Disney Cruise Line has slightly increased its recommended gratuity rates for select crew positions, which in total raises the gratuity rate by $1 per day, per stateroom guest.
The cruise line has also recommended an $8 per day, per stateroom guest gratuity for the Concierge Lounge team, though this is not part of any automatic or pre-paid gratuities to guests’ accounts.
Gratuity Rates Increase
The increase in gratuities brings the per passenger, per day gratuity rate aboard Disney Cruise Line ships to $14.50 (USD) for most staterooms, and $15.50 per passenger, per day for concierge staterooms and suites, which includes the stateroom assistant host in the automatic or pre-paid gratuities.
In a statement discussing the gratuity increase, Disney Cruise Line says:“Since our very first sailing, Guests have told us how much they enjoy their interactions with the crew members. Providing world-class service and creating life-long memories for our guests are among the most common comments we receive. In recognition of all that they do, we have increased our recommended gratuity guidelines for select positions.”
Photo Credit: MartinLueke / Shutterstock
Broken down, the standard gratuities cover the three levels of dining room server – head server, assistant server, and server – as well as the stateroom host that cleans and services guests’ cabins. The recommended daily gratuity for each of these positions has been increased by $.25 per passenger, per day.
These gratuity changes take effect immediately aboard all Disney ships, including Disney Wish, which will set sail on her maiden voyage with guests on Thursday, July 14, 2022.
Guests booked on upcoming sailings who chose to pre-pay their gratuities at the lower rate will not have any additional charges added to their accounts, as the prior rate will be honored.
Guests who have not pre-paid gratuities will have the charges automatically added to their account during their cruise at the prevailing rate when the ship sails.
All guests can always contact Guest Services to adjust the gratuities as desired, or may offer additional gratuities to special crew members in person.
Other Cruise Lines’ Gratuity Rates
This increase is not unexpected, as Disney Cruise Line has not changed gratuity rates since January 2019. With general economic inflation over the past three years, crew members’ salaries, including their tips, do not go as far as they once did, and the new increase is similar to gratuity rate increases other cruise lines have recently instituted.
Norwegian Cruise Line increased gratuity rates in April 2022, raising the recommended tipping guidelines to $16 per person, per day for most cabins, and $20 per person, per day for suite and the exclusive Haven staterooms. This is a $.50 and $1.50 per person, per day increase, respectively.
Other cruise lines have similar per day gratuity rates and tipping guidelines, with totals of $14.50-$17.50 per person, per day aboard Royal Caribbean ships, $14.50-$16.50 per person, per day for Princess Cruises, and $15.50-$17 per person, per day for Holland America Line.
What Is Not Included?
Aboard Disney ships, the pre-paid or automatic gratuities only include the rotational dining staff (servers) and stateroom attendants. An 18% gratuity is also added to all bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs, as well as spa services, at the time of those purchases.
Not included in gratuities are the serving staff members in each ship’s specialty restaurants, room service, and other individual services onboard. Guests can always offer gratuities to these team members at their own discretion.
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.
Whether it is a once-in-a-lifetime oceangoing getaway or a preferred escape whenever you need a break, a cruise vacation can be a relaxing, memorable way to travel. But what about when that travel that was so carefully planned and so longingly anticipated is dramatically altered?
Many different circumstances could disrupt a cruise vacation, but being prepared for possible changes can help every traveler enjoy each moment of their vacation, no matter what uncertainties may exist when they set sail.
There are many different ways cruise travel could be disrupted, from simple delays or small itinerary changes such as changing the days certain ports are visited to much more aggravating changes, like a completely altered itinerary, a ship change, or more.
Port times might be shortened, canceling some popular shore excursions, or long lines could delay activities. Crew shortages or illnesses could cancel activities or entertainment options, supply chain delays could result in fewer food and beverage options, or local conflicts or civil disturbances could result in port cancelations.
Photo Credit: rahulraju / Shutterstock
Mechanical problems could also disrupt vacation plans, particularly propulsion issues that may change itineraries. Problems onboard might also close favorite restaurants, cancel production shows, close pools, or otherwise change what travelers may have expected during their cruise.
Larger events, such as global pandemics or disease outbreaks may result in onboard protocol changes or quarantines, or severe weather such a hurricanes could damage ports or docks, changing cruise routes completely, sometimes for months until repairs can be completed.
With so many things that might go wrong on a cruise, how can travelers be prepared to enjoy their vacation no matter what happens?
Setting Minimum Expectations
When planning a cruise in uncertain times, it is critical to be certain of the minimum expectations for the getaway. If a certain type of food, specific port of call, or one production show is really critical to the cruise experience, it is best to plan the vacation just to enjoy that one special element.
Photo Credit: Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock
This may mean researching dining options onboard different vessels, booking the vacation when the weather is least likely to cause disruptions, or asking recent cruisers about their experience to be sure of current conditions.
Simplifying expectations does not mean giving up on everything that makes a cruise extraordinary, but prioritizing the most important experiences. In this way, travelers can take steps to protect the most highly anticipated experiences, so no matter what happens, the cruise will still be fun and memorable.
Control What You Can Control
While there are many circumstances out of cruisers’ control, being in charge of those circumstances that are controllable will help travelers feel more comfortable with cruise vacation plans.
For example, travelers cannot control whether a flight to the embarkation port may be delayed or canceled, but they can choose to fly in to the destination the day before, just in case of disruptions.
Similarly, no cruise passenger can control whether a hurricane may head for their favorite Caribbean port of call, but the Atlantic hurricane season only runs from June through November. Planning a cruise in February or March will visit the same amazing destinations, but without risk of tropical storms or hurricanes.
Photo Credit: Mike Mareen / Shutterstock
Travelers can also minimize the impact of disruptions by carefully researching cruise lines and choosing the line that will best meet their expectations.
Want to spend late nights in the casino? Don’t book with Disney Cruise Line or river cruises, as their ships don’t have casinos.
Interested in seeing different comedians? Carnival Cruise Line’s dedicated Punchliner Comedy Club is the best option.
Want more adventurous activities? Royal Caribbean International is the way to go with skydiving experiences, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and more right on board.
Researching different features, including the availability of children’s programs, the variety of specialty dining restaurants, or the types of shows onboard can also help travelers choose a cruise line or specific ship that will offer just the vacation they want most.
Looking a little deeper into the cruise line will also help travelers be prepared for the best vacation. Perhaps the perfect cruise line and ship just doesn’t serve a traveler’s favorite soft drinks or have their favorite snacks on board.
First, consider whether those drinks or treats are really necessary – with many bars and food options available all day long, familiar favorites may not even be missed.
Photo Credit: richard pross / Shutterstock
If those treats are essential, however, considering bringing a case of soda or a few packs of snacks onboard (research the cruise line’s policies first, as different lines have different guidelines for bringing food or beverages onboard).
Finally, once a cruise is booked, set up necessary experiences right away. This might mean booking critical shore tours as soon as possible to reserve space, as popular tours often sell out even before the ship sets sail.
Spa appointments for massages and other pampering treatments can also fill up quickly, as can reservations for specialty restaurants, especially on formal nights or elegant evenings.
By making plans quickly, travelers can confirm reservations and won’t miss out on the experiences they are most looking forward to having on the cruise.
Plan for Uncertainty
Even with careful advance planning, disruptions can still happen on any cruise. It can be difficult to prepare for the unknown, but there are ways to create extra options in case of challenges.
For example, packing along games and entertainment, such as a portable DVD player, travel games (electronic or otherwise), a deck of cards, books, or toys can help travelers relax if there aren’t as many appealing activities on board.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
This might happen if a port is canceled, or if poor weather might mean poolside activities are on hold. While cruise ship crews will certainly try to add more activities to the daily schedule, the new options may not be as appealing, or travelers may simply prefer some personal quiet time.
Likewise, it is always a good idea to plan for extreme conditions, such as being held up on the return home. This might happen if a ship were to have propulsion issues or become stranded, or if local conditions delay return flights or other travel plans. Having extra essential medications or an extra outfit or two on hand will help make any unexpected added days less stressful.
To be sure any arrangements at home can handle an unexpected delay, pack along contact information for family members, pet sitters, doctors, schools, and employers. This would allow stranded or delayed travelers to inform others of the hold up, so alternative arrangements or extensions can be made if necessary.
Ask for Help
When unexpected conditions happen on a cruise, travelers should always ask for help to resolve the situation. A travel agent can offer invaluable assistance and expert advice on all sorts of unusual situations.
Once onboard, asking crew members for assistance can be amazingly helpful.
Twist an ankle on the stairs, but don’t need medical attention? A crew member might be able to find a cane for easier walking.
Forget to bring along earplugs for quieter sleep? The engineering team has many of them and can likely spare a pair or two.
Photo Credit: NAN728 / Shutterstock.com
Forgot to report a food allergy? An attentive server on the dining team can help find safe and delicious dishes to enjoy.
Missed out on booking a dream shore excursion? The shore tour team can put travelers on a waiting list.
The guest services team on board can also be effective at solving all sorts of problems, from irregularities with shipboard accounts to maintenance issues in staterooms to tech issues with the cruise line’s onboard apps.
Whatever the issue, asking for help can result in solutions travelers may never have thought possible. The goal is always to have an enjoyable cruise vacation, and crew members onboard will always try to resolve problems and exceed expectations so travelers have a memorable vacation.
Consider Insurance
In very uncertain times, particularly when larger issues such as international conflicts, disease outbreaks, or personal challenges like medical conditions or family issues may disrupt a cruise, it is especially important to consider travel insurance.
Choose a policy carefully, and read the terms and conditions to understand what situations are covered, how much the policy may pay for, and how payment will work, whether it is upfront coverage or reimbursement.
Photo Credit: Toni Arsovski / Shutterstock
While traveling, all important insurance documentation should be available, including contact numbers for different situations, including how to arrange assistance, whom to call for reimbursement, and what paperwork, receipts, or other information may be necessary for a successful claim.
Working through an experienced cruise travel agent can be very helpful for choosing the appropriate insurance policy for a cruise, particularly if the sailing will visit a wide variety of ports where procedures could be very different than expected.
Always Be Flexible
Now, more than ever before in the cruise travel industry, it is critical for cruisers to be flexible with their travel plans and cruise expectations. There is great uncertainty in different ports of call, and cruise lines have a number of unprecedented struggles both behind the scenes as well as visible to guests.
From supply chain disruptions to crew staffing shortages to changing port protocols to delays in refits, dry docks, and new vessel deliveries, cruise lines are coping with these uncertain times as best they can, and doing everything possible to continue making memorable vacations for passengers.
Cruise travelers should be equally diligent about planning for their cruise to be adaptable to different situations and still make the most of every moment of their oceangoing vacation. While these may indeed be uncertain times, what is certain is that every cruise can still be an enjoyable, amazing vacation.
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?
