Things Have Changed in Bermuda

Things have changed in Bermuda. There was a time when the island had more cruise business than it could handle and they were choosy about which cruise lines they let in and which they didn't. They only wanted the “right” kind of vacationer. Then cruise lines from the Northeast discovered other destinations. After a few very lean years, Bermuda is now excited when their cruise business grows, and it is open to just about any line that schedules a call.

That said, the government released the 2018 port schedule for cruise calls and they are excited the business is growing, particularly in the off-season.

The complete story appeared in the December 28 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 28, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Upgrades that were made at Palm Beach while Grand Celebration was away
• Norwegian gets their way in Miami
• The cruise ship most historians forgot

Details appeared in the December 28 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Call Them Maybe, If You Want to Go to Mexico and Be Entertained

Carnival has a “last-minute” addition to their Carnival Live lineup, and it will take the program in a new direction - for one-time only. The program provides big-name entertainment in a much more intimate venue than these performers normally work - and at a very affordable price.

Carnival has signed Carly Rae Jepsen to appear aboard Carnival Splendor during the February 17 seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach.

The complete story appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 27, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• A somewhat unusual medevac from Vision of the Seas
• The new Shakira commercial for Costa debuting on Italian television. The video is below.

Details appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Smiling Down Under

Carnival's AIDA brand, which markets solely in German-speaking countries, reached a milestone this week when AIDAcara became the first AIDA ship to visit Australia when it docked in Sydney on Wednesday (but in Germany it was still Tuesday).

Details appeared in the December 22 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Photo courtesy of AIDA Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

What Else Is There to Say?

We've seen a lot of MSC Seaside already, and yesterday the new ship arrived at her new home in Miami, and last night she was officially named there by aging screen legend Sophia Loren.

The accompanying show was partially broadcast on various social media platforms so fans could see the naming worldwide.

Captain Scala, Sophia Loren and Pierfrancesco Vago Cut the Ribbon to Officially Inaugurate MSC Seaside.

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas from Germany

Earlier this week the 2017 AIDA Christmas video arrived! Christmas in Germany must be a little different from the “old world” Christmas many imagine.

The song was composed by German entertainer, and AIDA regular, Wayne Morris (who performs it in the video). This could become a Christmas standard. Move over Darlene Love!  (Yes, it's available on Amazon and iTunes.)

The important thing is that everyone seems to be having fun, and the message is “Love and Peace to Everyone Wherever You Are.” Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!

The Norwegian Summer

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced their summer 2019 programs and opened them for sale.

The complete story appeared in the December 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.  

How to Build a Section of a Cruise Ship - in Just about a Minute

Earlier this month we told you about a section of AIDAnova being floated out of the covered building dock at Meyer Werft. AIDA has now given use time-lapse video of how that section was built from the individual blocks.

Also included is footage of the LNG engine room that was built in Rostock and towed to Papenburg, being floated in.

Video is courtesy of AIDA Cruises. All rights reserved.

Princess to Continue Japan Programs

Princess Cruises is continuing to dominate in the Japanese market both for Japan-sourced passengers and for their core North American customers who want the unique experience of touring Japan with Japanese passengers who are touring their own country.

The line said for the sixth consecutive year, Diamond Princess will return to Japan in 2019. Next year the ship will operate a March to November season with 60 sailings on 40 unique itineraries.

The complete story appeared in the December 20 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Beyond the Sea with Shakira

Shakira is set to reprise her role as international superstar spokesperson for Costa cruises.

As with last year's television spots, this year's is highly anticipated and will be unusual and completely different from last year's.

Details appeared in the December 21 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Below is a preview of the ad which will begin airing on December 25 in Italy. 

Mexico, Ahoy!

Another line has decided to try to cultivate the Mexico-sourced market for cruises on the Mexican Riviera. This time it's UK-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages, and they will operate in Mexico as Cruceros Maritimos Vacacionales with the 46,000-ton Magellan, which was originally Carnival's 1985-built Holiday.

The program will begin during the winter of 2019.

The complete story appeared in the December 19 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Vancouver Closes out Cruise Season

Star Princess departed Vancouver last Saturday (December 16) to end the port's 2017 cruise season. The same ship, which was homeported in Vancouver this year, also was the first cruise ship to sail and begin the season, making it one of the longest seasons on record.

Details appeared in the December 19 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Shore Excursion Bus Crash Kills at Least 12

A tour bus carrying passengers from Celebrity Equinox and Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas flipped on its side this morning on a two-lane highway en route from the port at Costa Maya to the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben, near the village of Mahahual. Twelve people reportedly died (11 passengers and the tour guide) and the other 16 passengers reportedly were injured to some degree.

The complete story appeared in the December 19 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

A Big Surprise

Carnival Corp is going to produce another television series in their stable of six shows with a cruise theme. This one will be a “Gran Sorpresa” because this time the show is produced in conjunction with Univision.

The show will also be the first Carnival-produced series that is aimed at prime time. “La Gran Sorpresa” will air on Univision on Sundays at 8pm ET/PT beginning January 7.

The complete story appeared in the December 18 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Two More, Please - They're Small

Fincantieri says that Viking Ocean Cruises has finalized the contracts for the seventh and eighth ships in the series they are building for the line. These two ships will be delivered in 2019 and 2021.

At the same time the line took the opportunity to exercise the options they held for two more of the 47,800-ton ships. These will be the ninth and tenth in the series.

Details appeared in the December 18 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Coming (Back) Soon

Carnival Fascination is under charter to FEMA housing people who are repairing the infrastructure on St. Croix. The charter will end in February and the ship will return to regular service sailing weekly from San Juan beginning February 18.

Prior to its return, it will undergo a two-week dry dock (February 4-17), and Carnival just detailed the facilities and features that will be added during the multi-million-dollar project.

The complete story appeared in the December 15 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 15, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• The DeHoop yard laying the keel for Celebrity Flora. The ship will be used for the line's cruises in the Galapagos beginning in May, 2019. A photo is below. 
• Carnival Breeze failing its latest US Public Health inspection
• Viking Sun setting off on Viking's first world cruise
• A family finding a hidden video camera in their cabin aboard Carnival Fantasy. 

Details can be found in the December 15 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Executives from Celebrity and DeHoop gathered at the yard for the keel laying of Celebiry Flora. The 49-ton block
can be seen behind the executives. 

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

When It's Cold and Slushy Outside, It's the Best Time to Crack Open a Refreshing Can of the Caribbean

It takes a lot to get the attention of blase New Yorkers. That's why Carnival Cruise line resorted to a really unusual promotion when they wanted to get the attention of New Yorkers earlier this week.

That's why Carnival set up a heated tent in Manhattan's Greeley Square Park. In it they put a steel drum band, piped in scents typical of the Caribbean (coconut, Puerto Rican coffee, etc.) and a very special vending machine.

The complete story appeared in the December 14 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

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

Back in Business

The island of Puerto Rico announced that they have fully reopened for business following Hurricane Maria, just in time for the winter season to start on December 20.

The Puerto Rican Tourism Company reports that more than 100 hotels are open, and more than 4,000 restaurants across the island are serving meals.

Details appeared in the December 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Bahamas Paradise Line Sets Plans for Return to Service

Bahamas Paradise Line has detailed the enhancements customers will find aboard Grand Celebration when it returns from its three-month charter to FEMA and plans they have for their second ship when it joins the fleet in April.

The complete story appeared in the December 13 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Seeing Stars

Some cruise lines' naming ceremonies are short and businesslike: A speech by an executive, a blessing, a snip of a ribbon by the godmother, and a bottle of champagne that breaks. But when MSC names a ship, it becomes an event, a spectacular event with entertainment - with a capital “E.”

MSC just released the lineup for MSC Seaside's naming ceremony, and this is definitely going to be worth tuning in for (live on Facebook).

Details appeared in the December 12 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The Pieces Come Together

The huge stern section of AIDAnova was floated out of the covered building dock at Meyer Werft on Monday to make room for the next equally-sized section. This 120-meter-long section contains the first engine room that arrived at the Papenburg yard last month after being towed there from Meyer's yard in Rostock.

The complete story appeared in the November 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Stern section of AIDAnova floated out December 11, 2017

Stern section before float out 

Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 12, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Eurodam's 13th consecutive perfect score on its US Public Health Inspection
• A crew member aboard Noordam being arrested on a charge or raping another crew member. 

Details appeared in the December 12 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

After Great Consideration ...

Princess thought it over, and they're going back to Europe in 2019. They will open their 2019 summer European season on Thursday. The program will again see Princess with ships sailing from the British Isles and Ireland, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Details appeared in the December 11 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Overboard from Vision of the Seas

A crew member aboard Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas did not report for work last Friday, and it was determined he went overboard just after 6pm Friday.

The complete story appeared in the December 11 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 11, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Peter Shanks is returning to the cruise sector.
• Updates on people waiting for trial

Details appeared in the December 11 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

What Do You Buy a Cruise Line for Their 50th Anniversary?

It's only a matter of days until the holidays and you know what that means? Right. It's time to start thinking about Alaska. No, not next summer, silly - in 2019.

It's going to be a special year because it's Princess' 50th anniversary there, and they are making it their largest deployment ever.

The complete story appeared in the December 8 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 8, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Silver Cloud makes first expedition call at Antarctica
• "The Greatest Showman" made its world premier aboard Queen Mary 2 tonight. Video from the red carpet is below.
• Last night, MSC and Port Miami celebrated the completion of the new Terminal F which will be used by MSC Seaside when it arrives in its new home port on December 21 and by MSC Divina. 

Details appeared in the December 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.



Video courtesy of Cunard Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Fanning the Flames

It's been no secret that at first it was kind of a bumpy ride for Carnival Cruise Line in Charleston. In general, the community welcomed them with open arms and is supportive and appreciates the positive impact they have on the region. There is a very vocal minority in Charleston that doesn't want cruise ships there, citing primarily the traffic, the noise, the pollution, the negative impact on tourism, and so forth, because of all the extra people in town on cruise days.

On the other hand, the Charleston market has been a very strong one for Carnival. Despite the haters, lots of people within driving distance of the city like to cruise. With that in mind, Carnival lobbed a bomb into Charleston today when they announced that is thrilling cruisers and most people that appreciate Carnival's impact, but it's sure to inflame the haters. In May 2019 Carnival will be replacing Carnival Ecstasy with the significantly larger (and more feature-rich) Carnival Sunshine.

The complete story appeared in the December 7 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 7, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Royal Caribbean declaring a quarterly dividend
• Carnival going to the Melbourne Cup
• NCLH moving to the NYSE

Details appeared in the December 7 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Floating near Venice

Fincantieri launched Holland America's Nieuw Statendam today at their Marghera yard near Venice.

A number of ceremonial events occurred today in anticipation of the ship actually being towed out of the dry dock on December 21.

The complete story appeared in the December 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Anne Marie Bartels, one of the line's most traveled passengers, was chosen as the madrina.

The madrina christened the ship before flooding the dry dock.

Water rushing into the dry dock and touching the ship's hull for the first time.

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

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 6, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Cunard webcasting the red carpet events from Queen Mary 2 preceding the world premier of the film "The Greatest Showman" aboard the ship. 
• Seabourn adding K+M chocolate to their nightly turndown service. 

Details appeared in the December 6 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

For Those Who Want to Stay Closer to Home

Princess must finally have enough ships. It used to be that when asked why they don't have a summer Caribbean program, they would say they don't have enough ships to leave any there year round. They must therefore finally have enough ships, because the line announced to that they will again have a summer Caribbean program in 2019.

Details appear in the December 5 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

I Love a Parade

Carnival Cruise Line is turning the clock back a bit and reviving a cruise ship tradition and bringing back something passengers have missed over the last few years. The Baked Alaska Parade is coming back to main dining room. It was a tradition that was set aside when the flexible dining options were introduced a few years ago. Now the special dessert will return to the menu and be paraded through the dining room by a line of waiters before it is presented to the passengers and devoured within a minute or two.

That's only one item of a host of dining updates Carnival is rolling out across their fleet.

The complete story appeared in the December 5 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Something Extra for NYC

It was previously announced that MSC would expand their presence in the US market and the Caribbean during the winter of 2019 by bringing MSC Meraviglia to Miami. Today the line announced that on the way to Miami, MSC Meraviglia will visit New York and have three sailings from there during the fall of 2019.

Two will mark MSC's first-ever fall foliage cruises to the Northeast, and the last will cruise to the Caribbean and reposition the ship to Miami. They will also mark MSC's first-ever sailings from New York.

The complete story appeared in the December 4 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 4, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Who are the Scared Weird Little Guys and where can you see them
• MSC Seaside left Trieste and is currently making its way to Miami. MSC sent us some B-roll of the ship's sea trials and a quick walk around the ship's stunning interior. We edited it into a video so you can see just how striking this ship is - inside and out. The video is below. (There is no audio.)

Details appeared in the December 4 edition of Cruise News Daily.



Video courtesy of MSC Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Carnival Names Third Vista-Class Ship

Carnival Cruise Line has chosen Carnival Panorama as the name for its third Vista-class ship which will enter service in November 2019.

The 133,500-ton ship will be a sister to Carnival Vista, which entered service last year, and Carnival Horizon which will enter service on April 2.

Details appeared in the December 1 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Two Costa Ships Upgraded and Ready for the Caribbean

Costa Magica and Costa Pacifica are getting major upgrades during their regular dry docks prior to beginning their winter Caribbean seasons. The work was just completed in Marseille on Costa Magica on November 25, and Costa Pacifica's will run from November 26 to December 7.

Most of the upgrading will be in the ships restaurants and wellness areas. New digital signage is also being introduced.

The complete story appeared in the December 1 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Costa Magica in dry dock at Marseille

Photo courtesy of Costa Crociere. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 1, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Ovation of the Seas moving to Alaska
• Costa's program to feed children in need in Italy is expanding
• Another piece of AIDAnova is ready for towing, and it will be exactly one year to the day when the ship enters service. 

Details appeared in the December 1 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Sture Myrmell Appointed President Of Carnival Australia In Expanded Role

December 1, 2017 - Carnival plc. announced today that P&O Cruises' Sture Myrmell would expand his role to include regional responsibility for the organisation's shared services group which supports all the global brands in this market.

Currently President of P&O Cruises Australia, Mr Myrmell will broaden his remit to become the regional President of Carnival Australia, which is the umbrella entity that supports the seven brands sailing in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Myrmell's appointment is effective immediately. Mr Myrmell will report to Jan Swartz, Group President Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia. Carnival Australia is overseen by the Carnival plc UK Management Committee.

Carnival Australia is the only cruise organisation to have ships based year round in Australia with P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line with an 85-year, 40-year and five-year history respectively in this market. Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O UK also have proud histories sailing in this region.

The role has been open after Ann Sherry, who celebrated 10 years at the helm of Carnival Australia earlier this year, decided to step back from day-to-day operations to take on the part-time Executive Chairman role. She will continue in this role advocating on major industry issues.
"In addition to his responsibilities as the head of P&O Cruises Australia, Sture will lead the local shared services team that provides regional support across a number of internal and external functions for the business," Ms Swartz said.

"Sture has done an outstanding job as President of P&O Cruises Australia ensuring the brand reflects the energy of modern Australia, and this most recent appointment reinforces the strength of the local environment and Carnival Corporation and plc's commitment to the region."

Mr Myrmell has been in global cruising with Carnival Corporation and plc for nearly 25 years, including the past 10 years at P&O Cruises Australia where he has been key to the brand's evolution to a contemporary product that reflects modern Australia.

Prior to Carnival Australia, Mr Myrmell spent almost 15 years with Princess Cruises in California and Cunard Line and Seabourn in Florida, covering positions in Food & Beverage, Hotel Operations, New-build and Product Development. Sture first started his career at sea with Cunard.

Source: Carnival Corp

Royal Caribbean Expanding Cuban Programs in 2018

Royal Caribbean International is expanding their offerings to Cuba next year, and the expansion will open a variety of Cuban ports to the mass market from South Florida.

At the same time they will continue their program from Tampa with a classic ship that hasn't sailed from Tampa before.

Details appeared in the November 30 issue of Cruise News Daily. 

Mary Is a Grand Old Name and So Is Sky

Princess Cruises said today that its fourth Royal-class ship will be named Sky Princess, and it will debut in the Mediterranean in October 2019.

The complete story appeared in the November 30 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 30, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Carnival's return to San Juan today
• The end of the hurricane season

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

MSC Seaside Delivered and Liked So Much They Are Ordering Two More

MSC took delivery today, in Monfalcone, of MSC Seaside, the largest ship Fincantieri has ever built. At the same time, the line took the opportunity to order two additional Seaside-class ships, but these will be an evolution of the design that is slightly larger, designated Seaside EVO.

The complete story appeared in the November 29 edition Cruise News Daily. 

Seaside EVO

Testing the world's longest zipline at sea aboard MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside's atrium

Rendering and photos courtesy of MSC Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Norwegian Likes Men

Bucking centuries of tradition, Norwegian Cruise Line has chosen yet another man to christen their next ship, Norwegian Bliss. The line today said nationally-syndicated radio personality Elvis Duran will be the godfather of Norwegian Bliss.

Mr. Duran is the award-winning New York-based host of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” which he's hosted since 1996.

Details appeared in the November 29 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Elvis Duran (left) and Andy Stuart

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

An Entertaining Opportunity

If you want to enjoy the best of the best and all of it on one cruise, you have four months to arrange your schedule.

Princess just announced the finalists in their annual Entertainer of the Year contest, and the finals when the lucky passengers will get to see all four of them perform (and vote for their choice) will be Regal Princess on March 25.

Details appeared in the November 28 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Building the “Gas Station” for Carnival's New Ships

Earlier this month we told you that Shell had been selected by Carnival to supply Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to their next generation ships which will be based in Florida beginning in 2020. To do it, Shell is going to charter a ship from Wartsila. Now Wartsila has to have the very specialized vessel built, and that's what they announced today.

The complete story appeared in the November 28 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The Wartsila ATB that will be chartered to Shell to supply LNG to Carnival ships in Florida

Rendering courtesy of Wartsila. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 27, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Carnival offering Faster to the Fun in Australia
• CLIA lines may be dropping ports in Spain
• Norwegian Gem returns

Details appeared in the November 27 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

AIDAperla Begins LNG Operation in the Med

AIDAperla has been cleared to begin regular operations on its Mediterranean program using LNG (Liquified Natural Gas). It will be cut over gradually over the next several weeks. It will be fueled with LNG in Barcelona, Marseille and Civitavecchia. Carnival is currently in discussion with officials in Palma de Mallorca to be able to fuel there also.

The complete story appeared in the November 27 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Costa Deliziosa Ready for the Caribbean

Costa Deliziosa is on its way to Florida for its annual series of Caribbean cruises. After its initial seven-night holiday cruises, The ship will then spend the rest of the winter operating longer ten-night cruises from Ft. Lauderdale.

The complete story appeared in the November 22 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'd Like to Know - November 22, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Silver Cloud experienced a fuel pump failure on its inaugural expedition cruise and it had to be canceled. The next cruise is expected to operate as scheduled on December 1. 
• Delivery of MSC Seaside is only about a week away. It has returned from its third sea trial, and in the video below we have a short interview with MSC Cruises' executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago where he talks about the unusual design of MSC Seaside. The interview was shot aboard the ship during the sea trial. Showing a little more of the unfinished ship is an interview with Gary Glading, MSC's Head of Entertainment, who discusses the array of entertainment options that will be available aboard MSC Seaside. In the video he shows you the venues which are still being completed. 

Details appeared in the November 22, edition of Cruise News Daily.

Something to Remember Your Cruise By

Remember when a souvenir of your cruise used to be a coffee mug, a tee-shirt or a key chain? (Those who really wanted to splurge brought home an officer.)

Now people want to come home with something from Swarovski, Effy or Victoria's Secret to remember the trip, and Carnival is moving to accommodate them.

The complete story appeared in the November 21 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Cheaper by the Boatload

The US Coast Guard performed a rare double medevac today from Coral Princess shortly after it left Port Everglades.

Details appeared in the November 21 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Let Us Entertain You

MSC Cruises has never been short on entertainment, especially in the Caribbean. They've always brought something different to the market. The arrival of MSC Seaside in Miami will be no different.

People who haven't cruised before often worry they will be bored because there will be nothing to do. They hardly need to worry about that on MSC Seaside. From what MSC says about their plans for entertainment, there is going to be a huge variety of shows and types of entertainment, something for almost everyone, in addition to lots of “things” passengers will find entertaining.

The complete story appeared in the November 20 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The Simple Life

Norwegian Cruise Line has made a change to make booking provisions consistent among all the accommodation categories on their ships.

Details appeared in the November 20 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Silver Cloud Begins Her New Life

Silversea's Silver Cloud is just back from a $40 million refurbishment, and rather than this on being about new dining options and new furnishings, this one is about thickening the hull and places to carry Zodiacs. During this dry dock, the ultra-luxury ship was made into a luxurious expedition ship.

This week Silver Cloud departed on its first expedition cruise from Buenos Aires to Antarctica.

Even though Silver Cloud was made more rugged to go to more extreme climes, it lost none of its ultra-luxury in the process.

The complete story appeared in the November 17 edition of Cruise News Daily.

The conversion of Silver Cloud to an expedition ship

Photos courtesy of Silversea Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Carnival to Increase Capacity on Short Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line is getting some new ships between now and 2019, so you know what that means? Right! The Great Carnival Ship Shuffle is on again. This time they are shuffling larger ships into position in Galveston and New Orleans to operate their short cruises.

Details appeared in the November 16 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Celebrity Building New Ship for the Galapagos

Celebrity Cruises is upgrading their Galapagos product with a newbuild that's the first ship ever purpose-built for cruising the Galapagos. The 5,739 ton ship may seem tiny compared to Celebrity's other ships, but it will be the largest ship in the Galapagos.

The ship will be named Celebrity Flora, and it is currently under construction at the De Hoop shipyard in the Netherlands with delivery planned for May 2019.

The complete story appeared in the November 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.

MSC Celebrates Two Building Milestones at STX France

There was lots happening in France today, as two major events were coming down for MSC Cruises at the STX France yard in Saint-Nazaire. Then MSC threw in another piece of news just for good measure.

The complete story appeared in the November 15 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 15, 2017

CND subscribers also ready about:

• Changes in major stockholders' stakes at NCLH
• A fatal accident at Meyer Werft

Details appeared in the November 15 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Rapunzel to Have New Disney Restaurant - and Hopefully Hairnet

Next March when Disney Magic returns from dry dock, it's going to have three new features.

The big new feature is going to be Rapunzel's Royal Table, inspired by Disney's “Tangled.”

The complete story appeared in November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 14, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• A family who will be the only passengers aboard their ship
• In New Orleans, there's enough room for everyone 

Details appeared in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Miami Becomes Record-Setter

Port Miami reports more than 5.3 million cruise passengers passed through the port in their last fiscal year (2016/2017) which ended September 30. That's not only a record for the port, but also a world record.

The complete story appeared in the November 13 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 13, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• You can buy happiness aboard AIDA
• Meyer Turku installing a new heavy lifting crane

Details appeared in the November 13 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The lifting process began on Friday.

The process was completed on Sunday. The crane now has a height of 120 meters.

Photos courtesy of  Meyer Turku. All rights reserved. May not not be copied or used without express permission. 

You Won't Recognize the Place

Carnival Corp has completed a multi-million-dollar redesign of Terminal 2 for their Princess brand at Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades.

The complete story appeared in the November 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Photos courtesy of Carnival Corp. All rights reserved. Many not be copied or used without express permission. 

More Power to Royal Caribbean

Canadian clean-energy specialists Ballad Power Systems has delivered a 100-kilowatt fuel cell to ABB Marine for use partially powering one of Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon-class ships.

The fuel cell at first will be used to power the ship's hotel needs while in port.

Details appeared in the November 10 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Changes in Carnivals Marine Ops Department

Martin Landtman, Senior Vice President Marine Operations, For Carnival Cruise Line to retire;

Gus Antorcha, Ben Clement and Mark Jackson Promoted;

Norbert Dean Hired as Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain

MIAMI (Nov. 10, 2017) – Martin Landtman, senior vice president of marine operations for Carnival Cruise Line, will retire in 2018. Having spent seven years leading Carnival’s marine and new shipbuilding operations, Landtman will remain in his current role until a successor is named, and will stay on to support the transition. A search for his replacement currently is underway. Carnival has also announced some restructuring of Landtman's organization, along with several key promotions and a new appointment.

Gus Antorcha, previously executive vice president, guest operations, has been given an expanded role and promoted to chief operating officer for Carnival Cruise Line, reporting to Carnival President Christine Duffy. Antorcha oversees hotel operations, port operations, guest care, shipboard recruiting, travel operations, new builds and refurbishments, along with a new shared services function for both the marine and hotel operations groups.

Ben Clement has been promoted to senior vice president, new builds, refurbishments and product innovation, reporting to Antorcha. Clement joined Carnival Cruise Line in 1997 in the technical services area and progressed through several management positions with increasing responsibility in hotel operations and shipbuilding prior to his current role.

Mark Jackson has been promoted to senior vice president, technical operations. His responsibilities include marine technical operations, cross-brand technical innovation and environmental operations. Jackson currently reports to Landtman.

Norbert Dean will join Carnival Cruise Line as vice president, strategic sourcing and supply chain, reporting to Jim Heaney, chief financial officer and senior vice president. Dean brings a wealth of executive leadership experience in sourcing, supply chain and shared services from top travel and consumer brand companies including the Walt Disney Company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and the Sony Corporation. Dean is slated to begin Nov. 27.

“On behalf of everyone at Carnival Cruise Line, I wish to extend our thanks and congratulations to Martin on his well-deserved retirement,” said Duffy. “He has guided Carnival’s marine operations function through tremendous growth and transition, and we are greatly indebted to him. “I also congratulate Gus on his expanded role and Ben and Mark on the new responsibilities they are taking on with their promotions,” Duffy added. “Each of them has proven to be an exceptional leader and asset to our company, and we look forward to their continued contributions in their new positions.”

“Additionally, we are extremely pleased to have Norbert Dean joining the organization. His proven track record and strong depth of experience in the sourcing and procurement arena will be of tremendous value in this very important area of our operations,” Duffy added.

Source: Carnival Cruise Line

Caribbean Princess First Mega-Liner Through the Canal

If it were a race, there would have been a tape across the end of the Panama Canal, and someone would have hung a big gaudy medal around the bow of Caribbean Princess last week. On October 26, Caribbean Princess became the first mega-cruise ship to transit the newly expanded “Neo-Panamax” Locks of the Panama Canal.

Details appeared in the November 9 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Caribbean Princess in the new, larger locks of the Panama Canal.

Photo and video courtesy of Princess Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

The Service Station Will Go to Them

Carnival Corp has signed an agreement with Shell to provide LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) to power the two Carnival LNG-powered ships that will be based in North America. They will go into service in 2020 and 2022.

Shell will do it with an LNG Bunker Barge, which can move anywhere in the Southeast US where the ships are. It is equivalent to being able to move a service station to wherever the high traffic area is.

The complete story appeared in the November 9 edition of Cruise News Daily.

The LNG Bunker Barge chartered by Shell to service the Carnival ships at Port Everglades

Rendering courtesy of Shell LNG. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Spectrum of the Seas Takes Shape

Meyer Shipyards laid the keel today for Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas at their Neptune Weft at Rostock. Spectrum will be the first of the Quantum-Ultra class, a progression of Royal Caribbean's successful Quantum-class. When completed, it will have a gross tonnage of 168,800 tons and carry approximately 4,200 passengers.

Details appeared in the November 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Meyer and Royal Caribbean executives in front of the massive 938-ton first block of Spectrum of the Seas

Azipod Troubles End Norwegian Gem Cruise at Barbados

If you are currently sailing aboard Norwegian Gem which left New York on October 31, you are having a nice cruise, but you haven't been anywhere you started out to go. First it was September hurricanes that closed your original ports, now things are changing because of problems with one Azipod that is keeping the ship from cruising at normal speeds.

The complete story appeared in the November 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Taking Horizon out for a Spin

Carnival Horizon successfully completed its final sea trials earlier this week, and has returned to the Fincantieri yard at Marghera.

Details appeared in the November 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.

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

Best Price and They Guarantee It

Holland America wants you to book your shore excursion with them. Their new line of EXC Tours now has a Best Price Guarantee.

The guarantee applies on all ships and all itineraries except in Asia.

Details appear in the November 7 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Ships Flocking Back to St. Thomas

Ships are hurrying back to “everybody's favorite port,” St. Thomas. Reopening to regular traffic on November 3 following repairs to damage from the September storms, the port finds 25 ships have scheduled calls during the balance of the month.

The complete story appeared in the November 7 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 7, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Nassau considering a change of port operators
• AIDA begins expanded winter Caribbean season

Details appeared in the November 7 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Something Extra for Silversea Passengers

If it's possible to get “more all-inclusive” then ultra luxury line Silversea just got “more all-inclusive” - at least in the Caribbean - at least for a while.

Silversea is offering a free shore excursion in every port in the Caribbean this winter for Silver Muse and Silver Wind passengers.

Details appeared in the November 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.

A Little Growth

Port Everglades is reporting only slight growth in their cruise passenger number for fiscal year 2017.

The South Florida port posted only a 2% increase in multi-day cruise passengers for a total of 3,738,252 passengers.

Details appeared in the November 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Where in the World is David Hasselhoff?

Here's a thought most people have at least once a week over their morning coffee: What do suppose David Hasselhoff is doing right now?

If you just thought about that today and fantasized that he was sailing aboard Costa Favolosa right now, you'd be correct! He boarded in Savona on Saturday with more than 600 fans who are thrilled to spend five days in the western Mediterranean with Hasselhoff.

The complete story appeared in the November 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Photos courtesy of Costa Crociere. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Private Islands Aren't Just for Caribbean Cruises Anymore

Private islands and self-contain resorts have become a staple of the American cruise industry. Genting Cruise Lines announced today they will develop a private island in Asia (their home base) for their brands in Myanmar. The Lonely Planet travel guide selected Myanmar (the former Burma) as one of the top ten countries to visit in 2017.

Plans call for the development of a facility on MacLeod Island for the use of passengers of Genting's three brands: Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises and Star Cruises. The Genting operation will be a self-contained resort (rather than a truly private island) much as is Royal Caribbean's Labadee or Carnival's Grand Turk Cruise Center.

MacLeod Island is located in the Myeik Archipelago in southern Myanmar, and features untouched tropical forests, unspoiled white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.

The complete story appeared in the November 3 edition of Cruise News Daily.

The unspoiled beaches and forests that will be part of the Genting facility on MacLeod Island

Photos courtesy of Genting Cruise Lines. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 4, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Carnival brands have all scheduled returns to Caribbean ports damaged by the September storms.   
• Carnival Corp reports employing almost all Bahamian workers at their private islands in the Bahamas

Details appeared in the November 3 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

T Minus 50 and Counting

Only 50 days left! No, not shopping days until Christmas. Fifty days until Miami enters the Seaside Era. And that means lots of excitement for Miami and the American market.

That's when the 154,000-ton MSC Seaside will have arrived, fresh from the yard, and will commence year round seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.

The complete story appeared in the November 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.



Video courtesy of MSC Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 2, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• The reopening of Carnival's Grand Turk Cruise Center
• A medevac from Caribbean Princess

Details appeared in the November 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Carnival Ecstasy was the first ship to return to Grand Turk

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

Building for China

The Costa brand may have been the first western cruise line to enter the Chinese market back in 2006, but they're playing catch up in building ships specifically for that market as a handful of brands has already beaten them to it and have ships operating there with features custom-designed for Chinese passengers.

But Costa is ready to catch up and surpass as Fincantieri laid the keel today for the first of two Costa designed for China.

Costa held a coin ceremony today in which a commemorative coin was welded to the keel for good luck before Fincantieri laid the keel at their Monfalcone yard near Trieste.

The complete story appeared in the November 1 edition of Cruise News Daily.



Video courtesy of Costa Crociere.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 1, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• A woman who went overboard from a BC Ferry
• A rare late-night medevac from Carnival Pride.

Details appeared in the November 1 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Fincantieri Lays Virgin Keel and Line Reveals Details

Virgin Voyages made a splash today when Fincantieri laid the keel for the first of their three 110,000-ton ships at their Sestri Ponente yard near Genoa.

The line used the opportunity to reveal some interesting details about the ships and to reveal the first exterior renderings.

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

Rendering of Virgin Voyage's stern and livery

Virgin Voyages new livery

Virgin Voyages' logo

Despite everything else, there was a keel laying at the Fincantieri yard. 

Photo courtesy of Fincantieri. Renderings courtesy of Virgin Voyages. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

 

Free Gift Cards from Disney - Until Arrested

Federal agents boarded Disney Wonder in San Diego Friday to arrest a Brazilian crew member who worked in the gift shop alleging he embezzled at least $275,000 from the line.

The government says the 32-year-old man has been transferring Disney funds to gift cards since October 2015, and that he used $35,000 worth of the gift cards to take his family on a two-week trip to Disney World last April.

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

Windstar Promotes Peterson to Director of Revenue & Itinerary Planning

Windstar Cruises Promotes Jess Peterson to Director of Revenue and Itinerary Planning
Star Staffer Advances After Only One Year with Boutique Cruise Line

Windstar Cruises has promoted Jess Peterson on the heels of his first anniversary in joining the luxury line after a series of outstanding efforts quickly resulted in significant profitability for Windstar. In accepting the larger role, Peterson will take on additional responsibilities for detailed revenue analytics while continuing to have oversight for all aspects of itinerary planning for the award-winning cruise line.

"Jess is an incredibly bright individual who brings a disciplined analytical approach to everything he does, helping us make informed yet bold choices in our itinerary planning processes," said Windstar President John Delaney. “We couldn’t have taken on everything we have over the last year without Jess’ efforts.”

With Peterson’s leadership working across multiple departments at Windstar including Port and Nautical Operations, Marketing, and Public Relations, Windstar opened three new regions including Asia, Alaska, and Canada/New England. In 2018, Windstar will embark on 49 new cruise itineraries and an astonishing 148 maiden ports of call, in part due to Peterson’s efforts. In this new role, Peterson will continue directing the itinerary planning efforts while also taking a growing role in advanced revenue analytics, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic pricing.

Jess Peterson joined Windstar in the fall of 2016 as the manager of deployment and revenue planning enhancement, a position that had been newly created at the time. He supported the company’s cross-departmental deployment and itinerary planning efforts to enhance profitability, guest satisfaction, and brand positioning within the marketplace. He also drove efforts to increase overall revenue performance.

Prior to working with Windstar, Peterson held positions at Holland America and Seabourn, where he was part of the Deployment and Itinerary Planning team. Peterson is based in Seattle and graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in History and an M.S. in Computer Science.

Source: Windstar Cruises

Out with the Old, up with the New

It happens about every five years. Windstar ships get new sails.

Containing enough material to cover nearly half a football field, it's no trifling matter.

Recently, it was Wind Surf's turn, the line's largest ship at 14,745 grt with five towering masts. 

The complete story appeared in the October 30 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Carnival Names New Environmental VP

Carnival Cruise Line Names Richard Pruitt Vice President, Environmental Operations

Richard Pruitt, a highly respected and seasoned cruise industry professional, has been named vice president, environmental operations at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line effective November 20, 2017. He will report to Mark Jackson, senior vice president, technical operations, for Carnival Cruise Line.

As vice president of environmental operations, Pruitt will be focused on further strengthening and expanding the company’s shipboard and shoreside environmental programs and practices.

“Rich is extremely well respected in the industry and we’re thrilled to gain his exceptional knowledge, expertise and leadership,” said Jackson. “We look forward to tapping into his experience to ensure we maintain the highest level of operational standards.”

Previously Pruitt was at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for 13 years, serving in a variety of positions, including associate vice president/vice president, safety and environmental stewardship and as the director and associate vice president of environmental programs. Most recently, Pruitt served as the principal and founder of RMP Sustainability, a company providing consulting services on environmental equipment marketing, compliance and sustainability initiatives to industry associations and companies.

Pruitt began his career in the U.S. Air Force where he spent 10 years as an Airborne Russian Linguist and Mission Supervisor. He then served for 13 years in the U.S Coast Guard in various roles, including program manager, passenger vessel safety and security.

Since 2010 Pruitt has been an active guardian ad litem for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, Florida, and has served on the board/executive committee of several organizations, including Florida Ocean Alliance, Florida Sea Grant Advisory Council, Florida Oceans and Coastal Council, U.S. N.O.A.A. National Marine Sanctuary Business Advisory Council, International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association. He was chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association’s Maritime Safety and Environmental committees, and founding board member of Voices for Children Broward.

Pruitt holds an Environmental MBA from Florida Atlantic University, a BA degree in Management from National Louis University and an AA degree in Russian Interpreting from the Community College of the Air Force.

Source: Carnival Cruise Line

The Southern Route

MSC's first world cruise doesn't sail until January, but MSC must have had such a good time planning it, they just had to plan another already, and this week they announced their second world cruise.

The 2020 version will sails in early January from four Mediterranean ports and immediately makes a southerly turn to travel around the world mostly below the equator. MSC Magnifica will visit 43 ports in 23 countries in 116 days.

Details appeared in the October 27 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Roll out the Red Carpet

There have been many firsts aboard Cunard ships, but this December, Queen Mary 2 is set to hose the first premier of a Hollywood movie when she is the setting for the world premier of the 20th Century Fox release, “The Greatest Showman.”

The movie, which is the story of P.T. Barnum and how he created the Barnum & Bailey Circus, stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.

The complete story appeared in the October 27 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Disney Sets Early 2019 Programs

Disney Cruise Line has set their schedule for the first part of 2019, and the line will have ships in the Caribbean and from March to May on Mexico's west coast sailing from San Diego.

Details appeared in the October 26 edition of Cruise News Daily.

It's a Dream

Few of our readers will probably ever sail this 151,300-ton ship, so this might be your only glimpse of a newbuild for the Asian market. Meyer Werft delivered World Dream to Genting's Dream Cruises today in Bremerhaven at the conclusion of the ship's sea trials.

The complete story appeared in the October 26 edition of Cruise News Daily.

World Dream at sea during sea trials

Balcony stateroom

Blue Lagoon Cafe

Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Return to Normal

Royal Caribbean has set dates to return to San Juan and St. Maarten in addition to St. Thomas, which they announced plans for earlier. They also updated the status on a couple of ports that still aren't ready for their return.

Details appeared in the October 25 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Many Are Sailing but Few Are Chosen

When Carnival Corp announced Ocean Medallion, it sounded great, and they said it was going to be a “game changer.” Then they announced the initial roll-out schedule beginning with Princess Cruises, and said it was first going to be available on Regal Princess on November 17 of this year. Princess customers were excited to have an opportunity to glimpse the future of cruising.
 
The good news is that it still will be operating aboard Regal Princess in November, but the bad news is that most passengers are going to have to wait to have their “games changed.” Not everyone aboard the ship will be able to experience the enhancements Ocean Medallion will offer.

The complete story appeared in the October 25 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Norwegian Books Second Season Down Under

Norwegian Cruise Line today opened bookings for a 2018/2019 program in Asia and Australia/New Zealand.

Details appeared in the October 24 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

No More Overhang

Length matters, especially when you're parking a ship.

That's why Port Everglades extended the slip at Terminal 4 as part of an $18 million project. The 900-foot slip was extended 225 feet to accommodate today's larger cruise ships, up to 1,100 feet.

The complete story appeared in the October 24 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Photo courtesy of Port Everglades. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 24, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Carnival celebrating having a Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea on each of their 25 ships. 
• Mini Babybel is the official snack cheese of Disney Cruise Line. Mickey pronounces it "Delicious!" He's an expert with cheese. 

Details appeared in the October 24 issue of Cruise News Daily. 

There's More to Alaska

Last spring we told you Cunard had scheduled a cruise through Alaska for the first time in 20 years when Queen Elizabeth will spend a week there as part of a repositioning cruise from Asia to North America in May 2019. Today, Cunard revealed that their Alaska program won't end there.

Queen Elizabeth will then sail four more ten-night round trip cruises from Vancouver to Alaska.

The complete story appeared in the October 23 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

The Caribbean Is More Open for Business

Carnival has been working to get the message out that there was little storm damage in most of the Caribbean. But today, Carnival said they now have specific plans when they will return to islands where there was severe damage.

Details appeared in the October 23 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Sea Diamond to Resurface

Longtime readers will remember the sinking of Louis Cruises' Sea Diamond at Santorini on April 5, 2007.

The 21,484-ton ship had hit a reef the day before and took on water. After evacuation, the ship was beginning to be towed when it sank in 300 feet of water.

The Greek government last week ordered the salvage of the ship in compliance with Greek law.

The complete story appeared in the October 23 edition of Cruise News Daily.

MSC Lirica Returns from China to New Med Itinerary

MSC will expand their capacity in China next spring by sending MSC Splendida there to replace the smaller MSC Lirica. MSC has decided to return MSC Lirica to the Mediterranean, and they created a brand new itinerary for her.

The seven-night eastern Mediterranean program not only has an unusual collection of ports, but it's also going to offer more time ashore than normal in some of the destinations.

The complete story appeared in the October 20 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

First Down and 300 to Go

Carnival Cruise Line is the official cruise line of the New Orleans Saints, and they have partnered with the Brees Dream Foundation to send Saints fans on Carnival Cruises.

Every time the Saints pass for more than 300 yards in a game, Carnival will send one lucky fan on a Carnival Cruise.

Details appeared in the October 20 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Princess Selects Chefs for Culinary Cruise

The chefs have been chosen, and the pieces are falling into place for Princess' third annual Culinary Cruise. This year it will be aboard Regal Princess as it sails from Port Everglades on February 11 (2018) to the western Caribbean.

The complete story appeared in the October 19 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 19, 2017

CND subscribers also read about:

• Two more ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet get scrubbers
• Carnival raises its quarterly dividend
• Fincantieri begins construction on the sixth of eight ships for Viking Ocean Cruises. 

Details appeared in the October 19 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Fincantieri began work on the sixth ship for Viking Ocean Cruises

Photo courtesy of Fincantieri. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission. 

Can You Catch an Early Symphony?

Royal Caribbean had some surprising news about Symphony of the Seas today. The fourth Oasis-class ship was to have been delivered next spring and started her service in the Mediterranean in April. Royal Caribbean now says they will put the ship into service three weeks earlier than originally scheduled.

The complete story appeared in the October 18 edition of Cruise News Daily.

As you can see from the photos below, which were taken last Friday, the ship is nearing completion and looks like will easily be ready in five months.

Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.