Tag Archives: transatlantic

Ambassador’s Ambience Kicks Off 40-Day Cruise to the Caribbean

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Ambassador’s Ambience Kicks Off 40-Day Cruise to the Caribbean

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience recently kicked off one of the company’s longest cruises this year, a 40-day voyage to the Caribbean.

Sailing roundtrip from Tilbury, the “Jewels of the Caribbean Sea” itinerary is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations in the region.

As part of the voyage, the Ambience will become the only mainstream cruise ship to sail to Cuba in 2026, with a 13-hour visit to Havana scheduled for Feb. 16, 2026.

The cruise started with a visit to Ponta Delgada in the Azores after departing from the United Kingdom on Jan. 30, 2026.

The Ambience then crossed the Atlantic for destinations in Antigua and the British Virgin Islands, such as Antigua and Tortola.

Following its visit to Cuba, the ship is also scheduled to sail to George Town in the Cayman Islands, Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Fort-de-France in Martinique.

Other ports of call include Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica, as well as Bridgetown in Barbados and Castries in St. Lucia.

Before arriving back in Tilbury in early March, the Ambience also sails to Basseterre in St. Kitts and St. Vincent.

Upon returning to the United Kingdom, the Ambience embarks on a series of spring cruises to Northern Europe, visiting Scandinavia, the Baltic, the British Isles and more.

For the summer, the 1,578-passenger ship adds visits to more destinations, including Portugal, Spain, Madeira, the Canaries and Iceland.

The vessel’s deployment is also highlighted by a 31-night cruise to the Mediterranean scheduled for early November, which sails roundtrip from Tilbury and features ports of call across North Africa, the Adriatic, Sicily and more.

In related news, Ambassador’s Ambience recently underwent a three-week drydock refurbishment in the United Kingdom.

The multi-million-dollar refurbishment included technical work, as well as improvements to public areas and staterooms.

Crew Member Dies in Accident at Sea on P&O Cruise Ship

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Crew Member Dies in Accident at Sea on P&O Cruise Ship

British cruise ship Arvia was at sea when the accident occurred killing one crewmember (P&O file photo)

The British press and maritime authorities are reporting that a crewmember was killed yesterday aboard the P&O cruise ship Arvia. The ship was two days into a two-week cruise to the Caribbean from the UK.

The Arvia, which is 185,581 gross tons, is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and with her sister ship Iona, is the largest operating from the UK. The Arvia was introduced by the UK’s P&O Cruises in 2022 and is 344 meters (1,128 feet) in length with accommodations for more than 6,600 passengers and approximately 1,800 crew.

P&O confirmed in a brief statement that there had been an onboard accident. It said its thoughts and prayers were with the onboard friends and family members. The company provided no further details.

While registered in Bermuda, the cruise ship is under the authority of the British, and the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch listed the incident today. It is posted it as a “lift shaft” (elevator) accident that happened on October 26. MAIB reports that it will investigate on behalf of the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority.

The cruise had been en route to its first port in Tenerife. However, Puerto de A Coruña, on the northern Spanish coast, reported that the Arvia made a stop on October 26 from 3:00 p.m. into the night “following a workplace accident.” The ship stayed till around midnight and has resumed its trip to Tenerife.

MSC World America Arrives in Miami for Maiden Season

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MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC World America, arrived in Miami on Monday morning.

After being delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in late March, the vessel visited MSC’s private island of Ocean Cay before arriving in South Florida on Monday, April 7.

As the second ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class series, the MSC World America is now set to be christened before kicking off its inaugural cruise on April 12, 2025.

Photo credit – https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-world-america-arrives-miami/

Sailing from Miami on a year-round basis, the 5,400-guest ship will offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Itineraries sail to both the Western and Eastern Caribbean, visiting destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras.

All of the ship’s sailings also feature a visit to MSC’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Before welcoming its first paying guests, the MSC World America is set to be christened during a ceremony at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal.

With actress Drew Barrymore serving as the ship’s godmother, the naming celebrations will take place on April 9, 2025.

The LNG-powered ship then embarks on a three-night pre-inaugural cruise to Ocean Cay before welcoming its first paying guests.

A sister to the 2022-built MSC World Europa, the new World America features a tweaked design aimed at the North American market.

According to MSC, the ship will be the first in the fleet to feature seven onboard districts, including The Harbour, an outdoor family venue with the Cliffhanger over-water swing ride, a ropes course, a water park, a playground, relaxation areas and complimentary grab-and-go dining.

Other highlighted features include the new All-Stars Sports Bar, which features an ocean-facing terrace and classic American fare while broadcasting popular sports.