For the third time in just 17 months, Carnival Cruise Line has increased the price of bottled water purchases, this time to $14.95 for a 12-pack of individually-sized bottles. When all the price increases are combined, this amounts to a 202% increase in the price for one of the most popular purchases travelers make before or during their cruise. Water Price Increasing – AGAIN Carnival … [Read more...]
American Cruise Lines Gains Four New Ships From Bankrupt Fleet
One cruise line’s loss is another cruise line’s gain. American Cruise Lines, the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the United States, has gained four new ships as part of American Queen Voyages’ bankruptcy proceedings. Four New River Ships to Join American Cruise Lines’ Fleet American Cruise Lines (ACL) just grew its fleet of 19 small ships and river vessels to 23 essentially … [Read more...]
Another Norwegian Ship Guest in Africa Returns to US – How?
A great deal of attention has been paid to eight cruise passengers from Norwegian Dawn who did not return to the ship on time and were therefore left in port in São Tomé and Príncipe and the challenges they have endured to try to rejoin the ship. Another guest, however, also left the ship at the same port visit and did not return, but has been given much different assistance and has already … [Read more...]
Easter Cruise Passengers Left Behind Due to Overbooking
Guests eagerly anticipating their Easter cruise from Singapore onboard the Genting Dream, a cruise ship operated by Resorts World Cruises, were left disappointed and stranded after they were unable to embark on their weekend getaway. The cruise line had overbooked the cruise, leaving almost 50 guests stranded. While overbooking is a practice not unheard of in the cruise industry, the likelihood … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Achieves Record-Breaking Season in Brazil
MSC Cruises announced a record-setting achievement for the 2023-2024 season, witnessing more than 670,000 passengers on its cruises embarking from and visiting Brazil. The company also unveiled plans for an even more ambitious 2024-2025 season in the region, featuring the return of MSC Grandiosa. Celebrating a Historic MSC Season In an impressive end-of-season celebration, MSC Cruises … [Read more...]
Celebrity Cruises Ship Rescues Stranded Boat in the Caribbean
While sailing near Cuba en route to Belize on Monday, April 1, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex rescued seven migrants from a small boat signaling distress. All seven individuals were brought safely onboard the cruise ship and have been given appropriate care, and they will be turned over to the authorities at the earliest opportunity. Celebrity Apex Rescues Migrants Celebrity Apex was … [Read more...]
UK Cruise Tourism Celebrates Remarkable Rebound
Great Britain’s cruise data from 2023 is officially in, and the results show a full and powerful recovery, with ship calls and guest arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. At ports across the UK, records were broken for embarkations as well as for daily transit port calls. Cruise Arrivals Break Pre-Pandemic Records Cruise Britain issued a cruise tourism status report on April 2, 2024, … [Read more...]
Norwegian Offering Further Assistance to Stranded Guests in Africa
Difficulties have continued for eight guests who missed the all-aboard time for Norwegian Dawn while visiting São Tomé and Príncipe on March 27, but Norwegian Cruise Line is helping with expenses as the travelers work to rejoin the ship as soon as possible. Due to weather conditions, the impacted guests were unable to rejoin the ship in Gambia as expected on Monday, April 1, and instead had to … [Read more...]
Cruise Lines Dive into April Fools’ Day with Outlandish Innovations
Cruise lines around the globe embraced the playful spirit of April Fools’ Day, unveiling a series of whimsical and utterly fabricated innovations designed to tickle the fancy of cruise lovers everywhere. From Carnival’s soggy pizza savior to Royal Caribbean’s sea-plunging slide, the creativity on display April 1st knew no bounds. Carnival Cruise Line’s Pasta Queen and the Fetta … [Read more...]
Scottish Port Kicks Off Busiest Cruise Season In History
Europe is slowly but surely preparing for the arrival of hundreds of cruise ships that will be sailing around the continent this summer. Many ports expect the busiest season to date this year, including the Scottish port of Lerwick. Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Islands and an increasingly popular hotspot for cruise ships and expedition cruises. With abundant wildlife and … [Read more...]
Cruise Line Introduces Series of Exclusive Mediterranean Cruises
Seabourn has announced the upcoming launch of “The Collection,” a series of specialized sailings set for 2025. The cruises will feature unique shoreside experiences, including tennis tournaments, cultural events, and private winery dinners. Exclusive Experiences by Seabourn Seabourn is set to introduce “The Collection,” a new lineup of sailings aimed at offering unique and exclusive … [Read more...]
Lengthy and Expensive Ordeal for Cruise Guests Stranded in Africa
Eight cruise guests from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn have been left on their own in Africa after failing to return to the ship on time following a visit to Sao Tome and Principe on March 27, 2024, just a week into the 21-night cruise from Cape Town to Barcelona. The guests have attempted to rejoin the ship but have faced numerous difficulties, including health issues, lack of payment … [Read more...]
Carnival Offers Update on Special Cruise After Bridge Collapse
Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked aboard Carnival Pride‘s April 7, 2024 departure following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Baltimore, which has closed the Port of Baltimore to marine traffic for the immediate future. Carnival Pride is due to reposition from Tampa, Florida to Baltimore, Maryland on that 14-night, one-way Journeys cruise. Guests are … [Read more...]
Carnival Elation Cruise Ship: Overview and Venues
At more than 25 years old, Carnival Elation is admittedly one of the older cruise ships you could pick for an upcoming vacation. The Fantasy-class ship has lived a long life, delivering classic Carnival fun to families, and it’s still going to this day. In addition to being on the older side, the ship is also on the smaller side — at least in comparison to most modern … [Read more...]
Carnival’s Logistical Challenges to Switch Home Port to Norfolk
Following the catastrophic bridge collapse that led to the closure of the Port of Baltimore, Carnival Cruise Line is relocating operations for its ships to Norfolk. The move entails a massive logistical operation, impacting travel plans and operations for both the cruise line and passengers. Moving Operations Amid Baltimore Port Closure In the wake of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key … [Read more...]
The Chinese Cruise Market: From Rise to Fall to Resurgence
Few global markets have experienced fluctuations as dramatic as the Chinese cruise market. Characterized by a swift rise in popularity, an abrupt decline due to the pandemic, and a promising comeback, the volatile journey of China’s cruise industry is watched with interest by industry insiders. From 2010 to 2020, China was on the edge of becoming an unrivaled force with an explosive … [Read more...]
Cruise News Recap: Flooding, Cancellations, Changes
It was another hectic week for cruise news, but it’s easy to stay well-informed with Cruise Hive, the leader in cruise industry coverage. In this week’s update, we have stories from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. In This Article: Cruise News Update Let’s dive into the big cruise headlines of the past week on Cruise Hive, including a Carnival Cruise Line … [Read more...]
Home Port Change Impacts Carnival’s Drink Package
After the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in the Port of Baltimore, Carnival had to move quickly to temporarily relocate Carnival Legend’s homeport to Norfolk, Virginia. An unexpected side effect of this last-minute change is that the cruise line will not be able to provide its drink package on the first day of the Spirit-class ship’s upcoming sailing on March 31, 2024. Carnival Announces … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay: Full Guide
Discover everything you need to know about the Perfect Day at CocoCay as part of your luxury cruise to the Bahamas. From beautiful beaches and exciting water slides to delicious dining options, this private island paradise has something for every cruiser. The amazing port of call at CocoCay Bahamas combines … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Cruise Will Go Ahead Following Technical Difficulties
Following a recent cancellation due to technical difficulties, Royal Caribbean International assures passengers that Brilliance of the Seas will maintain its April 4th sailing schedule. Brilliance of the Seas Stays the Course Despite the recent cancellation of its March 30th sailing, Royal Caribbean is pressing ahead with plans for Brilliance of the Seas to set sail on … [Read more...]