Norwegian Cruise Line has announced new culinary experiences that include their first Thai restaurant that will debut on their next new ship, Norwegian Aqua.
Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to debut in April 2025 and will have three brand new restaurants/bars for Norwegian.
The three new restaurants/bars for NCL are:
Sukhothai, NCL’s first Thai specialty restaurant
Planterie, the cruise line’s first eatery with a full plant based menu
Swirl Wine Bar, an upscale wine bar
Sukhothai will transport diners for a taste of Thailand. Dishes will include Thai Cashew Chicken, Salt and Pepper Prawns and Thai Grilled Steak Salad.
This upscale specialty restaurant will be located on deck 17 on the ship.
NCL is bringing back Indulge Food Hall and it will have a plant based eatery called Planterie. This will be one of 10 food stations in the food hall.
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David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said the following about the new dining options on Norwegian Aqua:
“Discovering new flavors and dining experiences is such a memorable part of any vacation, especially when you share it with those who matter most to you. Expanding on our award-winning food and beverage program, we’re looking forward to bringing new concepts to life aboard Norwegian Aqua, while continuing to deliver on the variety of available offerings and value that NCL delivers.”
Norwegian Aqua will have many redesigned venues that include the Commodore Room, Metropolitan, Nama Sushi and Sashimi, Surfside Cafe, The Local Bar & Grill, Cagney’s and more.
Norwegian Aqua will be the 20th ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet and the first Prima Plus class ship.
The ship is scheduled to debut in April 2025 offering week long cruises to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, the world’s busiest cruise port.
After an inaugural season in Florida, the ship will move to New York City for cruises to Bermuda through the fall.
In October 2025, Norwegian Aqua will homeport in Miami sailing seven night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean through the spring of 2026.
Have you decided to embark on a luxury cruise this year? Then youâre in for a treat. For instance, you can freely tour the ship, lounge at the pool, and eat delicious food.
However, thereâs one thing that you shouldnât miss out on when on a cruise. That would be the theme night parties, games, etc.
If you participate in such events, you can enter a world of adventure and intrigue. These nights can truly elevate your cruise experience and give you unforgettable memories.
In this blog post, weâve mentioned some unique theme nights you shouldnât miss when traveling on a cruise ship.
#1. Black Diamond Theme: A Type of Exhibition Night
Are you fascinated with diamonds? Then youâve probably heard of the unique black diamond gem. This stone looks perfect in the form of wedding bands, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, etc. It represents justice, inner strength, and protection.
According to Leibish, black diamonds are extremely rare because they have only one color intensity. On average, a 3-carat black diamond can cost anywhere between USD 1,500 and USD 36,000. For instance, the Black Orlov is one of the most famous black diamonds in the world. With a weight of 67.5 carats, this stone is worth over USD 300,000.
But you might wonder: How can a cruise use a gem to create theme nights? Well, black diamond nights have an enigmatic allure you can understand only when youâve attended them.
You shouldnât miss out on this theme night because it successfully captivates luxury and mystery. The cruise will be decorated with a high-end gala vibe that mimics the essence of this diamond. Even the gourmet food options will have a black diamond theme. These include truffles, caviar, etc.
This event will showcase exquisite gems and exclusive jewelry made from black diamonds. When you enter this exhibition, youâll be bombarded with shimmering elegance and mystique. Youâll also learn more about the diamondâs history, price range, etc.
Sometimes, these jewels are up for sale or auction. However, the International Gem Society (IGS) states you shouldnât buy jewelry on cruise ships, especially black diamonds.
#2. Murder Mystery Theme: A Type of Game Night
This theme is inspired by the numerous cruise ship murder mystery novels in the world. Death on the Nile, Murder on a Ghost Ship, and Murder on the Atlantic are just a few examples. You can read some of these books for inspiration.
On a cruise ship, the murder mystery theme night will come with arousing adventures with conspiring crewmembers and peculiar passengers. If you love watching detective movies and shows, you shouldnât miss out on this game night.
Youâll have to pair up with fellow passengers to unravel the mysteries while revealing secrets on the ship. Passengers have to discover hidden letters, deal with sudden disappearances, find clues throughout the deck, etc. Youâll also be required to wear vintage attire and mingle with fellow passengers.
Throughout the evening, youâll have to unravel clues and make alliances to solve the case. The twist is that youâll only have until midnight before the final reveal. Remember, everyone will be a suspect, so you shouldnât trust people easily.
#3. Haunted Ship Theme: A Type of Party Night
Did you know that there are separate cruise ships solely dedicated to celebrating Halloween? Examples include Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Lines, etc. Similarly, other cruises dedicate one night to the haunted ship theme.
Itâs a party where you must dress like itâs Halloween. If you love haunted themes, you shouldnât miss out on this party.
Youâll embark on an eerie adventure while traveling the dark sea. The cruise ship will be adorned with a ghostly theme and shrouded in mist. The vibe will truly give you chills.
During this night, you should brace yourself for spine-tingling experiences and goosebumps. The creaking corridors and shadowy figures will truly give you the creeps.
The crew might also gather everyone in a hall to discuss chilling tales of maritime folklore. Moreover, the themed decor, haunting music, and food perfectly capture the ghostly atmosphere. Be ready for unforgettable thrills and supernatural encounters under the moonlit sky as you sail through the sea.
In conclusion, being on a cruise isnât only about reaching the destination. Here, you can create an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.
As mentioned in this post, you shouldnât miss out on the unique theme nights organized by the cruise. These include haunted, black diamond, and murder mystery themes. Youâll go on a journey of suspense, thrill, challenge, and learning. You also get to create adventurous memories on the cruise by unraveling mysteries.
Royal Caribbean has just announced that all cruise stops at its own private resort area in Labadee, Haiti will be suspended through the month of May.
The cruise line had paused scheduled visits to the port after unrest and rising tension in Haiti became a greater security concern in March.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson stated, “We have suspended all visits to Labadee fleetwide through May 2024, and we continue to monitor the situation with our Global Security and Intelligence team.”
The following ships with the cruise line will be impacted by this decision as they were all scheduled to call on Labadee in May:
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Allure of the Seas
Adventure of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Cruise passengers with bookings on these ships next month will be sent to various ports of call as part of the itinerary change or may just have an extra sea day. Another port of call may include Perfect Day at CocoCay, but clarification on these changes has not yet been made.
We will update this article as changes are announced by the cruise line.
Initially, Royal Caribbean continued allowing cruise traffic to the private island in March, citing that the port remained safe. The port area is in a more exclusive part of the country and kept safe by its own security enforcement.
But as security around the country began to unravel it became a greater concern to cruise visitors and the decision was made to temporarily pause visits to the region.
Haiti is currently under a “Do not travel” advisory by the U.S. State Department. Security concerns listed include kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.
Princess Cruises has announced that the debut of their next new ship, Star Princess, will be pushed back a couple months.
Star Princess, the cruise line’s second Sphere class ship, will now debut on October 15, 2025. The ship was originally scheduled to sail its maiden voyage on July 29, 2025 but the first nine sailings have been canceled.
The cruise line and the shipyard, Fincantieri, agreed together to postpone the launch of Star Princess.
Guests who were booked on one of the nine canceled sailings will have two options to choose from. They will be:
Rebook on any Princess ship in their fleet
Cancel and receive a full refund of the cruise fare
Those who choose to rebook on another cruise will receive future cruise and onboard credits.
Princess Cruises will honor all commission to travel agents who had clients booked on one of the canceled sailings.
John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, gave the following statement about the updated launch for Star Princess:
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“Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests.”
The maiden cruise on Star Princess will be an 11 day Mediterranean cruise on October 15, 2025. After a week long cruise, the ship will then sail a two week transatlantic sailing and will arrive in Port Everglades for the winter Caribbean season.
An artist rendering of Star Princess
These three new cruises will open for bookings on April 30, 2024.
Princess Cruises’ first Sphere class ship which recently debuted in the Mediterranean, Sun Princess, was also delayed and had the first few cruises canceled.
Star Princess is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
I often book cruises a month or two before the sailing date. But there are some really good reasons for booking well before that, with one main reason that you should consider.
Last-minute cruises have their place as well, and for certain situations it’s the ideal way for whimsical travelers to grab a quick vacation at sea.
However, to really maximize savings — and I mean savings potentially in the thousands of dollars— booking almost a year or more ahead of the cruise has a huge perk some people overlook.
Booking a cruise a year or more in advance has one major advantage. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
We recently ran a poll on our Facebook page, asking our readers how far in advance they like to book a cruise.
After over 1,200 responses, “6-12 months out” was the most common answer. In fact, almost half of the poll voters (48%) selected this option.
31% said that booking 1 – 2 years before a cruise was right for them, with only 5% saying they typically booked less than 3 months before a cruise departed port.
Biggest benefit to booking a cruise far in advance
The biggest benefit is repricing. Any “price drops” along the way can be extra money in your pocket.
By booking early you’ve locked in that price. And if the price goes down it’s actually a good thing for you.
This is because most cruise lines allow you to rebook for the newly dropped cruise fare if you have not yet final payment.
Cruise fare prices are constantly changing. Weaker than expected demand can lead to a drop in price, with the stronger demand doing the opposite.
Cruise lines need to fill cabins– all of them if they can. So, if that means enticing more cruise travelers with a better deal, they’ll make it happen.
By booking far out in advance you have more flexibility.
If the price only goes up after you book, then you know you locked in the best price right off the bat.
If the price goes down considerably, you can take advantage of it and book a lower fare.
The earlier you book and the less you pay upfront, the more flexibility you have to rebook at a lower rate if the price drops.
This is why I’m constantly using price alert tools (more on this later) to help keep an eye on any price fluctuations after I book.
Some people are afraid to book too early because they want to wait for the price to go down. But most of the time they can do both. Book first, and then give yourself time for the price to drop to lock in more savings.
Keep in mind that last-minute cruises are not as easy to reprice since final payment will be due right at booking.
Ships in Costa Maya (Photo Credit: Cruise Fever)
How often can you reprice your cruise?
You can reprice as often as you would like before making final payment, depending on the cruise line’s policy.
The price drop has to be significant enough to justify a request for repricing as well.
How can you get the process started?
All it takes is a phone call to your cruise line. Some cruise lines have forms on their website that you can fill out as well.
Some cruisers will cancel their booking and then rebook on their own, but you really have to see what the cancellation penalty is to see if this is even worth it.
Also, know you run the risk of your same cabin category not being available if your cancellation is still lagging in the system. The same goes for excursions you might have booked along with your cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line has Early Saver deals that include price protection for free. This deal is usually available on cruises at least 5 months out. More on Early Saver deals here.
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Royal Caribbean will let you reprice your cruise if it is within a 48-hour window of booking (using the form here) with their Best Price Guarantee program. But this isn’t much time to snag a better deal. If you have not made final payment yet you can request repricing on your cruise with a phone call or a quick note to your travel agent.
Note: Not all cruise lines will allow you to reprice your cruise. They are not obligated to honor a drop in price but will often offer compensation or at least some onboard credit. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Repricing is super simple with a travel agent
Honestly, the easiest way to get your cruise repriced is to just use a good travel agent. One phone call or email with a link to the new-found price and you’re done.
A good travel agent will save you money in the long run, but more importantly they will save you time and help you avoid frustration.
Just make sure that the cruise price you find is for the exact cruise and cabin category that you’ve already booked, and send this information along to your travel agent.
You don’t have to constantly check the cruise line’s website to see if there was a price drop. Price alert services make this very easy.
I like using Cruisewatch as I can set what parameters I’m looking for, click a button, and then wait for an email when the price drops to whatever level I set.
I recently found some great deals on Carnival cruises using these price alerts, after the fare dropped a couple hundred dollars.
You can find a ton of great information on cruise price alerts here on Cruise Fever and see some other great free tools I use for monitoring cruise fares.
Final Payment
Getting your cruise price reduced after finding a lower advertised price is much easier if you haven’t yet made your final payment.
After the final payment has been made you are more limited with your options, but it’s still possible in some cases.
For many cruise lines, if you’ve made final payment you will only be able to get a refund in the form of onboard credit or future cruise credit.
Final payments are usually due 75 – 90 days before the sailing date, depending on the cruise line.
On a separate point, final payment deadlines are usually a good time to scoop up some cruise deals for last-minute cruise watchers. Some potential travelers end up changing their mind, opening up cabins which need to be sold.
What is typically required to get a reprice on your cruise
Same exact sailing. Same date, itinerary, cabin category
Significant difference in price
A lower price that is publicly available
Often there are more limitations after final payment has been made
A few other benefits of booking early
I get it. Booking that far in advance is not for everyone. And it’s another good reason to have cruise travel insurance taken care of in case something comes up in the meantime.
But taking care of cruise plans this far ahead of time is a much less stressful process. You can take the time to make excursion arrangements, figure out flights, and do some research on all of the destinations you will see.
Another benefit is that you will have the best selection of cabins available the earlier you try to book. This is why many cruisers try to put down a deposit on a cruise the moment bookings open. If there is a special cabin category or suite you really want on a ship, book as early as you can to lock it in.
And lastly, by booking a cruise early you don’t have to worry about price hikes. I know we’ve focused more on price drops in this article, but pricing can go both ways.
MSC Cruises has officially cancelled the upcoming Grand Voyage of its latest ship, the MSC Euribia, due to escalating tensions in the Red Sea area, which are affecting the safety of maritime operations.
Originally set to depart on October 19, 2024, from Kiel, Germany, the journey was to highlight MSC Euribia’s entry into the cruise line’s fleet. It featured stops across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean before sailing through the Suez Canal to Dubai.
The decision to cancel the voyage follows concerns over the safety of navigating through the Red Sea, a region currently experiencing heightened maritime threats.
“The safety and well-being of our guests are our top priority, and under the current circumstances, no viable alternative routes exist for this trip.”
MSC Cruises stated in an email to travel agents.
Despite the cancellation, MSC Euribia will still relocate to Dubai, initiating passenger sailings starting November 16 from Dubai and Doha, Qatar. The ship will either navigate at high speed through the Red Sea without passengers or take an alternative route around Africa.
The latter option, while safer, extends the travel distance significantly and precludes carrying passengers due to logistical constraints in visiting planned ports while ensuring timely arrival in Dubai.
This adjustment in schedule follows a similar pattern to that recently announced for Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, which also involved itinerary changes due to the same regional tensions.
MSC Euribia, which debuted in June 2023, is the latest addition to MSC Cruises’ fleet. A Mereviglia-plus-class vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), it boasts a gross tonnage of 184,011 and can accommodate up to 6,327 guests.
For travellers affected by the cancellation, MSC Cruises is offering several alternatives. Passengers can transfer their booking to a different Grand Voyage on another ship or different dates on the MSC Euribia without additional costs to the cruise fare.
Alternatively, bookings can be shifted to any available MSC Cruises voyage without a change fee. For those who prefer not to reschedule, a full refund is available. All decisions must be finalised by April 26, 2024, after which any unresolved bookings will be automatically cancelled and refunded.
This proactive approach by MSC Cruises aims to manage the impacts of global geopolitical tensions on its operations, prioritising passenger safety while attempting to minimize disruptions to planned travel itineraries.
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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.
MSC Cruises announced its lineup of summer 2025 itineraries for the North American market today, with four ships sailing from U.S. homeports and offering a wide range of vacation options for travelers. Departing from New York City, Miami and Port Canaveral, these itineraries will call on popular destinations in the sun-soaked Caribbean, Florida, The Bahamas, and Bermuda, with most itineraries including stops at the cruise line’s picturesque private island – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
MSC Cruises Summer 2025 Itineraries
“We want our guests to experience MSC Cruises’ most modern and innovative ships, whether they’re on a quick weekend getaway or the vacation of a lifetime. The Summer 2025 season will be an exciting one for us. MSC World America will let our guests experience the future of cruising with 7-night itineraries from Miami, and we’re enhancing our short cruises from Miami with the fantastic MSC Seascape providing 3- and 4-night options. We’re especially thrilled that all four ships sailing from U.S. homeports will call at Ocean Cay, providing guests with the opportunity to experience MSC Cruises’ unique and beautiful private island in The Bahamas no matter where they embark.” said, Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA.
MSC World America
MSC World America – A New World of Cruising
MSC Cruises will have two ships sailing from its next generation terminal at PortMiami—set to be the world’s largest—for the summer 2025 season. Miami’s newest megaship, the highly anticipated flagship MSC World America will be embarking on her inaugural season in April 2025. As the second in MSC Cruises’ trailblazing World Class, the ship will be MSC Cruises’ largest U.S.-based vessel and redefine the cruise experience for her guests. The LNG-powered MSC World America will offer 7-night sailings departing on Saturdays to both eastern and western Caribbean ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Isla de Roatan, Honduras; and Ocean Cay.
MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape will also call the new PortMiami terminal home, offering a mix of 7-night itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean along with new 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas and Ocean Cay to meet the growing demand for mini-cruises. This marks the first time a Seaside EVO Class ship will offer short cruises from Miami. Select 3- and 4-night itineraries will stay overnight at Ocean Cay, giving guests more time to enjoy the cruise line’s private island with activities including a sunset champagne cruise, beachside stargazing and a lighthouse LED show.
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia will offer guests 7-night itineraries from New York City to Florida and The Bahamas. Notable stops include Port Canaveral (Florida), Nassau and Ocean Cay (The Bahamas). Additionally, pink sand beaches and adventures await guests on 6- and 7-night itineraries to Bermuda. Guests will love spending several nights at the Royal Naval Dockyard with ample time to explore the island’s unique blend of cultures.
MSC Seashore
From Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will sail a range of itinerary options, including short 3- and 4-night escapes to The Bahamas. Some of the ship’s 7-night itineraries start out with two days at Ocean Cay followed by stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya.
Itinerary Highlights:
MSC World America – Sailing 7-night itineraries from Miami departing on Saturdays:
7-night Eastern Caribbean (Puerto Plata, San Juan, Ocean Cay)
7-night Western Caribbean (Costa Maya, Cozumel, Isla de Roatan, Ocean Cay)
MSC Seascape – Sailing 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries from Miami departing on Thursdays and Sundays:
7-night Eastern Caribbean (Ocean Cay, Nassau, San Juan and Puerto Plata)
7-night Western Caribbean (Ocean Cay, Nassau, Jamaica, Grand Cayman)
3- and 4-night The Bahamas (Nassau and Ocean Cay)
MSC Meraviglia – Sailing 7-night itineraries from New York City to Florida and The Bahamas and Bermuda departing on Sundays:
7-night Florida and The Bahamas (Port Canaveral, Nassau, Ocean Cay)
7-night Bermuda (several nights at Royal Naval Dockyard)
MSC Seashore – Sailing from Port Canaveral with a range of options departing Thursdays and Sundays:
3- and 4-night The Bahamas (Nassau and Ocean Cay)
7-night Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Ocean Cay)
Discover CLIFFHANGER | The Only Over-Water Swing Ride At Sea
To learn more or to book a sailing with MSC Cruises, click here.
Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced Polar Expeditions by Atlas™ to Antarctica beginning October 2025 to March 2026 are now available for bookings. Offering 37 departures aboard the expedition yacht fleet of World Voyager™, World Navigator®, and World Traveller™, this will mark the third season featuring the entire Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet in the region.
Atlas Ocean Voyages 2025-2026 Antarctic Season
“Antarctica continues to be the most popular and in-demand region for Atlas Ocean Voyages,” shares Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO James Rodriguez. “We look forward to once again positioning all three expedition yachts in the region for the season, providing travelers with many options to explore with under 200 fellow travelers on board.”
On board Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expedition yachts in Antarctica, guests will explore a range of polar expeditions with options ranging from 7 to 18 nights. Most expeditions sail roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, while others offer the option of 7-night Drake Express expeditions departing from Punta Arenas, Chile. Every voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel night stay in Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas and private roundtrip charter air flights for your convenience. Plus, explorers will enjoy a complimentary Pre-Expedition Cultural Immersion to Tierra del Fuego or A True Taste of Chile. During the journey, guests will experience captivating landings and Zodiac safaris that unveil the pristine wonders of the Antarctic wilderness, expertly guided by Atlas Ocean Voyages’ seasoned expedition team of field experts, passionate guides, and knowledgeable naturalists.
Highlights of the 2025/2026 Antarctica Season:
The “Antarctic Discovery” expeditions sail a 9-night roundtrip from Ushuaia, including up to four immersive days at the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests will enjoy multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences when weather and safety conditions allow. Departures are available on November 9, 29, December 8, 28, 2025, and January 15, 16, 24, February 5, 25, 27, and March 19, 2026.
The “Crossing the Antarctic Circle” expeditionssail 11 nights roundtrip from Ushuaia and feature up to six days at the Antarctic Peninsula, including multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences. Departures are available on November 14, 18, 20, December 1, 17, 28, 2025 and January 25, February 2, 14, 20, March 8, 2026.
For a more immersive experience of the Seventh Continent without crossing the Drake Passage, guests can choose from two 7-night “Drake Express Expedition” sailings roundtrip from King George Island (departing on December 2 or December 9, 2025). Plus, an additional 7-night Drake Express Expedition departs from Ushuaia on November 25, 2025. It ends in King George Island, so that explorers can still experience sailing the Drake Passage one way and then enjoy a private charter air flight back to Punta Arenas. All Drake Express expeditions concluding in Punta Arenas include a post-cruise hotel night stay.
In response to overwhelming interest, we’re thrilled to announce two 18-night “Grand Antarctica & Beyond” Expedition showcases. These voyages highlight calls to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falklands, and the South Orkney Islands, offering unparalleled exploration of the region’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Departing on December 18, 2025, and January 8, 2026, from Ushuaia, they offer our most extensive exploration of the region.
Additional Polar Expeditions by Atlas™ include a 13-night “Chilean Fjords & Falklands Adventure” journey departing Buenos Aires on October 27, 2025, for Ushuaia and a 13-night “Falklands & Fjords Explorer” northbound departure from Ushuaia on March 3, 2026.
Prepare for an unforgettable expedition. This upcoming season offers unparalleled polar adventures, allowing guests to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic region while experiencing the luxury and expertise that define our voyages.
For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
A Carnival cruise ship has emerged from dry dock and is on its way to its new homeport in Florida.
Carnival Glory spent three weeks in dry dock getting enhancements, general maintenance work done, and also received new features.
Now that the ship is out of dry dock, it will sail a 14 day Carnival Journeys cruise to the vessel’s new homeport, Port Canaveral.
While in dry dock, the casino received a new layout in addition to a non-smoking section.
Carnival Cruise Line added their signature Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge that honors active and retired members of the military.
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The Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge on Carnival Glory.
Camp Ocean, a dedicated space for younger cruisers, was re designed and a large video wall was added to enhance the Space Cruisers program.
Camp Ocean on Carnival Glory.
Public areas of the cruise ship were also refreshed with new decor and furnishings.
Carnival Glory will sail her first cruise from Port Canaveral on May 2, 2024. This four night cruise will visit Nassau and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.
It will be the fourth Carnival cruise ship to homeport at Port Canaveral. She will join Carnival Vista, Carnival Freedom, and Mardi Gras sailing from the world’s busiest cruise port.
Carnival Glory will sail three and four night cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral. The cruise ship is currently scheduled to homeport there until at least April 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line Captain Niccolo De Ranieri and his team on Mardi Gras were honored Tuesday evening by the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) for saving the lives of 16 people. Ranieri accepted the Cruise Ship Humanitarian Assistance Award at the AFRAS annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., an event that recognizes heroism at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard, merchant mariners and cruise ship personnel.
Mardi Gras Captain And Team Recongnized
Captain De Ranieri was at the helm as Mardi Gras was returning to its homeport, Port Canaveral, Fla., on June 3, 2022 when the crew spotted a stranded vessel carrying eleven men and five women in rough seas near Cuba. In very challenging conditions, as the ship was navigating away from an approaching hurricane, the Mardi Gras team took the 16 stranded people on board for their safety where they were evaluated by the ship’s medical staff and provided food and clothing as a safe transfer with the U.S. Coast Guard was coordinated.
“Receiving this award is a humbling reminder of the responsibility we have as mariners. I’m proud of my team’s brave and coordinated efforts during this rescue,” said Captain De Ranieri. “It’s an honor to be recognized, and I’m thankful those 16 people were brought to safety.”
It is a maritime custom to help anyone in distress at sea. In 2023, Carnival teams completed six separate rescues, helping to bring 57 stranded people to safety.
