Posts in category: Diplomacy

Carnival Cruise Line is offering a special cruise in 2027 that will double as John Heald’s FFS #9 and their first-ever President’s Cruise.

The special sailing will take place on Carnival Magic, a six-night cruise that departs from Miami, Florida, on February 28, 2027, and visits the Caribbean and Bahamas. Port stops on the cruise include Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Carnival’s private port in The Bahamas, Celebration Key.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald said that he will share in early September how cruisers who are booked on the sailing can register to take part in the special cruise.

Carnival’s first Presidents Cruise with John will feature the cruise line’s president, Christine Duffy, and John Heald.

The sailing will have private events with both Duffy and Heald, with more details to come over the coming months.

In the past, John Heald’s extremely popular For Fun Sakes sailings originally started out as “Blogger Cruises” back when Heald ran his popular blog on Carnival Cruise Line.

As Heald says, the cruise is always full of “full of fun, comradery, and surprises“.

Prices for cabins on the President’s Cruise, at the time of press, start at the following, based on double occupancy:

• Inside: $369 per person
• Ocean view: $499 per person
• Balcony: $579 per person
• Suites: Sold out

*Note: There will be an extra charge to participate in the President’s and FFS activities. However, it is usually a nominal charge, around $25, and includes free drinks at cocktail parties and things like that.

The FFS #8 cruise took place last month in Alaska on Carnival Spirit, with the 2027 cruise promising to be the best one yet.

Cruise Fever will have more information on Carnival’s Presidents Cruise with John when it is announced by Carnival.

A story about a super mega ship is popping up all over the place this week, and questions about it are popping up just as fast. I thought I’d dive deeper into a project known as the Freedom Ship, and see if it has any chance of seeing the light of day

The 4,500-foot nuclear-powered floating city would have a capacity of 80,000 people. But don’t think of it as a cruise ship.

It’s more of a place to live, that just happens to be in the middle of the ocean, as it “continuously circumnavigates the globe”.

The idea is not new. It’s a concept that was first introduced about 30 years ago by a Florida engineer named Norman Nixon.

The 2008 financial crisis put the project on pause, but with new technological advances in both nuclear power and modular engineering, the dream of a mobile ocean city are circulating online once again.

Here is a realistic look at what the developers are actually planning, and how much of it is actually feasible right now.

Video of Freedom Ship

What is Proposed on Board?

If you are expecting to sail right up to port cities, enjoy sailaway parties, and have a non-stop conga line, think again. The Freedom Ship is designed as a self-contained city built on a giant, flat-bottomed steel platform rather than a standard ship hull.

It’s not designed to pull into ports, as there isn’t one big enough to even allow that to happen anyway. 

Keep in mind that renderings are just renderings. A brief look at the gallery of proposed spaces on this ship look like they are straight out of sci-fi. But then again, the ships being built today would have been unfathomable 50 years ago.

The blueprints for Freedom Ship resemble a major city neighborhood:

• Residential & Hotel Space: 17,000 separate living units which range from 300-square-foot condos to multi-million dollar luxury suites, alongside 10,000 hotel rooms for rotating visitors.
• A Full School District: Because people would live here permanently, the design includes a full K-12 school system and a college campus so children can attend classes while traveling.
• Commercial Districts: Plans reveal a massive multi-story shopping mall, 3,000 commercial units for independent businesses, a 15,000-seat sports stadium, and a major medical center.
• On-Board Transit: The ship features over 100 acres of open outdoor space, parks, bicycle paths, and an onboard light rail or transit system just to help residents get from one side of the structure to the other.
• Entertainment & Nightlife: To keep 80,000 people entertained, the blueprints outline a massive world-class concert hall for live music and theater, multiple movie theaters, and a sprawling, Vegas-style casino.
• Fitness & Recreation: Alongside those top-deck water parks, the plans feature multiple state-of-the-art fitness centers, full-sized gymnasiums, and dedicated sports courts for everything from basketball to tennis.

Most unique of all is the top deck. It is designed as a flat, open runway to host small commercial turboprop aircraft, allowing residents to fly to and from the mainland at will.

You can check out dozens of renderings of the proposed ship and its amenities here.

Why Even Build This?

Why would anyone want to build an 80,000-person island with a propellor? The developers say that this is not meant to be a vacation destination.

According to official statements from the design team:

“Hospitality aboard the Freedom Ship is not conceived as a cruise experience. It operates within the structure of a permanent city—serving visitors, supporting global engagement, and contributing to economic vitality while remaining subordinate to the platform’s primary identity as a place of residence and work.”

The primary driving factor behind the project isn’t leisure.  It’s a lifestyle philosophy that has more do with economics in an ever-changing world.

Because the ship is designed to remain permanently offshore in international waters, developers pitch it as a community entirely free from local property taxes, real estate taxes, sales taxes, and import duties.

As the developers note:

“At the core of the vision is permanence. Residents are not passengers. Homes, workplaces, education, healthcare, commerce, and public spaces are integrated into a single platform designed to function continuously over time, supporting real communities rather than temporary populations.”

The ship would slowly circle the globe once every two to three years, anchoring off major international coasts to let businesses trade and residents explore the mainland via ferry or the onboard airstrip.

The Shift to Nuclear Power

A ship of this size requires a ridiculous amount of energy to keep the lights on, run the light rail, and power the propulsion systems.

Traditional heavy fuel oil would be a logistical and environmental nightmare.

That is why modern iterations of the concept lean heavily on Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs).

Unlike older high-pressure nuclear technology, modern MSRs operate at low pressure, meaning there is no risk of an explosive steam blowout. If the ship loses all power, a plug physically melts, and the liquid fuel automatically drains into a secure underground containment structure where it cools into a solid, safe block of rock.

With a nuclear plant on board, the ship could theoretically generate its own electricity, desalinate its own water, and travel the world for up to 15 years straight without ever needing to pull into a port to refuel.

The Reality Check

So, will you be buying an ocean-view condo on this 4,500-foot atomic city anytime soon? Don’t count on it.

The estimated price tag to construct the Freedom Ship sits well north of $10 billion to $14 billion. On top of that, standard shipbuilding techniques cannot easily handle a hull of this size due to the intense structural stress caused by ocean waves, meaning a shipyard would essentially have to invent an entirely new way to build a ship.

That’s probably the biggest obstacle to this entire project right now.

While modern nuclear propulsion solves the ship’s massive energy problem, the project is still very much on the drawing board. For now, the future of cruising will stay focused on standard-sized ships, although a 7,000-passenger ship was not so standard just a few years back.

In this industry, I’ve learned to never say never.

Princess Cruises has announced their 2028 Europe season and it will be the cruise line’s largest one yet with 291 departures.

Princess will have six cruise ships sailing to Europe in 2028 on voyages that range from seven- to 53-days in length. The cruise line will visit a total of 128 ports in 37 countries, and guests will have access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The six Princess ships sailing to Europe are Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess.

Princess Cruises 2028 Europe Season

• 291 departures across 150 itineraries.
• 128 destinations in 37 countries
• Six ships departing from 13 ports
• 32-late night and overnight port visits

New for the season are Princess’ first calls to Galway and Killybegs, Ireland, as well as the debut of the new Pole-to-Pole Odyssey, and extended voyage linking Antarctica and the Arctic.

One of the most unique cruises from Princess will be the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey. This epic experience links Antarctica and the Arctic in one unforgettable cruise showcasing dramatic landscapes, diverse cultures and once-in-a-lifetime exploration.

Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, gave the following statement:

“At Princess, we continue to see strong interest in Europe itineraries that offer both iconic destinations and more time for meaningful experiences ashore.

“Our 2028 Europe season gives guests the broadest range of Europe options we’ve ever offered, including new calls in Ireland, more opportunities for immersive cultural experiences, and the introduction of our 53-day Pole-to-Pole Odyssey.”

Princess Cruises Early booking bonuses are available June 2 through October 12, 2026. They feature up to $500 instant savings, a stateroom location upgrade, up to $500 onboard credit, early access to dining reservations, reduced $100 deposits and early access to arrival groups, plus extra savings for Captain’s Circle members.

Royal Caribbean’s second Freedom-class ship is now back carrying passengers after a 5-week dry dock that gave the ship some major upgrades.

During her dry dock in France, Liberty of the Seas received her Royal Amplification which included a new pool deck, several new restaurants and bars, an updated spa and fitness center, and other enhancements that are giving the ship that fresh new vibe.

In April, Cruise Fever reported that three Royal Caribbean ships would be in dry dock at the same time: Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.

Following the mid-May return of Harmony of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas has officially wrapped up its stay in Brest, France, making it the final ship to emerge from dry dock and start carrying passengers again.

Pictures of the Newly Renovated Liberty of the Seas:

What’s IN and What’s OUT

To make room for these upgrades, several public spaces were completely transformed. Here is a look at what was added and what had to go to make it happen:

• IN: The Royal Escape Room / OUT: The Connoisseur Club – The cigar lounge on Deck 5 is gone, making way for a brand-new, high-tech puzzle concept. Royal Caribbean creates some amazing escape rooms, so I can’t wait to check this one out.
• IN: Izumi Teppanyaki / OUT: Sabor Modern Mexican – The specialty Mexican spot on Deck 4 was swapped out for Izumi, bringing the crowd-favorite dinner-and-a-show hibachi experience to Royal Caribbean cruisers who truly love this eatery.
• IN: Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen – Italian dining gets a minor tweak on board as Giovanni’s Table gets replaced with the newer Italian concept.
• IN: Starbucks – The Royal Promenade finally features a standalone, full-service Starbucks, making those early morning disembarkations a little more bearable. This replaces Boleros lounge.
• IN: El Loco Fresh – While Sabor was removed, fans of Mexican flavors can still get their fix at El Loco Fresh, which is a complimentary poolside spot serving up quick burritos and tacos.
• IN: New Photo & Shore Excursions Area / OUT: On Air – The ship’s dedicated On Air lounge was removed to create a completely modernized photo and excursion hub.

Reimagined Pool Deck and Space Refreshes

Up on deck, cruisers will immediately notice a new resort-style pool deck vibe. The pool deck has been redesigned with a Caribbean-style, multi-level bar: The Lime & Coconut.

The entire area has been refreshed with vibrant colors and private casitas available for rent.

Inside the ship, the Casino Royale layout received a refresh to update the overall gaming layout.

For guests looking to either relax or work out during their cruise, the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center was refreshed with new equipment and modernized treatment rooms. The kids and teens spaces also received an upgrade with a completely redesigned youth program layout.

68 Brand New Staterooms Added

Royal Caribbean also added 68 brand-new staterooms to the ship. This was achieved by repurposing a few other spaces that were not used as much, including the former card room and conference center.

Sections of the youth areas and spa spaces were also reconfigured to fit the new cabins, adding more capacity to the ship for its summer season.

Prior to the ship’s recent drydock, Liberty of the Seas was listed with a capacity of 3,798 at double occupancy and 4,960 at maximum capacity.

Current Liberty of the Seas Itinerary

Fresh out of dry dock, the amplified vessel has officially kicked off its European summer season. Liberty of the Seas departed Southampton, England on May 31 for a 7-day, round-trip Spain and Portugal cruise.

The ship is currently at sea making its way to Vigo, Spain, followed by stops in Lisbon, Portugal, and Bilbao, Spain, before returning to Southampton on June 7.

Carnival Cruise Line opened their new pier at Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay today when Carnival Sunrise visited the private island in The Bahamas.

The pier at Half Moon Cay has in the works for several years, and Carnival Cruise Line now has their own section of the island. Up until now, passengers who visited Half Moon Cay had to use water tenders to get ashore.

The island now has two separate areas for cruise ships, a new one with a pier for Carnival cruise ships and the original with tenders, where Holland America Line guest will continue to enjoy.

There is a tram that will take guests to the following five new areas of Half Moon Cay that are named after fruit. They are:

• Mango
• Lime
• Pineapple
• Guava
• Avocado

Carnival Cruise Line has the following description of Half Moon Cay on their website:

“In 2026 you’ll find even more ways to enjoy tropical tranquility at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ as this destination joins Carnival’s Paradise Collection, a family of exclusive cruise destinations. Stroll a scenic nature path. Head to the beachfront for relaxing new ways to lounge, including cabanas, plus more beachside activities. And since everyone loves great flavors, we’re adding new complimentary lunch spots, plus even more island-themed bars for sipping and unwinding. This is the ideal beach day, in paradise!”

The new pier will be able to accommodate Carnival ships of all sizes, including their largest ships, the Excel class.

The existing south side of the island is also being refreshed with new design elements and food and beverage venue upgrades, while a variety of activity options and excursions will continue to be available for guests to enjoy.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about the island’s expansion:

“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests, and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination. We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters.”

A total of 22 Carnival cruise ships are currently scheduled to visit the expanded Half Moon Cay.

One of Virgin Voyages’ adults only cruise ships has returned to service after receiving eight updates during a recent dry dock.

Valiant Lady is back in service with new dining, redesigned spaces, and new entertainment all around the ship. From the Red Room, The Manor, The Roundabout, The Perch, dining venues and late-night social spaces, there’s over 20 new happenings on the ship.

New Updates on Valiant Lady

Ariya by Razzle Dazzle – Virgin Voyages continues to lead the industry in dining and it’s even more evident now with Ariya, a modern Indian culinary sanctuary developed with Indie Culinaire and acclaimed chef Maneet Chauhan.

The restaurant seats 220 Sailors in a striking space inspired by India’s spice markets, with a menu that travels the length of the country. It has everything from Lamb Shank Biryani to Puffed Rice and Avocado Chaat. There are also cocktails built from the same regional influences.

It’s named after Sir Richard Branson’s great-great-grandmother, a Tamil Nadu traveler who believed food could cross oceans more easily than language. Ariya adds soul, color and story to the ship’s already award-winning dining lineup.

The Athletic Club – One of the most popular spots on the ship during sea days, The Athletic Club now has new shaded daybed clusters and updated lounge seating that face the ocean to bring more comfort, shade and room.

The Roundabout – The center of entertainment on the ship, the Roundabout on Valiant Lady’s signature has new furniture groupings.

Grounds Club Too – The coffee shop located in The Galley still serves Intelligentsia Coffee all day. However at night, Grounds Club Too now evolves into a full bar from late afternoon onward.

The Manor – The raised platforms have been removed, opening up the dance floor and giving the room the space it always deserved. The ship’s nightclub now allows more freedom, movement and late-night electricity.

On the Rocks – The stage at On the Rocks has been relocated to help improve sightlines across the ship’s center bar, and also now has additional seating.

The Dock – A new stage setup and windscreen will help outdoor performances more comfortable in changing conditions.

Retail – TAG and Pandora join the onboard shop lineup, while the VV Brand shop moves into a bigger, more prominent space.

Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, gave the following statement:

“Valiant Lady was already one of the most compelling ships at sea, but we kept asking ourselves how to make her even more worth coming back for.

“The best transformations don’t come from smooth sailing but from listening, pushing further and creating something truly special. From Ariya to The Manor to a completely reimagined lineup of Happenings, Valiant Lady returns with a new energy our Sailors will feel immediately. Every one of our 1,300+ Crew has been through The Virgin Way, and that reignited culture is the linchpin to the service Sailors keep coming back for.”