Unexpected Dry Dock Ends Alaska Sailing Season Early

Celebrity Millennium

2013 Alaska Season

Over in Ketchikan

Celebrity Millennium has been experiencing mechanical problems since early August, resulting in the early termination of its latest cruise and cancellation of 4 sailings ending the Alaska sailing season early for the vessel.

During the August 2nd sailing, the ship was delayed coming into port at the end of the cruise.   The ship made news as it was stranded in Seward during the August 9th sailing for emergency repairs. The ship bypassed all ports, sailing directly to Vancouver.

The final straw was on the August 16th sailing when the ship was stranded in Ketchikan in need of additional repairs.  Celebrity then decided to cancel the four remaining cruises and transition the ship to Freeport, Bahamas where it can undergo maintenance at the dry dock facility.

Celebrity Cruises provided charted air transportation for all passengers as well as compensation for the cancelled cruises.   

This is not the first time this year that Celebrity Millennium has had propulsion problems.   Itineraries were impacted in April (see Celebrity Millennium Itinerary Change).

 Propulsion: 2 × 19 MW Rolls-Royce/Alstom Mermaid azimuth thrusters

The Celebrity Millennium-class were the first of the larger class ships to be introduced to the Celebrity fleet later being  joined by the modern and popular Solstice-class ships.   Propulsion problems have often occurred with the azipod system, which improves maneuverability of the vessel.  In many of the previous cases, problems could be repaired by the onboard mechanics.   When they can't be resolved, unexpected dry docks, like the current one, result.

Hopefully the impacted passengers will be able to return to Alaska another time.  We are certain that Celebrity Cruises made the decision to cancel the remaining cruises after exhausting all other options.

Farewell Destiny Hello Sunshine

Destiny Went In and Sunshine has Emerged

Serenity Deck on Carnival Sunshine   Courtesy CCL

The long awaited transformation of Carnival Destiny into the Carnival Sunshine is now complete as the ship sailed it's inaugural voyage out of Venice with some work remaining to be completed.

This is amongst the largest re-makes in the cruise industry and certainly the largest undertaking for a Carnival cruise ship.   See what you think...

  Watch the Transformation of Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine   
Inaugural Voyage Not All Sunshine

When the revitalized Carnival Sunshine set sail from Venice on its inaugural 12-Night Mediterranean voyage on May 5th, there still was some work to be done to totally complete the transformation. It wasn't until 3 days before the cruise ended that the new WaterWorks Aqua Park was opened to the public. The Rope Course was another feature that was unavailable until near the end of the voyage.

Since Mediterranean cruises are so sightseeing intensive, there might not have been a lot of time to enjoy the facilities on board the ship anyway, but Carnival did the right thing and compensated passengers with a $150 on board credit.

Was It Worth the Wait?

The $155M transformation had originally been slated to be completed by April, but the Carnival Triumph fire that left that ship stranded had a cascading effect on the entire Carnival fleet.   President and CEO Gerry Cahill promised to increase operating redundancies, emergency power and fire prevention, detection and suppression systems fleetwide, so the dry-dock was extended to complete that work on the new Carnival Sunshine.

Read more about the delays: Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Carnival Sunshine becomes the first ship in the Carnival fleet to have all of the Fun Ship 2.0 features as well as the first ship to deploy the new safety improvements making it an ideal ship for your next vacation at sea.

Want to Learn more about Fun Ship 2.0? TOUCH this Image and then move your mouse over the various interactive buttons.  Watch Videos, View Menus, Get More Facts.   Enjoy !!

 

 Highlights:

• A fleet first: Carnival Sunshine's WaterWorks area introduces Speedway Splash, featuring two lanes of long-distance waterslide racing action.
• With a brand-new Cloud 9 Spa, plus 95 brand-new Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms, Carnival Sunshine practically floats on air!
• Carnival Sunshine's Serenity Adults-Only Retreat spans three decks, which means relaxation on a whole new level... or two, actually.
• Hungry for something new? Carnival Sunshine will feature 10 dining venues that are either brand-new or completely redesigned.
• Even with all the added decks, staterooms and fun features, Carnival Sunshine's weight will only grow by about 1% (from 101,353 to 102,853 tons).
• 3,006 passenger capacity, 1,150 onboard crew, 893 length in feet

Learn more about the changes:  Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

Click for Carnival Sunshine Sailings

Destiny + 49 Days = Sunshine

What happens if you take Carnival Destiny out of service for 49 days?

Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

Update:  Return to Service now May 5th, 2 European Cruises Cancelled

Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Last March we wrote the article above about the $155M project that Carnival Cruise Lines announced which will transform Carnival Destiny into the new Carnival Sunshine. The makeover incorporates all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel. (Click on the title above to learn more about the specific changes.)

Highlights:

• A fleet first: Carnival Sunshine's WaterWorks area introduces Speedway Splash, featuring two lanes of long-distance waterslide racing action.
• With a brand-new Cloud 9 Spa, plus 95 brand-new Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms, Carnival Sunshine practically floats on air!
• Carnival Sunshine's Serenity Adults-Only Retreat spans three decks, which means relaxation on a whole new level... or two, actually.
• Hungry for something new? Carnival Sunshine will feature 10 dining venues that are either brand-new or completely redesigned.
• Even with all the added decks, staterooms and fun features, Carnival Sunshine's weight will only grow by about 1% (from 101,353 to 102,853 tons).
• 3,006 passenger capacity, 1,150 onboard crew, 893 length in feet

Click for Carnival Sunshine Sailings

New Look for Azamara Club Cruises Ships

Azamara Journey

& Azamara Quest

Refurbishment

Azamara Club Cruises announced that both of its ships will be undergoing some major changes late this year an early next year.   The most noticeable change will be the switch from a white hull to dark blue hulls.

Dry Dock Schedule:

Azamara Quest (8 Nights) November 7, 2012
Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain

Azamara Journey (7 Nights) January 6, 2013
Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard


According to Edie Bornstein, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Azamara, the new dark blue hulls will "better reflect the elegance onboard."

Here are the details of the refurbishments, which will be made to each ship:

• Caviar and champagne bar will be added within the specialty restaurant Aqualina
• New Chef's Table concept featuring three wine menus (Italian, French and Californian)
• The Casino Bar will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture 
• New steam room and showers; new Life Fitness cardio equipement in the Spa & Fitness center
• New carpets, upholstery and color palette in public spaces
• New mattresses and upgraded balcony furniture will be added to cabins
• Resurfaced pool with new sun loungers and pool towels 

About Azamara Club Cruises

Even before the refurbishment, intimate elegance is what you'll find aboard the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.. With slightly more than 690 guests you'll discover unparalleled service with one staff member to every two guests. Enjoy an evening cordial while listening to the dazzling finger work of the pianist at the Drawing Room, meet new found friends for a signature cocktail at the Discoveries Lounge, immerse yourself in the thalassotherapy pool and let the invigorating waters rejuvenate your being or enjoy breathtaking views of far away lands while feeding your hunger at the Windows Cafe. With impeccable service, scrumptious cuisine and longer stays at out of the way destinations - discover what it means to sail with Azamara Club Cruises.

Azamara Journey

Azamara Quest

Ship Statistics30,277 GT, 694 passenger capacity, 593 feet length, 95 feet beam Builder: Chantiers de I'Atlantique   Completed in 2000, Refurbished 2007

Royal Advantage Expanded

Royal Caribbean Enhances Entire Fleet

When we first announced Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage SM program, the estimated cost of the investment was around $300M USD. At our recent Regional Meeting held in Cleveland,Ohio, representatives from the cruise line told us that the program had been expanded, and that the final cost would be around $732M USD. They shared the details of the remaining revitalizations which continue through 2016.  Related Posts;

After 40 years of cruising, Royal Caribbean told us they learned a thing or two about having a good time at Sea. There’s one rule: Anything is possible.

What is the Royal Advantage SM ?

It’s Royal's promise to provide guests with the most innovative ships, features, worldwide destinations and personalized service. This year, they’ll continue to transform the award winning fleet into something the Sea has never seen before. Across all their ships, our guests will find new dining options, entertainment, technology and family programming. With these revitalizations, the Royal Advantage is sure to deliver the vacation of a lifetime, every time.

Schedule of Ship Revitalization

AVAILABILITY	SHIP NAME	ITINERARY
Now	RADIANCE of the SEAS®	ALASKA & AUSTRALIA
Now	LIBERTY of the SEAS®	EUROPE & SHORT CARIBBEAN
Now	FREEDOM of the SEAS®	CARIBBEAN
Now	SPLENDOUR of the SEAS®	EUROPE & BRAZIL
Now	RHAPSODY of the SEAS®	ALASKA & AUSTRALIA
Now	MARINER of the SEAS®	EUROPE & CARIBBEAN
Now	GRANDEUR of the SEAS®	EUROPE & CARIBBEAN
COMING 12/4/2012	SERENADE of the SEAS®	EUROPE & DUBAI
COMING 12/16/2012	ENCHANTMENT of the SEAS®	BERMUDA & CARIBBEAN
COMING 2/7/2013	LEGEND of the SEAS®	ASIA
COMING 5/3/2013	INDEPENDENCE of the SEAS®	NORTHERN EUROPE & CARIBBEAN
COMING 5/14/2013	BRILLIANCE of the SEAS®	EUROPE, BERMUDA/ CANADA & CARIBBEAN
COMING 10/23/2013	VISION of the SEAS®	EUROPE & CARIBBEAN
COMING 12/2/2013	NAVIGATOR of the SEAS®	EUROPE & SHORT CARIBBEAN
COMING 2/3/2014	ADVENTURE of the SEAS®	NORTHERN EUROPE & CARIBBEAN
COMING 5/18/2014	VOYAGER of the SEAS®	AUSTRALIA & ASIA
COMING 12/22/2014	EXPLORER of the SEAS®	BERMUDA/CANADA & CARIBBEAN
COMING 5/1/2016	JEWEL of the SEAS®	NORTHERN EUROPE, BERMUDA/ CANADA & SHORT CARIBBEAN

Learn More about Royal Caribbean Ships & Sailings

Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

49 Days + $155m = Sunshine

Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel.

Next February, Carnival Destiny will go into a 49-day dry dock at Fincantieri shipyards. This project represents the most ambitious refit and transformation that Carnival Cruise Line has ever done.

 

During the dry dock, Carnival Destiny will be transformed into Carnival Sunshine, which will emerge from the shipyard with a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck, and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship.  This transformation  provides the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. 182 cabins will be added, as well.

Update:  Return to Service now May 5th 2013, 2 European Cruises Cancelled

Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.

“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else" said Gerry Cahill, Carnival President and CEO.

Fun Ship 2.0 + New Features

• A full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries , with no charge for lunch, but a nominal fee for dinner.
• The Comfort Kitchen: Located in the Lido Marketplace, it will offer a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes.
• Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing.
• New Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium.
• A new cigar bar concept offering fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation.


• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, with plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool and complimentary dining area.
• SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball among other sporting amenities.  

Mediterranean Cruises

• 14-day Venice to Barcelona (Apr 6-23, 2013)
• 9 and 12-day R/T Barcelona or Between Barcelona and Venice (18 voyages)
• Ports include: Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Transatlantic Cruise

•  16-day departing Barcelona Nov1 arriving New Orleans Nov 17, 2013

Year-round Deployment - New Orleans

• 6-day from New Orleans (Nov 18-24, 2013)
• 7-day schedule begins Nov 24, 2013 (3 different itineraries)
• western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico
• Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas
• western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel

Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans. Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.

Introducing Fun Ship 2.0

Last October, Carnival Cruise Lines announced  $500 million dollars worth of enhancements spanning through 2015. The initiative, entitled "Fun Ship 2.0", builds on the success of Carnival Magic’s new branded experiences.

Carnival Liberty was the first ship to undergo the face-lift, adding about half of the 11 new features. As Carnival Breeze comes closer to completion, the remaining features will be coming to the forefront. The new features belong to the following four categories.

Dining 

For added dining , TV personality and Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri has joined forces with Carnival to bring Guy’s Burger Joint. Guests will have the their choice of homemade burgers made with choice ground beef and complimented with hand-cut fries. This will be a lunch or dinner option for guests, topped off with their own condiment bar. Also added will be a new Cantina with Mexican delights like to order burritos and tacos. All complimentary.

Comedy 

Comedian George Lopez has revamped the Punchliner Comedy club, adding some of his own talent and appearing on some of Carnival’s ships personally. The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez will have pre-recorded video and voice messages from Lopez. Carnival will launch Punchliner brunch as well offering entertainment in the main dining rooms on-board.

Bars 

Carnival is giving bars at sea a new name. Carnival partnered with sports video game company EA SPORTS to bring an interactive sports bar at sea. Not only will there be tournaments and trivia but 16 46-inch big screen TV’s and a 24/7 live sports ticker. To expand on the ever-so-popular Red Frog Pub that was introduced on Carnival Magic, Carnival will be adding Red Frog Rum Pub and BlueIguana Tequila Bar. For the folks that are cruising to heal their sorrows, Carnival is adding an Alchemy Bar where passengers will create their own drinks on a prescription pad. The Library Bar will be added also, being coined “an intimate cocktail lounge.”

Entertainment 

Carnival is taking entertainment to the next level with Playlist Productions, 30-minute shows with LEDs, special effects, and sing alongs. Teaming up with game leader Hasbro, Inc. to create interactive game shows at seas. Also Carnival is teaming up with DJ Irie and creating Spin’iversity for folks who want to learn to mix music.

Which Ship is Right for You

By the end of 2012, three ships in the fleet will host 10 of the 11 new features of Fun Ship 2.0 with three more having at least 4 of the features.  Even among those ships, there will be a variance in which features are deployed on each vessel.  We've put a chart together, based on information that has been released to date, showing the features on each ship.

We've also included the schedule so that you can plan your cruise vacation following the dry dock that will complete the transformation.

Fun Ship 2.0 Feature	Liberty	Breeze	Dream	Conquest	Glory	Splendor
Punchliners Comedy Club		x	x	x	x	x
Guy’s Burger Joint	x	x		x	x
Hasbro, The Game Show		x		x	x
EA Sports Bar	x			x	x
DJ IRIE Spin’versity	x	x	x	x	x	x
Playlist Productions		x		x	x
RedFrog Rum Bar	x	x	x	x	x	x
BlueIguana Tequila Bar	x	x	x	x	x	x
BlueIguana Cantina		x		x	x
Alchemy Bar	x	x		x	x
Library Bar		x

In future articles, we'll look closer at some of the new features.  The first of which is

Hasbro The Game Show Coming Soon to Sea

Dry Dock Schedule 2011 Carnival Liberty (Dry docks Oct. 8-22, 2011) 2012 Carnival Breeze (currently under construction, debuts June 3, 2012) Carnival Dream (Dry Dock: Sept. 8-22, 2012) Carnival Conquest (Dry Dock: Oct. 14-28, 2012) Carnival Glory (Dry Dock: Nov. 2-15, 2012) Carnival Splendor (Dry Dock:  dates TBD) 2013 Carnival Destiny Carnival Legend Carnival Pride Carnival Victory 2014 Carnival Elation Carnival Freedom Carnival Triumph Carnival Valor 2015 Carnival Magic Carnival Paradise