Tag Archives: cruise ships

Explorer of the Seas damage does not affect safety

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Explorer of the Seas damage does not affect safety

The Explorer of the Seas has sustained a bit of damage during a storm, although the Royal Caribbean has said it does not affect the safety of the cruise ship. A large wave smashed into Explorer of the Seas and hit its lifeboats, where one sustained some damage, but seeing as though new cruise ships have more than enough lifeboats, there is still enough for all passengers and crew.

According to Royal Caribbean Blog a huge wave that measured around 40 feet hit the lifeboats on deck four, which you can see an image of above. We would imagine that these passengers were scared when sailing through those rough waters, although it is to be expected at this time of year in certain regions.

We do love a good cruise, but there are areas where we tend to stay away from, choosing to go places where the waters are calmer.

Doors are closed so that water cannot enter the ship during bad weather, but some water managed to get through a sliding door on deck four, which in turn flooded the aft of the deck. Water then came into the Aquarium bar, dining room lobby and flooding down the stairs

There are no reports of injuries and the ship has continued on its normal course.

Carnival Boosting Fleet Capacity

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Regal Princess

Regal Princess

 The world’s largest cruise ship operator Carnival Corporation & plc  said it would increase fleet capacity by nearly 10 percent from 2014 through 2016, fueled largely by the addition of four new ships across four brands in less than 18 months.

This week, Carnival Corporation is christening two new ships in the span of three days as its Princess and Costa brands host official naming ceremonies for Regal Princess and Costa Diadema, the latest new vessels to join the company’s  fleet of more than 100 ships across nine cruise brands.

Additionally, in 2015, the company’s P&O Cruises UK and AIDA brands will each debut a new ship, giving Carnival Corporation a total of four new ship additions by October of next year.

In addition, Carnival Corporation continues to expand its upgrades and refurbishments to existing ships. In 2015, the company plans upgrades or refurbishments on 17 ships across six of its brands.

The 2015 refurbishment plans include two former Holland America Line ships transferred to P&O Cruises Australia that will undergo complete refurbishment before sailing as Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden starting in November 2015.

The renovated ships will be tailored for Australian and New Zealand passengers.

Diadema05a_07

Carnival Corporation’s four new fleet additions in 18 months are part of the company’s plan to introduce nine new ships across seven of its brands between 2014 and 2017.

AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises UK, Princess Cruises and Seabourn are all expected to debut new cruise ships between now and the early part of 2017.

In 2016, Carnival Cruise Lines will debut Carnival Vista, a 133,500-ton ship that will be the largest ever in its fleet — with the ship being unveiled in a sneak preview in New York in January 2015.

Holland America Line will launch its newest ship, the 99,500-ton ms Koningsdam, a new Pinnacle Class ship that can carry 2,650 passengers.

Also in 2016, AIDA will introduce a new sister ship to the 2015 AIDAprima with capacity for 3,250 passengers, while Seabourn will unveil its newest luxury ship, expected to be the biggest ever built by the brand with the ability to serve 604 passengers.

Looking forward to 2017, Princess Cruises is working with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build a 143,000-ton vessel featuring the highly popular design elements introduced by the brand’s two newest ships, and sisters, the Royal Princess and sisters, the Royal Princess and Regal Princess.

4 Reasons A Balcony is a Good Choice

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Departing Cozumel

1) The Sights

Imagine waking up in the morning to a whale breaching the surface or a tropical port city approaching on the horizon. Yes, while these sights can also be seen through a standard porthole, you’ll be amazed at how these sights will leave you in awe or transport you to your “happy place” as you stand there and watch these sights in their true element – in the open air.

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2) Sailing Away

While similar to the aforementioned sights, soaking in the excitement of sail away from your private balcony is truly the way to enjoy the sail away experience. You’ll find this exciting time of your cruise much more relaxing and fun as you enjoy your own reserved space along the rail sailing away from Miami or Cozumel. It’s truly hard to beat.

Nieuw Amsterdam Day 1 149

3) Suntanning (Well, kinda)

This one can be tricky as it depends on your balcony’s actual design. Many cruise ships feature balconies that are partially covered or fully uncovered. This unique design practically creates a private suntanning area reserved just for you and your fellow cabin mates. Many of these “sunning” balconies may even feature full sun loungers depending on the stateroom’s design or category. Many “sunning” balconies aboard Princess’ Grand Class ship feature not only two sun loungers, but a table and chairs as well.

Lanai Stateroom (Room 333 Cat CA- Deck 6 MidshipVeendam - Holland America Line

4) Extra Space

One of my favourite reasons I sail with a balcony is the extra space it provides. Let’s be honest, most cruise ship staterooms aren’t exactly generous in space, so having some extra room to stretch out, take a nap, or even to just escape the indoors can be priceless. Plus, many families can take advantage of this extra space for changing before dinner or getting ready for the day. Rather than wait turns to use the bathroom to change, families can use the bathroom, stateroom, and balcony to change simultaneously.