For a cruise port, being the homeport for the world’s largest cruise ship is a fairly big deal. It shows not only that the port can handle such a large vessel, but it also makes for great branding in a heated competition among U.S. cruise ports.
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Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International
Recent discoveries on the Port of Galveston website have driven speculation about Icon of the Seas having a potential home in Texas.
According to news reports, the website may have inadvertently put Icon of the Seas in a drop-down menu for parking reservations.
A screenshot by Chron.com showed the words “RCCL Icon of the Seas” under the “Select Your Ship” heading.
The link for the drop-down menu didn’t have a destination so perhaps it was an accident, but recent comments by port director and CEO Rodger Reese have only fueled speculation when he said in April, “We can handle it”, referring to Icon of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean has not given any new information about the ship moving to Galveston and the website has removed the ship from the drop-down menu as of this morning.
On top of this, Rees made comments again on Thursday which added to the speculation.
“As the fourth most popular cruise port in the U.S.—and one of the fastest growing—Galveston would be honored to welcome the Icon of the Seas to our state-of-the-art Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal,” Rees said. “We’re one of the few cruise ports in the country that can accommodate this class of ship.“
Cruisers should keep in mind that this is purely speculation and no announcements have been made. It’s fun to think about where the world’s largest cruise ship will go next, but until we hear concrete news, it’s all just fun to think about.
Some other large cruise ships have recently begun offering sailings out of Galveston, including Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival’s largest ship.
Icon of the Seas currently sails out of PortMiami. Sailings out of the Florida cruise port are available through April of 2026.
The 248,663 gross ton ship is capable of carrying up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew and has been the world’ largest cruise ship since it was launched in December of 2022.
Seabourn has announced a powerhouse lineup of entertainment and Seabourn Conversations speakers during the 2024 90-day Grand Africa Voyage on Seabourn Sojourn. The bespoke, curated program will feature a brand-new collection of cast shows, 28 guest entertainers, and 12 renowned speakers, including West End Star Ricardo Afonso, soul singer and American Idol star Michael Lynche, explorer and TV host Dr. Mireya Mayor, and Iceland’s First Lady, Eliza Reid.
Entertainment Lineup and Conversations Speakers
2024 Grand Africa Voyage
Guests on the Grand Africa Voyage will experience a dynamic and enriching lineup of live musical performances, engaging lectures and presentations, comedy skits, variety shows and more as the voyage explores Africa’s diverse coastlines and cultural landscapes. Additionally, guests will be among the first to experience Seabourn’s all-new entertainment concept: “The Seabourn Six” produced exclusively for Seabourn by Belinda King Creative Productions.
“Our entertainment team has worked tirelessly to curate a bespoke and unforgettable program, featuring distinguished speakers and a star-studded line-up of performers to create truly enriching ‘Seabourn Moments’ for our guests as they experience Africa’s most beautiful destinations,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn.
Brand-New Entertainment Experiences and Guest Performers
Seabourn Sojourn will host 28 guest entertainers, from world-renowned theater performers to variety show comedians and classical musicians. Featured entertainers include the following:
West End Star – Ricardo Afonso
West End Star – Ricardo Afonso
December 1-7, 2024
Ricardo is an exceptional vocalist who has performed in an extraordinary number of West End theatre productions and workshops. Guests will join the West End star for an evening with highlights from his professional career, heartwarming stories, and iconic songs.
Soul Singer and American Idol Star – Michael Lynche
Soul Singer and American Idol Star – Michael Lynche
December 9-15, 2024
Michael Lynche, known as “Big Mike” from American Idol, has released two studio albums and toured internationally, headlining a Mediterranean tour. A frequent guest vocalist with Maestro Jeff Tyzik’s “Let’s Dance!” show, he recently collaborated with Tyzik on the soul revue “R&B Legends,” performing with orchestras across the U.S. and Canada.
Comedian – Tony Daro
December 17-26, 2024
Tony Daro is an established New York comedy scene star who has written for several high-profile comedians, including Jay Leno, Bill Maher, David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon, and Tina Fey. He has won three Writer’s Guild awards for comedy writing and has been nominated for an Emmy for his work on Saturday Night Live. Tony has appeared in dozens of television performances but always cherishes his live performances.
Musical Ensemble – The Charl du Plessis Trio
Musical Ensemble – The Charl du Plessis Trio
January 23-27, 2025
The Charl du Plessis Trio, one of South Africa’s most recognizable musical ensembles, has won numerous awards, including a Fiësta, four SAMA awards, and a Ghoema for Best Instrumental Album. Formed in 2006, the trio performs a diverse range of music from classical to jazz and frequently tours Europe, Asia, and major South African festivals, featuring pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies, and drummer Peter Auret.
Vocalist and Performer – Jonathan Roxmouth
Vocalist and Performer – Jonathan Roxmouth
February 3-15, 2025
A South African performer, Jonathan rose to prominence in the Barnyard Theatre’s 2006 production of “Grease” and later starred as the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera”. He has won multiple awards, including Naledi and Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards. He recently returned to South Africa with his hit show, “Key Change – My Favourite Pianists”, breaking box office records.
Additionally, Seabourn’s brand-new entertainment concept, “The Seabourn Six” collection will feature bespoke productions with a new line-up of six multi-talented artists from around the world. Performances include “Better Together!”, a production that celebrates great bands like the Beatles, Aerosmith and U2; “Skyline”, which takes guests on a captivating journey to some of the world’s most iconic city skylines; “Earthsong” where immersive visuals bring the elements and nature to life in a unique and emotive production; and “Silverscreen!” Where “The Seabourn Six” performs iconic music from recent musicals including Dear Evan Hansen and Moulin Rouge.
Dynamic and Engaging Seabourn Conversations
Seabourn has assembled a dynamic lineup of luminaries and experts for Seabourn Conversations. Designed to enlighten, inform and entertain guests, the complimentary program offers guests the chance to interact with the finest minds in science, history, culture and exploration. Each speaker will offer fascinating insights, expert opinions and enlightening conversations while presenting lectures, sharing meals, adventuring ashore, and socializing with guests throughout the voyage. Featured Seabourn Conversationalists include the following:
Explorer, Adventurer & Author – Riaan Manser
Explorer, Adventurer & Author – Riaan Manser
January 4-12, 2025
Riaan Manser, a South African explorer, gained prominence as the first person to cycle around the perimeter of Africa, covering 37,000 km through 34 countries in over 24 months. His achievement earned him the title “Out There Adventurer of the Year 2006,” and his book, “Around Africa on my Bicycle,” became a bestseller.
Former Private Secretary to Nelson Mandela – Zelda La Grange
Former Private Secretary to Nelson Mandela – Zelda La Grange
January 14-27, 2025
Zelda la Grange is an international motivational speaker. After serving Nelson Mandela for almost 20 years in many roles and as his closest aide, she now shares her life-changing experiences inspired by one of the most influential statesmen and humanitarians.
Wildlife Photographer and Documentary Host – Chris Fallows
Wildlife Photographer and Documentary Host – Chris Fallows
January 14-27, 2025
Chris Fallows is a fine art wildlife photographer, documentary host, naturalist, and conservationist. Known for discovering the breaching great white shark behavior at Seal Island in Cape Town, he has co-authored 18 scientific papers and hosted the popular “Air Jaws” series on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week since 2001. Through his art sales, he supports various non-governmental organizations and aims to preserve habitats and participate in re-wilding projects in Southern Africa.
Primatologist, Explorer and TV Host – Dr. Mireya Mayor
Primatologist, Explorer and TV Host – Dr. Mireya Mayor
January 23-31, 2025
Dr. Mireya Mayor, is a renowned primatologist, National Science Foundation Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, and Emmy Award-nominated wildlife correspondent for National Geographic Channel. She is the Director of the Science Communications Initiative at Florida International University and a mother of six, she balances her diverse roles while earning the nickname “the female Indiana Jones.”
First Lady of Iceland – Eliza Reid
First Lady of Iceland – Eliza Reid
February 20-27, 2025
Eliza Reid, the First Lady of Iceland, is an author, entrepreneur, travel writer, and co-founder of the annual Iceland Writers Retreat. Her book, “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World”, is a memoir exploring her life as a Canadian immigrant before and after her husband became President of Iceland.
Departing on November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will sail roundtrip from Barcelona on a 90-day voyage that includes visits to 42 marquee and off-the-beaten-path destinations and cities in 20 countries, with seven overnight stays. For guests who cannot sail the entire voyage, shorter segments are available, giving guests more flexibility and opportunities to add pre- or post-journeys to extend their experiences. Shorter segments include the following:
For reservations or more details about Seabourn’s Grand Africa voyage, please call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com, or contact a professional travel advisor.
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled Your World Included™, its new brand value promise that features an updated selection of always-included amenities for all guests across the globe, cementing its brand promise, Your World. Your Way.®
As part of Your World Included, all guests will now receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically in their cruise fare. Previously, gratuities had been included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities or for guests from certain regions of the world.
Gratuities are in addition to other Your World Included amenities: dining at all gourmet specialty restaurants; sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water®; unlimited StarlinkÒ WiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato, and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; and laundry services.
The updated inclusions will begin on October 1, 2024, for all new reservations on sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025. The line’s current simply MORE™ offering will end on September 30, 2024, meaning that a shore excursion credit and beverage package will no longer be automatically included.
The change follows guest feedback highlighting that while they enjoyed the simply MORE inclusions, they would rather global guest inclusions focused on what mattered most. At the top of this list were always included gratuities for all guests.
“Oceania Cruises’ promise to show our guests Your World. Your Way has been at the heart of our business since we launched more than 20 years ago. The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some. Not surprisingly, our guests place the greatest value on our core inclusions such as free specialty dining and free WiFi; including gratuities creates the richest possible array of amenities and benefits for our guests globally,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “It also gives us a clearly defined position in the cruise sector as the leading ultra-premium line of choice, offering outsized value to our guests.”
On a 10-day cruise, guests will receive always-included amenities valued at more than $1,800 per stateroom compared to premium cruise lines. This figure is based on average charges made for gratuities, WiFi, non-alcoholic beverage packages, and specialty dining reservations.
“Here at Oceania Cruises, we’ve always been renowned for our warm and authentic service; it’s part of the intangible magic of sailing on board one of our small, luxurious ships. I’m delighted that we are adding in gratuities for all guests, as our dedicated onboard team is working for guests’ smiles – not their tip. Making every interaction with our guests count is our service culture mantra,” said Del Rio.
The generous suite of always included amenities through the new Your World Included brand value promise in full:
· Gourmet Specialty Restaurants: A variety of distinctive, open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge.
· In-Suite and In-Stateroom Dining: Our hot and cold in-room dining selections are sublime and complimentary.
· Unlimited WiFi: StarlinkÒ connectivity affords much quicker upload and download speeds.
· Sodas, Specialty Coffees & Teas: Whether at a restaurant, lounge or Baristas coffee bar, it’s always free.
· Still & Sparkling Vero Water®: Unlimited, eco-friendly and great tasting, the gold standard of still and sparkling water.
· Juices, Smoothies & Gourmet Ice Cream: Cold-pressed juices, fruit smoothies, homemade gelato and gourmet ice creams are always included.
· Group Fitness Classes: Choose from a selection of free classes at AquamarÒ Spa + Vitality Center.
· Laundry Services: With free launderettes included along with laundry services and pressing for Concierge and Suite levels, you’ll always look your finest.
· Shipboard Gratuities: Our people make the difference – they work for your smile, not for your tip.
Guests can personalize their vacation experience with extras such as air transportation and transfers, shore excursions, or a beverage package, to be added according to preference.
For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine and expertly curated travel experiences, visitOceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.
Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) has announced six new itineraries in Asia that will expand exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025. The new voyages range from 15 to 22 days and explore iconic destinations in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang) and Osaka, Japan. The itineraries will continue to highlight rarely-seen destinations and ports in China to which only Viking has access. Each voyage will offer guests immersive destination-focused experiences, insightful lectures and regionally inspired cuisine. Now open for booking, the new itineraries will operate from September 2025 to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun—a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.
New China Voyages Starting in 2025
“We are proud to open our second season of these unique itineraries featuring exploration of the China coast—something that is entirely exclusive to Viking,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “For centuries, these phenomenal destinations in Asia have inspired travelers with ancient history and rich culture. Our guests are curious travelers who travel as a way to broaden their minds, and we look forward to introducing more of Asia to them in 2025.”
New Asia Voyages in 2025:
NEWJewels of Japan & China(15 days; Beijing to Tokyo) — Embark on a 15-day voyage to discover the history, culture and cuisine of the Far East. Guests will immerse themselves in the German heritage of Qingdao and marvel at Shanghai, a city that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. Admire the natural beauty of Jeju, South Korea and Miyazaki and take in majestic views of Mt. Fuji in Shimizu. Overnight stays in vibrant Hiroshima and Osaka offer guests more opportunities for exploration.
NEWClassic China Discovery(20 days; Hong Kong to Beijing) — Join Viking for a fully escorted sojourn as guests deepen their understanding of China’s culture, customs and traditions. Explore classic treasures, tracing timeworn steps along the Great Wall of China, and marvel at Xi’an’s Terra Cotta Warriors, each distinctly carved. Enjoy overnights in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Qingdao, Xi’an and Beijing; admire unique architecture, presenting a world of ancient times and forward-thinking modernity; and immerse yourself in local life during calls to quaint locales, with meaningful encounters along the way.
NEWPearls of Japan & China (22 days; Tokyo to Beijing) —Set sail with Viking, delving into the vibrant history, multifaceted cultures and delectable cuisine of Asia and beyond during a fully guided journey. Gaze upon majestic Mt. Fuji from Shimizu and enjoy overnight stays in Osaka and Hiroshima. Relax in the natural splendor of Miyazaki and Jeju and immerse yourself in the dynamic cityscape of Shanghai. Cap the memorable voyage discovering the legendary wonders of Tibet (Xizang), Xi’an and Beijing.
NEWGems of China & Japan (22 days; Beijing roundtrip) — Join Viking for a fully guided exploration of the rich history, diverse cultures and enticing cuisine of Asia and beyond. See the influence of German settlers in Qingdao and take in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Revel in the beauty of Jeju, South Korea and Miyazaki and admire Mt. Fuji looming grandly over Shimizu. An included land package reveals the iconic treasures of Tibet (Xizang), Xi’an and Beijing, immersing guests further into the captivating Eastern world.
NEW2025 Wonders of China (22 days; Beijing roundtrip) — Embark on a grand voyage to China on a fully guided sojourn. Be captivated by bustling Shanghai and delve into diverse landscapes, from the isles of Pingtan to modern Shenzhen, with overnight stays that allow guests to explore fully. Immerse yourself in nature in the mountains of Tibet (Xizang) and view the impressive Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Discover Beijing and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China.
NEW2025 Best of China(22 days; Hong Kong to Beijing) — Guests will immerse themselves in a fully guided cruise tour to see all the highlights China has to offer. Sail China’s scenic eastern coast and delve into the diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes of this unique nation. View the iconic giant panda and journey into the Himalayas, where ancient traditions infuse every aspect of life in mountainous Tibet (Xizang). Admire the Terra Cotta Warriors and explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China during guests’ memorable sojourn.
Pre and Post-Land Extensions
For additional immersion in Asia, Viking is also offering a variety of pre and post-land extensions for its 2025 China itineraries, including:
Beijing – Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history’s great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city’s eclectic mix of China’s ancient past and bold future.
Hong Kong – Delve into one of the world’s foremost metropolises with a three-night extension in Hong Kong. Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast.
Hong Kong & Guilin – Explore two versions of China – the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves.
Spirit of Mongolia – Immerse yourself in rich traditions and revel in the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert. Explore Ulaanbaatar, an eclectic mix of the ancient and the 21st century. At your desert lodge, admire striking landscapes and enjoy a range of activities curated to bring insight into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
Tokyo – Unravel the mysteries of Tokyo, Japan’s neon-lit capital steeped in imperial history. Zen-like gardens and Shinto shrines mingle with towering skyscrapers in this bustling metropolis, all while the perfectly symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over.
The Viking Yi Dun
Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
Anna Nash has joined Explora Journeys as President of the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group reporting directly to Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
Anna will further strengthen Explora Journeys’ senior leadership team with a remarkable career spanning over two decades gained at leading ultra-luxury hospitality brands.
Most recently, she served as Chief Commercial Officer at Aman, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global commercial strategies and brand expansion. During her ten year tenure with Aman, she also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer.
She brings a wealth of experience in Global Sales, Brand development, Marketing, Digital, PR, Communication, and Business Intelligence to this newly created position, having also worked at Rosewood Hotels and Orient-Express, before joining Aman in 2014.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said “We are delighted to welcome Anna to Explora Journeys where her proven expertise within the ultra-luxury hospitality industry, coupled with her exceptional leadership abilities will help us to ensure that our brand is globally recognized as we continue to set new standards in luxury travel.”
Anna Nash added: “I am incredibly proud to join Explora Journeys at such a pivotal moment in its growth and development. The brand’s dedication to redefining the luxury ocean travel experience is inspiring, and I look forward to working closely with Mr. Vago and the talented team to continue building on this vision. Together, we will strive to create unforgettable journeys that resonate with discerning travelers around the world.”
In her new role as President of Explora Journeys, Anna will be responsible for driving the brand’s strategic vision and growth initiatives as it continues to redefine the landscape of luxury ocean travel. Her extensive experience and leadership will be critical as Explora Journeys prepares to expand its fleet with the launch this week of EXPLORA II, the second luxury ship in the brand’s collection, followed by four additional ships entering service from 2026 to 2028.
Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas will soon double the world’s best vacation count in one of the world’s top travel destinations, and the full lineup of unrivaled experiences in store has been revealed. From thrills like the fastest and tallest waterslides to 40-plus ways to dine and drink combined with adventures in idyllic destinations like the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, the next combination of the best of every vacation sets the stage for everyone to make memories from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. To dive into the exclusive details and book the highly anticipated 7-night vacations on Star, adventurers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website.
In August 2025, every type of family and vacationer can experience the acclaimed features first introduced by Icon of the Seas and even twists to fast favorites, like new restaurant Lincoln Park Supper Club – a 1930s Chicago-inspired spin on the supper club experience that pairs multiple courses with live entertainment. On deck is everything from the six adrenaline-pumping waterslides at Category 6 waterpark and seven pools – one for every day of the week – to the Surfside neighborhood designed for young families and what will be one of only two suspended infinity pools at sea – the adults-only Hideaway.
Star of the Seas preview video
“Star of the Seas is the second bold act of this exciting, new era of vacations first introduced with Icon of the Seas, and it’s putting the world’s best vacation on the map at yet another top travel destination,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Between Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), more adventurers than ever can set their sights on the only vacation that combines the best of all vacations – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – with experiences that have and will continue to make headlines and memories for years to come.”
Star is set to bring more of the revolutionary Icon Class combination across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, with everything from restaurants and bars to live entertainment and more. The highlights include five neighborhoods unique to Icon and Star:
Thrill Island – There are thrills of all kinds with Category 6, the first waterpark at sea when introduced on Icon,andits six record-breaking waterslides – from family raft slides to a drop slide and mat-racing duos; Crown’s Edge, the part skywalk and thrill ride154 feet above the ocean; plus longtime favorites, the FlowRider surf simulator and mini golf, and spots to grab a bite and drinks like Basecamp and Desserted.
Chill Island –The three-deck slice of paradise is home to four of seven pools, each with different vibes and prime ocean views, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic and Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. With live bands and DJs, and places for drinks and quick, casual food just steps away, like The Lime & Coconut, vacationers can chill day and night.
Surfside –Theneighborhood designed for young families is where they can stay and play all day together and without compromise. There’s everything from ways to splash, with kids and tots at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay and grown-ups nearby at Water’s Edge pool, to spots to grab a bite like Surfside Eatery and The Lemon Post bar – all with options for adults and kids.
AquaDome – The tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night atop of Star is back with wraparound ocean views, deck-defying shows with high divers, aerialists, robots, dancers and more at the marquee AquaTheater; and food and drinks to take it all in at the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked and The Overlook bar and Overlook Pods for jaw-dropping views.
The Hideaway –Hidden 135 feet above the ocean, the adults-only spot combines all the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world with a suspended infinity pool – joining the only other pool of its kind on Icon – a DJ, dedicated bar, a terrace with whirlpools and uninterrupted ocean views.
The tried-and-true favorites reimagined on Icon round out the best-selling Icon Class vacations on Star, from the Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, the jaw-dropping Pearl – the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture – and 15-plus restaurants, bars and lounges to the open-air Central Park lined with more than30,500 real plants and alive day to night with restaurants like the new Lincoln Park Supper Club, live music at Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, convenient pick-up windows for sushi and champagne, and more. Plus, the ultra-luxe and exclusive Suite Neighborhood.
Star is joining the newly debuted Oasis Class vacation, Utopia of the Seas– the ultimate short getaway – when it arrives in Port Canaveral (Orlando). By next summer, vacationers celebrating any occasion or just getting away can head to Central Florida and have their pick of the best of both worlds – a weeklong Caribbean vacation, a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas, with weekend energy from beginning to end; or both. Also upping the ante when it comes to destinations and joining the expanding lineup of Royal Caribbean’s standout experiences will be the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas – the first of the Royal Beach Club Collection – in late 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan, responding to numerous requests from cruisers for a more flexible internet package.
Announced by Brand Ambassador John Heald on 8 September 2024, the new plan allows up to four devices to be connected simultaneously – but it comes with a significant cost, starting at $75 per day.
The Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan offers internet speeds up to three times faster than Carnival’s existing Value Plan, and the good news is that it can be shared with your family or travelling party.
The standard Premium Wi-Fi Plan costs $21.25 per day, so for a family of four buying it individually, it would’ve cost $85 per day in total – so the new package does offer a saving.
Otherwise, if you aren’t going to need it for four devices, it’s best to buy individual Premium Wi-Fi packages and save.
It supports music and video streaming, as well as video calls on platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and Teams. This improvement follows Carnival’s rollout of Starlink connectivity in May 2024, which uses SpaceX satellites to provide high-speed internet.
Despite the new offering, some initial complaints have arisen about the Starlink service. Common issues include connectivity problems and inconsistent speeds.
The Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan is available for pre-purchase only and can’t be bought onboard. Guests can secure their internet access in advance by purchasing the plan through Carnival’s website or during the booking process.
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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 International’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, has confirmed plans for another Ultimate World Cruise while announcing a special Reunion cruise for the prior one. The announcement was made…
Explora Journeys has announced Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of its latest luxury ship, the Explora II. The official naming ceremony is set for 15 September 2024, in Civitavecchia, Italy….
Holland America Line has unveiled a new menu for its Pinnacle Grill, aiming to make the dining experience even better for its guests. This new menu includes regional flavours along…
A popular Carnival cruise director has shared a video of a special moment onboard Carnival Venezia. Lee Mason has shared the video of the moment onboard the ship during dinner…
Royal Caribbean International’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, has confirmed plans for another Ultimate World Cruise while announcing a special Reunion cruise for the prior one.
The announcement was made by Bayley in a talk onboard the Serenade of the Seas, which was captured by TikTok users brooklyntravelstheworld:
While the exact details and timeline for the next world cruise are still being worked out, Bayley said the cruise line is planning carefully.
They are coordinating with different ports and planning unique shore trips. More information will be shared in the coming months.
Next summer, Royal Caribbean will host a reunion cruise for the Ultimate World Cruise in Alaska onboard the Serenade of the Seas.
During this event, the next Ultimate World Cruise will be officially announced. Guests on the reunion cruise will have a special 24-hour window to make a deposit and secure their spot on the next voyage, ensuring they can choose the best cabins.
The first Ultimate World Cruise was a 274-day journey covering seven continents, 65 countries, and 11 great wonders of the world.
Highlights included visits to the Great Wall of China, a safari in South Africa, and a tour of Petra in Jordan.
It became quite the phenomenon online, particularly on TikTok, where there were many influencers making wild accusations about life onboard the world cruise. Many of the stories and videos were fake, clearly showing different cruise ships altogether.
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If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new Multi-Device Premium Wi-Fi Plan, responding to numerous requests from cruisers for a more flexible internet package. Announced by Brand Ambassador John Heald on…
Explora Journeys has announced Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of its latest luxury ship, the Explora II. The official naming ceremony is set for 15 September 2024, in Civitavecchia, Italy….
Holland America Line has unveiled a new menu for its Pinnacle Grill, aiming to make the dining experience even better for its guests. This new menu includes regional flavours along…
A popular Carnival cruise director has shared a video of a special moment onboard Carnival Venezia. Lee Mason has shared the video of the moment onboard the ship during dinner…
While a cruise is often a great time to disconnect from modern life, there are some times when you may need to have an internet connection, or it could just be that you don’t want to give up access to your social media for the duration of your cruise. Those photo uploads can’t always wait!
Unfortunately, your mobile data plan won’t work while you’re at sea – you won’t be close enough to a mast – and there may be roaming charges anyway. So taking advantage of the onboard WiFi is the best way to stay connected if you want to.
Let’s take a look at Carnival’s WiFi offering, which is pretty unique among the cruise lines since it’s tailored to certain apps and services.
Carnival WiFi Cost
WiFi packages on a Carnival cruise vary from $12.75 to $75 per day. The cost depends on your choice of package, whether you want it for the whole cruise or just a day, and whether you pre-book your internet before you sail (this entitles you to a discount of 15%).
There are three WiFi packages you can choose from.
Here are the prices for Carnival wifi:
Package
Buy Before Cruise
Buy Onboard
Social
$12.75 per day
$15 per day
Value
$19.55 per day
$23 per day
Premium
$21.25 per day
$25 per day
Multi-Device Premium (4 Devices)
$75 per day
Unavailable
In 2024, If you want to use the internet on your Carnival cruise, then you must buy a Carnival internet package for your whole cruise. It used to be the case that you could buy it just for certain days while on board, but you cannot do that any more.
The cost of Carnival WiFi packages has increased quite a lot over the past year. Before May 2022 you could buy WiFi for as little as $6.80 per day. But now, the current starting price is $12.75 per day – that’s almost double!
Depending on where you cruise to and your cell phone data plan, you may be able to use 5G or 4G in many ports of call for free. So think carefully about whether you actually need a WiFi package, or whether you might only wish to buy it for the sea days.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the various Carnival internet plans…
Social WiFi Plan
The social package limits what you can access to the most popular social media apps and websites. These include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok and Snapchat. You can also access major airline websites, but other sites and apps are blocked.
Carnival’s social WiFi package is the most basic WiFi plan available, and it costs $15 per day when purchased on the ship. If you book your internet package before you sail then you’ll save 15% on that price, taking it down to $12.75 per day.
For a 7-day cruise, that means you’re paying $105 for the week, or $89.25 if you book in advance.
Value WiFi Plan
This package allows you unrestricted access to most of your favourite websites, letting you browse your email, catch up with the news and sports headlines, or do your online banking. It doesn’t let you do anything too intensive though, so services like Skype or Zoom, or streaming apps like Netflix and even Spotify are excluded.
The mid-range Value WiFi plan is a faster service that costs $23.00 per day, although again you can save 15% if you book your internet package before you set sail, taking the price down to $19.55 per day.
For a typical week-long cruise that means you’re paying $161 if you buy your internet while you’re on board, or $137 if you pay for it in advance.
Premium WiFi Plan
This plan allows you to access any of your favourite sites and includes streaming apps as well as video call services such as Skype, Zoom and Teams. However, the reliability of these services can vary, and there’s no refund if you have a weak connection, providing it works.
The best internet package you can get on a Carnival cruise, the Premium plan offers speeds of up to 3 times that of the Value plan. For the privilege, you’ll be paying $25 per day, which is reduced to $21.25 if you pre-book your internet for your cruise.
Over the course of a full week, that means you’re paying $175, which again is reduced by 15% to $148.75 if you’ve paid for your internet access before you set sail.
Multi-Device Premium WiFi Plan
This is the same plan as the Premium Plan, but for multiple devices – up to 4.
The Multi-Device Premium WiFi Plan is one of the most expensive of any cruise line, at $75 per day. But you get four devices for that, and the most important thing is that it CAN be shared between your travelling party.
So, if you are a family of 4 and you all wanted Premium WiFi, this does work out better value than each buying a Premium WiFi Plan individually.
Blocked websites
Even when you pay for the Premium internet package, there are some websites that you won’t be able to access. Generally, gambling websites are blocked due to the international laws on where you can and can’t gamble (it’d be too difficult to keep turning the filter on and off), while adult websites are also blocked too.
The internet packages are available to guests of all ages, and Carnival has to make sure that young guests don’t access something they shouldn’t while using their internet. Also, they likely don’t want guests to have the option of watching naughty videos sitting by the pool, which could make other guests pretty uncomfortable.
How to buy your Carnival Internet Plan
Before your cruise
If you want to be able to access the internet throughout your cruise, the best time to buy a WiFi plan is before you cruise. To do this, just head to carnival.com, click on the ‘Manage’ tab and then click on ‘My Booking’.
You have until midnight Eastern Time on the day before your cruise departs to make your purchase.
Onboard the ship
If you’ve left it too late to pre-purchase your internet package, then you can buy an internet plan on the ship.
To access Carnival’s WiFi service on board, simply turn on WiFi on your device and access the WiFi settings. Your screen will then give you instructions on how to purchase an internet package.
Just so you know, you can’t buy the Multi-Device Premium WiFi plan onboard. You can only get that by pre-purchasing.
Most packages work for once device
You can use your Carnival WiFi package with one device at a time, but you are able to move it between devices if you want to. It’s not locked to a single device, but you won’t be able to use it on more than one at once.
This is handy if you have some important things to do on your laptop in your cabin, but you want to keep the WiFi with you on your smartphone as you spend the day exploring the ship.
The Multi-Device plan works for four devices – whether that’s four different devices for one person, one device each for four people, or any combination of that.
Any chance of free WiFi?
Onboard Carnival cruise ships you can use the WiFi for free, but only to access the Hub app. This app lets you see the deck plans, view drinks and dining menus, check your account balance and book dining reservations, spa treatments and other services.
When you’re in port, you will be able to access WiFi for free by heading to the nearest WiFi hotspot. The crew will be able to help you to find this.
Worth it? It depends, but it is pretty speedy…
Whether Carnival WiFi is worth it depends on how much you intend to use your internet-connected devices while you’re at sea. When the ship is in port, you’ll likely be able to get a 4G or 5G connection on your phone anyway, though you should check your roaming charges with your mobile provider.
Many ports also have places where you can enjoy free WiFi, and the crew are a good bet to ask about this, as they’ll often visit the same places when a ship is docked – crew don’t get free WiFi on board!
QR codes are used to view menus using the ship’s free wifi
Connecting to WiFi
Connecting to Carnival WiFi is pretty easy. On your device, open your WiFi settings and you’ll likely see a network named either “Carnival WiFi” or it may be named after your ship, e.g. “Carnival Vista WiFi”. Click on that network, and your device should direct you to a webpage to fill in your details and get connected.
If that doesn’t work, just try navigating to carnivalwifi.com which should take you to the same page, and if you’re still having problems then you can head to Guest Services and they should be able to get you set up.
Just try to avoid visiting Guest Services as soon as you board the ship as the line will likely be very long.
Can you text on Carnival WiFi?
Sending SMS messages doesn’t use the internet, and while at sea you likely won’t have service. With Carnival’s WiFi packages you will be able to use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family.
The bottom line
On a typical Carnival cruise, you’re probably going to be so busy having fun that constantly checking your social media feeds isn’t going to be a priority, and you’ll likely have enough time in port to be able to catch up without buying a Carnival Cruise WiFi package if you want to save money.
But if you’re someone who needs to stay connected, then the WiFi packages aren’t super expensive, and the choice of different tiers means you can find one that works best for you. Just make sure you book in advance if you think you will need WiFi, as that 15% saving ends up being a decent amount over the course of a week’s cruise.
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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.
