Carnival Vista cruises cancelled to fix thruster

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled three July departures of the 3,934-passenger Carnival Vista to fix a propulsion problem. The Vista is a relatively new ship that entered service in May 2016.

The problem left the ship only able to operate at reduced speeds. Carnival said the Vista has been operating on revised itineraries the last two cruises because one of its two azipod thrusters is not operating normally.

The cruises cancelled are the Vista's July 6, 13 and 20 departures from Galveston, Texas. Guests will get a full refund of cruise fares and any pre-purchased excursions.

Carnival is offering a credit of 100% of the fare paid towards the cost of a future Carnival cruise. It has also offered up to $200 per person for independent air expenses or change fees.

"We sincerely apologize for the unanticipated disruption to your vacation plans. We are deeply disappointed that we will not be able to deliver the cruise we had planned for you," a Carnival guest letter said.

Carnival said the seven-day cruise scheduled to depart on June 22 from Galveston will now be an eight-day cruise departing June 23.  The cruise scheduled for June 29 will now depart on July 1 and will be a similar eight-day cruise. After that, the ship will be out of service for 17 days while all azipod thruster bearings are replaced.

In a conference call with analysts about 2019 second-quarter earnings, Carnival Corp. CFO David Bernstein said fixing the problem will take longer than it might otherwise have because damage to the drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard made it unavailable.

The drydock was damaged when a crane collapsed while making repairs to the Oasis of the Seas in April.

In its second-quarter earnings statement, Carnival said 2019 earnings would be reduced by $62 million to $74 million by "voyage disruptions related to Carnival Vista."

MSC Cruises More Details on Private Island Ocean Cay

MSC's Ocean Cay is set to welcome guests later this year to its private island experience in the Bahamas, with the cruise line releasing new details today.

Among the features are eight beaches; Seakers Family Cove, a shallow lagoon to play in with a beach for games, monitored by lifeguards; Seakers food court, which will be complimentary for guests; the Spa at Ocean Cay; various evening entertainment including a light show around the 98 ft. lighthouse at the centre of the island, a traditional Junkanoo parade — Bahamian festival and consisting of a feast of colourful costumes, music and dancing.; and shore excursions including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling and stargazing in the evenings.

"The vision for the island is to immerse guests in the natural beauty of their surroundings in the Bahamas. Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles – beliefs that shape everything from how venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island. Work is underway to design opportunities for guests to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs," MSC said, in a prepared statement. 

As part of the development of Ocean Cay, MSC said it is working to establish the roadmap for the restoration of marine resources, including habitats and species present in the area. This will include the restoration of endangered corals and the implementation of other conservation and educational programs.

The island is situated within protected waters spanning 64 square miles, but the ambition is to further extend this parameter to ensure an even greater impact, MSC said.

MSC also said it had commissioned a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) that provided a short term overview of the waters around Ocean Cay.

"An integral part of the marine ecosystem, coral needs to be protected as they maintain biodiversity, provide a habitat for marine life and protect coastlines," the company said. "Now that the waters around the island are protected and it is no longer an industrial site once used for sand excavation, the seabed is returning to normal. The hope is that the coral will again begin to thrive. Plans are underway to establish a coral nursery on the East side of the island with the goal of propagating even more coral, particularly the more endangered varieties."

The recent survey established that there are three types of coral that can be found in abundance — primarily Agaricia agaricites known as lettuce coral; Porites astreoides commonly known as mustard hill coral or yellow porites; and Siderastrea also known as massive starlet coral. These species are more capable of withstanding harsh temperature conditions and siltation than other species. Also found around the island during the assessment is the critically endangered Acropora palmata known as Elkhorn Coral. Four distinct colonies of this species were observed along the rocky shoreline of these cays. Over time these corals will become candidates for restoration in the coral nursery.

The Ocean Cay team is already seeing an increase in marine life in the area, and the REA identified 88 different species of fish around the island as well as lobster, sea turtles and rays.

Norwegian Ends Open Bar on Sun and Sky

Starting in September, Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer offer its open bar on all Sky and Sun sailings, which was said to be a key selling point in a competitive short cruise market.

The Sky and Sun both sailed to Cuba recently with an open bar offering. The Sky went to the open-bar program in 2016, with the Sun following as she was positioned into the short cruise market

Guests were able to enjoy, for free, a variety of unlimited premium spirits, mixed cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $11.

The ships will now operate under Norwegian's popular "Free at Sea" marketing program, letting guests choose various perks, including free WiFi, shore excursions, or an open bar, for example. 

Existing reservations on cruises departing on either ship after Sept. 7 will be honoured for the open bar program.

P&O Celebrates Newbuild Milestone for New Iona

P&O Celebrates Newbuild Milestone for New Iona

A key stage in the construction of the P&O Iona has been marked at Meyer Werft as the P&O newbuild and yard team celebrated the milestone with the traditional coin-laying ceremony for the 180,000-ton LNG-fueled vessel. 

A bronze coin from the historic Iona Abbey and a slice of precious green Iona marble from the island were placed under the block housing the bow thrusters before the block was then lowered onto these items.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “This was an auspicious occasion in Iona’s build. The coin-laying is a long-held ship-building tradition which is to bring good luck to the ship and its crew through from construction to the future at sea.

“It is very special to think that a small part of the island of Iona will live within our own Iona. We hope that the qualities of beauty, heritage, pride, camaraderie, mutual support and loyalty from the island which attracted us to the name will be inherent in our ship, its crew and guests.

“The build of any ship is an incredible achievement but to see one of this size and scope is an extraordinary feat of skilled design and engineering. To view Iona’s SkyDome take shape was literally breath-taking – no other ship in the world has a glass dome of this quality of construction and scale. The extent of the space on Iona has allowed us to create not only spectacular spaces for shows, entertainment, dining and wellness but also many more intimate spaces for tranquillity and relaxation as well as exclusive performances. Iona will be game-changer for holidays.”

As part of the ceremony the ship’s central steel block, the mega block, which has already been constructed was floated out on to the water, according to a press release. 

The 21.5-metre long block weighs 461 tons, is 19.4 metres wide and 9.8 metres high and had to be lifted by a 600-ton crane.

Virgin Voyages Announces New Itineraries, First Canadian Female Captain

PHOTO: Captain Wendy Williams Named Master of Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady (Virgin Voyages)

With Cuba cruises now off the table as part of the Trump administration’s latest policy changes, Virgin Voyages has announced that it will instead visit Key West and Riviera Maya during its 2020 inaugural season.

The fledgeling cruise company has just revealed the full line-up of itineraries for its premiere season.

Most notably, in response to the new U.S. government restrictions on Cuba travel, Virgin will instead offer what it is calling “Fire and Sunset Soirées” including a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from Bimini.

The trips allow participants to experience the cultural and boating paradise of Key West, paired with a day of rejuvenation in Bimini, Bahamas, that’s topped off by an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. The celebration under the stars is exclusive to the Fire and Sunset Soiree sailings.

PHOTO: Virgin Voyages names its first ship Scarlet Lady. (rendering courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

In addition, the 2020 season includes five-night Riviera Maya sailings that visit Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The trip features opportunities for travellers to experience some of the world’s best diving, as well as the chance to explore ecological and archaeological treasures, including Mayan ruins or neighbouring Tulum.

In response to demand for longer itineraries, Virgin Voyages has also developed special seven-night sailings for the 2020 holiday season. Options include the all-new Holidaze and Nights and New Year’s Ahoy voyages, which fall over the Christmas and New Year’s respectively, and feature stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and late-night sail aways in both Bimini, Bahamas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

New itineraries were just part of the updates announced by Virgin Voyages. The company also revealed that it has appointed Captain Wendy Williams as Master of Scarlet Lady, making her the first Canadian woman to captain a ship for a major cruise brand.

Tapping Williams for the lead role is a notable milestone in Virgin’s Scarlet Squad program, which was announced last year. The initiative is focused on bridging the gender gap in leadership across the maritime industry, where women make up less than three per cent of the workforce.

The Scarlet Squad program actively works to recruit, support and mentor female shipboard talent, while also growing opportunities for leadership roles in marine, technical and hotel management positions on board.

“Captain Wendy’s extensive maritime background makes her an excellent choice to lead the Scarlet Lady, but it is her spirit and drive to approach life at sea differently that make her the perfect fit to join the Virgin Voyages family,” Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages, said in a statement.

Williams has more than 28 years of experience working on ships at sea. Her background includes more than a decade as a deckhand in commercial fishing as well as working as a ferryboat captain.

Although she has spent more than 15 years working on the bridge of mega cruise ships, her role with Virgin Voyages will be her first promotion to the master of a cruise ship.

Virgin Voyages to feature Key West instead of Havana

With Cuba cruises from the U.S. no longer permitted, Virgin Voyages' four-day "Havana After Dark" cruises will be replaced with a four-day cruise featuring Key West.

The new itinerary will be called "Fire and Sunset Soirees" and will include a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from Bimini. 

All Virgin cruises will visit the line's Bimini Beach Club but only the Key West itinerary will offer a "late-night beach bonfire soiree" in Bimini.

Virgin said the evening will feature artistic fire installations that draw their inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Necker Island, home to Virgin founder Richard Branson.

Virgin also detailed two seven-day holiday sailings. "Holidaze and Nights" and "New Year's Ahoy" will call in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and feature late-night sailaways in Bimini and San Juan.

Wendy Williams was named the captain of the Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages' first ship.

Virgin also said it has appointed a captain for its first ship, the Scarlet Lady. It said that Wendy Williams will become the first Canadian woman to be captain of a ship for a major cruise brand. Virgin said the appointment is in keeping with its Scarlet Squad program, an initiative dedicated to bridging the gender gap in leadership roles across the maritime industry.

Climate Change Activists Delay Cruise Ship in Germany

PHOTO: Holland America Line's Zuiderdam. (photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

Dozens of activists blocked a cruise ship from leaving port in Germany over the weekend.

Holland America Line's Zuiderdam cruise ship was delayed from leaving port in Kiel for several hours on Sunday night.

Newsweek identified the group as "Smash Cruises**t" and reported they used small boats to block the ship. The group also hung a banner that read "cruises kill climate."

"We will no longer allow the Pacific States to sink into the sea because holidaymakers lie in the pool and while they wait to travel from city to city," the group said in a statement via Fox News. "In recent years, we have distributed flyers again and again here at the terminal. However, the Kiel seaport has always tried to limit our freedom of assembly in every conceivable way and prevented us from turning to passengers."

"Now we are obviously in the way and making it clear: We will not tolerate the operation and a further expansion of cruises."

Kreuzfahrtschiffe (k)entern@smashcruiseshit

Some more pictures of #cruiseship-#blockade at the harbour of Kiel. The ship was delayed about 6 hours. For #climatejustice we must stop the whole cruise ship industrie. #smashcruiseshit @NoGrandiNavi

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The cruise line confirmed the incident in a statement.

"Zuiderdam was delayed from departing the port of Kiel, Germany due to demonstration activities in the port," Holland America Line said in a statement. "The ship sailed at 9:55 p.m. local time for Copenhagen, Denmark, as planned and arrived June 10 at 9 a.m., two hours later than originally scheduled. The ship departed Copenhagen June 10 on its regularly scheduled 14-day Northern Isles voyage."

Last week, Carnival Corporation & plc agreed to pay a $20 million penalty as part of a settlement with federal prosecutors after authorities found it was the largest cruise line still polluting oceans.

So close yet so far: Disappointment on the Norwegian Sun

Lori Osgood's clients were eager to visit Cuba for the first time this week when they were to cruise into Havana aboard the Norwegian Sun. The group had been planning their family cruise since last November.

It was not to be. 

The Trump administration's new regulations implemented on Tuesday forced cruise lines to immediately remove Cuba from all itineraries.

"They were excited to soak in all that Havana had to offer -- the sights, sounds, people and culture," said Osgood, a Cruise Planners travel advisor in Jacksonville, Fla. "They are disappointed that they missed their chance."

Instead of Havana, the Norwegian Sun's passengers headed to Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian informed passengers with an announcement on the ship. 

"I sell a fair amount of Cuba and am saddened that many of my clients who were planning to travel there will not have the opportunity to do so, at least not in the foreseeable future," she said. 

As for cruise travellers already booked for Cuba, she will spend "a few extra hours to make sure our clients who were supposed to go to Cuba are well taken care of."

Next MSC Opera cruise cancelled

MSC Opera

MSC Cruises has decided to cancel the next cruise of the MSC Opera, which collided with a docked river cruise ship and the pier in Venice.

Although the damage to the ship's hull has been repaired, MSC is still awaiting the completion of the investigation conducted by the authorities, MSC said. The collision occurred after the MSC Opera sounded its horn at length before ramming the river ship. A later statement attributed the ship's inability to stop to "technical problems."

The cancelled cruise was scheduled to depart Bari, Italy, on June 8. MSC said that 2,451 guests from 53 countries will be affected.

Guests will be offered a full refund of their cruise fare and incurred travel expenses as well as any pre-booked services, plus a 50% discount on a future 7- to 21-day cruise before the end of 2020.

Without Cuba cruises, Royal Caribbean lowers profit outlook

Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said eliminating Cuba from the itinerary of various sailings will reduce 2019 earnings by $52 million to $73 million.

"While the affected sailings impact only 3% of our 2019 capacity, the extremely short notice period for this high-yielding destination amplifies the earnings impact," said Jason T. Liberty, executive vice president and CFO. "The result of this policy change has created a short-term impact on our guests, operations and earnings; fortunately, we have many alternative and attractive destinations for our guests to choose from."

The other major cruise companies affected by the decision to ban U.S. cruises to Cuba haven't commented on the financial impact.

Cuba accounts for 1% of capacity at Carnival Corp. and 4% at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, according to a note from Wells Fargo Securities, which estimated the economic impact on Carnival at $21 million to $42 million and on Norwegian at $26 million to $60 million.

Norwegian Alters Cuba Itineraries, Quantifies Financial Impact

Norwegian Sky cruise ship in Havana Cuba. (Photo by Brian Major).

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has updated its itineraries across all brands and estimated the financial impact the changes will have on its 2019 financials.

Currently, the company is working to modify all of its itineraries that included Cuba to reflect the ban on ships calling on the island.

“Our three brands are working diligently to accommodate the needs of our guests and travel partners as we quickly modify itineraries to meet the new Cuba travel regulations,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“We share in the disappointment that comes with these changes especially on such short notice and sincerely appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our guests for this inconvenience. Our brands have put in place generous compensation programs that offer guests and travel partners a compelling, value-packed alternative.”

Norwegian also pointed to the financial impact these changes will have given the “extremely abbreviated timeframe” the cruise line had to make modifications.

The new restrictions will impact all of Norwegian’s brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Sailings that included a Cuban port of call represented slightly more than 3 per cent of the Norwegian’s remaining sailings in 2019 for all three brands.

This impact will result in an adjustment to the company’s earnings for the year. According to Norwegian, the modification of these itineraries, the substantial discounts offered to guests for them to remain on their booked cruise, the accommodation of cancellations and changes to reservations, incremental marketing investment to support the compressed sales cycle for the modified voyages, along with the protection of travel agent commissions will result in an estimated impact to Adjusted EPS for full-year 2019 of approximately $0.35 to $0.45.

Cuba Travel Ban Could Ignite Secondhand Ship Market

The secondhand cruise ship market could pick up steam following recent Cuba restrictions.

With nautical and infrastructure restrictions in Havana, cruise lines calling on the Cuban city have been using older, medium-sized vessels that may not have fit into their traditional fleets.

Industry sources said they expect some pick-up in the secondhand market with Cuba now off limits, as the now less-competitive tonnage could find new owners, or become ships in new ventures.

Among the players, Carnival Corporation sold multiple ships in 2018 but has not announced any transfers or sales thus far in 2019.

Last year, it was announced that the Pacific Eden was sold to Cruise & Maritime Voyages while the Pacific Jewel was sent to Indian start-up Jalesh Cruises.

Holland America Line sold the Prinsendam, which will become the Amera this summer for Phoenix Reisen.

P&O Cruises UK also announced the Oriana will leave the fleet in 2019, joining the Piano Land startup in China.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has not announced any significant fleet changes in some time, nor has Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

In December, on an earnings call, Carnival Corp. President and CEO Arnold Donald said that if a ship is earning and relevant, that is most key.

Spirit of Discovery Leaves on Ems River Conveyance

Saga Cruises first-ever new-build, the Spirit of Discovery, has left on her Ems River conveyance.

The Spirit of Discovery will proceed in reverse up the river Ems to the North Sea. According to a press release, this approach has proven successful in the past as it makes it easier to steer the ship. Two tugs will be providing assistance in the process.

The plans call for the ship to arrive in Emden on Monday, May 27 at 8:00 a.m. local time, with the rest of the week scheduled for technical tests and sea trials. 

River Conveyance Schedule: 

Sunday, May 26, 2019
Approx. 09.00 pm: ship in waiting position (Papenburg)
Approx. 10.00 pm: ship passes sea lock (Papenburg)

Monday, May 27, 2019
Approx. 00.30 am: ship passes Friesenbrücke (Weener)
Approx. 02.30 am: ship passes the Jann Berghaus bridge (Leer)
Approx. 05.00 am: arrival at the river Ems barrier (Gandersum)
Approx. 06.45 am: ship passes the Ems barrier
Approx. 08.00 am: arrival Emden sea lock

Voyages to Antiquity cancel cruises to repair ship engine

Voyages to Antiquity has cancelled cruises on its Aegean Odyssey ship from May through August to repair the ship's starboard engine.

In all, 10 cruises were cancelled, starting with the Black Sea & Greek Islands itinerary departing May 2. 

The company said that following repairs, the Aegean Odyssey will resume cruises starting with the scheduled Sept. 7 Rome-Venice itinerary.

Voyages to Antiquity said guests affected by these cancellations are being contacted and will be provided with a full refund. "We are working closely with our trade partners and doing everything possible to minimize disruption," a statement said.

Royal Caribbean boss moves to dispel UK cruise concerns

Independence of the Seas in Southampton photo by Dave Jones.

Royal Caribbean Cruises’ boss has moved to dispel concerns that the UK cruise industry faces a bleak future amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty.

Royal Caribbean International last week cancelled Independence of the Seas’ 2020 UK season and announced the ship would operate out of Florida instead to meet the demand for Perfect Day in CocoCay, the line’s new private island in the Bahamas.

The decision left some agents to question whether a soft UK market due to Brexit had prompted the decision – rather than a soaring interest in the $250 million private island which will be served by 11 Royal ships this year.

Speaking on Celebrity Edge’s maiden ex-UK sailing from Southampton on Monday, Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean Cruises’ chairman and chief executive, said: “We are here for the long term, we are not here for the current climate.

“There is no doubt that the UK market will do very well in the long-term and it continues to be our second largest market. We have been here when it has gone through cycles. The cruise industry is not fickle – it is solid and consistent.”

Fain admitted there was “a modicum of uncertainty” in the UK market as confusion continued over when Britain would leave the EU.

But he added that Royal Caribbean International had to move more capacity to North America due to “an extraordinary surge in interest” in Perfect Day, which launched just over a week ago.

“This is a wonderful problem to have,” he said, adding: “That we don’t have enough ships to satisfy the [customer] demand.”

Plans to expand the existing Perfect Day site were being looked at, said Fain. Only a third of the island is currently being used by Royal Caribbean to accommodate passengers.

Fain also added: “We look at the UK market as more than just ships sailing out of the UK. One of the reasons why the UK market has been so attractive to us is Brits are amazing travellers.”

Sailings in the eastern Mediterranean represented “a great opportunity” for Britons looking for fly-cruise options away from the UK, Fain said.

TUI Cruises Featuring Tattoo Parlor Aboard the Mein Schiff 2

TUI Cruises is featuring tattoo artist Chris Krafft and colleagues from B. Liberty Tattoo in Hamburg aboard Mein Schiff 2 throughout May.

TUI said that maritime symbols, such as anchors and compasses were popular, but also are so-called cover-ups, where old tattoos are replaced with new ones.

"Tattooing aboard a cruise ship is a very special challenge," commented Krafft in a prepared statement. "If it rocks, a steady hand is a must. And in case of doubt, I take a break. A tattoo is a memory for life.”

After a test phase on Mein Schiff 2, TUI will decide whether to introduce the tattoo parlour across the fleet.

"The likelihood is high," said Sven Irmer, product development manager. "The parlour is fully booked every day; the response has been overwhelming."

The cost of a tattoo is calculated according to the effort and starts at 100 euros.

Norwegian Releases New Ship Renderings

Norwegian Cruise Line has released new renderings of its next ship class, called Project Leonardo, with the first of four ships debuting in 2022.

How to Create an Off-The-Beaten-Path Experience on a Cruise

PHOTO: A classic car drives past the Norwegian Sky in Havana, Cuba (photo by Lauren Bowman)

If it’s not on Instagram, did your vacation actually happen?

The authentic, off-the-beaten-path, Instagrammable vacation is what vacationers want today, according to recent studies.

In cruising terms, this translates to small ports, far-flung locals and activities they won’t find on every single mega-ship.

Cruises are obliging.

They’re taking travellers to destinations that include the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, Cuba and even Antarctica.

“There is a special allure for Americans due to Cuba being a forbidden travel destination for so many decades,” says Laura Carlson, principal travel advisor in Houston. “The Galapagos Islands are amazing because the animals have no fear of humans, so you are standing about 5 feet away from them while they pose for your photos. Additionally, Antarctica is a popular destination and books up fast.”

Formerly, a Caribbean cruise—which is an easy, accessible vacation for anyone and everyone —was the go-to for cruisers. But today, new and seasoned cruisers are taking on the complicated spots, craving the previously inaccessible locations.

According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, visitor numbers making shore landings in Antarctica reached close to 52,000 during the 2017/2018 season, an increase of 17 per cent from the previous year.

This is despite of—or because of—the fact that the ships may only carry a maximum of 500 visitors at a time, and only one ship can visit each site. There is a maximum number of ship visits daily, with no more than 100 passengers onshore at a time.

And then there’s the journey itself.

“Accessing the Antarctic Peninsula involves two days at sea crossing the infamous Drake Passage—this is a notoriously unpredictable stretch of ocean,” says Frances Armitage, senior PR executive at Chimu Adventures in Sydney. “We are living in an increasingly experiential society, and Antarctica has ultimate bragging rights, yet is still a safe and accessible thing to do if you have the money and time.”

Even the ships travelling to more popular destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean are working hard to create the off-the-beaten-path experiences on and off the water to attract vacationers.

Dominica is famous for its waterfalls and natural beauty.

For example, Seabourn and Holland America are some of the ships that stop at Dominica, where visitors can tour the volcanic mountains, rainforests and geothermal springs. Princess cruises stop at Bequia, which is a 7-mile island where you can visit the open-air food market to try the local cuisine or check out the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.

Many people are opting to extend their trip with a land-based tour for a few days either before or after the trip, says Jenni Fielding, marketing manager at Cruise 118 in the UK. More than half—or 57 per cent—of cruisers extend their vacations in the port cities, and 68 per cent of millennials do this, according to the Cruise Lines International Association study.

“Seasoned cruisers are looking for something new. Not just new port of call, but also new land-based experiences when they get there,” Fielding says.

They’re also choosing ships that offer onboard experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.

Carnival Vista (© Carnival)

Carnival Vista just added the RedFrog Pub and Brewery, which creates beer out of desalinated seawater. And on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, former Olympians perform in its water acrobat show.

Now that is something you can brag about on Instagram.

Royal Caribbean cancels Independence 2020 ex-UK season

Royal Caribbean cancels Independence 2020 ex-UK season

Independence of the Seas in Southampton by Dave Jones

Royal Caribbean has cancelled Independence of the Seas’ ex-UK season next summer.

The 4,560-passenger ship was due to operate cruises from Southampton to Europe, alongside Anthem of the Seas, from May 2020. It will now offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale in Florida instead.

The line insisted the move was not a reflection of a softer UK market, but rather in response to “phenomenal demand” from North America.

The ship was understood to be “well-sold” but the line declined to reveal how many UK passengers – and the agents who booked them – are affected by the move.

Ben Bouldin, associate vice president and managing director, Royal Caribbean International UK & Ireland, said guests affected by the itinerary change will be offered full refunds, and a ‘Future Cruise Credit’ for use on alternative sailings – valued at 25% of the cruise fare paid on their cancelled sailing.

Guests booked on the transatlantic sailings will be offered an alternative sailing on Anthem of the Seas, which is also sailing ex-UK to Europe in summer 2020, along with onboard credit based on their stateroom category and sailing length.

Non-refundable airline charges will be reimbursed, and full refunds given to those who wish to cancel.

Bouldin stressed: “This is not a reflection on the UK market but rather a response to the phenomenal demand we’re seeing in North America.  Ex-UK 2020 sales have been buoyant since our ‘on sale now’ campaign back in November 2018 and we are also seeing strong demand from UK guests for sailings outside of Europe, particularly in the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific regions.

“The UK continues to be an important market for Royal Caribbean.”

President and chief executive Michael Bayley had expressed nervousness around the UK market because of the Brexit situation, before confirming the deployment of Anthem to Southampton, which would more than double the line’s ex-UK capacity.

Last year, he said: “The big thing for us is the value of sterling. We are an American company. All of our revenues have to come back to us in dollars. When Brexit hit, that was a 15% cut. The UK is a big side of our business.”

But he later confirmed Anthem would indeed join Independence, saying: “We experience volatility in all the markets that we operate in. Our strategy has been a continuation, protect, optimise and carry on the journey; that is why we announced that Anthem is coming to the UK in 2020.

“By the time we have got through 2019, we will be in a far more stable environment. A lot of the choppiness will have stabilised. We are hoping but we don’t know. This kind of uncertainty is not good for business.”

This was before the Brexit deadline was delayed another six months to October 31, 2019.

Bouldin added: “The benefit of our global business model is that we are able to reposition ships to satisfy the demand of our guests.  In this case, demand is high in the Caribbean, especially for itineraries to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, and keeping Independence of the Seas in Florida allows us to meet the demand.”

Independence of the Seas, which came back into service after a multi-million-pound refit in May 2018, is the most popular of all Royal Caribbean ships among UK agents and their customers. A Royal Caribbean spokeswoman confirmed that agents with customers booked on Independence of the Seas for summer 2020 sailings will keep the commission they have earned.

She added that the line is hoping that many affected passengers will transfer to Anthem of the Seas, which it pointed out was a larger and newer vessel.

Royal Caribbean will be sending letters to all affected passengers this morning (Thurs) to let them know of the decision and to outline their alternative options. It will also be contacting trade partners.

Royal’s Onboard Revenue Spike Driven by Experiences

Onboard revenue for Royal Caribbean Cruises was up significantly in the company’s first quarter, going from $602 million in 2018 to $729 million in 2019.

“Guests spend for onboard activities has continued to shift towards areas that involve experiences over buying things and this quarter was no different,” said Jason T. Liberty, CFO, Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Passengers spent an average of $69.10 (gross) per day in the first quarter compared to $62.55 a year prior.

Liberty said shore excursions and various types of packages were key in driving the onboard revenue performance.

“We saw an over the index of spend on shore excursions and products like beverage packages, internet packages and again it is more focused on the experiential stuff versus seeing more spend occur within the retail shops,” he said.