Triumph of the Human Spirit

The drama aboard Carnival Triumph came to an end as a steady stream of passengers departed the vessel in Mobile, Alabama Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday morning.

Segments of live coverage on CNN were introduced to the strains of “Sweet Home Alabama” as reporters awaited passengers to interview—some of whom they’d been in contact with as the ship neared port. If media members expected horror stories, no doubt they got some; however, by and large the interviewees were upbeat and smiling. One group of ladies, whose family member was evacuated to another ship early on in the ordeal due to her need for dialysis, held a banner reading “Thank You For Your Prayers” and proclaimed that prayer and faith sustained them. Two young women donned Carnival bathrobes against the chill of the night with ‘Float Trip’ scrawled on the backs. They explained that what began as a cruise turned into a trip floating around in the Gulf of Mexico.

I turned the TV off at 1am, but without exception the passengers I saw on CNN praised the crew and their efforts to make them comfortable. It was mentioned that crewmembers were laboring under the same adverse conditions.

Carnival Triumph Limps Into Mobile

The drama ended as Carnival Triumph made it to Mobile, Alabama last night—the largest ship ever to dock there. Passengers began to debark at about 11:15pm EST. As the ship approached Mobile the staterooms were dark, but some emergency lights onboard were visible. With over 4,000 passengers aboard, some crowded the rails cheering and waving. While an ambulance met the ship and a passenger was carried off in a stretcher, no one died during the crisis on board.

Eric Robles and his 6-months pregnant wife were to be among the first passengers to debark and he said they couldn’t wait to get off safely. Their family members were waiting ashore to meet the pregnant “raging Cajun.” They must be from Louisiana!

Larry Poret, who was on board with his 12-year old daughter for a father-daughter vacation said it was a perfect bonding experience, although Carnival clearly failed to deliver a great vacation for the pair.

Greta Van Sustern on Fox News spoke to Amy Weber, whose boyfriend was onboard for a bachelor party. He and his buddies were helping others and reported the crew was performing an amazing job by doing all they could for passengers.

Another passenger stated that people were “dying of heart attacks and strokes,” but that report is less than credible. Passengers with serious medical issues were previously evacuated, including one earlier in the day on Thursday who reportedly suffered a stroke.

Most passengers told the media that they though Carnival Cruise Lines was doing a good job, especially employees on board, despite tho horrible odors and darkness they endured.

Passenger Brenda Colon said it was a challenging experience. They made the best of it, but the lack of bathroom facilities was the worst. She said some passengers took their cabin mattresses outside on deck to sleep on until it got too chilly last night and there was only one day when lines for food were lengthy. Another passenger stated that the ship was unpleasant, but the company onboard was good. Others said they passed the time by playing cards, reading books, and “played scavenger hunts to charge cell phones.”

A hundred coaches were at the ready to take passengers to New Orleans for the night, where 1,500 hotel rooms awaited. Twenty chartered planes will fly them to Houston on Friday. In the alternative, those who want to go straight to Galveston will also be provided with transportation from Mobile. Some passengers plan to take the busses to Galveston to retrieve their vehicles and then head home where they will enjoy hot showers, use toilets that flush, and hug family members.

Many passengers were seen debarking Carnival Triumph wearing ship’s bathrobes—it was a chilly night in Mobile—no doubt those robes will be a memorable “souvenir” of a cruise gone wrong.

Carnival Triumph Nears Mobile

CNN is calling it, “Hell on High Waters,” but is it? Robin, a passenger onboard Carnival Triumph who’s been in contact with CNN says it’s not as bad as some reports. It’s her first cruise—and probably her last—but she says she and her companions are trying to make the best of it, although some passengers have become “snippy,” to say the least.

During CNN’s live coverage via helicopter this evening, a medical expert opined that health risks to those onboard are likely minimal. Passengers report that they are able to cleanse their hands with waterless sanitizer and are more aware of the need to do so than they otherwise would have been.

Reports of passengers taking a lot of food after waiting in line for hours have been tempered by other reports that the “hoarders” were simply getting food for themselves and family members.

Spirits seem to be high as Carnival Triumph approaches land and passengers say that they are able to charge multiple cell phones at a time by using extension cords brought onto the ship by fellow cruisers. It’s a passenger initiative that demonstrates the camaraderie of those on board. Additionally, passengers in outside cabins have shared their space—and daylight—with those in inside cabins.

By all accounts, the crewmembers have performed on an amazing level. Carnival Triumph will be the largest cruise ship ever to dock in Mobile and reportedly is only being allowed to do so due to the plight of passengers on board. A “luggage brigade” of crewmembers will assist their debarkation in Mobile because there’s only one working elevator on Carnival Triumph (although we cannot confirm that).

The ship, which is 116 feet wide is making its way down the 400 foot wide channel in darkness—a challenging feat. Lights seen on the ship during CNN's evening coverage are powered by the emergency generators. Tugboats continue to keep the vessel on course despite the wind.

“Cruise industry expert” Ross Klein was interviewed by CNN's Wolf Blitzer, but you have to keep in mind that Klein's well-known agenda is to depict the entire cruise industry in the worst light possible. He began that quest after his wife was “disrespected” by a bartender who was unable to lower the volume of music on a pool deck as she requested.

While in cell phone contact with CNN, Julie, a passenger on Carnival Triumph, says that she and her fellow cruisers from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Indiana have been miserable, but have been getting by with their faith in God.

Kudos to CNN for connecting family members ashore with their loved ones on board via cell phone while interviewing them on the air! That said, one of the dumbest interviews I heard today was with a 16-year old whose major concern was her inability to text her friends. She also said she felt sorry for the "elderly" on board who were breaking their ankles. Huh?

On a brighter note, Carnival Triumph passenger Ed Buck tells Fox News that he's happy about the compensation offered by Carnival Cruise Lines and will take advantage of the free cruise they have offered as part of the compensation package.

U.S. Coast Guard Photo/Ensign Chris Shivock

Carnival Triumph Update From Mobile

At a news conference in Mobile, Alabama this afternoon, Terry Thornton, senior vice president of Carnival, addressed the media.

Thornton related that the Carnival Triumph's arrival was further delayed earlier in the afternoon by problems with tugboat lines, but the ship entered the channel at about 2:30pm CST. It will be seven to ten hours before Carnival Triumph is alongside the pier and will likely take another five hours to fully debark all passengers. The first ashore will be passengers with children and anyone with special needs. U.S.Customs and Immigration officials have already boarded the ship to process passengers prior to arrival. Crewmembers on board will assist with luggage.

Hotel accommodations and meals will be provided for people who've traveled to Mobile to pick up passengers.

CNN has been covering the story all afternoon and has been in contact with passengers aboard Carnival Triumph. While they all agree that conditions on board have been miserable, some sound more upbeat than I would have expected. They seem cheered by the sight of land and the prospect of their ordeal ending soon.

U.S. Coast Guard Photo/Ensign Chris Shivock

Cruise Travel: Romance Afloat

Ask six couples what the most romantic aspect of a cruise is and you are likely to get a dozen different responses. To some, it could be the freedom to relax and enjoy one another's company. Or maybe it's the joy of getting away from home, work, and responsibility for a few cherished days.

One thing is certainly true—many couples consider a cruise the most romantic vacation imaginable. Which cruise ships are the most desirable for romantics? Cruise Diva shares her picks for the Most Romantic Ships at sea.

We also offer hints to enhance Romance at Sea and enjoy Princess Cruises' sumptuous Ultimate Balcony Dinner.

Happy Valentines Day!

Carnival Cruise Lines Announces Compensation for Inconvenienced Carnival Triumph Passengers

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Regarding Carnival Triumph: Feb 13, 2013 – 5:45pm EST

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced further compensation for the passengers aboard the Carnival Triumph, currently being towed via tug boats to Mobile, Alabama after an engine room fire early Sunday caused a loss of propulsion.

All guests on the current voyage will receive further compensation of $500.00 per person.

Gerry Cahill, President & CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines said: “We know it has been a longer journey back than we anticipated at the beginning of the week under very challenging circumstances. We are very sorry for what our guests have had to endure. Therefore, in addition to the full refund and future cruise credit already offered, we have decided to provide this additional compensation. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Mobile tomorrow and have mobilized our full resources to assist and support them as they travel home.”

As previously announced, all 3,143 guests on board will receive a full refund of the cruise along with transportation expenses and reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop, art purchases and casino charges. All passengers will also receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount paid for this voyage.

Third Tug Headed to Carnival Triumph

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Regarding Carnival Triumph: Feb 13, 2013, 2:30pm EST

Carnival has dispatched a third tugboat to assist in towing Carnival Triumph to port. The tugboat is currently en route from Port Fourchon, Louisiana and is expected to arrive at the ship this evening to further support the vessel’s return to Mobile, Alabama on Thursday. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to be on the scene as the ship is in tow.

We are mobilizing approximately 200 people to be on the ground in Mobile to support the Carnival Triumph’s arrival and guests’ travel home. We are currently finalizing travel arrangements for guests from Mobile. Carnival Triumph guests were given the option of boarding buses directly to Galveston or Houston, Texas, or to spend the night in a hotel in New Orleans, where they could rest before flying out on private charters the next day. Carnival will cover all travel related and incidental expenses.

Carnival has reserved and arranged the following: approximately 100 motor coaches; more than 1,500 New Orleans hotel rooms; multiple charter flights from New Orleans to Houston on Friday; and transportation from Houston to the Port of Galveston so that guests may retrieve their cars if they drove to the port.

There are 3,143 guests and 1,086 crew on board. We continue to update the designated emergency contacts for all guests presently on board Carnival Triumph. Concerned family and loved ones of guests and crew may call 888.290.5095 or 305.406.5534.

Upcoming Voyages
Carnival Cruise Lines has also announced the cancellations of 12 additional voyages of the Carnival Triumph. The 12 cancelled cruises, which encompass sailings from Feb. 21 through April 13, 2013, are in addition to two previously cancelled voyages scheduled to depart Feb. 11 and Feb. 16.

Guests on the affected sailings will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, as well as non-refundable transportation costs, pre-paid shore excursions, gratuities, and government fees and taxes. Guests will also receive a 25 percent discount on a future three- to five-day Carnival cruise or a 15 percent discount on a six- to seven-day cruise. Travel agent commissions will be protected.

Carnival sincerely apologizes for this disruption in our guests’ vacation plans.

Carnival Triumph operates four- and five-day cruises from Galveston, Texas. The current Carnival Triumph voyage departed Galveston, Texas, on Thursday, February 7 and was scheduled to return on Monday, Feb. 11.

A Dozen More Carnival Triumph Sailings Cancelled

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Regarding Carnival Triumph: Feb 13, 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced the cancellations of twelve additional voyages of the Carnival Triumph, which operates 4- and 5-day cruises from Galveston, Texas, following an engine room fire that has left vessel without propulsion. The twelve cancelled cruises, which encompass sailings from Feb. 21 through April 13, 2013, are in addition to two previously cancelled voyages scheduled to depart Feb. 11 and Feb. 16.

Guests on the affected sailings will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, as well as non-refundable transportation costs, pre-paid shore excursions, gratuities, and government fees and taxes. Guests will also receive a 25 percent discount on a future 3- to 5-day Carnival cruise or a 15 percent discount on a 6- to 7-day cruise.

Carnival sincerely apologizes for this disruption in our guests’ vacation plans.

Why You Shouldn't Leave For Your Cruise Without A Passport

This week there were 3,143 passengers aboard Carnival Triumph who were set to make an unexpected debarkation in Progreso, Mexico. Of the total, 900 of them were traveling without passports. The passengers boarded Carnival Triumph in Galveston, Texas, where they also expected to leave the ship Monday. That's called a closed-loop cruise and passports are not required for such itineraries.

When I heard about the fire on board last Sunday and the need to tow the ship to a Mexican port—with plans to fly passengers home from there—I wondered how many of them do not have passports. Even though Mexico is a friendly neighboring country that shares a lengthy border with the United States (including Texas, incidentally), it's still a foreign country and a passport is required for flights into and out of Mexico. No doubt that Carnival Cruise Lines would have done everything possible to smooth the way for their inconvenienced passengers, but their task would have been complicated by the lack of passports for nearly a third of them.

The good news is that instead of disembarking in Mexico, Carnival Triumph's passengers will end their journey in Mobile, Alabama. No doubt there are 900 non-passport-holders on the ship who are relieved that they don't have to deal with immigration authorities in Mexico.

I've heard all the reasons why cruise travelers don't bother with getting passports and the one that is the least valid is, "passports cost too much for our entire family." Well then, my advice is to stay home and save up until you can afford the one document for each family member that will INSURE that you can disembark a ship in a foreign port and fly back to the United States without worry. You never know when an emergency will make that necessary and you can't count on American embassies or consulates to be of much assistance. For the passengers on Carnival Triumph who don't have passports, this should be a real learning experience.

Carnival Triumph Press Conference

Carnival Triumph Press Conference February 12,2013
Gerry Cahill, President & CEO, Carnival Cruise Lines

From a related story by the Associated Press,

The reassurances made by Carnival Cruise Lines President and CEO Gerry Cahill were in sharp contrast to what some passengers have told relatives about dirty and hot conditions aboard the ship, including overflowing toilets and limited access to food. 

Cahill said the ship has running water and most of its 23 public restrooms and some of the guest cabin bathrooms are working. He downplayed the possibility of an outbreak of disease from unsanitary conditions, saying the ship hasn't seen an abnormal number of people reporting to the infirmary as being ill.

London's Daily Mail is reporting an even more sensational story with a questionable headline,

"Carpets soaked in urine, sewage running down walls and onion sandwiches for dinner: Passengers reveal the dire conditions of disabled Carnival cruise ship that they will be stuck on until Thursday."

I recall hearing similar accounts about poop floating down passageways in 1999 when passengers were adrift on Carnival's Tropicale, which was struck by the double whammy of a fire and a tropical storm. As it turned out those stories were greatly exaggerated. While we are sure that the situation is less than ideal on board Carnival Triumph, we won't know the exact conditions until the ship reaches Mobile.

Carnival Triumph Headed to Mobile

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Regarding Carnival Triumph: Feb 11, 2013, 8:30pm ET

As previously reported, the Carnival Triumph, while on a four-day cruise that departed Galveston last Thursday, experienced an engine room fire on Sunday morning and has been without propulsion in the Gulf of Mexico since that time. The ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems activated and the fire was successfully extinguished. Fortunately, there were no injuries to guests or crew members.

Monday evening, the first of two tugboats arrived and is tied up to the ship with the second expected in the early hours of Tuesday morning. We had originally planned to tow the ship to Progreso, Mexico, the closest port to the ship’s location early Sunday. Since that time, the ship has drifted about 90 miles north due to strong currents. This now puts the ship nearly equidistant to Mobile, Alabama and given the strength of the currents, it is preferable to head north to Mobile, rather than attempt to tow against them. We now expect to arrive in Mobile sometime on Thursday, roughly the same time the ship would have arrived in Progreso given the distance the ship has traveled. From there, we will provide the necessary transportation to get our guests home. Mobile also provides simpler re-entry, particularly for the 900 guests onboard traveling without passports.

We have maintained constant contact with the ship’s officers. All of our guests are safe, and we’re doing everything we can to make them as comfortable as possible. The ship has maintained emergency generator power since the fire occurred and the technical team on board has been successful in gradually restoring auxiliary power to operate some basic hotel functions. Currently, public and cabin toilets are operational in certain sections of the ship, power has been restored to a limited number of elevators, and some power in the Lido dining area is providing for hot coffee and limited hot food service.

All guests on the current Carnival Triumph voyage will receive a full refund for the cruise, along with transportation expenses. In addition, they will receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount paid for this voyage, as well as reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop and casino charges.

We’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience, discomfort, and frustration our guests are feeling. We know they expected a fantastic vacation, and clearly that is not what they received. Our shipboard and shoreside teams are working around the clock to care for our guests and get them home safely.

Cruise Travel Planning & Packing Tips

Over the years I've been asked a number of times how I got started in the travel writing business. Trust me, it wasn't easy to become established. However, with a focus on cruises it's been a labor of love. I began quite simply with a packing list that I shared on a one-page website hosted by the old, defunct Prodigy service after I was overwhelmed by sending it out to all those who requested it in email.

From that humble beginning, I co-authored a cruise advice column entitled "Ask the Cruise Queens" in Porthole magazine and was contracted by the Mining Company to be their cruise travel guide. After moving to the job of content editor with eCruise, a cruise marketing company, I began freelancing again in 2001 and CruiseDiva.com was born—and has just celebrated twelve years online! Yes, Cruise Diva was on the Internet for years before those other big websites with message boards launched.

In addition to maintaining the website singlehandedly, I've published a monthly newsletter, which I replaced with this blog in 2007, and have authored Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises—now in its 4th edition and soon to be revised again—as well as contributed the cruise content to ten other Fodor's guidebooks and the Cruises section of the Fodor's website.

With a lot of travel inked into my calendar, the past twenty years have been busy and fulfilling. Everything aside, though, one of the tasks I enjoy best is sharing information about cruises, ships, and the how-to tips I've gathered over the years. You'll find some of the best tips at Favorites from CruiseDiva.com & Friends—where you'll find out what the photo above is all about—and even more useful hints for your comfort and safety by visiting HOT Tips for Cruisers. Some of the ideas came from my first-hand experience and others were contributed by fellow cruise travelers.

CruiseDiva.com has often been called "Cruising 101" and I hope you find it helpful as I move into my third decade of cruising and writing about it.

Image © Linda Coffman, CruiseDiva.com

Without Full Power Available, Carnival Triumph is to be Towed to Progreso, Mexico & Passengers to Fly Home

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Regarding Carnival Triumph: Updated 7:30PM EST

This morning the cruise ship Carnival Triumph experienced an engine room fire while the vessel was sailing approximately 150 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems activated and the fire was contained to the aft engine room. At this time, the fire is fully extinguished. There were no casualties or injuries to guests or crew. All appropriate authorities including U.S. Coast Guard have been notified.

The vessel is currently without propulsion and the ship is operating on emergency generator power. The ship’s technical crew has determined the vessel will need to be towed to port. A tugboat is en route to the ship’s location and will tow the vessel to Progreso, Mexico, which is the closest port to the ship’s current location. This will enable us to disembark guests and get them home as quickly as possible. The ship is expected to arrive in Progreso Wednesday afternoon and guests will be flown from there back to the U.S.

There are 3,143 guests and 1,086 crew on board. Guests are being provided with food and refreshments. Another Carnival ship, the Carnival Elation, is currently on scene and transferring additional food and beverage provisions to the Carnival Triumph.

We have contacted the designated emergency contacts for all guests presently on board Carnival Triumph. Concerned family and loved ones of guests and crew may call 888.290.5095 or 305.406.5534.

All guests on the current Carnival Triumph voyage will receive a full refund of the cruise, along with transportation expenses. In addition, they will receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount paid for this voyage, as well as reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop and casino charges.

The next two voyages of Carnival Triumph, scheduled to depart Monday, Feb 11 and Saturday, Feb 16 are being cancelled. Guests scheduled to sail on either of those voyages will receive a full refund, reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses and a 25 percent discount on a future 3- to 5-day cruise. Carnival is in contact with impacted guests to advise them of the situation.

Engine Room Fire Cripples Carnival Triumph

Carnival Cruise Lines Statement
Regarding Carnival Triumph 3:30p EST

This morning Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Triumph experienced an engine room fire while the vessel was sailing approximately 150 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems activated and the fire was contained to the aft engine room. At this time, the fire is fully extinguished. No casualties or injuries to guests or crew have been reported.

The vessel is currently without propulsion and the ship is operating on emergency generator power. The ship’s technical crew is continuing to assess the damage and attempting to restore power. In the meantime, a tugboat is being dispatched to the ship’s location in the event it is needed. All appropriate authorities including U.S. Coast Guard have been notified

There are 3,143 guests and 1,086 crew on board and all guests have been asked to remain in the ship’s public areas and open decks for their comfort. Guests are being provided with food and refreshments. All guests on the current voyage will receive a full refund inclusive of gratuities and any transportation expenses.

Carnival Triumph is currently on a 4-day cruise that departed Galveston, Texas last Thursday. Carnival has contacted guests booked on the next voyage, which was scheduled to depart tomorrow to make them aware of the situation and advise that tomorrow’s voyage will not depart as scheduled. Guests have the option of cancelling now and receiving a full refund or waiting for further information to determine if a shortened, partial voyage may be possible.

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available. Designated emergency contacts for all guests on board have been notified. Concerned family and loved ones of guests and crew may call 888.290.5095 or 305.406.5534.

Carnival Sensation Earns a Perfect Score On U.S.P.H. Inspection

Officers and crew gathered on the bow to celebrate after Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation earned a perfect 100 score on its most recent United States Public Health (U.S.P.H.) inspection conducted in Port Canaveral, Florida.

To earn a perfect score of 100, cruise ships must receive the top mark on all 42 items that comprise the U.S. Public Health Service’s comprehensive Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) checklist.

The unannounced inspections, which are conducted twice a year and required for any cruise ship with an international itinerary calling at a U.S. port, evaluate vessels in a wide variety of areas, including adherence to proper food handling, preparation and storage procedures, and overall galley cleanliness. Ships’ potable water supplies used in spas and pools are evaluated, as well.

Carnival Sensation operates year-round 3- and 4-day Bahamas voyages from Port Canaveral.

Image Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Cunard Line Now Offers Behind the Scenes Tours

Many passengers wonder what happens on their ship’s bridge, behind the stage in the main theater, or where the crew lives and relaxes. A number of cruise lines have introduced tours to show them and now Cunard Line has added one to its comprehensive list of on board activities by offering Behind the Scenes Tours for the curious guest.

Led by Cunard senior officers, the tours offer guests unprecedented access to the ships’ private areas, such as the Medical Centre, Engine Control Room, Butchers Shop and the Mooring Deck. Topics range from environmental concerns, such as recycling 15,000 liters of used cooking oil, to the logistics of stocking more than 5,000 lines of consumable products, such as shower gel and beef joints.

Guests get a “back of house” look at the Bridge
(left) and the Mooring Deck  (above) during a voyage 
aboard  Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2.

During the 222-step tour, guests learn first-hand of the many provisions required to manage Cunard Line’s ocean liners. Tour stops include:

The Bridge – At the widest part of the ship, the captain and navigational officers greet guests and give a tutorial of all the dials, buttons, radars and navigational charts that help them safely helm Cunard’s Queens.

Royal Court Theatre – Guests peruse more than 3,000 costumes in the costume store, and light and sound engineers give hands-on lessons in operating the stage equipment.

Galley and Provisions – Guests catch a glimpse of the complex logistics of moving provisions around the world in containers and picking them up in different ports mid-voyage, to accommodate 11 tons per day. The tour includes stops at the Food Stores, Butchers Shop, Freezers, and the Galley.

Mooring Deck – Guests learn the purpose of the anchor winches, windlesses and other critical machinery on the most forward part of the ship.

Medical Centre – Guests tour Cunard’s floating hospital and meet the exceptional medical staff that keeps everyone on board healthy and well.

Burma Road – Guests tour the only main crew passageway to run the entire length of the ship and get a look at where the crew and officers socialize after work.

Waste Handling Room – Guests observe Cunard’s round-the-clock waste handling operation, and learn the differences between five waste sorting streams: hazardous, recyclable, suitable for incineration, food waste and suitable for donation.

“Similar to a feat of magic, our seamless ocean travel experience results from a delicate balance between what’s seen and not seen,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “Our Behind the Scenes Tours offer the inquisitive guest an intimate glimpse of what goes into the way we run our ships to ensure their comfort, safety and satisfaction.”

Available on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, Cunard’s Behind the Scenes Tours last three and a half hours and cost $120 per person. Currently, one tour with a maximum of 16 guests is available per voyage and can be booked on board through the Tours Office. For more information about the Behind the Scenes Tours, visit Cunard.com.

Images Courtesy of Cunard Line

MSC Cruises To Star In PBS Television Series

Famed travel expert and award-winning journalist Burt Wolf sails the ancient route of the Venetian traders—Venice to Bari, and across the Adriatic Sea on board the MSC Divina during a half-hour PBS (Public Broadcasting System) television show, Travels and Traditions, that starts airing this month. Viewers can follow Burt as he explores one of the most photogenic coastlines in the world through Montenegro, Turkey and Malta, visiting walled cities, discovering UNESCO World Heritage sites and strolling cobblestoned streets in the quaintest of villages.

Beginning February 10th, during the next six months, Travels and Traditions is scheduled to air on PBS stations across the United States and abroad. Please check your local television listings for dates and times. If, like me, you just can't wait, the video can be watched on the MSC Cruises website or right here on Cruise Diva's blog below.

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, South America, the Indian Ocean, and South and West Africa.

MSC Divina sails the Mediterranean through October 2013 with ports of call, including Venice, Italy, Bari, Italy, Katakolon, Greece, Izmir, Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey and Dubrovnik, Croatia. It will begin sailing the Caribbean for the first time in November 2013 from PortMiami. For more information about MSC Cruises, visit MSCCruisesUSA.com.

Image © CruiseDiva.com; Video Courtesy MSC Cruises

Carnival Destiny Sails into the Sunshine & Carnival Victory Makes a Splash in Miami

Carnival Destiny has departed on its final voyage from Miami—an 18-day trans-Atlantic crossing that ends in Venice, Italy, on Feb. 22 when the vessel will be in position for a $155 million renovation that will add a host of dining, bar, and entertainment innovations and spectacular outdoor spaces.

After a 49-day dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the ship will emerge rebuilt and be renamed Carnival Sunshine. It then debuts with a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage from Venice to Barcelona April 12-26, 2013. The ship will then operate a series of 18 nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona Nov. 1 and arriving New Orleans Nov. 17, Carnival Sunshine will operate a special 6-day Caribbean cruise departing Nov. 18 before launching year-round 7-day Caribbean service from the Big Easy Nov. 24, 2013.

Innovations added during the dry dock will include a stunning three-level Serenity adults-only retreat, a WaterWorks aqua park featuring a 334-foot-long water slide—the longest in the “Fun Ship” fleet—along with fun poolside watering holes RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and unique to Carnival Sunshine spaces such as Havana Bar, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, ShakeSpot, JavaBlue Café, and more.

Carnival Destiny entered service in November 1996 as the world’s first 100,000-plus-ton cruise ship, introducing a wide variety of new features and facilities. Over the past 17 years, the original Destiny-class ship has played a pioneering role in the company’s history, operating voyages from Miami, San Juan, New York, Boston, Norfolk, Virginia, and other ports and carrying millions of satisfied vacationers. The ship is ready to make history again, undergoing an unprecedented makeover that will add all of the exciting elements that are part of Carnival’s “Fun Ship” 2.0 enhancement program.

With one ship heading toward its destiny, another—sister-ship Carnival Victory—has arrived at PortMiami to kick off its new year-round schedule of 4- and 5-day cruises that visit tropical ports throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas. Carnival Victory’s new Miami-based schedule features three distinctly different itineraries, providing cruisers with a variety of convenient and affordable cruise options departing from one of America’s top tourist destinations.

Four-day “long weekend” cruises departing Thursdays call at Key West, Florida, and Cozumel, Mexico; 5-day cruises departing Mondays include stops at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and Nassau, The Bahamas; and five-day voyages departing Saturdays feature George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Each of these destinations offers a truly unique vacation experience, with miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches and an interesting array of shore excursion choices such as zip-lining, horseback riding, kayaking, and more.

Carnival Victory offers a variety of ways to have fun, from a 214-foot-long Twister water slide and fun supervised activities and spacious play areas for kids in three age groups to a 270-square-foot poolside LED screen showing nightly Dive-In Movies and a wide range of dancing and entertainment venues, including the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez. Dining options range from two full-service restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists to a two-level casual eatery offering an array of delectable culinary choices, including a New York-style deli, an Asian specialty venue, a 24-hour pizzeria, pasta- and meat-carving stations, and a Taste of the Nations area offering a different international cuisine each day. Additionally, 60 percent of the ship’s 1,379 staterooms offer either an ocean view or private balcony.

Image Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean Marks Construction Milestone & Names Project Sunshine Ships

Royal Caribbean International took a major step this week in the development of the cruise line’s next generation of cruise ships when the first piece of steel was cut for the first of two Project Sunshine ships. The steel cutting took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the two ships will be built.

To celebrate the milestone, Royal Caribbean announced the names of the two new ships – Quantum of the Seas, set to debut in fall 2014, and Anthem of the Seas, which will follow in spring 2015. They will be part of the Quantum class of ships and will build upon Royal Caribbean’s legacy of revolutionary ship design and bold innovation.

“We are extremely excited to celebrate this important milestone for our first Project Sunshine ship. After three years of design and advance planning this is the first step of the construction of the ship and I look forward to seeing it all come together in the coming months,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The new ship will be such a leap forward in terms of vessel design and guest experiences that we thought the name Quantum of the Seas was perfectly appropriate.”

Royal Caribbean International’s legacy is built on introducing ‘at sea firsts’ such as rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surf simulators, zip lines and even a tropical park with over 12,000 live plants. The Quantum class of ships will continue to build on this legacy with unprecedented experiences and amenities. They will once again deliver on Royal Caribbean’s tradition of designing for ‘WOW’. The video below is a look at the first step in their Quantum Leap Forward in Cruising.

“Throughout our history we have made huge strides in cruise ship design and innovation and the Quantum class will be no exception,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “We look forward to introducing consumers to Quantum cruising.”

Image & Video Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Introduces New European Combination Cruises

Seabourn has introduced clever new itineraries for its award-winning small-ship fleet in Europe for the coming season that provide appealing opportunities for travelers to combine two or more cruises and see more, sail more, and save 10 percent or more on fares for longer luxury cruise vacations. In addition, during Seabourn's Signature Savings Event now underway, a complimentary veranda upgrade is available on many of its European Combination Cruises. Although Seabourn offers dozens of extended Combination Cruise values on all six of its intimate all-suite ships year-round and worldwide, many of the Combination Cruises in Europe provide extended itineraries with several departures scheduled conveniently throughout the season.

"Many of our guests book Combination Cruises to take full advantage of our port-rich itineraries," said John Delaney, Seabourn's senior vice president of marketing and sales. "They are especially popular with travelers exploring the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas."

Some outstanding examples of Seabourn's European Combination Cruises include:

Seabourn Quest offers 20-day European Combination Cruises for 2013, with with complimentary veranda upgrades. Isles of the Mediterranean sails from Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Barcelona, Spain on June 18, Aug 17, and Sept 16, 2012, calling at 17 ports and featuring Seabourn's exclusive Evening at Ephesus complimentary shore event, plus two scheduled Marina Days. The Rivieras, Spain & Rome variation cruises between Monte Carlo and Athens on June 28, Aug 27, and Sept 26, 2012, with a late-night stay in Barcelona and planned Marina Days in Le Lavandou, France and Golfo Aranci on Sardinia.

Other Seabourn Quest Combination Cruise options include a Mediterranean Marvels voyage from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, departing Aug 7 and Sept 6, 2012 that includes Rome, Florence, Athens and several Greek Isles, as well as both a Marina Day at Golfo Aranci and Seabourn's complimentary Evening at Ephesus shore experience. Spain & Mediterranean Gems sails round-trip from Barcelona on Oct 6, 2012, and also includes the exclusive Ephesus evening, as well as 15 other ports and scenic cruising of the active volcanic island of Stromboli near Sorrento, Italy.

Seabourn Legend's 20-day Mediterranean Nights itinerary sails round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) on July 17, Aug 6 & 26, and Sept 15, 2013. The itinerary includes 16 ports and features overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain and Valletta, Malta, plus late-night stays in Cannes, France and Monte Carlo, Monaco. The cruise also includes two planned Marina Days for enjoying water sports right from the ship at Ile de Porquerolles, France and Amalfi, Italy.

Seabourn Spirit offers five departures of a 21-day Venice & Adriatic Charms voyage sailing round-trip from Venice, Italy. The departures are June 11, July 2 & 23, Aug 13, and Sept 3, 2013. The cruise itinerary features 16 ports, including Katakolon (for Olympia) and an opportunity to visit the spectacular "Sky Monasteries" of Meteora in Greece, a Marina Day at Triluke Bay in Croatia, the UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of Ravenna, Italy and breathtaking Kotor Fjord in Montenegro, plus a two-day stay in Venice in mid-cruise and another full day and overnight at the end. Two water sports Marina Days are also planned.

Those are just a sampling and a complete listing of all Seabourn Combination Cruises are available at Seabourn.com.

Seabourn Quest Image Courtesy of Seabourn Cruises