News

Amsterdam is set to drastically cut down on cruise ship visits and relocate its cruise terminal by 2026.

The city will limit visits to no more than 100 per year and require ships to use shore power by 2027. The terminal may be moved to the Coenhaven area to reduce congestion and pollution.

The decision is driven by environmental concerns. Amsterdam aims to minimise pollutants and promote sustainability. Cruise ships contribute to air and water pollution, and the city hopes to reduce its carbon footprint by cutting down on visits.

Currently, the Passengers Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) receives about 190 cruise ship visits annually. This brings economic benefits but also leads to congestion and pollution. Starting in 2026, only one berth will be used at a time to reduce congestion. By 2027, ships will be required to use shore power.

Amsterdam’s canals are vulnerable to pollution from cruise ships and the city hopes to protect its canals and maintain their pristine condition.

The economic impact will be significant. Cruise tourism contributes approximately 105 million Euros annually to Amsterdam’s economy. With fewer ships, there will be a loss in tourist taxes, passenger spending, and payments from cruise lines.

The Passengers Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) is currently located in the heart of the city. Its central location contributes to congestion and pollution. The Coenhaven area, northwest of the current location, is being considered for the new terminal. Financial and legal feasibility studies must be completed before the relocation can proceed.

Other cities around the world, including Sitka in Alaska, Bar Harbor in Maine, and Valencia in Spain, are also considering similar measures. These cities are exploring ways to balance economic benefits with sustainability.

Amsterdam’s decision to reduce cruise ship visits and relocate its terminal is a bold move but one that the local government clearly think is necessary.

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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.

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Disney Cruise Line has announced some of the new dining and entertainment options for the next ship to arrive in the fleet, Disney Treasure.

Just a day after revealing new details about Disney Adventure, the cruise line has continued to whip up excitement for fans with some exciting reveals for Disney Treasure, due to set sail in December 2024.

The Scat Cat Lounge, themed to the classic Disney film “The Aristocats,” will transport guests to an old-school jazz club. The lounge will feature live performances of “Ev’erybody Wants to be a Cat,” complete with a paw print-adorned baby grand piano.

Inspired by the Pixar film “Coco,” Plaza de Coco will offer traditional recipes from the Rivera family. Guests can enjoy dishes like Abuelita Elena Shrimp Diabla and Chorizo Street Croquettes in a vibrant, theatrical setting.

Jumbeaux’s Sweets, inspired by Disney Animation’s “Zootopia,” will offer over 35 flavours of handmade gelato, ice cream, plant-based frozen desserts, and sorbets. The dessert shop promises to satisfy every craving.

The Disney Treasure will feature Worlds of Marvel, a cinematic dining experience that brings the Marvel universe to life.

Guests can enjoy two distinct nights of entertainment, including a new offering featuring Rocket and Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Avengers: Quantum Encounter will also return.

The Disney Treasure’s maiden voyage will be a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, setting sail on 21 December 2024. The ship will offer seven-night itineraries to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

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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.

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Disney Cruise Line is set to launch its newest ship, the Disney Adventure, from Singapore in 2025 and has announced some exciting new features of the ship.

The ship will offer three- and four-night voyages, departing from Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre, for at least five years.

Disney Adventure will feature immersive areas such as Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Wayfinder Bay, Town Square, Marvel Landing, and Toy Story Place.

She will be the largest ship in the Disney fleet, absolutely packed with amazing features but still preserving the incredible service and experiences that guests are used to on the rest of the fleet.

“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.“

Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Imagination Garden onboard will include an open-air performance venue at the heart of the ship, while Disney Discovery Reef will be the main shopping area, as well as hosting some dining venues. It’ll be themed around some of Disney’s best-known water-related movies such as The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Luca.

San Fransokyo Street, based on Big Hero 6, will be the main family entertainment region on the ship including movie theatres, a street market and more. Wayfinder Bay is an open-air oasis inspired by Moana.

Town Square will showcase many of Disney’s animated classics such as Tangled, Cinderella, Snow White and others, with lounges, cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Meanwhile, Marvel Landing will incorporate superheroes into some never-before-seen attractions at sea.

And finally, Toy Story Place will be a fun and interactive play space, with lots of Pixar characters to enjoy.

Exact details on the maiden voyage and when she will be available to book are still awaited but this is definitely a ship to be excited about, especially if you love Disney!

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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.

Read more about me

American Cruise Lines – the only cruise line in the world to offer sailings on the Hudson River – has already tripled departures on the river for 2025 following the early success of the 2024 season.

The Hudson River Summer Classic, an exclusive 8-day cruise by American Cruise Lines, offers a unique journey through the scenic Hudson River Valley.

Departing from New York City, this cruise provides a blend of relaxation and exploration with stops at historic towns and cultural landmarks.

The cruise line has offered a Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise for years, but operating them only in September and October each year.

2024 was the first year that the cruise line tested pre-summer sailings in May and June, as well as the new Hudson River Summer Classic.

The early success has prompted the cruise line to expand departures for 2025 as more and more people look to enjoy a luxury cruise in this exciting part of the world, with cruises available throughout June, July and August.

Cruises offer incredible views of Manhattan and sail right past the Statue of Liberty. The itineraries include calls in Catskill, Albany, Kingston, Hyde Park, West Point and Sleepy Hollow, with excursions available in New York City itself.

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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.

Read more about me

Explora Journeys has announced that the second ship to join the luxury fleet – Explora II – has been delayed at the shipyard.

In a joint statement with shipyard Fincantieri, the cruise line has revealed that the ship will no longer debut in August 2024, and instead will be delivered to the cruise line on 12th September 2024, with the maiden voyage now scheduled for 16th September.

“After careful and detailed reviews of Explora II it was decided that more time is needed for the final finishes to the ship to guarantee the highest quality luxury standards and to ensure that the new ship delivers to the fullest on the brand’s promise of an unmatched luxury ocean experience.“

Explora Journeys Statement

As a result of this news, the first five sailings for the ship have been cancelled.

The cruise line is in the process of contacting affected guests to offer them a cruise on Explora I, or on a sailing on Explora II on a later date.

The new inaugural voyage will be a 7-night cruise from Rome to Barcelona, with the ship remaining in the Mediterranean for much of 2024.

In December she will then cross to the Caribbean for a winter season until March 2025.

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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.

Read more about me