Having conquered the big screen (“Mean Girls”), the small screen (“Hallmark Channel”) and Broadway (“Spamalot”), actor Jonathan Bennett is ready to take on his next big role: the godfather of Carnival Cruise Line’s new 135,000 gross ton ship featuring Carnival Fun Italian Style.
Carnival Cruise Line recently named Bennett as the godfather for its next ship, Carnival Firenze, which is inspired by the city of Florence, Italy and is the second Carnival ship to sail with the Carnival Fun Italian Style theme. Carnival President Christine Duffy surprised Bennett with the news captured in this video. To make it even easier for Bennett to sail, the ship will be homeported in his backyard in Long Beach, Calif., where it will be christened on April 24 and embark on its first sailing on April 25.
Actor Jonathan Bennett
“Jonathan is a true brand ambassador for Carnival. He cruises with us, honeymooned with us and tells his friends and family to vacation with Carnival. He is friendly and welcoming to everyone and embodies the Carnival style of fun. After he sailed on the first voyage of Carnival Firenze’s sister ship Carnival Venezia last May, he told me it would be his dream to be the godfather of one of our ships, so how could I turn down such a request for such a terrific friend to Carnival,” said Duffy. “While he’s not Italian, he is proof positive that anyone can have Italian Style fun when you sail on our Italian-themed ships, and we are thrilled to have him help us welcome our newest addition to the Carnival fleet.”
Following his first professional acting role on the soap opera “All My Children,” Bennett appeared in a number of television series before his breakout role as Aaron Samuels in the hit movie “Mean Girls.” He has gone on to star in multiple feature films, Hallmark Channel movies and hosted programs for the Food Network. He’s also the host for the New York Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration where Carnival has sponsored the ball drop for the past three years. He is currently completing his first Broadway appearance in the hit revival of the musical, “Spamalot.”
“This is an amazing honor and I’m so proud to know that I’ll always be a part of the Carnival Firenze family,” said Bennett. “When I told Christine that I’d love to be a Carnival cruise ship godfather, I never thought she’d take my request seriously. I have so much respect for the Carnival team and how they’re dedicated to taking care of their guests, the ocean and each other. When I say Carnival is a great company and a great way to vacation, I mean it! I’m so excited to not only be the ship’s godfather, but to also get to cruise on Carnival Firenze as a guest now that Carnival fun Italian style is coming to the west coast.”
Carnival Firenze
Bennett will join Duffy at the Carnival Firenze naming celebration on Wednesday, April 24 in Long Beach. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Carnival’s Facebook page.
Carnival Fun Italian Style combines Italian theming with Carnival’s signature fun. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will sail year-round from Long Beach, offering three- to seven-day Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises. To see all Carnival Firenze sailings currently open for sail, click here.
Having conquered the big screen (“Mean Girls”), the small screen (“Hallmark Channel”) and Broadway (“Spamalot”), actor Jonathan Bennett is ready to take on his next big role: the godfather of Carnival Cruise Line’s new 135,000 gross ton ship featuring Carnival Fun Italian Style.
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.
MSC Cruises has announced the U.S. homeports for four cruise ships during the summer of 2025 that include PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and New York City.
These cruises will visit the Caribbean, Florida, The Bahamas, and Bermuda. Almost all itineraries will visit the cruise line’s private marine reserve, Ocean Cay.
MSC World America
MSC World America will homeport at MSC’s new cruise terminal in Miami. It will be the cruise line’s largest ship based in the U.S. and will debut in April 2025.
The cruise ship will sail week long cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape will join MSC World America by offering cruises from PortMiami. The ship will sail a variety of three, four, and seven night cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
This will mark the first time that a Seaside EVO class ship offers short cruises from Miami.
MSC Meraviglia
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MSC Meraviglia will sail seven night cruises from New York City to Florida and The Bahamas. The ship will also offer six and seven night cruises to Bermuda from the Big Apple.
MSC Seashore
MSC Seashore will homeport at Port Canaveral offering everything from three to seven night cruises.
A few of the week long cruises will spend two days at Ocean Cay before heading to the Western Caribbean.
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, gave the following statement about these ship deployments:
“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.”
Atlas Ocean Voyages is announcing a brand new partnership with Academia Barilla for select 2024 Epicurean Expeditions on board World Traveller. As part of this partnership, guests on board will have the opportunity to engage with an Academia Barilla Guest Chef, Marcello Zaccaria, who will join World Traveller expeditions departing on May 27, June 14, July 15, and 24. Guests will also get to experience exclusive pre- and post-cruise experiences in the famed Academia Barilla’s kitchen in Parma, Italy.
Academia Barilla
Barilla is a renowned Italian food company with almost 150 years of expertise. They are known worldwide for their exceptional food products, from pasta to sauce to baked goods. At the heart of Barilla lies Academia Barilla, a gastronomic center of expertise in Parma, Italy, dedicated to amplifying the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle and Italian cuisine. The chefs at Academia Barilla offer classes to professionals and food enthusiasts, providing them with an opportunity to learn and develop a passion for pasta.
President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, James A. Rodriguez, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Academia Barilla to offer our guests an unparalleled culinary experience. This unique partnership underscores our commitment to elevating our Epicurean Expeditions programming and providing unforgettable journeys for our guests.”
Enhancing the Epicurean Expeditions
The new partnership will enhance the Epicurean Expeditions experience, featuring the exclusive Academia Barilla: Pasta Immersion on select expeditions. Guests can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, workshops, and interactive sessions led by Academia Barilla chefs. These sessions showcase Barilla’s premium Al Bronzo pasta, expertly crafted for exceptional sauce grip and flavor.
Additionally, guests have the option to embark on a pre- or post-cruise land program, visiting Academia Barilla’s kitchen in Parma, Italy. The Academia Barilla: Into Italy Land Program offers an immersive culinary journey through Italy’s gastronomic heartland with activities including a cooking experience at Academia Barilla, a guided tour of an exclusive Parma ham producer with a tasting session, lunch at a local restaurant nestled in the hills of Parma, and a visit to a picturesque estate producing both Lambrusco and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar in the scenic hills of Reggio-Emilia.
Epicurean Expeditions by Atlas™ featuring Academia Barilla:
Join us as we embark on a journey of culinary discovery, celebrating the rich heritage of Italian cuisine with Academia Barilla aboard World Traveller this summer.
Get To Know Atlas Ocean Voyages
Life’s Great Adventures Begin From Within
Atlas Ocean Voyages is the yacht expedition brand of Mystic Invest Holding. Stylish and intimate expedition yachts featuring less than 100 suites and staterooms offering five-star comfort, from luxurious accommodations and an all-inclusive onboard experience to in-depth excursions. Fares include a Cultural Immersion tour, open bars aboard the ship, including craft beers, specialty coffees, and smoothies, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, an in-room coffee bar, prepaid gratuities, and complimentary emergency medical evacuation insurance. World Navigator was launched in 2021, World Traveller in 2022, and World Voyager joined the fleet in 2023.
For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
Carnival Cruise Line has cracked down on a lido deck activity that has caused a stir among passengers.
It’s not uncommon to find a group of cruise passengers playing a game of cards out on the pool deck. It can be a game of Uno, cribbage, and even poker.
But when money starts changing hands as a result, the lines start to get a little blurred.
Cruise lines are required to follow federal laws when sailing out of and operating from U.S. ports.
And when vessels are docked in foreign ports they must also abide by those local laws as well. This is why casinos are often closed when a ship is docked in port.
Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald made guests aware of a regulation that does not allow gambling to take place outside of the casino on the ship.
In a Facebook post on his page, Heald informed readers of a situation on Carnival Luminosa in which some guests were gambling with large amounts of money on the lido deck.
“Yesterday I was informed that the group leader had been arranging a card game played on Lido each day where quite large amounts of money were changing hands. This was reported to me and as brand ambassador it was my duty to report that to the Ship,” Heald stated.
It is not unusual to see cruise guests playing card games outside of the casino. These are usually friendly matches in which large sums of money are not exchanged.
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Heald reminded guests that any form of gambling outside of the casino is not allowed on any Carnival ships.
“The group lead leader has kindly been asked to stop doing this and since this has happened, I have received a lot of disgruntled posts let’s say referring to me as a ‘snitch’ and some other choice words,” Heald added.
A few comments showed disdain for the announcement, claiming that the cruise line was more concerned with profits inside the casino.
To this claim Heald stated that he was only the messenger, making sure guests were aware of the current guidelines of the ship, stating,
“And for those in the group saying that we only are banning this so people would go running to our casino and spend their money there, well that is mot the case.
There are various laws about gambling on our ships and as the company representative, I had no choice but to report it.“
In a second edit to his original announcement on the matter, the brand ambassador noted that the large amount of cash changing hands made it difficult for the cruise line just to ignore.
“One of the reasons this was brought to my attention was because it was a group leader of a large group of people booked as individual guests that was organizing this game and money was exchanging hands. I am sure that all she wanted to do was provide some extra fun but when we see people holding fistful of dollar bills then this is just not something we can allow. Gambling with dice or cards for money organized by a group leader is not allowed. It is really truly that simple,” Heald added.
To celebrate Holland America Line’s 151st anniversary, the cruise line has lowered cruise deposits to just $1 per person for today only.
Holland America Line is celebrating their 151st anniversary on April 18, 2024. They are offering two different cruise deals with each one lowering deposits to just $1 per person. Yes, you can reserve your next cruise on Holland America for just a dollar.
The first deal is good for cruises that depart from the summer of 2024 through the spring of 2025. It includes the following:
The cruise line’s second deal that they are offering is good for cruises that depart on or after the summer of 2025. When combined with Have it All, it includes:
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This $1 deposit offer is not good on Grand Voyages.
A Holland America cruise ship anchored in Grand Cayman.
For complete terms and details of this special $1 deposit sale from Holland America Line, contact your preferred travel professional or visit HollandAmerica.com.
Holland America Line is one of nine cruise lines owned Carnival Corporation and they have 11 ships in their fleet.
One of the things I look forward to when going on a cruise is the food. There are always so many different things to try. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, each cruise line offers something unique.
From my own cruises and reading reviews online, I’ve discovered some great must-try foods on different cruise lines. In this post, I’ll share ten of the top foods you shouldn’t miss if you ever get the chance to try them…
1. Mickey Waffles on a Disney Cruise
On Disney cruises, Mickey Waffles are a breakfast highlight. You can enjoy them in the main dining rooms or order them through room service, perfect whether you’re up for an early meal or a lazy morning in your cabin.
Beyond the beloved classic version, Disney Cruise Line sometimes offers special variations, like churro waffles. Everyone raves about this version, which can usually only be found on the last day of your cruise. However, others have reported getting these by asking very nicely in the main dining room, and they managed to get them for breakfast the next day.
If you have dietary restrictions you don’t need to miss out. Gluten-free and vegan Mickey Waffles are also available. They might not be on the menu, but you just need to ask and your server will work their Disney magic.
2. The Best Pizza at Sea on a Princess Cruise
Princess Cruises is often praised for offering some of the best pizza at sea. You’ll find it poolside and you can order by the slice.
If you want something special, such as a pizza without cheese, just ask and the chefs will do their best to make one for you.
Another pizza venue that you simply must visit on a Princess Cruise is Alfredo’s Pizzeria. This venue is celebrated for its gourmet, Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted from scratch by Master Chef Alfredo Marzi.
The pizzeria is located on the stunning three-story Piazza, which serves as a central hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping on several Princess ships, including Regal Princess, Royal Princess, and Sky Princess.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria provides a variety of thin-crust pizza options and the open kitchen layout allows guests to watch as their pizzas are prepared and baked to perfection.
3. Gourmet Milkshakes on Icon of the Seas
Cruisers have been sharing photos of their milkshakes on social media at the Desserted Milkshake Bar on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
The ‘Stranded Burro’, a vanilla and salted caramel milkshake, is a fan favourite. It is overflowing with dulce de leche, doughnut pieces, and cinnamon cereal, topped off with a generous swirl of vanilla icing, caramel popcorn, and whipped cream.
For adults looking to spice it up, a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is the perfect kick. If mint is more your style, the ‘Minty Mariner’ offers a cool burst with its mint milkshake base, laced with mint chocolate syrup, chocolate Pocky, waffle cone pieces, and an array of sprinkles, finished with a touch of vanilla icing and whipped cream.
And for those who taste the classics, the bar also serves timeless favourites like vanilla, chocolate, and cookies & cream shakes.
Despite the eye-catching presentation and the lure of these indulgent shakes, it’s noted that the price point is quite high at $21, leading some to prefer the delightful bubble cones from Izumi in the Park as a sweet alternative. However, the milkshakes look like a great thing to try as a one-off treat.
4. Guys Burgers on a Carnival Cruise
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruises is a standout choice and has been named ‘the best burgers at sea’. The burgers are so popular that they’ve been rolled out across nearly every ship in Carnival’s fleet.
Created in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, it’s known for its hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries. The eatery sports a vibrant Americana decor reminiscent of a West Coast roadside diner, and it is conveniently located by the pool area on many Carnival ships.
The menu offers five distinct burger creations, each tailored to your liking, at an impressive toppings bar featuring options from sautéed mushrooms and onions to a variety of sauces, including the famous ‘Donkey Sauce’ – a punchy blend of garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire. And let’s not forget the fries; they’re a popular item in their own right, seasoned and cooked to a perfect crisp.
One of the biggest draws to Guy’s Burgers is that it’s included in your cruise fare, so you can indulge without an additional cost. It’s typically open from noon until 6 p.m., making it an ideal lunch spot.
For cruisers sailing from Texas, there’s an exclusive offering known as the Big Tex Burger. This burger adds a local twist to the menu, adding toppings like roasted green chilli salsa and tortilla strips.
5. Sushi on Norwegian Cruise Line
On Norwegian Cruise Line, cruisers often share their love of the sushi.
The place to go is the Orchid Garden & Sushi Bar, a complimentary specialty restaurant. This venue is praised for its salt and pepper Calamari and Harvest Spring Rolls, and guests can also enjoy sushi from the sushi bar at an additional cost.
The offerings range from $5 to $8.50 per item, with favourites like the Two-Timing Tuna Roll and the uniquely delicious Crispy Rice sushi.
On the newer Norwegian ships like the Norwegian Prima, you can experience Nama, a glamorous sushi bar that serves custom rolls and offers live sushi and sashimi preparation.
Norwegian’s Teppanyaki restaurant is another popular dining option. Guests can watch chefs perform while they prepare dishes like steak, shrimp, and fried rice on a steel grill.
6. Burritos and Tacos on a Carnival Cruise
People love the made-to-order burritos and tacos on Carnival Cruise Line for their fresh, custom-made approach to quick and delicious food. The combination of proteins like seasoned chicken or beef, the option to pack in plenty of veggies, and the choice of zesty salsas and sauces make these a hit.
You have the ability to personalise each taco or burrito to suit individual tastes, from spicy to mild, meat-filled to vegetarian. Begin with a fresh tortilla, move on to choose from a variety of fillings, and then top it off with your preferred extras. There’s a range of salsas for an extra kick, from mild to fiery hot. And for those who love a bit of creaminess, there’s the ever-popular guacamole.
Tacos, on the other hand, allow for similar customisation. Whether you opt for a soft tortilla or a classic crunchy shell, you can fill it with your chosen ingredients and make it right for your palate. Fish tacos, often featuring grilled fish with a squeeze of lime, are a fresh and flavorful option many gravitate towards.
7. Tiana’s Buttermilk Beignets on Disney Wonder
Tiana’s Buttermilk Beignets are a delightful treat that pays homage to Princess Tiana from the Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.”
These light and fluffy pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and have a soft, pillowy texture, making them a favourite among cruisers.
Served in Tiana’s Place, the themed restaurant on board the Disney Wonder, the beignets are part of a broader dining experience that captures the charm and vivacity of New Orleans. The restaurant’s ambience and live jazz music add to the authentic feel.
These beignets are typically enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat to complement the Southern-inspired menu of Tiana’s Place.
8. Italian Gelato on an MSC Cruise
On MSC Cruises, the freshly made gelato is a standout treat that captures the authentic flavours of Italy, where the cruise line is based. Served in various onboard venues, including dedicated gelaterias, this creamy dessert is crafted with high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.
Gelato on MSC is celebrated for its rich texture and depth of flavour. It differs from typical ice cream through a slower churn process incorporating less air, allowing for a denser and more flavorful experience.
Guests can choose from various flavours, from classic options like chocolate and vanilla to regional specialties and seasonal fruits, reflecting the ports visited during the cruise.
9. Afternoon Tea on a Cunard Cruise
Afternoon Tea on Cunard Line is a classic British event that captures the traditional charm of tea time. Held in the elegant ballroom with live music playing softly in the background, this daily occasion offers guests luxury.
During Afternoon Tea, servers dressed in white gloves present a variety of tasty sandwiches, fresh scones with cream and jam, and a selection of sweet pastries and cakes. Guests can choose from a wide array of teas, carefully selected worldwide, served in fine China.
This experience is more than just tea and snacks; it’s a chance to relax and indulge in a longstanding tradition at sea. It’s included in your cruise fare so that everyone can enjoy this lovely part of the day without extra cost.
People love it for the delicious treats and the experience. It’s a part of the Cunard experience, embodying the cruise line’s dedication to British luxury.
10. Lobster on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Lobster Night is an eagerly awaited highlight for many cruisers. It is held during one of the formal nights on cruises lasting six days or longer.
On these nights, guests dress up and descend upon the main dining room with the prospect of enjoying a lobster meal included with their cruise fare.
Traditionally, the meal features a broiled Canadian lobster tail, served in its simplest form with lemon and a side of melted butter. The allure of this dinner lies not only in the quality and preparation of the lobster but also in its previous policy of unlimited servings.
Although recent changes now restrict guests to a single lobster tail as part of sustainability efforts, the enthusiasm for this delicacy has yet to wane. The decision to limit servings stems from Royal Caribbean’s commitment to responsible sourcing, aligning with Marine Stewardship Council standards, ensuring that even luxury dining can be environmentally conscious.
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Trying different foods is a big part of the fun on a cruise. I’ve highlighted some top picks, like Disney Cruise Line’s Mickey Waffles and Royal Caribbean’s Lobster Night, but there are many more unique dishes to enjoy aboard different cruise lines.
This list just scratches the surface. If you’ve got your favourites, I’d love to hear about them. Please share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.
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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’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Celebration Key will feature a retail portal that has been named Lokono Cove with help from a Grand Bahama resident. Lokono Cove is the winning submission from a community competition that was supported by the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy announced the name today at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach.
Lokono Cove At Celebration Key
At Lokono Cove, one of the five portals of Celebration Key, a variety of stores and kiosks will join an authentic Bahamian artisan market showcasing local craftsmanship. Guests will browse through locally crafted goods, admiring the work of Bahamian artists. Guests will find everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry at Lokono Cove, but the portal will showcase Bahamian culture beyond the goods on display. Music will guide guests beneath swaying palm trees beside vibrant murals, each meticulously painted by talented Bahamian artists, to create a backdrop for indulging in local snacks.
Showcasing Bahamian Culture
A selection committee, including local Grand Bahama officials and representatives of the cultural and creative industries, helped to choose the name Lokono Cove, submitted by Deidre Rahming, as part of a competition open to all Grand Bahamians. Lokono means “the people” and is derived from the Lucayans, who were among the first to call Grand Bahama home. Historians describe the Lucayans as a gentle and creative community of artisans who excelled at basket-weaving, pottery and painting.
“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally-inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” Duffy said. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove. It’s a special honor that locals from Grand Bahama have contributed already in an impactful way, giving this portal its name.”
Additionally, Lokono Cove will serve as the gateway to Grand Bahama outside of Celebration Key. Whether guests choose to set out on their own or through Carnival Adventures shore excursions, Lokono Cove will be the departure point for guests looking to explore other areas of the beautiful island.
For submitting the winning name, Rahming will receive B$5,000 cash; attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lokono Cove including transportation, food and beverage; and a day-pass to Celebration Key, along with drink vouchers, food and a cabana.
Celebration Key – Coming in Summer 2025
Carnival Cruise Line’s NEW! Celebration Key
Lokono Cove joins Paradise Plaza, which will serve as a welcome area, and Calypso Lagoon, the adult-friendly area as three of the five portals. Carnival will share details soon on two more portals, a family-friendly area and an 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.
Five of Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines have announced a change to the way that they will advertise the price of cruises. This change will go into effect for all new bookings July 1, 2024 and beyond.
A new California consumer protection law that go into effect on July 1, 2024 will require an advertised price to include port taxes, fees, and taxes.
Because of this, five of Carnival’s cruise lines have elected to include ALL the current taxes, fees and port expenses into the advertised price of a cruise. They are:
Princess Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Costa Cruises
Cunard North America
Seabourn, Carnival’s ultra-luxury cruise line, already prices cruises this way. The other three of Carnival’s cruise lines (AIDA, P&O, P&O Australia) are not geared towards the U.S. market.
The total price of cruises will stay the same, just the advertised price will now include all the extras that get tacked onto the total cost of the cruise.
As an example, their websites will now show “$849 (includes all taxes and fees)” as the price.
Princess Cruises gave this example in an email a few minutes ago to travel professionals.
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The cruise lines are asking travel professionals to start pricing cruises this way no later than July 1, 2024.
In the email to travel agents, Princess Cruises said the following about this new change:
“This will provide guests with the clear total price upfront for the cruise selected. Please understand this is only a change in the way the cruise prices are advertised but does not impact the total price consumers pay today or the portion of the cruise fare that is commissionable to travel advisors.”
These changes are being made because a new law by the State of California will make it illegal to show a price that is less than the actual price of a cruise.
Carnival’s five cruise lines are making this change for all of the U.S. and Canada so there is no confusion or “advertised price differences” depending on the state that you live in.
Cruise Fever recently published an article on whether cruise prices are too misleading, you can read it here. This change will help eliminate this problem where a cruise shows as $149 per person, but really costs $349 per person after adding in all of the extra fees/port charges.
When you put thousands of people together in a relatively confined space for a week or two, they’re bound to annoy each other.
And let’s be honest, some cruisers are far more annoying than others!
So, if you’d rather not be the person that everyone tuts and rolls their eyes at, here’s a list of behaviours you might want to avoid.
Note: These aren’t just my personal pet peeves! I polled 50,000+ cruisers on the Cruise Mummy Facebook page and this list is based on the comments that came up most often.
1. Sunbed Hogging
According to cruisers on Facebook, the most annoying thing you can do on a cruise is to claim sun loungers early in the morning by placing towels on them, then disappear for hours.
This prevents others from sitting down, which is especially frustrating on sunny sea days when people really do want to be outdoors.
I’m not sure why anyone does this. Perhaps they’re used to all-inclusive resorts where there are enough beds for everyone? In hotels, maybe the early risers are fairly entitled to the spots closest to the pool?
On a cruise ship, there are definitely more people than sunbeds and so there are times when you can’t find a single one without a towel on it.
Some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Marella have started introducing systems where the crew members will put a card on any unattended beds and then remove belongings after 30 minutes.
We can only hope that more follow suit to put an end to the sunbed-hogging behaviour once and for all.
2. Being Rude to the Crew
Several comments highlight how upsetting it is to witness other passengers being rude or dismissive to cruise staff.
Crew members often work long hours to ensure passengers have a pleasant experience, and disrespect towards them can sour the atmosphere for everyone.
Manners cost nothing, and there really is no excuse for clicking your fingers at people or speaking down to them.
3. Poor Elevator Etiquette
When it comes to sharing elevators, there are a lot of ways that cruisers annoy each other…
The most irritating things people do include rushing into lifts before letting people exit, or pushing in front of others who have been waiting longer.
People who aren’t able to move as quickly and anyone with a pushchair or mobility aid should really be given priority when the lift arrives, but not everyone thinks about that.
Another point of debate is how many people you should have in each lift. There is a sign inside that tells you. It’s often 16 or 20.
I’ve often seen cruisers get annoyed when they feel that too many people are in the lift, even if it’s well below the recommended limit.
Another pet peeve mentioned is when people “hit the close doors button 3 nanoseconds after getting into the lift and you’re waiting to get in and the door closes before you even react to the lift arrival.”
The people guilty of that are probably the same ones who think the lift is ‘full’, because there are already six people in it and they like their space.
4. Misbehaving in the Buffet
The buffet is another place where cruisers act in all sorts of ways that are likely to irk their fellow passengers.
Cutting in line at the buffet is a common complaint, although, if I’m honest, I can see why people do it…
If you just need to grab some extra baked beans for your kid, having to join a long line that snakes past the sausages and eggs you don’t want isn’t always practical. Sometimes, I think British people can be too keen to form a queue and it actually makes everything take longer
Piling plates high only to waste food is also something that annoys cruisers.
On some cruise ships, the crew members serve the food for you in the buffet, and in my experience, you really have to be insistent so that you don’t end up with too much of one item on your plate. They don’t know you only want one slice of watermelon and you may end up with a plate full of it!
Many people agreed that people who walk into the buffet without washing their hands are among the most annoying on the ship. They’re putting everyone’s health at risk and that’s not okay.
It’s even worse to see people sneezing into their hands or using their fingers to grab food instead of the provided utensils.
5. Smoking in Non-Smoking Areas
Smoking on balconies and other non-designated areas not only breaks ship rules but can ruin the experience for passengers who are sensitive to smoke or have health concerns like asthma.
Whether it’s talking loudly in hallways late at night, drunken behaviour, or loud conversations in dining areas, excessive noise is a common gripe among passengers seeking relaxation.
One person mentioned: “People who scrape the sunbeds along the floor when some are snoozing whilst sunbathing”.
So it seems that you don’t need to be that loud to annoy someone.
8. Spending Too Long in Hot Tubs
Dominating the hot tubs for extended periods, especially when they’re crowded, frustrates passengers who would like a turn to relax.
Sometimes, you’ll even see people standing next to the hot tub waiting for a space, and yet people who have been soaking for an hour or more simply ignore them.
The rules on whether children are allowed in hot tubs varies depending on the cruise. But the presence of kids in jacuzzis is something that many people find annoying, especially if they’re splashing or kicking people.
The Bottom Line
With so many people sharing a ship, it’s only natural that some will get annoyed by the behaviours of others.
Whatever you do, whether it’s sitting in a chair with a nice view and falling asleep or kissing your partner in the pub, someone will be probably be annoyed by it.
There’s no need to tread on eggshells though, just do your best to be polite and considerate.
Now you’re aware of the most annoying cruise habits, if you can try your best to avoid those, the ocean will be a slightly happier place.
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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.
Holland America Line is adding ‘Glacier Day’ to all cruises to Alaska in 2024 that is part of the cruise line’s “We Love Alaska” experience.
Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. Every one of their sailings to Alaska feature a visit to a glacier.
The new Glacier Day includes the following:
Sighting times,
Scenic commentary
Presentations
Informational viewing stations
Photo opportunities
Dutch Pea Soup on deck
Glacier Ice cocktails
Insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters
Open bow for viewing
And more
Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line, gave the following statement:
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“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’. We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.”
Holland America ships sailing to Alaska all have an expert on board to help guests see all of the incredible wildlife that the state offers. They also have a Wildlife Spotting Guide to help point out the best areas to see native animals.
The cruise line has nearly 180 different shore excursions offered on their Alaska voyages.
All HAL’s cruises to Alaska feature one or more glacier viewing experiences. They visit:
Glacier Bay National Park
Hubbard Glacier
Dawes Glacier
Twin Sawyer Glacier of Tracy Arm
In addition, there are glacier viewing experiences at Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.
Holland America will offer seven to 14 day cruises to Alaska in 2024 on six of their cruise ships. They are Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
Their cruises can be combined with cruisetours that include a land visit to Denali National park. They are also the only cruise line to offer overland tours to the Yukon.
