New Characters from Black Panther to Join Disney’s Marvel Day at Sea

Posted on 2 December, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Disney Cruise Line announced that new characters from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will join Disney’s Marvel Day at Sea beginning in January.

According to a statement, the new Black Panther and Okoye, General of the Dora Milaje will be making their debut exclusively on Marvel Day at Sea aboard the Disney Dream.

The new Wakanda warriors will be joining what is already shaping up to be the largest assembly of Super Heroes and Villains from the Marvel universe, the company said.

The Black Panther will also appear in “Heroes Unite,” the event’s signature nighttime spectacle with special effects, stunts and pyrotechnics.

Marvel Day at Sea is a single action-packed day aboard a five-day cruise on the Disney Dream where guests can meet their favourite Super Heroes and Villains and enjoy a range of all-day entertainment events including heroic encounters, stage shows, film and TV screenings, unique merchandise, themed food and beverage offerings, and activities for families, kids and adults.

Marvel Day at Sea is scheduled to take place on nine Western Caribbean cruises sailing from Miami in 2023.

Itineraries include:

Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, departing on January 21, February 4, February 18 and March 4, 2023
Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Cay departing on Departing January 16, January 30, February 13 and February 27, 2023

Venezia Completes Final Cruise for Costa Ahead of Joining Carnival’s Fleet

Posted on 2 December, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Set to debut for Carnival Cruise Line in 2023, the Costa Venezia is wrapping up its last sailing for Costa Cruises today.

Marking the end of a program in the Eastern Mediterranean, the 2019-built vessel returned to Istanbul to disembark passengers of its final cruise in the region.

After departing from the same port on Nov. 20, the 11-night voyage sailed to Turkey, Egypt and Israel, visiting Izmir, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Alexandria and Haifa.

The Vista-class cruise ship will now enter an operational pause before being officially added to the Carnival fleet.

During the period, it will be adapted to showcase what the U.S.-based company calls “Carnival Fun Italian Style.”

According to the brand, the new concept combines Carnival’s signature experience with the Italian theming of the ship.

Originally built for the Chinese market, the Venezia features public areas, facilities and décor inspired by the Italian city of Venice.

For instance, the ship’s main theatre was inspired by the Venetian La Fenice theatre, while the main atrium recalls the famous Piazza di San Marco.

Other themed areas include the main restaurants, which were dedicated to the typical architecture of Venetian alleys and feature original, life-sized gondolas made by local artisans.

While being prepared to launch service for its new operators, the ship will also receive some of Carnival’s signature activities and experiences, such as Carnival Waterworks, Piano Bar 88 and the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Other additions include Bonsai Sushi, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Salon & Spa and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

The Venezia also receives a new livery that mixes Costa and Carnival colours, highlighted by the Italian brand’s yellow funnel.

Renamed Carnival Venezia, the 135,500-ton ship is set to launch a year-round program of cruises departing from New York City in June.

A second ship is being added to the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” lineup in 2024, with the debut of the Carnival Firenze.

Holland America Line will return to Japan in the new year

Posted on 1 December, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Nieuw Amsterdam in Vancouver Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

HAL will deploy Westerdam to Japan early next year off the back of a stint in Australia and New Zealand; the ship will start its Asia season on 3rd February after a January dry dock in Singapore.

Japan lifted its curbs on cruising last month. Westerdam will sail roundtrip from Yokohama or Singapore, or between the two destinations.

Cruises range from 11 to 14 days and can be combined to create non-repeating Collectors’ Voyages. Across five itineraries, guests will be able to visit Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, with overnight calls in Singapore, Kobe, Osaka and Phuket.

The season will conclude with a 14-day North Pacific Crossing from Yokohama to Seattle departing on 24th April when Westerdam redeploys for its Alaska season.

“We’re grateful for the work that the Japanese authorities have done to allow for a return to cruising,” said HAL president Gus Antorcha.

“Holland America Line’s guests love longer voyages to unique parts of the world, and we’ll be sailing to some incredible locations as our season in Japan and the rest of Asia begins.”

HAL will provide details of any specific health protocols for each departure in advance via its voyage lookup tool.