Are you going on a cruise soon, or perhaps you’re a regular cruiser looking to understand more about the bridge on a cruise ship?
You may wonder where the bridge is located, what it looks like, or even whether you’re allowed to tour the bridge. I’m lucky enough to have been able to visit several cruise ship bridges and I’ve answered everything you need to know below.
Where Is The Bridge On A Cruise Ship?
The bridge on a cruise ship is usually on an upper deck, at the front (fore) of the ship, which gives the captain and crew the best visibility of the waters and where they’re heading.
The bridge is where the command centre is located, where the crew will have nautical charts to navigate the ship, controls to set the speed and directions, and other essential parts of the ship, such as controls for lighting and machinery.
My friend John, who is a ship pilot, often working from the bridge of cruise ships, sent me this photo of the conning display he uses to monitor the ship…
The bridge is the ship’s safety centre. If there is a potential hazard or emergency, the cruise ship’s vital signals can be monitored, and quick decisions can be made.
The term ‘bridge’ has historical roots dating back to the era of paddle steamers, when a raised walkway was constructed across the paddle houses, thereby ‘bridging’ the two sides of the ship.
This design innovation provided the captain with a panoramic vantage point from the quarter-deck, allowing for a view of both paddle wheels and sides of the ship.
The bridge is also sometimes known as a pilothouse or wheelhouse, derived from early ship designs where the pilot would steer the ship using a wheel within a designated house-like structure on the deck. This is more common on river cruise ships.
Can You Tour The Bridge On A Cruise?
Some cruise lines allow you to book a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship, including the bridge. There is usually a fee to take a tour, although some offer it for free if you are part of their loyalty schemes. Otherwise, the bridge is not a place that can be accessed by passengers.
On our recent cruise on Fred. Olsen’s Bolette, the children enjoyed a visit to the bridge as one of the activities in the kids’ club.
Other smaller cruise lines, or expedition cruise ships, have an open bridge policy where passengers can visit during quieter times, such as Windstar. Although, if the ship is coming into the dock or there is bad weather, it will be off-limits.
Occasionally on some cruise ships, there is a Bridge Viewing Room where you can peer down at the crew at work. However, many of them have been removed due to health and safety.
What Does A Cruise Ship Bridge Look Like?
A cruise ship bridge is iften curved in the central cockpit portion. Windows are slanted to reduce reflected light, as a bridge is unlit apart from instrument lighting
This robust design with reinforced glass ensures the bridge can withstand high winds and bad weather, while having a panoramic view.
On most modern cruise ships, on either side, there are extensions which look like wings. These are known as Bridge Wings and give the crew better visibility right to the back of the ship. Here, there is a manoeuvring console which allows control of all the manoeuvring aids like propellers, rudders and thrusters.
They also sometimes have a section that has a glass floor so that the crew can see beneath them, down to the water. This gives an excellent view when docking in a port.
What’s Inside The Bridge On A Cruise Ship?
A bridge on a cruise ship has some things that you would expect and some that you might not. Below are some photos which I took inside the bridge on Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition, so you can see…
Seats for the navigation crew
The captain sits in the back seat. In the image below, you can see that it says ‘Master’, which is another word for captain. That’s because the captain’s job isn’t to drive the ship! Instead, he or she is responsible for everybody on board and has overall command.
Usually, on the bridge of a cruise ship, you will always have two deck officers and two lookouts, of which one is designated helmsman. The steering is set to automatic when in open waters.
The captain can take control and ‘drive’ the ship, and he will state when he is doing this so that the rest of the bridge team know.
The Pilot Station
When arriving at and leaving ports, a port pilot will be taken on board. He will be responsible for navigating the ship safely into port of call. Cruise ship pilots are experts in their particular port, and their role is vital in all countries except Denmark, where taking a port pilot is optional.
The Ship’s Wheel
You’d be forgiven for thinking that cruise ships have huge wheels. After all, pirate ships in movies do, right?
A cruise ship’s steering wheel is actually smaller in size than a car steering wheel, as you can see from the image below…
Indicators
If there’s a fire or a flood, the bridge team needs to know exactly where it is, and which doors have been closed to contain it. There are displays for this, as well as a whole host of other things that are to be monitored.
Meeting area
Sometimes, the crew need to get together to discuss their plan and communicate with each other. There’s usually a table they can gather around to facilitate these meetings. The discussions most often involve navigation plans, such as arrival and departure briefings.
All conversations are recorded, as are the electronic charts and radar readings.
Coffee machine
Ask any seaman what’s the difference between working on cruise ships and other large vessels like cargo ships and they’ll tell you – the coffee!
Cruise ship coffee is great, especially when the crew have their own barista-style coffee machine, like this. And an endless supply of cookies!
How To Watch Cruise Ship Bridge Cameras
Some cruise ships have bridge cameras with live feeds, meaning you can see what is happening in real time. These feeds can be accessed from your stateroom on the ship’s in-room television service.
Cruise lines often make these live feeds publicly available on their websites or their YouTube channels. If you’re considering going on a cruise, this is a great way to get a feel of the captain’s view, regardless of your location. Or if your friends and family are on the cruise, you can see whereabouts they are in the world.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Royal Caribbean has decided to entrust a major decision about its world cruise to passengers, letting them decide where the ship will be sailing.
The cruise is the current 274-night world cruise taking place on Serenade of the Seas, which is being forced to alter its itinerary due to the growing tensions in the Red Sea.
Many cruise lines are making changes to remove ships from the region, and the decision has been made that Serenade of the Seas will now also be forced to sail around the southern coast of Africa, rather than fulfil the three sections of the world cruise due to travel through the Red Sea region.
But rather than dictating a new schedule, Royal Caribbean is asking the passengers onboard the ship to choose between two new options.
The first is an Immersive Africa itinerary, which would feature 20 ports of call along the African coast in 11 different countries, including the rare chance to visit Madagascar, Namibia, Angola, and others. There would be 21 sea days in total split across six weeks.
The second option is an Africa and Greece itinerary that skips much of the smaller African ports, instead calling only at the Seychelles, Cape Town and a call in the Canary Islands.
The ship would then sail to Alexandria in Egypt before offering cruises of the Greek Islands. This option has 26 sea days, all of which take place within the space of a month – that’s a long time with very few port visits!
Guests were told of their options in a special meeting called in the ship’s theatre, and have been able to submit questions to the cruise line. After a webinar with the cruise line’s head office on 21st February, guests are being given 6 days to cast their vote.
Regardless of which itinerary is chosen, all guests are being given a partial refund for the cancelled section of the cruise, or they can chose to end their cruise and depart, with a full refund of the segment and support with arranging travel home.
Any guests who were only booked onto one of the cancelled Red Sea segments, rather than the full world cruise, are being contacted by the cruise line to arrange a refund and compensation too.
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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.
Cruise lines want to keep guests sailing with them for many years – after all, there are lots of alternatives, so it can be tempting for guests to try them all.
This is why most lines offer a loyalty program, giving guests an incentive to remain with just one cruise line. Royal Caribbean has one – the Crown & Anchor Society – and one of the mid-range tiers is the Emerald level.
What does that get you, and how do you qualify? Let’s take a look.
What is Emerald Status on Royal Caribbean?
Emerald Status is one of the mid-range tiers in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society. It unlocks a lot of perks for you to use when booking a cruise and when you’re on a Royal Caribbean ship, all of which enhance your experience in different ways – some very minor, but others more noticeable.
How Many Points You Need For Emerald
To qualify for Emerald status on Royal Caribbean, you need 55 cruise points. You get 1 point for every night you spend on a ship in a regular Interior, Ocean View or Balcony stateroom, and 2 points if you book a suite.
This means that, if you were to only book 7-night cruises, you’d need 8 of them to qualify for the Emerald tier if you stayed in a standard stateroom. In a suite, you would be able to get to Emerald in just 28 nights, or 4 cruises.
Of course, many cruises are fewer than 7 nights. It’s all based on nights, rather than number of cruises – so if you were to book cruises lasting a fortnight, you’d reach Emerald status much sooner.
You’ll be given four drinks coupons to use on every Royal Caribbean cruise as an Emerald-tier member. Two are for any glass of soda, beer or wine onboard, while the other two can be used for milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.
Each coupon gives you 50% off that drink, which is a pretty useful saving, though if you already have a drinks package, then only the milkshake coupons are worth using.
Once you’ve used those coupons, you’ll also get 10% off one more drink purchase for either wine, beer or soda – after that you’ll be paying full price.
Plus, Emerald members get 50% off any coffees they buy on board. This doesn’t apply to Starbucks drinks, which are never discounted as part of the Crown & Anchor Society.
And for one final drink benefit, you’ll get a free coffee drink whenever you book a speciality restaurant dinner. Again, this excludes Starbucks.
2. Private Departure Lounge Access
At most embarkation ports that Royal Caribbean uses, they’re able to provide a private departure lounge for guests of Emerald level. This lets you arrive and then relax with a pastry and a coffee or some fresh juice while you wait to board the ship.
Only, it’s not just for Emerald-tier guests, it’s for all Crown & Anchor Society members, which includes Gold-level – AKA, anyone who has cruised with Royal Caribbean at least once before. So it’s hardly likely to be a quiet, exclusive space.
Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean doesn’t specify which ports this is available in, and it can vary. So you’ll only know if it’s offered to you when you get your boarding details sent to you.
3. WiFi Package Discounts
Anyone who chooses to wait to buy their WiFi package on the ship can get 15% off if they’re an Emerald member of the Crown and Anchor Society – the same discount as you get if you’re a Platinum member.
It’s important to note that you can’t combine this with other offers or discounts, and it’s sometimes sold with a bigger discount in the weeks leading up to your cruise. Keep tabs on the Cruise Planner app, and book it if you get a better deal than 15% off.
Anyone in the Emerald level and cruising for at least 5 nights will get an invite to a special event onboard.
It’s not quite as exciting as it sounds, really – you’ll get an hour with senior members of the crew (sometimes the Captain, the Hotel Director, or the Cruise Director – and sometimes all three) where they’ll run through the numbers of guests onboard in each tier of the loyalty programme, and thank the highest-ranking members specially.
You do get a welcome glass of Champagne, usually, and there’ll be some music from the band. It’s the kind of event that’s worth doing once but then decide how you feel for future cruises.
5. Casino and Bingo Perks
You get some small gambling perks as an Emerald member. Firstly in the casino, you get $6 of FreePlay credit to use on the slots. Obviously $6 isn’t a lot, depending on how much you wager, and you might spend it all in just a couple of minutes. But who knows – maybe you’ll win big.
Here’s how you claim it:
Log into your casino account using the card machine in the casino and your SeaPass
Click on ‘PERSONAL BANKER’, then ‘TRANSFER TO GAME’ and then ‘PROMO$’
You’ll see the free credit there, so transfer it to your account and then use it on the slot machines included in the offer
You aren’t able to cash it out until you’ve used $6, but any winnings are yours to keep. Good luck!
And when you play bingo, you get extra Jackpot cards whenever you buy a package. Emerald-tier guests get six bonus cards with their package – twice as many as Platinum guests.
6. In-Stateroom Perk – Robes & Water
There are a couple of smaller perks that you get in your stateroom when you’re an Emerald-tier guest. The first of these is bathrobes, that you can use during the cruise. You can’t keep them, though – so don’t take them home with you.
The second perk is two bottles of water per adult waiting in your stateroom for you. Not a huge gift, but it’ll save you a few bucks, and it’s nice to have water to hand at night.
7. Laundry Discounts
Cruising for at least 5 nights? You might want to pack a few less items in your suitcase, since you’ll be given a $5 discount on a bag of wash-and-fold laundry, bringing the cost down to $29.99. It’s up to you – you might just prefer to bring different outfits for each day.
You also get $5 off a $25 dry-clean or press service, which is handy if you want to take part in formal night but your outfit got a little messed up in your bags.
8. Photo Offers
Emerald-level members get 25% off any single photo (print or digital), photo package or photobook bought from the photographer onboard. This perk was updated in December 2023 – previously, you had to pay for something full price, and then you’d get 50% off your second purchase.
9. Discounts on Royal Caribbean Products
Each Royal Caribbean ship has a selection of stores onboard, and while most sell designer goods, there’ll also be some branded Royal Caribbean merch you can buy. Spend $25 or more, and you’ll save 10% as an Emerald-tier member.
10. Spa Discounts
Emerald-tier members of the Crown & Anchor Society get 15% off any spa treatments they book on the ship, except for Medi-Spa services – those are never discounted.
11. Lapel Pin
Hardly a huge perk, but it’s nice to have – once you reach Emerald-tier status, you’ll get a lapel pin to show off your loyalty. It’s delivered to you on your next cruise once you reach the status.
12. Member Newsletter
As soon as you’re a member of the Crown & Anchor Society, you’ll get a newsletter emailed to you regularly, which includes special offers and details on new ships and itineraries. It’s the same newsletter you’d already be receiving for being a Gold or Platinum member.
13. Access to Exclusive Rates
All guests in the Crown & Anchor Society get access to exclusive rates for booking their next cruise. They’re not amazing – they couldn’t be, since they’re open to anyone who has cruised with Royal Caribbean before. The cruise line has to make money, after all!
And you’ll continue to get those discounted rates on Balcony and Suite rooms, just as you did when you reached Platinum level.
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14. Loyalty Match
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are sister brands, owned by the same company. Once you reach Platinum status with Royal Caribbean – and continuing into Emerald status – you are eligible for loyalty match when you cruise with Celebrity Cruises.
This means you’ll enjoy the perks of the Select tier in the Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club. It’s not until you’re Diamond with Royal Caribbean that you move up a tier with Celebrity.
I’m quite impressed with how Royal Caribbean treats children who are members of the Crown & Anchor Society. It’s a very fair system.
Basically, all guests get their own membership, including little ones, and once they start cruising they’ll build up their own points.
But if you were cruising with Royal Caribbean before your kids were born, you’d be a higher tier than them – and so Royal will match their status to yours until they’re 18. If you’re Emerald, they’ll get Emerald-level benefits, and if you progress to Diamond then so will they… Until they turn 18.
Once they hit 18, they’ll revert to the tier they’ve earned with the points built up in the background. So they might drop down a tier or two, but it’s fairer than making them cruise with parents who get better perks.
1. Ice Cream Discount
Under-18s in the Crown and Anchor Society get 50% off all ice cream bought at the ice cream parlour. So if they’re bored of the free flavours elsewhere on the ship, they can save a bit of cash on the fancy flavours instead.
2. WiFi Package Discounts
Kids get the same WiFi package discounts as their parents do – so they’ll also save 15% on any VOOM package you buy for them.
3. Buy-One-Get-One-Free Movie Rentals
When kids rent a movie in their stateroom, they get a second movie for half-price if they’re a member of the Crown & Anchor Society – it’s the same perk at all tier levels.
4. Arcade Cashback
Another perk that remains constant for kids is the cashback system for arcades. If they top up $15 of arcade credit, you’ll get $5 back on your cruise account.
If they love the arcades, let them top up $50 at a time, and you’ll get $25 back – essentially rendering the arcade games as half-price.
What Does Royal Caribbean Emerald Choice Mean?
Emerald Choice is an amalgamation of two different loyalty programmes with Royal Caribbean. The ‘Emerald’ component is the regular Crown & Anchor Society tier, which includes perks for all aspects of a cruise. The ‘Choice’ component refers to the Club Royale programme which is specifically for the casino.
Club Royale rewards players who enjoy casino games on Royal Caribbean ships, although to unlock the seriously good perks you need to spend a lot of money gambling. ‘Choice’ is the entry level for that scheme.
What Level is After Emerald on Royal Caribbean?
The next tier up in the Crown & Anchor Society with Royal Caribbean, after Emerald, is Diamond. To reach this, you need to get 80 cruise points, 25 more than the entry requirement for Emerald status.
After Diamond is Diamond Plus, although it takes guests a while to get the 175 points needed to enter that tier. Then, the final tier is Pinnacle Club, which requires a massive 700 points to qualify.
Royal Caribbean Emerald Vs Platinum
The differences between Emerald and Platinum statuses in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society are minimal – most of the perks are identical. You’ll barely notice the difference when you move up to Emerald tier, though it’s worth sticking with it as things improve considerably if you reach Diamond status.
Here are the Emerald perks that aren’t included in the Platinum tier you’ll just have been promoted from:
$6 FreePlay at the casino instead of $4
Six bonus Jackpot cards with a bingo package instead of 3
Two complimentary bottles of water in your stateroom
A lapel pin
An extra 5% off a photography purchase
That’s it – otherwise, all other perks are exactly the same.
Royal Caribbean Emerald to Diamond
To move from Emerald status to Diamond status with the Crown & Anchor Society, you need to reach 80 cruise points – which means cruising for 80 nights in a standard stateroom, or 40 nights in a suite.
It’s only a difference of 25 points compared to Emerald status though, so you can do it with 25 nights in an Interior, Ocean View or Balcony stateroom, or just 13 nights in a suite.
Moving up to the Diamond tier unlocks a lot of extra perks:
20% discount on your first drink after using the 50% off coupons
Access to the Crown Lounge with happy hour (though if there are too many Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members on your cruise, Diamond members can be refused entry)
Priority waiting list for shore excursions and spa treatments
$10 discount on laundry
A free photo when you buy a package
10% off digital photo packages or photobooks
4 free non-alcoholic drinks for youth members
Final Word
Moving from the Platinum tier to the Emerald tier in the Crown and Anchor Society can feel a little deflating, if you didn’t already know about the perks list. They’re barely an improvement to what you were already receiving.
But if you think of it as being a step closer to Diamond, and the great perks that unlocks, it won’t be too disheartening.
And remember, these are all just nice bonuses anyway – you’re still getting a great cruise regardless!
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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.
Discovery Princess to Call Sydney Home for the 2025/26 Australian Summer Season
Princess Cruises announced that its current flagship vessel – Discovery Princess – will make Sydney her home port in the 2025/26 summer Australia season.
Built in 2022, the 145,000-ton ship measuring 1,083 feet in length, and 19 decks high will be the biggest ship Princess Cruises has ever homeported in Australia in its 50-year cruising history. The 3,660-guest, ship will debut in her home port of Sydney in October 2025, offering a number of itineraries from Down Under.
Princess Cruises President John Padgett was in Sydney yesterday to officially welcome Royal Princess on her debut summer season in Australia and shared the news in an early reveal of the line’s 2025/26 program.
“Nearly half a century has passed since Princess Cruises introduced the Pacific Princess ship to Sydney’s shores. In commemoration of this milestone, we are delighted to unveil the future deployment of the Discovery Princess, further solidifying our belief in the Australian market,” said Padgett. “We are confident that both our international and Australian guests will be excited about the spectacular experience aboard Discovery Princess as she sails from Sydney in late 2025.”
Discovery Princess, the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass and the sixth Royal-Class ship shares all the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess and Royal Princess. With an array of spectacular features, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies in the Princess fleet with the Sky Suites, unwind in the ultimate comfort at the Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options including new to Australia 360: An Extraordinary Experience now available for all guests sailing on Discovery Princess. The Award-winning 360: An Extraordinary Experience is exclusively offered on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess taking guests on a sensory journey through world-class cuisine with a fusion of master storytelling and visual entertainment.
In addition, Discovery Princess elevates the guest experience with an abundance of amenities including 14 restaurants, 10 bars and additional lounges, and entertainment options. Among its dining options is The Catch by Rudi, Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Trattoria and Gigi’s Pizzeria. Other features include the SeaWalk, a breathtaking glass-bottomed enclosed walkway that extends nearly 28 feet beyond the ship’s edge, treating guests to awe-inspiring views while suspended 128 feet above the sea.
Other notable features include private poolside cabanas, four main pools including two top-deck pools, Retreat Pool and Wakeview Pool, 10 hot tub spas, the Enclave and Lotus Spa featuring Princess’ largest-ever thermal suite, and an exquisite Chef’s Table Lumiere dining option, where guests are magically surrounded by a curtain of light. Meanwhile, more than 82 percent of the ship’s staterooms offer a private balcony.
In addition to the incredible amenities aboard Discovery Princess, guests also enjoy the Princess exclusive MedallionClass experience, offering a level of service personalization previously only available on small ships now delivered on a large ship, amenity-rich platform.
The connected guest experience maximizes guests’ time by delivering a host of onboard conveniences including contactless payment for anything on board; expedited embarkation; keyless stateroom entry; muster anywhere; friends and family locator; and ordering food, drinks, retail items or requesting service from their smart device or a crew member and having their order delivered directly to them…even if they move.
Padgett added the cruise line is thrilled to announce the addition of Discovery Princess to its Australian fleet for the 2025/26 summer season. The ship will sail in local waters with other Princess ships Crown Princess and Grand Princess as part of the summer program to be revealed in full next month including the longest World Cruise yet.
“Discovery Princess will continue to set new standards for premium cruising when she sails from Australia in the 2025/26 summer season. She’s an incredible ship with many wonderful features for our guests, from superb cuisine to world-class entertainment and facilities.”
The program will be announced in full on November 15, 2023 and go on sale November 29, 2023.
Sun Princess Will Mesmerise Guests with New Show-Stopping Productions
Iconic performances and world-class experiences headline a show-stopping array of incredible entertainment awaiting guests across the sensational new Sun Princess, the largest-ever ship from Princess Cruises, debuting in early 2024.
Today the cruise brand announced four exceptional production shows that will take centre stage in the Princess Arena, the most technologically advanced entertainment venue at sea. The pinnacle of technological innovation in the world of cruise ship entertainment, the configurable Princess Arena supports shows in the round, in a 270-degree keyhole configuration, as well as via a traditional proscenium theatre.
“The Princess Arena is an engineering marvel that allows us to create awe-inspiring entertainment, offering our guests a completely different experience every night,” said Denise Saviss, vice president of entertainment experience for Princess Cruises. “Not only will our productions shine, but the venue itself, with its state-of-the-art stages, captivating lighting design, and immersive surround-sound, will deliver show-stopping spectacles on every voyage.”
Headlining the entertainment line-up are three completely new productions, showcasing the tremendous talents of the Sun Princess troupe with four lead vocalists, 13 top dancers and eight Dome Cirque artists in various performances, including:
Princess Arena Theatre Shows
NEW! Vallora, A Pirate Quest – Created, directed, and choreographed by Danny Teeson of “American Idol” fame, Pirates features an upbeat and nostalgic 80’s soundtrack, including Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams,” Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” and Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” The show follows the intrepid heroine ‘Vallora’ through a pirate adventure, telling a thrilling story of searching for what’s lost and above all else, family and love.
NEW! Stage Struck – Celebrating musical theatre, Stage Struck features “On Broadway” from Smokey Joe’s Café, “Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady, “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent and “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls. Directed and choreographed by Karen Bruce, of “So You Think You Can Dance” for BBC and numerous shows on the West End.
NEW! Viva La Música – This scintillating musical experience from famed Latin American choreographer Liz Imperio, the well-known choreographer of concert tours for Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Gloria Estefan, features Latin soundtrack favorites like Miami Sound Machine’s “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” Camila Cabello’s “Havana,” Santana’s “Oye Como Va,” and Pete Rodriguez’s “I Like It Like That.” The Latin Grammy inspired concert is highlighted by a dance couple who invite guests to join them on the dance floor for a unique immersive experience.
PRINCESS FAVOURITE REIMAGINED! Fiera! – Love blossoms at a turn-of-the-last-century colourful European fairground in a story revealed through an artfully selected medley of popular songs such as Guns & Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine,” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Directed by famed choreographer Danny Teeson, a large, brilliantly costumed cast of performers brings the story to life, dancing on a vibrant set with a spectacular digital backdrop.
Entertainment extends throughout the ship including two additional prominent venues– the Piazza and The Dome – an iconic new venue at the top forward portion of the ship.
The Dome
The mesmerising artistry of one of the entertainment industry’s biggest names, the renowned Cirque Éloize, will be on full display in The Dome, a remarkable multi-level entertainment venue perched atop the ship.
Three specially-created and captivating shows – “Blue,” “Come Fly Away,” and “Artbeat” – will transport guests into a world of emotion, colour, and music, featuring awe-inspiring acts such as aerial hoops, aerial poles, bungees, Cyr wheel, silks, mind-bending contortions, and more.
Inspired by the enchanting terraces of Santorini, The Dome is a pioneering glass-enclosed structure, the first of its kind ever constructed on a cruise ship. By day, it transforms into an indoor/outdoor oasis with a sparkling pool, while at night, it evolves into an electrifying entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe.
Piazza
The heartbeat of the ship, the Piazza on Sun Princess reflects an exciting evolution, surrounded by a multi-tiered sphere of glass offering expansive views as well as a wide selection of entertainment every voyage. Here guests can continue to enjoy beloved musical acts and performances, as well as favourite game shows and an elevated Champagne Waterfall event.
Sun Princess guests will be greeted with a NEW Sailaway Party, NEW night-time Welcome Show, a NEW Themed Deck Party, NEW Game Shows and a memorable NEW Farewell Show and Light Spectacle.
Guests sailing on Sun Princess also can enjoy Spellbound by Magic Castle, a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon. The extraordinary experience blends the captivating world of magic with the art of mixology and features incredible feats of magic from talented magicians, surprises in themed rooms and theatrical cocktails delivered by sleight-of-hand servers.
Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will also offer an array of exciting new culinary offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. With the most balconies and sun decks on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom.
Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and Caribbean are on sale now. More ship information and images can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess.
Estonia is a small but fascinating country located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. As part of most Baltic cruises, you’ll likely have the chance to explore its picturesque medieval capital of Tallinn as well as some of the country’s natural beauty. With only a limited time in port, it’s important to plan ahead and make the most of your visit. Here are some tips on how to best experience Estonia during your Baltic cruise.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries do not need an Estonia visa for stays of up to 90 days in Estonia. You’ll just need a valid passport. Double-check the visa policies before your trip, but for short visits on a Baltic cruise, you likely won’t need to worry about this.
Explore Tallinn’s Old Town
Spend at least half a day wandering Tallinn’s incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the ancient defensive walls, browse the shops and artisans’ studios, and gaze up at the red rooftops from scenic viewpoints. Don’t miss landmarks like the 15th-century Town Hall Square, the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Toompea Castle. Give yourself time to lose yourself in the cobblestone streets and soak up the medieval charm.
Sample Estonian Cuisine
Be sure to try some classic Estonian dishes during your visit. Look for crepes called pirukas stuffed with meat, cabbage, carrots or curd cheese, served from street food carts. Estonia has a strong beer culture – sample the local brews. Rye bread, pork, potatoes, and preserved fish are also staples of the cuisine. In Tallinn, dine at a medieval-style restaurant like Olde Hansa to taste traditional dishes by candlelight with costumed servers.
Explore Estonia’s Nature
Estonia has miles of unspoiled natural beauty. Many cruises offer excursions to places like Lahemaa National Park, just an hour from Tallinn. Here you can experience Estonia’s pristine forests and stunning coastline. Visit the grand 18th-century Palmse Manor, go kayaking or canoeing on the rivers, and see wildlife like moose and beavers. Alternatively, venture out to the islands of Saaremaa or Hiiumaa to experience more of Estonia’s diverse landscapes.
See Estonia’s Castles
In addition to the castle in Tallinn, consider a day trip to other medieval castles around the country. Just an hour from the city, Padise Klooster is a striking monastery-castle dating to the 14th century. Or head south to visit Otepää Castle, perched on a hilltop surrounded by lakes. Further afield, Narva Castle sits right on the border with Russia along the Narva River. These immersive historical sites provide insight into Estonia’s past.
Experience Local Culture
For an authentic local experience, head to the laid-back student neighborhood of Telliskivi in Tallinn. Wander the creative commune, browse the quirky shops, relax at a cafe, and get a taste of Estonia’s youth culture. Visit Kalamaja, another emerging neighborhood with a popular food and fish market in the Balti Jaam rail station. And if you happen to be visiting during a Song Festival year (the next one is 2025), try to catch this beloved nationwide musical event.
With careful planning, you can see the top sights, taste the local flavors, and immerse yourself in Estonian culture during your day in port. Focus on Tallinn’s Old Town, add a side trip to Lahemaa National Park or a castle, and you’ll get the most out of your limited time in this beautiful Baltic country.
Celebrity Cruises Takes Delivery Of Highly Anticipated Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent has officially joined Celebrity Cruises’ fleet of award-winning ships redefining premium travel, as company officials took delivery of its newest ship at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. The fourth ship in the line’s innovative Edge Series, Celebrity Ascent continues to shatter preconceived notions of cruising with its forward-thinking design by the world’s leading architects and interior designers; culinary excellence from Michelin starred chefs; wellness woven throughout the experience; expansive onboard entertainment and more. Celebrity Ascent will make her official debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 3rd December, with a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing visiting popular destinations such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic.
Welcoming the shipto the Celebrity Cruises family were Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges-Bethge, and Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Captains Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis, the first brother captains honoured with taking a new ship from the shipyard, were also on-hand for the celebration, along with 1,400 Celebrity Ascent crew members.
To mark the moment, they participated in several maritime traditions including the signing ceremony and the changing of flags onboard the ship, along with a celebratory toast in the ship’s spectacular three-story Grand Plaza.
“Celebrity Ascent is yet another example of innovation driving our mission to provide the best vacations responsibly,” said Liberty. “The ship continues Celebrity’s ambition to redefine premium travel and take it to new heights,” said Liberty. “I want to thank and congratulate the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, our Newbuild and Celebrity Cruises’ teams and their partners for the vision, craftmanship and passion that went into bringing this spectacular shipto life.”
“Celebrity Ascent features all the innovative and award-winning Edge Series signature experiences that launched a new era in cruise ship design, plus a few new enhancements, and I can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard,” said Hodges-Bethge. “It is a true honour to welcome this ship to our fleet and I am so grateful to everyone involved with all that goes into a launching new ship.”
“I am convinced that Celebrity Ascent will meet the same success as the other ships in the prestigious Edge Series. Its fine exterior and interior design and its exceptional seaworthiness make it an outstanding ship. Celebrity Ascent embodies the strong bond between the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises teams,” said Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Director Laurent Castaing.”
Holiday Experience Highlights
Celebrity Ascent joinsa class of ships without comparison and is a sister ship to Celebrity Beyond which debuted to great acclaim last year. New experiences and Edge series favourites include:
The Retreat, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests, highlighted by a two-story sundeck;
Accommodations for modern tastes from modern two-storey villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living;
An expanded Rooftop Garden and stunning Resort Deck featuring unique cantilevered float pools;
A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar at the ship’s aft;
An expanded onboard entertainment program featuring a transformative nightlife experience on the Resort Deck, six new live productions, interactive gaming experiences, and more;
A redesigned casino floor and brand-new games;
A new outdoor dining terrace at Blu, the brand’s clean cuisine restaurant for Aqua Class guests, available for al fresco daytime dining;
A newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud;
And, the return of the Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.
Setting Sail on Celebrity Ascent
Following Celebrity Ascent’s maiden voyage, she will offer a variety of alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean holidays until late April 2024, when she then heads to the Mediterranean for sailings from Barcelona and Rome.
