Princess Cruises has extended their price guarantee on cruises through 2026 as long as it is booked by December 15, 2024.
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Princess Cruises decided to extend this price guarantee due to the popularity of the program after it launched this past summer. They call “Better than Best Price Guarantee” and it’s something most cruise lines do not offer.
Cruisers can now book a Princess cruise that departs in 2025 and 2026 and know they are getting the best possible price on their vacation.
Here is how it works:
If you book a Princess cruise that departs in 2025 or 2026 and find a publicly available lower cruise fare for the identical verified booking on princess.com prior to the final payment of the cruise, you are eligible for compensation.
All you have to do is submit a Guarantee Claim Form and Princess Cruises will give you an onboard credit (OBC) with a value of 120% of the difference. Onboard credit can be spent once your board your ship.
The cruise must be booked by December 15, 2024 in order to be eligible.
Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer, gave the following statement:
“Now is the best time to secure preferred itineraries to spectacular destinations in the accommodations you prefer – from balconies, suites and more – all at the best pricing,” said. Plus, our exclusive guarantee covers the extended period from the initial booking all the way to final payment – a perk not always offered by other cruise lines.”
Princess Cruises is one of nine cruise lines from Carnival Corporation and they currently have 17 ships in their fleet.
An 18th ship, Star Princess, is scheduled to enter service in 2025.
Royal Caribbean has sent a letter to impacted guests after bookings had to be cancelled on an upcoming cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas.
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One of the lifeboats on the Vision-class vessel was damaged on a previous sailing. Due to the damage, this lifeboat cannot be used, and the cruise ship would not have enough capacity on the remaining lifeboats for every passenger.
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires a cruise ship to have a designated seat on a lifeboat or life raft for each passenger. This makes sure in the event of an emergency everyone has space on a life-saving vessel.
Only passengers whose seats were designated on the damaged lifeboat were affected by the cancellations.
Rhapsody of the Seas is scheduled to depart from Puerto Rico on the next sailing on September 15, 2024.
Guests that were impacted by the booking cancellations will be receiving a full refund for their cruise in addition to credit for a future cruise.
Passengers will have until September of 2025 to redeem the future cruise credit and it will be for 100% of the amount they originally paid for the cancelled cruise.
The statement sent to passengers whose cruises were cancelled said the following, according to news reports:
“On our previous sailing, there was damage to one of our tender boats, which also serves as a lifeboat. This leaves the ship over capacity for the number of available lifeboat seats in the event of an emergency in our next sailing. Unfortunately, this means we’ll be unable to welcome you onboard.”
Rhapsody of the Seas is currently offering 7-night cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, visiting destinations like St Croix, St Thomas, St Maarten, and Barbados.
The ship will remain homported in San Juan until it is scheduled to move to Tampa, Florida in November of 2025.
“We know this is disappointing news and we’re terribly sorry for the impact on your vacation plans,” Royal Caribbean concluded in the statement.
A cruise line has opened for bookings cruises on a new class of ship that will debut in late 2025.
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Windstar Cruises’ new ship, Star Seeker, is now open for bookings. The 112 suite ship will sail its maiden season in the Caribbean, Alaska and Japan.
Star Seeker’s maiden voyage will depart on December 28, 2025, a Transatlantic cruise that will end in Miami on January 13, 2026.
Once the ship is in Miami, it will be officially named and christened. The cruise line will also host a series of events on the ship for travel advisors and media once it is in Florida.
Two days after Star Seeker arrives in Miami, it will depart on an eight-night christening cruise to the Caribbean. After a series of cruises from Miami, the ship will pass through the Panama Canal so it can sail to Alaska and Japan.
The ship will sail to Alaska from May through August 2026 and homeport in Vancouver.
Following Alaska, Star Seeker will cross the Pacific to Japan in early September, where the cruise line will bring back its popular Grand Japan itinerary on four dates through October.
Windstar Cruises last sailed in Japan in 2023.
Windstar President Christopher Prelog said the following:
“I’m really excited we’ll be able to sail the new Star Seeker in the Caribbean before the ship continues on to its final destinations of Alaska and Japan.
“Star Seeker will likely not return to the Caribbean again, so it’s a wonderful but fleeting chance for our Caribbean destination fans to experience the ship. We have some celebrations planned to bring Star
“Seeker together with other Windstar ships in the Caribbean, like a sunset sailing parade past the pitons in St. Lucia with Wind Spirit and Star Pride. It will be a warm welcome to the fleet for our new ship.”
Setting sail on a cruise can be an exciting adventure, but your journey begins long before you step onto the ship.
The cruise port you depart from plays a crucial role in shaping the start and end of your cruise. While many US ports offer smooth sailing, some have gained notoriety for their challenges.
However, the beauty of the Bay Area can’t mask the logistical hurdles that cruisers face when departing from this port.
The most significant issue plaguing San Francisco’s cruise port is its awkward traffic access. The city’s infamous congestion often leads to lengthy delays, turning what should be an exciting start to your holiday into a frustrating ordeal.
To avoid the worst of the traffic, consider arriving at the port early in the morning or later in the afternoon, outside of peak hours – as long as you make sure you arrive in time to board, of course!
Once you’ve navigated the traffic, you’ll face another challenge: limited elevator access. With only one elevator for embarkation and another for disembarkation, bottlenecks are common. This setup can lead to long queues and extended wait times, particularly for those with mobility issues or large amounts of luggage.
Recent years have seen an increase in wait times at the San Francisco cruise terminal. To mitigate this, arrive well before your scheduled boarding time and be prepared for a potentially lengthy check-in process.
Consider packing a small carry-on with essentials, including entertainment and snacks, to make the wait more bearable.
Despite these challenges, the stunning views and vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco are pleasant and there are some excellent itineraries you can enjoy sailing from the port.
By planning ahead and managing your expectations, you can still begin your voyage on a high note.
2. New York City: The Big Apple’s big cruise challenges
New York City, the city that never sleeps, offers a thrilling backdrop for the start of a cruise. However, the excitement of departing from this world-famous metropolis comes with its fair share of challenges.
The New York cruise experience is often described as chaotic, reflecting the bustling nature of the city itself. The sheer volume of passengers, combined with the port’s location in one of the busiest cities in the world, can lead to a frenetic embarkation process.
To handle this chaos, arrive early and have all your documents readily accessible to streamline the check-in process. You definitely don’t want to show up to New York without being organised.
While boarding can be hectic, it’s the disembarkation process that truly tests passengers’ patience. Long queues, customs delays, and the challenge of finding transportation in the city can turn the end of your relaxing cruise into a stress-inducing experience.
I’d recommend booking a private transfer in advance or allowing plenty of time if you’re catching a flight post-cruise.
Many cruisers compare New York unfavourably to ports like Port Canaveral in Florida, which is known for its efficiency and user-friendly layout. However, the unique experience of sailing out of New York harbour, past the Statue of Liberty, can make the hassle worthwhile for many.
To make the most of your New York cruise departure:
Book a pre-cruise hotel stay to avoid day-of travel stress
Allow porters to handle your luggage and navigate the terminal more easily (don’t forget to tip them!)
Familiarise yourself with the port layout beforehand to reduce confusion
Remember, once you’re on board, the rewards of sailing from New York – including spectacular city views – can help you forget the embarkation challenges.
3. Charleston, South Carolina: A port in transition
Charleston, South Carolina, known for its southern charm and historic beauty, has been facing its own set of challenges when it comes to its cruise port.
The port is currently undergoing significant construction and upgrades, which is great, but it has led to a disorganised and often slow boarding process.
The ongoing construction means that the port’s infrastructure is in flux, leading to confusion among both staff and passengers.
Signage may be unclear, and temporary measures put in place to deal with the construction can result in longer walking distances and unexpected obstacles.
The slow boarding process is a particular pain point for many cruisers. With limited facilities to handle large numbers of passengers, queues can be long and move at a frustratingly slow pace.
However, it’s not all bad news. The construction and upgrades are part of a larger plan to improve the cruise experience in Charleston. In the future, passengers can look forward to more modern facilities and a smoother embarkation process. Until then, patience and preparation are key.
It’s all due to be finished by March 2025 too, so not too long to go!
While the current state of Charleston’s cruise port may be challenging, you can start your cruise adventure on the right foot by being prepared in advance for a bit of confusion and stress. Go with the flow if you can!
4. Los Angeles: Distance dilemma at San Pedro
The ‘City of Angels’ might seem like a dream departure point for a cruise, but the reality can be less than heavenly. The main issue with LA’s cruise port, located in San Pedro, is its distance from the city’s main attractions and airports.
San Pedro port is situated approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and even further from popular tourist areas like Hollywood or Beverly Hills.
This distance can pose significant challenges for travellers, especially those flying in on the day of their cruise. Traffic in Los Angeles notoriously awful, and the journey from the airport to the port can easily take over an hour, even without heavy congestion.
For embarkation, the port works reasonably well. The terminal facilities are modern and can handle large numbers of passengers efficiently.
However, as a port of call, San Pedro falls short. The immediate area around the port lacks major attractions, and the distance to LA’s famous sights makes short excursions challenging.
While the distance issue is a significant drawback, the allure of Los Angeles still attracts many passengers – and it’s one of the better options for a cruise from the West Coast.
The key is to plan ahead and manage your expectations regarding travel times and accessibility.
5. Miami: Chaos in the cruise capital
Miami, often dubbed the “Cruise Capital of the World,” is a major hub for cruise ships. However, its popularity comes at a price, with passengers often facing a chaotic and stressful embarkation experience.
One of the biggest challenges at Miami’s cruise port is the constant construction. The port is frequently undergoing upgrades and expansions to accommodate the ever-growing cruise industry.
While these improvements are necessary, they can lead to confusion, detours, and delays for passengers trying to navigate the port. It’d be nice if it was ever just ‘done’, even if only for a few months!
The sheer volume of cruise traffic in Miami also contributes to the chaos. On busy days, multiple ships may be embarking and disembarking simultaneously, leading to congested roads, crowded terminals, and long queues.
This can be overwhelming, especially for first-time cruisers or those unfamiliar with the port layout.
Many cruisers prefer nearby Port Canaveral for its more relaxed atmosphere and easier navigation, even though it’s often actually busier in terms of cruise ships. However, Miami’s position as a major cruise hub means it often offers a wider variety of itineraries.
To navigate Miami’s bustling cruise port efficiently:
Arrive early to beat the worst of the crowds
Use official port shuttles or taxis to avoid parking hassles
Consider staying at a nearby hotel that offers cruise parking packages
Miami will always be one of the world’s most popular ports for cruise departures but that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. Do your research on where you need to go before you travel, and don’t leave your arrival to the last minute.
Instead, I recommend arriving a day or two before, and taking advantage of the many things to do in Miami.
Galveston, Texas, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cruise departures, but it’s a significant port for many Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean itineraries.
Unfortunately, it’s also gained a reputation as one of the worst cruise ports in the US, primarily due to its notoriously long boarding times.
Many cruisers report that the embarkation process in Galveston can take upwards of three hours, significantly longer than at other major ports. This extended wait time can be attributed to several factors, including limited terminal space, inefficient processing systems, and occasional staff shortages.
The port’s location on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway can also lead to traffic congestion, particularly on busy cruise days. This can further extend travel times and add to the stress of embarkation.
While the long wait times can be frustrating, Galveston does offer some unique charms. The historic downtown area is worth exploring if you have time before or after your cruise, and the laid-back Texas atmosphere can be a pleasant start or end to your vacation.
7. New Orleans: The Big Easy’s not-so-easy port
New Orleans, famous for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, unfortunately doesn’t always live up to its “Big Easy” nickname when it comes to its cruise port.
Many cruisers describe the experience as more akin to a crowded bus terminal than a gateway to a luxurious vacation.
The main issues at the New Orleans cruise port revolve around congestion and organisation. The terminal can feel cramped and overcrowded, especially during peak times when multiple ships are in port.
This congestion can lead to long queues for check-in, security, and boarding, testing the patience of even the most easy-going travellers.
Organisation is another pain point, with some passengers reporting confusion about where to go and what to do. This can be particularly challenging for first-time cruisers or those unfamiliar with the port layout.
Having said that, the opportunity to spend time in this culturally rich city before or after your cruise can add significant value to your overall vacation experience.
Final word
While these seven ports may present challenges, it’s important to remember that with proper preparation and a positive attitude, you can still have a fantastic cruise experience.
The key takeaways for dealing with these challenging US cruise ports are:
Plan ahead: Research your departure port and arrive prepared for potential issues.
Allow extra time: Whether it’s for traffic, long queues, or confusing layouts, extra time can reduce stress significantly.
Pack smart: Keep essential documents easily accessible and consider a small carry-on with entertainment and snacks for long waits.
Stay positive: Remember, once you’re on board, the cruise experience itself often makes up for any embarkation hassles.
Consider pre-cruise stays: Arriving a day early can eliminate much of the day-of travel stress.
By understanding what to expect at these ports and preparing accordingly, you can set yourself up for a smoother start to your cruise holiday.
After all, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your vacation begins the moment you step out of your front door, not just when you board the ship. Happy cruising!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Latest Update from Carnival Cruise Line: “Carnival Valor 09/12/24 (Now Departing 09/13/24): Thanks for your patience while we worked on plans for your shortened 3-day voyage, departing tomorrow, Friday, 09/13/24. We will not be able to visit Cozumel and will spend the voyage at sea. Please check your email for complete details regarding our offer and your options. If you wish to cancel, please call us by 8:00 PM (ET), today, 09/12/24. We will be in touch with details related to embarkation.”
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Carnival will give guests a one-day pro-rated refund and $100 in OBC (on board credit) to those who sail on the three day cruise. They will also receive a Future Cruise Credit towards their next sailing.
Previous Update from Carnival Cruise Line: “Carnival Valor 09/12/24: If you are being affected by Francine, we hope you are safe. We remain in close contact with port officials in New Orleans and are still working on our operational plans for your cruise, which we expect to depart tomorrow, Friday, 09/13/2024. Given the shortened duration, we will operate as a voyage without a port of call visit. We will be in touch by 2:00 PM (CT) today, 09/12/2024, with more information and your options.”
Original Article: Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement about one of their cruise ships that was originally scheduled to arrive back in New Orleans this morning.
Due to Hurricane Francine, Carnival Valor will no longer return to New Orleans today as the port will remain closed.
The Port of New Orleans’ latest update on their website states that terminal operators will be conducting damage assessments but normal operations are closed today.
Carnival Cruise Line sent the following message last night to guests about the cruise today on Carnival Valor:
“Dear Carnival Valor Guests, If you are living in an area that is being affected by Hurricane Francine, we hope you are safe.
“The storm made landfall in Louisiana earlier this evening, and the New Orleans area is still being affected. It will take some time for port officials to fully conduct a post-storm assessment tomorrow, September 12, and it is now clear that the ship will not be able to return to New Orleans until sometime Friday, September 13, 2024.
“We will be in touch by 10:00 AM (CT) today, Thursday, September 12, with more details about our operational plans for your cruise and your options. We apologize for this weather-related change to your vacation plans and thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Carnival Valor was scheduled for a four-night cruise to the Western Caribbean from New Orleans today. It will now operate as a three-day cruise with all sea days.
Cruise Fever will continue to monitor the situation with the Port of New Orleans and Carnival Valor and will have all updates as more information comes in.
A Cruise Director is one of the most prominent members of the crew on a ship. They’re the head honchos when it comes to entertainment, managing the whole team responsible for shows and activities, and often hosting the bigger shows themselves.
Cruise Directors are often big personalities, and will have a cult following of their own. Especially on cruise lines like Carnival where some people will look at thew cruise director’s schedule and plan their cruise to make sure they sail with a specific CD.
So I decided to have some fun and ask my Facebook fans who would be their dream Cruise Director, if they could have anyone alive or dead. And here are the suggestions they came back with!
Bear in mind that my Facebook page is followed by people around the world, so you might not recognise some of the suggestions, but maybe you’ll discover someone new to become a fan of!
1. Robin Williams
Known for his quick wit and humour, Robin Williams would keep guests entertained with his improvisational comedy and heartfelt performances.
Robin was tied for the most suggestions, showing just how beloved he was (and how good he would be as a Cruise Director!)
As a popular comedian and chat show host, Alan Carr’s friendly and engaging personality would make passengers feel welcome and amused.
He tied with Robin Williams too for the number of suggestions, so people clearly think highly of him!
3. Ryan Reynolds
With his charm and comedic timing, Ryan Reynolds would bring a mix of humour and Hollywood glamour to any cruise. He’s shown to have a genuine warmth too, which would make everyone feel welcome.
4. Rylan Clark
A lively British TV presenter with a huge personality, Rylan would keep the energy high and the atmosphere fun for all guests. He’s a natural host and would fit right in amongst the cruise scene.
5. Kevin Hart
A top comedian known for his energetic performances, Kevin Hart would ensure the cruise is filled with laughter and excitement. He’s an outstanding standup comedian and actor, and would surely do great at a hosting role on a ship too.
6. Will Ferrell
Famous for his hilarious roles in films, Will Ferrell’s unique brand of comedy would make the cruise unforgettable. Imagine if you booked a Christmas cruise and he hosted events in character as Buddy the elf!
7. Billy Connolly
A legendary comedian with years of experience, Billy Connolly would captivate guests with his storytelling and humour. You’d spend all your time just enjoying his shows that you’d miss half the entertainment on the rest of the ship!
8. Sam Kinison
Known for his loud, intense comedic style, Sam Kinison would bring a unique and unforgettable energy to the role. That famous scream of his would certainly wake you up after a heavy dinner!
9. Benny Hill
His classic slapstick comedy would entertain guests of all ages, making the cruise a fun and nostalgic experience.
10. Shemar Moore
With his charm and charisma, actor Shemar Moore would be a delightful and engaging host for cruise passengers. However, he’s been known to heckle other comedians (for fun) so you’d hope he would let his entertainment team do their jobs!
11. David Walliams
As a comedian and author, David Walliams’ humour and creativity would keep guests thoroughly entertained. Some of his older characters from shows like Little Britain would have to stay retired, though.
12. Elvis Presley
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll would bring musical excitement and legendary status, creating an iconic cruise experience. Talk about a cruise headliner!
13. RuPaul
Famous for his larger-than-life persona, RuPaul would bring glamour, fun, and fabulousness to the cruise. He’s another that feels like a natural fit for some of the more upmarket cruise lines, though probably a bit too big a star!
14. Peter Kay
Known for his observational comedy, British comedian Peter Kay would relate to and entertain guests with his hilarious insights. As long as cheesecake and garlic bread weren’t on the buffet menu.
15. Adam Sandler
With his comedic talent, Adam Sandler would ensure the cruise is filled with laughter. He’s shown that he has the hosting chops, but if he acted like some of his characters he might have limited patience for the bizarre requests of some cruise guests!
16. Andrew Lincoln
Best known for his dramatic roles, Andrew Lincoln’s presence would add a touch of star quality and intrigue. An interesting suggestion for a Cruise Director but hey, someone asked for him so he’s on the list.
17. George Michael
His iconic music and charismatic personality would make every event on the cruise feel like a special performance. Cruise Directors aren’t necessarily there to be big musical acts but George could certainly wow a crowd with his singing.
18. Mark Wahlberg
With his Hollywood star power and friendly nature, Mark Wahlberg would be a hit with guests looking for both fun and fitness. As well as hosting shows he could be running the wellness classes onboard!
19. Jerry Seinfeld
The master of observational comedy, Jerry Seinfeld would keep guests laughing with his sharp wit. There are a lot of stand-up comics on this list because they tend to be naturals at entertaining a crowd, and Seinfeld could definitely do a job as a CD.
20. Bill Murray
Known for his offbeat humour and charm, Bill Murray would create a quirky and entertaining atmosphere on board.
21. Michael McIntyre
British comic Michael McIntrye is known for his energetic comedy and relatable anecdotes that would keep guests in high spirits throughout the cruise. He’s an established host too now, and a cruise version of his Big Show would certainly work well as a recurring event as a Cruise Director.
22. Matthew McConaughey
With his laid-back charm and famous catchphrases, Matthew McConaughey would bring a touch of Hollywood cool – I’m sure many people would feel alright, alright, alright if he was greeting them onboard.
23. Jim Carrey
Arguably the only person on this list who could rival Robin Williams’ whirlwind energy as a potential Cruise Director, I’m almost surprised Jim didn’t get more mentions. He’d certainly make sure things were never boring.
24. Samuel L. Jackson
Sam Jackson’s commanding presence and amazing sense of humour would definitely make for quite the cruise host. As long as there were no mother-flipping snakes on this mother-flipping cruise.
25. Gary Busey
Known for his eccentric personality, Gary Busey would bring a unique and unpredictable fun to the cruise. Things would definitely be interesting with him in charge…
26. Keanu Reeves
With his calm and friendly demeanour, Keanu Reeves would be a gracious and engaging host for a cruise. He tends to be more reserved in public but I think he would do a good job of making everyone feel welcome.
27. Drew Carey
A popular comedian and TV host, Drew Carey would bring humour and a game show vibe to the cruise. He’s well-regarded for his hosting of improv shows, and being quick-thinking on your feet is certainly a good skill for a Cruise Director.
28. Kaleb Cooper
Known from “Clarkson’s Farm,” Kaleb Cooper’s down-to-earth personality and humour would appeal to many passengers, though I’m not sure how much he’d enjoy the limelight of the stage compared to his typical farm environment.
29. Johannes Radebe
Johannes is a professional dancer who’s appeared on both the South African and British versions of Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars. His charisma and energy would ensure lively and entertaining events on board.
30. Kevin James
American comic and actor Kevin James would bring a lot of fun to the Cruise Director role. While better known for his movies and TV show The King of Queens, he does have a lot of stand-up comedy history too.
31. George Clooney
With his suave charm and Hollywood status, George Clooney would add a touch of elegance and excitement to any cruise – perhaps too much excitement for some guests onboard, though.
32. Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby is a stage and screen actress with many credits. Her grace and talent as an actress would bring a sophisticated and engaging presence to the cruise.
33. Paddy McGuinness
Known for his humour and lively hosting skills, British TV host and actor Paddy McGuinness would keep the fun going throughout the trip. He has experience hosting game shows and that would lend itself well to being a Cruise Director.
34. Humphrey Bogart
Here’s a blast from the past – Bogart’s classic Hollywood charm and iconic status would bring a timeless and elegant feel to any cruise. Not sure he’d fit in well on a Carnival ship but you never know.
35. Hugh Jackman
A talented actor and performer, Hugh Jackman’s charisma and musical skills would delight guests every night on a cruise. He would be extremely welcoming too and definitely has all the skills you would need to be a good cruise host.
36. P!nk
Not all musicians would make good Cruise Directors, but P!nk would do a fantastic job I’m sure. The pop star’s vibrant personality and musical talent would create an energetic and unforgettable atmosphere, that’s for sure.
37. Post Malone
With his unique style and musical talent, Post Malone would bring a cool and contemporary vibe to the Cruise Director role and I could see it working!
38. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s star power and charm would make every event on the cruise feel like a Hollywood gala, and would certainly elevate the Cruise Director role.
39. Johnny Depp
Known for his eclectic roles, Johnny Depp’s presence would add a touch of intrigue and excitement to your cruise holiday. He hasn’t really shown off his hosting skills but I bet he could do a good job of entertaining guests in a variety of ways.
40. Wayne Brady
A versatile entertainer, Wayne Brady’s arguably the best choice on this list for a Cruise Director. He can act, he can sing, he’s got an incredible amount of charisma and a ton of experience doing improv comedy and improv acting. A true all-rounder, he’d be one of the best ever if he did decide to go down that route.
41. Gary Barlow
The British singer-songwriter’s musical talent and charm would make for memorable performances and events on a cruise. He already works with P&O Cruises and has his own venue, The 710 Club.
42. Joe Biden
Joe Biden’s not the only president to get a mention (see further below). His experience and stories as a public figure would provide fascinating and inspiring interactions but I’m not sure I see him hosting a “Mr and Mrs” game show on stage…
43. Sylvester Stallone
Sly Stallone is another big Hollywood name that was mentioned, and he would definitely bring the star power onboard. He could even double up as a Chief Security Officer too, which might help the cruise lines to afford him!
44. Luke Bryan
This American country singer’s charm and musical performances would keep the atmosphere lively and fun on a cruise ship. He’s a five-time winner of the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award and so would probably do a great job!
45. John Cleese
This legendary comedian’s wit and humour would keep guests laughing throughout the trip. Provided the cruise ship wasn’t run in the same way as the Fawlty Towers hotel, anyway…
46. Jason Sudeikis
Known for his comedic roles, Jason Sudeikis’ humour and charm would ensure a fun-filled cruise. Though maybe his character Ted Lasso would be an even better fit for the Cruise Director role – you would leave the ship at the end of your cruise feeling like a changed person (for the better)!
47. Donald Trump
Trump is the other president that someone suggested for the Cruise Director role. His larger-than-life personality and experience in entertainment would make for an unforgettable cruise, that’s definitely true…
48. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq would certainly be a commanding presence on stage as a Cruise Director. The NBA legend’s charisma and humour would make him a hit with guests of all ages.
He already has a relationship with Carnival, being appointed the Chief Fun Officer in 2018 and his Big Chicken dining venue features on several ships.
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Final word
There you have it – the suggestions of my Facebook fans. Are there any that you think stand out, either as a fantastic choice or a questionable one?
And do you have your own dream Cruise Director in mind? Let me know who (and why) in the comments!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will be the first ship from the cruise line to visit the Dominican cruise port of Cabo Rojo, starting in October of 2024.
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The Port of Cabo Rojo is a relatively new port of call as the Dominican Port Authority has invested almost $100 million to develop the area in several phases.
The first phase of development has featured an almost 600-foot dock, and the facility can handle multiple ships at one time.
Not to be confused to with the Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico, this new cruise port is located on the southwest side of the Dominican Republic.
Norwegian Pearl was the first ship to make an inaugural visit to the region in January of 2024, and Royal Caribbean has at least 2 ships calling on the port in the future.
Besides Adventure of the Seas offering seven sailing dates to Cabo Rojo, the 6,700-passenger Oasis of the Seas will also be calling on the new port, with at least eight sailing dates, starting in June of 2025.
The 23-year-old Voyager-class ship will be calling on Cabo Rojo as part of an 8-night cruise out of Port Canaveral, with the stop at the new port scheduled for October 16.
This sold-out October sailing will also be visiting Curacao, Aruba, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Other cruise lines are scheduled to visit the new cruise port in the DR in 2025 as well. These include Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises.
Princess Cruises has announced a few changes for their newest ship, Sun Princess, that will go into effect on October 14, 2024. This is when the ship begins sailing to the Caribbean from Port Everglades.
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Princess Cruises will be moving the locations of several restaurants on Sun Princess to accommodate their new Sanctuary Collection that debuts on October 14.
The Sanctuary Collection is made up of 215 cabins (80 suites, 123 mini-suites, 12 premium deluxe balconies) on the ship. Guests in these staterooms receive access to the retreat area and Princess Premiere that makes the cruises all-inclusive.
A new Sanctuary Restaurant will be added to the ship for these guests. This will be an exclusive restaurant for guests staying in Sanctuary Collection staterooms. It will have a custom chef’s menu and is promising to take luxury to a new level with a dedicated waitstaff and ocean views.
The Sanctuary Restaurant will be located on Deck 8 aft, the current location of the Americana Diner.
The Americana Diner will be moved to Deck 9 aft. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long and is one of the most causal dining options on the ship.
Crown Grill, the Catch by Rudi, and The Butcher’s Block by Dario are also moving to new locations.
Crown Grill, the signature steakhouse on Sun Princess, will move to deck 7 after where the current Reserve Collection Restaurant is located.
Taking the place of the current Crown Grill location will be The Butcher’s Block by Dario.
Lastly, the Catch by Rudi is moving to the current location of the Signature Restaurant.
The Butcher’s Block by Dario and Catch by Rudi are currently located at back of The Eatery (buffet).
In addition, Princess is also making a few name changes around the ship.
Park19 has been renamed to the SkyDeck Sports Court & Track.
The Horizons Dining Room on deck 6 and 7 have been renamed Soleil Dining Room and Eclipse Dining Room.
Sami Kohen, vice president of food & beverage for Princess Cruises, gave the following statement:
“With the relocation and transformation of these popular specialty restaurants, we’re not only enhancing the ambiance but also optimizing the overall dining experience for our guests. These new locations allow us to expand capacity while also creating more intimate and immersive culinary environments, ensuring that every meal aboard Sun Princess is truly exceptional.”
So far in 2024, six new ocean cruise ships have made their debut. They have ranged from Royal Caribbean’s 231,000 gross ton Utopia of the Seas to Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s 37,000 gross ton Ilma.
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Three more new cruise ships will debut before the end of 2024.
There are three more new cruise ships set to debut before the end of 2024. Here is a look at these three new ships and when they will debut.
Explora II
First up is Explora Journeys’ second cruise ship, Explora II. The ship will sail its maiden cruise next week on September 16. This seven night cruise from Civitavecchia will visit Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, and Malta before ending in Spain.
The ship is 64,000 gross tons in size and offers a luxury, all-inclusive experience.
The following is included in all cruise fares:
Unlimited fine beverages
All gratuities
High-speed WiFi
9 culinary experiences
Thermal spa access
Bottle of champagne
And more
Explora II will sail a series of cruises in the Mediterranean before heading to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean.
Viking Vela
Viking Vela and Viking Vesta side by side at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Photo Credit: Viking
Viking Vela will be the 11th ocean cruise ship in Viking’s fleet. The ship will slightly differ from the previous 10 ships while at the same time, being nearly identical.
It will be the largest in their fleet at 54,300 gross tons in size and carry 998 passengers. Up until now, Viking’s ocean ships carried 930 passengers in 465 cabins.
The following is included in all cruise fares on Viking Vela:
One shore excursion in every port
WiFi
All dining including alternative dining restaurants
Beer, wine and soft drinks during lunch and dinner
Specialty coffees
Thermal suite access
24-hour room service
Self-service laundry
Viking Vela will debut on December 12, 2024 sailing the cruise line’s Iconic Western Mediterranean cruise. The cruise will start in Civitavecchia and end in Barcelona after sailing for seven days in the Mediterranean.
Disney Treasure
Disney Treasure will be Disney Cruise Line’s second Wish class ship and a sister ship to Disney Wish. The ship will be 144,000 gross tons in size and carry 4,000 passengers.
The ship will feature unique spaces from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Zootopia, Mulan, Aladdin, and more.
“Disney The Tale of Moana” will debut exclusively in the Walt Disney Theatre on Disney Treasure.
Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager at Disney Cruise Line, gave the following statement about this new ship:
“The Disney Treasure will bring brand-new stories to life, blending one-of-a-kind experiences with the extraordinary entertainment, world-class dining and unparalleled hospitality that make every sailing so memorable.
“As we chart a course for adventure, we’re so excited for families to discover the excitement and exploration that awaits onboard the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.”
Disney Treasure will debut on December 21, 2024. This seven-night cruise to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral will visit Tortola, St. Thomas, and the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
The cruise ship is scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral through at least May 2026.
While these three cruise ships conclude the new vessels for 2024, 2025 will see even more new ships debut.
In 2025, there are 16 new ocean cruise ships scheduled to enter service with another 15 in 2026.
Right now, cruise lines have a total of 58 new ocean cruise ships either under construction or on order through 2036.
