The election may have dominated the television and social media channels recently, but there was still plenty happening in the world of cruising. This of course means that it is time for another dose of cruise news November 13, 2016. What better way to escape from the chaos of the past week than with a cruise vacation!

Cruise News November 13, 2016

Carnival Cruise Line Returns to Mobile, AL

Last week marked Carnival Cruises official return to the port of Mobile, AL. Carnival Fantasy cruised into her new homeport just a few days ago to some local fan fare. The ship will be hosting 4 and 5 night cruises to Mexico. Stops include Cozumel and Progresso, where travelers can trek to ancient Mayan ruins including Chichen Itza. Carnival Fantasy recently underwent a refurbishment and received a number of upgrades including a Guy’s Burger Joint and the Blue Iguana Cantina and Tequila Bar as well as the RedFrog Rum Bar.

Cruise November 13, 2016 – Carnival Fantasy in Alabama (Source)

Disembarking Made Easy With New Smartphone App

U.S. Customs and the cruise industry have finally entered the 21^st century. Starting just a few days ago, passengers disembarking ships at Port Everglades could use the new Mobile Passport Control Device. The app for your phone enables you to complete your Customs declarations electronically. Those opting to use the app are ushered into specific lines to speed the processing of their paperwork and customs requirements. Initial reactions are favorable, with cruisers indicating the app was easy to use and improved the often dreadful disembarkation procedures. The Princess and I will have to give this a try on our next sailing onboard Harmony of the Seas.

New Princess Cruise Ship Construction Begins

Princess Cruises is not slowing down. The company’s largest class of ship, the Royal Class, is getting another vessel.  After the fanfare surrounding Royal Princess and Regal Princess, and the excitement building over Majestic Princess debuting soon, the line recently cut steel on their fourth vessel in the class. Expect the ship to be similar to her older siblings but to still pack a few surprises under her hull. The ship is expected to be delivered in 2019; where she will spend her inaugural season, and eventually homeport, is not yet known.

Cruise News November 13, 2016 – Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Oceania Cruises in NYC Next Year

Variety is the spice of life. That might be why Oceania Cruises in changing things up in 2017. The line revealed their plans to be the only luxury cruise line to sail from NYC in 2017 and 2018. With an expected 20 sailings, Oceania Insignia will take cruisers up and down the eastern seaboard. With stops in Bermuda, New England and Canada, and of course the Caribbean, you will have plenty of options to choose from. With itineraries ranging from 10 to 14 days, travelers can pamper themselves as they sail along some of the most scenic coastlines of the Western Hemisphere.

Cruise News November 13, 2016 – NYC

Celebrity Cruises Calls Dublin Home in 2018

Yes, you read that headline correctly. In some surprising news, Celebrity Cruises announced that a Solstice class ship will be home-ported in Dublin, Ireland. This “mini-season” will occur between April and June 2018. It is unclear which of the five Solstice class ships will have the honor of sailing the British Isles. Itineraries have not been announced yet either, but a total of five cruises, carrying over 14,000 passengers, are expected to occur during the two month period.  The Princess and I will be keeping our eyes on these cruises very closely.  After all, we do only have one 2018 cruise booked so far!

MS Koningsdam Arrives in Florida

Holland America’s largest and newest ship, MS Koningsdam, arrived in Florida this past week after completing a transatlantic sailing from Europe. Appealing to both families and more seasoned travelers, the ship offers a variety of firsts for the cruise line. Debut features include family cabins alongside staterooms built for solo travelers, an entertainment venue with a 270 degree digital backdrop, an outdoor movie theater, and several restaurants. The ship will host a variety of Caribbean sailings before returning back to Europe for another six month season cruising the Mediterranean.

Cruise News November 13, 2016 – Photo Courtesy of Holland America Lines

Grand Bahamas is Open Again For Cruises

After experiencing some damage due to Hurricane Mathew, the Grand Bahamas is ready for cruise travelers once again. The Freeport, Bahamas cruise terminal was open and accepting ships early last week. Carnival Cruises’ Carnival Valor was the first ship to return to the island since the storm, which disrupted services and caused damage to the terminal and pier.

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