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Norwegian Encore Arrives at Damen for Refit

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The Norwegian Encore arrived in France this week for a major refurbishment at the Damen shipyard in Brest.

Over the next two weeks, the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is scheduled to undergo significant work on its public areas and staterooms.

According to the company, the project follows guest feedback and will include the creation of new features, as well as the addition of more cabins.

One of the main changes coming to the Norwegian Encore is the debut of Spice H2O. The adults-only complimentary sun deck will be created in the area currently occupied by the ship’s laser tag arena.

The enhancements will also include the expansion of two of Norwegian’s popular speciality dining venues, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki.

Both restaurants will offer greater capacity by taking over the footprint of Los Lobos and Coco’s, respectively.

The Norwegian Encore is also seeing the addition of 24 new balcony cabins, which will take over a part of the ship’s Observation Lounge.

Other changes include updates to Haven’s Premier Owner’s Suites. The two staterooms will be expanded to include a new bedroom, a fully renovated living room, and a new separate dining room.

In addition, work on the vessel’s technical side includes planned routine maintenance, class inspections, and upgrades to various systems.

Following the shipyard stay, the Norwegian Encore is scheduled to resume revenue service on December 3, 2024.

The 2019-built vessel welcomes guests back for a 12-night trans-Atlantic crossing that sails from Southampton, England, to Miami, Florida.

During the 2024-25 winter season, the Encore is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas, departing from PortMiami.

The itineraries feature a visit to Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as St. Thomas, Tortola and more.

PortMiami Reports Increased Economic Impact in 2023

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PortMiami’s annual economic impact has grown to $61.4 billion, up from $41.4 billion in 2016, according to a study conducted by Martin Associates, according to a press release.

The study measured PortMiami’s impact in terms of jobs, business revenue, consumer spending and state and local taxes. PortMiami has contributed $2.2 billion in state and local taxes, of which $1.6 billion is attributed to port users. Additionally, 340,078 jobs are supported by port activity, including 29,423 direct local jobs.

“PortMiami is not only one of Miami-Dade County’s most important economic engines, its economic impact is also felt regionally and globally,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This report confirms the seaport’s vital role in supporting good-paying local jobs and contributing to the growth of our community, in addition to our commitment to resilience and reducing our carbon footprint with shore power and our net zero plan.” 

Highlights of the 2023 study:

  • $61.4 billion in total economic activity, which accounts for 3.9 per cent of the $1.6 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the state of Florida.
  • $2.2 billion in state and local taxes, of which $1.6 billion is attributed to Port users.
  • 340,078 jobs supported by port activity, including 29,423 direct local jobs.

The economic impact analysis was based on data obtained through interviews and telephone survey programs of the seaport’s tenants and the companies providing cruise and cargo services at PortMiami. In addition, a survey of cruise passengers and crew was conducted to develop passenger spending profiles pre- and post-cruise as well as the spending characteristics of the crew during each port call at Miami. 

“The seaport continues to play a critical role in the economic vitality of our region. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to ensure that PortMiami remains a world-class cruise and cargo port,” said Hydi Webb, director and CEO, of PortMiami. “I want to thank all the seaport’s partners for their unrelenting support. Our continued growth and success are a result of strong collaborations.” 

Carnival Unveils Details for Celebration Key’s Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon

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Carnival Cruise Line revealed details for Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon, two of the five portals at its new Celebration Key destination on Grand Bahama set to debut in July 2025.

Paradise Plaza will feature a promenade, a 10-story-high Suncastle, live music and more. Destination information will help guests decide how they want to spend their day, whether by playing water sports, joining shore excursions or relaxing. There is also a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

The adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon, located west of Paradise Plaza, offers guests a chance to engage in athletic activities or take a dip in the freshwater lagoon surrounded by loungers, daybeds or cabanas.

On one side of the lagoon, guests will find a bar with nearly 50 swings so guests can dip their toes in the cool water while enjoying Bahamian cocktails. Additional bars are located around Calypso Lagoon as well as two full-service restaurants and casual snack shacks.

A section of Calypso Lagoon and the adjacent beach will be reserved for adults only. In this area, guests will find a swim-up bar with a DJ keeping the energy going all day.

“When guests see our Suncastle as they arrive at Celebration Key, they’ll know immediately they’re in for big FUN. Paradise Plaza will be the perfect welcome spot and will set the tone for the entire visit to this truly unique destination. These new details show the creative design that’s gone into the development of each portal, with Calypso Lagoon alone offering a wide variety of options to fill the day while honoring the beauty of Grand Bahama and celebrating Bahamian culture,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.