Cruise News: August 17th 2024

Hi {{ First Name | Cruiser }}, Lots to cover this week, today’s poll is towards the bottom of the newsletter for your enjoyment.

Disney Treasure cruise ship floated out 🛳️ (2 minute read)

The Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, has completed its exterior at the Meyer Werft Shipyard and is set to debut in December. The recent float-out, a traditional maritime milestone, took place in Papenburg, Germany, drawing a crowd of spectators. The ship will feature themed interior venues inspired by Disney films such as Aladdin and Zootopia. The Treasure is part of a broader fleet expansion that includes the Disney Destiny, with attractions themed around Marvel and The Lion King.

SS United States Conservancy raises $150K amid relocation crisis 💰 (3 minute read)

The SS United States Conservancy has raised over $150,000 to relocate the historic ocean liner SS United States, launched in 1952, amid an eviction notice. Nearly 1,000 global supporters have contributed, with an anonymous donor offering additional significant funds if a new temporary berth is secured. The Conservancy is exploring various relocation options along the eastern seaboard and has engaged regional port authorities and government officials.

Royal Caribbean's new, original entertainment shows timeline ⏳ (6 minute read)

Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Entertainment, Christine Coachman, shares insights on creating original shows for their cruise ships. Typically, it takes about 18 months to develop a new production, drawing from an idea bank. The team has managed accelerated schedules for ships like Utopia of the Seas. While not every ship features original shows, the entertainment team aims to produce creative, unique experiences tailored to different ship itineraries and guest demographics.

P&O Cruises partners with Southampton FC for jerseys ⚽ (3 minute read)

P&O Cruises has partnered with Southampton Football Club as their official sleeve sponsor. The P&O Cruises logo will feature on the jerseys of the club's men’s, women’s, and academy teams. This collaboration, marking P&O Cruises' first sports sponsorship, includes exclusive benefits for guests and fans such as special cruise offers and match tickets. It underscores P&O Cruises' commitment to the local community and includes support for Saint’s Foundation, a charity focused on health, education, and equality.

Disney Cruise Line to expand fleet with new ships 🛳️ (3 minute read)

Disney Cruise Line plans to expand its fleet with four new ships by 2031, boosting its total count to 13 vessels. Announced at Disney's Horizons showcase, the new ships aim to enhance family cruising experiences. Highlights include the upcoming Disney Treasure and Destiny, offering unique themed productions. The expansion reflects Disney's strong demand, with a reported 97% occupancy rate in Q2 2024, reinforcing its commitment to family-oriented vacations at sea.

AIDAnova launches innovative autonomous cleaning robot 🤖 (3 minute read)

AIDAnova is the first ship in the AIDA Cruises fleet to feature a fully autonomous cleaning robot, developed by Kärcher Deutschland, designed for the outer decks. This advancement ensures cleanliness by preventing salt deposits, enhancing guest safety. The robot, part of Kärcher's initiative, allows cleaning staff to focus on other tasks. AIDAnova offers cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, with future itineraries planned for major European cities, marking a step forward in cruise industry automation.

Virgin Voyages offers unique solar eclipse cruises 🌒 (3 minute read)

Virgin Voyages will launch its "Eclipse Voyages" in 2026, designed around the solar eclipse on August 12. The itineraries include ports like Dublin, Iceland, and the Amalfi Coast. Passengers will enjoy special events, expert-led sessions, and amenities such as telescopes for optimal viewing. With 12 new ports introduced, these experiences signify a move towards longer exploratory cruises, catering to growing interest in astrotourism. Bookings start in August 2024 for enhanced travel opportunities.

Passenger uses luggage mat as blanket, goes viral 😂 (3 minute read)

A Carnival Cruise passenger's humorous use of a luggage mat as a blanket at the airport has gone viral, inspiring memes and jokes online. While intended to protect bedding from luggage dirt, the incident highlights the mat's versatility. Carnival's brand ambassador even chimed in, confirming a charge for the mat's removal. The event sparked laughter and raised awareness about the mats' importance in maintaining cabin cleanliness aboard the cruise line's numerous vessels.

Activists protest against cruise ships in Amsterdam 🪧 (5 minute read)

Dutch environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion blocked two cruise ships from entering Amsterdam by chaining themselves to a bridge. This protest disrupted Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas and Regent Seven Seas Mariner, causing significant delays. The group advocates for a new cruise tax to fund cleaner marine fuel. This action aligns with a growing anti-cruise sentiment across Europe, prompting warnings from cruise associations about itinerary adjustments due to increasing protests.

Princess Cruises unveils enhanced Premier package with drinks 🍹 (4 minute read)

Princess Cruises has enhanced its Premier Package, now offering unlimited drinks, specialty dining, and optimized Wi-Fi for $90 per person daily. Guests can enjoy unlimited beverages up to $20, including premium spirits and wines, as well as nightly meals at top dining venues. This inclusive package aims to elevate guest experiences and simplify cruise indulgence, setting a new standard in all-inclusive cruising as it becomes available across various locations starting August 16.

Today’s Poll:

Where do you prefer to dine on a ship?

choose your answer below

Buffet (Lido) Dining Room Speciality Restaurant

If you ever have any feedback or questions, please just hit reply. We do read them all.

Enjoy your weekend.

Olivia

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