New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

The Carnival Festivale will feature the biggest waterpark in Carnival Cruise Line’s history, the company announced in a press release.

Set to debut in 2027, the Excel-class ship will introduce Carnival Waterworks Ultra as part of the new Sunsation Point family adventure zone.

According to Carnival, the waterpark will feature six water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels.

The lineup includes two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides and duelling Racing Currents slides, as well as the Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister.

Other features of Waterworks Ultra include splash pads and shaded play areas for all ages, the company said.

Carnival also stated that the new venue will introduce the first nighttime Waterworks operation of its fleet, which will include a live DJ and other special features.

Taking over the area occupied by BOLT! on previous Excel-class ships, the waterpark will be located at Carnival Festivale’s Deck 18.

In addition to Carnival Waterworks Ultra, Sunsation Point will also offer a hub of family-friendly activities and dining options on Deck 16, as well as a pool, a splash pad and a bar.

Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, Carnival said, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines a retro theme with modern arcade games.

The deck also features the Scenic Overlook, a sports bar that offers outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, as well as a new mini-golf course and Treehouse, which is described by Carnival as an all-new concept with netted bridges high above the deck.

As the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class, the Carnival Festivale is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the ship is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas starting in May 2027.

MSC Joins Carnival and Royal in Grand Bahama Shipyard Partnership

 

MSC Joins Carnival and Royal in Grand Bahama Shipyard Partnership

Grand Bahama Shipyard is set to welcome MSC Cruises as a partner, joining Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean, who are part owners of the facility in the joint venture, according to a statement.

The yard is set to expand with two new floating docks, which are part of a $600 million investment.

“We are delighted to see positive momentum on our expansion and modernisation, which is expected to increase activity here in the shipyard, boosting local businesses, creating economic opportunities, and enriching the community for Grand Bahamians,” said Chris Earl, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard.

The new docks are set to be operational in 2026.

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026

Carnival Legend arriving in Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr account.

Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will launch its new loyalty program, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards.

The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program that will be their entry point into the new program, the company said in a press release.

Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status-qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status.

Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities, the company said.

The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – allowing cardmembers to earn points and status even faster.

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years, and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “

By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalise their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honours our past while building a future where loyalty is recognised through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.

Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status-qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status.

• Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including onboard activities, spa treatments, speciality dining and even toward a future cruise.
• Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among the four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over two years and retained for the following two years.

 

As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for two years through May 31, 2028.

Diamond members will retain their status for six years through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty statuses are honoured while giving members time to familiarise themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.

Carnival Valor Sets Sail to New Orleans After Drydock

Carnival Valor Sets Sail to New Orleans After Drydock

The Carnival Valor sailed from Barcelona on Wednesday to kick off a repositioning voyage back to its homeport in New Orleans.

The Carnival Cruise Line vessel is now offering a 15-night cruise after spending a few weeks at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz.v

Before arriving at the Big Easy, the trans-Atlantic crossing will visit destinations in Portugal and Spain, including Málaga, Cádiz, and Ponta Delgada.

The Carnival Valor is then set to arrive in New Orleans later this month, resuming its regular schedule of cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Sailing from Louisiana along with the Carnival Liberty, the vessel offers a series of four- and five-night itineraries to ports in Mexico, including Progreso, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

As part of its routine drydock in Spain, the Carnival Valour underwent technical work, as well as class inspections and general maintenance.

Public areas and staterooms also received upkeep, including the replacement of items such as carpets, upholstery, and furniture.

In line with other Carnival ships, the 2004-built ship saw the addition of a new Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge.

Currently being rolled out to the company’s fleet, the military-themed venue pays homage to the sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families.

Taking over the area previously occupied by the Skybox Sports Bar, the lounge serves a special menu, with part of its profits donated to humanitarian organisations.

Following the Carnival Valor, the Carnival Liberty is also being dry-docked at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz.

As the fifth ship in Carnival’s fleet to visit a shipyard in 2025, the vessel is currently undergoing routine maintenance at the Spanish facility.

Other ships that entered drydock this year include the Carnival Sunshine, the Carnival Spirit and the Carnival Miracle.

 

Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 35 Years at Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 35 Years at Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Line marked 35 years of cruises from Central Florida with a special celebration aboard its Mardi Gras on Saturday.

Carnival began sailing from Port Canaveral in 1990, and has grown its operations over the years to homeport more ships than any other cruise line and embark more than 1.2 million guests from the port annually, the company said in a press release.

To commemorate the anniversary and longstanding partnership, Carnival hosted an onboard celebration. The event included several members of the community, such as leaders from the Canaveral Port Authority, the United States Coast Guard, and Brevard County.

David German, Port Canaveral’s vice president of cruise business development, presented Carnival with a framed Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners proclamation, documenting the special resolution the board passed this week to recognize the economic growth created by the 35-year relationship.

The cruise line also announced the charitable donation of a hybrid pickup truck that will support the work of Keep Brevard Beautiful, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation in the area.

The donation coincides with the weekend of World Ocean Day, emphasizing Carnival’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Carnival, which homeports four ships year-round and another ship seasonally at Port Canaveral, recently announced it will enhance offerings further by deploying its next new ship to the port. Sister ship to the Mardi Gras, the Carnival Festival is now under construction and will bring all new features into the Carnival fleet, including music-themed zones and the cruise line’s largest-ever water park, when it debuts in 2027.

“Port Canaveral has been a cornerstone of Carnival’s success for 35 years,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside the community that has been such an essential part of our growth. Our exciting growth continues with the opening of Celebration Key next month, our exclusive destination that will really be a game-changer for us and for our guests.”

The Carnival Vista, which is homeported in Port Canaveral, will make the first official visit to Celebration Key for the destination’s grand opening. All Carnival ships sailing from Port Canaveral offer sailings that visit Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, which will offer guests the ultimate day in paradise.

With over 300 annual departures from Port Canaveral, Carnival guests contribute an estimated $450 million in economic impact to the region before and after cruises.

“We are proud to celebrate Carnival Cruise Line’s 35th anniversary of sailing from Port Canaveral and humbled by what this milestone represents,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “From the inaugural sailing of the TSS Carnivale in 1990 to having five year-round and seasonal vessels in their homeported fleet today, Carnival Cruise Line is our longest continuous cruise business relationship, contributing economic value over the decades for our Port community, the Central Florida region and our state.”

 

Refurbished Carnival Miracle Launches Summer Season

Refurbished Carnival Miracle Launches Summer Season

Carnival Cruise Line’s Miracle has commenced its summer 2025 sailing season in Europe after completing a scheduled dry dock in Cádiz, Spain.

The ship returned to service on May 11, embarking its first guests from Lisbon, Portugal.

Notable additions include the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, now featured on 15 Carnival ships, which honours active-duty military personnel and veterans. A new Carnival Adventures store has been added, giving guests an updated space to plan and book shore excursions.

The ship also now features a dedicated Chef’s Table venue on Deck 1, offering a private space for Carnival’s signature multi-course dining experience. A new Dreams Studio was introduced, providing a refreshed setting for professional photo sessions. Several public areas were refreshed with updated designs, including the Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity adult-only retreat, Club O2, Java Blue Café, and the Lido Marketplace.

Additional upgrades include a redesigned mini-golf course and nightclub, both featuring new layouts and an expanded casino area. Youth and teen areas, such as Camp Ocean and Club O2, were also revamped with brighter interiors and new amenities.

Guests sailing on the seven-night itinerary from Lisbon aboard the Carnival Miracle will visit La Coruña and Bilbao, Spain, and Le Verdon (Bordeaux) and Le Havre (Paris), France, before arriving in Dover, England.

From Dover, the ship will operate a series of nine- and 12-day cruises to the British Isles, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Later this summer, Carnival Miracle will reposition to Civitavecchia (Rome), offering Mediterranean sailings with ports in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey.

In November, the Miracle will return to the U.S. and begin homeporting from Tampa, Florida, offering six- to eight-day cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

 

A Look at Carnival’s New Year-Round Cruises Out of Norfolk

A Look at Carnival’s New Year-Round Cruises Out of Norfolk

The Carnival Sunshine is launching a year-round deployment out of Norfolk in February, following a drydock in Europe.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the new cruise schedule, which includes itineraries to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Debut Voyage
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Length: 5 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Freeport and Bimini (Bahamas)

The Carnival Sunshine is set to debut the new deployment in Norfolk on Feb. 11, 2025, after completing a drydock in France.

For its first sailing from the port, the ship offers a five-night cruise to the Bahamas. In addition to two days at sea, the itinerary includes visits to Freeport and Bimini before returning to Virginia.

Eastern Caribbean
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Six sailings between May and July 2025
Length: 8 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos); Amber Cove (Dominican Republic); and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The new schedule for the Carnival Sunshine includes various sailings to the Caribbean, including this eight-night itinerary to Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

With six departures scheduled for 2025, the cruise will sail to the Eastern Caribbean and visit Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and San Juan.

Bahamas
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: 9 departures between March and December 2025
Length: 6 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Bimini, Nassau and Freeport (Bahamas)

The new deployment also features sailings to the Bahamas, visiting six destinations in the island country.

One of the itineraries is a six-night cruise with nine departures scheduled for 2025, featuring visits to Bimini, Nassau and Freeport.

Bermuda
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Seven sailings between July and October 2025
Length: 6 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Two days in King’s Wharf (Bermuda)

For the summer, the Carnival Sunshine adds cruises to Bermuda to its schedule. Seven sailings to the island nation are scheduled for 2025, departing between July and October.

In addition to three days cruising in the North Atlantic, the itineraries feature an overnight visit to King’s Wharf.

Celebration Key
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Three sailings between September and December 2025
Length: 6 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Bimini, Nassau and Celebration Key (Bahamas)

Starting in September, Carnival will offer cruises to its new private destination on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key, departing from Norfolk.

As part of one of its itineraries to the new port, the Carnival Sunshine sails for six nights and also visits Nassau and Bimini. Three departures are scheduled for 2025.

Carnival Adjusts Cruise Itineraries in 2025 and 2026 for Six Ships

Carnival Adjusts Cruise Itineraries in 2025 and 2026 for Six Ships

Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting itineraries for cruises set to take place onboard six ships in 2025 and 2026.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, 15 sailings onboard the Carnival Celebration, the Carnival Sunshine, the Carnival Vista, the Carnival Magic, the Carnival Sunrise and the Carnival Spirit saw minor changes.

Four sailings onboard the Carnival Celebration were adjusted, including the cruises scheduled to depart on March 23 and Nov. 16, 2025, which will now operate with a revised order of port visits.

The departures scheduled for Nov. 28, 2025, and Feb. 22, 2026, will see a visit to San Juan replaced with a stop in Amber Cove.

Onboard the Carnival Sunshine, the cruises set to depart on Nov. 9 and Nov. 15, 2025, will see Half Moon Cay replacing a previously scheduled visit to Bimini.

The vessel’s Dec. 13, 2025, cruise also saw an itinerary change, with a visit to Bimini replaced with Princess Cays.

A similar change was made to the Carnival Vista’s Nov. 15, 2025, departure, with Grand Turk replacing a previously scheduled visit to Half Moon Cay.

The Nov. 21, 2025, and Feb. 21, 2026, cruises onboard the Carnival Magic were also adjusted, with a visit to St. Croix replacing a previously scheduled call to St. Thomas.

The itinerary of the ship’s Nov. 29, 2025, departure was was revised and is now scheduled to sail to Princess Cays instead of Half Moon Cay.

Three cruises onboard the Carnival Sunrise, which are scheduled to depart on Dec. 4 and Dec. 13, 2025, as well as Feb. 26, 2026, will visit Princess Cays instead of Half Moon Cay.

The Feb. 22, 2026, cruise onboard the Carnival Spirit was also adjusted and is now scheduled to sail to Nassau instead of Bimini.

According to Carnival, shore excursions purchased through the company will be automatically adjusted based on these changes.

For cancelled ports, the excursions will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment, the company added.

Carnival Corporation Actively Managing Brand and Ship Portfolio

Carnival Corporation Actively Managing Brand and Ship Portfolio

“We’ve been actively managing the portfolio and allocating ships differently, moving vessels and winding up a brand in the case of P&O Australia,” said Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation.

“I think it’s setting ourselves up to really put the assets where the highest returns are in the immediate term and the medium term, while we help all the brands who aren’t yet where I think they should be, get to those levels,” he continued, speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call.

“At a base level, it’s a continuation of all of those things in the commercial space and having those great brand leaders really lean in even further. We’re investing in our people. We’re investing in our tools, our revenue management tools, to make sure that we are utilizing the technology effectively to optimize the yields.”

Weinsten also pointed to strength in onboard spending.

“We’ve got a good amount of runway to continue the progress we’ve been making around pulling forward the spend, which as everybody knows, opens up the second wallet and the more people spend before they get on the cruise, the more they spend on the cruise. So our brands are again working hard to continue that and we’re nowhere near what the cap could be on those types of efforts.”

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.

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

Australia Set for Record-Breaking Cruise Capacity in 2024

Australia Set for Record-Breaking Cruise Capacity in 2024

According to the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, the Australian cruise market is poised for record-breaking cruise capacity in 2024.

Building on a strong 2023, the region will see 57 different cruise ships from various brands.

Accounting for approximately four per cent of the global cruise market share, some of the big deployment moves include the arrival of the Crown Princess.

Joining Princess Cruises’ lineup in Australia and New Zealand for the 2024-25 season, the 3,100-guest vessel will offer cruises departing from Sydney, Auckland, Brisbane and more.

Taking over the program currently offered by the Coral Princess, the Crown is also scheduled to offer longer cruises, including sailing to the South Pacific and Europe.

Cruise Industry News independent research shows that P&O Australia continues to serve as the market leader, with three ships operating year-round from ports in Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s fleet includes the Pacific Encounter and the Pacific Adventure, which are among the largest ships sailing in the region.

Other brands with significant capacity in the Australia and New Zealand regions include Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line.

Royal Caribbean is deploying three ships to the region in 2024, offering seasonal programs from Sydney and Brisbane.

In addition to the Carnival Splendor operating a year-round schedule out of Sydney, Carnival is once again deploying the Carnival Luminosa to Australia in 2024.

After joining the company’s fleet in 2022, the 2,260-guest ship has been offering seasonal programs from Brisbane.

Australia and New Zealand’s 2024 lineup is also highlighted by Disney Cruise Line, which is returning to the region for a second consecutive season in late 2024.

Following a successful debut in 2023, the Disney Wonder will return to the market in late October for an extended program that features itineraries departing from Brisbane, Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney.

Carnival Corp. Sets 2024 Q2 Earnings Date

Carnival Corp. Sets 2024 Q2 Earnings Date

Carnival Corporation has scheduled a conference call with analysts for Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. (EDT); 3 p.m. (BST) to discuss the company’s second-quarter financial results which are expected to be released that morning.

The call will allow company executives to go over the quarter, talk about an all-important third quarter and then take questions from Wall Street analysts.

A simulcast of the call will be available via the company’s websites at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.

PortMiami Reports Increased Economic Impact in 2023

PortMiami Reports Increased Economic Impact in 2023

PortMiami’s annual economic impact has grown to $61.4 billion, up from $41.4 billion in 2016, according to a study conducted by Martin Associates, according to a press release.

The study measured PortMiami’s impact in terms of jobs, business revenue, consumer spending and state and local taxes. PortMiami has contributed $2.2 billion in state and local taxes, of which $1.6 billion is attributed to port users. Additionally, 340,078 jobs are supported by port activity, including 29,423 direct local jobs.

“PortMiami is not only one of Miami-Dade County’s most important economic engines, but its economic impact is also felt regionally and globally,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This report confirms the seaport’s vital role in supporting good-paying local jobs and contributing to the growth of our community, in addition to our commitment to resilience and reducing our carbon footprint with shore power and our net zero plan.” 

Highlights of the 2023 study:

• $61.4 billion in total economic activity, which accounts for 3.9 per cent of the $1.6 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the state of Florida.
• $2.2 billion in state and local taxes, of which $1.6 billion is attributed to Port users.
• 340,078 jobs supported by port activity, including 29,423 direct local jobs.

 

The economic impact analysis was based on data obtained through interviews and telephone survey programs of the seaport’s tenants and the companies providing cruise and cargo services at PortMiami. In addition, a survey of cruise passengers and crew was conducted to develop passenger spending profiles pre- and post-cruise as well as the spending characteristics of the crew during each port call at Miami. 

“The seaport continues to play a critical role in the economic vitality of our region. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to ensure that PortMiami remains a world-class cruise and cargo port,” said Hydi Webb, director and CEO, of PortMiami. “I want to thank all the seaport’s partners for their unrelenting support. Our continued growth and success are a result of strong collaborations.” 

 

Adora Cruises’ Second Ship To Get Upsized

Adora Cruises’ Second Ship To Get Upsized

According to a report from China Daily, the new vessel will be 17.4 meters longer than the 2023-built sister ship.

Currently under construction at China State Shipbuilding Company’s Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Yard in Shanghai, the cruise ship is scheduled to enter service in 2025.

At 141,000 gross tons, the newbuild will be roughly five percent larger than the 135,500-ton Adora Magic City, the report added.

Citing shipyard sources, China Daily also said that the new vessel will feature an optimized interior layout, in addition to enhanced facilities.

“China State Shipbuilding Company will continuously make efforts to enhance the second cruise ship’s design, craftsmanship, construction and facilities to achieve higher quality, greater efficiency and lower cost,” the report concluded.

With its construction started in August 2022, the second China-made cruise ship currently has 75 percent of its design workload finished, while 58 percent of the production design was completed.

Both the 2025 newbuild and the Adora Magic City feature a basic project based on Carnival Corporation’s Vista class.

Built to serve the Chinese domestic market, the vessels offer a series of customized features, including an expanded shopping area and a series of alternative restaurants.

After five years in the making, the Adora Magic City kicked off a series of short cruises to the Far East departing from Shanghai in January.

Also built at the Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Yard, the 4,200-guest ship became the first large cruise ship ever constructed in China.

In addition to the two newbuilds, Adora Cruises also operates the former Costa Mediterranea. Now named Mediterranea, the 2003-built ship is offering a series of short cruises departing from Tianjin.

Carnival: Wave Season Sales Exceeding Expectations

Carnival: Wave Season Sales Exceeding Expectations

Carnival Pride arriving in Liverpool UK, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Account.

Carnival Corporation announced that it has experienced an early and robust start to wave season (peak booking period), exceeding expectations, with bookings volumes since November hitting an all-time high.

According to a statement, for 2024, the company continues to have the best booked position on record, with both pricing (in constant currency) and occupancy considerably higher than 2023 levels.

The company said the first half of 2024 is almost fully booked and it said it believes its continued strong bookings momentum is expected to deliver outperformance during the year, offsetting the Red Sea rerouting impact.

Carnival Vista Crosses the Atlantic for Drydock in Spain

Carnival Vista Crosses the Atlantic for Drydock in Spain

The Carnival Vista just arrived in Europe for its upcoming routine drydock.

After leaving Port Canaveral on Jan. 8, the Carnival Cruise Line ship crossed the Atlantic on its way to Spain.

The 2016-built vessel is now set to undergo a two-week drydock at the Navantia shipyard in the Bay of Cádiz.

Work expected to be carried out onboard the Carnival Vista includes the addition of Carnival’s new hull livery, in addition to scheduled maintenance, class surveys and technical work.

The 135,000-ton vessel is also poised to see upkeep of its common areas and staterooms, as well as updates to facilities and venues.

Following the work, the Carnival Vista is set to cross the Atlantic on its back to North America before resuming service on Feb. 15.

On that day, the vessel sails from Port Canaveral for a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that features a visit to Nassau, in addition to a full day at sea.

After repositioning from Galveston in late 2023, the Carnival Vista kicked off a year-round program out of its new Central Florida homeport.

The ship’s regular schedule features six- and eight-night cruises to the Southern and the Eastern Caribbean.

Itineraries include popular ports of call in both regions, such as Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Aruba, Curaçao, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau.

First in a series of three ships known as Vista Class, the Carnival Vista offers a series of features, including SkyRide, a suspended open-air cycling experience, and the Dreamscape, a three-deck-high LED sculpture located its main atrium.

The 4,000-guest cruise ship was later followed by the 2018-built Carnival Horizon, and the 2019-built Carnival Panorama.

Originally built for Costa Cruises, the 2019-built Carnival Venezia and the 2020-built Carnival Firenze are also considered part of the Vista Class.

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/

PortMiami Posts Busiest Cruise Year in History

PortMiami Posts Busiest Cruise Year in History

Royal Caribbean departing Port of Miami photo credit Spacejunkie2

PortMiami welcomed a total of 7,299,294 passengers during Fiscal Year 2023, setting a new record in cruise activity, the port announced in a press release.

During the period, which started on October 1, 2022 and ended on September 30, 2023, PortMiami experienced a nearly seven percent increase in cruise passenger totals compared to its previous record of 6,823,816 passengers in Fiscal Year 2019.

“Congratulations to the entire PortMiami team and its partners on its busiest cruise year ever,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

“PortMiami continues to drive our economy forward, creating opportunities for residents and businesses across our county. The Port is an industry leader, which is future ready and committed to innovative, efficient, and sustainable growth,” she added.

The 2024 Fiscal Year season is also bringing new developments, PortMiami said, which include new cruise lines and new vessels.

Among the new line-up of ships which began sailing to the facility are Oceania Cruises’ Vista, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Venezia, the Scenic Eclipse II, Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity, Explora Journey’s Explora I, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva; and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur.

In January 2024, Royal Caribbean Group’s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, will also begin a year-round deployment from the port.

According to the port, dedicated partnerships and the development of new business have contributed to PortMiami’s post-pandemic recovery.

Since the pandemic, the port opened three new cruise terminals: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal B, the Pearl of Miami; Carnival Corporation’s Cruise Terminal F; and Virgin Voyages’ Cruise Terminal V, the Palm Grove.

Currently under construction are MSC Cruises’ Terminals AA/AAA, which will open in 2024. Recently, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved Royal Caribbean Group’s new Cruise Terminal G, which is expected to open in late 2027.

Shore power – a partnership between PortMiami, its cruise partners (Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, and Virgin Voyages) and Florida Power & Light Company – is also in progress. Upon completion in 2024, shore power capability will be available at five cruise terminals with the ability to plug in three ships simultaneously. Shore power will allow a cruise ship to turn off their primary engines while docked, resulting in reduced air emissions, PortMiami said.

Port Everglades: New Lines, New Ships and a New Terminal

Port Everglades: New Lines, New Ships and a New Terminal

Port Everglades is kicking off the 2023-24 cruise season by welcoming new cruise lines and ships, and establishing itself as a new homeport for Disney Cruise Line, according to a press release.

“We could very well top our 4 million passenger record, although our ‘official’ projected number is conservatively estimated at some 3.7 million embarking and disembarking guests,” said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

“As a trend, we are seeing more luxury ships such as Viking and Ritz-Carlton, and shorter itineraries from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Disney,” Daniels added.

So far this season, which started in October, Port Everglades has welcomed first calls from Viking’s expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, Viking Mars, as well as Phoenix Reisen’s Artania.

Beginning November 20, 2023, the Disney Dream will homeport year-round in a specially designed cruise terminal dedicated for Disney Cruise Line guests. The partnership with Disney includes a 15-year agreement with one ship to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round and joined by a second, seasonal ship, to be announced, in 2025.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent debuts at Port Everglades with two 3- and 4-night preview sailings in November 2023 before being named at Port Everglades on December 1, 2023, and embarking on her inaugural Caribbean season with alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Celebrity Ascent is the fourth ship in Celebrity’s Edge Series class, and one of seven Celebrity ships to sail from Port Everglades this season.

The Silver Nova will be named at Port Everglades on January 4, 2024. This will be the first ship to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel at Port Everglades.

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class Symphony of the Seas will shift to Port Everglades after returning from Europe in November 2023 and will sail alternating 6- and 8-night cruises to the Caribbean.

Azamara also joins the Port Everglades fleet for the first time with the arrival of the Azamara Onward on November 30, 2023. Azamara Onward will finish the 2024 season at Port Everglades with an inaugural 155-night World Voyage departing January 5, 2024, visiting over 40 countries with 22 overnight stays and 27 late nights in port.

Port Everglades said it also looking forward to having a busier than usual summer 2024 with five cruise ships including Celebrity Beyond (7-days), Celebrity Reflection (3- and 4-days), Disney Magic (3-, 4- and 5-days), Enchanted Princess (7-days), and Freedom of the Seas (7 days).

Princess Cruises will homeport the brand-new Sun Princess at Port Everglades beginning in October 2024. The Sun Princess, the first in the line’s new Sphere class, will be Princess Cruises’ first LNG-fueled ship and its largest, accommodating more than 4,000 guests.

The newly rebranded luxury line Crystal recently announced that it will move from Miami and begin homeporting from Port Everglades in November 2024, with the completely refurbished Crystal Serenity.

Port Everglades has completed a study to add shore power to the port’s eight cruise terminals, which will allow cruise ships to use electricity while idling in port instead of burning fuel. The study was performed by Moffatt & Nichol, a global infrastructure advisory firm working in cooperation with Florida Power & Light (FPL), Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line and the Royal Caribbean Group. The recommended plan is capable of delivering up to 16 megawatts of electricity simultaneously to each of the eight terminals in accordance with IEC/IEEE 80005 standards.

The projected cost for the project, including the estimates for FPL supply and distribution system upgrades, is approximately $20 million per cruise terminal, for a total cost of $160 million. The project is expected to be financed through federal and state grant funds, contributions from FPL, the participating cruise lines, and Broward County. Implementation will occur in phases. The earliest construction could occur is mid-2024 with all phases completed by the end of 2027, the port said.