Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with Bally’s, one of the world’s leading gaming and entertainment companies.
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This new partnership between the two companies will give special perks on all 27 of Carnival cruise ships to the following Bally’s tier guests:
They will now be eligible for free or discounted Carnival cruises in addition to special events.
Bally’s currently has 15 properties around the country and Carnival Cruise Line sails from 14 different U.S. homeports.
Marty Goldman, Carnival Corporation’s senior vice president of global casino operations, gave the following statement about this new partnership:
“We’re committed to our Carnival Players Club guests and in Bally’s, we have a partner that values its own loyal guests with the same fervor. We have plenty of fun to go around across our fleet, so we’re excited to bring Bally’s on board with us and look forward to growing this unique partnership.”
Mike Donovan, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of gaming for Bally’s Corporation, added:
“This collaboration brings together two industry leaders, combining the excitement of Bally’s gaming experience with the unparalleled entertainment and hospitality of Carnival Cruise Line.”
“Together, we will create unforgettable experiences for our guests, both on land and at sea. his partnership represents a new chapter in our commitment to providing exceptional entertainment and gaming options to our valued patrons.”
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P&O Cruises has announced its flight partners for the 2024/25 Caribbean winter season, with the big news being that Maleth Aero has been dropped.
The cruise line will continue its partnership with TUI for flights, with Norse Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic also joining the lineup and operating some flights for Caribbean cruises.
The cruise line has promised that guests will receive a consistent and dedicated in-flight service regardless of the cruise line, meaning that anyone flying specifically for a cruise will enjoy select benefits.
These include the chance to bypass immigration in the airport, and have an automatic luggage forwarding service – once bags are dropped off at the UK airport, they will be taken to the ship without customers needing to claim them on landing.
And then on the return journey, customers need only leave their suitcases outside their cabin on the last night of the cruise, and then collect them upon landing back in the UK.
The news that Maleth Aero has been dropped will please many P&O Cruises customers, with a series of issues during the last season including major delays.
Customers were also unhappy that they were able to book more premium seat options as part of their cruise package, only to find that Maleth did not accommodate those, and that the airline did not offer any in-flight entertainment.
There is even a Facebook group set up for customers who were let down by Maleth Aero on their P&O cruise package.
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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.
A woman has shared her story of losing $10,000 on her Carnival cruise booking after sharing her booking details online.
Tiffany Banks and her partner had booked a luxury cruise in a Presidential Excel Suite onboard Carnival Celebration, one of the biggest ships in the fleet, for a total cost of around $13,000.
But she was confused when she received emails telling her that two of her booked shore excursions had been cancelled, without any reason provided.
She called the cruise line to ask what had happened and was told that the excursions were cancelled because the suite had been cancelled by someone logging into the online portal.
The cruise line was unable to rebook the couple in the suite, and their best offer was for two Interior cabins.
Banks and her partner later realised what likely happened – that they shared their vacation countdown email on social media, accidentally revealing their booking number.
All you need to log into a booking and make changes is that booking number and the lead passenger’s surname – meaning it’s probable someone saw the information and decided to log in, cancelling the cruise.
Originally Carnival refused to refund Banks, as the error was not on the cruise line’s side. However, following Banks sharing her story online, the cruise line has offered a $10,000 Future Cruise Credit as compensation.
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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.
Carnival Cruise Line keeps teasing us with reveals of what the Celebration Key will be like. Now children of all ages, and their parents, have the first glance of their own tropical playground in paradise with today’s announcement of plans for Starfish Lagoon, offering families endless ways to have fun in the sun at the new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama opening in July 2025.
Family Fun At Celebration Key
Centered around one of the largest freshwater lagoons* in the Caribbean, Starfish Lagoon will feature a variety of activities for all ages and energy levels, including:
Named after the national bird and national fish of The Bahamas, the pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin water slides, each over 350 feet long, invite guests to friendly competition as they weave through and around the iconic 10-story high Suncastle in a speedy race with exciting turns and flashes of light and color culminating in an exhilarating splashing photo finish.
Located right at the entrance to Starfish Lagoon, for toddlers and small children, the Guppy Grotto splash pad is a colorful, coral-reef themed children’s water play area, featuring a refreshing two-foot-deep wading pool, fun water toys, an exciting dump bucket and interactive features, as well as plenty of shaded seating for parents with a nearby ice cream shop;
The Game Pavilion features a variety of table games such as foosball, ping pong and corn hole, along with comfortable seating areas for socializing and meeting new friends;
The Sports Court includes volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts adjacent to the Game Pavilion.
Floating AquaBanas are comfortable and sturdy floating cabanas that are fun for the whole family. Guests can relax with their feet in the water under the shady canopy as they sip on a refreshing beverage. Available for rental, AquaBanas come with seating space for eight, a solid table for drinks and other essentials, non-slip surfaces and steps for easy access into the lagoon. These 12 floating “private islands” are grouped around a peninsula with a dedicated bar, so that refreshments are just a few steps or swims away. A variety of more traditional cabanas and daybeds will also be available.
For the adults, there’s a Swim Up Bar where any variety of colorful drinks, including the bar’s specialty frozen rum cocktails, will be served, all without leaving the water;
Hanging out takes on new meaning with a number of hammocks, right next to the iconic Suncastle, that let guests kick back and relax as they swing over the water and take in the views of Starfish Lagoon.
There’s a stretch of gorgeous beach and crystal blue water with kayak and paddleboard rentals and plenty of space for games of frisbee or sandcastle building, along with sun loungers, umbrellas and beachside cabanas.
A variety of dining venues provide many options for guests including restaurants, snack and bar shacks, along with Bahamian food trucks.
Sports Court
“At Carnival, we carry the more children than any other cruise line, so we’ve designed Starfish Lagoon specifically for family fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Toddlers, teens and adults alike will find their own piece of paradise whether it be racing down one of the waterslides, playing a round of pickleball or relaxing on our floating AquaBanas.”
Starfish Lagoon
Starfish Lagoon joins Paradise Plaza, the welcome area, Calypso Lagoon, the adult-friendly area and Lokono Cove, the shopping village, as four of the five portals. Carnival will share details soon on the adults-only private retreat. Celebration Key is scheduled to welcome its first guests in July 2025, and more than 500 itineraries currently open for sale feature visits to the new destination on 18 ships sailing from 10 U.S. homeports.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
*Based on publicly available data of surface area measurements as of 01/22/24.
Virgin Voyages, an adults only cruise line, has issued a stern warning to “First Mates” (travel agents) about certain activities that are happening on their cruise ships.
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An email was sent out to travel agents earlier today warning them to knock it off with solicitation and rebating.
The cruise line said that they reserve the right to cancel First Mate accounts and in extreme cases, ban them from sailing on their ships.
John Diorio, Vice President of North American Sales for Virgin Voyages, signed the email listing a number of key actions happening on their ships that the cruise line is actively working on stopping.
The email reminded First Mates that solicitation while on a Virgin cruise ships is strictly prohibited. This includes leaving business cards, branded items, and flyers around cruise ships and ship terminals that promote travel agencies.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Also, some travel agents are meeting guests who are in line with the My Next Virgin Voyages team trying to get them to transfer their future bookings to them by the way of “helping them”.
Virgin also warned agents of soliciting guests in social media groups in an attempt to get them to transfer their bookings to them.
This includes sending messages in onboard social media groups asking them to purchase My Next Virgin Voyages placeholders for them.
Lastly, Virgin Voyages has a strict policy on offering part of an agent’s commission back to cruisers. This gives guests a higher perceived value than booking through any one else, including the cruise line, and is prohibited.
The email went on to say the following about these actions taking place on their ships:
“We are actively monitoring these tactics and reserve the right to cancel your First Mate account and, in extreme cases, limit or cancel your ability to sail. We do not think the above actions are in the spirit of a good partnership or fair to your industry colleagues and we just can’t allow them to continue.”
“If you see any examples of the above, please share them with the Sales Team who will sort them out as quickly as possible. We know that no one wants this to happen to them given how hard everyone is working to grow their business.”
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Getting married on a cruise is a fantastic way to celebrate your love for your partner, especially if you’re both cruise fans!
Not only that, but your wedding and honeymoon get combined into one convenient package – and you’ll get some amazing, unique photo opportunities on the ship too.
But how much is a wedding on a cruise ship? What’s included in cruise wedding packages and what do you need to pay extra for?
It varies by cruise line, but I’ve researched all the major lines to put this guide together for you.
Cruise Line Wedding Packages And Prices
Cruise Line
Price for 10 guests
Carnival
From $1,799
Celebrity Cruises
From $1,495
Disney Cruise Line
From $3,500 (16 guests)
NCL
From $2,059
P&O Cruises
From $3,300 (£2,700)
Princess Cruises
From $3,995
Royal Caribbean
From $1,950
What’s Included in a Cruise Wedding Package
While the exact inclusions for cruise ship wedding packages will vary, there are some features that are almost always included.
1. Guests
You’ll typically be allowed to have a small number of guests present for your wedding – often basic packages will start with 10, and you can upgrade if you want more.
If those guests aren’t booked onto the cruise, then it means your wedding will take place on embarkation day – they’ll be allowed to board the ship, enjoy the ceremony with you, and then leave before the ship sets sail.
2. Pre-cruise planner
Typically you’ll be given the services of a wedding planner for your cruise wedding, who’ll be available over email or phone so that you can arrange the minor details such as the music, the decorations etc.
3. A private venue
Basic cruise wedding packages will always include a private venue. You don’t need to worry about random guests wandering around behind you as you exchange your vows. Upgraded packages will be available for guests who want to get married ashore.
4. A local officiant
While some cruise ship captains will marry guests, that may be a service only offered for upgraded packages. At the very least, you’ll have an officiant for your wedding who will lead the service and ensure all the proper legal documents are signed.
5. Wedding certificate keepsake
You’ll normally be given a keepsake version of your wedding certificate so you have a nice memento to remind you of the day, along with the legal documents that you need to prove you are married too.
6. Wedding cake
The cake is normally included in your cruise wedding package, but it may be a relatively simple one. It’s normal to expect a two-tier cake on basic packages, with the option to upgrade to a three-tier one if you pay more.
7. A toast
Normally you’ll get a glass of sparkling wine for your guests to toast you as a newly married couple, with the option to upgrade to Champagne if you choose a higher-tier package.
8. Photography services
You need to be careful with this one – cruise weddings will usually give you the services of a photographer, but not the actual photos.
The idea is that you’ll get some amazing photos that you can then buy. You might get one free photo with your wedding package, but you’d then need to pay for the digital copies or any prints of the rest.
9. Decorations
Basic decorations will be included in a cruise wedding package, including an aisle runner and chair decorations.
Other Things You’ll Need to Budget For
1. The actual cruise
The cost of a cruise wedding does not include the cost of your cruise fare, so you’ll need to budget for that separately. If you’re booking a shorter cruise then the wedding package might be a lot more than the cruise fare, but you still need to pay for it.
2. Wedding licensing
This one’s super-important – not all cruise line wedding packages include the legal and regulatory fees for your ceremony, and you may need to pay extra for these. A license for a wedding at sea will typically cost between $500 and $750.
3. Upgraded ceremonies
You need to look at the different wedding package options for your cruise line, because basic ones might not have everything you want. You’ll need to budget for things like extra guests, a longer ceremony if you want to have readings included, or the extra cost for a destination wedding if that’s what you’d prefer.
4. Reception (food and drinks)
A cruise wedding only tends to include the ceremony as standard. You can normally arrange a reception too, but that will cost extra. It’ll include continued use of a private venue, along with food and drink options for you and your guests.
5. Photography
Again, you’ll normally have a photographer’s services included in your cruise wedding, but the actual photos will cost extra.
There are usually different bundles you can choose from when planning your cruise, offering photo albums, digital copies or special prints.
6. Videography services
Videography services are extra too for a cruise wedding – if you want a professional wedding video to be arranged by the cruise line, you’ll need to pay extra for that. It might be better to just ask a guest to film it for you – phones these days will do a perfectly fine job, unless you want that really professionally edited final product.
7. Spa services
Cruise ships have spas onboard, which are ideal for some pre-wedding hair and beauty treatments. These will cost extra, but they do mean you don’t need to worry about arriving at a bustling cruise port looking immaculate already.
8. Romance packages
Cruise lines will often have extra packages available for the happy couple just to make the whole day feel that bit more special.
They’ll vary by cruise line but may include breakfast in bed the next day, flower petal decorations for the stateroom, a bottle of chilled bubbly waiting for you, a couple’s massage… Anything the cruise line can offer that feels romantic.
9. Live music
Cruise weddings will include the use of pre-recorded music for the ceremony, and for the reception if you book one. But if you want to upgrade that to include live musicians, that’s usually an option but you’ll be looking at an increase of at least $200, likely more depending on how long you want them to play.
10. Clothing and flowers
You’ll need to remember to budget for your outfits, and for any flowers you want to use in the ceremony. The outfits are on you to arrange, but the cruise line may be able to help with bouquets and boutonnieres for the gents.
Bear in mind you aren’t allowed to bring fresh flowers onboard, so you may need to make do with fake ones.
Here’s What Each Cruise Line Offers
Carnival Weddings
Carnival offers three main types of wedding package:
Signature Ceremony – Ceremony-only packages
It’s a Celebration – Packages that include a reception
Love Ashore – Destination weddings
The cheapest of the Carnival cruise wedding packages is the Signature Ceremony which starts at $1,799 for a wedding with 10 guests (including the couple). You can add additional guests for $29 plus tax, and there are all kinds of extras you can add onto the package as well.
There are lots of different options to tailor your wedding, including choosing the cake flavours, the decorations to be used and more. Reception packages include a mix of hot and cold food served tapas style, rather than a sit-down dinner.
Despite Celebrity Cruises being a premium cruise line, their wedding packages are still relatively affordable. And even the most basic packages will be led by the ship’s captain, should they be available – although if not, another officiant will take their place.
Shoreside weddings are also available with Celebrity Cruises, if you’d like to get married in a venue adjacent to the embarkation port before then embarking on your cruise honeymoon, and destination weddings can be arranged too.
Celebrity offers special Deck Weddings, where your ceremony will take place on the deck with a beautiful canopy, if you’d like this option though it will of course cost extra.
I’m sure you will be shocked to hear that the Disney cruise wedding cost is one of the highest of the major cruise lines, with prices starting at $3,500 for a Fairy Tale package. This does get you an increased number of guests though – 16 as standard.
The packages also include more than you would get with other cruise lines’ basic packages. You’ll automatically get a solo musician for your ceremony, usually a pianist, and you’ll get Champagne for the wedding toast rather than sparkling wine.
The happy couple will get a commemorative Disney wedding cake topper to keep and they’ll get onboard credit to use for a special celebration dinner in Palo onboard the ship. Also, dress steaming is included as standard in the price, so your dress will be perfect for the ceremony.
Upgrade options include the chance to have a very special destination wedding on Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s private island – though this will increase your costs significantly.
NCL is another cruise line to offer a range of different wedding packages, including the option for a Symbolic Ceremony at Sea, a Harborside Ceremony, or a Destination Ceremony. The Symbolic Ceremony at Sea is the cheapest from $2,059 but this can only take place on a sea day when the ship is cruising.
So, if you want to be able to invite guests to your wedding who aren’t cruising with you, you’re looking at the more expensive Harborside Ceremony for £3,099.
There are loads of extras you can add onto the standard package, including fresh flowers as decorations, entertainment, spa treatments and more. But just a note – if you host a larger wedding, you’ll be charged for extra wedding co-ordinators for every 25 guests.
P&O Cruises’ entry-level wedding packages are designed just for the happy couple, so you need to pay a little more to get up to 10 guests included.
You do get some nice perks for the price though – the captain or deputy will conduct the ceremony, and you’ll have use of a pre-cruise wedding planner and one onboard the ship to finalise details as well.
Couples will also enjoy breakfast in bed for the morning after the wedding, as well as complimentary pressing of the wedding outfits, hair and makeup before the wedding, dinner at a speciality restaurant and a special certificate signed by the captain.
Princess Cruises’ wedding packages are on the pricier side, but this is the cruise line famous for The Love Boat – so a lot of people want to get married on a Princess ship.
Standard packages are for the couple only so you’re looking at $3,995 for a wedding with guests, which includes your choice of indoor or outdoor ceremony led by the ship’s captain.
You’ll also get a solo musician for the ceremony, and a range of gifts in your stateroom to make your wedding more special, including a romantic breakfast the morning after.
The price also includes a range of digital and print photos as standard.
In the past, Princess has had a unique feature for wedding ceremonies, being able to stream them live to your friends and family back home. It’s not clear whether this is still available, but one to ask about.
Royal Caribbean offers a range of wedding package options, including affordable packages for getting married in port – up to 10 guests can join you for a total cost of $1,950, which includes a bottle of Moet and Chandon Champagne to enjoy, dinner at a speciality restaurant for the couple, and some little extra touches like stateroom decorations and a Mimosa breakfast-in-bed.
If you want to get married at sea you’re looking at a price close to $4,000 but that automatically comes with an allowance of up to 50 guests, with destination weddings available from $4,650. There are some amazing destination options available, including getting married on an Alaskan glacier!
You can also add on a range of reception packages, photography services, entertainment and more. Just be aware that a lot of the additional extras have high charges, so a complete package may be more expensive.
Budgeting Tips For Cruise Weddings
1. Book your cruise early
Remember that, as the couple getting married, you need to budget for two separate costs – the wedding, but also the cruise.
So try to book your cruise as early as possible – look for when the dates are going to go on sale, and get in there as soon as you can. This can help you get the best deal on the actual cruise element, and save money overall.
2. Reach out to the cruise line early with your requirements
Once you have the cruise booked, contact the cruise line to begin arranging the wedding as early as possible too.
If you set out your requirements as soon as possible, the cruise line can provide a full breakdown of costs. This can help you save for it in advance, or you might realise that there are adjustments you’re comfortable with that won’t spoil the ceremony but will bring the price down.
3. Ask guests to contribute in lieu of gifts
This one splits opinion, but if you’re inviting guests to your cruise wedding, it’s reasonable to ask them to contribute to the cost, instead of buying you a wedding gift. It’s just the same as asking for contributions to a honeymoon, after all.
An alternative idea is to set up a registry for your cruise, so that guests can buy elements of it as your wedding gift. A lot of cruise lines can facilitate this for you. So you might list speciality dinners, or excursions, or even just some drinks.
Having your guests pay for these as your wedding gifts means they’re essentially paying for parts of the cruise you’d otherwise have to budget for.
Final Word
While cruise weddings are hardly cheap, they aren’t actually too expensive when compared like-for-like with land weddings.
There are logistics to consider, like making sure your guests can join you, and working out whether they’re also going to cruise with you.
But combining a cruise and honeymoon into one escape, and getting married either at sea or in a beautiful location with the cruise ship behind you, is extremely special. Especially if you both already love cruises – then it’s a perfect celebration of each other and the happiest times you spend together.
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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.
In the 21st century, cities are undergoing a transformation like never before. With rapid advancements in technology, urban areas are evolving into smart cities, creating a seamless blend of innovation and daily life. These smart cities leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance the quality of life for their residents, streamline urban management, and promote sustainable practices.
The Essence of a Smart City
A smart city is not just about high-tech gadgets and modern infrastructure; it’s about creating an environment that is efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants. This involves integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) into urban management to improve services and infrastructure. From traffic management to waste disposal, every aspect of city life can benefit from smart technology.
Enhancing Urban Living with Technology
One of the primary goals of smart cities is to improve the quality of urban living. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics play crucial roles in achieving this objective.
Transportation
Smart transportation systems use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance public transit efficiency. For instance, smart traffic lights can adjust their timing based on real-time traffic conditions, reducing wait times and lowering emissions. Additionally, mobile apps provide real-time updates on public transportation schedules, making commuting more convenient for residents.
Energy Management
Smart grids and renewable energy sources are central to the energy management systems in smart cities. These grids use data to monitor and manage energy consumption efficiently, ensuring a stable supply while minimizing waste. Solar panels and wind turbines, integrated with smart grids, contribute to a city’s sustainability efforts, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainable Urban Development
Sustainability is a cornerstone of smart cities. Urban planners incorporate green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transportation options to minimize environmental impact. For example, smart waste management systems use sensors to monitor waste levels in bins, optimizing collection routes and reducing fuel consumption.
Water Management
Water is a precious resource, and smart cities use technology to manage it effectively. Smart water meters and leak detection systems ensure efficient water use, while IoT-enabled irrigation systems optimize water usage in public parks and green spaces.
Citizen Engagement and Governance
Smart cities also focus on enhancing citizen engagement and improving governance. Through digital platforms and mobile apps, residents can easily access city services, provide feedback, and participate in decision-making processes. This creates a more inclusive and responsive urban environment.
E-Governance
E-governance platforms enable citizens to access a wide range of services online, from paying bills to reporting issues. This not only improves convenience but also increases transparency and accountability in municipal operations.
Technology in Entertainment and Leisure
Smart cities are not just about efficiency and sustainability; they also aim to enhance the leisure and entertainment options available to residents. High-speed internet and widespread connectivity facilitate access to various digital entertainment platforms. For example, many residents enjoy online gaming, and popular Sweet Bonanza Game offer engaging ways to unwind after a busy day in a smart city. The availability of such games demonstrates how technology seamlessly integrates into urban life, providing both practical and recreational benefits.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the numerous benefits, the transition to smart cities comes with its challenges. Privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, and the digital divide are significant issues that need to be addressed. Ensuring that all residents have access to smart technologies and the skills to use them is crucial for the equitable development of smart cities.
Data Privacy and Security
With the extensive use of data in smart cities, protecting citizens’ privacy is paramount. Robust cybersecurity measures and clear data governance policies are essential to safeguard sensitive information.
Bridging the Digital Divide
To ensure that the benefits of smart cities are accessible to all, efforts must be made to bridge the digital divide. This involves providing affordable access to technology and digital literacy programs, especially for underserved communities.
Conclusion
Smart cities represent the future of urban living, where technology and sustainability intersect to create vibrant, efficient, and responsive environments. By leveraging advanced technologies, these cities aim to improve the quality of life for their residents while promoting sustainable development. As we continue to innovate and address the challenges, the vision of truly smart cities will become a reality, offering a blueprint for urban development in the digital age.
Carnival Cruise Line gave new details on Starfish Lagoon, an area for families at their new private port on Grand Bahama opening in 2025, Celebration Key.
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Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s new private port that is opening in July 2025
Celebration Key is a new private port being built specifically for Carnival cruise ships. It will open in July 2025 and have five distinct portals. One of those will be Starfish Lagoon, an area just for families.
At the entrance to Starfish Lagoon will be the Guppy Grotto. This splash pad is a coral-reed themed water play area for small children and toddlers.
It will have a two-foot deep wading pool, water toys, dump bucket, a nearby ice cream shop and shaded seating for parents.
Guppy Grotto, an area for small children
Floating AquaBanas will be floating cabanas that will be available to rent. They will have seating for eight guests and a solid table for drinks.
There will be 12 AquaBanas total and they will have a private bar. Also available will be traditional cabanas and daybeds.
The new AquaBanas on Celebration Key
The lagoon will have a swim-up bar so you don’t have to get out of the water to get a drink.
Next to the iconic Suncastle will be a number of hammocks so you can swing over the water and enjoy the views of the lagoon.
Starfish Lagoon will also have a beach with kayak and paddleboard rentals. There will also be loungers, umbrellas and beachside cabanas.
Beach for families on Celebration Key
A sports court will be adjacent to the Game Pavilion and have basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts.
The sports court area on Celebration Key
The Game Pavilion will have everything from foosball, ping pong and corn hole.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the following about this family area on Celebration Key:
“At Carnival, we carry the more children than any other cruise line, so we’ve designed Starfish Lagoon specifically for family fun. Toddlers, teens and adults alike will find their own piece of paradise whether it be racing down one of the waterslides, playing a round of pickleball or relaxing on our floating AquaBanas.”
18 Carnival cruise ships are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. Right now, Carnival Cruise Line has opened for bookings over 500 cruises that will visit this new port destination.
Carnival Vista will be the first cruise ship to visit Celebration Key on July 19, 2025. The port will have a pier that can accommodate up to two of Carnival’s largest cruise ships on the same day.
A future expansion to the pier will allow up to four Carnival ships to visit Celebration Key.
Once Celebration Key opens, Carnival will begin work on Phase 2 that includes a water park.
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A cruise line has announced that their newest luxury cruise ship will debut sooner than expected next year.
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Oceania Cruises, one of the world’s leading destination focused cruise lines, announced that their next new ship, Allura, will now debut a week earlier than expected on July 24, 2025.
The cruise line has added a six day cruise that will depart from Trieste, Italy and visit Rijeka, Ravenna, Dubrovnik, and Kotor before arriving in Athens.
Guests who were booked on the maiden voyage will have first access to booking this new sailing.
In addition to this new six day cruise, Oceania Cruises is also opening a unique four day cruise from New York City on September 30, 2025.
Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania’s fleet and the cruise line’s second Allura class ship. It will have the following amenities:
One chef for every 10 guests
1,200 guests served by 800 crew members, two crew members for every three guests
Most spacious standard staterooms at sea, at an astounding 291 square feet
Five specialty dining venues
A new onboard Crêperie
A luxurious new library, featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass
Frank A. Del Rio, President, Oceania Cruises, gave the following statement about their newest ship debuting early:
“Thanks to the progress made by our valued partners at Fincantieri, we are thrilled to bring Allura into service a week earlier than planned. I’m excited to be able to present Allura on a one-time taster voyage to showcase the ship to aspirational travelers who are looking to sample an ultra-premium cruise experience, and even better, sailing from downtown Manhattan, the heart of New York City.”
Oceania Cruises is giving Allura a fresh menu, with a focus on new treats for the Crêperie.
The new Crêperie on Oceania Cruises’ next new ship, Allura
Chefs Alexis Quarett, one of the Executive Culinary Directors for Oceania Cruises, said:
“Oceania Cruises is a cruise line founded by foodies, for foodies, and food is at the heart of everything we do. The team and I are busy testing and tasting a wonderful array of waffles and crêpes, which will be enjoyed by our guests next year aboard Allura. Our guests will be able to customize their waffles and crêpes, which will all be made to order, to be perfectly personalized.
“We have lots of exciting culinary developments underway for Allura, including more than 300 new recipes in active development for The Grand Dining Room, across all three meal services. I am excited to reveal more in the coming months.”
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Mundy Cruising, a luxury cruise specialist based in the UK, is launching the world’s first luxury pickleball cruise designed for fans of the sport who haven’t yet enjoyed a cruise holiday.
Guests will be able to enjoy a beautiful round-trip cruise from Dover, spending 8 nights onboard the stunning Crystal Symphony, departing on 18th September 2024.
As well as all the amenities of a luxury cruise ship that guests would normally expect, they will be able to play many friendly games of pickleball onboard, as the ship has two courts.
It’s also the only no-fly cruise available on a Crystal ship this year, with an enticing itinerary that includes an overnight stay in Ijmuiden (for Amsterdam), a night in Zeebrugge, two nights in Rouen and a visit to St Peters Port.
Also joining the cruise will be some notable guest speakers to trace the path of Allied Forces in World War II, as 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings.
Guests who book their luxury pickleball cruise through Mundy Cruising will enjoy guaranteed time on the pickleball courts, and there will an exclusive meet-and-greet cocktail party hosted at the start of the cruise for these guests.
All guests will be able to enjoy all meals, including all speciality dining, as well as all-inclusive drinks. WiFi and gratuities are also covered by the cruise fare.
Fares start at £3,795 per person for the 8-night cruise which includes free parking at Dover. Solo guest rooms are available from £4,995 with solo supplements for Sapphire Ocean View Suites set to just 25%.
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.
