​Friday Cruise News is a quick review of news from the cruise industry. This week Beetlejuice comes to cruising, Carnival opens up Firenze for bookings and Royal Caribbean removes Sky Pad.
Beetlejuice on NCL
This week Norwegian Cruise Line announced thier line up for entertainment on the new Norwegian Viva sailing in August. ​Headlining will be Beetlejuice the Musical. The 90 minute show will be seen in the three story multi purpose Viva theatre featuring special effects, special lighting and more. A former cast member of the broadway production, Michelle D'Amico, will play as Lidya. Viva will also have a game show experience with the classic show, Press Your Luck. Also on board will be Improv at Sea and Syd Normans Poor House. This would be fun because it will feature music from classic rock artist like the Rolling Stones. 
Carnival Opens Bookings for Firenze
This week Carnival Cruise Line opened bookings for the inaugural season on Carnival firenze, one of their newest ships. Firenze was one of three acquisitions from Costa Cruise Line including Luminosa and Venezia. They will be part of the Carnival Fun Italian Style. Carnival Vireze will sail from Long Beach CA to the pacific coast of Mexico beginning in May 2024 through April 2025. She will sail a variety of itineraries including 5, 6 and 7 day sailings visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican Rivera. 
Royal Caribbean Removes Sky Pad
Royal Caribbean has decided to remove the Sky Pad attacton on the ships that feature it and replace it with as they put it, a "new versatile venue for exciting onboard activities" The transition will take place in April but no word on what the new activities will be. Sky Pad is a trampoline where you can wear VR goggles and jump while strapped to a harness. The attraction could be found on Marner, Independence, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. As of now, it looks like the big orange and yellow dome will not be removed. Michael Miller
|
| Information Center On the property that have a building dedicated to education about the green sea turtle and other types of turtles like loggerheads. There is a movie running, displays on each type of turtle and a view into the area where they keep eggs. That day the room was empty. |  |
Snorkel Lagoon
One of my favorites parts of this experience was the snorkeling lagoon located on the property. Here I was able to swim and see green sea turtles among colorful fish and other sea lif You simply get some free snorkel equipment and set off for a swim. Its a pretty large lagoon with some areas about 4 to 5 feet deep but then the deep area is about 10 feet. If you get tired, there are areas to rest and even a couple places with ladders to get out if you wish. Its a fantastic experience and included in your admission. And don't worry, they are very docile animals wne will not bite or harm you, just don't grab them as they do have sharp beaks.
I got to see several sea turtles just hanging out but unfortunately my pictures did not turn out great. I have to get a better waterproof case for my phone or an underwater camera for these things.
On the property, you will also find bathrooms with changing rooms so no need to wear that wet bathing suit back to the ship. There is also a pool with a slide, restaurant and a gift shop. For the restaurant, expect high prices but you are at a tourist spot. I did get some items in the gift shop as the prices were not bad. Always have to get that magnet.
You are able to just simply get a cab and purchase admission to the center without taking a shore excursion. To gain full access to include the snorkeling lagoon, tickets run around $40.50 but that is as of today. You can visit the website for more details. Cayman Turtle Center.
So whether you are visiting by plane or cruise ship, I highly recommend a stop at the Cayman Turtle Center.
One of my favorites parts of this experience was the snorkeling lagoon located on the property. Here I was able to swim and see green sea turtles among colorful fish and other sea lif You simply get some free snorkel equipment and set off for a swim. Its a pretty large lagoon with some areas about 4 to 5 feet deep but then the deep area is about 10 feet. If you get tired, there are areas to rest and even a couple places with ladders to get out if you wish. Its a fantastic experience and included in your admission. And don't worry, they are very docile animals wne will not bite or harm you, just don't grab them as they do have sharp beaks.
I got to see several sea turtles just hanging out but unfortunately my pictures did not turn out great. I have to get a better waterproof case for my phone or an underwater camera for these things.
On the property, you will also find bathrooms with changing rooms so no need to wear that wet bathing suit back to the ship. There is also a pool with a slide, restaurant and a gift shop. For the restaurant, expect high prices but you are at a tourist spot. I did get some items in the gift shop as the prices were not bad. Always have to get that magnet.
You are able to just simply get a cab and purchase admission to the center without taking a shore excursion. To gain full access to include the snorkeling lagoon, tickets run around $40.50 but that is as of today. You can visit the website for more details. Cayman Turtle Center.
So whether you are visiting by plane or cruise ship, I highly recommend a stop at the Cayman Turtle Center.
Michael Miller
Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
Happy Friday, here are a couple headlines from the week in the cruise industry.
Carnival Breaks Fundraising Record
This week Carnival announced for 2022, they have raised over $3.5 million dollars for St. Jude Children's Hospital breaking their previous record of $2.5 million dollars in 2018. Since 2010 Carnival has raised $26.2 million dollars for St. Jude through onboard fundraisers like Groove for St. Jude, Build a Bear Workshop and Cookie Packages. So next time you are on Carnival ,be sure to dance away your sea day and get your Groove For St. Jude T-Shirt.
This week Carnival announced for 2022, they have raised over $3.5 million dollars for St. Jude Children's Hospital breaking their previous record of $2.5 million dollars in 2018. Since 2010 Carnival has raised $26.2 million dollars for St. Jude through onboard fundraisers like Groove for St. Jude, Build a Bear Workshop and Cookie Packages. So next time you are on Carnival ,be sure to dance away your sea day and get your Groove For St. Jude T-Shirt.
Crystal Cruises Returns with New Name
This year Crystal Cruises returns as Crystal after it was purchased by luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent. The luxury cruise line will begin service again this summer with Crystal Serenity on a 12 Day voyage from Marseille, France to Lisbon, Portugal on July, 31, 2023 and on Sept 1, 2023, Crystal Symphony will say 7 day voyages from Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey.
Bookings will open for select passengers and past guest on February 13 and to the General Public on February 22, 2023. Leading up to the relaunch, Crystal will renovate their ships reducing guest capacity and upgrading the fine touches.
This year Crystal Cruises returns as Crystal after it was purchased by luxury tour operator, Abercrombie and Kent. The luxury cruise line will begin service again this summer with Crystal Serenity on a 12 Day voyage from Marseille, France to Lisbon, Portugal on July, 31, 2023 and on Sept 1, 2023, Crystal Symphony will say 7 day voyages from Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey.
Bookings will open for select passengers and past guest on February 13 and to the General Public on February 22, 2023. Leading up to the relaunch, Crystal will renovate their ships reducing guest capacity and upgrading the fine touches.
Michael Miller
Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
Checking in online for your cruise has become just part of the booking process. Every cruise line will require you to complete your check in either on the website or the app. So what will you need?
Passport Information
If you are using a passport, you will need to enter the document number, place of issue, issue date and expiration date. If using a birth certificate and DL, you will just check that off.
Emergency Contact Information
The cruise line will want you to provide a name and phone number of someone they can contact in the case of an emergency. Just be sure to make that person aware you have used their name and phone number
Credit Card for Onboard Expenses
You will set up your onboard expenses by adding a credit card to your account. Each person can have their own account or one card for all in the stateroom. If you want, you can use cash but you will need to visit Guest Services once you board to do so. I recommend you set up with a card and change it out to cash sometime during the cruise. Guest Services can be quite busy on the first day.
Arrival information
This could just be asking how you will arrive but may ask for flight times if you are flying in the same day.
Choose an Arrival Time
Over the past few years, the cruise lines have found a way to manage the number of passengers arriving at the port. You will get to choose your check in time, usually in 30 minute blocks. The earlier you complete your check in the better time you get. Of course, cruise line status can provide earlier times. Be mindful of this time because you will not be allowed into the terminal prior to that time.
If you are using a passport, you will need to enter the document number, place of issue, issue date and expiration date. If using a birth certificate and DL, you will just check that off.
Emergency Contact Information
The cruise line will want you to provide a name and phone number of someone they can contact in the case of an emergency. Just be sure to make that person aware you have used their name and phone number
Credit Card for Onboard Expenses
You will set up your onboard expenses by adding a credit card to your account. Each person can have their own account or one card for all in the stateroom. If you want, you can use cash but you will need to visit Guest Services once you board to do so. I recommend you set up with a card and change it out to cash sometime during the cruise. Guest Services can be quite busy on the first day.
Arrival information
This could just be asking how you will arrive but may ask for flight times if you are flying in the same day.
Choose an Arrival Time
Over the past few years, the cruise lines have found a way to manage the number of passengers arriving at the port. You will get to choose your check in time, usually in 30 minute blocks. The earlier you complete your check in the better time you get. Of course, cruise line status can provide earlier times. Be mindful of this time because you will not be allowed into the terminal prior to that time.
Photo of You
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean will have you upload a photo to allow for quicker check in at the port. For this, I would recommend you complete your check in on the app so its easier to take a photo.
Sign the Passenger Contract
Whether you realize it or not, you do acknowledge a passenger contract at the end of the check in process. Most people brush by it but take a look, you might learn something.
Print Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags
Once your check in is complete, you can print your luggage tags and either print or download to your phone your boarding pass. Keep in mind, if anything changes like your cabin number or passenger information, you will need to re print these.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean will have you upload a photo to allow for quicker check in at the port. For this, I would recommend you complete your check in on the app so its easier to take a photo.
Sign the Passenger Contract
Whether you realize it or not, you do acknowledge a passenger contract at the end of the check in process. Most people brush by it but take a look, you might learn something.
Print Boarding Passes and Luggage Tags
Once your check in is complete, you can print your luggage tags and either print or download to your phone your boarding pass. Keep in mind, if anything changes like your cabin number or passenger information, you will need to re print these.
Michael Miller
Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
​
Increase on Gratuities on Two Major Cruise Lines
This week both Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line announced an increase in the crew appreciation or gratuities.
​
NCL increased gratuities for those in the Haven, suites and all other categories. For the Haven and Suites they increased by $5 to $25, Club Balcony Suites and all other categories went up $4 to $20. All is per guest per day. These increases go into effect on January 1
Princess increased Crew Appreciation to $16.50 for Suites and all other categories to $16. Again, all per day per guest. This new pricing will go into effect in February.
This week both Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line announced an increase in the crew appreciation or gratuities.
​
NCL increased gratuities for those in the Haven, suites and all other categories. For the Haven and Suites they increased by $5 to $25, Club Balcony Suites and all other categories went up $4 to $20. All is per guest per day. These increases go into effect on January 1
Princess increased Crew Appreciation to $16.50 for Suites and all other categories to $16. Again, all per day per guest. This new pricing will go into effect in February.
Diamond Princess Will Return to Japan
The newly refurbished Dimond Princess will return to cruises from Tokyo beginning March 15 2023 when she will sail a 7 Night Cruise. Diamond will sail 5 to 19 day itineraries visiting 38 destinations in four countries. Diamond is the last of the Princess fleet to return to service following the shut down and is currently sailing on the west coast from San Diego.
The newly refurbished Dimond Princess will return to cruises from Tokyo beginning March 15 2023 when she will sail a 7 Night Cruise. Diamond will sail 5 to 19 day itineraries visiting 38 destinations in four countries. Diamond is the last of the Princess fleet to return to service following the shut down and is currently sailing on the west coast from San Diego.
Nassau Bahamas New Port Opening
It's been years in the making but Port of Nassau wll finally have thier grand opening. Of Nassau has been a port of call for all the cruise lines for decades but over the past few years, they have been working to make some major improvements. Adding an new cruise terminal, amphitheatre, coral exabit plus new shops and restaurants will make this a much more desirable port. In addition, they have added a new pier and extending some of the current piers making possible to bring more ships and passengers. The grand opening is currently scheduled for the last weekend in May.
It's been years in the making but Port of Nassau wll finally have thier grand opening. Of Nassau has been a port of call for all the cruise lines for decades but over the past few years, they have been working to make some major improvements. Adding an new cruise terminal, amphitheatre, coral exabit plus new shops and restaurants will make this a much more desirable port. In addition, they have added a new pier and extending some of the current piers making possible to bring more ships and passengers. The grand opening is currently scheduled for the last weekend in May.
Back in September I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas on a four night Bahamas Cruise. What are five things I loved about Ind?
Carnival brings back a popular service, Princessa adds some amenities and Mr. Sanchos makes some changes.
Last night in the Port of Miami, the Carnival Celebration had her naming ceremony and christening.
Carnival Cruise Line Executives, VIPS. passengers and others gathered as the Carnival Celebration was chrisianianed and the new Flagship was named. As the champagne struck the hull, the Godmother Cassidy Gifford daughter of Kathy Lee Gifford, named the new Flagship Carnival Celebration. And as a surprise, Kathy Lee, the Godmother of the original Carnival Celebration, sang the song, "Ain't We Got Fun" the theme song sung by her in the 1980s TV commercials for Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Celebration will sail from Miami year round visiting the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. She is the sister ship of the first Excel Class Ship, Mardi Gras so she will feature many of the same venues and layout. New will be the names of the some of the Zones like The Gateway with a travel theme and 820 Biscayne a tribute to Miami.
To start planning your next cruising vacation, complete my shore Vacation Inquiry Form and I can get you start on the road to vacation.
Carnival Celebration will sail from Miami year round visiting the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. She is the sister ship of the first Excel Class Ship, Mardi Gras so she will feature many of the same venues and layout. New will be the names of the some of the Zones like The Gateway with a travel theme and 820 Biscayne a tribute to Miami.
To start planning your next cruising vacation, complete my shore Vacation Inquiry Form and I can get you start on the road to vacation.
Michael Miller
Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
A huge announcement from Norwegian Cruise Line this morning regarding vaccine and testing requirements
One of my favorite destinations to talk about is Alaska but there is a lot to know. I thought I would pick the top 4 things you must know when planning your Alaska cruise vacation.
During an earnings call yesterday, Royal Caribbean Group announced the end of testing on certain sailings for certain passengers.
With the announcement earlier this month by the CDC they will no long require reporting and have enforce rules on cruise lines regarding the COVID 19 protocols, the cruise lines have been re evaluating their protocols.
Yesterday Royal Caribbean announced as of August 8, 2022, pre cruise COVID 19 testing will not be required for five night or shorter cruises for vaccinated guest. For sailings six nights or longer and for unvaccinated guest on all sailings, the current testing requirement will continue. This goes for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises under the Royal Caribbean Group.
The impact of this will be felt more for Royal Caribbean guest as Celebrity does not offer many shore cruise options. Royal Caribbean on the other hand, with Mariner of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and others, short three, four and five night cruise options are plentiful.
Other cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruise Lines have already dropped the testing requirement. hopes are we will see this trend continue with all the cruise lines as testing is getting more difficult to get as well as expensive. As with any of these announcements, the protocols can change at any time so its wise to visit the cruise line website on a regular basis to ensure you are meeting all the requirements.
Yesterday Royal Caribbean announced as of August 8, 2022, pre cruise COVID 19 testing will not be required for five night or shorter cruises for vaccinated guest. For sailings six nights or longer and for unvaccinated guest on all sailings, the current testing requirement will continue. This goes for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises under the Royal Caribbean Group.
The impact of this will be felt more for Royal Caribbean guest as Celebrity does not offer many shore cruise options. Royal Caribbean on the other hand, with Mariner of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and others, short three, four and five night cruise options are plentiful.
Other cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruise Lines have already dropped the testing requirement. hopes are we will see this trend continue with all the cruise lines as testing is getting more difficult to get as well as expensive. As with any of these announcements, the protocols can change at any time so its wise to visit the cruise line website on a regular basis to ensure you are meeting all the requirements.
Michael Miller
Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
Whether you are traveling overseas or right here in the US, there are ways you can help protect your self against crime or getting hurt. Check out these five tips for your next vacation.
Your Phone
Often you will be walking through a city and you are looking down at your phone. You might be scrolling Instagram, texting or looking on a map but it puts you in danger. While you are looking at your phone, you are not looking around which makes you an easy target. If you need to send or read a text or check a map, walk into a business. At least in a business you have more people around and might be a little safer.
Hotels
When you are in your hotel, most of the time you are pretty safe. But, there are some things you can do to make it safer. First, at the front desk, do not say your room number outloud. Second, use the safe in your room for valuables or if its not big enough, the front desk will often have a safe you can use. And third, only stay in hotels where the corridors are indoors. There are some exceptions to the last one, maybe in some national or State Parks the outdoor corridors might be the only option.
Drinking
When you are on vacation sitting on the pool deck or the beach and enjoying a pina colada is part of the fun and you should enjoy your self. Where the problem comes in is the excessive drinking. This puts you at risk of not only getting hur but lost or a being a victim of a crime. If you are with a group and want to drink, designate haf the group as the sober ones and they can be responsible to make sure everyone is safe.
Luggage
Its always a good idea to place a tag on your luggage so it can be identifies. But, only put your phone number and or email address on the tag along with your name. Never put your address. If for some reason your luggage gets lost and it has to be mailed to you, then give the airline your address.
Use TSA approved locks on your luggage. This will likely keep people out of your belongings.
Often you will be walking through a city and you are looking down at your phone. You might be scrolling Instagram, texting or looking on a map but it puts you in danger. While you are looking at your phone, you are not looking around which makes you an easy target. If you need to send or read a text or check a map, walk into a business. At least in a business you have more people around and might be a little safer.
Hotels
When you are in your hotel, most of the time you are pretty safe. But, there are some things you can do to make it safer. First, at the front desk, do not say your room number outloud. Second, use the safe in your room for valuables or if its not big enough, the front desk will often have a safe you can use. And third, only stay in hotels where the corridors are indoors. There are some exceptions to the last one, maybe in some national or State Parks the outdoor corridors might be the only option.
Drinking
When you are on vacation sitting on the pool deck or the beach and enjoying a pina colada is part of the fun and you should enjoy your self. Where the problem comes in is the excessive drinking. This puts you at risk of not only getting hur but lost or a being a victim of a crime. If you are with a group and want to drink, designate haf the group as the sober ones and they can be responsible to make sure everyone is safe.
Luggage
Its always a good idea to place a tag on your luggage so it can be identifies. But, only put your phone number and or email address on the tag along with your name. Never put your address. If for some reason your luggage gets lost and it has to be mailed to you, then give the airline your address.
Use TSA approved locks on your luggage. This will likely keep people out of your belongings.
Wildlife and The Natural Environment
If you are visiting a destination like Alaska or Yellowstone you will likely encounter some pretty cool wildlife. But, those cute little bear cubs have a mama and she will not give you much of a warning. That bison in Yellowstone will charge and you may not know it, they are fast. Be sure to maintain a safe distance and listen to park rangers and tour guides instructions, they will keep you safe. Remember, you are in their world.
Another area in the parks people get into trouble are around the natural environment. Don't take selfies on the edge of a cliff or dive into a unfamiliar body of water. Again listening to park rangers as well as following signs will keep you safe. I assure you, you have a better chance of having a great experience than if you don't follow these tips.
If you are visiting a destination like Alaska or Yellowstone you will likely encounter some pretty cool wildlife. But, those cute little bear cubs have a mama and she will not give you much of a warning. That bison in Yellowstone will charge and you may not know it, they are fast. Be sure to maintain a safe distance and listen to park rangers and tour guides instructions, they will keep you safe. Remember, you are in their world.
Another area in the parks people get into trouble are around the natural environment. Don't take selfies on the edge of a cliff or dive into a unfamiliar body of water. Again listening to park rangers as well as following signs will keep you safe. I assure you, you have a better chance of having a great experience than if you don't follow these tips.