Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas Completes 25 Years

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas Completes 25 Years

After being delivered to Royal Caribbean International on Oct. 29, 1999, the Voyager of the Seas has completed 25 years in service.

Built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland, the 142,000-ton vessel was the first in a series of ships originally known as the Eagle Class.

Then the world’s largest cruise ship, the Voyager of the Seas spent its inaugural season in the Caribbean, offering week-long cruises from Miami.

To accommodate the 3,115-guest vessel, a new 250,000-square-foot cruise terminal was built by Royal Caribbean at the South Florida port.

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean with no guests onboard, the Voyager arrived homeporting Miami on Nov. 11, 1999.

Following a series of pre-inaugural activities, the ship was christened by godmother Katarina Witt, a two-time Olympic gold medal skater.

The ceremony was designed to highlight one of the various new features introduced by the vessel: the first permanent ice-skating rink at sea.

The Voyager of the Seas then departed on its maiden voyage on Nov. 21, 1999, offering a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Sailing to Jamaica, Mexico and Haiti, the itinerary featured visits to Ocho Rios and Cozumel, as well as Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Hispaniola, Labadee.

The vessel continued to sail from Miami until 2004 when it repositioned to Cape Liberty for a summer deployment sailing out of the New York City region.

In 2006, the Voyager of the Seas kicked off a series of summer programs in the Western Mediterranean before debuting in Galveston in late 2007 and in New Orleans in late 2011.

A few months later, the ship repositioned to China, becoming the largest ship to sail in Asia on a year-round basis.

Having spent considerable time in Asia, the ship underwent a major refurbishment in 2019, and the vessel returned to the Western Hemisphere in 2022.

After completing another summer program in the Mediterranean, the Voyager is scheduled to return to Florida in November for a winter season sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

In 2025, the ship offers additional sailings in Europe and the Caribbean, as well as Australia, where it is set to spend the 2025-26 winter season.

In a first in its 25-year sailing career, the Voyager of the Seas is scheduled to debut in Alaska for the 2026 summer.

 

Scenic Eclipse in Drydock for Azipod Replacement

Scenic Eclipse in Drydock for Azipod Replacement

According to an update shared by Scenic Cruises, the Scenic Eclipse is currently in drydock in Galveston, Texas, for the installation of a new Azipod.

The new propulsion unit will replace one that is currently inoperable, the company explained in a social media post.

Scenic added that it’s working closely with its partner ABB Group to get the work completed in time for the vessel’s next cruise.

The replacement Azipod will be delivered to Texas via a specially chartered Antonov 124 aircraft, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, the company said.

Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s general manager of ocean operations; Jason Flesher, director of discovery operations; and Darko Caput, director of marine & technical operations,, are on-site to ensure all work is completed and that the Scenic Eclipse is certified for full operations.

The 2019-built vessel is scheduled to resume guest service on Nov. 27, 2024, kicking off a winter schedule of expeditions to Antarctica and South America.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests on board to create memories to last a lifetime in the white continent,” Scenic said.

In September, the company cancelled three cruises onboard the Scenic Eclipse due to an issue with one of the vessel’s ABB Azipod propulsion units.

At the time, Scenic said that the problem was affecting the propulsion capacity of the 228-guest vessel, forcing it to navigate at lower speeds.

While the ship was still sailing safely, it was necessary to secure a dry dock to carry out important maintenance work onboard, the company added.

The affected cruises were scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and South America between Oct. 24, 2024, and Nov. 27, 2024.

Built by the Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia, the Scenic Eclipse originally entered service for Scenic Cruises in mid-2019.

The 16,500-ton vessel was later followed by a sister ship, the Scenic Eclipse II, which debuted in April 2023.

Brazil’s Santos Port Authority to Offer Reduced Fees for Cruise Ships

Brazil’s Santos Port Authority to Offer Reduced Fees for Cruise Ships

Santos Port Authority (SPA) is offering reduced operational fees for cruise ships visiting the Port of Santos in Brazil, according to a press release.

As part of a new set of regulations introduced in October, discounted fees will be provided to cruise lines based on the volume of passengers travelling to the port onboard their ships.

The reduction in fees ranges from 10 to 60 per cent, with the maximum benefit offered to operators bringing more than 680,000 passengers.

SPA also provides discounts for various types of vessels that achieve a certain rating on a local index of sustainability and efficiency.

“This is another way to encourage operators who adopt best practices,” said SPA President Anderson Pomini.

The new regulation for discounted fees will be in effect for 12 months and may be extended based on the port authority’s evaluation of its effectiveness.

Operators will provisionally receive the discounts based on their own estimates, the Santos Port Authority explained.

Numbers will later be adjusted at the end of the cruise season based on actual data from SPA’s data system.

The regulation requires operators to inform SPA in advance about their estimated number of passengers and specific schedules.

As the largest homeport in Brazil, Santos is set to seeten cruise ships during the 2024-25 season.

In addition to welcoming transit calls, the port will serve as a base for three ships from MSC Cruises, including the MSC Grandiosa, the MSC Seaview and the MSC Splendida.

A fourth ship from the company, the MSC Armonia, is also scheduled to sail from Santos between February and March.

Costa Cruises is also offering cruises departing from the port onboard two ships: the Costa Diadema and the Costa Pacifica.

Brands visiting the port for transit calls include Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal and Villa Vie Residences.

Holland America’s Rotterdam Returns to Fort Lauderdale for Winter Season

Holland America’s Rotterdam Returns to Fort Lauderdale for Winter Season

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam returned to Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades to kick off its winter season in the Caribbean.

After completing a summer deployment in Europe, the vessel docked at Port Everglades on Oct. 27, 2024.

To open its season in the region, the Rotterdam is offering a 12-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal.

Named “Panama Canal Sunfarer,” the itinerary features visits to six destinations, as well as a partial transit of the Panama Canal.

After departing Fort Lauderdale, the 2021-built ship sailed to Holland America’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay.

The Rotterdam then visited Willemstad in Curaçao and Cartagena in Colombia before entering the Panama Canal.

Before returning to South Florida, the ship is also scheduled to sail to Colón in Panama, Puerto Limón in Costa Rica and George Town in the Cayman Islands.

Through mid-April, the Rotterdam continues to offer a series of seven- to 12-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The itineraries also sail to the Eastern Caribbean and feature visits to additional destinations, such as Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands).

Following the winter season, the Rotterdam is scheduled to return to Europe for a summer program sailing from the Netherlands.

The cruise program features departures from Rotterdam and Amsterdam, with itineraries that visit Scandinavia, Iceland, the British Isles, the Baltic, and more.

The Rotterdam is currently the newest ship in the Holland America Line fleet. It was built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and entered service in late 2021.

A sister to the 2016-built Koningsdam and 2018-built Nieuw Statendam, the 2,650-guest ship is the seventh in the company’s fleet to carry the Rotterdam name.

As part of Holland America’s Pinnacle Class, the vessel offers 11 different dining experiences, as well as a series of entertainment venues and other facilities.

Windstar Launches 40th Anniversary Celebration in Kusadasi

Windstar Launches 40th Anniversary Celebration in Kusadasi

Windstar Cruises has officially launched its 40th anniversary celebration, commemorating four decades of cruising and its close-knit crew, described in a press release as a “shipboard family.”

The milestone event took place in Kusadasi, Turkey, where two of Windstar’s ships, the 312-guest Star Legend and the 148-guest Wind Spirit, docked together. Guests and crew disembarked for an exclusive event at the ruins of Ephesus, featuring Windstar’s largest dinner ever hosted at the site. Executives, captains, crew and guests from both ships enjoyed a special evening among ancient ruins.

The event featured additional entertainment from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra, a progressive cocktail party and speeches celebrating the company’s 40-year journey.

Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava and Chief Operations Officer Stijn Creupelandt welcomed attendees, recognizing returning Yacht Club Members and first-time guests.

Wind Spirit’s Captain Mark Rowden and Star Legend’s Captain Pedro Pinto shared their experiences in the industry and acknowledged crew members’ dedication, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years.

“Windstar wouldn’t be the company it is today without the love and support of our owners at Xanterra Travel Collection and The Anschutz Corporation,” said Bava. “With their support, we were able to survive the most challenging years in cruise history while expanding the fleet and renovating our ships when the whole world was standing still. With the acquisition of two new ships and the investments being made to elevate our existing fleet, including our beloved Wind class ships that will be completely renovated by 2027, we are so excited for the next 40 years of Windstar.” 

Windstar will celebrate its 40th-anniversary fleetwide through October 2025 with various activities, including complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails at a trivia event where winners can enter to win a cruise for two on Star Seeker’s inaugural cruise. The celebration will also feature limited edition seabags, which are bespoke bags made from Windstar’s recycled sails. Windstar’s social media channels will also share special moments and staff recognition throughout the year using the hashtag #40yearsofWindstar.

 

Milton: Carnival Paradise to Dock in Miami; Elation Schedule Change

Milton: Carnival Paradise to Dock in Miami; Elation Schedule Change

In a statement on its website, Carnival Cruise Line updated the status of vessels that have been affected by Hurricane Milton.

“Our Fleet Operations Center in Miami continues to monitor Milton, which has now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone as it moves eastward in the Atlantic,” Carnival said.

“The safety of our guests and crew remains our priority, and our ships are sailing a safe distance from the storm,” the company added.

After sailing from Tampa on Oct. 6, 2024, the Carnival Paradise is now ending its current cruise in Miami on Friday, Oct. 11.

“Guests will have the option to return to the Tampa cruise terminal via complimentary shuttle or reboard the ship and remain onboard until Monday, Oct. 14,” Carnival explained.

Oct. 14, Carnival may dock the ship in either Port Canaveral or Tampa.

If the ship heads to Port Canaveral, a complimentary shuttle service to Tampa would be provided.

While the ship’s Oct. 10 sailing was recently cancelled, the Oct. 14 cruise may depart from Central Florida instead of Tampa.

“This voyage will be embarking in either Port Canaveral (complimentary shuttle service would be provided between Tampa and Port Canaveral) or Tampa (provided the port reopens by then),” Carnival explained.

Passengers will be informed of a decision via email and text alerts ahead of their departure, the company added.

Carnival also confirmed plans to operate a shortened cruise from Jacksonville onboard the Carnival Elation.

“The ship is now sailing a safe distance from the storm while we wait for clearance to return to Jacksonville. Due to strong winds and rough seas on Florida’s east coast, we will not be able to return before sometime Saturday, Oct. 12,” Carnival explained.

As a result, the cruise onboard the ship that was scheduled to depart on Oct. 10 is now expected to sail two days later.

While the sailing was initially set to visit destinations in the Bahamas, it will now feature no port visit, the company added.

Carnival previously confirmed delayed arrivals for additional ships in its fleet, including the Carnival Glory and the Carnival Sunrise.

Port Tampa Bay Announces Re-Opening

Port Tampa Bay Announces Re-Opening

Port Tampa Bay has resumed vessel operations and our port’s shipping channels are officially re-opened, with vessel movements restricted to daylight hours, the port announced on Saturday.

Throughout the storm, Port Tampa Bay coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community, to respond to the impacts of Hurricane Milton.

In coordination with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, and following detailed assessments of the port, waterways, and channels, the U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the port and set the port condition to normal, with a daylight hour restriction and one-way travel. Port staff fully assessed the docks, wharves, and terminals for safety.

Some of the first vessels to return will be fuel tankers, cruise ships and vessels carrying perishable cargo.

There will be changes to the following cruise schedules: Carnival Paradise, Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas and Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

First Panamax Containership Sprints Across Arctic Reaching China In Just Three Weeks

Container ship Flying Fish 1 is close to fully loaded. (Source: Courtesy of Peter Faas)

(gCaptain) – The first Arctic transit of a large container ship has gone off without a hitch. The 294 meter-long Panamax vessel Flying Fish 1, travelled from St. Petersburg in the Baltic Sea to China in just over three weeks, shaving around two weeks off a standard voyage via the Suez Canal. 

It is set to arrive at its destination in Shanghai early on September 26. The vessel is operated by EZ Safetrans Logistics out of Hong Kong. 

The proposition of regular summer season box shipping across Russia’s Northern Sea Route seemed impossible to most just a decade ago. This year the Arctic Ocean will see close to 20 transit voyages, all connecting Russian and Chinese ports via the Arctic shortcut.

Capable of carrying 4,890 twenty-foot equivalent containers it sets a new standard for Arctic container shipping. Prior to this summer only smaller box carriers holding around 1,500-2,000 gave the Arctic shortcut a try. Over the past three months several larger feeder vessels have established a seasonal liner service between ports and China and Arkhangelsk and St. Petersburg.

Flying Fish 1 departed from St. Petersburg on September 3 and entered the Northern Sea Route at the top of Novaya Zemlya a week later. Shortly thereafter it crossed paths with another Chinese container ship, the first encounter of two large box carriers high in the Arctic. The nighttime rendezvous occurred just 850 nautical miles from the North Pole, with no sea ice in sight.

The vessel was able to maintain a speed of 16 knots across the entire length of the route, indicative of how Arctic ice conditions have dramatically changed over just the last two decades. Flying Fish 1 continued through the Laptev and East Siberian Sea, avoiding some late-summer ice near Wrangel Island. 

It exited from the route and passed through the Bering Strait near Alaska on September 17, without requiring any icebreaker assistance, just six days after entering the Russian Arctic.

Once complete, its journey from the Baltic Sea to Shanghai will measure approximately 8,000 nautical miles, around 4,000 nautical miles shorter than the traditional route via the Suez Canal. The current detour for most vessels around South Africa due to instability in the Red Sea adds another 4,000 miles to the standard route to Asia. 

For now, shipping services between Europe and Asia via the North remain limited to a 3-4 months summer window, but as sea ice retreats earlier in summer and returns later in winter, more operators will surely look to the Arctic for new opportunities.

Thank you to g-Captain for this article for more visit https://gcaptain.com/

Disney Dream Enters Drydock in France

Disney Dream Enters Drydock in France

Disney Dream in the historic city of Liverpool, Photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Images

The Disney Dream is currently in drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Brest, France, to undergo a series of significant upgrades.

After completing its summer program in Europe, the Disney Cruise Line vessel arrived at the facility on September 16, 2024.

In addition to routine maintenance, technical work and class items, the Disney Dream will see refurbishment of its public areas during the month-long dry dock.

As part of the project, the 2011-built ship is getting a new funnel suite, as well as revamped youth spaces, a refreshed spa, and additional dining options.

Named the Dream Tower Suite, the duplex funnel suite is being created on the vessel’s forward funnel and pays homage to Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Fantasia movie.

According to Disney Cruise Line, the stateroom will feature Art Deco motifs, celestial-inspired designs and a chandelier reminiscent of a scene from the movie.

The Disney Dream is also receiving a new Concierge Lounge inspired by Disney Animation’s Hercules and Mount Olympus.

Other new features include a new Mexican cantina restaurant, a revamped spa, which is receiving more treatment rooms, and a new check-in room.

The youth areas onboard will also undergo renovations, with Edge, the tween club for guests aged 11-14, moving to Deck 5 and getting an outdoor deck equipped with a ball pit and more.

After completing the work, the Disney Dream is set to welcome guests back in Southampton for a trans-Atlantic crossing.

Sailing from England to Fort Lauderdale, the 13-night repositioning voyage will depart on October 20, 2024.

Starting in early November, the ship will offer a series of three- to five-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, departing from Port Everglades.

In addition to Castaway Cay, the itineraries feature visits to Disney’s new private island destination of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Onboard Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Onboard Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International is cancelling the upcoming cruise of the Icon of the Seas to carry out unscheduled repairs onboard the 2023-built vessel.

“We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard the Icon of the Seas. While our crew is working hard to address this as quickly as possible, there is still some work that needs to be done over a few days while the ship is docked,” the company said in a statement sent to booked guests.

Departing from PortMiami on Sep. 28, 2024, the cruise was set to sail to destinations in the Western Caribbean, including Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatán, as well as Royal Caribbean’s private destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“We understand the disappointment this news may bring and we’re truly sorry for the impact on your vacation plans,” the company added.

According to its statement, Royal Caribbean is issuing a 100 per cent refund for affected guests, which includes taxes and fees, as well as pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions.

Passengers who paid for the cruise with Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) will receive a new credit certificate, as well as a refund of any new funds paid beyond previously certified amounts.

“Additionally, we want you to come back and sail with us, so we’re providing you with an FCC in the value of 100 per cent of your cruise fare paid to be used towards another sailing,” the company added.

Flights booked directly through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded, the company added, while passengers who made independent travel plans will also be entitled to reimbursements.

The company said it will cover any travel change fees up to $200 per guest for domestic travel and $400 per guest for international travel.

Royal Caribbean is also updating the current itinerary of the Icon of the Seas, which sailed from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean on Sep. 21, 2024.

“The ship is currently undergoing maintenance and will sail at a reduced speed. Unplanned maintenance happens, and our teams are hard at work to quickly address it,” the company told passengers onboard.

“As a result, we’ll have to skip our visit to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and enjoy a sea day instead,” Royal Caribbean added.

As compensation, passengers will receive an onboard credit equivalent to one day of the paid cruise fare, the statement said.

The ship’s itinerary also included visits to St. Maarten and Perfect Day at CocoCay, which are set to take place as scheduled, Royal Caribbean added.

Construction of New Royal Caribbean Ship Progressing in Finland

The construction of Royal Caribbean International’s new Star of the Seas is making progress at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

Part of the company’s Icon Class, the 250,800-ton ship is scheduled to enter service in the Caribbean in mid-2025.

According to a recent update shared by Meyer Turku, a significant milestone was reached with the lifting of the ship’s AquaDome.

The feature, added to the top deck of the ship, is the single largest glass and steel structure lifted onto a ship in one piece, the shipyard said.

The lifting process took several hours to complete, Meyer Turku added, and required extreme precision, as the entire structure had to remain level.

After debuting onboard the Icon of the Seas earlier this year, the AquaDome became a hallmark feature of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, the shipyard said.

The space offers 220-degree ocean views and houses a selection of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the company’s signature AquaTheater.

According to Royal Caribbean, the 363-ton dome is one of the most anticipated features of the Star of the Seas, standing at 82 feet tall and 164 feet wide.

Set to enter service in August 2025, the new ship will offer cruises departing from Port Canaveral as part of its maiden season.

Sailing to both the Western and the Eastern Caribbean, the seven-night itineraries feature visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as other destinations, including Cozumel and Puerto Rico.

Following the Star of the Seas, a third yet-unnamed Icon-class ship is set to debut in the spring of 2026.

Royal Caribbean recently confirmed its plans to build a fourth ship in the series at the Meyer Turku in Finland.

As part of an agreement revealed in late August, the new 5,610-guest ship is set to be delivered in 2027. The contract also includes options for two additional Icon-class vessels.

Silver Nova Set to Debut in Asia-Pacific

Silver Nova Set to Debut in Asia-Pacific

Silversea’s newest ship, the Silver Nova, will debut in the Asia-Pacific region from late September 2024 to April 2025, according to a press release.

The first of Silversea’s new Nova Class ships will arrive in Kushiro, Japan, on September 27, marking the start of its inaugural season in Asia. After two voyages in the region, the Silver Nova will head to Australia and New Zealand in November for seven sailings, lasting 16 to 18 days each, before returning to Asia in February 2025.

“We are thrilled to finally be celebrating the arrival of the beautiful Silver Nova in Asia-Pacific,” said Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea. “Anticipation has been building among our valued guests and travel advisors in the region, and we’re delighted to be able to introduce them to one of the most pioneering ships in experiential luxury cruise travel at long last. Silver Nova will be the most luxurious ship sailing in Asia-Pacific until she leaves the region in April 2025, with her striking architectural innovations, advanced energy efficiency standards, and unprecedented range of suites and public venues.”  

During the Silver Nova’s inaugural season in Asia-Pacific, Silversea will introduce its S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program in Australia and New Zealand, and offer S.A.L.T. shore excursions in Japan for the first time.

 “We’re excited to be bringing S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) to Asia-Pacific in 2024, including Australia and New Zealand for the first time,” added Hernandez. “S.A.L.T. is all about discovering the soul of a place through its food and culture — and where better to taste and explore than these countries so rich in heritage and celebrated for their diverse cuisines? Some highlights will include learning about the building blocks of umami in Japan, every culinary traveller’s dream destination; exploring the lively markets and learning to make traditional and new Vietnamese dishes with the first chef to receive a Michelin Star in Ho Chi Minh City; great wineries and native ingredients in beautiful New Zealand; exploring metropolitan Melbourne with its vibrant dining scene, as well as the wilder shores of Tasmania where we’ll learn about foraging and experience live fire cooking with one of the region’s best young chefs. There are so many great food stories to tell in this part of the region, we can’t wait to share them with our guests.” 

Highlighted experiences ashore include:

• Osaka, Japan: Farm-to-table culinary experience with a fermentation workshop and eight-course lunch with sake pairings (October 2024 – April 2025).
• Melbourne, Australia: Exploration of native ingredients with chef Nornie Bero, featuring a five-course lunch and damper-making workshop (November 2024 – February 2025).
• Adelaide, Australia: Seasonal foraging tour in Adelaide Botanic Gardens with chef Tom Tilbury, followed by a four-course lunch with local wines (November 2024 – February 2025).
• Hobart, Tasmania: Interactive cooking masterclass with chef Analiese Gregory, followed by lunch and local wine (December 2024 – February 2025).
• Napier, New Zealand: Private winery tour at Craggy Range, wine tasting and a five-course lunch at the award-winning restaurant (December 2024 – January 2025).

 

Norwegian Luna Revealed, Sailing from Miami in 2026

Norwegian Luna Revealed, Sailing from Miami in 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line today unveiled and opened for sale the next evolution of its Prima Plus Class, the all-new Norwegian Luna, according to a press release.

The new ship will sail from Miami beginning April 4, 2026, through November 2026. The Norwegian Luna will kick off its inaugural Caribbean season with two western itineraries to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize.

The ship will then sail seven-day cruises with calls to the beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature a brand-new pier by late 2025.

At 1,056 feet long, 156,300 gross tons, and accommodating approximately 3,550 guests at double occupancy, the Norwegian Luna will boast an overall 10 per cent size and capacity increase from Prima Class ships and will be built at Fincantieri.

“Inspired by the relationship between the moon and the tides of the ocean, we are excited to introduce Norwegian Luna as the vessel that perfectly complements her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The debut of Norwegian Luna truly showcases our ongoing commitment to providing guests more of what they enjoy and value – a brand-new ship with the latest, innovative offerings sailing to the beautiful, tropical destinations of the Caribbean. It’s important to give our guests more to see, more to do, more to enjoy on board and ultimately more out of their cruise vacation. We can’t wait for them to experience Norwegian Luna!”

The company said the Norwegian Luna’s hull art will showcase a vibrant dreamscape by ELLE, the highly acclaimed street artist from Napa, Calif., who has partnered with popular brand names such as Nike, Reebok and Ralph Lauren. Entitled ‘La Luna,’ the artwork is a visual exploration of humanity’s deep-rooted connection with the celestial forces in space as human beings are intrinsically linked to the ebb and flow of the moon. ‘La Luna’ will display proudly on the bow of the ship, leading guests on an extraordinary voyage and an epic journey of discovery.

Carnival Splendor Returns to Sydney with Upgrades After Drydock

Carnival Splendor Returns to Sydney with Upgrades After Drydock

The Carnival Splendor is set to return to Sydney on September 9, showcasing a range of new upgrades after undergoing a drydock in Singapore, according to a press release.

The ship now features enhanced dining venues, refurbished staterooms and a new red, white, and blue hull design that includes a Southern Cross motif—an element familiar to P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president, said: “From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment onboard, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before.”

Among the ship’s new offerings are the new and updated menus from grill restaurant Mad Sizzle, the Indian restaurant Masala Tiger and other dining venues, such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Refurbishment extends to the staterooms, where balconies have been fully upgraded and suites now feature new whirlpool tubs.

Wellness amenities have also seen improvements, with updates to the basketball court, jogging track and gym equipment, as well as a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at Cloud 9 Spa.

Families will find new excitement in the revamped Carnival waterpark, featuring waterslides and the Splashy Cove children’s play area. The mini-golf course has also been fully refreshed, and Camp Ocean and Club 02 now offer new video gaming areas.

The casino and retail shops have been refreshed for more entertainment. Carnival Splendor has also introduced the new Playlist Productions show, “Dear Future Husband,” which premiered in Australia earlier this year. The interactive pop musical follows a wedding adventure onboard a Carnival cruise. After the show, guests are invited to join the cast for a wedding reception-themed party.

By March 2025, the ship will be joined by Carnival Luminosa and two additional sister ships, the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, which will be renamed the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter following their transition from P&O Cruises Australia.

HX Pushes Marketing Efforts to Source Chinese Guests

HX Pushes Marketing Efforts to Source Chinese Guests

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is pushing its marketing efforts in China with a new roadshow that will visit three cities in the country.

According to a statement,, experts from HX’s global headquarters will join the series of events, along with the presidents of the Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

The roadshow is scheduled to take place from Sept. 9 to 13, 2024, with events in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.

“We hope to attract up to 500 travel partners, tourism bureaus, consulates and media guests to our afternoon events in three cities, so we want to ensure that the guests can get a lot of valuable information from the expedition cruise experts from our global headquarters,” said Joe Zou, HX sales director for Mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Zou also highlighted HX’s investment in China, noting that Antarctica expeditions are currently a “hot-selling product” in China.

Each event will include a presentation of HX’s ships and onboard experience, followed by in-depth discussions on topics such as the new company’s destinations for the 2025-26 season and sustainable initiatives.

“The international cruises we have been promoting have been a great success. In the past seasons, we found that Chinese tourists really like this international atmosphere. We have made this unique experience even better by continuously upgrading our ‘China Ready’ program with the headquarters operations department and the expedition team,” Zou added.

As part of the initiative, HX offers Chinese news and movies in its cabins, as well as Chinese dining options.

The company also hired Chinese nationals for its expedition teams, front desks and restaurants, Zou explained.

HX opened a regional sales office in Shanghai and further expanded its APAC division with the appointment of new executives in mid-2023.

Carnival Splendor Resumes Service After Drydock

Carnival Splendor Resumes Service After Drydock

The Carnival Splendor is resuming service today after undergoing routine maintenance at a shipyard in Singapore.

Sailing from the Marina Bay Cruise Terminal, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel is offering a repositioning cruise back to its homeport in Australia, Sydney.

The 16-night voyage features visits to six destinations in Indonesia and Australia, including Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, Darwin, Airlie Beach and Moreton Island.

After arriving back in Sydney on September 6, 2024, the Carnival Splendor is set to resume its regular schedule in the South Pacific.

Sailing from the port, the 2008-built ship offers a series of three- to 11-night itineraries to various destinations across the region, including New Caledonia, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef.

In addition to regular maintenance, the Carnival Splendor also received new dining options, updated amenities and refreshed spaces during its 19-day shipyard stay.

While in the drydock, the 113,300-ton ship also saw the addition of Carnival Cruise Line’s new livery, which includes a navy-blue hull with red and white accents.

As a nod to its operations in Australia, the hull of the Splendor features a Southern Cross representation near its stern.

Similar to the “Sailing Stars” livery introduced by P&O Australia in 2017, the symbol represents a five-star constellation that is visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

Set to be absorbed by the company in 2025, the brand will play a relevant role in Carnival’s future in the region.

In March, the Carnival Splendor will be joined in Australia by two former P&O ships, the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure.

Currently sailing from Brisbane and Sydney, the 2,600-guest sister ships will continue to operate a year-round schedule in the region after being transferred to the fleet of the U.S.-based brand.

Completing Carnival’s offerings in the South Pacific, the Carnival Luminosa also operates seasonally out of Brisbane.

Photo: Cruise Beyond SG

Norwegian Removes Bonaire From Two Viva Itineraries

Norwegian Removes Bonaire From Two Viva Itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line is removing scheduled visits to Kralendijk in Bonaire from two of Norwegian Viva’s upcoming cruises.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailings scheduled to depart on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23, 2025, will no longer visit the port of call.

“We are committed to providing the best vacations at sea and have been working tirelessly to continue elevating the quality of the overall guest experience while positively impacting society and the environment,” Norwegian Cruise Line said.

“As we continue to optimize itineraries for enhanced port and shore excursion availability for the ultimate vacation experience, fuel optimization as a part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, as well as global maritime regulations, we have adjusted our original itinerary,” the company added in its statement.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, the itinerary of the affected voyages sail to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

“We recognize the importance that destinations play in our guests’ vacation decision-making process and assure you that these modifications were made with an optimal guest experience top-of-mind,” Norwegian continued.

The company added that, while the visit to Bonaire has been dropped, the revised itinerary now includes extended visits to La Romana, Dominican Republic; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

According to the statement, shore excursions booked through Norwegian for Kralendijk, Bonaire, will be automatically cancelled.

A full monetary refund of the fare paid will be returned to the form of payment used at the time of reservation.

Norwegian also is said to be adjusting shore excursions in other ports of call to coincide with the new times in port.

Spending the winter in the region, the Norwegian Viva is scheduled to offer a series of week-long cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean between mid-December and mid-April.

Sailing from Puerto Rico, the schedule of the 2023-built ship also features visits to Tortola, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Thomas and more.

Holland America Line 2024 Cruise Capacity Breakdown

Holland America Line 2024 Cruise Capacity Breakdown

HAL Westerdam in Glacia Bay Alaska photo credit Spacejunkie2 flickr images

According to the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, Holland America Line is offering a balanced deployment mix in 2024 across its 11-ship fleet.

Alaska continues to concentrate most of the company’s offerings, with a total of six ships sailing in the region this summer.

Offering seven-night cruises from Vancouver, the Koningsdam is Holland America’s largest vessel in Alaska this year.

Other ships sailing in the region include the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Eurodam, the Noordam, the Westerdam and the Zaandam.

Holland America Line is also building up its Caribbean offering in 2024, with roughly a 15 per cent increase in capacity compared to 2023.

Mostly sailing from Port Everglades, seven ships are set to offer week-long or longer cruises in the region this year.

The Caribbean deployment is highlighted by a 21-night cruise that sails roundtrip from the Port of Boston.

Scheduled for October, the unique itinerary sails onboard the Zuiderdam and features visits to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas and Bermuda.

After seeing a significant capacity increase in 2023,  Northern Europe completes the brand’s top three cruise capacity regions.

Other regions with significant cruise capacity from Holland America Line include the West Coast, the Mediterranean and Canada/New England.

With summer and fall programs onboard the Volendam and the Zuiderdam, the latter is seeing an 18 per cent capacity spike in 2024.

The Holland America fleet is also offering itineraries to South America, Australia, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Canaries, and the Asia/Pacific region, as well as a full world cruise and repositioning trans-Atlantic sailings.