After years of building anticipation, Disney Wish is being handed over to Disney Cruise Line. The vessel made the transit from Eemshaven, the Netherlands, where the final outfitting was carried out, to Bremerhaven, Germany, where she arrived today around 5 AM local time.
Disney Wish launch date had been scheduled to be June 9, so it is rather fitting that the official handover from the shipyard to the cruise line takes place today. Next month the vessel will sail on her first official cruise from her new homeport, Port Canaveral.
Disney Wish Officially Handed Over
After what has been a busy and long-anticipated couple of years, Disney Cruise Line has finally taken ownership of its newest cruise ship, Disney Wish.
The vessel arrived in Bremerhaven, Germany, around 5 AM this morning on June 9, coming from Eemshaven in the Netherlands, where she underwent final outfitting.
June 9 was the original date that Disney Cruise Line intended to send Disney Wish on her maiden voyage; however, some delays in the build prevented that from happening.
Photo Courtesy: Meyer Werft
After the official handover has been concluded, Disney Wish will prepare for her maiden crossing of the Atlantic Ocean as she sets sail towards her new homeport, Port Canaveral.
“The construction of such complex and large units is an extreme challenge in today’s world. Against this background, we are very pleased that we were able to hand over the Disney Wish with its many innovations for an immersive passenger experience with many loving details and numerous environmentally friendly solutions to the shipping company today,” said Managing Director Jan Meyer.
From Bremerhaven, Disney Wish will sail along the coast of the Netherlands, through the English Channel, and make a call in the Azores on June 13. The LNG-powered, 144,000 gross ton cruise ship will arrive in her new homeport on June 20, between 4 AM and 7 AM at terminals 8 and 10.
Photo Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line
After completing its maiden voyage, which starts July 14, Disney Wish will sail three- and four-night itineraries from Port Canaveral to Nassau in the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
“In a great team effort together with our partner companies, the classification and the crew on board, we have succeeded in completing the Disney Wish in the best possible way and letting the typical Disney magic move in on board,” says project manager Henning Stellermann.
Disney’s fleet of ships now counts five cruise ships
The arrival of Disney Wish means Disney’s fleet of cruise ships has now grown to include five ships. This number will increase again with two sister ships to Disney Wish scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Disney Cruise Line first announced the Triton-class of cruise ships in 2016.
Construction for the first of three LNG-powered cruise ships started in March 2020, at the onset of the pandemic. Despite Disney ordering the ships in 2016, the keel was not laid down until April 8, 2021.
This delay was mainly due to the effects of COVID-19 in Germany and the effects on global supply chains. Earlier this year, the launch date was pushed back from June 9 to July 14, 2022, due to shipyard delays.
Not Just Another Cruise Ship
Disney Wish is not just another cruise ship. She is one of the most highly-anticipated ships to be launched this year. A lot of this has to do with the marketing campaign Disney Cruise Line developed for the vessel. Over the last years, the cruise line has done its best to slowly reveal details of its newest cruise ship.
One of the highlights onboard will be the 230-meter-long Aqua Mouse water slide. In addition, there is a “Toy Story Splash Zone” for children on the pool deck with six pools, including a water slide, a smoothie bar, and a restaurant.
Photo Credit: MartinLueke / Shutterstock
Other new additions to the Disney fleet are an adults-only area, where adults can have a relaxing day by the pool, go to the Spa or hairdressers, or visit one of the bars and pubs.
Laura Cabo, Walt Disney Imagineering:“With the Disney Wish, we wanted to design an experience that allows our grown-up guests to relax, recharge and reconnect in unique ways that only Disney Cruise Line can create. Not only did we infuse more storytelling and enchantment into the adult-exclusive venues, but we added more variety and made them more accessible than ever before. This ship has truly been designed with adults’ vacation needs in mind.”
Disney Wish also houses the first suite directly in a smokestack. The “Wish Tower Suite” extends over two floors and has a living area of around 180 square meters, offering space for up to eight guests. The suite is located in the forward funnel, which merely serves an aesthetic purpose.
Maybe you’re wondering about the components of a cruise ship beyond the deck where you lounge beside the pool, or maybe you simply appreciate knowing the location of essential items.
Becoming familiar with basic terminology can be helpful if this is your first time sailing on a cruise ship. We outline the different parts of a cruise ship in detail to help you navigate when on board.
Prior to 1920, the purpose of huge passenger steamships in the cruise industry was to transport the affluent and immigrants. Cruising simply for pleasure was unheard of. When new immigration laws changed the industry, shipping lines were forced to market to an entirely different consumer.
Advertisements soon followed, inviting people to enjoy traveling aboard comfortable, stylish cruise ships. Cruise line companies were soon sending guests to picturesque areas all over the world. This enabled people to experience the world like never before, all in luxury.
Today’s cruise ships are much different than historical passenger lines. They contain a complete array of modern amenities like media rooms, fitness areas, and infinity pools.
Yet if you were to examine a cruise ship’s diagram from its golden years, you would discover the same terminology used to describe various areas.
Common Terminology: Words That Have Stuck Around
Here are common words that are still used today to describe cruise ships. Becoming familiar with them will help you effectively navigate the expansive ship.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Aft: Close to the ship’s stern, found at the back of the ship.
Bow: The front of the ship.
Bridge: Usually found in the bow, this is the area where the captain and their crew manage and control the cruise ship.
Cabin: A private stateroom that’s like a smaller version of a hotel room.
Deck: Cruise ships are arranged in various levels including upper decks, middle decks, and lower decks.
Galley: The kitchen.
Hull: The main body of the ship.
Lido deck: A commonly used phrase indicating the location of the pool and additional amenities like bars, restaurants, and fitness centers.
Starboard: The right side of the cruise ship when facing the bow.
Stern: The extreme back end of the ship.
If you have ever wondered where these terms originated, some go back to the early days. Many of them were used when sailors required a steering oar to be able to control the vessel. Since most were right-handed, steering oars were placed over or through the right side of the stern.
The right side became known as the starboard (steering side), which combines “steor” (steer) and “bord,” meaning the side of the boat.
Cruise Ship Sizes
Cruise ships take people to desirable places around the globe, ranging from the romantic to the dramatic. But not all cruise lines provide the same experience.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
The size of a ship can impact the type of adventure. Here are the various sizes and what to expect:
Large – This size of ship carries over 3,500 passengers. It features a variety of entertainment and restaurants. Large ships stop at popular ports all over the world. They are unable to fit into smaller, hidden harbors, so passengers can only go to more popular destinations.
Medium – Medium-sized ships carry 800-2,500 passengers at a time. They provide a mix of well-traveled ports and unique ones. Since these cruise ships carry over 1,000 passengers, the ambiance is similar to that of larger ships.
Small – Small vessels carry no more than 350 guests. They are great for those who are interested in exploring hidden areas and remote islands where only smaller cruise ships can dock. These cruise ships offer a less crowded and intimate experience than larger vessels.
Spaces on a Cruise Ship
There are three types of spaces on a cruise ship. They include:
Public Space – This includes all areas where guests can enjoy themselves, like the fitness center, pool, restaurants, and the library.
Crew Space – A private area designated for cruise ship crew members and staff like housekeepers, the captain, and chefs. Crew members reside on the lower deck with staff inhabiting the upper. The captain and officers reside in private staterooms located close to the bridge.
Stateroom – This is a guest’s private space. It is where you relax, sleep, and prepare for daily activities. The rooms will vary depending on the cruise line. They can be minimalistic or spacious in design.
Additional Terminology
The previously discussed terms were just a part of the basic terms used for navigation and the cruise ship’s areas. When it comes to a cruise line, there are other words that are commonly used to describe items or areas onboard.
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Cabin Types
There are three distinctive types of staterooms. They include inside rooms, suites, and oceanview rooms. Guests can expect the basics, including bathrooms, closets, phones, televisions, and a bed. Yet each cabin type provides a different experience that should be considered.
Suites: These passenger cabins provide seating areas along with multiple rooms for larger families or groups. They offer more space than other cabins. Suites come with perks like plush bathrobes, flowers, and other items, making them more luxurious.
Inside cabins: Located in the middle of a cruise ship, they do not contain balconies or windows. These are more budget-friendly rooms. They are similarly sized to oceanview rooms and contain similar amenities.
Oceanview rooms: Also known as outside cabins, oceanview rooms line the cruise ship. They feature balconies or windows and allow natural light to pour into your cabin. Guests can watch the scenery from their room in the comfort of their own designated private space.
Itinerary
Itineraries illustrate your daily schedule, including each port of call or destination throughout your journey as well as days at sea. Sea days are when you are in open waters without any scheduled stops. They are as follows:
One-way – This journey begins at a certain departure port and finishes at a different one. One-way trips provide additional time to explore several destinations during a single voyage. It may be referred to as “open-jaw sailing.”
Round trip – This journey leaves from and returns to the same port. It is ideal for those who can drive to their departure port and would like to avoid traveling by air.
Photo Credit: Brookgardener / Shutterstock
Shore Excursion
Shore excursions are organized activities available at each port. They can be booked in advance through your cruise line. While you can explore the ports by yourself, taking tours can provide a memorable experience and be a great way to become immersed in nature, history, or culture.
Final Thoughts
While many people don’t see the value in it, it is wise to know the parts of a cruise ship. In general, individuals cannot recall where the starboard, port, or stern is located. This is common lingo aboard a cruise ship.
Becoming familiar with what different terms mean will allow you to easily locate areas on the cruise ship and find essentials. Acclimating yourself to your environment is never a bad thing.
Whether you are a seasoned cruise planner who’s been around the world or you are planning a cruise for the first time, there are always things to be learned.
Many details go into cruise planning. If you aren’t aware of them, you can get caught off guard. We go through the most common mistakes people make and let you know how to avoid them.
Mistakes happen innocently enough. Sometimes, it is due to inexperience. If this is your first cruise trip, you may not know what to expect or how to go about navigating all the details.
You may not know someone who can guide you through the process to help you make the best decision or to inform you of what pitfalls to avoid.
Even the most experienced travelers still make mistakes. Sometimes, details are forgotten, things are left behind, or items are overlooked. Whether this is your first cruise or your thirtieth, we go over what some of the most common mistakes are, how to avoid them, and how to fix them, if possible.
Selecting the Wrong Cruise Ship
There are over 350 cruise ships and counting for you to choose from each season. It can be overwhelming to find one that is perfect for you and your cruise itinerary.
Cruise ships aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of experience. Before you begin planning your cruise, consider what you want in a cruise ship and what your expectations are.
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For example, a young couple on their honeymoon may not want to be on a family cruise with children running about. They may want something more romantic, secluded, and serene. Noisy children may detract from the romantic experience of sailing on the open seas and watching the sunset with cocktails in hand.
You need to be realistic as to what type of experience you are looking for. With so much variety, there are cruise lines to suit everyone’s needs, and they are continually expanding to suit their clientele better, including uncovering niche markets.
Booking the Wrong Cabin Type
The staterooms on a cruise ship are different from hotel accommodations. They are smaller in size and are created for efficiency rather than opulence. There are ships that offer larger staterooms with additional space, but they tend to cost more.
If you are new to cruising, think about booking an ocean view stateroom, which would allow you a view of outside in the event you become somewhat claustrophobic.
Cruise lines will outline dimensions for their staterooms directly on their website. Some will post images or allow you to take a virtual tour of the space.
Photo Credit: ackats / Shutterstock
You can select your cabin’s location so you can see how far it is from the stairs or elevator. You should also consider booking cabins that are located near activities that you’ll enjoy.
Cabins located on higher decks and those in the middle tend to cost more. If you book a suite for added space, these may still not be as large as those in hotels.
When booking a room, be sure there is ample room for everyone in your group. This is especially true for families. If you are taking your family, be sure to book early so you can get a large enough room. If you are splitting up cabins, make sure you are all in close proximity.
Not Booking Excursions Prior to Boarding
Excursions are a big part of the fun of being on a cruise. They allow you to explore new destinations, experience the culture, have fun, and even learn something new.
While at a port of call, you need to have a plan of where you want to go. This involves booking shore excursions. These often involve adventure experiences like kayaking, snorkeling, city/historic tours, beach breaks, water-based adventures, food tours, and other fun experiences.
Photo Credit: Philip Schubert / Shutterstock
Each cruise line has a list of different activities to participate in while at various ports of call. However, you don’t necessarily need to book with the cruise line. There are other local vendors and third parties that have similar or even better offerings. You’ll probably get a more intimate experience and better pricing this way.
However, this will involve budgeting and planning. If you forget to budget or plan for it, you may end up scrambling for something to do. Therefore, you may not fully enjoy each cruise destination.
Shore excursions, no matter if it is with the cruise line or a third party, should be booked prior to the trip. Waiting too long may mean that you miss out on an experience of a lifetime. The most popular excursions tend to sell out quickly.
You don’t have to book at each cruise port of call, though. You may want to take a self-guided tour, visit a local beach, or relax on the cruise ship.
Waiting Too Long to Make Entertainment/Dining Reservations
Modern cruise lines offer Broadway-caliber shows. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience, containing specialty dining and a variety of other amenities. However, don’t think that just because a cruise line has a lot of great options for dining that you can easily get in.
For larger ships, cruisers will need reservations for some onboard activities and entertainment. There are also dining facilities that quickly book up. Always plan ahead wherever you can so that you don’t miss out.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
Many times, reservations can be booked pre-cruise. Depending on which line you are booking with, reservations can often be made 90-120 days prior to boarding.
Keep in mind that prime times for dining and popular showtimes book up quickly. It is suggested that individuals reserve these times as soon as they are available using the online planner.
This not only goes for entertainment and food but for drinks as well. Purchasing a drink package beforehand may save you money prior to going on your cruise. Even some attractions may require reservations. It is always advisable to be proactive in your planning as much as possible.
Not Knowing What Is Included with Your Cruise
Cruises can offer amazing value for your money. One cruise fare set can provide access to a variety of dining venues, entertainment, fun, and onboard activities. However, you must consider that not everything is included in the price.
Contemporary cruise lines will include a small number of beverages and most dining venues. However, you will need to note that cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International don’t include lattes, soft drinks, or any alcohol in their fares.
There are specialty dining restaurants that have an extra cost on some cruise ships. If you eat at some of these locations, expect to pay extra.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
While many amenities are free of cost, not all of them may be included. Most cruises offer water slides, sports courts, mini-golf, rope courses, and outdoor activities at no additional cost. However, if you want to go on a 3D ride simulator, go bowling, or ride go-karts, there is an additional cost involved.
Spa treatments and thermal suites have fees as well. Signature productions will also cost extra.
Therefore, knowing what is and is not covered in your fee is important. It allows you to plan for activities that are included and budget extra for things you may want to partake in.
There is nothing more disappointing than wanting to do an activity only to discover that you don’t have the money for it after thinking it was included.
Always be sure that you are well-acquainted with what is covered in the original costs. This way, you will never be disappointed.
Forgetting the Online Check-In
While preparing for the cruise, always remember to check in at home. It only takes a few minutes of your time to complete, and it’s easy.
Each cruise line tends to have a smartphone app that allows you to complete the check-in. The paperwork needs to be done up to three days prior to embarkation.
Photo Courtesy: Virgin Voyages
Basic information regarding your traveling party needs to be established, along with an account for any onboard spending. This process assigns you boarding times to regulate the passenger flow upon getting on board the cruise ship.
By completing this step ahead of time, you can avoid the obstacles that happen if you show up without completing it, making for an easier, more streamlined experience.
Not Planning to Arrive a Day Prior to Embarkation
Many people consider taking the first day’s flight the morning of the cruise. It makes sense in a practical way and in terms of budgeting. However, the largest mistake passengers commonly make is not properly arranging transportation to and from your cruise ship.
This is especially true if you are flying from a place where weather may affect your travel plans.
Most experts urge people to fly to the embarkation port a day prior to the cruise and book a hotel stay. The advantage is that you will not be rushing about during the day you are to leave. It also eliminates any chance of missing the ship due to disruptions in travel.
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
If you have ever traveled, you know that you have to expect delays. While we hope there are nothing more than minor blips, sometimes the trips will be rerouted or experience hour-long time gaps. As frustrating as that is, you need to plan for this possibility. Therefore, it is advised to leave early.
This way, even if there are delays, it won’t disrupt your whole trip. You will still reach the ship in plenty of time.
While on paper it may appear wasteful to rent a room for a night, would you rather spend the extra and arrive on time, or be out the money for the cruise ship because you missed it? Cruise ships have a schedule to keep, so they will leave without you.
When leaving the ship, do not book morning flights. Cruise ships are cleared between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. You will need to plan for an hour to get off the ship, plan for time to travel to the airport, and go through security.
These are just the basics when planning a cruise. They are the things that, in the back of our minds, we recognize but may forget about.
There are things that people may not know about, and these tips will come in handy as you plan for your trip. This opportunity should be enjoyable and be flawlessly executed for maximum enjoyment.
Holland America Line, which this year is celebrating 75 years sailing in Alaska, has informed travel partners and impacted guests that some of its popular cruisetours must be canceled.
Some of the affected sailings are just a few days away, but the cruise line is offering generous compensation for the inconvenience and disappointment.
Cruisetours Canceled
Holland America Line reached out to travel partners on Friday, June 3, with the news of the impending cancelations, and booked guests were notified shortly thereafter. The impacted cruisetours are the line’s popular “Yukon & Denali” options, including a sailing as soon as June 14 aboard the Signature-class Nieuw Amsterdam.
Other ships and sailing dates affected were not immediately disclosed, but the initial email did indicate multiple cancelations.
The reasoning given for these abrupt, last-minute cancelations are staffing shortages, which have become commonplace among all major cruise lines in recent weeks.
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The notification email reads,“We are very sorry to inform you that due to staffing shortages affecting the entire hospitality industry, we must regretfully cancel select 2022 Yukon & Denali Cruisetours.”
While not all cruisetours have been canceled, the email also states,“We regret we are unable to offer a replacement Cruisetour option for 2022 due to the staffing issues which have resulted in reduced capacity on several journeys.”
Compensation Offered
It is completely understandable that guests – who may have been planning this once-in-a-lifetime experience for years – will be upset at the sudden change. Holland America Line is trying to be generous with compensation, however.
In addition to a full refund including cruise fare, port taxes, fees, pre-paid gratuities, beverage packages, spa reservations, shore excursions, etc., the cruise line is also providing all guests with an additional 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to the cruise fare paid.
That FCC is applicable to any new booking on a cruise or cruisetour on any vessel and for any itinerary that is booked and sets sail by December 31, 2023.
Furthermore, FCCs may also be used for flights booked through Holland America Line, pre- and post-cruise tour packages, or cancelation protection plan packages on future sailings, providing more security for travelers, as well as options to use up credits.
Photo Credit: Ungnoi Lookjeab / Shutterstock
FCCs should be available in guests’ accounts by June 15, 2022.
The cruise line is also giving each guest a $200 onboard credit for any future sailing that is booked and sails by December 31, 2023. These credits can be used for any onboard expenses, including drinks, photos, art auctions, spa treatments, shore tours, and more.
“We hope these credits will enable your clients to join us on another Alaska cruise this year or explore Alaska with us in 2023,”the email said.
Guests should be aware that both the FCC and onboard credit do not have to be used just for an Alaska sailing, but can be applied on any Holland America Line cruise vacation.
If guests had booked their now-canceled cruisetour with an existing FCC, that credit will be returned to their Mariner account and its expiration date extended to December 31, 2023.
Holland America Line will also consider reimbursement of non-HAL costs, such as airfare or hotels booked independently, on a case-by-case basis. This reimbursement is not guaranteed, but guests should provide thorough documentation for their request to be considered.
Staffing Shortages Affecting All Cruise Industry
All major cruise lines are suffering from staffing shortages at the moment, and are dealing with the difficulties in different ways.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which offers sailings around the Hawaiian Islands, has capped capacity on popular voyages in order to maintain the proper level of service with fewer crew members.
Photo Credit: Steven Phraner / Shutterstock
Cunard Line has similarly capped capacity aboard select sailings for June and July to maintain the expected guest-to-crew level for superior service while the ships are understaffed.
Carnival Cruise Line has canceled VIFP events onboard its ships, as well as closed popular restaurants, while staffing numbers remain low. In the meantime, the cruise line is working with the U.S. State Department to expedite crew members’ visa applications so they can begin working more quickly.
Cruise travelers should remain patient and flexible with their cruise plans, as well as especially polite to overworked and understaffed crews, while cruise lines work to fully staff their vessels.
Thirty-four years since she first set sail, the former Norwegian Cruise Line ship Seaward reached her final destination. The vessel was beached at the Aliaga shipbreaking yard in Turkey yesterday, June 1, where she will be broken up for scrap metal.
Seaward left the NCL fleet in 2005 and has since been in possession of Star Cruises, part of Genting Hong Kong, which filed for insolvency earlier this year.
Norwegian Seaward Beached In Turkey
The former Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship Norwegian Seaward has been beached at the Turkish shipbreaking yard in Aliaga on June 1. The beaching is a direct result of the bankruptcy of Genting Hong Kong.
Her maiden voyage departed in 1988, and for nine years she operated under the name Seaward for Norwegian Cruise Line. In 1997, the cruise line renamed her to NorwegianSea.
The cruise ship sailed for Norwegian Cruise Line for seventeen years until she was sold to Asian cruise operator Star Cruises in 2005 and renamed Superstar Libra.
Photo Credit: ThamKC / Shutterstock
As Superstar Libra, the 42,275 gross tons cruise ship sailed a variety of cruises around Asia, primarily short cruises from Penang, Malaysia, to ports in Thailand. And while certainly not the newest or most glamorous cruise ship in the region, SuperStar Libra did have many fans.
However, in 2018 Star Cruises pulled Superstar Libra from active service. Since then, she has acted as an accommodation ship for workers at the MV Werften shipyard in Germany. Under a three-year lease, the ship supported the construction of Genting’s Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises’ new cruise ships.
Under the bankruptcy of parent company Genting Hong Kong, Superstar Libra was sold to a greek company and towed to Greece from Germany just weeks ago.
Although she was due to be used as housing in Greece, the company that purchased her ultimately sold it for scrap metal.
In the coming months, workers at the shipyard will slowly start dismantling the vessel and selling the parts, a business model that has become increasingly lucrative in recent years.
Three Star Cruises Ships Head For Scrapyard
Of the Star Cruises cruise ships, it’s not just Superstar Libra that will be scrapped. According to several reports, four of the ships previously owned by Star Cruises have been sold, with three heading to the shipbreakers. Star Pisces, SuperStar Aquarius, and SuperStar Gemini are currently laid up in Penang, Malaysia.
Photo Credit: T. Schneider / Shutterstock
Star Pisces first operated as a RoRo passenger ferry in the Baltic. She was bought by Malaysian Chinese businessman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay as he first started building up his cruise emporium.
Sister ships SuperStar Aquarius and SuperStar Gemini were built for Norwegian Cruise Line as Dreamward and Windward, and later as Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Wind. During this period, Star Cruises briefly owned Norwegian Cruise Line in partnership with U.S. investment firm Apollo Management.
In 2007 Star Cruises sold 50% of its shares of NCL to Apollo; in 2013, NCL was made a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The remaining shares owned by Apollo and Star Cruises were sold in 2018, ending the relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line, and in effect, signaling the end of Star Cruises.
Star Cruises’ success, now under Genting Hong Kong, led to Dream Cruises being formed and the acquisition of Crystal Cruises. Although the company saw huge growth in the first couple of years, the pandemic changed all that and ultimately led to the downfall of Genting Hong Kong and Star Cruises.
The Ministry of Tourism in Jamaica has determined that pilot error was responsible for Harmony of the Seas backing into a dock extension in Falmouth, Jamaica on May 26, 2022. The dock is currently being repaired and should be fully operational for ships next week.
Harmony of the Seas Collides With Dock
The collision occurred as Harmony of the Seas was backing into its assigned berth Thursday morning at approximately 7 a.m. As the ship was maneuvering into the space, the vessel’s aft collided with a concrete mooring pylon, which collapsed into the water.
The Oasis-class ship suffered minor cosmetic damage, including small dents and paint scrapes. Within hours, however, the ship had been inspected and a maintenance crew was able to make the necessary repairs.
“The good news is that nobody got hurt and the damage was minimal to the vessel and it was able to continue its journey unfazed and really unaffected,”said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, according to a report from The Gleaner.
Bartlett did offer an explanation for the collision in his remarks, explaining that the pilot – who controls the vessel during docking operations – was badly directed at the time.
While no further information was disclosed, this seems to indicate that there may have been a communication breakdown between the pilot and on-shore assistants at the time of the collision.
The ship, which is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, departed Falmouth on time on Thursday, and is continuing on with its planned schedule. Today the ship visited Royal Caribbean International’s private destination in Labadee, Haiti, and Saturday will be a day at sea before the vessel returns to Port Canaveral on Sunday, May 29.
Repairs Underway
While the cosmetic damage to Harmony of the Seas was quickly repaired, it will take somewhat longer to reconstruct the damaged dock extension, but that work is already underway.
“We are repairing the damaged areas at the port now,”Bartlett said.“The divers are there now recovering the broken elements and we should be back in full order for the ships that come next week.”
Harmony of the Seas Damage (Photo Credit: Nick Vitani)
The Port of Falmouth, which is 18 miles east of Montego Bay, has several vessels scheduled to arrive in the next few days, including Royal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas, as well as Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy.
Harmony of the Seas is not scheduled to return to Falmouth until June 23, as the ship’s next three sailings are all Eastern Caribbean itineraries and will not be visiting Jamaica.
Pier Collisions – Are They More Common?
It seems as pier collisions are becoming a greater hazard in recent years. This may be in part due to larger ships that can be more challenging to maneuver, especially in tricky waters or if weather conditions create added difficulties.
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Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas struck an outer mooring dolphin (a structure ships tie up to) at the new Sitka Sound cruise terminal.
In December 2020, just a few weeks after resuming passenger sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape hit the pier wall in Civitavecchia, the main cruise port for Rome.
In August 2018, Carnival Horizon collided with Pier 90 in Manhattan, New York. That collision resulted in damage to both the pier and the ship, which was eventually estimated to amount to $2.5 million. Similar to the recent incident in Jamaica, that collision was caused by poor communication.
Disney Dream collided with the pier in Nassau while docking in September 2017, causing a significant dent to the ship’s aft.
These are just a few of the collision incidents noted from different cruise lines in the past few years.
While each incident makes headlines and raises concerns, it is also important to remember that many cruise ships dock around the world every day without difficulty, safely and smoothly bringing guests to many remarkable destinations.
Have you ever marveled at the sheer magnitude of these vessels and wondered how long it takes to build a modern cruise ship?
When asking this question, you may as well be inquiring as to how much time it takes to create a small city, which is exactly what today’s cruise ships are – a floating city. It takes a great deal of planning, effort, and time to build these floating wonders.
With an incredible array of amenities, features, entertainment, activities, and culinary restaurants, there are many details that go into creating these modern cruise ships in the cruise industry. Yet despite their sheer magnitude, constructing one may not take as much time as one might think.
The time required to create a new cruise ship will depend on the size of the ship and the owner’s requests. Regardless of the overall size, the general time to construct most cruise ships will depend on the experience of those building them.
Building a cruise ship typically takes between 12 and 18 months. Construction begins with the laying of the keel and is completed upon launch.
Why So Long?
Modern cruise ships contain all the amenities and features of a modern city. Their focus is on entertaining any passenger on board. Like Las Vegas, these vessels contain movie theaters, casinos, playgrounds, and numerous restaurants.
This isn’t on a small scale, either. Each cruise line wants to take what it’s offering to the next level. So, they are looking for the next thrill-seeking adventure ride, how to make things even bigger or more exciting, and how to appeal to different demographics.
The features and entertainment are getting larger. Movie theaters are incorporating more technology than ever before, and every cruise line strives to be the first in one area or another. They are all competing for people’s attention in a highly competitive market. They need to be the best.
Meyer Turku Shipyard (Photo Credit: Jamo Images / Shutterstock)
A cruise company is devoted to providing its guests with the best experience possible. Standard features of a cruise ship include spas, gyms, fitness equipment, and swimming pools. There are also varieties of restaurants available that appeal to most patrons.
Where cruise lines try to outdo the other is offering unique attractions to their guests. This may include waterparks, mini-golf courses, zip-lining, go-karts, skating rinks, and more. Additionally, there are hundreds of accommodations for crew members, guests, cabins, and staterooms to construct.
With all of these details, you may think that constructing a cruise ship would take forever. Yet once you understand how cruise ships are built, the timeframe seems more plausible.
Stages of Building Cruise Ships
Cruise ships go through various stages before they’re launched. Here are the highlights of the typical steps to construct a cruise ship from beginning to end:
Order is Placed – While it seems obvious, this is the first step. Whoever owns the cruise line places the order for their ship. The cruise ship’s design will have already been approved prior to placing the order.
Ceremonial Steel Cutting – This involves cutting the first piece of steel that is part of the cruise ship. It is cut in front of the cruise ship owner/management.
Laying Down the Keel – The keel is the lowest part of the ship. It is laid down with absolute precision using GPS coordinates to provide accuracy. The process must be correct down to the centimeter to be successful.
Launching the Cruise Ship – Once the frame is constructed and cabins are installed, the ship is put into the water. It is floated out and relocated to another section of the company’s shipyards so that additional fit-outs can be completed.
Trials at Sea – Insurance representatives and shipyard officials board the cruise ship for the sea trials. Government agency representatives responsible for the shipbuilding will join the group to verify the cruise ship can be sailed.
Handover Ceremonies – The cruise ship is given to the owner.
The Shakedown Voyage – The cruise ship is relocated from the shipyard to the homeport.
Christening – A “Godmother” is selected to reveal the cruise ship’s name.
Maiden Voyage – The cruise ship is ready to receive paying passengers on the first voyage out at sea.
While most major cruise ships take 12-18 months to build, some take even longer. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas took three years to complete, although this was partially due to COVID delays.
What Companies Build Cruise Ships?
Major cruise lines do not employ people in-house to create their fleets. This is due to the high costs of the equipment needed to build them, which adds to the cruise ship cost.
There is also a great level of expertise and knowledge required to build them. There are numerous specialist shipbuilders responsible for putting mega-ships together. The major shipbuilders include Meyer Werft in Germany (also owns Meyer Turku in Finland), Fincantieri in Italy, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France.
These shipwrights own massive shipyards located in riverside and coastal towns. They construct multi-million-dollar ships from the sea up to the surface prior to sailing.
Photo Credit: MartinLueke / Shutterstock.com
When we look at the location, there are only four major shipyards in existence that can create large cruise ships. We’ve already mentioned the first three, but there is also Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Another shipyard to take note of is the MV Werften in Germany, which was owned by the now-bankrupt Genting Cruise Lines.
Fincantieri is in Italy. It created its first cruise ship in 1990. Today, it is the largest European builder. Meyer Werft is a family-owned business in Papenburg, Germany, which also owns the popular Meyer Turki shipyard in Finland.
Meyer Werft began creating cruise ships in the mid-1980s. The shipyard is in a unique location as there is no direct access to the ocean. Ships need to be transferred via the Ems river going to the North Sea.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique is formerly known as STX Europe/France and is based in France. The shipyard is well-known for the construction of the Oasis-class cruise ships for Royal Caribbean and larger vessels for MSC Cruises.
What Materials Are Used?
High-strength steel and aluminum are used to keep a low center of mass despite the cruise ship’s massive size. The heaviest items, like propellers, engines, and fuel tanks, are housed in the lower part of a cruise ship.
Photo Credit: Mark Hu / Shutterstock
Despite a top-heavy look, shipbuilders evenly distribute the cruise ship’s weight to ensure its stability. Lightweight materials help to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. They also help the cruise ship to perform well in challenging sea environments.
Carbon fiber and fiber-reinforced plastics are frequently considered. Theoretically, they can lessen the cruise ship’s mass, thereby bringing the center of gravity down and reducing weight above the vessel’s waterline.
Towering Structures
With some vessels reaching 500 feet high, putting these vessels together requires structural engineering. The hull is the first part constructed while on dry land. This is the vessel’s base. It must be watertight prior to placing anything on top.
Superstructures are built in smaller blocks remotely, then placed on the hull piece by piece, almost like a massive Lego build.
Cabins
Cruise ship cabins are magnetized. This increases storage and helps organize items more efficiently. Magnetism is also important to the construction process.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
Cabins tend to be created separately from the rest of the cruise ship. The construction is like a car factory wherein every aspect is added, which includes fitted furniture and plumbing. Once done, they are taken to a shipyard. This is where they are slotted into the cruise ship using magnetic force.
Water Tests
Water control systems are included, allowing crews to build the ship outside and inside the water. It allows them to simultaneously test the newly constructed hull for water tightness. It also allows engineers to do any work necessary on the underwater sections.
Incorporating man-made dams allows the shipyard team to empty and fill their construction site as often as they choose.
Final Touches
Major cruise lines place the finest decor and details that money can afford. By employing experienced interior designers and top artists, they ensure cruise ships appear to be high-end resorts rather than simple transportation vessels.
Once finished, the cruise ship will be a floating, luxury vessel that will amaze a plethora of new guests. Cruisers will be taken in by the latest technologies, amenities, restaurants, and entertainment.
The length of time it takes to build a cruise ship depends on its size and the amenities required to create it. The duration also changes based on the experience of the shipbuilders.
The most experienced team will get the work done more quickly than one with a moderate amount of experience. Regardless of the cruise ship size, there is a basic timeline involved based on actual experience.
Staffing shortages continue to cause disruptions onboard Carnival cruise ships, and now popular events for loyal past passengers are being canceled.
While Diamond and Platinum passengers may be disappointed for the temporary pause in these exclusive events, the cruise line is working to rectify the staffing problems and will bring back the events as soon as possible.
VIFP Parties Canceled
Carnival Cruise Line’s “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) loyalty program is popular with cruisers, and many loyal Carnival guests look forward to the onboard parties offered on sailings five nights or longer. For the time being, however, these celebrations are canceled due to staffing shortages.
In a post on his Facebook page, Carnival brand ambassador John Heald announced that the Diamond events are canceled, and Diamond-level guests will instead receive $50 of onboard credit to use as they wish. Similarly, the Diamond/Platinum cocktail party is also canceled, and guests will receive two drink vouchers each.
Photo Credit: Turn_Mug / Shutterstock
“This is of course because of staff shortages,”Heald explained. “Because of the situation with the United States Government, who are themselves short staffed, we have a massive backlog of visas that the crew need to come to the US and on to the ships to work.”
The loyalty parties are fun events for the most experienced Carnival Cruise Line passengers, and often include complimentary cocktails and snacks or hors d’oeuvres.
During the events, the ship’s officers may make appearances, the cruise director could host some exclusive trivia or other games, and a video is shown of the full Carnival fleet from 1972 to the newest vessels.
Guests celebrating their 100th milestone cruise, as well as guests with the most number of cruise days or the youngest and oldest loyalty passengers may also be acknowledged.
For now, the loyalty events are canceled for all sailings fleet-wide through June 30, 2022. It is possible that these cancelations may be extended if it takes longer than anticipated to resolve the staffing shortages.
Other Onboard Changes
This announcement comes just after the cruise line announced the temporary closure of two popular dining options, the specialty restaurant Cucina Del Capitano as well as the elite Chef’s Table dining experience.
These dining options are now unavailable through June 30, though Cucina Del Capitano will remain operating as normal on the fleet’s award-winning flagship, Mardi Gras.
On other ships, the homestyle Italian restaurant will still be open for lunch, and select entrees will be available in the Main Dining Room for dinner with no additional fees.
Photo Credit: Beachside Tribe / Shutterstock
Guests may also notice other changes onboard, such as some longer lines or slightly slower service as crew members adapt to more extensive duties. Hours for some other dining venues have also been adjusted, such as the pizzeria being closed from 3-10 a.m. rather than being fully open 24 hours.
The Military Appreciation Tea has also been temporarily canceled fleet-wide.
Carnival Cruise Line is currently limiting capacity onboard some of its vessels to improve guests-to-crew staffing ratios and ease the burden on understaffed crews.
These changes have been made in an effort to consolidate staffing and ensure superior service onboard Carnival’s ships, all of which have now returned to service following the global pandemic shutdown.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy is working closely with the U.S. State Department, however, to expedite crew visas and improve onboard staffing, and it is hoped that the situation will improve quickly in the coming weeks and closures and onboard cancelations will end as the cruise industry moves into the busy summer season.
The US Coast Guard concluded an investigation that puts the blame for a canceled SpaceX rocket firmly in Royal Caribbean’s hands. The Harmony of the Seas departed Port Canaveral back in January when it sailed into one of the exclusion zones the Coast Guard had created to protect the public in case of an emergency.
Due to the vessel being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the rocket’s launch had to be canceled. Harmony of the Seas had no authorization to be in the area. However, the US Coast Guard did admit that communication protocols between the vessel’s Captain and the authorities were lacking.
Rocket Launch During Busiest Time of The Week
Having the world’s most important rocket launch site and one of the biggest cruise ports in the world in virtually the same place could be considered a potential hazard.
Yet, Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center launch pads are just a few miles apart. No wonder a problem came up during one of the busiest days of the week for cruise ships.
Harmony of the Seas had just departed Port Canaveral on January 30 when it sailed into the exclusion zone the Coast guard keeps during rocket launches. The launch was scrubbed just seconds before blast-off, with the launch director calling out, “Hold! Hold! Hold! Aborting launch auto. This is the launch director calling a hold. We have a red range for a fouled range, with a ship in the hazard area.”
Standing down from today's launch of COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation FM2 due to ship in the hazard area; team is setting up for next opportunity tomorrow, January 31 at 6:11 p.m. EST
The exclusion zones, also known as Launch hazard areas, are areas of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida that are closed to maritime traffic during rocket launches. The rocket’s trajectory and payload define the launch hazard areas.
While the locations are communicated to ships, communication broke down due to the busy schedules on Sunday in Port Canaveral.
“This is the second-busiest cruise ship port in the world,” Capt. Mark Vlaun, head of the Jacksonville Coast Guard unit responsible for monitoring launch zones, said: “There are times, particularly like a Sunday night, when you’re going to have 11 to 15 cruise ships departing this port.”
The Coast Guard enforces the safety zones per Title 46 U.S.C. § 70002 and 70036. If a vessel does violate them, the Coast Guard may pursue action, including monetary fines or vessel control actions.
Although Royal Caribbean was found in violation during the January 30 launch, the Coast Guard did not say if and what fines would be handed to the cruise line. SpaceX finally managed to launch the Falcon 9 rocket a day later on the fifth attempt. Harmony of the Seas cruise remained unaffected.
New Measures Implemented
To ensure the same does not happen again, the Coast Guard has been working on implementing several new rules intended to prevent the same from happening again. However, some of the blame lies squarely with the maritime industry, which still relies on paper for disseminating information.
Capt. Mark Vlaun: “In the maritime industry, rocks don’t pop up overnight. Buoys don’t move every day. We can publish these on paper. Four or five days or even a week old is probably still good data. But five-day-old space launch information is not worth the paper it’s printed on.”
Photo Credit: Robert Michaud / Shutterstock.com
The changes include updated exclusion zones and new modern ways of disseminating launch updates to ship captains. The new rules also consider the possible delays a rocket launch could have on cruise ships.
If a launch were to delay a ship from coming into port, it could cause significant disruptions; tens of thousands of cruisers could see ripple effects that would lead to possible flight delays at airports and delayed departures for cruises.
To prevent this from happening, the Coast Guard is reviewing the routes cruise ships take from Port Canaveral, implementing consistent, predictable routes, which will help with de-conflicting issues before they arise.
Ships and rockets are not always a bad combination. This week guests onboard Carnival’s Mardi Gras had a front-row seat during a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Kennedy Space Center, just as the vessel left port.
