Blog Page 9

What Happened to the Captain Who Abandoned the Costa Concordia?

Catie Kovelman
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What Happened to the Captain Who Abandoned the Costa Concordia?

Key Aspects:

  • Netflix’s “Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea” has renewed interest in the Costa Concordia disaster.
  • The ship’s captain was sentenced to 16 years in prison and he is currently incarcerated in Italy.
  • Though the disaster was related to human error, enhanced training and safety protocols were implemented across cruise lines in the aftermath.

Netflix’s new documentary, “Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea,” has thrust the Costa Concordia disaster from the night of January 13, 2012, back into the spotlight. The film became available for streaming on July 10, 2026.

The documentary features never-before-seen footage and survivor accounts that are leaving viewers with one question: Where is Ship Captain Francesco Schettino today?

Unlike other disasters at sea, Schettino has been personally found at fault for the disaster. Instead of following the planned route, Schettino chose to perform a reckless “sail-by salute” maneuver off the coast of Giglio Island in Italy.

This brought the Carnival-owned ship too close to the shore and led the 114,147-gross ton vessel to collide with rocks that were known to be in the area, eventually causing the ship to capsize.

Making matters worse, the captain abandoned ship too early. He was spotted on a lifeboat when around 300 passengers and crew members were still stranded on the rapidly sinking cruise ship.

Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), it’s the captain’s responsibility to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of all passengers and crew is completed, meaning he should have been the last person to debark.

At the time of the incident, 1,023 crew members and 3,206 passengers were onboard, meaning 4,229 lives were unnecessarily placed at risk.

Costa Concordia Accident
Costa Concordia Accident (Photo Credit: Niccolo’ Simoncini)

A total of 32 people ultimately died and dozens more were injured, making this the most deadly cruise ship disaster in modern history.

The cruise ship itself remained stuck off the coast of Giglio until July of 2014, when it was finally righted and refloated using massive flotation tanks. She was eventually towed back to Genoa, Italy, for scrapping.

Cruise Ship Captain Imprisoned

Schettino, who served as a Costa Cruises captain from 2006 until that fateful night, had to answer for his crimes over the course of a 19-month trial in Italy.

On February 11, 2015, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with 10 years for manslaughter, five years for causing the collision, and one year for abandoning passengers.

The former captain also received a five-year interdiction, meaning he was banned from commanding a ship following his eventual release from prison.

Schettino tried to appeal his sentence for two years, before finally turning himself in to start serving his time in May of 2017. He is now nine years into his sentence and incarcerated at the Rebibbia Prison in Rome, which is one of Italy’s largest prisons.

As recently as January of 2025, the captain attempted to apply for “day release” for inmates with good behavior, but withdrew his request in April of 2025 over not being able to find a “suitable work placement,” which is a requirement of the program.

Valuable Lessons Learned

While the Costa Concordia disaster is primarily the result of “human error,” it also identified glaring gaps in communication and failures to adhere to mandatory safety protocols.

Cruise Hive previously reported that the cruise lines began emphasizing the importance of accountability for ship captains and other high-ranking crew members in the aftermath of the sinking.

Training programs that focused more on handling emergency evacuations became standard, while enhanced muster drills for all cruise passengers before departure on embarkation day were implemented.

Additionally, it’s now a requirement for extra life jackets to be available near muster stations and on open decks so that passengers do not have to waste time returning to their cabins in the unlikely event of an emergency.

As an added layer of protection, automated systems that ensure that the ship’s crew cannot make unsafe navigational errors are now embedded in most modern cruise ships.

Communication between the bridge team, cruise line headquarters, and local authorities has also improved significantly in the over a decade since the Costa Concordia disaster.

Carnival Cruise Director Departs Just Days Before New Contract

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Cruise Director Departs Just Days Before New Contract

Key Aspects:

  • Gabby Gamboa is no longer a cruise director with Carnival Cruise Line.
  • The news came on July 10, not long before Gamboa was supposed to board Carnival Conquest for a four-month contract beginning on July 17.
  • She had only just been promoted to cruise director in spring of 2025, and worked for Carnival for around five years.

Cruise Director Gabby Gamboa has parted ways with Carnival Cruise Line.

On July 10, 2026, just days before Gamboa should have been boarding Carnival Conquest for a four-month contract, the cruise director announced that her tenure with the cruise line had come to an end.

The departure feels rather abrupt, as Cruise Hive reported that Gamboa was only just promoted to cruise director in April of 2025 after years of effort to reach this goal.

“Just like that…here’s to the end of ship life. 5 years later and I’m forever grateful for the people that turned into family. For the moments that will forever be memories,” Gamboa wrote in a Facebook post.

“I’ve given my blood sweat and tears, my heart and soul, but I guess sometimes it’s just not enough. Time to close this chapter and see what the next one brings,” Gamboa added.

Gamboa was supposed to be leading the fun onboard Carnival Conquest from July 17 to November 20, 2026, as the 110,000-gross ton vessel operates 3- to 4-night sailings to the Bahamas from Miami, Florida.

This would have been her second contract of the year, after previously acting as cruise director onboard the 2,980-guest ship from February 15 to May 18, 2026.

Carnival’s Cruise Director schedule, which is subject to change, now has Filipe Mendez acting as cruise director through September 4, 2026, and again from September 28 to November 27.

Why is The Cruise Director Leaving?

Neither Gamboa nor Carnival Cruise Line have confirmed the specific circumstances behind the cruise director’s departure, but the wording of the Facebook post has led cruisers to speculate that Gamboa didn’t leave by choice.

Aside from indicating that her efforts were “just not enough,” Gamboa has not given any further information about what happened, nor has she publicly bashed the cruise line.

“From her announcement post, it doesn’t sound like it was exactly a mutual decision. I remember her as the Bingo Host on Celebration and enjoyed whenever she did activities,” one former guest posted on Reddit.

“The way this is written, this was absolutely not a resignation. That is unfortunate and I wish her the best,” another cruiser agreed.

Fleet Cruise Director Lee Mason sent his best wishes to his former colleague in the comments of her post.

“Wishing you nothing but the very best Gabs – wherever life takes you I know you will shine,” Mason commented on Facebook.

Gabby Gamboa
Gabby Gamboa

The duo had previously worked together, and as Fleet Cruise Director, Mason helps to nurture and support current and future talent (which would have included Gamboa).

From Carnival Guest to Cruise Director

Gamboa accomplished a lot in her five years at Carnival Cruise Line. Her journey began when she was inspired while sailing onboard Carnival Vista as a guest in February of 2020.

She loved the experience so much, including the great energy and attitudes of the Fun Squad members, that she decided she wanted to become a cruise director.

More From Cruise Hive

The cruise personality signed her first contract in 2021, spending 3.5 years working her way up as a member of the Fun Squad on six different ships, helping with two inaugural ship launches, and acting as a cruise director on four ships before her official promotion in 2025.

Former cruise guests took to social media to wish Gamboa well and to say they would miss her warm personality and vibrant energy onboard.

Is Disney Cruise Line Secretly Planning a Return to New York?

Calvin Musquez
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Is Disney Cruise Line Secretly Planning a Return to New York?

Key Aspects:

  • Rumors are swirling online that Disney may soon be returning to New York City.
  • The rumors stem from online port schedule updates featuring a few Disney Ships.
  • The cruise line has not sailed from New York since 2023, and has not officially confirmed the rumors.

Rumors and speculation have been swirling online, suggesting that Disney Cruise Line may be making a long-awaited comeback to New York City.

While Disney Cruise Line has not yet officially confirmed or announced any sailings from New York, some cruisers think they’ve spotted evidence that this may be changing soon.

The rumors stem from eagle-eyed online sleuths who noticed a few Disney Cruise Line ships suddenly appearing on the New York Port Schedule website.

Overnight, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, and Disney Treasure all appeared as options for the Manhattan Cruise Terminal’s berthing calendar schedule. The ships aren’t on the calendar itself yet, but they do appear as filter options, suggesting they may be added to the calendar soon.

A thread on Reddit showed off the port schedule change, prompting hundreds of comments excitedly speculating.

“As a New Yorker, my heart just skipped a beat. I haven’t been this excited about anything in a long time,” one user commented. 

“Would love for them to return to NY! Or NJ or PA,” said another. “Anything so I don’t have to fly out before the cruise and spend extra money on flight + hotel. Hah.”

Manhattan Cruise Schedule
Manhattan Cruise Schedule

Adding fuel to the fire, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Schedule website page also updated its header photo to one featuring Disney’s first cruise ship, the 83,338 gross ton Disney Magic. While this is an older photo, many saw it as additional evidence that Disney will be returning to the port.

Whether this is in fact solid evidence of a New York return, or simply wishful thinking, remains to be seen. We at Cruise Hive eagerly await official confirmation from Disney Cruise Line.

Why Has It Been So Long And Why Return Now?

Disney Cruise Line’s East Coast operations are usually limited to Florida, with the majority of their sailings leaving from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

While Disney Cruise Line has occasionally offered seasonal itineraries from New York in previous years, the last sailings from the port were a few Bermuda and Eastern Canada itineraries in autumn 2023 aboard Disney Dream.

Since then, there has been much pleading from Disney cruisers in the Northeastern region of the United States to offer more itineraries from the port, but Disney has not obliged.

Florida is simply a busier, higher-priority location, with Port Canaveral alone welcoming over 8.6 million passengers in 2025.

With their previously limited fleet of seven ships, it made good business sense to prioritize the busier region, leaving the comparatively less popular Port of New York by the wayside.

However, Disney is in the middle of a massive fleet expansion, marked most recently by the announcement of their fourth Wish-Class ship, Disney Believe, set to debut in late 2027.

This expansion effort will bring their fleet to a total of 13 ships by 2031, nearly doubling their current fleet. With so many new ships being built, they may be ready to expand to other regions, like New York, on a more regular basis.

US Revises Travel Advisory For Popular Caribbean Cruise Port

Catie Kovelman
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US Revises Travel Advisory For Popular Caribbean Cruise Port

Key Aspects:

  • Turks and Caicos just got an updated travel advisory from the US Department of State.
  • The Caribbean destination is under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory.
  • Guests who visit the islands need to be aware of risks related to crime, hurricanes, and the strict ammunition regulations.

The US Government is reminding cruisers to exercise increased caution when sailing to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos. The US Department of State issued an updated travel advisory on July 7, 2026.

As of the latest update, Turks and Caicos is under a Level 2 warning, which means visitors should exercise increased caution. For context, the scale goes up to a Level 4 warning, which indicates that people should not travel.

It’s also worth noting that Turks and Caicos has been under a Level 2 warning since 2023, though the reasons behind the level have varied slightly.

The newly issued advisory informs guests of high crime rates and strict firearms laws, noting that guests who violate those regulations (even by accident) could be deported, fined, or imprisoned.

“It is illegal to have firearms and ammunition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes single bullets and cartridges brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. A firearm license or permit obtained in the United States or any other country is not valid in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the advisory stated.

Interestingly, the advisory also warns cruise passengers of hurricanes. Though forecasters are expecting a quieter hurricane season, the Atlantic Hurricane Season is in full swing and will last until November 30, 2026.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the advisory added.

In March of 2025, Cruise Hive reported that the advisory for the Caribbean destination was also updated to reflect hazards related to crime and the strict firearms and ammunition policies on the islands.

Cruise Guests Encouraged to be Cautious

The purpose of the travel advisory isn’t to scare guests, but to encourage them to take appropriate precautions during their port calls.

Per the advisory, most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.

Cruise Passengers on the Pier in Grand Turk
Cruise Passengers on the Pier in Grand Turk (Photo Credit: Ajith Achuthann)

In order to mitigate risk, the US government is encouraging visitors to ensure they do not have any weapons or ammunition in their bags, use caution when walking or driving (especially at night), and not to resist in the event a robbery does occur.

Additionally, guests should be aware of overcharging and scams in high tourism areas. There have been accounts of aggressive vendors offering “free” gifts that lead to money demands.

Authorities from Turks and Caicos quickly responded to last year’s advisory to reassure passengers that the cruise destination is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, and reinforced the importance of its strict firearm regulations.

There has been no public statement related to the current travel advisory issued on July 7.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which is located on the southern end of Grand Turk, is the one and only dedicated cruise port serving Turks and Caicos.

A maximum of two cruise ships can dock at the single double-sided pier, which makes it even more impressive that the port welcomed more than one million passengers in 2025 and is on track to do it again in 2026.

According to the public port schedule, the second half of the year will be busy for Grand Turk, with roughly 350 to 400 calls expected to occur between January 1 and December 31, 2026.

Major brands are on the schedule, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Virgin Voyages, Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean, and more.

Juneau Cruise Terminal Scaled Back as Price Tag Nears $250 Million

Melissa Mayntz
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Juneau Cruise Terminal Scaled Back as Price Tag Nears $250 Million

Key Aspects:

  • The Áak’w Landing cruise terminal project for downtown Juneau has downsized due to escalating costs.
  • Revised plans still cover all the proposed features of the new facility but at a smaller scale to control those costs.
  • A new timeline has not yet been announced and it is hoped the terminal can still open in 2028.

The planned downtown cruise terminal in Juneau being developed by the Huna Totem Corporation has been scaled back to less than half of the original plans, with various costs cited as the overarching reason for the adjustment.

The private dock’s facilities will now encompass approximately 18,000 square feet instead of the originally projected 50,000 square feet designed for Áak’w Landing.

In the initial phase of construction, just 9,868 square feet of interior space will be developed. The remaining 7,960 square feet is now planned for a future phase with an unknown timeline.

The revised design does include all the original intent of the development, including a welcome center for visitors, a cultural center honoring local and regional heritage, retail space, waterfront dining, and a seawalk extension.

What has been eliminated are the multi-story buildings (which will now be just one story), a much larger deck, and a more extensive seawalk, but the key features of the project are preserved.

Revised Plan
Revised Plan

“When you look at that original drawing the plan had been to build to the full property line, which would have meant a lot more of that deck, buildings and seawalk would have been out over the water on pilings,” Susan Bell, Huna Totem’s vice president of strategic initiatives, told the Juneau Independent.

“We just scaled back to the property as it exists now and scaled the buildings down, and still feel it’s going to be an excellent guest experience and an excellent place for residents.”

Parking for the property has also been revised and will now all be above ground rather than include underground spaces, while pedestrian access will be at street level instead of via escalators. The amount of bus parking remains unchanged, as this would be critical for servicing tour groups for shore excursions, particularly for larger cruise ships.

Spiraling Costs Forced Revised Plans

When initially announced in 2023, the projected cost for the project was $150 million. Due to some delays and appeals, the cost for the original design is now expected to reach more than $250 million, more than a 66% increase.

Extra costs are being attributed to tariffs imposed on materials over the past three years, which have upped the cost of steel and other essential construction materials.

Read Also: Juneau Cruise Port, Alaska – Overview and Guide

A geotechnical analysis of the part of the project over the water and beyond the shoreline has also noted that costs could be prohibitive. That analysis also showed that the much larger buildings at the center of the project added more weight that could also impact construction costs due to the need for deeper pilings.

With the buildings scaled back to a more manageable size and less overwater development, Huna Totem hopes to keep the costs to the initial budget of $150 million.

When Would the Revised Project Be Open for Cruises?

Bell notes that Huna Totem still hopes the first phase of the project will be complete and ready to welcome guests for the 2028 Alaska sailing season. With the revised project, that may yet be possible.

Because the changes to the original design are now so extensive, however, the overall permit for the project must be reviewed and approved again. The revised plan has been submitted to the Borough Assembly for consideration for modifications to the conditional use permit first granted in July 2023.

More From Cruise Hive

Should the modified plan be approved, there may yet be public hearing periods and other discussions that could potentially delay the hoped-for 2028 opening.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on different opposition to the plan, including a citizen petition fighting against ever-larger and more numerous cruise ships in Juneau.

Overall, the revised dock still offers value for Juneau residents by reducing local traffic congestion, extending the scenic seawalk, creating new downtown parking and a public park, and offering educational and economic opportunities.

Super Typhoon Bavi Forces Royal Caribbean to Scrap Cruise

Lissa Poirot
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Super Typhoon Bavi Forces Royal Caribbean to Scrap Cruise

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean cancelled Spectrum of the Seas’ July 11, 2026, sailing from Shanghai.
  • The cancellation follows the city’s port closure as Typhoon Bavi barrels down the region.
  • Guests will receive full refunds and reimbursement for eligible non-refundable travel expenses.

Another cruise itinerary has fallen victim to severe weather, this time in China.

Royal Caribbean cancelled Spectrum of the Seas’ July 11, 2026, sailing from Shanghai after Typhoon Bavi prompted local authorities to close the city’s Wusongkou Cruise Port through embarkation day.

The cruise line said it had been monitoring the storm with meteorological experts, local port authorities, and government agencies while evaluating operations at the Port of Shanghai. Forecasts called for high winds and severe weather in Shanghai and the surrounding area, making it impossible for the ship to begin its scheduled voyage.

The 169,379-gross-ton Spectrum of the Seas was scheduled to depart Shanghai on a 4-night cruise on July 11. Accommodating up to 4,246 guests at double occupancy, the ship was scheduled to sail roundtrip from Shanghai with a single port call in Incheon (Seoul), South Korea, before returning to China on July 15.

Guests booked on the cancelled sailing will receive a full refund of all payments made toward the voyage. Guests who used a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to pay for part or all of their reservation will receive a refund of any additional cash payments, while the original FCC will be reissued.

In addition to the refund, the cruise line is issuing new FCCs to passengers who paid the cruise fare. The credits may be used toward any Royal Caribbean sailing booked by July 11, 2027, and are expected to be distributed electronically within four weeks.

Credit amounts vary by stateroom category, with guests booked in suites receiving RMB 3,400 per stateroom. Balcony cabins will receive RMB 1,700, ocean view staterooms qualify for RMB 1,300, and interior cabins will receive RMB 1,000. 

Third and fourth guests in each cabin will each receive RMB 340.

Spectrum of the Seas in Shanghai
Spectrum of the Seas in Shanghai (Photo Credit: Pro Aerial Master)

Royal Caribbean is also offering reimbursement for certain non-refundable travel expenses. Guests who booked non-refundable or non-changeable transportation, hotels, or other travel services specifically for the sailing may apply based on documented losses.

Passengers traveling to or from Shanghai on domestic transportation, including flights, trains, and buses, may qualify for reimbursement of up to RMB 200 per person. Those traveling on international flights may receive up to RMB 400 per person.

Reimbursement requests must be submitted by September 10, 2026. The cruise line said approved claims will be processed after review with payments issued in US dollars.

China Braces for Typhoon Bavi

Spectrum of the Seas’ cancellation comes as Typhoon Bavi bears down on China’s east coast after crossing the western Pacific as one of the strongest storms of the year.

Earlier in the week, the storm reached super typhoon strength with sustained winds estimated at about 180 miles per hour before gradually weakening as it tracked toward Taiwan and mainland China.

Although weaker than its peak intensity, Bavi remained a powerful typhoon on July 10, 2026, packing sustained winds near 125 miles per hour as it moved across the East China Sea northwest of Taiwan.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Must Know!

Forecasters expect Bavi to pass north of Taiwan before making landfall along China’s east coast. Authorities across eastern China spent Friday preparing for the storm as flights and ferry service were cancelled and marinas and ports closed. 

How Carnival Keeps Its History Alive by Bringing Back Classic Ship Names

Melissa Mayntz
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How Carnival Keeps Its History Alive by Bringing Back Classic Ship Names

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Destiny has been announced as the name for the first-ever Ace Class ship, reusing a name from a previous ship.
  • Multiple other Carnival ships have also reused the names of former ships, honoring the cruise line’s legacy.
  • Two more Ace Class ships will need names in the years to come and other retired names might be reused.

With the announcement that the first ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s highly anticipated Ace Class revealed as Carnival Destiny on Friday, July 10, 2026, many long-time Carnival guests are fondly remembering cruising on the ship years ago.

The original Carnival Destiny debuted in 1996 and served the line until a $155 million refit in 2013. Those renovations were so extensive she was renamed Carnival Sunshine, the name she still sails under today.

But why would Carnival Cruise Line be reusing the name for a ship that, technically, is still sailing with the fleet?

The continuity and nostalgia of names can be a big draw in many ways. When Carnival Destiny set sail 30 years ago, she was a record-breaking vessel as the first-ever cruise ship to surpass 100,000 gross tons, the largest ship by guest capacity in the world, and the first in the fleet to feature all the Fun Ship 2.0 amenities.

The new Carnival Destiny will undoubtedly set records of her own, first as the largest ship ever built for Carnival Cruise Line at an estimated 230,000 gross tons. The ship will also have the most oceanview balconies of any ship in the Carnival fleet, more connection to the sea, and surely other as-yet-unannounced record-breaking firsts.

That legacy resonates not only with the millions of guests who have sailed on the vessel in the past three decades, but also with crew members who have fond memories of their time on the ship.

During the steel cutting for the new ship, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy noted that 65 crew members who served on the original ship are still working with the cruise line today. One of those is John Heald, who was the cruise director who brought Carnival Destiny into service and now serves as the line’s brand ambassador.

“I have to say, when you mentioned the name, I got goosebumps,” Heald told Duffy in a quick video following the steel cutting. “It’s just amazing.”

Other Carnival Ship Names Now in Service Again

Carnival Destiny is not the first name the cruise line has reused for a new vessel, or even a new class. All three ships in the Excel Class are reused names, all three from very early vessels that have long since been sold and scrapped.

Mardi Gras, of course, was named after Carnival Cruise Line’s very first ship that debuted in 1972, the original Mardi Gras. This is the only ship in today’s Carnival fleet that does not have “Carnival” as part of her name, a deliberate choice to pay homage to the original ship and the cruise line’s history.

Original Mardi Gras Ship
Original Mardi Gras Ship (Credit: Carnival)

Carnival Celebration was named after the second ship in the Holiday class, while Carnival Jubilee was named after the third ship of that class. Interestingly, there has been no repeat of the name Holiday.

Read Also: Former Carnival Cruise Ships – Where Are They Now?

The next two upcoming Excel Class ships, Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028), are also named from former ships. Carnivale was the second ship ever to sail for the cruise line when she joined Mardi Gras in 1977, while Tropicale was the first-ever new-build ship for Carnival Cruise Line when she debuted in 1982.

Rebranded Names

Several other ships in the Carnival fleet also have rebranded (but not quite reused) names. While there has never been another Carnival Venezia, Carnival Firenze, or Carnival Luminosa, all three ships were previously Costa Cruises ships: Costa Venezia, Costa Firenze, and Costa Luminosa. When they were transferred to Carnival Cruise Line, their names were adjusted accordingly.

The same is true for Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, both of which were previously with P&O Cruises Australia before that line was dissolved and the ships rebranded for Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025.

What new ships may yet reuse names? With two more Ace Class ships already ordered, it’s possible there may one day be a new Carnival Holiday or Carnival Fantasy setting sail, bringing back beloved names with a new generation of innovation and fun.

Carnival Cuts Steel on First Ace-Class Ship, Names It Carnival Destiny

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cuts Steel on First Ace-Class Ship, Names It Carnival Destiny

Key Aspects:

  • Steel has been cut for the first of Carnival Cruise Line’s next class of ships, named Carnival Destiny.
  • The new Ace Class will feature more ocean-facing spaces than ever before as well as 70% new public venues and concepts.
  • A total of three Ace Class ships have been ordered, with their delivery to the cruise line expected in 2029, 2031, and 2033.

In an announcement the cruising world has waited years for, Carnival Cruise Line has revealed details on Project Ace, the long-awaited next generation of ships, with the steel cutting for the first vessel.

The new class of ships was first teased in July 2024 when three massive vessels were ordered from renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, though little was known at the time other than the predicted size was to be roughly 230,000 gross tons. This makes the new class the largest ships ever constructed in Italy.

Now, we know more, including the name of the first of the Ace Class of ships: Carnival Destiny.

In a livestream event on Friday, July 10, 2026, top cruise line and shipyard executives along with local officials shared the steel cutting for the first of the new vessels, hull number 6371, from Monfalcone, Italy.

Carnival Cruise Line President, Christine Duffy, was on hand to commemorate the significant milestone in Carnival’s history and the new ship’s construction.

“The three Ace Class ships coming in 2029, 31, and 33 are designed to change how guests will experience the sea while on their cruise,” Duffy described. “We like to say that they will have ‘More Sea to See.'”

“She will be the most outward facing ship in our fleet, with more ocean views across more spaces. She will feature a reimagined lanai deck, more than four and a half acres of glass, [and] the most balcony cabins with ocean views at sea.”

Carnival Destiny Reveal
Carnival Destiny Reveal

Duffy also thanked those involved with the production of the new ship, from the engineering teams and construction crews to the cruise line executives who have helped the cruise line grow and meet its own destiny.

The event was celebrated with memorabilia from the cruise line’s long history with Fincantieri, which began in 1996 with the debut of the original Carnival Destiny, then the largest cruise ship in the world and the first passenger ship in history to exceed 100,000 gross tons.

More than 70% of dining, beverage, and entertainment spaces will be brand new, though no further details have been revealed at this time. Announcements about specifics are sure to come over the next three years as the ship is constructed.

Carnival Destiny 3D Projection
Carnival Destiny 3D Projection

As the ship was revealed, 3D panoramic holograms of the new ship offered a first look at her immense size, hundreds of balconies, and overall unique profile.

“We are focused together on innovating for the future, building upon what we know our guests already love,” Duffy said. “In the same way that the original Carnival Destiny did that 30 years ago.”

Comparing the Original Carnival Destiny and the new Carnival Destiny

The initial live remarks of the event were interspersed with pre-recorded reflections on the original Carnival Destiny and how revolutionary the ship was at the time she debuted, including memories of crew members who served on the ship when she was delivered 30 years ago.

Today, 65 crew members who worked on the original ship are still serving with Carnival Cruise Line, including the ship’s very first cruise director, John Heald, who is now the cruise line’s brand ambassador.

The new ship truly will be the future of Carnival Cruise Line and bigger than ever. But how will she compare to the original?

The original Carnival Destiny measured 102,853 gross tons and could welcome up to 2,642 guests at double occupancy when she debuted. She featured 480 balcony cabins, nearly ten times the previous number of balconies on any other ship. This allowed guests to connect with the sea in unprecedented ways on a cruise vacation.

Carnival Destiny Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: FloridaStock / Shutterstock

A first-in-the-industry two-deck dining room, multi-tiered lido deck, and multiple other features made the ship truly stand out.

In 2013, the ship underwent a $155 million Fun Ship 2.0 renovation so massive that she was renamed to Carnival Sunshine with 182 new staterooms added, bringing her capacity to 3,002 guests. The 49-day dry dock also resulted in new venues onboard, including Guy’s Burger Joint, the Cherry on Top sweet shop, the Punchliner Comedy Club, and much more.

Today, Carnival Sunshine is still part of the Fun Ship fleet, homeported from Norfolk, Virginia, offering sailings to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, and the Caribbean, depending on departure date and itinerary length. In May 2027, the ship will move to Europe, offering departures from Barcelona and Rome for the summer before moving to Galveston, Texas in November 2027.

Now, the new Carnival Destiny is targeted to be at least twice as large at 230,000 gross tons, the livestream event confirmed. The ship’s final, official gross tonnage cannot be determined until her construction is complete.

Read Also: Carnival Ships by Size – Ranked Largest to Smallest

She will feature more ocean views than any other ship in the Carnival fleet, with roughly 4.5 acres (196,000 square feet) of glass bringing guests closer than ever to the sea.

There is a great deal more to learn about the new ship, including her new spaces, homeport, and potential itineraries. It is not unusual for those details to be revealed in the months and years leading up to the ship’s delivery and launch.

Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for all the details on Carnival Destiny‘s construction and innovations as new information is confirmed.

Norwegian Sky’s Goodbye Cruise Gets a Major Route Change Before Handover

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Sky’s Goodbye Cruise Gets a Major Route Change Before Handover

Key Aspects:

  • The final NCL sailing of Norwegian Sky has been shortened by three days to avoid the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
  • Muscat, Oman will now be the last port for the ship and guests will enjoy an overnight visit before debarkation on September 27.
  • Following this final cruise, the ship is transferring to Cordelia Cruises in India and will no longer sail for Norwegian Cruise Line.

A cruise ship’s final sailing is always an emotional voyage, but the very last sailing of Norwegian Sky has built up more tension than most farewell cruises.

Because the ship’s final 21-day voyage departing Greece on September 9, 2026 was scheduled to pass through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf and end in Dubai on September 30, many travelers have been concerned about safety.

Norwegian Cruise Line has now adapted that final itinerary to remove Dubai and a port visit in Qatar, as well as eliminate the Strait of Hormuz from the route, creating a safer experience as the ship’s last cruise under the NCL brand.

Because of the changes, the voyage will no longer be a three-week journey. The sailing has been shortened by three days to an 18-day itinerary that will now end in Muscat, Oman, notably outside the Persian Gulf.

“While the voyage is still several months away, we believe a proactive approach is appropriate given evolving conditions in the Middle East,” the cruise line notified travel partners and booked guests. “We are revising the itinerary accordingly, and we will continue to monitor the situation for the safety and security of all aboard.”

Fortunately, most of the original itinerary is preserved and guests will still depart Piraeus (Athens), Greece on September 9. Visits to destinations in Greece, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are still on the itinerary, including an overnight in Safaga (Luxor) from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, September 17.

The visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday, September 21 is the last port stop on the itinerary, followed by four days at sea before arriving in Muscat, Oman on Saturday, September 26.

Debarkation will follow an overnight stay in Muscat, with guests departing as early as 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, September 27.

Why Is the Cruise Changed?

Continuing tensions in the Middle East have made it unsafe for many cruises to operate in the Persian Gulf, especially due to risks in crossing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship
Norwegian Sky Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Nancy Pauwels)

Cruise Hive reported extensively on disruptions to cruise ships when the tensions began in late February 2026, including stranded ships, cancelled sailings, and emergency preparation onboard different vessels.

As the tensions continue with no certainty of a peaceful resolution before Norwegian Sky‘s last sailing, it is the safer choice to alter the cruise to avoid the riskiest area on the itinerary.

Compensation to Guests

Because of the dramatic changes, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering compensation to guests booked on the unique farewell cruise.

First, all guests are receiving a prorated refund of 15 percent of their original cruise fare. This is equivalent to the number of missed days for the now-shortened sailing.

Furthermore, guests will also get a 15 percent future cruise credit that can be used for any other Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2027. The new cruise can be on any Norwegian ship sailing anywhere in the world for any itinerary length.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest

If guests still feel uneasy about the itinerary or simply prefer not to sail on the adjusted cruise, they can cancel for a full refund without any penalties.

The cruise line has also noted that it will adjust any flights or transfers booked through the cruise line to match the new itinerary, as well as refund any pre-paid tours for the now-cancelled visits to Doha and Dubai.

Where Will Norwegian Sky Go?

It was announced in April 2025 that Norwegian Sky, along with Norwegian Sun, would be leaving the fleet and sold to Cordelia Cruises, a small cruise line based in India.

Both ships are first being chartered to Cordelia Cruises before being sold completely. Each vessel will be renovated to meet the new cruise line’s image and expectations. Details on those updates have not yet been released.

While Norwegian Sky is leaving in just a few more weeks, Norwegian Sun‘s last sailing with NCL will be in late 2027.

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