Santorini’s Cruise Crisis, Solar Eclipse Voyages, and Exciting New Cruise Developments 🛳️
Santorini overwhelmed by cruise tourism, plans restrictions 🚢 (3 minute read)
Santorini's 15,500 residents were advised to stay indoors as 11,000 cruise ship tourists flooded the island, leading to severe overcrowding. Santorini officials, including Mayor Nikos Zorzos, stressed the importance of reinstating a cap of 8,000 cruise passengers per day starting in 2025 to preserve the island's appeal. High-ranking officials discussed the pressing need to limit cruise arrivals, citing previous efforts that reduced peak tourist days from 63 to 48 within a year.
Holland America Line's Solar Eclipse Cruises in 2026 🌘 (4 minute read)
Holland America Line will offer special cruises to view the 2026 total solar eclipse, not visible from the U.S. These cruises include a 35-day voyage on the Zuiderdam from Boston, a 28-day trip on the Nieuw Statendam from Dover or Rotterdam, and a 13-day journey on the Oosterdam from Lisbon to Greece. The cruises will feature prime viewing locations, lectures, and themed activities, with bookings opening July 31.
Royal Caribbean expands note offering to $2 billion 🛳️ (1 minute read)
Royal Caribbean Cruises has increased its note offering to $2 billion from an initial $1.5 billion. The 6.000% senior unsecured notes are due in 2033, with issuance expected around August 12, 2024. Proceeds from this sale, combined with borrowings, will be used to redeem existing high-interest Senior Notes due in 2029. This move aims to optimize the company’s debt structure amid evolving market conditions.
Carnival revives original fries at Guy’s Burger Joint 🍟 (4 minute read)
Carnival Cruise Line is reverting to its original hand-cut fries at Guy’s Burger Joint fleet-wide following numerous guest requests. The change was confirmed by John Heald, the Brand Ambassador. Guy’s Burger Joint, introduced in 2011 in collaboration with chef Guy Fieri, became highly popular with over 10.5 million burgers served in 2023. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line is responding to other food requests, such as offering Funfetti Cheesecake fleet-wide and removing restrictions on loyalty drink perks.
Juneau approves controversial fifth cruise ship dock amid protests ⚓ (4 minute read)
The article discusses the approval of a fifth cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau, Alaska, despite local protests. Activist Karla Hart had challenged the project on public health and safety grounds, but the challenge has been settled, and the project moves forward. Proposed by Huna Totem, the dock will include parking, retail space, and more. The project named Aak’w Landing aims to boost local economic development and is expected to be completed in phases by 2027.
Disney unveils Marvel-themed Disney Destiny cruise ship 🚢 (7 minute read)
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled new Marvel-themed features for its upcoming ship, Disney Destiny. The ship's Grand Hall atrium will showcase a statue of Black Panther amidst Wakanda-inspired decor. Additionally, a Doctor Strange-themed lounge and an Iron Man-inspired Tower Suite are set to captivate guests. The stern will feature Spider-Man, marking the first Marvel character to adorn a Disney cruise ship aft. Disney Destiny is slated to begin voyages in late 2025 from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale.
Margaritaville at Sea Expands Free Cruises for Heroes 🚢 (2 minute read)
Margaritaville at Sea is expanding its "Heroes Sail Free" program, offering free double-occupancy cabins to U.S. military, police, firefighters, EMS, nurses, and educators on all 2024-25 sailings. This includes new destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Originally launched in 2022 with GovX.com for once-a-year sailings, the program now provides unlimited sailings. Eligible heroes also receive a 20% discount on bookings when free cabins are unavailable.
Alaska Railroad approves $137M Seward cruise port project 🚢 (4 minute read)
The Alaska Railroad has approved a $137 million project to build a new cruise ship port in Seward, set to open by 2026. This plan, developed with The Seward Company, includes a large floating dock and a terminal building. Supported by Royal Caribbean's 30-year commitment, the project promises significant economic impacts, reducing carbon emissions through a proposed shoreside electricity project. Construction will start this autumn, ensuring minimal disruption to the cruise season.
