Carnival Cruise Lines New
Carnival Cruise Lines is increasing its daily gratuity on cruises departing on or after May 1, 2022 to $14.50 per person per day for standard rooms, up from $13.99 and $16.50 per person per day for suites, up from $15.99
Carnival’s new ship, the Carnival Celebration, will feature a Miami-themed zone to pay homage to Carnival’s home city’s culture, architecture, and “urban-meets-laid back vibes” 50 years. The space will have vibrant colors and fantastic photo opportunities, such as posing with flamingos on skateboards. Carnival’s original headquarters address was 820 Biscayne Blvd, and the Miami-themed zone will be named 820 Biscayne. The retro-inspired Bar 820, with indoor and outdoor sections, will serve Cuban and specialty coffees, as well as tropical drinks and martinis. 820 Biscayne will also feature the Deco Deli serving Cuban sandwiches, a colorful space paying tribute to Miami Beach’s art deco historic district. Miami Slice will also be found in the Miami zone, walk-up serving slices of pizza around the clock and reminding us of the late-night eateries on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive. Check out some of the most Popular Carnival Recipes.
Watch for the Celebration’s inaugural sailing scheduled for November 21, departing from the redesigned Terminal F at Port of Miami.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is canceling its Asia sailing season aboard the Celebrity Solstice, with sailings departing September 16, 2022 through April 21, 2023. This is because they are finding great uncertainty over port access as the pandemic lingers in that area.
In September, the Solstice will be redeployed to Los Angeles to sail the Mexican Riviera.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line just announced life on board will return to normalcy by lifting the physical distancing requirements and bringing back the self-service buffets. This is a move that will mark a significant step in restoring the pre-pandemic life onboard.
Disney still requires guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ages 5 and older. Guests who are not vaccine eligible because of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken between 3 days and 24 hours before the departure date. Guests 4 and under must complete the testing requirements. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.
As they set sail, the health and safety of Guests, Cast Members and Crew is a top priority. Focus remains on operating their ships responsibly, creating magic for all onboard.
Guests will no longer be required to wear face coverings in any indoor areas. Additionally, masks are now optional for all areas onboard.
Holland America
Holland America’s Volendam will be used as a temporary shelter for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands during a 3-month stay in Rotterdam. The ship will house and feed approximately 1500 Ukrainian citizens.
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions has a new addition to its fleet, National Geographic Islander II, which was the former Crystal Espirit. This 48-passenger luxury yacht is being refitted as an expedition ship for the Galapagos Islands. Watch for the launch on August 18. Lindblad can now compete with the newer and more upscale Galapagos-based ships such as Celebrity and Silversea. The luxury yacht features teak decks, a well-outfitted observation deck, indoor and outdoor dining options and 26 suites with large windows. Amenities to be added include a marina and Science Hub outfitted with an interactive video display, lab benches and seating. The Cove Lounge will be the gathering spot for pre-dinner recaps, crafted cocktails and educational presentations. Dining options include the newly expanded al fresco Patio Café and the Yacht Club Restaurant.
National Geographic Islander II will carry a fleet of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a custom-built glass-bottom Zodiac and a fleet of Mark V Zodiacs. The expedition team will consist of an expedition leader and four naturalists, including an undersea specialist, a certified photo instructor and trained field educators.
Princess Cruise Line News
Princess Cruises has also backed out of Asia and redeployed the Diamond Princess to San Diego instead of sailing to Singapore and Japan.
The inaugural sailing of Discovery Princess marks the end of the Royal-Class era for Princess Cruises.
Princess Cruise Lines newest ship set sail on its maiden voyage Sunday to the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Los Angeles. This makes 15 ships in the Princess fleet with the 3660 guest Discovery, the final ship in the line’s Royal Class. The ship is equipped with Princess’ signature Medallion Class technology, with guests wearing a quarter-size device that enables contact-less boarding, unlocking the cabin door, locating traveling companions on the ship, and having drinks delivered right to them, among other uses. The luxurious Sky Suite accommodates five guests with a large balcony and 270-degree views. The Discovery offers original production shows, 25 bars and restaurants, live jazz, and a series of pools: two deep tank pools, an infinity-style pool, and bar with a view of the horizon, and a retreat pool offering a relaxed experience. She will sail a series of Mexican Riviera cruises and California Coast voyages until April 24, when she heads north to begin seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle. On April 29, the ship’s naming ceremony will take place at the Port of Los Angeles, with the Sky Princess’ hotel general manager named the Discovery Princess godmother.
Royal Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean announced its first vessel in the all-new Icon Class. Icon of the Seas construction has begun at Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku. Later this year, Royal Caribbean will reveal the lineup of firsts and favorites that will set a new standard for cruising in the fall of 2023. Icon of the Seas will be powered by liquefied natural gas. It will be the first of three Icon-class ships.
