The first hurricane has formed in 2024 and it’s forecasted to enter the Caribbean this week. Hurricane Beryl is now a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
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Photo Credit: National Hurricane Center
How will Hurricane Beryl affect cruise ships this week?
Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Tobago are currently under a hurricane warning. The storm is expected to pass over or near the islands on Monday morning.
There are no cruise ships scheduled to visit these islands over the next four days.
Hurricane Beryl is currently expected to pass just south of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands midweek before heading towards Mexico. Of course, the forecasted models are subject to change as the storm moves into the Caribbean.
While it is rare that cruises get canceled when hurricanes and tropical storms form, cruise lines will often change itineraries to keep guests and crew safe. This might mean sailing to the Eastern Caribbean instead of the Western Caribbean where the storm is currently on track to visit.
Other times, port visits will be replaced with sea days as cruise lines keep ships away from storms. To read more about what happens when there’s a hurricane or tropical storm during your cruise, you can read our Cruise Hurricane Guide here.
Cruise Fever will continue to monitor Hurricane Beryl and will have all updates from cruise lines as they are announced. We have reached out to the major cruise lines and will update this article when we hear back.
Update: Carnival Cruise Line has responded to our inquiry and said that at this time, they have not many any changes to cruises.
A cruise ship has entered dry dock in Germany where the vessel will transition to a new cruise line that will launch later this year.
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World Dream will be converted and enter service with AROYA Cruises.
AROYA Cruises is a new premium cruise line that will sail its maiden voyage on December 16, 2024.
The cruise line’s first ship, AROYA, has entered dry dock where the ship will be renovated.
The vessel originally debuted in 2017 as World Dream and sailed under Dream Cruises until the company became insolvent and ceased operations. Cruise Saudi purchased the ship from an auction in 2023 for their new cruise line.
The 151,000 gross ton ship can carry up to 5,000 passengers. It is a Breakaway class ship so those who sail with Norwegian Cruise Line will be familiar with the layout.
The cruise ship will have the following features when it debuts with AROYA Cruises:
15 restaurants (five complimentary)
13 Lounges
20 entertainment venues
Two theaters
One of the largest kids zones in the industry
Water park with five slides
Exclusive places for women that includes pool, gym and thermal spa
VIP section with butler service
To reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia
Khuzama Experience
The Khuzama Experience is where you can experience Arabian luxury with glamourous suites and villas. This area includes butlers, complimentary WiFi, priority boarding and disembarkation, and an exclusive VIP lounge and bar.
The cruise line said that this area will compete with the best international resorts.
The primary languages on AROYA Cruises will be both Arabic and English.
AROYA Cruises will start off by offering cruises in the Red Sea before expanding to the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean.
They will be the first Arabian cruise line with a goal of elevating joyful and memorable experiences both at sea and on land.
The inaugural cruise on AROYA Cruises will depart from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 16, 2024. The three day cruise will have one sea day and will also stop at a private island.
This new cruise line will offer a variety of three to seven night cruises when they first launch.
Love By Britto became the newest cruise ship specialty restaurant to officially open and the cost per person is $70 less than originally announced.
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Love by Britto on Sun Princess. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Love by Britto is now officially open on Sun Princess, the newest ship from Princess Cruises. The restaurant was originally scheduled to open in early May at a cost of $149 per person.
Princess Cruises has lowered the price to $79 per person for the seven course prix fixe menu. The experience starts with Oysters with Lemongrass Kafir, Mirin and Gold Flakes.
Entrees feature creative heart-shaped presentations and include savory Tuna & Avocado, Pomegranate, Togarashi; Cappuccino of Wild Mushroom soup; Salad of Beets, Figs and Goat Cheese; Granita of Pink Champagne and Rose Petals; Tail of Lobster Thermidor; and Succulent Beef Tenderloin and Truffle Jus.
And since this is a Love Boat after all, it’s only fitting that dessert features a heart-shaped Chocolate Lava Cake, Fresh Berries & Raspberry Cream, plus Petits Fours.
Love by Britto is a 68 seat restaurant on deck 17 offering some of the best views from the ship.
The view from Love by Britto. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts for Princess Cruises, gave the following statement about this new restaurant:
“The art of Romero Britto makes people happy with his unique expression of the universal language of love and his creative inspiration blends with my culinary passion to deliver a high-end, meticulously curated menu that guests full of memories overflowing with love was a transformative experience.”
“We’re both proud to see Love by Britto come to life with Sun Princess guests celebrating this exclusive dining event, showcasing the harmony between food, art and love.”
Love by Britto on Sun Princess can be booked pre-cruise through the cruise line’s app.
Princess Cruise is launching a new promotion that starts in July where they will give you 120% of the difference in on board credit if the price of your cruise does down after you book it.
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Princess Cruises’ new Best Price Guarantee will run from July 1 through September 2, 2024 and is good on cruises that depart in 2025 and 2026.
Here is how it will work.
If you book a cruise on a Princess cruise ship between July 1 and September 2 and the price of the cruise goes down on Princess.com before final payment is due, you can receive 120% of the difference in on board credit to spend on your cruise.
For instance, if the price of your cruise went down $100 per person (cabin for two), you will receive $240 in OBC. It can be used for anything on the ship except for the casino.
The lower price must be on the same sailing and stateroom category that you booked.
Complete terms and details of Princess Cruises’ Best Price Guarantee can be read here.
Aft balcony on Sky Princess (Photo Credit: Cruise Fever)
Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer, gave the following statement about this new offer from Princess Cruises:
“Our new guarantee underscores the Princess commitment to offering unparalleled value and exceptional service to guests…value that is unmatched by land-based vacations.”
“With our booking volume for 2025 voyages already nearly 30% higher than it has ever been at this point in the typical booking cycle, securing your spot early has never been more important and this offer not only guarantees the best rates, but also ensures guests can choose their preferred dates and destinations.”
“This way, guests can enjoy the best selection of Princess worldwide destinations and accommodations, knowing they have the best rate available for their cruise.”
Princess Cruises said that this new promotion is to help their guests get the best possible price for their cruise if they book early.
Crystal, one of the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise lines, has announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Fincantieri for two new cruise ships that will redefine high-end cruising.
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The new 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton Crystal ships will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, ensuring unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests.
The two new cruise ships for Crystal will debut in 2028 and the second soon after. The cruise line also has an option for a third new ship that can enter service in 2032.
The ships will carry 690 passengers and come in at 61,800 gross tons in size. Every cabin will be a suite and the vessels will provide one of the best space per passenger ratios in the industry.
Every suite will have a private veranda and there will also be cabins for solo travelers.
The interior design will feature the most precious marbles, Italian fabrics and natural materials, offering a level of research and sophistication typically reserved for high-end private residential properties.
The ships will have world-class cuisine with wellness and relaxation being the focus of the vessels.
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, gave the following statement about this order for new cruise ships:
“This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive collaboration between Fincantieri and my family that started with Sitmar Cruises, continued with Silversea and now is flourishing again with Crystal.”
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, added:
“Our aim is to continue setting a new standard in cruising, offering our guests an unmatched level of service and sophistication. These new ships will receive the same level of attention I have reserve to my own house.”
This order for new ships comes two years after A&K Travel Group acquired the cruise line.
Crystal currently has two ocean cruise ships in their fleet, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
The agreement gives Carnival Corporation brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises preferential berthing at the port.
It is also expected that the deal will bring in $185 million in revenue as at least 550,000 passengers sail through Seattle every year.
In 2023, Carnival’s cruise brands made 140 calls in Seattle and made up about half of every cruise ship visit to the port.
In 2025, at least 7 Carnival ships will be homeporting in Seattle.
This move solidifies the relationship between Carnival and the Port of Seattle as the 10-year term will extend to 2033 and possibly 2038. The extra five-year extension would bring an estimated $273 million to the port.
How will the funds be used? In addition to addressing environmental and sustainability projects around the area, the revenue will boost the local economy.
The agreement mandates Carnival utilize local suppliers and businesses to update the port area and support local hospitality and transportation companies.
Carnival has committed to encouraging cruise passengers to find local hotels both before and after a cruise out of Seattle. This will not only help Seattle hotels but local restaurants and transportation services.
Carnival is also helping Seattle reach its goal of having every cruise ship be connected to shore power by 2027. The cruise line will be working with other companies to make sure this happens at Terminal 91.
Plugging in at the Port of Seattle will allow cruise ships to shut off their engines and will reduce emissions in the region.
Director of the Port of Seattle, Steve Metruck, touted the strength of the commitment between the cruise company and the port saying,
“This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the port and local businesses who depend upon cruise, while also strengthening our partnership.”
“Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner for constant innovation on environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity. We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to get to work on the commitments in this agreement,” Metruck added.
When Disney Adventure debuts in 2025, it will be Disney Cruise Line’s largest ship and one of the 10 largest cruise ships in the world at 208,000 gross tons.
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Disney Adventure Exterior Rendering
Disney Cruise Line has announced that they have signed a five year agreement with the Singapore Tourism Board to homeport the ship there. The ship will carry approximately 6,700 guests and 2,500 crew members.
The massive cruise ship was originally going to enter service as Global Dream. After their parent company went bankrupt, Disney Cruise Line bought the ship and is completing construction on the vessel and making it uniquely Disney.
The cruise ship will sail three and four night cruises from Singapore that will be full of magical sea days, since the vessel will be a destination itself.
Disney Adventure will be divided up between seven themed areas that will bring the magic of Disney through imagination, discovery, fantasy and adventure.
New Areas for Disney Adventure
Disney Imagination Garden will be the emotional heart of Disney Adventure, an enchanted valley, charming garden and open-air performance venue all in one.
At Disney Discovery Reef, families will shop and dine in an ethereal and ever-changing retreat that features their favorite aquatic characters and nautical stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios.
San Fransokyo Street will be a family entertainment area pulsing with the energy and atmosphere of a vibrant street market with an assortment of interactive games and activities, shops, cinemas and more.
The sophisticated yet casual poolside retreat, Wayfinder Bay, will reflect the Pacific Islands-inspired artistry of Disney Animation’s “Moana”.
Town Square will be a celebration of Disney royals. This magical land is dedicated to those who wish upon a star hoping their dreams will come true.
At Marvel Landing, heroes will unite in a destination for fans of all ages.
Toy Story Place will inspire guests to explore, create, connect and have fun in a whimsical, interactive play land with themed food venues and water play area.
Disney Adventure will also have world class dining and entertainment.
Extensive concierge cabins will have exclusive areas and amenities. This includes a private outdoor lounge, expansive sundeck, pool and whirlpools, and a dedicated spa and fitness facility.
Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line, gave the following statement:
“We’re bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Asia for the first time ever, and we want to give our guests the cruise relaxation and Disney fun they can only experience aboard one of our ships.
When they set sail on the Disney Adventure, guests will find incredible, immersive areas that bring the worlds of Disney, Pixar and Marvel to life in ways like never before – and these uniquely Disney experiences will inspire families to reconnect, recharge and make unforgettable memories that they’ll cherish forever.”
Cabins on the ship will have Disney’s signature split-bath concept and other family friendly conveniences.
The date for the inaugural voyage of Disney Adventure has yet to be announced. Disney Cruise Line also stated that they will announce more on board experiences at a later date.
Disney Adventure will offer three and four night cruises from Singapore starting sometime in 2025. The ship will homeport in Singapore for at least five years.
Oceania Cruises, a premium destination focused cruise line, has announced new cruises to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the French Polynesia in 2025.
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Oceania Cruises will offer more cruises to the French Polynesia in 2025 than ever before. The cruises will take place on two ships, Nautica and Regatta. Both ships only carry 670 guests making them the perfect sized ships to visit the region.
These new cruises from the cruise line include:
18 day Tahitian & Hawaiian Hues, from Los Angeles to Papeete (Tahiti)
15 day Papeete to Honolulu
10 day Tahitian Legends, roundtrip from Papeete
Oceania Cruises has also partnered with Condé Nast Traveler and these new itineraries from them are part of the partnership. This includes tips and insider knowledge so you can make the most of your port visit.
A few examples of exclusive editor’s tips in French Polynesia include:
Skipping the restaurants and heading to the food trucks, or roulettes as they’re called in Papeete, for a cheap and cheerful al fresco dinner featuring local bites
Strolling through downtown Papeete getting to know its storied history via its colorful colonial architecture while visiting landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, town hall and the bustling 155-year-old Papeete Market
Swimming with reef sharks during an intimate boat tour aboard a small sailing catamaran with family-run tour operator Voila Moorea
Excursion highlights in the French Polynesia are:
Aito Off-Road Safari
Vanilla Flavor & Taha’a Motu Picnic
Sail Bora Bora by Catamaran
Discover Tahiti’s West Coast
Visit to Taipivai Valley
Shark and Stingray Snorkel Safari in Bora Bora
All cruises include the cruise line’s simply MORE value promise, meaning virtually everything is included in the voyage fare: complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner; and a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom.
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, gave the following statement:
“Our 2025 collection of itineraries spanning Polynesia offers guests the opportunity to discover the astounding nature, rich culinary heritage and deep-rooted cultural traditions of the South Pacific.”
“With only 670 guests on board our ultra-premium ships, there is no doubt that traveling through Polynesia with Oceania Cruises is by far the most relaxing and carefree way to experience the most relaxing and carefree place in the world.”
Both cruise ships were recently renovated and are now “better-than-new”.
Crystal, an ultra-luxury cruise line, has announced a new partnership with Casino de Monte-Carlo that will bring back casinos on all of their ocean cruise ships.
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The cruise line said that they are bringing back casinos after receiving feedback from their most loyal guests who want a gaming experience on board.
The new 1,000+ square foot Casino de Monte-Carlo will be added where the current Bridge Lounges are located on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
The Bridge Lounge will then move to the Library on Crystal Serenity and The Lounge on Crystal Symphony. The Lounge is where the casino was previously located on Crystal Symphony.
The casino will also be featured on the cruise line’s new ocean ships that are on order. However, they will not be on Crystal’s expedition ships.
Casino de Monte-Carlo on Crystal ships will feature slots and table games that include blackjack, roulette and more.
The new casino will open on Crystal Symphony during the November 14, 2024 sailing and on Crystal Serenity the following month.
This new alliance will allow the two companies to use their expertise and innovation to create a unique casino experience.
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, gave the following statement:
“We have listened attentively to the feedback from our loyal guests regarding their desire to have casinos back onboard, and we are proud to announce that we will deliver on our promise.
At Crystal, like at Monte-Carlo SBM, guest satisfaction and enjoyment are paramount, and this alliance with Casino de Monte-Carlo underscores our dedication to fulfilling their wishes and exceeding their expectations. We are confident the reintroduction of casinos will further enhance the overall cruise experience, providing our guests with the entertainment options they crave while sailing with us.”
Cristina Levis, CEO of Crystal Cruises and Pascal Camia, Chief International Development Officer of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, surrounded by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of the A&K Travel Group and Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group Manfredi Lefebvre, said the following about this new partnership:
“We are delighted to welcome Casino de Monte-Carlo into the Crystal family as our newest collaborator. This affiliation symbolizes our commitment to offering our guests the finest entertainment and gaming experiences available at sea. Together, we aim to create unforgettable moments and continue to set new standards of excellence in the cruise industry.”
Crystal and Casino de Monte-Carlo said that this new partnership will provide a gaming experience unlike any other in the cruise industry.
Many of us create an extensive packing list for our cruise vacations, while others “wing it” and pack the night before.
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Personally, I’m in the second grouping. I will wash clothes until midnight and pack into the wee hours of departure day. I will never learn my lesson. It’s just not in my DNA.
What to pack if you expect rainy days on your cruise. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
The next time you pack for a cruise vacation, it’s worth it to consider packing for rainy days at sea and in port.
On my last cruise, two of the three days were rainy while we were docked in a port. Luckily, we packed a few essentials that helped us to avoid a trip nightmare.
Here are a few things that I would recommend anyone pack for their cruise if they think it will rain:
Dramamine
While this may be a no-brainer for motion sickness, packing Dramamine is a necessity in inclement weather. A light rain will probably not require it, but a downpour or a storm could very likely make the ship less calm.
Unfortunately, I have experienced this on more than one occasion. I remember being about 12 years old and my father showing me a neighboring ship that was being tossed and turned by the massive waves. I immediately got sick and retreated to my cabin with my mother.
Now, if there is bad weather, I make sure to bring Dramamine. This definitely helps with any possible nausea that may arise from the tossing seas.
Always pack a small umbrella in your luggage. It will take up valuable real estate in your baggage, but it can be a gamechanger on a cruise.
Recently, I spent the day in Roatan, Honduras and it rained. All. Day. I wasn’t about to miss one of the most beautiful ports due to some unexpected rain.
My husband and I walked around the port, happy as two clams could be. Several other cruisers had the same idea as we did and by the end of the day, we were relatively dry.
Ponchos
Slightly easier to pack and effective, ponchos are a popular option. Most of the time, you can grab a cheap, single-use poncho before leaving home for less than $2 each. They are usually available in a variety of sizes and colors.
If you forget to purchase ponchos before leaving, many cruise ships will offer them in their gift shops. If any rain is on the horizon, practically every gift shop in port will have them for a heftier price tag.
Waterproof Shoes
If you expect a rainy cruise or if your destination is to a rainy area like Alaska, consider packing waterproof shoes.
Many outdoor stores offer waterproof sneakers and hiking shoes. Brands like Sorel offer waterproof sneakers and waterproof hiking shoes are appropriate for some terrain.
No one likes to walk around with wet socks and shoes all day. It will be difficult to have them dry for the next few days’ use.
Card Games and Board Games
Make sure to pack plenty of card games and small board games for your cruise. If there is rainy or inclement weather, you will have plenty of things to do indoors.
Oftentimes, cruises have minimal activities planned while in port. If the rain is too heavy and you opt to not leave the ship, games can be a great backup.
If you forget to pack card games and board games, the ship may offer some in the library. Check to see if this is an option and throw a set of Phase 10 cards in your luggage, just in case.
Plastic Ziploc Bags
Over time, I have learned to value the importance of a simple Ziploc bag. Gone are the days when a plastic bag was just for foot items or a packed lunch.
If you leave the ship and it is already raining, pack your cell phone in a small Ziploc bag. This can help to reduce the amount of moisture that can damage it. Also consider putting your wallet or any medications you might need in a plastic bag as well.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless with how such a small thing can come in handy on a rainy day.
The next time you pack for a cruise, consider taking a few of the above extras in case of rainy weather. If it does rain, you will be comfortable and dry. If it doesn’t, you won’t lose a thing.
