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Caribbean Princess Experiences Norovirus

posted January 31, 2014

The CDC is investigating a confirmed Norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess. Of the 3,000 passengers on board, 162 have reported gastrointestinal distress symptoms. The ship is returning to its port in Houston one day early due to forecasted fog on its day of return. Read more...

Carnival to Begin Year-Around Departures from Baltimore

posted January 30, 2014

The Carnival Pride will begin embarking year round on seven-day cruises from the Port of Baltimore in 2015. Currently the 2,124-passenger Pride will reposition to the Port of Tampa in October 2014 for winter sailings. Upon its return in March, the Pride will remain in Baltimore serving 120,000 passengers annually. Read more...

Coast Guard Searches for Overboard Cook

posted January 30, 2014

The Celebrity Constellation reported one of its crew overboard in the Caribbean to the U.S. Coast Guard. Search and rescue teams from Clearwater and Key West responded to search for the missing crew member. Read more...

Port of Galveston Approves RCCL Deal

posted January 29, 2014

The Port of Galveston is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves approved a 5 year agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. at Monday’s Board meeting. This agreement will generate a minimum of $1.86 million in annual operating revenues for the Port. Read more...

Crystal Increasing Rates on Voyages

posted January 28, 2014

Due to "overwhelmingly positive response and significant increase in booking activity since launching January 3 to February 28 “Book Now Fares” and offers," Crystal Cruises is raising rates on a record number of luxury cruises on March 1. Read more...

Explorer Due Back Wednesday

posted January 28, 2014

The Explorer of the Seas will arrive in Cape Liberty Wednesday, cutting short its 10-day Caribbean cruise after over 600 guests and crew experienced systems similar to a Norovirus outbreak. Read more...

Cruise Returns Early After 600 Fall Ill

posted January 27, 2014

The Explorer of the Seas will return to its homeport in Cape Liberty, New Jersey two days earlier than anticipated after a gastrointestinal virus sickened nearly 600 passengers and crew. The cruise ship was on a 10 day U.S. Virgin Islands cruise when news broke over the weekend that 300 passengers had reported symptoms similar to a Norovirus. That number has since increased to 564 passengers and 47 crew, prompting the vessel to return for thorough sanitizing. Read more...

Carnival Revamps Wedding Program

posted January 24, 2014

For couples looking to say "I do" at sea, Carnival has revamped its wedding program. The upgrades cover floral arrangements, culinary selections, photography, and other ways to customize the ceremony for a unique, memorable experience. Read more...

Port Tampa Bay Unveils New Logo

posted January 23, 2014

The Port of Tampa has announced a new name and logo, Port Tampa Bay, to reflect what it calls the Tampa Port Authority’s renewed spirit, expansion, investments and new momentum in its marketing efforts, both regionally and globally. Read more...

Carnival Announces Concert Series at Sea

posted January 23, 2014

Carnival turned up the volume on its shipboard entertainment by announcing Carnival LIVE Concert Series, bring over 40 live performances of popular artists and bands onboard sailings throughout the year. Read more...

Crystal Offering Free Wi-Fi

posted January 21, 2014

Crystal Cruises announced the newest perk to its All Inclusive luxury cruise experience: Free Wi-Fi for Crystal Society members, the line’s “club” of repeat guests, beginning Fall 2014. Read more...

Seabourn to Build New All-Suite Vessel

posted January 21, 2014

Luxury cruise line Seabourn announced it has contracted with Fincantieri for a new, all-suite vessel due in mid-2016. Read more...

Majesty of Seas Experiences Norovirus Outbreak

posted January 20, 2014

Several dozen passengers onboard the Majesty of the Seas experienced a stomach illness while on a four-night Caribbean cruise out of Miami. Sixty-six cruise passengers and two crew reported experiencing symptoms. Read more...

P&O Updates Look

posted January 20, 2014

P&O's ships will be updated with a new hull. A stylized Union Jack will be added to the ship bows. The company's rising sun logo will be added to the ship's funnels. Read more...

BVIPA Moving Ahead with Cruise Pier Project

posted January 16, 2014

The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) in going forward with the Cruise Pier Expansion Project will formally enter into preferential berthing agreements with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Disney Cruise Line (DCL) this Friday. Read more...

Diamond Princess Sanitized to Prevent Norovirus Spread

posted January 16, 2014

Passengers arriving for a cruise in New Zealand on the Diamond Princess were delayed while the ship's crew thoroughly cleansed the ship after 60 passengers caught a Norovirus. Read more...

Quantum of the Seas Design Video 3 Released

posted January 15, 2014

The latest construction video follows Genevieve Gordon on tour of lofts and Suites in progress. She is guided into the massive shipyard to see the loft block and to a 3-D simulator that allows the interior designers to see how the space will look when completed. Watch here...

Windstar Highlights Star Pride Transformation

posted January 15,2014

Windstar takes delivery of its newest vessel, the Star Pride, in April 2014. Before it maiden voyage, the ship will be transformed with new decor, furnishings, and a luxurious color palette that is both elegant yet casual. Read more...

Costa Deliziosa Rescues Yacht Passengers

posted January 15, 2014

The Costa Deliziosa detoured from its 100-day voyage to assist a distressed yacht in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Deliziosa was heading for Antigua in the Caribbean, where she is due to arrive on January 17. Read more...

Carnival Offers Shore Excursion Guarantee

posted January 15, 2014

Carnival is guaranteeing the lowest prices on over 1,100 shore excursions. In the event passengers find a shore excursion from another tour operator booked before or during their cruise can fill out a claim form for a 110 percent shipboard credit. Read more...

Norwegian Cruise Lines Announces New Dining Plan

posted January 14, 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line today introduced an all-new way for guests to have access to one of Norwegian’s specialty restaurants every night of their cruise. Called “Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining Package,” this new program provides the opportunity for guests to experience each of the line’s most popular specialty restaurants. Read more...

Kiel Adding Terminal for Larger Ships

posted Jan. 14, 2014

Kiel has reported 128 calls for 2013, with more than 363,000 passengers embarking and disembarking. In order to relieve the highly booked Ostseekai terminal, ships were handled at the newly revamped Berth No. 1 in Ostuferhafen. Following the refurbishment of Berth No. 1, construction work for a new cruise passenger pavilion has begun. The new terminal will be located at the front side of Warehouse 2. Read more...

More Cases of Chickungunya Reported in St. Maarten

posted January 13, 2014

Reports of three more cases of a mosquito-born illness have been confirmed in St. Maarten. Chickungunya is a viral illness passed to humans by mosquitoes with symptoms are similar to dengue fever.  Read more...

Norwegian Epic Will Homeport in Spain Starting 2015

posted January 13, 2014

Norwegian Epic will be the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship to ever home port in Europe year-round when it moves to Barcelona, Spain, on April 30 2015. Read more...

Video Showcases the Interior Design Process for the Quantum of the Seas

posted January 8, 2014

Royal Caribbean has released a video about the mock-up designs for the Quantum of the Seas, due later this year. By creating mock-ups and reviewing them in detail, Royal Caribbean can see and feel the designs and materials first hand before they are installed onboard. Read more...

Search for overboard cruise crewmember underway in Pacific

posted January 07, 2014

The search is underway for a crewmember reported overboard from the Grand Princess approximately 1,133 miles northeast of Hilo, Tuesday. Read more...

Construction Begins in Port Canaveral

posted January 6, 2014

Port Canaveral has announced that construction has begun on the new estimated $50.5 million Cruise Terminal 1, the first to be located on the south side of Canaveral harbor and that will allow passengers and crew to walk to nearby dining and entertainment options for the first time.  Read more...

Charleston Port Construction Remains Stalled

posted January 6, 2014

Environmental, neighborhood, and community groups continue to challenge the construction of a $35 million cruise terminal in Charleston, South Carolina. The State Ports Authority first proposed the cruise terminal four years ago.  Read more...

St. Maarten Sees Record Cruise Traffic

posted January 6, 2014

The Port of St. Maarten saw nearly 33,000 more cruise passengers in 2013 than 2012, an astonishing growth over the previous year. Over 1.7 million passengers visited St. Maarten on a record number 631 cruise vessels. Read more...

Canadian Man Reported Missing from Independence of the Seas

posted January 02, 2014

A wife reported her husband missing from the Independence of the Seas on New Year's Day. The incident is the second report in five days of a passenger being lost overboard in the Caribbean. Read more...

Coast Guards Assists with Search for Adventure of the Seas Passenger

posted December 29, 2013

Coast Guard rescue crews continue searching Sunday for a man who jumped overboard into Mona Passage waters from the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship Adventure of the Seas Saturday night, during the cruise ship’s transit to Puerto Rico. Read more...

Miami Remains World's Top Cruise Port

posted Dec. 26, 2013

PortMiami, the world’s busiest cruise port, again surpassed the four million mark for cruise passengers traveling through its facilities in the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2013. Read more...

Travel Advisory Issued for St. Maarten

posted Dec. 22, 2013

A travel warning has been issued for the Caribbean island of St. Maarten after ten cases of a mosquito-borne illness have been reported.  Read more...

RCCL Recovers Body of Overboard Passenger

posted Dec. 22, 2013

A passenger fell overboard from the Rhapsody of the Seas and was recovered deceased, according to the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia. Read more...

P&O Arcadia Unveils New Features

posted Dec. 22, 2013

Arcadia has been transformed, ready for Christmas, following a multi-million pound refurbishment. The extensive refit is part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of its ships and a consistent standard of decor across the fleet. Read more...

MSC to Renovate Lirica-Class Ships

posted Dec 22, 2014

MSC Cruises today announced a multi-million euro investment that will involve stretching all four of its Lirica class ships over the next two years. The almost €200 million, or $330 million USD, "renaissance program” has been commissioned from Fincantieri in Italy and will be complete by 2015. Read more...

Valor Rescues Mariners from Sinking Vessel

posted Dec. 22, 2013

The Carnival Valor came to the rescue of a yacht sinking in inclement weather near St. Maarten. The Valor was on the last part of a seven-day cruise from San Juan when the rescue occurred on December 21. Read more...

Splendor joins Carnival fleet in Miami

posted Dec. 22, 2013

The Carnival Splendor will become the seventh ship positioned out of South Florida when it begins Caribbean sailings from Miami in November 2014. The ship will offer seven-day eastern and western itineraries. Read more...

Documents Detail Problems Leading up to Carnival Triumph Fire

posted Dec. 18, 2014

Recently released documents demonstrate a trail of missed maintenance in the year before the Carnival Triumph caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico leaving it stranded without power for four days.

The records show that only four of the six onboard generators were in service when the Triumph left Galveston. On top of that, diesel generator No. 6... Read more...

Constellation Experiences Engine Problems

posted Dec. 18, 2013

A problem in the engine room forced the Celebrity Constellation to extend its stay in Key West while cancelling its Cozumel port of call. Read more...

Quantum of the Seas to Feature MAMMA MIA!

posted Dec. 12, 2013

Royal Caribbean International announced that guests onboard Quantum of the Seas will enjoy MAMMA MIA! – the smash hit musical based on the songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA – when she sails from the New York area in November 2014. Read more...

 

Carnival Partners with Dr. Seuss to Bring Seuss at Sea to Fleet

posted Dec. 12, 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines today unveiled an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the beloved children’s brand and favorite characters to the line’s fleet of 24 “Fun Ships.”

The Carnival Seuss at Sea program will offer a variety of exciting and immersive onboard youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences featuring the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss. Read more...

 

Michelin-star chefs to join Seabourn Quest World Cruise

posted Dec. 12, 2013

Guests aboard Seabourn Sojourn’s 116-day world cruise departing Los Angeles on January 4, 2014 will savor the professional expertise and sociable companionship of four Michelin-starred chefs during the voyage. The renowned chefs will not only conduct cooking demonstrations and supply signature touches for the ship’s menus, they will also join in Seabourn Quest’s relaxed, casually elegant social ambience. Read more...

 

Passenger Medically Evacuated from Victory

posted December 9, 2013

Rescue crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., are working to medically evacuate an 88 year-old man from the Carnival Victory cruise ship northwest of Cuba Sunday morning. Read more...

Celebrity Removes Elderly Passenger from Ship

posted December 9, 2014

An elderly passenger afflicted with dementia was reportedly removed from the Celebrity Millennium and made to wait on the pier with her and her husband's suitcases after she could not find her way back to her room. The Cairns Post in Australia made the report after the couple's nephew Facebook post went viral. Read more

Oceania Re-Christens Insignia

posted Dec. 6, 2013

Oceania Cruises announced that Virginia Watters, wife of the line's Founding Chairman, Joseph A. Watters, and the original Godmother of the ship, will rechristen Insignia in Istanbul on June 11, 2014. The ceremony will herald the return of the ship to the Oceania Cruises fleet after a two-year hiatus. Read more...

Carnival Announces New Dinner Dining Concepts

posted December 4, 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines is launching new dinner concepts for the ships' main dining rooms, American TABLE and American FEAST, both designed to evoke a modern restaurant experience while showcasing American and international cuisines. Read more...

Disney Changes Onboard Booking Policy

posted December 1, 2013

Effective November 12, 2013, Disney Cruise Lines has added an 18-month "use it or lose it" policy to any special onboard discounts on future bookings. Read more...

Celebrity Cruises Launches New 'Captain's Club' Program

posted December 01, 2013

Celebrity Cruises is excited to announce improvements to its Captain's Club loyalty program. The new program features two new levels of status and rewards beyond the existing “Elite” level, which is the highest level of membership in the brand's current four-tiered program. Read more...

Anthem of Seas Home Port Announced

posted November 21, 2013

The second ship in the new Quantum class of ships from Royal Caribbean International will become the most technologically advanced cruise ship ever to be based in Europe when it is launched in spring 2015. Anthem of the Seas will call Southampton, UK, home in April 2015 and offer cruises to the Mediterranean before being based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for the winter months. Read more...

 

Costa Mediterranea Enters Drydocks

posted Nov. 21, 2013

As part of the ongoing investments program regarding quality and sustainability on the Costa Cruises fleet, from November 21 through December 4, 2013 the Costa Mediterranea is scheduled to be dry docked in Palermo for planned maintenance. Read more...

Royal Caribbean Celebrates Anthem of Seas Keel-Laying Ceremony

posted November 19, 2013

 Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, the Anthem of the Seas, celebrated its keel-laying November 19. During the ceremony, a 620-ton block measuring 59 feet by 121 feet (18 x 23 meters) was lifted into the building dock with an 800-ton crane. Read more...

 

MSC Magnifica Strikes Pier in Greece

posted Nov. 19, 2013

Greek news outlets are reporting the MSC Magnifica impacted a pier in Piraeus during docking procedures. Read more...

 

MSC Divina Arrives in Miami

posted Nov. 18, 2013

The MSC Divina made cruise history this morning, when it was escorted into the Port of Miami by a fleet of high-powered FIAT personal watercraft. With today’s arrival, MSC Divina becomes the first MSC Cruises ship to sail year-round from North America. Read more...

Key West Debates Channel Updates

posted Nov. 17, 2013

According to a report from the state Department of Transportation, Key West needs improvements to widen and deepen its berthing channels to sustain cruise industry development. Read more...

Allure of Seas to Undergo Early Repairs

posted Nov. 14, 2013

Royal Caribbean International announced today that a mechanical issue has made it necessary to perform unscheduled repairs to Allure of the Seas. The repairs will take place at Grand Bahamas Shipyard, in Freeport, Bahamas, the week of February 24, 2014. As a result, it will be necessary to cancel the February 23, 2014, sailing of Allure of the Seas. Read more...

Coast Guard Searches for Passenger

posted Nov. 14, 2013

HONOLULU — The search is underway for a passenger reported overboard from a cruise ship approximately 750 miles northeast of Hilo. Read more...

Norwegian Getaway Floats Away

posted Nov. 14, 2013

A year after its keel was laid, the Norwegian Getaway floated bow first out of Meyer Werft's building dock. The floating out is an important milestone as the ship, which has been under construction for a year, enters its final phase of construction. Read more

Seabourn Wins Savuer "Best Culinary Cruise Line" Travel Award

posted November 13, 2013

A distinguished panel of culinary and travel experts polled by the editors of Saveur magazine has rated Seabourn as the “Best Culinary Cruise Line” in the magazine’s Culinary Travel Awards 2013... Read more

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Costa Concordia Crew Testify in Trial

posted November 13, 2013

Crew member Stefano Iannelli, who was present on the bridge when the Concordia struck a reef off the island of Giglio in January 2012, testified that Schettino's reaction was, "What did I do? I am finished navigating." Read more

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Norwegian Partners with Nintendo to Offer New Gaming Console

posted November 13, 2013

Teens and youth cruising on Norwegian will soon discover the new Wii U Console onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines' fleet. The consoles will be available in the ship atriums and youth and teen centers.... Read more

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News Archive 2012