If you weren’t able to keep up with all that happened in the world of cruise travel this week, we are here to give you complete coverage of all the notable updates. Hop on-board as we sail through cruise news June 12, 2016.

Cruise News June 12, 2016

Brand New Terminal Open in Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Line christened the newly revitalized cruise terminal at Port Canaveral cruise port. Carnival Valor was the first ship to embark from this updated terminal, sailing on an 8 night Caribbean cruise.  The largest cruise line operating from Port Canaveral, Carnival’s new terminal can now service larger ships and more passengers.

Cruise News June 12, 2016 – Terminal 5 Port Canaveral, © Carnival Cruise Line

Included in the $48 million dollar makeover is a longer pier and enhanced mobile passenger boarding bridges. The price tag also covers a brand-new, 1000+ space parking structure for those who commute to this port. With three ships sailing year round, and one ship sailing seasonally from Port Canaveral, Carnival serves some 650,000 cruisers a year from this port. Who is ready for a cruise from Port Canaveral?

Adventure of the Seas to Get Revitalized

After sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas last year, we sort of saw this one coming. However, our crystal ball would not be able to predict the amount of changes Royal Caribbean was going to make to the ship. A $61 million dollar Adventure of the Seas makeover was announced for when the ship enters dry dock in the fall of this year.

Cruise News June 12, 2016 – Adventure of the Seas docked in San Juan, PR

On the docket for this ship are a number of new experiences, restaurants, and even the addition of 100 cabins. The sports deck will be enhanced by adding a Flowrider surf simulator, two new water slides, and a children’s waterpark. Chops, the line’s signature steakhouse, the Izumi sushi house, and the Boleros Latin lounge will also be added to the ship. We might have to hop onboard and checkout these updates in 2017!

Norwegian Cruise Line Releases 2017-2018 Itineraries

More sailings have been made available for booking by Norwegian Cruise Line. The line released a series of new sailings and changes for the Fall/Winter 2017-2018 cruise season. Get ready for a few ship changes and some new homeports.

Cruise News June 12, 2016 – Norwegian Pearl docked in St. Lucia

One of the biggest updates from this reveal is the porting of Norwegian Jewel. This ship will call Australia her new home starting in November 2017 with cruises to other islands in the South Pacific, including Hawaii and French Polynesia. Norwegian Pearl is now set to sail 7 and 8 night Western Caribbean cruises from her new home in New Orleans starting in October 2017. Other new itineraries and ship changes were announced for the Norwegian Breakaway and the Norwegian Dawn, among others.

More Details Released on Queen Mary 2 Refit

The curtain has been pulled back on some of the work being done to Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Several media outlets were on hand to get personalized tours and see the updates being done to the ship. According to the tour given to the editors of Cruise Critic, Queen Mary 2 will receive many upgrades during her 3 week long dry dock.

Cruise News June 12, 2016 – Queen Mary Entering Dry Dock (source)

Along with the addition of solo cabins and more balcony rooms, a complete overhaul of the cruise ship’s buffet and redesign of popular casual restaurants are also being completed. A brand new wine room will be added, and there will be a complete redesign of the shopping on the ship, which will now feature the Princess’ favorite, Michael Kors, among other premium and luxury brands. The ship will re-enter service on June 23rd with all these updates.

TUI Discovery Sets Sail on her Maiden Voyage

After undergoing extensive changes during a 6 week, $11.2 million dollar makeover, the newest TUI cruise ship is set to sail. Formerly known as the Splendor of the Seas, the new TUI Discovery embarked on her first cruise this week. The fifth ship in the fleet, which will be home ported in Palma, Spain, adds many new features and amenities to this niche cruise brand.

TUI Discovery contains the largest proportion of balcony rooms for any Thomson cruise ship and is home to 7 restaurants and a modernized main theater. A smaller casino has given birth to the “Live Lounge” with a more upscale design and less of a focus on gaming. Major changes have also been made to the pool decks as well as the main dining rooms, ensuring that the ship is nothing like her predecessor.

Comments

Did we miss any cruise news that you found noteworthy last week? Which of these new stories are you looking forward to the most? Drop us an anchor below to let us know your thoughts.