Whether you plan to vote “blue” or “red” this upcoming week, there is one thing we can all agree on- We’d rather be cruising. As we welcome some new ships to the Caribbean, here is the latest edition of cruise news November 6, 2016.

Cruise News November 6, 2016

Carnival Cruise Line Expands Presence in Two Key Ports

Carnival Cruise Line is looking to add additional capacity to two ports starting in 2018 to meet growing demands. After completing Panama Canal sailings, the Carnival Magic will be offering 7 day Caribbean sailings out of Tampa, FL beginning in early 2018. This will mark the second ship from this port sailing throughout the entire year. Also starting in 2018, Carnival will have the Carnival Splendor sailing from Long Beach, CA doing week long Mexican Riviera cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line Welcomes Carnival Vista

Amid a star studded lineup, minus the Princess and I, Carnival Cruise Line officially christened the Carnival Vista just a few short days ago. Along with the new godmother, Miss America Deshauna Barber, and country music star Carrie Underwood, the new ship was welcomed into the fleet in style. Carnival Vista will offer select sailings from New York before heading to her homeport of Miami, FL in December for regular Western and Eastern Caribbean sailings.

Cruise News November 6, 2016 – Carnival Vista, Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Adding Social Impact Excursions

As the popularity of Carnival Corporation’s Fathom cruises has increased, the company has now made it easier for other cruisers to give back while on vacation. The cruise line revealed a series of “social impact shore excursions” available across all the brands and ships that regularly stop at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. While stopped at this cruise line’s private island, travelers can opt to spend time ashore as part of volunteer activities that will aide and benefit the local community. Travelers on brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, and Princess Cruises (among others) can begin purchasing the tours later this month.

Majestic Princess Set to Get New Restaurant

Adding more flare and luxury to Princess Cruises’ ship built specifically for the Chinese Market, Majestic Princess will feature a brand new French restaurant. This is not just any specialty restaurant, as the menu and concept will be led by three star Michelin chef, Emmanuel Rant. Offering complimentary breakfast and lunch, with a cover charge for dinner, this French Bistro will be located in the ship’s atrium. Majestic Princess will be the only ship to boast restaurants from two Michelin starred chefs.

Cruise News November 6, 2016 – La Mer on Majestic Princess, Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Oasis Class Ships Meet at Sea

If you are a hardcore fan of mega-ships like us, then your eyes were probably glued to your computer this past Friday. That is because Royal Caribbean International broadcasted the first ever meet-up of the three largest cruise ships in the World– Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. The live stream on Facebook was also distributed by our friends at the Royal Caribbean Blog. Harmony of the Seas is currently sailing on her first trip from her new homeport of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She will share the port with Allure of the Seas, whereas Oasis of the Seas will now call Port Canaveral home.

Cruise News November 6, 2016 – 3 Oasis Class Ships, Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Adventure of the Seas Refurbishments Altered

Citing damage incurred by Hurricane Matthew, Royal Caribbean has decided to alter refurbishment plans for Adventure of the Seas. The ship was planned to receive several new updates at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Given the hurricane’s impact on the shipyard in September, the ship will set sail next week while work continues on the addition of Splashaway Bay and dual waterslides which are now expected to open in early December. The new multi-level mini-golf course and additional bar, Boleros, are expected to be open after dry dock, but several expected additional guest rooms and suites, as well as the Izumi Japanese steakhouse, will not be added to the ship after all.

Cruise News November 6, 2016 – Adventure of the Seas Docked in San Juan, PR

Celebrity Cruises Partners with The Wine Show

To provide guests sailing on the premium brand more exclusive options, Celebrity Cruises has partnered with the popular UK television show, The Wine Show. This newly formed partnership will include both onboard and ashore offerings for those with very delicate palettes. Embracing the Wine Show’s narrative approach to learning about wine, cruisers on select Celebrity Cruises can sign-up for enhanced vineyard shore excursions at certain ports of call. Back on the ship, the cruise line will deliver interactive wine tastings and will also host the presenters on a special cruise where they will give talks and demonstrations that will be open to all guests onboard.

Norwegian Bliss Steel Cutting

Wasting no time getting their newest ship up and ready, Norwegian Cruise Line cut steel on Norwegian Bliss. Setting sail in May of 2018, Norwegian Bliss will start her inagural season in Alaska, launching from Seattle, WA. While details of the Breakaway Plus sized ship are scant at this time, we look forward to learning more about the onboard amenities, restaurants, and activities on the largest ship to ever call Alaska home.

Comments

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