Another eventful week in the realm of cruise updates has passed, and now it’s time for Cruise Hive’s latest roundup of noteworthy happenings. Our report covers Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
Cruise News Update
Let’s delve into this week’s overview of significant advancements in the cruise industry, encompassing Carnival Cruise Line reintroducing a beloved recipe, Royal Caribbean presenting single occupancy discounts for specific guests, Carnival Cruise Line introducing a premium adults-only zone at Celebration Key, Norwegian Encore embarking on a dry dock renovation, Disney Cruise Line unveiling details about the upcoming vessel Disney Destiny, and MSC Splendida being deployed to South America in December 2024.
Carnival Cruise Line Resolves French Fry Debate
Revelers aboard Carnival Cruise Line who relish the delectable handcrafted French fries from Guy’s Burger Joint will rejoice to learn of their return, spurred by popular demand.
The cruise line had opted for a quicker method in preparing the fries, foregoing the handcrafted process, which did not go unnoticed by guests. Several cruisers raised the matter with the brand’s Ambassador, John Heald, who engages with guests regularly through his Facebook page.
“For those of you inquiring about the fries, you may have observed that on certain ships, we have reverted to the original recipe by handcrafting the fries, and this practice will extend across the entire fleet in the upcoming days and weeks,” Heald stated.
He credited the reintroduction of handcrafted fries to a senior-level food and beverage executive who acknowledged the guests’ feedback.
The response to this change was swift and favorable, with one cruiser informing Heald, “I am delighted that they are returning to the original handcrafted fries. They were fantastic!”
Guy’s Burger Joint, a collaboration with renowned chef Guy Fieri, made its debut aboard Carnival Liberty in 2011. In 2023, a staggering 10.5 million burgers were served from Guy’s Burger Joint across all Carnival Cruise Line vessels.
Royal Caribbean Introduces Alteration for Certain Solo Travelers
Commencing on August 1, 2024, Royal Caribbean has reduced the single occupancy supplement for select voyages for specific Crown and Anchor Society members, the cruise line’s loyalty club.
Individuals classified as Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus members with over 340 points will now pay a 125% single occupancy rate, instead of the usual 150% on transatlantic, transpacific, and Panama Canal journeys.
Usually, cruise lines impose substantial single traveler supplements, often twice the regular fare or 200%, to compensate for the revenue they would have garnered with another occupant in the cabin. (In the case of Royal Caribbean, the elite members were already benefiting from the reduced 150% fare.)
Highlighted voyages eligible for booking by qualifying loyalty club members with the reduced solo rate include a 13-night Adventure of the Seas transatlantic journey setting sail from Barcelona on November 24, 2024, and reaching Port Canaveral.
In addition to reduced solo fares, Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus members receive numerous privileges and perks such as priority venue access and seating on the ship, other cabin discounts, and beverage package discounts, among others.
Exclusive Beach Sanctuary Uncovered at Celebration Key
Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s newly established private retreat poised to open in July 2025, is earmarked to offer an exclusive beach sanctuary for adults seeking a tranquil oasis.
2025 on Grand Bahama Island, is set to present an exclusive area for adults known as Pearl Cove Beach Club.
The deluxe zone, available for a supplementary fee, will feature an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool with a bar where you can swim up, water loungers, a disc jockey, and a private beach with catering service.
There are three options for day-passes, each with individual fees. An “Entry Pass” offers access to the club and a single rum punch at $99.99 per person. The “Unlimited Bar” pass permits entry and up to 10 beverages for $139.99 per individual, while the “Complete Package” pass grants access, 10 drinks, and lunch.
The prices for day-passes are subject to modification and may vary based on the chosen visit date, the specific cruise ship a guest is onboard, and overall demand. Carnival Cruise Line has commenced accepting reservations for the club, primarily for voyages until January 2, 2026.
Aside from the exclusive adult beach club, Celebration Key will also boast themed sections such as Lokono Cove, a retail area focusing on Bahamian goods; a family-friendly precinct with pools, water slides, and sports courts; and Calypso Lagoon, a complimentary adult-only area with lagoon and beach hut accommodations.
Norwegian Encore Scheduled for Extensive Renovation in November
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore, a ship of the Breakaway Plus class that commenced operations in 2019, is poised for a fortnight-long overhaul, ushering in alterations to dining venues, the introduction of an adults-only section, conversion of spaces into additional staterooms, and the enlargement of suites within the exclusive area known as The Haven.
The dry dock period is slated for November 18, 2024, until December 2, 2024. The refurbishment had been on the agenda for a substantial duration but had not been officially announced, with industry observers noting the absence of any scheduled sailings during that timeframe.
A significant enhancement will be the incorporation of the line’s Spice H20 open-air lounge solely for adults, providing amenities such as hot tubs, cooling pools, and a bar.
The dining establishments Los Lobos and Coco’s will be eliminated from the vessel, with their former locations being repurposed to expand Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki. Ocean Blue will be replaced by Palomar, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant well-received on other ships.
Within The Haven, the Premier Owner’s Suites with Large Balcony category will see an expansion from two to three bedrooms, with refurbishments to the living spaces.
Norwegian Encore will also introduce an additional 24 balcony staterooms and two club balcony cabins by converting a portion of a lounge, elevating the guest capacity from 4,004 to 4,052 occupants in double-occupancy scenarios.
Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Ship’s Homeport and Facilities
Disney Cruise Line disclosed several major updates concerning the new vessel Disney Destiny, slated to debut in 2025. Alongside revelations about novel facilities, entertainment offerings, and suite selections, the cruise company announced that the 4,000-passenger ship will be stationed at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The ship, themed “Heroes and Villains,” will introduce a novel pinnacle lodging option called Destiny Tower Suite, boasting 2,000 square feet of living space inspired by the design ethos of “Iron Man.”
Additional accommodations include VIP ocean-view cabins positioned just above the bridge, along with four imperial suites themed after Disney films “The Incredibles” and “Hercules.”
Superhero figures will be abundantly featured on the ship, especially in the architecture of the Grand Hall, inspired by the “Black Panther” film series. Guests can also expect enchanting performances by characters from “Doctor Strange” at The Sanctum.
One of the novel dining spots will be The Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. Reflecting the essence of “The Lion King” movie, the eatery will boast a savanna ambiance enhanced with illuminations and immersive effects to animate animal portrayals.
Anticipated details about Disney Destiny’s future routes are forthcoming, now that the vessel’s home base has been disclosed. The construction of the ship is underway at a shipyard in Germany, marking the third addition to Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class.
MSC Cruises to Deploy Sixth Ship to Brazil
For the winter season of 2024-25, MSC Cruises’ 3,300-passenger MSC Splendida will set sail for South America, embarking on a series of 7-night cruises from the seasonal port of Santos, Brazil.
Commencing on December 13, 2024, and extending till March 21, 2025, this deployment alters the original strategy of positioning the ship in Asia during the winter season.
Port calls are scheduled at Balneário Camboriú and Itajaí in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Punta Del Este in Uruguay. Itajaí will serve as an alternative departure point as well.
MSC Splendida will join five other MSC Cruises’ vessels in the region, offering a combined total of 120 voyages from various Brazilian ports such as Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Maceió, Itajaí, and Paranaguá.
Additional MSC ships deployed in South America include MSC Armonia, the 2,620-passenger vessel, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Poesia with capacities for 4,842 and 2,550 guests respectively, along with MSC Seaview accommodating 4,132 passengers.
MSC Cruises has not disclosed the rationale behind this unexpected deployment. Just three months back, the cruise line confirmed plans for MSC Splendida to navigate between Shenzhen and Xiamen in China from December 2024 until April 2025.
Currently, MSC Bellissima, a 4,500-passenger ship, operates voyages in Asia between Taiwan and Japan. MSC Splendida belongs to the Fantasia class of ships and commenced service in 2008, stationed in the Mediterranean at present.
More Cruise Headlines
This roundup features some of the latest cruise highlights from Cruise Hive. Explore articles covering Margaritaville at Sea expanding its complimentary voyage program for heroes, a Scottish harbor welcoming its largest ever vessel, Norwegian Cruise Line sharing new financial outcomes, Explora Journeys observing its inaugural anniversary with a special offer, and the debut of a new retail area on TUI Cruises’ latest ship, Mein Schiff 7.
