Page 789 – Cruise Hive (2024)

• Royal Caribbean News

Jun 29, 2016

Royal Caribbean has revealed plans for a dramatic new cruise terminal for PortMiami. The new facility will be able to cater for the Oasis class ships and scheduled to be completed in 2018.

The agreement with the city to build the striking new cruise facility still needs to come before the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on July, 2016. If all goes well there will be a new PortMiami view in the near future.

Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said:

“We are truly excited to be working with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami to create not just another cruise terminal, but a truly iconic building. This new terminal is a symbol of our commitment to Miami, the city where our company first started almost 50 years ago. We can’t wait to bring an Oasis-class ship to PortMiami.”

The terminal will be 170,000-square-feet and nicknamed ‘Crown of Miami” because of its distinct shape. The modern looking building will also light up at night and feature the cruise lines logo on the left.

Just take a look at the stunning new renderings below:

All Renderings By: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has also hinted that an Oasis class ship could be based at PortMiami once the new terminal is completed. At the moment the Oasis class ships can only sail from Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and of course PortMiami, Florida is the capital of the cruise industry and deploying the world’s largest class cruise ship there would make sense. We can expect more details about this in the near future.

Once the new terminal is built Royal Caribbean is anticipating on generating 1.8 million cruise passengers per year.

• Cruise Tips

Jun 28, 2016

Dedicated cruisers have probably experienced bad weather conditions several times and some new cruisers have been unlucky enough to experience it too. When the cruise ship is in choppy seas there are procedures in place to provide safety for guests and crew onboard. Let’s take a look at what is done onboard when the ship is sailing in bad weather conditions.

Closed Open Decks

When there are high winds during the cruise it can be dangerous to be out on the open decks. Some open areas located on the starboard and port sides can be more dangerous than the areas where usually the main pool is. Some guests may not realize how gusty the winds can be so the crew will go into action to keep everyone safe.

Any access to at-risk areas will be closed off, chains blocking the stairwells and roped off doorways. There will be a notice at any closed area informing passengers thereare high winds.

Nets Over Pools

It’s common for the swimming pools to be covered up with netting, why? To stop guests getting in and having a swim when the ship is rocking. When the weather is bad the ship will rock around and you can really see just howbadbyseeing the waves in the pool splashing everywhere.

Just do a search on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of videos featuring ship swimming pools in bad weather conditions.

The nets will keep guests out but sadly not the water in. Don’t get too close or you’ll be soaked! With most pool areas located outdoors, it might be best to stay inside anyway during bad weather. The entertainment staff will put on extra activities and events to make up for it.

Stabilizers

When the vessel is hit by bad weather the captain may decide to use the stabilizers. These are two large fin type parts which emerge from bothsides of the ship’s hull. Located underwater the stabilizers will help make the ship become more stable through the strong winds and waves. The stabilizers do use more fuel so are usually only used if really needed. They are part of most modern cruise ships

Seasick Bags

Motion sickness is part of cruise life and the cruise lines are prepared. When there is bad weather the crew will provide guests with seasick bags. Depending on the cruise line, they are provided by the stateroom steward and also put in some public spaces around the ship.

To be honest, if the motion is that bad it’s best to stay in the cabin. If you’re in an ocean view or balcony then close the curtains so the ocean can’t be seen going up and down.

Also Read:What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

Store and Hold

Often the captain will inform all departments around the ship that a storm or bad weather is on the way. Hotel departments like the gift shops which has all kinds of valuable liquor displays, racks and merchandise will usually lock everything down.

Items will be taken off the shelves and on to the floor and racks will be taped to the walls so they don’t crash over.

In the past, those liquor bottles have gone smashing all over the floor costing thousands of dollars. Thankfully now the ship is ready for these situations and many movable objects can be stowed away.

Hope these give you an insight into what is done when the cruise ship is sailing in bad weather. Hopefully, none of you have ever experienced this, in many cases, the captain will decide to sail around any oncoming storm, but this would also affect the ship’s itinerary. If there is anything you would like to add then please feel free to post in the comments below.

• Royal Caribbean News

Jun 22, 2016

Royal Caribbean has released some stunning aerial photos of the world’s biggest cruise ship recently. Harmony of the Seas, which entered service for the Miami-based cruise line in May is now sailing Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona, Spain.

We’re really not sure if there are any photos better than this! If there are then feel free to post them in the comments further down below. The 227,000 gross ton Harmony of the Seas will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from November 2016. The large ship will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. It will be the first time the ship is sailing from the United States and cruisers will be able to experience some of the most innovative features at sea.

All Photos By: Royal Caribbean

The 6,000-passenger ship is a similar design to Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, but those ships are just slightly smaller. Harmony of the Seas was constructed by STX France in Saint-Nazaire. There are another two Oasis-class vessels on the way in 2018 and 2021. Just search Harmony of the Seasfor all the latest on the largest cruise ship in the world.

• Cruise Tips

Jun 22, 2016

We already did an article on 5 reasons to stay onboard when the cruise ship is in port. There are also reasons why you shouldn’t stay onboard when the ship is in port. It all depends on what type of cruiser you are and if you have visited the port of call before. This can be handy for new cruisers who can’t make up their mind.

1. Shops Are Closed

Except for a few ports at certain times the Tax and Duty-Free shopping onboard the cruise ship will be closed when in port. Don’t expect to do a spot of shopping to make up for you not going ashore.

The shops are only allowed to open and sell tax-free products when the vessel is in international waters. Oh yes, and one more tip for the shops, don’t leave everything until the last day of the cruise as it will be way too busy.

2. Casino Is Closed

Just like the shops onboard, the Casino is also closed. There is no way you’ll be able to use up your time in port by betting and gaming in the Casino. Just like the shops, the Casino will only be open when the ship hits international waters. This will usually be a few miles away from the coast.

3. Hallway Full of Stateroom Stewards

If you’re on the ship while in port it would be best to stay away from your stateroom and the surrounding area. The reason for this is the housekeeping department will use this time to tidy and sort out your room.

Most guests will be ashore so it is the best time for them. The crew members don’t get much time on land so will try to get it done as fast as possible so they can also enjoy the destination.

When walking down the corridors you’ll see housekeeping staff running about in and out of cabins. This will usually start in the morning so also don’t expect to get a nice relaxing sleep-in while in port.

Also Read:8 Things You Need to Avoid in a Cruise Port

4. Crew Safety Drills

This is a good thing but can still be a little annoying if you’re still on the ship. When most of the passengers are off the ship at certain ports, the crew will do a safety drill. When this happens you might feel a little worried due to crew members walking around with life jackets on.

You’ll see crew everywhere as they practice their safety procedures. Once the drill is over all the elevators might be full of staff as they return their life jackets back to their cabins. There will be several loud announcements over the ship’s PA system so don’t expect any relaxation or sleep during this time.

5. Ship Maintenance

Doing ship maintenance is best done while docked at the port. Passengers don’t like to see workers drilling and knocking all over the place so the cruise line keeps it to port times.

Crew members will often do some cleaning on the ship’s hull and use heavy machines inside when making the vessel all nice and shiny. A common area is the open deck where often you’ll see areas cordoned off with workers painting over the rust and doing general maintenance.

Don’t Stay Onboard

If you’re an avid cruiser then maybe you’ve already been to the port of call a several times and it could be time to enjoy the ship more. With most guests heading ashore it could mean having the entire ship to yourself!

These are just a few reasons which might help you decide on staying onboard or going ashore. If you have any other cruise tips and reasons not to stay onboard when the ship is in port then head on over to the Cruise Ships group and share.

• Cruise Tips

Jun 20, 2016

For some people who cruise the ports are not so important, one of the main reasons is they’ve already experienced the destination before on a regular holiday or a previous cruise. If you would rather have the ship to yourself then staying onboard while all the passengers are ashore might take your fancy.

There are many benefits when staying on the ship while in port, and we’ll be giving five reasons why this is.

1. No Lines

When a cruise ship arrives in port, most guests will go ashore. At times there can be long lines as passengers head towards the ship’s gangway to go on a booked tour or just experience the destination.

If there are lines here’s how to deal with them!

This means back on the ship there will be no lines for restaurant buffets when getting lunch and no lines when dealing with something at the guest services desk. It’s a nice way to take advantage of something which you would usually have to wait for on a day at sea.

2. Plenty Of Loungers

Usually, when the ship is at sea, the open deck is bustling with all kinds of cruisers. It can be extremely difficult to find a free lounger unless you wake up very early!

Some passengers will even try putting their towel on a lounger so nobody else will take it, but many cruise lines have stopped this. So when in port it is loungers galore, you’ll be able to pick any place and not be bothered by anyone else whether it’s in the shade or the sun.

3. Instant Elevators

Elevators can be a real pain on a busy ship at sea, once most of the guests are ashore experiencing the port the elevators will be mainly empty. Guests who decide to stay on the ship won’t be met with full elevators and long waits, so getting to a deck is fast and efficient.

Don’t worry about the crew using up all the elevators as they have their own in the “Crew Only” areas and there are enough for a relaxing day onboard anyway.

4. Visited The Port Before

So why do you think some people stay on the ship during a port of call? The main reason is that they have been there before. You’ll find that some passengers are avid cruisers and sometimes just like to take advantage of the quiet ship while at the port. Some destinations never change, and with ships getting more innovative they can become a destination itself.

5. Room In The Pool

One thing which we hate on sea days is a swimming pool full of people, at times it’s difficult to take a swim or even relax due to the number of people in the pool. Many cruise ships these days offer alternative pools, but not everyone will have access to it. When in port it’s the perfect opportunity to have the pool to yourself.

You can swim, play and laze about before all the other passengers get back onboard. The main pool is one of thecenter focus areas of the ship where staff hosts activities and events so it can be very rare to enjoy it by yourself.

Also Read:5 Reasons Not To Stay Onboard When In Port

You Don’t have to Stay on the Cruise Ship

In port is the perfect opportunity to do many things without other passengers getting in the way. With so many people on ships, this can be a common problem. For experienced cruisers this might be a good idea but nor new cruisers we would recommend on heading ashore, so you don’t miss out of the port of call experience.

• Luxury Cruise News

Jun 16, 2016

Fathom, the pioneer in social impact travel and Carnival Corporation’s 10^th and newest brand, today shared details of regional cuisine crafted by Fathom’s globally recognized Dominican chef Emil Vega, who leads the development of Fathom’s specialty restaurant concept Ocean Grill. Fathom also unveiled more details about its variety of onboard recreational activities.

Award-winning veteran chef and renowned Dominican Republic culinary expert Chef Emil brings to Fathom a lifelong passion for food and vast hospitality industry dining experience. Emil has earned a global reputation as a celebrated food innovator who brings a modern aesthetic to traditional Dominican Republic cuisine, inspiring culinary creations that add a perfect touch to Fathom’s onboard food offerings.

Sample Ocean Grill Dishes include:

Appetizers

• Grilled Seafood Salpicón – Grilled octopus, calamari and shrimp served cold with Caribbean mojito vinaigrette and crispy yaniqueque
• Cuban Ropa Vieja – Deep-fried plantain basket filled with Cuban-style shredded beef served with a spicy red pepper jam
• Mofongo and Aguají – Traditional mash of roasted pork belly, green plantain and garlic served with spicy mayonnaise

Entrées

• Pescado con Coco (Fish Criollo and Coconut) – Fillet of fresh red snapper in an authentic island coconut sauce, served with clams, shrimp and yucca fritters
• Vegetarian Pastelón – Layers of ripe plantain, queso fresco and sautéed spinach served with roasted vegetables and spinach sauce
• Bistec Encebollado – Seasoned beef filet with caramelized onions, yucca fritters, sweet plantain and chimichurri salsa

Desserts

• Dulce de Leche Cortada – Dominican sweet caramel milk curds with vanilla and salted caramel ice cream and yucca dumplings
• Guava n’ Cheese – Guava paste with queso fresco and roasted gustoso pepper syrup
• Majarete Crème Brûlée – Classic Cuban sweetcorn custard served with corn caramel and cinnamon, caramelized popcorn and sweet potato biscuit

In addition to the many culinary delights found onboard, guests can participate in many engaging onboard impact workshops, dance and co*cktail classes, and various leisure activities and entertainment options while preparing for their unforgettable on-ground experience. They also may treat themselves to one-of-a-kind products – from artisan crafts to hand-crafted jewelry to sustainably produced attire to environmentally friendly beauty products – at Fathom’s exclusive retail outlets featuring products with a purpose.

Fathom’s core onboard programming includes fun, interactive and educational sessions with Impact Guides, the first people Fathom travelers meet when they board the MV Adonia.

Additional core onboard programming includes:

• Dominican Republic Orientation
  Fathom helps travelers become acculturated to life in the Dominican Republic so they may experience their time on-ground with a sense of “comfortable discomfort” within this new environment.
• Story of You
  In this workshop, travelers identify a moment of transformation in their lives and work through the components that make a great story. They learn how powerful their life story is and practice the tools to help them tell their story in a clear and meaningful way.
• Story of Impact
  This activity helps travelers create and express their story as a specific “before and after” transformation based on their week on-ground in their destination. Interactive exercises practice story creation methodologies so travelers disembark their journeys with a sense of confidence in sharing their stories.
• Story Circle / Story of You 2.0
  Travelers are introduced to ways to make their stories more powerful. They share stories in front of small groups who give facilitated feedback, and they also receive tips on how to speak powerfully in front of others.
• Guided Relaxation
  Guided Relaxation, also referred to as Yoga Nidra, provides travelers time to rest, relax and clear their minds following the day’s stimulation.
• Fathom You and Beyond
  This final session with each Fathom cohort provides moments of reflection, ways to engage in next steps and resources for further impact.

Once Fathom travelers arrive in the Dominican Republic, they have a wide variety of options for how to spend their three days on the island. They can choose from a variety of activities, including participating in social impact projects, enjoying the many beautiful Dominican beaches or participating in select recreational activities and tours available to the entire family of Carnival Corporation brands operating in the Caribbean region.

Prices for the seven-day trips to the Dominican Republic in its inaugural year start at $499 per person, excluding taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences, three onshore social impact activities and related supplies. Prices vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a fully refundable $300 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

You can browse the latest cruise deals from Fathom right here.

Via: Fathom

• Aida Cruises

Jun 14, 2016

If you are a regular reader of Cruise Hive then you’ll know that we do like our cruise ship videos. Time Lapse videos are among our favorite types and this latest one featuring the Aidaprima is right up there as one of the best of all time.

In this video which was made by MK timelapse GmbH the Aidaprima can be seen under construction at theMitsubishi shipyard inNagasaki, Japan. Piece by piece and block by block the large ship comes together. Even though Aidaprima was at the shipyard longer than expected due to several delays, it has become a beacon in the industry by using new construction methods. The 125,600 gross ton vessel was finally completed inearly 2016 and entered service in April.

Watch The Video Below:

As seen in the video the new Aida Cruises flagship was christened on the river Elbe on May 7, 2016. The ship got all the attention at a breathtaking eventfor the827th Hamburg Port Anniversary. Fireworks can be seen filling up the night’s sky and the brand new vessel is seen with all lights to the max.

The 3,300 passenger ship is now operated by German based Aida Cruises and purpose-built for the German market. Aidaprima is currently sailing 7-night cruises out of Hamburg, Germany.

• Royal Caribbean News

Jun 10, 2016

Royal Caribbean has revealed details of Adventure of the Seas multi million dollar refurbishment. The major dry dock which will take place November 2016 and tons of new features and enhancements will be added.

The 138,000 gross ton vessel will be the fifth ship in the fleet to get the revitalization upgrades at a cost of $61 million. The ship will getnew dual racer water slides, Cyclone and Typhoon, the popular FlowRider surf simulator, and a children’s aquapark, Splashaway Bay. When it comes to dining the ship will receive theIzumi Japanese Cuisine, the brand’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille and Boleros Latin Lounge.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International said:

“We’re thrilled to debut an array of new enhancements to one of our guest’s most beloved ships. The name Adventure says it all; this ship is packed with action, featuring a mix of signature features and innovations, including thrilling new waterslides and VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.”

When the ship is in dry dock 100 new stateroom will be added andnew Suites Lounge for the luxury traveler. As usual during a cruise ship refurbishment all the staterooms will be improved on with new bedding, tv’s and a total refresh. The exterior of the Voyager-class ship will also not miss out on the action with typical technical upgrades and a fresh coat of paint.

The 3,100-passenger vessel is currently sailing Southern Caribbean cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. During this year, six Royal Caribbean cruise ships are being renovated, including Liberty of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas. Radiance of the Seas will be the last ship to be refurbished at the end of the year, we can expect further details about this from the cruise line soon.

• Carnival Cruise Line News

Jun 7, 2016

Cruise Hive is very sad to report the cruise ship which was formerly known as the Jubilee for Carnival Cruise Line is to be scrapped. The 30 year-old vessel which is more recently known as “Henna”was operated by China based HNA Cruises but the cruise linedecided to stop operations in 2015.

Henna was purchased from P&O Cruises in 2012 and was the first ship for the newly formed HNA Cruises. The legendary ship sailed several different voyages and was deployed in Sanya and Tianjin, China. Due to HNA Cruises closing its doors the ship was put up for sale for $35 Million. With no interest in any purchases the Henna was sold for scrap this month.

The Hennawas also known as the Pacific Sun for P&O Australia but its most famous name was Jubilee when part of the Carnival fleet. The ship was built for Carnival in Sweden and entered service in 1986, it sailed for the Miami based cruise line until it was transferred to Carnival owned P&O Australia in 2004. The Carnival Jubilee helped expand the cruise line into what it is today along with two other Holiday class ships, the Holiday which entered service in 1985 and the Celebration which entered service in 1987.

The Henna cruise ship is just over 42,000 gross tons and was classed as a huge cruise ship when it began sailing for Carnival. The ship can carry over 1,450 passengers and 670 crew members. The ship had many amazing memories for the crew and she’ll be missed a lot.

Do you have any memories from the ship? We would love you to share them in the comments below..