Carnival Luminosa to Spend 10 Days at Sea

Carnival Cruise Line is changing the itinerary of Luminosa’s 30-day repositioning cruise to Australia.

After sailing from Seattle on Sep. 14, the cruise will no longer visit any port in Alaska.

Instead, it will head straight to Japan, spending a total of ten days at sea before arriving in the port of Otaru.

“In partnership with our Fleet Operations Center, we are monitoring a low-pressure system in the greater Alaska region which is forecasted to create unusually high swells and strong winds that will impact the first part of our itinerary,” the company said in a statement given to guests onboard.

“To maintain a safe distance from the storm, we must sail south of the low-pressure system. Therefore, it will not be possible to visit Alaska,” Carnival added.

The original itinerary of the repositioning cruise included visits to Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, in addition to scenic cruising at the Hubbard Glacier.

“Everyone’s safety is our priority, and we really have no choice other than to change our itinerary. We know you were looking forward to visiting Alaska as part of this unique adventure and we share your disappointment,” the statement remarked.

“To make it up to you, we will be posting a $200, per stateroom, onboard credit to your Sail & Sign account to enjoy a little something on us,” Carnival added.

The company will also reimburse any pre-purchased shore excursions for the destinations that are no longer being visited.

Now sailing directly to Asia, the Carnival Luminosa is scheduled to arrive in Japan earlier than planned and visit an additional port in the country. To accommodate the extra port of call, however, Carnival also cancelled a visit to Kushiro.

Following the revised itinerary, the 2009-built ship is scheduled to arrive in Otaru on Sep. 25, before heading to Hakodate on Sep. 26.

The remainder of the cruise, which also includes visits to three other ports in Japan and additional visits to Indonesia and the Philippines, hasn’t changed.

Spending the 2023-2024 winter in Australia, the Carnival Luminosa is scheduled to arrive in Brisbane on Oct. 15.

Carnival Miracle Sails from Long Beach on a 14-Night Cruise to Alaska

Concluding its summer program in the region, the Carnival Miracle recently sailed from Long Beach for a 14-night cruise to Alaska.

Part of the Carnival Journeys program, the voyage sails to seven different destinations in the region, including Prince Rupert, in Canada’s British Columbia.

According to Carnival, the less visited cruise destination offers photo-worthy natural sights, in addition to vast wildlife, and cultural activities including museums and restaurants.

The Carnival Miracle is also scheduled to visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

Before returning to Long Beach, the itinerary also includes scenic cruising at the Tracy Arm Fjord.

One of the three Carnival ships sailing to Alaska this summer, the Carnival Miracle spent the last few months sailing from San Francisco.

Between May and August, the vessel offered an alternating schedule of four-night cruises to Baja Mexico and ten-night cruises to the Last Frontier and Canada.

After repositioning to Long Beach earlier this month, the Miracle is scheduled to offer a series of cruises from the port during the 2023-24 winter.

Ranging from four to 15 nights, the itineraries sail to different destinations, including the Mexican Riviera, Baja Mexico and Hawaii.

Before becoming Carnival Cruise Line’s fourth ship in Galveston, the vessel is scheduled to offer an additional season in Alaska next year.

Part of the company’s four-ship Spirit Class, the Carnival Miracle was built in Finland and originally entered service in 2004.

Extensively refurbished over the years, the vessel underwent another drydock in late 2022. In addition to regular upkeep and technical maintenance, the 2,124-guest ship also received Carnival’s new blue, white and red livery.

Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company, the new look was inspired by officers’ uniforms and features a navy blue bow along with red and white accents running the entire length of the ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance to Resume Service

The Radiance of the Seas is set to return to revenue service on Sept. 15, Royal Caribbean International confirmed.

“Our Marine technical team has given us green light and we’re thrilled to announce that the Radiance of the Seas will be returning to service,” the company said in a statement sent to booked guests.

“With repairs wrapping up and sea trial preparations underway, we’re now able to confirm our ability to sail as intended,” Royal Caribbean added.

The company also explained that the Radiance’s technical issue was contained to the propulsion system, impacting only the ship’s speed and ability to make it to ports on time.

“In response to some comments seen and heard, seaworthiness was never in question,” the statement continued.

“Thank you for your patience and continued understanding as we worked to resolve this issue. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking to explore, relax and recharge – we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing,” Royal Caribbean concluded.

Concluding its summer program in Alaska, the Radiance of the Seas continues to offer seven-night cruises in the region through late September.

Sailing from Seward and Vancouver, the itineraries feature visits to several destinations, such as Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.

The Sep. 15 sailing, for instance, sails from Seward to Vancouver and features six ports of call in Alaska and Canada.

Following a repositioning cruise via the Panama Canal, the Radiance of the Seas is set to launch a winter season in the Caribbean in October.

Based out of Tampa, the 2,000-guest ship is scheduled to offer a series of four- to seven-night cruises to Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas that extend through early April 2024.