Another Carnival Ship North Americans Won't Be Sailing On

Because the day breaks earlier in Australia than it does in the US, our friends at Carnival Australia broke the news this morning of an addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet that won't be assigned to North American waters.

In a departure from the standard Carnival design, they will have neither any balcony staterooms nor water slide. Below is the press release they issued this morning:

Since our beginning, Carnival has been a pioneer in high seas travel. We are therefore proud to announce the newest vessel to our Australian fleet, a world-first in ocean tourism. Welcome to the next generation in cruising – Carnival Submarine.

Carnival Submarine is a totally immersive experience (literally!) that encapsulates everything unique about a traditional Carnival cruise combined with upgraded facilities and brand new additions to your favourite areas.

Your kids will love the newer, truer Camp Ocean, now with a full-length acrylic glass feature wall, transforming the space into an underwater aquarium. For fans of Alchemy Bar, why not pop in for one of two specially created cocktails: the Yellow Submarine and Deep Blue Sea. Afterwards, break out the bright colours for our newest theme night: Octopus’ Garden – bonus points for best sea creature inspiration. And for those who love the Green Thunder, be sure to try The Green Under – the fastest and steepest water-slide under the sea.

Carnival Submarine’s maiden voyage will be diving in January 2017. Be sure to book now for the world’s most innovative travel experience.

Carnival Submarine

Rendering courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

Of course April Fool's Day starts earlier in Australia than it does for those of us in the US.

First Pinnacle Delivered

Fincantieri delivered the 99,500-ton Koningsdam to Holland America this afternoon at their Marghera yard. M/S Koningsdam is the first of the Pinnacle class.

The papers were signed by Holland America president Orlando Ashford and shipyard Director Antonio Quintano, and that signaled for the flag change to take place where the Italian flag was lowered and the Dutch flag was raised for the first time. Koningsdam is registered in the Netherlands.

Main Dining Room aboard Koningsdam

HAL's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin in the Sel de Mer Restaurant aboard Koningsdam

Photos courtesy of Holland America Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Explorer to Be a Sister

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said today they have contracted with Fincantieri to build a sister to Seven Seas Explorer for their Regent Seven Seas brand.

The complete story appeared in the March 31 edition of Cruise News Daily

Any Port in a Storm

St. Croix hasn’t exactly had a teeming with cruise ships for some time, but local media on the island is reporting that the port is facing a summer without any cruise ship calls at all.

The US Virgin Island has no calls scheduled for June, July or August.

Details appeared in the March 31 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Almost Makes You Want to Live in China

Norwegian Cruise Line released details about Norwegian Joy which will join the fleet in the summer of 2017 and will be based in China year round. Why should you care since you don’t live in China?

The ship has more new features than usual, and some of them are really cool. You should care because many of them are probably going to show up on later Norwegian newbuilds, or some could likely be added to existing ships in future dry docks.

Details appeared in the March 30 edition of Cruise News Daily.

The two-level race track aboard Norwegian Joy

 Rendering courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.