Maiden Season Preview: Margaritaville at Sea’s Beachcomber

Maiden Season Preview: Margaritaville at Sea’s Beachcomber

Set to become the largest ship in Margaritaville at Sea’s fleet, the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will mark the company’s debut in PortMiami when she launches service in early 2027.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the inaugural deployment of the 2,720-guest vessel, which was acquired from Costa Cruises.

Inaugural Cruise and Eastern Caribbean
Dates: January 9, 2027, followed by four additional sailings through April
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); San Juan (Puerto Rico); and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)

The Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber will welcome its first guests on Jan. 9, 2027, embarking on a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

With four additional departures scheduled through April, the weeklong cruise features visits to destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, including St. Thomas, San Juan and Puerto Plata.

Mexico and Western Caribbean
Date: January 23, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Cozumel (Mexico); Belize City (Belize); and George Town (Cayman Islands)

The ship’s inaugural season also features weeklong itineraries to the Western Caribbean, including the Jan. 23, 2027, departure.

Sailing to Mexico, Belize and the Cayman Islands, this seven-night cruise features visits to Cozumel, Belize City and George Town, in addition to three days of cruising.

Short Cruise to the Bahamas, Florida and the Dominican Republic
Date: February 9, 2027
Length: 4 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Key West (United States) and Bimini (Bahamas)

The Beachcomber is also set to offer a series of short cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas during its maiden season. This four-night cruise, for example, sails from Miami in early February and features visits to Key West and Bimini.

Other short cruises available include four-night cruises to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, or to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, as well as five-night cruises to Puerto Plata and either Nassau or Freeport.

ABC Islands and Southern Caribbean
Date: April 16, 2027
Length: 8 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Oranjestad (Aruba); Kralendijk (Bonaire); and Willemstad (Curaçao)

In April, the Beachcomber offers the only longer cruise of its inaugural season, an eight-night itinerary to the Southern Caribbean and the ABC Islands.

Sailing round-trip from PortMiami, the cruise is highlighted by visits to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, as well as four days cruising the Caribbean.

Florida, Bahamas and Western Caribbean
Date: March 27, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Key West (United States); George Town (Cayman Islands); Nassau (Bahamas); and Montego Bay (Jamaica)

In late March, the 2003-built vessel also offers a seven-night cruise to Florida and the Western Caribbean.

The one-time sailing features visits to Key West, George Town in the Cayman Islands, Nassau in the Bahamas and Montego Bay in Jamaica.

Carnival Breeze Cruises Cancelled Due to Drydock Change

Carnival Breeze Cruises Cancelled Due to Drydock Change

Carnival Cruise Line is cancelling five cruises onboard the Carnival Breeze that were scheduled to take place in January and March 2027.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the sailings will no longer go ahead due to a change in the ship’s maintenance plans.

Sailing from Galveston, the Carnival Breeze was set to offer short four- and five-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean and Mexico.

Affected sailings include the cruises set to depart on Jan. 11, Mar. 5, Mar. 13, Mar. 18, and Mar. 22, 2027.

The changes come after a short-term alteration in itinerary and drydock plans for the Carnival Breeze during the specific timeframe, Carnival explained.

“We sincerely apologise for this change and thank you for your understanding,” the company continued.

According to the letter, guests will be offered the option to either reschedule their bookings or receive a full refund of the fare paid for the original sailing.

“We have a variety of alternatives and are confident that you will find another Carnival Cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun,” Carnival said.

Guests who opt to reschedule their reservations will have their cruise rate protected on a comparable sailing in similar accommodations.

Additionally, Carnival is also offering an onboard credit based on the duration of the cancelled voyage, which will be automatically posted to guests’ onboard accounts.

Passengers who were originally set to embark on Jan. 11, 2027, and from Mar. 17, 2027, through Mar. 22, 2027, will receive $25 per person, up to a maximum of $50 per cabin.

For guests who were sailing on the Mar. 5, 2027, departure, Carnival is offering a $50 onboard credit per person, up to $100 per stateroom.

Passengers who opt not to reschedule their cruises will be automatically refunded after July 21, 2025.

Refunds could take up to three weeks to be processed, the company said.

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.

Regal Princess Arrives in Galveston

Regal Princess Arrives in Galveston

Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess arrived in Galveston on November 5, marking a milestone as the largest Princess cruise ship ever to homeport in Texas.

The Regal Princess will operate roundtrip sailings to the Western Caribbean from now through March 24 with an anticipated 75,000 passengers sailing aboard the ship.

To celebrate the milestone event, a traditional maritime plaque exchange took place in the presence of Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Terry Thornton, Regal Princess Captain Aldo Traverso and Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan and Galveston Wharves Board Vice Chairman Jeff Patterson. The event started with a festive performance by Galveston’s local Ball High School Drill Team Tornettes and school mascot Tuffy.

“We first started sailing out of Galveston nearly 20 years ago. Princess loves Texas and we know Texans enjoy the convenience of having the Love Boat so close by offering a hassle-free drive or convenient fly option to enjoy the beautiful destinations in the Western Caribbean,” said Thornton.

“As we celebrate the arrival of Regal Princess, we extend our deep appreciation to the Port of Galveston for their ongoing partnership, and we’re excited to welcome aboard the only premium cruise experience from Galveston.”

The Regal Princess will sail a total of 21 voyages from Galveston, ranging in length from seven to 12 days, with calls in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan, among other destinations. Guests can also choose special holiday sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. The ship will also offer a “Love and Romance Celebration” themed cruise with Love Ambassador and bridal fashion icon Randy Fenoli, departing on December 3. Fenoli will host special events, share his personal success story, offer tips on how to choose the right wedding dress and even debut the “Randy” cocktail.

“Princess Cruises is an iconic cruise line and we’re delighted to welcome guests from Regal Princess, the largest Love Boat to ever sail from Galveston,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “Regal Princess will visit beautiful ports throughout the western Caribbean while expanding the array of attractive and enticing cruise vacation choices from Galveston, America’s fourth most popular homeport.”

 

Carnival Magic Repositions to Miami

Carnival Magic Repositions to Miami

Carnival Magic in Palma, Majorca photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr account)

The Carnival Magic arrived in Miami today to kick off a series of cruises to the Caribbean.

Sailing from its new year-round homeport in South Florida, the 3,650-guest vessel is set to offer a series of six- to eight-night itineraries to different destinations in the region.

The first cruise of the program includes six days cruising to the Eastern Caribbean, with planned visits to Half Moon Cay, in the Bahamas; Grand Turk, in Turks and Caicos; and Amber Cove, in the Dominican Republic.

Cruises to the Western Caribbean are also part of the program, including six-night itineraries to Mexico and Belize, and seven-night cruises to Mexico and Honduras.

The Carnival Magic is also set to cruise to the Southern Caribbean from Miami, offering eight-night itineraries that feature destinations in Aruba, Curaçao, and more.

Other ports of call included in the ship’s itineraries include St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Philipsburg, in St. Maarten, Nassau, in the Bahamas, and more.

With the Carnival Magic now based in Miami as well, a total of five Carnival Cruise Line ships are sailing from the South Florida homeport on a year-round basis.

The Carnival Celebration, the Carnival Horizon, the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Sunrise complete the company’s fleet in PortMiami.

Offering three- to eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, the vessels sail to popular destinations in the region, such as Nassau, Princess Cays, George Town, La Romana, Puerto Rico and more.

A sister to the 2009-built Carnival Dream, the Carnival Magic originally entered service in 2011. Built in Italy by the Fincantieri shipyard, the vessel offers several facilities and attractions, including a large casino, a multi-level theater and an extensive array of dining venues.

The Magic also boasts innovative features, including an outdoors sports complex named Sports Square and The Lanai, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship’s sides.

Carnival Celebration Visits Mahogany Bay for the First Time

Carnival Celebration Visits Mahogany Bay for the First Time

Continuing its first cruise to the Western Caribbean, the new Carnival Celebration arrived at the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center for its maiden call on Thursday.

The call also marked the first time the new Carnival Cruise Line vessel visited Honduras.

After entering service with a transatlantic crossing in early November, the Celebration started its debut season on Nov. 21.

Following a special christening ceremony in Miami, the LNG-powered kicked off a series of week-long cruises to the Caribbean. After leaving Miami on Nov. 27, the ship’s current sailing also included the maiden visits to Mexico’s Cozumel and Costa Maya.

The 5,200-guest ship is now set to make regular visits to Mahogany Bay as part of its year-round schedule of Caribbean cruises.

Departing from Port Miami every Sunday, the itineraries also include visits to ports in the Eastern Caribbean.

Developed by Carnival Corporation in partnership with a local businessman, the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center opened in 2009.

A popular cruise destination in the Western Caribbean, the facility serves the Roatan island in Honduras Bay Islands.

In addition to a two-ship cruise pier, the cruise terminal offers a welcome centre and a variety of retail outlets, including two themed bars, a restaurant and several shops.

A chair lift system takes guests from the welcome centre to Mahogany Beach, a 10-acre private island featuring an 825-foot-long white-sand beach with a beach volleyball court and water sports opportunities.

Along with the new Celebration, the Carnival Pride also visited Mahogany Bay on Dec. 1. The vessel is presently offering a seven-night cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras departing from Tampa.

A third ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, was also docked at a different cruise terminal in Roatan. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is offering week-long Western Caribbean cruises departing from New Orleans.

Virgin's Valiant Lady Starts Atlantic Crossing Ahead of U.S. Debut

Virgin's Valiant Lady Starts Atlantic Crossing Ahead of U.S. Debut

Valeant Lady flying the Virgin Flag photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Wrapping up its inaugural summer in Europe, the Valiant Lady is starting a trans-Atlantic crossing to the United States.

The 14-night voyage departs from Barcelona today and marks the North American debut of the Virgin Voyages vessel.

In addition to the Spanish port, the one-way voyage includes visits to four European destinations, such as Ibiza and Funchal, before arriving in Miami on October 30.

Once in the U.S., the 2021-built cruise ship is set to kick off a series of week-long voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

The program includes two different itineraries, such as the “Western Caribbean Charm.” Sailing to Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas, the voyage features visits to Costa Maya, Roatán and Bimini.

Through mid-April, the Valiant also offers the “Eastern Caribbean Antilles” cruise. In addition to Bimini, the eight-night cruise sails to Amber Cove, St. Croix and San Juan.

Following the Scarlet Lady, which entered service in 2021, the Valiant Lady debuted in March 2022.

Virgin’s second newbuild, the 110,000-ton cruise ship spent its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, offering different itineraries to Spain, Italy and France.

Like the Scarlet Lady, the Valiant offers an adults-only product that focuses on what Virgin calls an intimate and elevated all-inclusive experience.

As part of the concept, the 2,770-guest vessel boasts 20 dining venues, in addition to many entertainment options. A highlight is The Manor - a two-story 1970s-style nightclub inspired by Virgin’s heritage in the music business.

Another feature is the Red Room, which, according to Virgin, is the first transformational multi-form theatre at sea.

The venue can be transformed into four different configurations - including a traditional Proscenium stage, to alley stage used in fashion shows, to a dance flat-floor configuration and finally a unique reverse stage setup.

MSC Seashore Completes First Year in Service

MSC Seashore Completes First Year in Service

The MSC Seashore completes its first year in service today. Currently sailing in the Caribbean, the vessel entered service for MSC Cruises in Europe on August 9, 2021.

Third, in a series of four Seaside-Class cruise ships, the ship was built in Italy by the Fincantieri shipyard.

After leaving its construction dock, the vessel spent its inaugural summer season in the Western Mediterranean.

Featuring seven-night cruises, the debut program featured regular itineraries to Spain, France, Italy and Malta visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.

In November, the MSC Seashore crossed the Atlantic for the first time while sailing to Miami – its new homeport.

Once in the United States, the vessel kicked off a series of seven-night Caribbean cruises, sailing two different itineraries – which are still being offered in 2022. 

The first, in the Western Caribbean, includes calls to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Cozumel in Mexico.

The second, meanwhile, sails to the Eastern Caribbean and features visits to San Juan in Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

Both voyages also include a stop at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

Before kicking off service in North America, the vessel was also christened at the island during a ceremony that received the godmother Sofia Loren and other VIPs and stakeholders.

Following its season serving the U.S. market, the MSC Seashore is set to debut in Brazil in late 2022.

As part of MSC’s local program, the 4,560-guest ship will offer domestic cruising in the South American country until early 2023.

In April, the Seashore is set to return to Europe for a second summer program in the Western Mediterranean.  

The second season in North America is also on the plans. In November 2023, the vessel is set to debut in Port Canaveral for a year-round program of cruises leaving from Central Florida.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas Arrives in the U.S.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas Arrives in the U.S.

The new Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean Internationals which, according to a press release, is the largest cruise ship in the world, is marking its debut reaching Port Everglades, where it arrived on Feb. 20.

The ship will spend her first few months in Florida offering five- to seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries which also includes CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.

In May, the ship will head back to Europe, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean voyages with passengers able to embark either at Barcelona, Spain or Barcelona, Spain (Rome), Italy.

In November, the ship will return to the U.S., to Port Canaveral, to offer six- and seven-night Caribbean itineraries.

“The Wonder of the Seas will energize cruising in a bolder and bigger way. Adding this ship to our already best-in-class fleet elevates the company is continuing to lead the industry with new features and innovation,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group.

The Wonder of the Seas was escorted by fireboats and welcomed with ship horn greetings.

Carnival Horizon Resumes Service After Emergency Drydock

The Carnival Horizon is resuming cruise service in Miami after the completion of an emergency drydock in Italy. The vessel is welcoming guests back today for its first Caribbean voyage since December.

The eight-night voyage will feature calls in four ports in the Southern Caribbean, including a 14-hour stop in Aruba.

Sailing year-round from Miami, Carnival Horizon’s program also includes six-night cruises to the Western Caribbean, in addition to varied eight-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean.

The service resumption comes nearly two months after the 4,000-guest vessel was taken out of service to fix a propulsion problem in drydock. The downtime was also used to adorn the Horizon with the brand’s new red, white and blue livery.

To pick up the Horizon’s guests and itineraries from Miami, Carnival brought the Carnival Liberty and Carnival Sunshine back to service.

The 133,500-ton Horizon is part of the three-ship Vista-class. it originally entered service in 2018. According to Carnival, the vessels series was designed to connect guests to the ocean with “sweeping views” and plenty of activities, outdoors and indoors.

Among the ships’ unique features is the SkyRide – a suspended open-air cycling experience. The Vista-class also introduced new speciality food and beverage options, such as the New England-inspired Seafood Shack – a casual indoor/outdoor dining venue.

With most of its fleet now back in service, Carnival plans to have all of its U.S.-based ships sailing again soon.

The Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation and the Carnival Paradise are set to complete the domestic lineup when they resume service in March.

MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its second Seaside Evo-class ship, MSC Seascape.

The 5,877-passenger ship, a sister to MSC Seashore, is currently under construction in Italy and set to be delivered in late November. 

 

Seascape will begin operating its inaugural season from Miami the following month offering two choices of a seven-night itinerary to different parts of the Caribbean.

 

An Eastern Caribbean sailing will call at MSC’s Ocean Cay marine reserve and Nassau in the Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

 

Meanwhile, Seascape’s Western Caribbean voyages will also visit Ocean Cay, as well as Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

The ship is set to feature 11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges, and six swimming pools, and offer the largest MSC Yacht Club area in the line’s fleet.

 

All MSC Voyagers Club members booking Seascape before 31 January will benefit from their customary 5% discount, plus a further 5% early booking discount and enjoy double Voyagers Club points. 

 

Members from Silver to Diamond will also earn a shipboard credit of €50pp.

 

All guests booking before 31 March will have the option to reschedule their cruise free of charge up to 15 days prior to departure.

 

MSC has also opened sales for two other US-based ships next winter, MSC Divina homeporting in PortMiami and MSC Meraviglia sailing out of Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder to Homeport at Port Canaveral For 2022-2023

Royal Caribbean International has announced its new Wonder of the Seas will homeport at Port Canaveral beginning November 2022, according to a press release.

The Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from the port.

Destination highlights include Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico; and each cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“We’re very proud to have Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas homeport here, and we look forward to welcoming her next fall,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port CEO. “This is terrific news for our entire Port community and another endorsement of our commitment to excellence in providing a world-class experience for our cruise guests.”

Norwegian Breakaway Resumes Service From New York City

With its sixth ship resuming service today, Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to New York City. Sailing from Manhattan, the Norwegian Breakaway is welcoming guests back for a Bermuda cruise after an 18-month operational pause.

Through Oct. 31, the 145,000 ton-vessel is set to sail from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal every Sunday, offering its week-long Bermuda voyages.

With an overnight call in King’s Wharf – Bermuda’s main cruise port – and four days at sea, the cruises also offer plenty of time to enjoy the ship.  

Built-in 2013, the Norwegian Breakaway is known for its dining and entertainment options, which includes 678 Ocean Place.

A central complex on Decks 6, 7 and 8, the area is the hub of the ship, featuring several dining options, a selection of bars and lounges, an 18,000 square foot casino, entertainment venues and retail outlets.

On its top decks, the 4,000-guest ship offers the Aqua Park, a complete waterpark with five full-size water slides. Another open-air feature is a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

After a drydock in 2018, the vessel debuted refreshed public areas and introduced a new bar and lounge concept to the fleet with Syd Norman’s Pour House.

Modelled after influential rock houses such as CBGB’s, The Rainbow and others, Syd Norman’s features a vintage look, diner-style seating, signature cocktails and a playlist of rock from the late 1960s to 1980s.

In 2020, during the operational pause, the Breakaway underwent another drydock, receiving additional updates. Work carried out included large bridge and stateroom refits, and the installation of scrubbers and new propellers.

After her Bermuda season, the Norwegian Breakaway is set to relaunch service from New Orleans. Following a 14-night repositioning voyage, the vessel arrives in the Big Easy on Nov. 21, starting a series of week-long Western Caribbean itineraries.

After a long operational pause, Norwegian Cruise Line resumed revenue services in July, with the Norwegian Jade. Based in Piraeus, the vessel launched a program of destination-intensive cruises in Greece.

In August, the brand expanded its restart to Alaska and the Caribbean with the Norwegian Encore sailing from Seattle and the Norwegian Gem resuming service from Miami.  

More recently, the Norwegian Epic and the Norwegian Getaway welcomed guests back in Europe, offering additional itinerary choices in the Mediterranean.

On October 24, a seventh Norwegian ship is set to resume service, as the Norwegian Bliss departs Los Angeles to start a series of Mexican Riviera cruises.

Carnival Dream Resumes Service in Galveston

Another Carnival Cruise Line vessel is resuming service today as the Carnival Dream welcomes guests back in Texas. The 2009-built Galveston-based ship is kicking off a series of six-and eight-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas. 

On its first cruise, the Carnival Dream is sailing on a six-night Western Caribbean itinerary that features visits to three ports in Mexico and Belize. The first stop is Costa Maya, followed by Belize City and Cozumel.

Cozumel – an island in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region surrounded by coral reefs – is one of the highlights of the cruise.

Carnival Dream’s itineraries through December will include other popular ports in the region, such as Half Moon Cay, Roatán and Key West. Two other Carnival ships are currently homeporting in Galveston: the Carnival Breeze and the Carnival Vista.

First, of a series of three ships known as the Dream Class, the Carnival Dream entered service in 2009. At the time, the vessel ushered a new era in “Fun Ship” cruising, offering a unique host of innovations and features.

Among the ship’s highlights is an expanded Carnival WaterWorks aqua park with one of the longest waterslides at sea. The 3,650-guest vessel also introduced entertainment options such as a comedy club and a half-mile wrap-around outdoor promenade, complete with whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides.

Other features include 19,000 square feet of space dedicated to children and families, in addition to a wide variety of formal and casual dining options – a made-to-order pasta venue, a 24-hour pizzeria, a sushi bar, and a burrito station.

The Carnival Dream was upgraded with Carnival’s new hull colours when it went into drydock in July. According to the company, the livery is inspired by the design that debuted on the new Mardi Gras, while serving as a homage to maritime tradition with patriotic red, white and blue hues – also the colours of Carnival Cruise Line. 

The Carnival Dream is the 10th ship to resume service for Carnival Cruise Line after the COVID-19 operational pause.

It also became one of the three ships to resume service for the company this month. On Sept. 12, the Carnival Pride reentered service in Baltimore, kicking off a series of cruises to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.

Also resuming service today, the Carnival Glory is currently embarking on its first cruise from New Orleans after an 18-month pause.

Symphony of the Seas Welcomes Cruise Passengers Back in Miami

The world’s largest cruise ship is welcoming the passengers back today. Sailing from Miami, the Symphony of the Seas is relaunching service for Royal Caribbean International with a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

On its first cruise in 17 months, the Royal Caribbean International ship is visiting four ports in three different countries. After leaving Miami, the vessel is set to visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, in Mexico, before arriving in Honduras, with a call in Roátan.

A stop in Perfect Day at CocoCay concludes the itinerary, which also features two days at sea. A popular port of call, the private destination is located in the Bahamas and features unique attractions, including North America’s tallest waterslides.

The destination will be a regular stop for the 2018-built vessel during the year. Through December, the ship is set to sail alternating Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami.

An enlarged and improved version of the original Oasis-class ships, the Symphony of the Seas is currently the biggest cruise vessel in the world. With a capacity of over 5,400 passengers, the vessel has several distinctive features, including the ten-deck drop Ultimate Abyss slide.

Other highlights are the AquaTheater – an open-air, fountain-filled show lounge – and the Central Park – a park at sea, with real plants and its own set of shops and restaurants.

With its first cruise about to be underway, the Symphony is the tenth Royal Caribbean International vessel in service.

It also became the second of four ships to resume operations for the company this week.

On August 13, the Ovation of the Seas welcomed the passengers back, kicking off a shortened Alaska season.

On Sunday, both the Harmony of the Seas and the Independence of the Seas are marking their service restarts. While the former is set to sail from Barcelona for a Mediterranean cruise, the latter is departing Galveston on a Western Caribbean itinerary.

The Oasis of the Seas is reentering service next, with its first cruise departing Cape Liberty.

Norwegian Jewel first big ship for new port in Honduras

By Tom Stieghorst

Several new cruise ports have sprung up south of the traditional ports of call in the Western Caribbean, bringing that area onto more cruise itineraries, especially from homeports in Texas and Louisiana.

The latest entrant is Banana Coast, which welcomed its first large ship when the Norwegian Jewel called on Oct. 15. Situated in the port town of Trujillo, it is the first cruise port on the mainland of Honduras.

Two other Honduran cruise ports, Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay, opened in 2008 and 2010, respectively, on the island of Roatan, about 30 miles offshore of the country’s north coast.

Honduran dignitaries turned out to greet the 2,376-passenger Jewel on arrival last week. Six lines are expected to make 29 calls from now until April 20.

They are expected to bring more than 50,000 passengers to the port, said Randy Jorgensen, general manager of Grande Trujillo Autoridad, developer of the 10-acre property.

The Jewel’s Oct. 12 departure from Houston marked Norwegian Cruise Line’s return to that port after seven years away. Banana Coast will be a regular stop on itineraries that also include Cozumel and Belize City.

“It’s key to attract a cruise line of Norwegian’s size and prestige,” Jorgensen said. “It’s extremely powerful in terms of opening the doors to get things done.”

Other lines expected to call this year are Holland America Line, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises and Crystal Cruises, Jorgensen said.

Banana Coast was announced in 2011. It opened even though a $35 million pier envisioned as part of the project has not been built. The port has a beach and a shopping village, which includes about half of the 50,000 square feet in original plans.

Jorgensen said further development hinges on attracting more passengers, “when we start getting higher volumes or an actual need for the dock.”

One factor that clouds future plans is the announcement by Norwegian Cruise Line that it plans its own port in the area on Harvest Caye in southern Belize, about 75 miles away.

Jorgensen said 20 to 30 calls are booked for 2015-16, even without Norwegian. “If Norwegian continues to have confidence in us, we’ll probably get another 20 to 30 calls from them, I would think.”

Jorgensen said he believes cruise passengers will want to come to Banana Coast because it is fresh and authentic. The town of Trujillo is a short walk and is rich with Spanish colonial history, he said.

“We haven’t tried to duplicate southern Florida,” he said. “We’ve kept the local culture and the local institutions in place so they can be part of the experience for the passengers.”

Excursions from Banana Coast include horseback riding, kayaking through a wildlife preserve, tours of an animal rescue center focused on scarlet macaws and a snorkel tour of a starfish bay. The project has about 200 direct employees, Jorgensen said.

Grande Trujillo Autoridad includes Jorgensen’s real estate company in Honduras, Life Vision Development, Canadian equity investors and the municipality of Trujillo, which owns 20%. Miami-based Global Destinations Development, headed by Michael Greve, is a development partner.