Port Tampa Bay celebrates the return of cruising with Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas

Port Tampa Bay celebrates the return of cruising with Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas  

 

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Port Tampa Bay and Royal Caribbean International celebrate the return of cruising from our port that has been more than 18 months in the making. Port Tampa Bay will welcome Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas to Cruise Terminal 6 before she departs on her maiden voyage from Tampa Bay with cruise guests on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. This is the first cruise vessel departure from Tampa Bay since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order on March 14, 2020. 

Port Tampa Bay Terminal Signage (Photo by Alanna Zingano, Travel the World A To Z)

Port Tampa Bay Terminal Signage (Photo by Alanna Zingano, Travel the World A To Z)

The return of cruising will have a far-reaching impact on our region, with many small and local businesses standing to benefit. Business Research & Economic Advisors estimated that a 3,000-passenger ship generates an average of $334,000 in passenger and crew onshore spending per call in a homeport city. The development of Sparkman Wharf, Water Street, Armature Works, and other hotel, dining, shopping, and entertainment projects in Tampa continues to boost the attractiveness of the bay area as a homeport. Cruise visitors to Tampa have the convenience of accessing a nationally top-ranked airport, secure parking garages – just steps away from all three cruise terminals, world-class beaches, and local attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Ybor City. 

 

Three Cruise Ship’s in Port Tampa Bay  (Photo courtesy of Port Tampa Bay)

Three Cruise Ship’s in Port Tampa Bay (Photo courtesy of Port Tampa Bay)



CARNIVAL CRUISE NEWS, President of Carnival Cruise Line Gives Progress Report, CHRISTINE DUFFY

Watch the video to hear from President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy. She gives a 3-month progress report with where Carnival Cruise line stands with the fleet returning back to sailing. Discussing how long it will take for the rest of the ships to return to service and shares some fun statistics since the restart of cruising!

Nearly 100 Cruises and 237,000 guests sailed since July

MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2021 – With half its U.S. fleet back in service and sailing from six U.S. homeports – the most in cruising – Carnival Cruise Line has had an accomplishment-filled three months since resuming guest operations this summer.

The company’s restart began on July 3, 2021 when Carnival Vista set sail from Galveston and since then 10 additional ships have resumed service, carrying 237,000 guests from homeports along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico all while guests were devouring nearly half a million Guy Fieri burgers and enjoying 11,000 adrenaline-fueled rides on BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea that debuted on the new Mardi Gras July 31, 2021.

But it’s more than just burgers and roller coaster rides, Carnival’s resumption of service has provided much-needed vacations to hundreds of thousands of loyal guests, a boost to the economies in its homeport and port-of-call communities and opportunities for its shipboard team members to support their families in 120 countries around the world. 

“Our first three months back in service has underscored our strong brand loyalty, the best customer base in the cruise industry and our team’s ability to deliver outstanding results and guest service,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “It has been an emotional experience for everyone involved, myself included, as we have resumed operations with a focus on health and safety while providing a positive impact for our guests, team members and the communities we visit.” 

Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to have 17 ships back in guest service by the end of 2021, with additional ships returning in January and February and the entire U.S. fleet back in guest operations by spring 2022.

 

Take a look at some of the incredible stats from the restart!

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Take the behind the scenes A to Z Exclusive of the Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral!


Majestic Princess Celebrates Maiden Call at the Port of Los Angeles

Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz and Port Executive Director Gene Seroka celebrate the maiden call of Majestic Princess to the Port of Los Angeles

Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director & Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises President in front of Majestic Princess

Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director & Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises President in front of Majestic Princess

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2021) – Princess Cruises celebrated the arrival and return to service of Majestic Princess at the Port of Los Angeles today. Princess Cruises and the Port of Los Angeles highlighted the positive multi-dimensional impact cruising has on Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Every cruise ship visit infuses more than $1 million into the local economy.

“We’re pleased to welcome guests aboard Majestic Princess today and celebrate the ship’s maiden voyage from the West Coast,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have we been sailing out of Los Angeles since our cruise line first began in 1965, and our guests and crew are helping the City of Angels generate substantial revenue for local businesses with our West Coast cruises homeporting from here year over year.”

Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line and leader on the West Coast, sails more frequently than any other cruise line in this region, contributing $594 million to the Los Angeles economy in 2019. Over the past decade, Princess had more than 700 ship visits in Los Angeles—the most of any line. The cruise line is also known for its co-starring role on the hit TV series “The Love Boat” and frequently sailed with the beloved cast members and famous guests stars from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera.

“Our popularity as a leading west coast cruise port is directly connected to the longstanding partnership we have had with Princess Cruises,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The convenient and premium vacation experience that travelers enjoy on Majestic Princess and other Princess vessels have helped the Port of Los Angeles evolve into a year-around cruise port, and we are excited to be forecasting a record 200 sailings in 2022.”

Majestic Princess just completed a partial summer season in Alaska and is scheduled to depart from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on 14 roundtrip departures through the end of the year. Cruise itineraries include the Mexican Riviera, California Coast and West Coast Getaways, ranging in length from three to 10 days.

Majestic Princess offers a MedallionClass vacation, delivering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship.

Princess Cruises sailings onboard Majestic Princess from the Port of Los Angeles are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. All fully vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically observed COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings.

 


Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady Full Ship Tour, 2021

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You Won't Believe Your Eyes! Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Tour & Review

While touring the Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages' 1st flagship for the fleet, we explore as much as we can! We even ran into Sir Richard Branson the owner of Virgin Voyages! We explore the deck plans and common areas, and even make it to the staterooms! The cabins have unique features like "Get it on" mode! In many ways, the ship wowed me from the food aboard the Scarlet Lady to what it feels simply feels like being onboard!


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A Look Inside SeaTrade Cruise Global 2021 A Cruise Industry Conference

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Seatrade Cruise Global celebrated its 35th year as the cruise industry’s leading conference.

The first official day of the conference happened to be World Tourism Day! Quite a fitting holiday to help kick off the weeks’ events!

Here are my highlights and takeaways from attending the workshops and sessions, along with the keynote presentation!

SeaTrade Cruise Global Panel Discussion

SeaTrade Cruise Global Panel Discussion


Port Agreements in a Covid World

  • Return to the cruise industry, with protocols and vaccinations we discuss the strides to make it back to “normal”

  • From the consumer perspective, the price is right. The post-cruise reviews and ratings have been as high as pre-pandemic.

  • Vaccines are becoming available for younger and younger people. General talk and buzz about requirements for those up to 5 years old may come in the future.

  • As ratings from many cruise lines are so high. The crew is so happy and overall a great time to cruise.

  • Mask wearing on a cruise ship. In parts of the ships you have to wear a mask but the key takeaway is that vaccination levels are going up. Mask mandates in ports of call are dependent on the destination’s local government and authorities. Port of calls may not require masks to be worn everywhere. Guests can expect to where one in restaurants, shuttle buses, etc.

Now is the time to celebrating cruising worldwide! People are back traveling and one of the best ways to travel. We will continue to make progress and keep everyone as safe as possible and not move backward

Training Case Study Session- Panel discussions included virtual speakers.

Training Case Study Session- Panel discussions included virtual speakers.

The Changing Dynamics of Shore Excursions

In this conference pannel discussion we learned the focus is as followed:

  • Common sense protocols

  • Understanding areas of high risk.

  • Reducing areas of high contact.

  • Exploring the destination while still having fun!

  • What's changing for shore excursions for the guests- Belfast, Irland is the only port that is open currently in Irland.

Cooperating is huge to get additional ports up and running. Challenging and ever-challenging, day-to-day operation. Much goes into it from the venues, coach operates, and tour guides. Many moving parts and challenges to overcome.

Overall a fantastic season, resulting in amazing feedback. Although numbers are small with the number of first guests back to cruising, there have been early openings for shops that were exclusive for cruise guests.

Oozing with positivity

Embracing and leaning into the cruise restart.

These areas (in Northern Irland) rely on cruise ships. "We never realized how much we relied on the cruise industry."

Destinations are looking forward to additional ports fully opening next year, to welcome more guests back. They have had a taste of the reopening and can't wait for more.

Training Case Study Session, St. Maarten #WeAreBack;

Training Case Study Session, St. Maarten #WeAreBack;

Challenges- St. Maarten was the first cruise port of call to have crusie visiters back. All ports of calls have to find solutions for varying challenges that they face.

  • Meeting the new protocols

  • Eliminating touchpoints

  • Transportation issues- getting guests on coaches

  • Varied Government restrictions

  • Excursions by Celebrity- “bubble tours”- very specific communication and requirements had to be made to the guest beforehand and the moment they walk into their stateroom. Expectations of what the experience would be like.

  • Free flow- independent tours- the destination also puts guidelines in place.

All of these challenges were referred to as “Teething problems”, requiring patience or dealing with the growing pains of getting it all back up and running.

State of the Cruise Industry Keynote-Presentation

Alanna at Keynote Presentation; State of the Global Industry

Alanna at Keynote Presentation; State of the Global Industry

This presentation is the largest session and always happens on the second day of the conference. After the keynote, the expo floor will officially open. We heard from top cruise line leaders.

Piefrancesco Vago Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, “We haven't lost sight of our need to press forward with environmental needs while dealing with other challenges.” (Referencing even with covid challenges)

Cruise Industry Leaders at Keynote Presentation

Cruise Industry Leaders at Keynote Presentation

As an industry, we are pushing for environmental sustainability

Kelly Craighead- President of CLIA

  • The focus is on reinventing the industry. Not focusing on getting back to "normal"

  • Innovative solutions are key. Looking to unite and collaborate with the cruise community.

  • The commitment to health and safety will define the industry's success.

Focusing on how cruising is different than other types of vacations and experiences out on the market-

The crew is tested and vaccinated. This isn't the same for any market.

The thing that is common between many cruise lines, is the science-led health & safety protocols that are working. This has been essential in setting a standard and raising confidence. All in place because they have put people first as they are looking to allow people to see the world.

Socially distanced and masked attendees of the State of the Global Industry Keynote

Socially distanced and masked attendees of the State of the Global Industry Keynote

Public policy is setting a clear ideal for the future.

Richard Fain- President of Royal Caribbean Group

We don't compete with each other [cruise lines] as much as we compete with all the other types of vacations, hotels, etc. Which takes away dollars from the cruise industry

His thoughts on the competition of Virgin Voyages. Are you nervous?- Richard Fain- CEO of Royal Caribbean Group-

“Having Virgin come in, adds to the impact that the cruise industry has. We will get our fair share. They are adding more demand than their fair share.

The real competition is land-based vacations. That is the competition and big screen TV purchases.”

Cruise Industry Leaders at Keynote Presentation

Cruise Industry Leaders at Keynote Presentation

What would be your advice to Richard Branson CEO of Virgin Voyages- to Arnold Donald- CEO of Carnival Corporation

Listen to your prospective guest and listen to the travel agent's perspective. The guests and those who have been in (the cruise industry) for a long time will guide you to do well.


Pierfrancesco Vago Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises

Pierfrancesco Vago Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises

How do you size up the competition? To Pierfrancesco CEO MSC Cruises

Virgin is a great brand and will help the market. Wishes them luck.


Richard Fain- CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, on Covid Vaccine Booster Shot-

Too many people are currently putting the focus on the booster. Everyone is receiving so much advice and it's confusing.

He described that their focus is that the guests receive an enjoyable vacation. And the excitement that the cruise line is moving in the right direction with each week more ships are coming back online.

“Every day we are getting further and further about how safe it is and the protocols are working.”

How close are we to require people and crew to needing the 3rd shot- Richard Fain- CEO of Royal Caribbean Group-

“A booster will only be needed if the CDC guidelines require it.”

“People who have cruised a lot are comfortable being back at sea. Because they know and trust the protocols and can see the enhanced protocols that are implanted and in place."

It's people who haven't cruised who don't understand. The most powerful marketing material is word of mouth. Lifelong memories are still being made.”

1st timers cruisers are coming! The messaging is working that it is so much safer than anyone understood.
— Richard Fain CEO of Royal Caribbean Group
  • 1st timers cruisers are coming! The messaging is working that it is so much safer than anyone understood.

  • What makes it different and worth being so proud of is the emotional impact of the crew.

  • Crew members were crying! So excited to be back! It is contagious!! And remarks have been overwhelming and moves us forward.

  • We aren't through [the woods] yet. We have to keep the community communication up to push us forward.

Richard Fain- states that they essentially aim to be back to 100% capacity with Royal Caribbean Group by the end of the year.

Alanna at Seatrade Cruise Global

Alanna at Seatrade Cruise Global

I hope you enjoyed the snip bits of what it was like to attend Seatrade Cruise Global. It is such a unique opportunity to hear directly from the industry and, cruise lines leaders!

MARDI GRAS FORWARD EXCEL SUITE I Carnival Mardi Gras Stateroom 14211 I Carnival Cruise

All aboard the FORWARD EXCEL Suite Carnival Mardi Gras Stateroom 14211. In this room, we go over what this cabin category offers. along with the type of view and overall highlights of the room. unique features of the cabin like outlets, USB ports, balcony view, location of room service menu and other aspects are pointed out. I hope you found this video helpful to learn and see what a FORWARD EXCEL Suite on Carnival Cruise is like!



Carnival Cruises, Mardi Gras Full Ship Tour, 2021

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CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS SHIP TOUR 4K | EXPLORING A BRAND NEW CRUISE SHIP!

Carnival Radiance underwent a $200 million bow-to-stern makeover and is Carnival’s third ship sailing year-round from Long Beach, joining Carnival Panorama and Carnival Miracle.⚓️🛳. The Carnival Radiance was previously known as the Carnival Victory and she now features all of Carnival’s fan favorites venues!👏❤️

Enjoy the full ship tour to see some of the ship’s public spaces that have been transformed – including the water park, youth facilities, retail shops, and a new Liquid Lounge home to Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows and more! 💯


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READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now



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Carnival Mardi Gras EXCEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE STATEROOM 17209

All aboard the Excel Presid;ential Suite Stateroom 17209. In this room, we go over what this category offers and view the highlights of the room. There are some special benefits such as enjoying a lovely nautical aesthetic when you are staying in such a beautiful stateroom! Would you take a shower outside on the balcony? I hope you found this video helpful to learn and see what an EXCEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE STATEROOM on Carnival Cruise is like!



Cloud 9 Spa Balcony, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Cruise Stateroom Tour Room 14206

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Cloud 9 Spa Balcony - Carnival Horizon

Carnival Cruise Stateroom TouR

Stateroom Tour Room 14206

All aboard the Carnival Horizon for a Cloud 9 Spa Suite Stateroom Tour! In this Cloud 9 room, we go over what this category offers and view the highlights of the room. There are some special benefits such as enjoying a lovely aesthetic when you are staying in such a beautiful stateroom! This is stateroom 14206!

hope you found this video helpful to learn and see what a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Stateroom on Carnival Cruise are like! Enjoy, the Carnival Horizon family harbor cruise cabin tour!

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Menu Options Aboard Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras & Celebration

Who’s hungry?! As one of the most anticipated cruise ships ever, makes us wait a little longer to set sail on her, why not drool over some of the menu options!

First up is Big Chicken is a quick-service restaurant by Carnival Cruise Line’s Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O’Neil. What would you order? I want to turn up the heat and would order the “Shaq Attack”!

Have a look at the other menu items from Emril’s Bistro 1396 and Piazza Panini!

Big Chicken

When Shaq tells you to build a chicken joint on board, you start warming up immediately. The big guy brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken™ on Mardi Gras™. Just like Shaq’s a multitalented entertainer, his restaurant is no one-trick chick. Step up to the counter for lunch or dinner and walk away with your choice of chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips or juicy fried chicken baskets... plus side dishes like potato salad and jalapeño slaw. Early-morning buzzer-beaters are invited to enjoy a breakfast of classics like chicken biscuits, a three-cheese omelet or our biscuit/egg combo featuring bacon or sausage. Snoozers are invited, too — breakfast is served until 3!

Big Chicken Carnival Mardi Gras Menu
 

EMeril’s Bistro 1396

This year Mardi Gras™ will set sail with Emeril Lagasse's first-ever restaurant at sea: Emeril's Bistro 1396™. Everybody knows about Emeril's love for Creole cuisine, and now you'll enjoy the authentic bayou flavors and fun New Orleans is known for on your vacation. If you haven't had the pleasure, we're talking about fried oysters, duck & sausage gumbo, po-boy sandwiches, fresh ceviche and more. We're serving up Emeril's faves all day… and because flavors this big don't just sleep in, we do some great ones for breakfast too! Raw bar, incredible desserts and Crescent City atmosphere round out the experience.

Emerils Bistro 1396 Carnival Mardi Gras Menu
 

Piazza Panini

Carnival Cruise Line today revealed additional details on La Piazza, a stunning Italian-themed zone on its newest ship, Mardi Gras, set to debut in May.

Inspired by Italy’s unique culture and delicious culinary offerings, La Piazza will be home to a variety of new food and beverage outlets, as well as expanded versions of longtime Carnival favorites.

Designed to resemble a stroll through an Italian courtyard with red brick, street lights and ornate iron and tile work, as well as murals of famous piazzas in Rome, Venice and other Italian cities, La Piazza also features fun, “Insta-worthy” touches like a Vespa scooter and a Fiat – both from 1972, the year of Carnival Cruise Line’s founding with the original Mardi Gras – positioned along the promenade.

Learn more about Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras distinct 6 themed zones or neighborhoods here.

Piazza Panini Carnival Mardi Gras Menu

Other dining options aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras include:

RUDI'S SEAGRILL

When the food arrives at the table it’s smiles all around, especially on a Carnival cruise! But can you remember a time when your plate beamed one back? That just isn’t how it works… except at Rudi’s Seagrill™. This new fine dining restaurant, exclusively aboard Mardi Gras™, was dreamed up to serve delectable seafood classics that keep more than just an eye on the presentation — more like a whole face. Rudi’s Seagrill is the brainchild of Chef Rudi Sodamin, and you’ll quickly discover that this award-winning culinary artist loves fun as much as Carnival does. The focus here is seafood, and whether we’re talking about his signature face-based dishes or options with a more traditional presentation, Rudi’s delivers everything with an artful flair that will have your taste buds beaming!

The Details:

Meal Time: Dinner

Cost:Additional

Adults: $38

Kids: $12

Carnival has not released Rudi Seagrill’s menu yet.

Learn more about RUDI'S SEAGRILL Here:

Take the behind the scenes A to Z Exclusive of the Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral!


How to Live on YOUR OWN Cruise Ship, Advice for Living At Sea from the Aurora

Living at Sea sounds uber glamorous, doesn’t it? How about owning your own cruise ship? We take a closer look at what it looks like to maintain this lifestyle of "ship life" as Chris Willson pulls back the curtain and shows us exactly what it is like and he gives advice for those who want to live at sea!

This is part 3 of Season 4 of Living at Sea. We are learning from Chris Willson as he takes us around his vessel for a tour and explains the numerous ongoing projects that are required to make Aurora new again. This is Chris Willson's reality and we are uncovering what it is like to be the owner of the Aurora Cruise ship. In this series, we learn from Chris, Aurora's interesting history along with the heavy task of restoring the vessel!

We hope you enjoy Season 4 of Living at Sea. This will be a three-part series. Be sure to stay tuned for the next episode!

📺Catch up on episode 1, What It's Like to OWN a Cruise Ship, Living At Sea on the Aurora: https://youtu.be/ieFKN4ks40M

📺Watch Ep. 2 here: Restoring A VINTAGE Cruise Ship, Living At Sea on the Aurora https://youtu.be/GixJ0jpYkPA


EXCLUSIVE Tour of Disney Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral, CONSTRUCTION Update

Come behind the scenes of the New Disney Cruise Line Terminal, T8! While touring the cruise terminal in Port Canaveral we got to explore and learn how this port is getting ready for welcoming Disney cruise ships and passengers back to cruising! The terminal construction started in early 2020 and they are making great progress to the renovation! We learned how it has been somewhat of a challenging task making sure the old building matches all of the new! This is a very classy terminal that has a wonderful look and feel! We cannot wait to cruise out of Terminal 8 in Port Canaveral and sail away on a Disney Cruise Line ship! We hope you enjoy this A to Z exclusive behind the scenes!


Watch more from our exclusive tours in Port Canaveral! Check out the Carnival Mardi Gras Terminal

 


EXCLUSIVE Tour of BRAND NEW Carnival Mardi Gras Terminal in Port Canaveral

Come behind the scenes of the New Carnival Mardi Gras Terminal, T3! While touring the brand-new Terminal 3 in Port Canaveral we got to explore and learn how this port is getting ready for the first LNG powered cruise ship in North America! Which is the Mardi Gras! We had a blast and got to strike a pose for the photo backdrops. My favorite thing we learned about the new cruise terminal is how Carnival opted into $4 million worth of extras that makes the terminal absolutely gorgeous! Check out another EXCLUSIVE Tour!


Here is the Disney Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral, CONSTRUCTION

 


Restoring A VINTAGE Cruise Ship, Living At Sea on the Aurora

Have you ever done any restoration projects before? Perhaps you’ve helped restored an old car or upcycled a piece of furniture before. But how about a cruise ship? Most of us can’t even imagine the task of embarking on a restoration project that is as grand as restoring an entire cruise ship!

This is part 2 of Season 4 of Living at Sea. We are learning from Chris Willson as he takes us around his vessel for a tour and explains the numerous ongoing projects that are required to make Aurora new again. This is Chris Willson's reality and we are uncovering what it is like to be the owner of the Aurora Cruise ship. In this interview, we learn from Chris, Aurora's interesting history along with the heavy task of restoring the vessel!

We hope you enjoy Season 4 of Living at Sea. This will be a three-part series. Be sure to stay tuned for the next episode!

Follow along on the renovation and what Chris is up to on Aurora here: https://www.instagram.com/aurora_restoration_project/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/560137660800546/


What It's Like to OWN a Cruise Ship, Living At Sea on the Aurora

Can you imagine working, living, and owning your own cruise ship?! This is Chris Willson's reality and we are uncovering what it is like to be the owner of the Aurora Cruise ship. In this interview, we learn from Chris, Aurora's interesting history along with how he came about owning the ship.

We hope you enjoy Season 4 of Living at Sea.

This will be a three-part series. Be sure to stay tuned for the next episode!

Follow along on the renovation and what Chris is up to on Aurora here: https://www.instagram.com/aurora_restoration_project/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/560137660800546/


Princess Cruises Extends Pause of Global Ship Operations into 2021

Princess Cruises Extends Pause of Global Ship Operations into 2021

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order" pertaining to resumption of U.S. cruise operations, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in global operations to allow time for the estimated preparation needed for completing required activities prior to sailing and taking into consideration the temporary seven-day cap on itineraries that call at a U.S. port. The cruise operations impacted include the following:

  

  • All cruises sailing through March 31, 2021

  • All cruises longer than seven days sailing in and out of United States ports through November 1, 2021

Additionally, due to the uncertainty about when international travel restrictions might be lifted, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in operations for cruises departing in and out of Japan through June 25, 2021.

"We are focused on preparing our ships to meet the CDC health and safety requirements for our eventual return to service," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "We also appreciate the continued support we have received from our guests, partners and travel advisors, reinforcing for all of us why we do what we do."

Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare.

To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel advisor.

Alternatively, guests can request a full refund for all monies paid on their booking through this online form. Requests must be received by December 31, 2020 or guests will be registered for the Future Cruise Credit option.

Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line's business and success.

The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.

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Family Harbor Balcony, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Cruises Stateroom Tour Room 2501

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Family Harbor Balcony - Carnival Horizon

Carnival Cruises Stateroom TouR

Stateroom Tour Room 2501

All aboard the Carnival Horizon for a family Harbor Balcony Stateroom Tour! In this Family Harbor room, we go over what this category offers and view the highlights of the room. There are some special benefits such as enjoying a lovely nautical aesthetic when you are staying in such a beautiful stateroom! This is stateroom 2501!

I hope you found this video helpful to learn and see what a Family Harbor Balcony Stateroom on Carnival Cruise are like! Enjoy, the Carnival Horizon family harbor cruise cabin tour!

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Carnival Horizon Family Harbor Balcony Stateroom Tour Cabin 2480

All aboard the Carnival Horizon for a family Harbor Balcony Stateroom Tour!. In this Family Harbor room, we go over what this category offers and view the highlights of the room. There are some special benefits such as enjoying a lovely nautical aesthetic when you are staying in such a beautiful stateroom! This is stateroom 2480! I hope you found this video helpful to learn and see what a Family Harbor Balcony Stateroom on Carnival Cruise are like! Enjoy, the Carnival Horizon family harbor cruise cabin tour!



Symphony of The Seas Owner's Suite Room Tour, Royal Caribbean Cabin 14244

All aboard the Symphony of the Seas for an owner's suite stateroom tour. In this stateroom, 14244, balcony cabin tour, we go over what this Royal Caribbean stateroom offers. There are some special benefits to staying in such a beautiful stateroom!

I hope you found this video helpful to learn and see what Royal Caribbean Owners Suites are like! Enjoy, the Symphony of the Seas cruise cabin tour!

Check out additional similar and different stateroom cabins from the Symphony of the Seas and other cruise ships here: https://www.alannazingano.com/ship-cruise-cabins

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New Disney Cruise Line Itineraries 2022

 
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Disney Cruise Line Returns to Hawaii, Other Favorite Tropical Destinations in Early 2022

October 15, 2020

 In early 2022, Disney Cruise Line returns to Hawaii and other favorite tropical destinations to delight families with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. Adventure abounds during 10-night Hawaiian Islands cruises and a variety of sailings to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico, departing from coast-to-coast homeports including New Orleans, Galveston, Texas, San Diego, Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 22, 2020. More details on 2022 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2022 page of disneycruise.com.

There’s not much time to think on the options this time, because booking will start in a few days!

Booking will be as follows:

  • Monday, October 19 for Platinum Castaway Club Members (guests who have sailed with Disney more than 10 times) and Golden Oak residents.

  • Tuesday, October 20 for Gold Castaway Club Members (guests who have sailed more than 5 times)

  • Wednesday, October 21 for Silver Castaway Club members (guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line at least once), Adventures by Disney insiders, and Disney Vacation Club members.

  • Thursday, October 22 for first-time cruisers!

Hawaiian Islands Cruises from Honolulu and Vancouver

The Disney Wonder returns to Hawaii in early 2022 for two special 10-night cruises: a voyage to Honolulu from Vancouver, Canada, on April 26, and a return sailing to Vancouver on May 6.

Guests will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, including the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu; unforgettable views from high atop the summit of Haleakala Crater on Maui; the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai; and the diverse natural wonders of Hawaii Island.

Even More Family Vacations from Florida

Vacationers can combine a Disney cruise getaway with a stay at Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022 with two ships sailing from Port Canaveral near Orlando, Florida, and a third ship departing from Miami. Every cruise from Florida in early 2022 includes a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

  • From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy begins the year with a six-night Western Caribbean cruise, followed by seven-night voyages to a variety of favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

  • The Disney Dream, also sailing from Port Canaveral, embarks on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Offering even more fun in the sun, one special four-night cruise includes two stops at Castaway Cay.

  • From Miami, the Disney Magic sails four- and five-night Bahamian cruises and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. One special three-night sailing to Castaway Cay and Key West, Florida, makes the perfect long weekend escape.

With a variety of options from Florida to choose from, guests can look forward to embarking on a vacation that provides something for everyone in the family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.

Popular Tropical Destinations from Galveston and New Orleans

  • The Disney Wonder sails Western Caribbean getaways early in the year, first from Galveston, Texas, with four-night itineraries, followed by four- and six-night voyages from New Orleans.

  • A special six-night Bahamian voyage offered from both Galveston and New Orleans gives guests the opportunity to visit Castaway Cay, in addition to the lively town of Key West.

Baja Getaways from San Diego

  • The Disney Wonder returns to San Diego in March and April with cruises to Baja, Mexico, where guests can enjoy vibrant culture, stunning beaches and exciting water activities.

  • Most sailings to the Baja peninsula call on the charming coastal city of Ensenada, known for its turquoise blue water and rugged mountainous terrain. A two-night cruise to Ensenada has a Friday departure from San Diego, giving guests the ultimate weekend getaway to experience world-class entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder.

  • Four- and five-night Baja cruises include a visit to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a favored destination with dramatic rock formations and white-sand beaches, or to Catalina Island, a tropical gem off the California coast with plenty of outdoor adventures and seaside charm.

What about the Disney Wish?                                                               

  • Originally planned to sail in early 2022, the Disney Wish is now scheduled for its maiden voyage in summer 2022 due to pandemic-related delays at the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Germany. As previously announced, the Disney Wish will be powered by liquified natural gas or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.