to buy and more. There are thousands of stores, boutiques, and shops scattered all over the city. You could live in NYC for years and never visit them all.

The most popular spot for shopping is down Fifth Avenue, filled with everything from designer purses, shoes, dresses, and jewelry. Be sure to budget accordingly as prices are not going to be cheap.

Closer to the cruise terminal are Columbus Circle and Times Square, which are also amazing places that will delight shoppers of all shapes, sizes, and tastes. If remaining close to the terminal is your preference, these areas certainly will not disappoint.

Kid-Friendly NYC and Family-Friendly Attractions

Many families who travel worry about the unsafe areas of NYC, especially in regards to their children. Though we highly recommend staying with your kids at all times, there are several kid-friendly attractions and places to visit around the city so that even the littlest travelers can enjoy their stay.

Many of the museums around the city are excellent places to provide not just fun for your kids, but educational opportunities as well. They’ll learn about geography, history, dinosaurs, astronomy, biology, and so much more while visiting NYC museums.

You can also take them to the Central Park Zoo, and visit all of the animals found within. For the tinier family members, there’s also Tisch’s Children’s Zoo, where you and your kids can feed pygmy goats, pigs, and many other animals.

If you and your kids enjoy medieval history and fun, The Cloisters is a great art museum to visit. There’s also the Medieval Times dinner and show in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, where you get to eat amazing food, while also watching a live jousting show. Cheer for your favorite knights as they fight for the honor of the princess! It’s a bit far from the cruise port, but trust us, it is worth the trip.

If you have a full day to really enjoy some of New York’s history, take your family to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There’s even a brand new Statue of Liberty Museum that just opened on May 16th, 2019. Now every visitor, not just those able to climb the many stairs to the crown, are able to experience Lady Liberty and learn about her history. 

Conclusion

There is a lot of planning that is involved when going on a cruise. You can’t just book your cruise and wing it. If you try, you will not enjoy your trip as much as you would like. Instead, you’ll find yourself stressed and struggling to do the things that you should’ve planned on ahead of time.

From weather delays, to missing luggage, to possibly forgetting to pack an essential item, it’s always good to be prepared should the worst happen. And even if nothing happens, having a plan can help everyone enjoy the trip.

Just knowing the history of your chosen homeport, where it’s located, the best ways to get there, and what to watch out for as far as traffic and weather is concerned, is enough to ease your travel worries. We also recommend allowing extra time just in case of delays and using that time to explore the city.

We hope this extensive guide to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and surrounding area helps you as you plan your trip. Have a safe and fun vacation to the Big Apple and beyond!

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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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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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

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