Immediately after the impact, which was captured on video by guests on board, the ship slowed its speed and adjusted its route to head for inspection in Juneau.
Repairs have now been completed, and Norwegian Sun is ready to sail again. Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed in a statement to Seatrade that “no further cancellations are set at this time,” and the ship’s next scheduled sailing – departing Seattle, Washington on Thursday, July 14, will proceed as planned.
That voyage is a 7-night, roundtrip itinerary with scheduled port visits to Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, as well as a day of scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier.
Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship in Alaska (Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock)
The ship is already docked in Seattle awaiting guests. Undoubtedly the vessel’s 906 international crew members are ensuring the ship is refreshed, cleaned, and fully stocked for its upcoming sailing.
Guests on upcoming sailings are unlikely to notice anything different about the vessel, as the repairs have been completed and cosmetic repairs – refreshing scraped paint on the hull – have also likely been finished.
Damage Minor, but Caution Warranted
The Sun-class vessel struck the iceberg – classified as a growler, a relatively low berg of small to moderate size, roughly equivalent to a grand piano or pickup truck – on June 25. Because much of the impact was below the waterline, the extent of the damage was uncertain and the ship needed proper inspections to certify its condition.
The hull was not breached with the impact and damage to the vessel was minor, but did require repairs out of an abundance of caution.
There were no injuries to guests or crew members as a result of the iceberg impact, and onboard services and operations were not affected.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
To provide time for the repairs to be completed, Norwegian Cruise Line canceled the June 30 and July 5 sailings for the vessel. This helped ensure not only could the repairs be completed properly, but that all necessary supplies would be available for the most suitable repair options.
Guests on the impacted sailings were provided full refunds, as well as Future Cruise Credit (FCC) compensation due to the last-minute cancelations.
Consideration was also given for reimbursement of airline change or cancelation fees, though those reimbursements had to be considered individually after guests submitted the necessary receipts or other claim paperwork.
Norwegian Sun weighs in at 78,309 gross tons and has a capacity of 1,976 guests at double occupancy, and up to 2,400 passengers when fully booked. She is one of five Norwegian Cruise Line vessels offering Alaska sailings this year, along with Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Spirit.
After finishing the Alaska season in October, Norwegian Sun will first return to Miami, then New York, and eventually Lisbon, where she will spend the winter offering a variety of European sailings to destinations around Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and the Canary Islands.
Norwegian Sun will return to Seattle for the 2023 Alaska season in May.
Have you ever run out of space while packing? Perhaps you get to your Disney cruise or Caribbean cruise and realize that you’ve forgotten something, or you simply didn’t have enough room.
These cruise packing hacks will help you both plan for your cruise vacation and maximize cabin space. Each cruise tip will help you simplify how you pack and keep you organized.
There are many hacks out there that no one considers when packing for their cruise trip. Most cruisers pack their suitcase with what they feel are the essentials.
We tend to overpack, anticipating every conceivable situation, and later wonder where we are going to put all our stuff. Not all cruise line cabins are roomy, and keeping them clutter-free makes your trip more enjoyable.
Storage Ideas and Organization
Storage tends to be the last thing that cruisers consider when packing for their trip. We assume there is enough space in the cruise cabin to hold all our belongings. While this may be true for some cruises, sometimes cabins can be smaller than you realize.
Even if they are spacious, you will want to organize your items in a way that you can easily find everything. Keep in mind that you will not have the organization that you have at home, and you may be sharing limited counter space. It can get crowded very quickly.
Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar
These cruise packing hacks will enable you to quickly organize your items and view them briefly, making your daytime routine effortless. Furthermore, packing everything up becomes easy.
Over-Door Shoe Holder – While many people may chuckle thinking this is great for toting women’s shoes, it has a greater application and packs tightly in a suitcase. Over-door shoe holders will provide an area to organize shoes, flat irons, hair dryers, hats, snorkel gear, and luxury items for easy access during your cruise holiday.
It will keep you organized, you can quickly see what is there, and you can keep the room free of clutter.
Heavy Magnetic Hooks –This is a great way to hang lanyards, charging cables, wet bathing suits, or anything else in your cabin. Since the doors and walls are metal, they can be placed anywhere and used for a variety of applications.
USB Port Extender and Outlet – Cruise ships have EU and U.S. options. However, most of these outlets are limited to only two by the vanity or desk area. Two outlets are often not enough since many people take cell phones, laptops, and smart watches. All these items will require charging.
Outlets are located at the top of a counter and are mounted low. The ideal outlet is one that is narrow and long. If you want something different, ensure that you buy one that is a non-surge. If it isn’t, the crew may remove it until the cruise has ended.
Compressible Backpacks – These backpacks are water-resistant and thin. They pack small yet are large enough to hold a beach towel – issued from the cruise ship – or a bottle of spirits. It will allow you to carry purchases made on the island, as well as beach essentials, when you are at various cruise ports.
Useful Tools
There are items that we don’t necessarily think we need on our cruise. The most important thing to any person traveling will be their cell phone. How are you protecting yours from accidental damage?
Cellphone Case (Waterproof) – Phones are a necessity in today’s age, and accidents can happen in a second. To keep your cell phone dry and clean at the beach or pool, use a waterproof case.
Waterproof Phone Pouch with Cruise Lanyards
Prior to taking it on your excursion, do a water test to make sure it works. With a transparent case, your cell phone can easily double for an underwater camera. It is perfect to capture breathtaking snorkeling adventures. Many have wrist straps for additional safety.
You can also use a waterproof case that surrounds the phone. This will prevent scratches, accidental drops, nicks/chips, and water damage.
Health
No one anticipates getting sick while traveling. For months, travellers look forward to the trip with heightened anticipation, never thinking about the what-ifs. Sickness, no matter how major or minor, can strike at any time. It is better to be prepared, to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Pop-up Hampers/Laundry Bags – This is a useful item to gather dirty laundry and to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
Hospital Grade Disinfectants – These wipes can disinfect drawers, shelves, desktops, nightstands, bathroom counters, and doorknobs to keep your cabin virus-free. These wipes will prevent bugs like the Rota and Norovirus that can be prevalent on cruise ships.
Small First Aid Kit/Over-the-Counter Medications – While you hope that you won’t get sick on your cruise, you should still come prepared.
Cruisers should bring medication for:
Diarrhea
Headaches
Motion sickness
Indigestion
And supplies such as:
Butterfly closures
Band-aids
Sunburn gel
Antibiotic ointments
Getting in to see a nurse or doctor while on board may not always be easy or fast. Furthermore, you may be paying an elevated fee for these items while on board. Also, while traveling, be sure to take several bottles of travel-sized sunscreen. They pack easier in your luggage and decrease your backpack weight when traveling at a port.
Miscellaneous
These are a few items that people tend not to think about that have practical applications. Many of these hacks are designed to keep you healthy, save space, or keep you comfortable while you’re on your cruise. You want to enjoy your trip, not be frustrated at things occurring around you.
Ziplock Freezer Bags/Space Saver Bags (Gallon) – These bags are ideal for leaky bottles, wet clothing, perfumes, aerosols, collecting seashells, and keeping items dry and sand-free. Space saver bags are handier to use and more substantial, especially when you’re returning home.
Hand Sanitizer/Liquid Hand Soaps – Both items are better than using cabin soap. While you may have washed your hands in your cabin or after entering the restaurant, you will still touch menus, other surfaces, and serving spoons prior to eating.
It is recommended to disinfect your hands with a sanitizer prior to eating, as cruise ships – even reputable ones like Alaskan Cruise or Royal Caribbean – can spread a variety of viruses.
Sea Pass Neck Lanyards – Your sea pass is required no matter where you go on a cruise. It needs to be kept on you at all times. Lanyards are more convenient than digging it out of the bottom of your bag when needed.
Cruise Lanyards with ID Holder, Retractable Badge & Waterproof Card Holders
Bubble Wrap – This is perfect for protecting and packing fragile souvenirs that you purchased on your journey. You could use clothing, but most of it will probably be dirty, and who wants that touching your new items?
Highlighters – There are many uses for highlighters when you are on board. They will allow you to mark activities and events, plan your itinerary, and even fill in a BINGO card.
Portable Fan – Many ships contain a vibrant nightlife that runs to the wee hours of the morning. People aren’t always mindful of those around them. Voices can become loud and feet can be heard navigating the hallways at all hours. A lightweight fan will block out the noise heard at night.
Ear Plugs – While you may be a sound sleeper, packing ear plugs will guarantee you get a good night’s sleep just in case.
Bleach Pens/Tide – Stain removers are vital when you need to remove accidental stains or spills.
Tips for How to Pack to Maximize Suitcase Space
It seems to be inevitable. You run out of room in your suitcase, yet you need certain items while you are on board. You never know what the weather will be, what events you may decide to attend at the last minute, or what you may feel like wearing on any given day.
Photo By: Melissa Mayntz
There are always extras, and it may be difficult to pare down what you take. However, what if we told you that you may be able to pack everything you need and then some if you follow these packing hacks?
Roll Your Clothes Instead of Folding Them – Whether you are using a backpack, duffle bag, or suitcase, roll your clothes while packing. It is the best way to avoid wrinkles and optimize space. It also allows you to pack more.
Pack Dryer Sheets – Place dryer sheets in with your clothes. It will keep them smelling fresh when you unpack. There is nothing more refreshing than the fresh scent of your clean clothes.
Hack for Collared Shirts – To retain the shape of a collared shirt, roll a belt and put it inside the collared shirt. This will save you time from pressing and ironing when you arrive.
Pill Container Purpose – Empty pill containers allow you to neatly store jewelry. It will allow you to remain organized and be more selective in what you take. Containers can be found anywhere, including any dollar store.
Plastic Wrap – If you are taking a toiletry bag with bottles, then you may want to either wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-lock bag to prevent spills. This is especially useful for any liquids like shampoos, conditioners, perfume, or liquid soaps that you may want to take with you.
Comfy Shoes in Shower Caps – While it may seem obvious, you will need to pack comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet, and those fashionable high heels won’t be comfortable after being on your feet all day.
Shoes should be put in a bag to keep them from getting your clothes dirty. Wrap them in a shower cap instead of a bulky plastic bag.
Fill All Available Space But Leave Some Room – Maximize your packing space by filling every nook and cranny. If you are taking a spare bag or purse for travel, you can stuff it with small items. While every bit of space counts, remember that you may buy souvenirs or other items. You will want to leave a bit of room for purchases that you may find on your cruise.
Bring Layers – Even if it’s warm during the day, night air can be cool on the water. Pack a cover-up or extra layers to keep warm. You can always remove layers if you get hot as opposed to not having any and getting a chill.
Final Thoughts on Cruise Packing
The best thing to do when packing is to be practical. This may be difficult, but it will prevent you from overpacking. Try to incorporate some neutral colors in clothing or shoes whenever possible. You will still look great, but you won’t be packing your entire closet, either.
Depending on your location, bring lightweight layers. As mentioned, you can always remove a layer if you get hot. Being cold may ruin a lovely evening and spoil your day. By anticipating cooler nighttime temperatures, you will always be prepared.
Furthermore, it isn’t just the night that you may need to be concerned about. When stopping at ports, you may not know what the weather will be like. Lightweight layers are easier to pack because they aren’t as bulky and can be easily removed without carrying extra weight. Furthermore, they pack easier and can be shoved into a backpack.
These cruise packing hacks will be incredibly useful for your next cruise. You will probably find them more useful than you realize, and many of them are things that we don’t often consider when traveling.
Star Pisces, one of the final ships in service for the former Genting Hong Kong’s cruise line Star Cruises, has arrived in India to be scrapped. The cruise ship is currently anchored off the coast in Alang, one of the largest ship-breaking yards in the world.
Star Cruises went out of business with parent-company Genting Hong Kong earlier this year, resulting in all ships in the fleet, including Superstar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, and Star Pisces being offloaded for scrapping.
Star Pisces To Be Scrapped
According to the Cruise Ship Tracker, Star Pisces arrived off the coast of Alang, India, where she is sitting at anchor waiting to be beached. The vessel will then eventually be scrapped.
After the Genting Hong Kong Group filed for insolvency, the end came quickly for Star Cruises and its fleet of cruise ships, Superstar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, and Star Pisces. While the cruise line had reached and long surpassed its high point many years prior, many guests still enjoyed sailing onboard smaller ships from a series of Asian homeports.
Photo Credit: Igor Grochev / Shutterstock.com
Star Pisces spend most of her lifetime with Star Cruises sailing from Hong Kong on short cruises, especially popular as casino cruises.
Star Pisces was built in 1989 at the Masa shipyards in Turku, Finland, better known now as the Meyer Turku yard, as the RORO ferry MS Kalypso. Its first owner, Rederi AB Slite, went bankrupt in early 1993, at which point Star Cruises acquired the vessel and converted it to be used as a cruise ship in Asia.
The vessel sailed her first cruise from Singapore in April 1994, after which the vessel spent her time making day and night cruises from Hong Kong. After parent company Genting Hong Kong declared insolvency earlier this year, Star Pisces never sailed again, marking an end to 30 years of service.
Genting Hong Kong’s Rise and Fall
Lim Kok Thay started his cruise ferry and gambling ship business in 1993 in Hong Kong and turned it into one of Asia’s biggest cruise operators. Its first ships were all second-hand, and it was only during the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s that it started purchasing new ones.
Photo Credit: T. Schneider / Shutterstock
In 2000, Star Cruises acquired Norwegian Cruise Line, including Orient Lines and the Norwegian Capricorn Line. The move made it the largest globally operating cruise company.
Over the years, Genting Hong Kong extended its business beyond Star Cruises, partly by acquiring other cruise lines and partly by selling Norwegian for a healthy profit. It bought Crystal Cruises in the U.S. and set up Dream Cruises in Asia. The company even started buying up shipyards to be able to build its newest ships cheaply.
However, the pandemic signaled the end for Star Cruises and its parent company Genting Hong Kong. With cash running out, the company’s shipyard, MV Werften in Germany, filed for insolvency first, followed by Genting Hong Kong itself and Crystal ships facing arrest in the United States.
With Star Pisces being scrapped, the Crystal cruise ships sold to Silverseas and Abercrombie & Kent,World Dream II heading to the scrapyard, and uncertainty about what will be happening with World Dream I, there isn’t much left of the former giant.
However, don’t feel bad for Lim Kok Thay. The former CEO and owner quickly jumped ship after Genting Hong Kong filed for insolvency. He has since started a new cruise company under his Resorts World brand of companies, Resorts World Cruises.
Many travelers enjoy experiencing different foods and tasting different dishes from around the world, and cruise lines are renowned for their delicious culinary offerings in the various regions they sail, from pastas in Italy to seafood in Alaska to tropical tastes in the Caribbean.
In addition to curated menu offerings, many cruise lines offer full gastronomical experiences, and none is more popular than the intimate Chef’s Table of Carnival Cruise Line.
About Chef’s Table
By early January 2011, the culinary experience was featured across the entire Carnival fleet, and continues to be popular with each new vessel.
The Chef’s Table experience is an selective, exclusive event onboard Carnival ships, with just 12-16 guests at each opportunity enjoying a multi-course meal. The event was first introduced aboard Carnival Dream and Carnival Ecstasy in 2009, with great success, and was rolled out to an additional six vessels in 2010 – Liberty, Sensation, Imagination, Inspiration, Pride, and Fascination.
On older ships and when the Chef’s Table was first introduced, the meal was prepared and served in unusual locations, such as the ship’s library, conference center, smaller lounges, or even the galley itself. Newer ships, such as Mardi Gras, feature an exclusive space for the event and are able to offer more seatings for the wildly popular experience.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
One of each ship’s Executive Master Chefs hosts the VIP event, beginning with a private champagne reception, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. A private tour of the galley is typically included, followed by an elaborate and mouth-watering full-service meal with the best of the best taste creations and superb dish presentations.
Different specialty chefs participate throughout the meal, sharing their insights and signature dishes.
Chef’s Table Menus
The Chef’s Table meal includes several appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are not part of the ship’s regular menu, and each course is carefully curated and prepared for exquisite taste and visual appeal.
While the Chef’s Table menu varies depending on the individual ship, sailing region, and season, popular options include:
Mango Sphere with Rosemary Biscuit
Spring Peas & Matcha Soup
Beef Carpaccio on and Air Pillow with Chocolate Bacon and Apple Ribbons
Crab Stack with Corn Custard and Passion Caviar
Olive Oil Poached Sea Bass
Sirloin Aged 36 Days with Almond Potato Puree
Pan-Grilled Duck with elderflower cider onion and dark cherry glaze
Veal with Crushed Green Apples and a Light Cheese Broth
Citrus Cream with Lime Snow and Elderflower Caviar
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Guests who have food allergies, specific preferences, or other special dietary needs and are interested in Chef’s Table should contact Carnival Cruise Line before booking to ensure their needs can be met appropriately without sacrificing the quality of the experience. The chefs do make every effort to accommodate dietary needs during the event.
Wine is included with the meal, with different options to suit different courses as needed.
During a Chef’s Table Meal
Throughout the Chef’s Table meal, guests are not only treated to amazing tastes and exclusive menus, but also insights into how different dishes are prepared, as well as fun trivia about cruise ship culinary operations and training, from ordering massive quantities of food needed for the length of the cruise to how so many meals are prepared each day.
The Chef’s Table meal is prepared right at the event, giving participants an intimate look at the skills involved in crafting such outstanding treats.
On some occasions, a hands-on cooking lesson gives guests an interactive treat as part of their Chef’s Table experience, depending on the dishes planned, available space, and current protocols. Often the cooking lesson is for Carnival’s famous warm chocolate melting cake, the cruise line’s most popular dessert!
Photo By: Carnival Cruise Line
Another event that may be part of a Chef’s Table event is a table presentation by a traveling magician, performing intricate sleight-of-hand for guests and challenging their perceptions of tricks just as much as the evening’s food challenges and delights their taste buds.
Group photos are often taken to commemorate the experience as well.
The event can take 2-4 hours, so guests should be prepared for a longer, more luxuriant meal that is truly an experience and not just ordinary dining. The recommended attire is cruise casual, but guests can feel free to dress up for a more elegant experience if they wish.
One note on attire – close-toed, flat shoes are required, as the event includes an active galley tour and the floor may be slippery.
Reservations for Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table is a specialty experience and ranges from $90-150 per person, depending on the ship and the menu involved, and an additional 18% gratuity will be added to each reservation.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
The price was raised early in 2022 and again in late 2023. Chef’s Table is limited to guests age 12 and older.
Because the experience is so exclusive, reservations do fill up quickly and guests interested in Chef’s Table should book early to secure their space. Reservations can be made online prior to sailing, or at the Guest Services desk once travelers have boarded their ship if any space remains.
If guests must cancel their reservations after booking, they may be charged a $25 fee if the cancelation is within 24 hours of the scheduled Chef’s Table event.
Is It Worthwhile?
Guest feedback on Chef’s Table has always been phenomenal. Even Carnival cruisers who aren’t self-proclaimed “foodies” have enjoyed the experience, and it is a great way to taste unique foods and flavor combinations that might not be found elsewhere, as well as to see, up close, the outstanding presentations of truly five-star, top-notch dishes from some of the best chefs on the seven seas.
Beyond the food, however, Chef’s Table is a complete event where you can interact with expert chefs and get behind-the-scenes insights into cruising, meet new people with similar interests, and make amazing memories of your cruise vacation.
While every individual needs to decide whether or not Chef’s Table is of interest and should be part of their Carnival cruise schedule, it is certainly an event to remember and enjoy, no matter what your food preferences or tastes.
The accident between the Norwegian Sun and a growler in Alaska has an even more significant impact than initially expected. Besides canceling the voyage during which the vessel hit the iceberg and the sailing due to depart yesterday, June 30, the July 5 cruise has now been canceled.
Although the vessel sustained only minor damage, and the hull had not been breached, repairs will take some time, with the cruise line taking precautionary measures.
Norwegian Cruise Line had already been forced to cancel the voyage during which the vessel hit the growler and a subsequent cruise due to depart on June 30.
Norwegian Sun only arrived back in Seattle on Thursday. The ship returned to Washington State with reduced speed from Juneau, where the cruise line and the US Coast Guard assessed the damage.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
The nine-night July 5 sailing was due to depart from Seattle, Washington, featuring some of the most popular Alaskan destinations. Stops included Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia.
Katty Byrd, Senior Vice President of Guest Services, states the following: “During the afternoon of June 25, 2022, Norwegian Sun made contact with ice, while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska. All guests and crew are safe, and the ship was deemed safe to return to Seattle for further assessment and repairs.“
“However, as a precautionary measure, Norwegian Sun’s July 5, 2022, sailing has been canceled. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.“
The NORWEGIAN SUN cruise ship hit an iceberg near Hubbard Glacier on Saturday, June 25. The cruise ship docked in Juneau on Monday. pic.twitter.com/e2rTgY4K5g
— GOLDENPROPELLER.COM (@GOLDENPROPELLE1) June 28, 2022
While the collision certainly seemed significant, the Norwegian Sun did not suffer much damage from the crash. This can be deduced from the US Coast Guard allowing the vessel to return to Seattle with all guests onboard.
If the small iceberg had done too much damage, the Coast Guard would have ordered all guests and crew off the vessel until repairs had been made.
Guests To Be Reimbursed
With Norwegian Cruise Line canceling the sailing, guests can look forward to getting a full refund of all monies paid for the voyage, including a $300 reimbursement for any airline-imposed change/cancelation fees. Guests booked through a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) will be refunded 100% of the FCC used.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
“Due to this unfortunate event, you will receive a full refund that will automatically be returned to the original form of payment provided at the time of your current reservation. If your most current reservation was paid via a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), 100% of the FCC used will be re-applied to your Latitudes account.”
In addition to the 100% refund or full return of the FCC, guests will receive an FCC valued at 50% of the voyage fare paid for the current sailing.
Is it Common for a Cruise Ship to Hit an Iceberg?
Of course, everyone knows the story about the Titanic, but is it common for a ship to hit an iceberg? Although scary, no, it is pretty rare for a cruise ship to hit an iceberg during a cruise.
Norwegian Sun’s collision happened during heavy fog. The iceberg that the vessel collided with was a growler. These small icebergs are notoriously hard to spot, as the top of the berg is no more than a meter, or three feet, above the waterline.
Besides the size of the berg, most cruise ships hardly ever sail in areas where icebergs are expected, or if they do, they tend to stay well out of the way.
Those ships that do venture into icy conditions, such as expedition cruise ships sailing in the Arctic and Antarctic, have hulls designed to come into contact with ice and are equipped with equipment capable of detecting ice in the water.
So, there is no need to worry about your upcoming cruise, whether in Alaska, Greenland, Chile, or other areas where glacier cruising is a feature.
After the Norwegian Sun cruise ship hit a small iceberg during its voyage in Alaska, the cruise line has decided to cancel the remainder of the current cruise. However, all guests remain on board, and the vessel is heading back home to Seattle, Washington.
Norwegian Sun Cruise Canceled
After hitting a small iceberg while transiting to Hubbard Glacier on Saturday, June 25, Norwegian Cruise Line has informed guests onboard that the current voyage has now been canceled. The ship’s captain announced on Monday while the vessel was docked in Juneau, Alaska.
The NORWEGIAN SUN cruise ship hit an iceberg near Hubbard Glacier on Saturday, June 25. The cruise ship docked in Juneau on Monday. pic.twitter.com/e2rTgY4K5g
— GOLDENPROPELLER.COM (@GOLDENPROPELLE1) June 28, 2022
A letter was also sent to all guests from the ship’s captain, which said,“As you may have heard from my previous announcement, in an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to cancel the remainder of Norwegian Sun’s June 21, 2022 voyage. As such we will be setting sail from Juneau (today at 2:25p), returning directly to Seattle.”
Norwegian Sun departed the dock in Juneau at approximately 2:15 PM and will sail directly back home to Seattle, Washington, at reduced speed and is expected to arrive on Thursday morning.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
The ship arrived in Juneau on Sunday, June 26, a day earlier than originally scheduled. The vessel was set to make a scheduled call to Skagway on June 26, but that port of call was canceled.
Instead, the vessel sailed to Juneau so divers could assess any damage after the ship hit the iceberg. Norwegian Cruise Line has not detailed any damage at this time.
Guests were allowed to go ashore on Sunday evening after the ship docked. To guests’ surprise, the cruise line did not let anyone go ashore on Monday.
One passenger told Cruise Hive,“We were supposed to be able to disembark the ship this morning at 8 AM, however, it is now 10:06 and we are still lined up waiting for the chance to get off. We are supposed to get on a helicopter to go dog sledding at 10:30, but that seems unlikely at this point.”
“Everyone is angry because the last we heard from the captain was at 8:45 AM stating that we could disembark at 9:30 AM. But they still have not opened the doors. We are being held on the ship and people are getting so very angry. We saved up for years for this trip and Norwegian has ruined this for our family,”The guest added.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
As a result of the cancellation, the scheduled calls at Ketchikan on June 28 and Victoria in British Columbia on June 29 will no longer take place.
In an updated statement to Cruise Hive, Norwegian Cruise Line said,“On June 25, 2022 while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, Norwegian Sun was engulfed by dense fog, limiting visibility and resulting in the ship making contact with a growler. The ship sailed to Juneau, Alaska for further assessment, where it was decided that the current voyage would be shortened.”
“The ship was given clearance by the United States Coast Guard and other local maritime authorities to return to Seattle at reduced speed. All guests currently onboard will disembark in Seattle as originally planned. We are communicating with all impacted guests directly.”
Guests to Receive Refund
With the remainder of the voyage now canceled, guests are being provided compensation. Norwegian Cruise Line is providing a full 100% refund, excluding BookSafe travel protection. Guests will also receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit to compensate for the unfortunate incident.
The refund will automatically be processed within five business days and returned within seven to ten business days from the processed date. If the voyage was booked using a previous Future Cruise Credit, that would also be re-applied to the Latitudes account.
Cruise Ship Hits Iceberg
The unexpected cancellation is due to the Norwegian Sun coming in contact with a growler on Saturday while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.
According to the National Ocean Service, Growlers are smaller fragments of ice roughly the size of a truck or piano. They usually extend no more than three feet above the water.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
Norwegian Cruise Line originally stated to Cruise Hive,“On June 25, 2022 while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, Norwegian Sun was engulfed by dense fog, limiting visibility and resulting in the ship making contact with a growler.The ship remains fully operational and is currently on its way to Juneau, Alaska for assessment. Additional information will be provided as appropriate.”
In this case, the Norwegian Cruise Line-operated cruise ship was sailing through heavy fog and did hit a growler. Guests onboard reported sudden shaking; some even captured the moment on video.
Even since the vessel made contact, it has been sailing at reduced speed. The good news is that there were no injuries and all services onboard remain fully operational.
The Norwegian cruise ship was sailing a nine-night voyage that departed Seattle, Washington, on June 21, 2022. The vessel is scheduled to depart on another Alaskan sailing on June 30, but it is a much shorter five-night voyage with a call in Ketchikan and Victoria.
It could just be the new and hip way to cruise, and it has nothing to do with sailing the seven seas. A video released this week shows the possibilities that cruising could have in the coming decades. The video quickly went viral, with mixed reactions.
Sky Cruise, the brainchild of video creator Hashem Al-Ghaili, based on paintings from artist Tony Holmsten, is a vast nuclear-powered airplane able to accommodate 5,000 passengers in ultimate luxury.
The plane would hardly ever land because it is powered by nuclear fusion. Whether fact or fiction, it certainly gives food for thought on whether it would ever be a viable competitor to cruising at sea.
A Gigantic Plane With 5,000 Passengers
It would be hard to imagine The Wright brothers would have ever believed their invention would have led to the creation of a 5000-passenger airliner powered by nuclear fusion that would hardly ever have to land. And yet, this week, animator Hashem Al-Ghaili, a Yemeni science communicator and video producer, released a new video showing just that.
The sleek video, which incredibly enough sells the concept well, went viral within hours with more than 3,5 million views on Facebook and almost 100,000 views on YouTube. The original artwork from concept artist, illustrator, and matte painter Tony Holmsten was brought to life by Al-Ghaili.
The flying air cruiser would be able to accommodate 5000 passengers, who would be brought to the hotel by regular airliners that dock onto Sky Cruise. The plane would be piloted by artificial intelligence.
Credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili
The ship would have a disc-shaped observation tower mounted on top of the plane, from where guests could view the skyscapes above the clouds and nature from above. There would be multiple bars and restaurants, swimming pools, slides, cinemas, theatres, and even a wedding venue where guests can get married in the sky.
Fact Or Fiction?
Sky Cruise would have no carbon footprint, with 20 electric engines providing clean, nuclear energy. The idea came from several different animations, as Hashem Al-Ghaili explains:
“I was searching for a 3D model that features a futuristic design of an airplane, and came across this 3D model by Alexander Tujicov. It’s based on an earlier design created several years ago by Tony Holmsten. I bought the 3D model and decided to animate it. I wrote the script and edited the video to showcase what it could look like in real life.”
Credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili
Sky Cruise would provide guests with the ultimate vacation, much like a luxury cruise ship. While interesting, the video’s creator does share some insights into the reality of the project:
“In the very distant future, humans have mastered controlled nuclear fusion. The quest for unlimited energy has finally succeeded. Nuclear reactors that can fit inside a plane are now possible. Someone once said, “Anything can fly if it just has enough energy.”
“A group of entrepreneurs decided to create the Sky Cruise, inspired by the Titanic. Some people call it “Flytanic.” It’s massive and can host over 5000 guests.”
So, for now, we’ll just stick to cruising at sea, providing more than enough fun without resorting to airplanes flying under nuclear-powered jet engines piloted by artificial intelligence.
Then again, who would have ever thought 50 years ago that we would be going on vacation on 236,857 gross tons cruise ships such as Wonder of the Seas?
Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed to Cruise Hive that the Norwegian Sun cruise ship made contact with a small iceberg (growler) due to dense fog during its voyage in Alaska. As a result, the ship has been forced to skip a port of call and head to Juneau to assess the damage.
UPDATE, JUNE 27: The remainder of the Norwegian Sun’s June 21 cruise has now been canceled. Norwegian Cruise Line is sailing guests back to Seattle, Washington and Norwegian Sun will arrive back on Thursday morning. Full details here.
Norwegian Sun Makes Contact With Growler
The 78,309-gross-ton, Sun-class vessel was supposed to be arriving in Skagway, one of the northernmost ports of call on its current 9-night itinerary from Seattle, at 8 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
As of 4 p.m. local time, however, the ship is still reported much further south of Skagway, south of Juneau, turning toward the state’s capital. Juneau is roughly 100 miles southeast of Skagway. It comes after the Norwegian Sun hit a small iceberg while transiting to Hubbard Glacier, Alaska due to dense fog at the time, on the previous day of Saturday, June 25.
The NORWEGIAN SUN cruise ship hit an iceberg near Hubbard Glacier on Saturday, June 25. The cruise ship docked in Juneau on Monday. pic.twitter.com/e2rTgY4K5g
— GOLDENPROPELLER.COM (@GOLDENPROPELLE1) June 28, 2022
A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson stated to Cruise Hive,“On June 25, 2022 while transiting to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, Norwegian Sun was engulfed by dense fog, limiting visibility and resulting in the ship making contact with a growler.
NCL went on to say, “The ship remains fully operational and is currently on its way to Juneau, Alaska for assessment. Additional information will be provided as appropriate.”
According to tracking data, Norwegian Sun is indeed en route to Juneau at this time, which means the call in Skagway is canceled. The anticipated arrival into Juneau is around 5 p.m. local time. While in Juneau, the cruise line will assess any damage to the ship.
What Happened?
At this time, there has been no official assessment of the damage to Norwegian Sun, but the ship is continuing toward Juneau, albeit at a much slower speed than typical.
Passengers on the vessel reported very heavy fog conditions on Friday, which would have caused the ship to slow significantly as a safety precaution.
Norwegian Sun (Photo Credit: James R. Martin / Shutterstock)
The vessel may have hit the iceberg in such a way to have caused propeller, engine, or hull damage. Growlers – small, low icebergs that may be the size of pianos or trucks – are relatively common in the area.
Passengers on Norwegian Sun have reported shuddering and rattling noises that may have been related to the ice impact confirmed by the cruise line.
Such damage would need inspection before the ship can resume its normal speed. Divers in Juneau may be able to inspect the ship and determine if there is any damage or need for repair.
The Days Ahead
Norwegian Sun was scheduled to call in Juneau on Monday, June 27, 2022, as part of its planned itinerary. Depending on the outcome of a dive inspection, it is possible the ship may be cleared to resume normal operations and continue on to Skagway, but this seems unlikely given the ship’s current speed.
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
The remainder of the current itinerary has the ship visiting Ketchikan on Tuesday, June 28, and Victoria, British Columbia, on Wednesday, June 29.
If the ship cannot maintain adequate speed, however, it is possible the call in Ketchikan may also be canceled in order for the ship to make it to Victoria for a reasonable visit. Alternatively, port times in both Ketchikan and Victoria may be shortened if necessary.
Norwegian Sun is scheduled to return to Seattle, Washington on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for further updates on this developing story.
Without a cruise ship engine, these vessels would be nothing more than a floating hotel. They would drift aimlessly at sea and would lack any form of propulsion. Looking at the sheer size of these vessels makes one wonder how large an engine needs to be to maneuver the ship successfully in water.
Older cruise ships may still use a diesel reciprocating engine to generate enough power to move them. Power is supplied to the ship through a transmission going to a propeller shaft. The transmission determines the revolution of the propellers.
Modern cruise ships use gas turbines or diesel-electric engines for their power source for propulsion. They also provide power for the ship’s systems as well. Many of the larger vessels depend on two sources of power: propulsion and electrical power.
Diesel engines are the most traditional type of cruise ship engine. In this engine, diesel fuels its crankshaft and pistons. These attach to a propeller, which advances the ship.
Gas turbine engines create heat that transforms mechanical energy into electricity. To achieve this reaction, compressed air fires into a combustion chamber. Hot exhaust is forced over a turbine, which spins to mechanically drive the shaft. Power can then be used to spin generators.
It works the same way in diesel-electric engines. This type of engine provides enough electricity to move the ship’s propellers and power the cruise ship’s appliances, lights, air conditioning, etc. Most ships will contain several engines connected to their generator.
These engines are very efficient, independent of speed. However, a direct drive system is used as opposed to a turbine. Output shafts are used to generate electrical power and are connected to the generators.
Both engines require a great deal of fuel. Larger vessels can consume about 250 tons of fuel daily. This is the equivalent of 80,000 gallons of fuel each day. Medium-sized ships will require 150 tons per day and as size decreases, fuel consumption does as well.
A general rule of thumb is that the larger the vessel is, the more power is required for movement. This comes from fuel and engines.
Passengers will never see the magnitude of a cruise ship’s engine. Cruise ships require the heaviest weight to be placed at the lowest possible point. Therefore, engines are found close to the bottom of the ship. Since engines power ships through water, they can be quite large for mega ships.
How Big Is a Cruise Ship Engine?
A modern cruise ship doesn’t contain just a single engine. Cruise ships like the Oasis-class (Royal Caribbean) contain six engines, while many others have only four. Engine rooms are very large and can span several decks. Space is needed not just for engines, but for fuel tanks, generators, engine workshops, and the control room.
The number of engines range from five to six, and the power rating for each one is between 9-15 megawatts.
Since they are so large, they are placed in a separate compartment found in the cruise ship’s machinery space. This is known as the DG room. Modern passenger ships contain two DG rooms, which are forward and aft. They are separated by watertight bulkheads.
Each DG room contains its own independent fuel, air, lubrication, and cooling water supply systems. This is for the safety of the ship and for redundancy. It’s insurance for any emergencies like flooding and fire that can occur.
The largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, utilizes six marine-diesel sets, with each composed of three 16-cylinder Wartsila engines.
What Engines Are Used in Larger Ships?
Modern, larger cruise ships use two or three stroke, low speed, crosshead, or medium speed engines. Engines operating at higher speeds tend to be found on smaller vessels. Determining the type of engine that is installed on a new cruise ship involves examining the engine’s size.
Engine Control Room (Photo Credit: AliveGK / Shutterstock)
When it comes to cruise ships, the typical engine is a two 16-cylinder Wartsila 16V 46D which is a common rail engine. They also use three 12-cylinder Wartsila 12V 46D engines to power the ship. Each one of these produces about 19,480 kw of water.
Where Are Engines Located?
In newer cruise ships, engines are found on the lower decks toward the aft. They are not completely to the back of the boat but are found in the mid-aft.
Independent of a cruise ship’s size, engines are extremely loud. Engineers compensate for the noise by incorporating sound reduction technology. They also keep the engine room well-insulated.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
Insulation serves a dual purpose. It keeps out noise and reduces the heat generated by fully operating engines. It prevents this heat from escaping to adjacent decks. If it were to escape, guests would be extremely uncomfortable. The design is meant to contain this.
To get an idea of how loud an engine is, it can have a range that exceeds 173 decibels. It is so loud that it is in the range where damage to hearing can quickly occur. However, thanks to proper insulation methods, they don’t appear to be that loud.
How Much Power Is Needed for a Cruise Ship?
These massive vessels can consume power up to about 50,000 horsepower. One horsepower on these ships equals 746 watts. Engines are designed to move large propellers or produce enough diverted electricity to drive the propellers.
Cruise Ship Wake from Propeller (Photo Credit: Gianluca Piccin / Shutterstock)
While cruise ships can move upwards of 34.5 miles per hour (30 knots), most will only travel at 23 miles per hour (20 knots). There are various reasons for speed variations which are outlined in detail in this article.
With So Many Engines, Is It Possible to Experience Engine Failure?
This covers every ship constructed after 2010. It requires full redundancies, which include two engine rooms. If the main engine should ever fail, power to electrical services should still run.
Engine failure can occur, though, in the ship’s main engines, which are responsible for moving the ship. Improper maintenance, mechanical issues, and human error can all be factors in causing engine failure.
What Happens if This Occurs?
If it does happen, the captain consults the chief engineer to diagnose the cause of the malfunction. They will assess the severity and determine whether it is fixable. Modern cruise ships don’t rely on a simple diesel engine.
There are up to six engines in operation. It will be up to the captain and the chief engineer to determine if the vessel can continue if one of their engines isn’t working properly. If the captain feels the cruise ship will not be able to function, they will consider other options. This may involve sending signals for assistance while at sea.
Photo Credit: Ben Molyneux / Shutterstock.com
If the waters are calm, cruise ships are safely towed to a nearby shore. In rougher seas, other options may need to be considered for the safety of those on board.
Abandoning the ship is only done as a last resort because moving guests from one ship to another over open sea can be dangerous. This is especially true if it is done in bad weather. This is the same if passengers are instructed to go into lifeboats.
It is up to the captain to determine the best option. Generally, the safest place to be is your current location at sea. The ship is seen as the lifeboat. The cruise industry guidelines comment that the safest method to returning large numbers of guests to a port is by using the ship itself.
Are Passengers Safe if There Is Engine Failure?
Most of the time, passengers are fully safe. The No. 1 priority of all cruise lines is to keep all their guests completely safe. If the unexpected happens, know that the cruise ship has backup plans. A well-trained crew knows how to properly handle the situation so you are in safe hands.
Generally, engine failure only generates a brief interruption before it’s fixed. In other instances, it may just slow the speed of the vessel. Cruise lines will never jeopardize the safety of guests nor put them at risk if the cruise ship is unsuitable for sailing.
In the event of an emergency, guests can be proactive by paying attention to the mandatory safety exercise.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com
This is where crews demonstrate how to safely use life jackets and outline a designated meeting point in the event of an emergency. Be sure you know where your life jacket is in your cabin in the event you should ever require one.
Generally, cruise ship engines run a long time before experiencing any difficulties. Regular maintenance by the chief engineer is conducted to make sure that they are running in top condition and to prevent any mishaps while at sea.
When we examine the sheer size of mega-ships, the fact that engines and engine rooms are built so large is understandable.
It takes numerous engines to move something that is so massive in size and weight. Combine that with the horsepower required to make it move, and you also appreciate the cruise ship’s knots.
Going aboard a cruise ship is a leisurely experience. They do not travel fast like motorboats, for example. These ships contain massive amounts of steel and other components, which contribute to its overall weight. It requires anywhere between five-to-six engines for it to function.
Cruise ship engines are always kept in top functioning order. This is to ensure the safety of the guests. If one goes down, this is not a major concern as there are four to five others that can compensate. The ship may move slower, but passengers will safely return to port.
