Category: News
Here is where you can find the latest updates on news in the cruise & travel world.
MEET THE ZONES ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
MEET THE ZONES
Carnival Celebration introduces themed zones. Each area is uniquely inspired to create a different atmosphere. The themed zones aboard Carnival Celebration are:
THE GATEWAY
When you are cruising on Carnival Celebration there’s just so much destination to be found… even right on board. That’s because here, in The Gateway zone, “international flavor” isn’t just an expression, but a way of life! Design, décor, cuisine and even the entertainment is inspired by grand locations, landmarks from around the world. There is a rotating selection of these vistas brilliantly displayed right on the innovative LED windows and ceiling, plus theme nights that match — including Abroad in Europe, Far East Voyage and Mexico Lindo — which each feature food, drinks and entertainment to match. But every moment is a special occasion thanks to onboard spots that are proud to import their flavor from all over. We’re talking restaurants and bars like Latitudes with its old-school railway station vibe, The Golden Jubilee featuring a unique mix of great drinks and live music, plus Emeril’s Bistro 1397,which is deliciously all over the map. And don’t miss the chance to sip a little cocktail magic at returning fan-favorite Alchemy Bar.
820 BISCAYNE
We’re at home anywhere we sail… but you can only have one hometown, and for Carnival that is unmistakably Miami. So, it’s not hard at all to locate the inspiration for 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration. If you are wondering about the nameplate, that’s the address where it all got started — but nobody has to wonder where all the fun, flavor and good looks you will find in this zone were sourced. After all, it’s so authentically Miami… just check out the art deco designs, neon splashes and great flavors… On that note, there’s Bar 820 for tropical cocktails and Cuban coffee, plus Deco Deli serving up a selection of classic sandwiches… Cuban faves included. While Miami isn’t quite known as a pizza town, but you will find the crew serving up the cheesy stuff 24 hours a day at Miami Slice. Like any cosmopolitan center, dining quality and variety counts big, that’s why they’ll find Cucina del Capitano and Rudi’s Seagrill restaurants in the neighborhood.
CELEBRATION CENTRAL
Celebration Central is designed to make an impression… and that’s good because it’s going to be your first one! You can count on Carnival Celebration’s atrium to set the vacay vibes for your whole cruise. Look up and you’re honestly in for an eyeful — floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights… everything points to BIG FUN happening in here. And even if you’re just passing through, know that you’ll definitely be back later. Center Stage features a rotating selection of live entertainment, while Tropicale Bar serves up great drinks with a nostalgia chaser nodding to our first ship to sport the iconic red, white and blue funnel. Aquaria Bar features an ocean-themed glass mural pulled from Carnival Victory that’s now a two-deck high decorative wall. (Also: great drinks here too!) Then there’s fan-faves, from cups of comfort at JavaBlue Café to great eats at Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, and some very entertaining reasons to come back, like Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and more.
THE FRENCH QUARTER
If “big” and “easy” sound about right for your vacation, you might just make the French Quarter on Carnival Celebration your home zone. The French Quarter is lined with bars and eateries worthy of their namesake, spots serving up everything from small plates to classic Hurricane cocktails straight from the bayou. Just steps away there’s entertainment inspired by the world-renowned Crescent City nightlife. You’ll find a hot jazz club in this zone — plus you won’t be far from bars, lounges and some funky little shops and one of these spots is being designed in partnership with a name you definitely know!
SUMMER LANDING
Go ahead and call Summer Landing “the greatest chill spot at sea”!!! Know what goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, you can find Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse in this zone to make sure it always tastes like summer here, courtesy of freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri. and there’s even original Parched Pig™ beers brewing just a few feet from the tap?
LA PIAZZA
This zone stands for atmosphere and flavor, and it starts with Cucina del Capitano, which brings your party together for an evening of Italian favorites served family-style, while Pizzeria del Capitano makes delizioso happen for them 24 hours a day atop a base of imported Italian flour and fresh mozzarella. You will find Piazza Panini where the handhelds are hot and pressed, plus Bar della Rosa, where you’ll sip authentic espresso drinks by day and classic Italian cocktails when the sun goes down. All this flavor and flair we’ve got in here may practically transport you straight to Italy… but don’t forget that so much of it can be enjoyed outdoors, where the sea breeze is just bellissimo.
LIDO
Aboard Carnival Celebration this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun ways to spend a day. Everybody looks to Lido for variety, and with tons of casual dining spots you will discover new experiences among the flavors that keep them coming back. They can take in a Dive-In Movie at the pool and they’re not far from signature Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina taco spot. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to fan-favorite Swirls, the free soft-serve spot cranking out the cool 24 hours a day!
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND
Don’t let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Of course, The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that’s only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course and more.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CRUISE PORT DESTINATION ON GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
THE BAHAMAS, May 12, 2022 – With a strong showing of validation of the cruise industry’s return and optimism, and reflecting a long-standing partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and The Bahamas, Carnival, in cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Government of The Bahamas, today held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new cruise port destination on Grand Bahama Island.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy; Bahamas Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis; Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister The Honourable I. Chester Cooper; Minister for Grand Bahama The Honourable Ginger Moxey; and The Grand Bahama Port Authority Acting Chairman Sarah St. George; along with Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and representatives from Carnival Corporation and the local community used ceremonial shovels to officially mark the beginning of construction.
“With the start of this Carnival project, Grand Bahama is now on the better side of reaching its true economic potential,” said The Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “This investment will provide much needed jobs but will also signal new hope for the island’s recovery.”
The new Carnival Grand Bahama cruise port destination, expected to open in late 2024, is being developed on the south side of the island and will continue to serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama while also offering guests a uniquely Bahamian experience with many exciting features and amenities, along with business opportunities for the residents of Grand Bahama.
“As we celebrate our 50-year partnership with The Bahamas, today’s groundbreaking on our incredible new Grand Bahama destination represents an opportunity to collaborate with the government and people of Grand Bahama – to contribute to the local economy through job and business opportunities, meaningfully engage with local communities, and further expand our experience offerings for our guests who will have a breathtaking new port of call to enjoy,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “Our sincere thanks to the government of The Bahamas and The Grand Bahama Port Authority for their continued support as we begin construction. Our guests already love The Bahamas, and we are certain this new project will give them even more reason to want to visit.”
The Grand Bahama Port Authority Acting Chairman Sarah St. George commented: “The new Carnival cruise port destination will have a monumental impact on our island’s economy, including a panoply of new business opportunities, a huge surge in tourist visitors, as well as increased activities for established businesses. It is transformational in the true sense of the word. We are immensely grateful to Carnival for choosing Freeport and Grand Bahama for this flagship project. Today, we mark this incredible achievement made possible by the efforts of Carnival with The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Port Group Limited, the Grand Bahama Development Company and Freeport Harbour Company, and the Government of The Bahamas. A project of this magnitude is only possible through genuine collaboration. Grand Bahamians have withstood life-changing challenges, particularly in recent years. Despite these, Carnival never wavered in their commitment to building their next cruise port in Freeport. We are very proud to have played our part to the best of our ability towards making this a reality.”
The cruise port development includes a pier able to accommodate up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously welcoming guests to a stunning white-sand beach The Bahamas are known for. Guests will be able to explore and enjoy Grand Bahama by way of sea, via a dedicated shore excursion dock, or by land, via the dedicated ground transportation hub. The cruise port itself will also feature an area designated as a nature reserve and an interior pool feature, along with many Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for guests to enjoy.
“The Carnival groundbreaking is very significant to the residents of Grand Bahama. This development signals opportunities for creatives, vendors, and small and medium sized businesses, and represents our commitment to collaboration with local and international partners for the betterment of our island,” said The Honourable Ginger M. Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama.
The cruise pier will allow Grand Bahama to welcome guests from Carnival’s larger ships, such as the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras, which debuted in 2021 as the line’s largest and most innovative ship and North America’s first cruise ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, which will begin sailing from Miami later this year.
Added Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment and Aviation The Honourable I. Chester Cooper: “The cruise port is an integral part of our plan to restore Grand Bahama to economic viability. Carnival will play a critical role in stimulating our economy and shining a light on Grand Bahama as a rejuvenated and premier destination in our country and the region. We believe the excitement of what is happening on Grand Bahama will be contagious.”
Today’s event was an important next step as construction gets underway. Additional details on the design, features and the name of the cruise port destination will be revealed over the coming months as Carnival finalizes its plans to maximize the fun for their guests and the opportunities to partner with local businesses and other stakeholders.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE NEW CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
As part of our kickoff for Carnival’s 50th birthday festivities, here is a first look and revealing details on four of her six zones including a new area, Celebration Central.
As you know, on a Carnival cruise, vacation starts in the atrium, and on Carnival Celebration, that is in Celebration Central. Spanning Decks 6, 7 and 8 and designed as the heart of the ship’s celebratory spirit, Celebration Central will feature the most popular venues from Mardi Gras’ Grand Central, but with a whole new look and the feeling of a festive party woven throughout.
Carnival Central is designed to make an impression, setting the mood for your client’s whole cruise with some wow-worthy features:
~ An awe-inspiring three-deck-high atrium with a ceiling that appears as a burst of a confetti canon made of approximately 1,400 color-changing lighting fixtures that will transform from day to night.
~ 3,000-square-foot floor-to-ceiling windows on the side of the ship that will change into 16 individually controlled six- by 14-foot LED screens to work hand in hand with the ever-changing entertainment options, including live music, special effects, aerial acrobatic performances, and high-energy shows.
~Special pieces from former Carnival ships will be repurposed to blend with Carnival Celebration’s modern decor throughout Celebration Central and beyond.
~A variety of food and beverage options, such as JavaBlue Café, Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, and feel-good entertainment such as Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club.
The AGUARIA BAR features great drinks and ocean-themed glass murals from Carnival Victory by Italian artist Luciano Vistosi incorporated into a striking two-deck high decorative wall behind the bar to create an aquarium-like effect, inspiring the name.
THE TROPICALE BAR is a tribute to a fan-favorite from the early days: MS Tropicale—actually the first ship to sport our iconic red, white and blue funnel!
CARNIVAL CELEBRATION FAN FAVORITE ZONES….While similar to Mardi Gras with a plethora of options for dining, entertainment and relaxation, Celebration will have her own personality, one that celebrates all things Carnival, intertwining where we have been with where we are going.
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND
After such an incredible response from guests on Mardi Gras, the centerpiece of Carnival Celebration’s Ultimate Playground (Decks 18-20 Aft) will be BOLT, The Ultimate Sea Coaster, soon to be the second roller coaster at sea, WaterWorks aqua park and SportSquare featuring a mini-golf course, full-court basketball and an exhilarating ropes course.
SUMMER LANDING ZONE
(Deck 8 Aft) will continue to serve as the greatest chill spot at sea with Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, Carnival’s ParchedPig craft beers brewed on site, pools and whirlpools, The Watering Hole poolside bar, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge honoring military personnel.
LIDO
This poolside zone, (Decks 16-17 Aft), will feature all of the delicious and fun experiences from Mardi Gras including the two-level RedFrog Tiki Bar, Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant, guest-favorite Guy’s Burger Joint, Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina, with offerings perfect for any tastebud any time.
| Carnival will be revealing additional details and zones on Carnival Celebration in the coming months leading up to her inaugural sailing from Miami on Nov. 21. |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN UPDATES PROTOCOLS…
We are committed to bringing you the latest news and updates as soon they arise. Royal Caribbean Group will participate in the U.S. CDC’s voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships sailing in U.S. waters. Specifically, Royal Caribbean International will operate under the program’s Highly Vaccinated category beginning with sailings departing from the U.S. as of Friday, February 25, 2022.
Requirements include sailing with 95% of crew members fully vaccinated, which Royal Caribbean already exceeds with 100% of its crew fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible. Ninety-five percent of guests must be fully vaccinated as well — this excludes children under five years who are not eligible for the vaccine. The updated protocols will include face masks being optional for all fully vaccinated guests and expected for unvaccinated children. All kids will be required to wear face masks during Adventure Ocean youth program activities.
We are thoughtfully working through the details regarding other changes to our health and safety protocols which we will share with each of you before February 25, 2022.
As a reminder, our health and safety protocols are subject to change.
Please save the Healthy Cruising link for additional details, FAQs, and future reference.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE UPDATES PROTOCOLS
Carnival Cruise Line will participate in CDC Cruise updates; Provides updates to Guests
MIAMI, Feb. 18, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that it will participate in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated program for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters, and is advising guests of the following changes:
Effective with cruises departing Mar. 1, masks on board will be recommended but not required. There may, however, be certain venues and events where masks will be required.
Carnival will continue to meet the standard of vaccinated cruises, but children under five years old will not be included in any vaccinated guest calculation, and thus will not be required to receive an exemption to sail.
Effective with cruises departing Mar. 1, some additional flexibility in pre-cruise testing requirements will become available. Please visit the Carnival Have Fun. Be Safe. web page for more information.
“We have had a very successful restart of guest operations thanks to the support of our guests, the commitment of our shipboard team, and the effective protocols we have put in place,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The public health situation has continued to improve, providing confidence about these changes. Our protocols will evolve as we continue to remain dedicated to protecting the public health of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.”
Duffy said that Carnival’s highest responsibility and top priority is always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside personnel. “We appreciate the ongoing collaboration among multiple government agencies, as well as the support of Alaska officials and other delegations,” she added.
ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is proud to be known as America’s Cruise Line with a total of 24 ships, sailing from 14 U.S. homeports and employing more than 40,000 team members from 120 nationalities. Carnival’s newest ship, Mardi Gras, featuring the first roller coaster at sea and the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), sailed from Port Canaveral, Fla., July 31, 2021. As part of its 50th Birthday festivities, Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, is scheduled to debut in late 2022 from PortMiami, as well as Carnival Jubilee from Galveston in 2023.
DISNEY WISH INAUGURAL POSTPONED UNTIL MID-JULY
While Disney cruise Line is eagerly awaiting their newest ship’s debut, today they shared that the anticipation will unfortunately have to extend a bit longer than initially planned. The shipyard has notified Disney Cruise Line that despite their very best efforts, they will need more time to finish the ship due, in part, to the pandemic and particularly the arrival of the Omicron variant in Germany at a critical point in the process. As a result, Disney Cruise Line has no other choice than to delay the maiden voyage by a few weeks, which will regrettably affect sailings through mid-July.
CARNIVAL RADIANCE ANNOUNCES HER GODMOTHER
MEET THE GODMOTHER
Every great ship deserves a godmother to match! Introducing Dr. Lucille O’Neal, author, philanthropist, mother of our Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O’Neal, and now godmother to the totally transformed Carnival Radiance, set to debut in December following a $200 million dry dock.
| Dr. Lucille O’Neal is an accomplished speaker, and author of the inspirational biography, “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go,” who donates her time and talent to a wide range of charitable organizations, including serving on the board of the Orlando Ovarian Center Alliance, and president and co-founder of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players. She also established the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity on the campus of Bethune Cookman University (BCU) in honor of her late mother, Odessa Chambliss, and focuses on health disparities, social determinants of health, and social justice. Lucille O’Neal is a shining example of the importance of education, resuming her studies after raising her children to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from BCU and completing a graduate program from the University of Phoenix. For these efforts, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from BCU. As godmother, Dr. O’Neal will preside over the invitation-only naming ceremony in Long Beach, CA prior to Carnival Radiance’s inaugural cruise on December 13. During the festivities, Lucille and Shaquille will cut the ribbon to officially open Big Chicken, the second seagoing restaurant created by CFO, Shaquille O’Neal. The Carnival Radiance will be embarking on three and four-day sailings from Long Beach visiting Ensenada and Catalina Island. She will feature some fan favorites like Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, the Heroes Tribute Bar saluting those that serve in the Armed Forces; Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, and so much more. |
CARNIVAL ANNOUNCES SENIOR OFFICERS FOR CARNIVAL RADIANCE
Ship Set to Debut in Long Beach, Calif. on Dec. 13 Following Extensive Transformation
MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2021 – As it prepares to debut Carnival Radiance, Carnival Cruise Line announced the senior leadership team who will be at the helm of the transformed ship scheduled to debut this December. These experienced mariners and passionate leaders will oversee a team of more than 1,000 team members and include:
Captain Stefano Bonica: Captain Bonica joined Carnival as a third officer in 2000. He was named captain in 2017 and has served on virtually every ship in the fleet during his two decades with the company. He attended the Istituto Tecnico Nautico Caio Duilio in Messina, Italy, to learn his craft.
Chief Engineer Mauro Fabbrini: A 27-year veteran of Carnival, Fabbrini joined the company as a second engineer in 1994 and was named chief engineer in 2003. He previously served as a chief engineer for Carnival Sunrise in 2019. Fabbrini graduated from the San Giorgio Maritime Academy in Genoa, Italy. Prior to joining Carnival, he started his nautical career with an Italian-based shipping company.
Hotel Director Caroline Bourke: The Cork, Ireland, native and 17-year Carnival veteran was part of the inaugural team that introduced Carnival Radiance’s sister ship, Carnival Sunrise, in 2019. Bourke joined the company in 2004 and was named guest services manager in 2009 before being named hotel director in 2016. Her hospitality career began at the Hayfield Manor Hotel after earning her degree from the Cork Institute of Technology.
The third in the line’s Sunshine-class, Carnival Radiance will make her Southern California debut on Monday, Dec. 13, kicking off a year-round schedule of cruises to Baja Mexico from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. On this route, three-day cruises depart Fridays and visit Ensenada, Mexico, while four-day cruises sail on Mondays calling at Ensenada and Catalina Island.
Carnival Radiance features all of the line’s popular Fun Ship 2.0 dining, beverage and entertainment spaces as well as Big Chicken, a casual poolside restaurant created by Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal that debuted on Mardi Gras earlier this year. From new dining choices such as the Cucina del Capitano to expanded entertainment venues like the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge and one of the largest and most luxurious Cloud 9 Spas at sea, Carnival Radiance will offer an abundance of ways for guests to Choose Fun from the West Coast.
NEW ADDITIONS TO CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES HUB APP
As Carnival prepares for their return to cruising this summer, they have announced the expansion of the functionalities of the HUB App. These new enhancements will build upon the convenient features that have made the HUB App the most popular app in cruising, and will further enhance your pre-cruise and onboard experience. Most importantly, the HUB App is leading the way in Carnival’s efforts to provide a contactless and convenient shipboard environment once cruising resumes. Here are some of the new and exciting functionalities you can look forward to:
EXPANDED FOOD DELIVERY & ADDITIONAL F&B CAPABILITIES
The HUB App was the first app to enable pizza and beer delivery, and it has now been expanded to include the delivery of a variety of culinary and beverage offerings anywhere on board. Menus for all shipboard dining and beverage offerings will be available in a digital form using QR codes. It will also include dining check-in functionality to additional guests and venues, in addition to Your Time Dining.
VIRTUAL RESERVATIONS & QUEUING
You will soon be able to reserve seats virtually for various venues on board and be alerted when it is time to arrive. Additionally, you will be able to check-in to virtual queues for select locations on board, including guest services, and be alerted when their place in line is ready. Additionally, you will even be able to reserve tickets to BOLT the first rollercoaster at sea on Mardi Gras, debuting on July 31st.
NEW SAFETY CONTENT
You will be able to check-in for your cruise via the HUB App with the ability to submit necessary health information, including a health questionnaire and other time-saving steps prior to departure, and new safety content, including new notifications to help you complete the muster check-in on board.
If all this news isn’t exciting enough, stay tuned because Carnival will be announcing additional enhancements to the HUB App capabilities in the coming months. A few things you can expect advance spa and shore excursion reservations, a popular chat feature, a full listing of food, beverage and entertainment offerings, youth program check-in and check-out information and easy access to guests shipboard Sail & Sign accounts.