Norwegian Viva to Undergo Enhancements During Crossing; Venues Closed

Posted on 2 April, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

According to a letter sent to booked guests, the Norwegian Viva will be undergoing significant enhancements during its upcoming trans-Atlantic crossing.

Set to depart from Puerto Rico on April 7, 2024, the 19-night repositioning cruise is scheduled to end in Lisbon, Portugal.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, several spaces onboard will be closed as the upgrades take place during the voyage.

“As part of our commitment to continuously offer extraordinary vacation experiences for our guests around the world, and to uphold a consistent world-class product across our fleet, Norwegian Viva will be undergoing some enhancements during your cruise,” the company said in a prepared statement.

“The Speedway Bar will be converted into an all-new Entourage, offering teenagers aged 13 to 17 a dedicated area for them to meet and engage with others their age. Additionally, we will be making some upgrades to the Galaxy Pavilion, the virtual reality complex,” Norwegian continued.

“To complete these enhancements, The Bull’s Eye, Tee Time (mini-golf), The Stadium, The Wave and a section of the Galaxy Pavilion will be closed during your voyage. However, if we are able to reopen these venues during this voyage, we will communicate accordingly,” the company added.

Norwegian Cruise Line also highlighted Norwegian Viva’s remaining entertainment and activities offerings.

“Rest assured, there will still be plenty of activities available to entertain you during your days at sea, including the Speedway, The Drop, The Rush and the Aqua Park,” the company explained.

“We sincerely apologize for this unexpected event and want to assure you that our dedicated team is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable vacation experience.”

Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Norwegian Viva entered service for Norwegian Cruise Line in August 2023.

The Prima-class vessel is currently wrapping up its first winter program in the Caribbean ahead of a second summer season in the Mediterranean.

Carnival Freedom Battles Fire in Bahamas

Posted on 25 March, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

he Carnival Freedom suffered a fire on Saturday afternoon while sailing in stormy weather in the Bahamas.

Unconfirmed eyewitness reports posted to social media said the fire was due to a lightning strike, with the crew quickly getting the fire under control and eventually putting it out.

Video posted from passengers aboard showed the portside of Carnival’s whale-tail funnel on fire. Carnival Cruise Lien said on social media that part of the funnel had then fallen onto the open deck.

The ship reported the fire just after 3:00 p.m. local time while it was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, heading to Freeport after a cancelled call to Princess Cay due to weather.

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Carnival said the U.S. Coast Guard has been notified and that it had activated the company’s response team to support the ship’s crew.

“There are no operational issues with the ship’s systems and the ship is expected to arrive to Freeport on Sunday morning,” Carnival said in a statement posted on social media.

“The captain has made multiple announcements to guests and crew and advised all but essential safety personnel to stay away from all open decks. There are no injuries. The port side portion of the funnel has fallen onto Deck 10 and the fire response is putting out the flames.”

Carnival also said it did not expect any impact to the next Carnival Freedom voyage scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on Monday, March 25.

Of note, the this is the same ship that had a funnel fire in 2022, with Carnival having to replace the funnel at a drydock in Spain late last year.

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

Posted on 24 March, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

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.