What was to have been a relaxing weekend cruise ended in tragedy for one family aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas, as a young passenger has died after falling from one of the ship’s balconies. Few details are available, though the cruise line has confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the family. Passenger Dies After Cruise Ship Fall Allure of the Seas … [Read more...]
Canadian Ports Achieve Exceptional 2023 Cruise Season
Cruise ports across Atlantic Canada enjoyed a gangbuster 2023 season, continuing a robust post-pandemic rebound and setting several new records in ship calls and cruise guest arrivals. Two ports in particular achieved remarkable gains, as cruise lines showcased Eastern Canada destinations on popular Canada/New England itineraries. Ports Make Major Gains in Ship, Guest Arrivals Statistics … [Read more...]
Largest-Ever TUI Cruise Ship Floats Out at Shipyard
TUI Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group had reason to celebrate today as Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two InTUItion class cruise ships, floated out at the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy. The launch marks a new era for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group, as they take delivery of this innovative, dual-fuel-powered vessel from Fincantieri, which promises to … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Addresses “Pajamagate” Controversy
With holiday cruises now underway, Carnival Cruise Line has found itself in the middle of another dress code controversy – whether or not guests should be able to wear pajamas to breakfast in the Main Dining Room. For many families, a cozy, pajama-clad breakfast is a holiday tradition, but some travelers feel such casualness should be reserved for while one is celebrating at home, not on a … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Details Its Largest Casino in the Fleet
Princess Cruises is betting big on its newest ship, Sun Princess, set to launch in February 2024. The cruise line has allocated a whopping 9,000 square feet to host what will be its largest casino at sea, a venue designed to attract seasoned players as well as beginners. Sun Princess Hits the Jackpot With New Casino Design Sun Princess, the first ship in Princess Cruises’ new Sphere class, … [Read more...]
New Tax Proposed for Cruisers to Most Popular Mexican Ports
Cruise passengers visiting the top two cruise ports of call in Mexico, Cozumel and Costa Maya, may need to begin paying extra taxes in January 2025. The Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to both ports, has proposed a $5 (USD) per person tax for all cruise ship passengers, with the funds earmarked for tourism infrastructure projects and natural disaster recovery. New Tax Proposed for Cruise … [Read more...]
Next Steps Revealed for New Carnival Cruise Ship
All eyes are on Carnival Cruise Line in the next few weeks as Carnival Jubilee comes closer to her December 23, 2023 debut. Carnival has now announced the next steps for the vessel’s schedule and where and when she will be on the move as she is about to make her way to Texas. Coming Soon – Carnival Jubilee With the newest Carnival cruise ship less than a month from welcoming her first guests … [Read more...]
Strong Winds Force Port Cancellation for Royal Caribbean Ship
Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas was forced to abandon docking attempts in Wellington, New Zealand due to high winds the morning of Tuesday, November 28, 2023. This means the ship will instead spend a day at sea en route to its next port of call, Napier, on the 10-night New Zealand itinerary. Itinerary Change for Ovation of the Seas Ovation of the Seas is currently … [Read more...]
Holland America Line Announces New Incentives for North American Guests
Holland America Line has announced an enticing offer for residents of several US states and Canadian provinces to enhance their European cruise experience. Holland America Line’s promotion for its 2024 European season includes free onboard credit, airfare credits, and the “Have It All” package, available on cruises from April to November 2024. Holland America Line offers guests … [Read more...]
Princess Cruises Begins Countdown to New Homeport Deployment
One year from today, on November 27, 2024, Caribbean Princess will set sail for the first time ever from Port Canaveral, offering Princess Cruises’ distinctive getaways from the central Florida homeport. Caribbean Princess will offer a total of 20 sailings from November 2024 through April 2025, with diverse itineraries to appeal to a range of travelers’ preferences. Caribbean Princess One … [Read more...]
Quebec’s 2023 Cruise Season Shatters Records
The Port of Quebec has just capped off its longest and most successful cruise season to date, welcoming over 150,000 cruise passengers during the entire year. While the summer and especially fall seasons are incredibly popular for the French-Canadian city, starting in January 2025, cruises will also be sailing in winter from Quebec. The iconic Le Commandant Charcot from Ponany, which … [Read more...]
Largest Ever Cruise Ship Is on the Way – Icon of the Seas Delivered!
It’s a day to remember in cruise ship history, as Icon of the Seas has officially been delivered to Royal Caribbean International, marking the end of the ship’s construction as she joins the Royal Caribbean fleet. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of crew members, shipyard workers, and executives at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, as the papers were signed to officially deliver … [Read more...]
Third Cruise Port in the Bahamas Welcomes 1 Millionth Guest
The Bimini cruise port, developed by Resorts World Bimini, has officially welcomed its one millionth cruise guests. The lucky guests were aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, which called on the destination on Thursday, November 23, 2023. What an occasion to mark Thanksgiving! One Millionth Guest Visits Bimini Cruise Port George and Andrea Saucedo of Plantation, Florida were expecting an … [Read more...]
Icon of the Seas Welcomes First Guest But It’s Not Who You Think
The highly anticipated Icon of the Seas, which is only two months from her January 2024 debut, has already welcomed her first “guest” onboard – a stowaway owl that joined the ship for part of her sea trials. The bird was humanely captured and delivered to an animal shelter, where it was able to successfully recuperate from the exhausting ordeal of trying out what will be the world’s largest … [Read more...]
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal: Your One-Stop Guide
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is now the busiest cruise port in the world. In 2022, this popular Florida cruise port served 4,072,396 cruise passengers and for the first time, it overtook PortMiami. This modern cruise port currently has six main cruise terminals to smoothly serve tens of thousands of embarking and disembarking cruise passengers every day. If you’re cruising out of … [Read more...]
Cruise News Update: NCL Cancellations, Carnival Repair, Royal Caribbean
Get ready for your weekly dose of cruise updates with Cruise Hive, the ultimate destination for in-depth coverage of industry headlines. In this edition, delve into the latest happenings with Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises as we bring you the stories that matter. In This Article: Cruise News Update Step into the latest updates in the cruise industry with Cruise Hive, your go-to … [Read more...]
Carnival Cruise Line Addresses Cruise Director Situation
Following the recent news of a popular cruise director’s retirement, Carnival Cruise Line has made some clarifications about which cruise directors will be taking over aboard the immensely popular Mardi Gras. While permanent assignments have not yet been made, the cruise line is ensuring that all guests will enjoy their time aboard the ship with excellent and energetic leadership. Mardi … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Crew Member Helps Rescue Guest at Ocean Cay
A beautiful day at a highly rated private island in the Bahamas could have become a tragic event if not for the actions of an MSC Cruises officer from MSC Meraviglia. A woman fell between the dock and the cruise ship, but the officer jumped into the water to assist her and help her stay calm and reach the rescue team. Both the guest and the officer are safe and the ship’s itinerary was not … [Read more...]
Two Carnival Brands Clarify, Withdraw Fire and Rehire Strategy
Nautilus International has shared a commitment from Carnival UK – part of Carnival Corporation & plc that owns P&O Cruises and Cunard Line – that the company will not use the perceived threat of firing and rehiring employees as contract negotiations progress. This is welcome news for the more than 900 maritime employees who may have been affected by such a harsh strategy. Carnival UK … [Read more...]
Cruise Ship Denied Entry to New Zealand Passengers Face Itinerary Change
P&O Australia’s cruise ship Pacific Adventure has been denied entry into New Zealand’s ports due to stringent biosecurity measures necessitating a hull cleaning. The vessel, which was scheduled to explore several ports in New Zealand, now faces an altered itinerary due to environmental protection regulations. P&O Cruises has already announced several compensation measures for guests … [Read more...]