That was the theme for the day while celebrating Carnival Jubilee’s christening in Galveston, Texas. 

Attendees wore their best Texan attire as a nod to Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship and her ties to the Lone Star State.

Even just walking into through the terminal to board the ship, both shoreside and shipboard staff were decked out in things like red cowboy hats, bandanas, and boots. 

Stepping onto the ship felt new and familiar at the same time. New, because the ship still had that new-ship smell, and the sleek, chic, thoughtful design and décor were unlike anything I have ever experienced on a Carnival ship.

Stepping on board, the Grand Central atrium immediately wows you with its three-story-high entertainment screen.

The whole room lit up. It wasn’t just the screen or the lighting—a general air of excitement and fun around the space. It draws you in, and it’s hard to leave.

Just around a corner and down the hall, though, is the Currents zone. Giant LED screens adorn the walls of the second story and mimic windows of a submarine.

When I first arrived, it displayed tons of colorful, unique fish that were actually drawings by children that had been animated and brought to life.

The scenery would quickly change to the golden mermaid or to a submarine adventure.

And the space around you changes too, with the lighting turning dark to reflect a submersible’s dive to deeper depths. Without realizing it, I found myself captivated by the narration, like I was on a real adventure. 

Then, suddenly, several people started shuffling around me. I realized I stood only a few feet away from three-time Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani!

After my deer-in-headlights moment, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy arrived to officially reveal a piece of artwork by Ty, a patient of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, that Carnival brought to life as a 3D sculpture.

Surrounded by Duffy, Jubilee godmother Gwen Stefani, his family, and Richard Shadyac, president and CEO of the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, Ty cut the ribbon to officially welcome his artwork to its new home on Carnival Jubilee.

Shadyac then thanked Carnival for their long-standing partnership. Carnival Cruise Line has raised more than $30 million to benefit the patients and families of St. Jude.

As if I wasn’t starstruck enough, immediately after this, it was time to inaugurate Emeril’s Bistro 717.

Award-winning celebrity chef and Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse appeared, flanked by Duffy and Stefani, to celebrate his third restaurant on a Carnival ship with his own ribbon cutting.

The Jubilee then continued with a private lunch in the Pacific Restaurant dining room for the VIP guests. After just being in the presence of the esteemed Lagasse, I ordered the shrimp and grits—a featured dish from Emeril’s Bistro 717.

It lived up to the hype. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, the grits just the right texture, and the pork added just the right amount of a salty kick to the dish. 

Without the dancing waitstaff, it wouldn’t be a Carnival main dining room experience—or a true jubilee.

Toward the end of our meal, a handful of crew members came out in red cowboy hats to regale us with their rendition of “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson. It was every bit as fun and funny as you can imagine, y’all. *tips cowboy hat*

As I made my way down to the Jubilee Theater for the naming ceremony, I felt grateful knowing I will be cruising on Jubilee in just a few weeks.

Otherwise, I would have booked one online right there and then. In just a few hours, this Texas ship captured my Texan heart.

Carnival Jubilee Naming Ceremony

Jubilee’s cruise director, Kyndall Fire kicked off the ceremony. After a performance of the national anthem, artist Will Fitzpatrick took the stage to demonstrate trick roping and show off skills with a lasso.

Next, Mayor of Galveston Craig Brown presented Carnival President Christine Duffy with the key to Galveston, declaring February 24 as “Carnival Jubilee Day.”

Mayor Brown noted that Carnival “initiated the entire cruise industry for the city of Galveston” when it became the first cruise line to homeport from Texas in 1974. “And you’re first in our hearts, too,” he added.

“Carnival Jubilee is shore power ready, Mayor!” she quipped. “So when the Port of Galveston gets equipped with technology enhancements that will allow cruise ships to plug into the grid, we will be operating here at berth utilizing shoreside electricity, which also helps us reduce emissions.”

Duffy honored Carnival’s roots by mentioning Ted Arison, who founded Carnival Cruise Line in 1972. Ted would have been 100 years-old on the day of the christening.

Jubilee Cowboy Boots Auctioned

Could the ship truly be Texan without a pair of cowboy boots? Don’t worry. Carnival thought of this too. The custom boots by local Houston company Parker Boots display Duffy’s initials “C” and “D” on their backs as well as the Carnival funnel on their sides and the state of Texas on the front. “When I found out how much these boots cost, I figured I shouldn’t be wearing them,” Duffy joked.

Instead, the boots will remain on display on the ship. After receiving numerous inquiries about how one might acquire these boots, Duffy had another custom pair made that went in an online auction.

The proceeds from the winning bid of $25,000 will support military families through Carnival’s partnership with Operation Homefront.

Carnival Raises Goal for St. Jude Donations

In the final remarks before the main event, Duffy presented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a $50,000 donation on behalf of Jubilee’s godmother, Gwen Stefani.

Since 2012, when Carnival Cruise Line began supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in its mission to treat and cure childhood cancer, Carnival has raised an impressive $33 million for the organization.

Gwen Stefani Christens Carnival’s Newest Ship

And now, it was time for the official christening!

In choosing a godmother, Duffy noted that the cruise lines looks for someone who reflects the same values of the company and embodies leadership, inclusivity, giving back to the community, and, of course, having fun.

Joining the stage, Stefani then pulled a lever, which released a ceremonial bottle outside that smashed against the side of the ship.

The ceremony concluded with a live performance by Stefani, who performed five top hits from her and her band No Doubt: “Sweet Escape,” “Underneath It All,” “Don’t Speak,” “Just a Girl,” and a unique version of “Hollaback Girl.”

For the last song, she changed the lyrics, proclaiming, “This my ship, this my ship!”

The event kicked off with a live performance of the national anthem followed by a blessing of the ship. To honor Jubilee’s Texan spirit, trick roping artist Will Fitzpatrick took the stage to show off his lasso spinning skills. 

Mayor of Galveston Craig Brown then presented Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy with the key to Galveston, declaring February 24 to forever be “Carnival Jubilee Day” for the city.

Duffy thanked everyone involved in bringing Jubilee to life before acknowledging the two culinary stars in attendance, award-winning celebrity chef and Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse and cookbook author and master chef Rudi Sodamin. Both chefs have restaurants on Jubilee and have influenced Carnival’s culinary experiences.

Carnival’s president also mentioned the cruise line’s founder, Ted Arison, noting that the day of Carnival Jubilee’s christening would have been his 100th birthday. “I know he would be as proud as we are to see how far Carnival has come,” said Duffy.

And finally, the ship’s godmother, three-time Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani, officially christened Jubilee. 

The ceremony then concluded with a live performance by Stefani, who sang five top hits of hers and her band No Doubt: “Sweet Escape,” “Underneath It All,” “Don’t Speak,” “Just a Girl,” and “Hollaback Girl.” For the last one, she changed the lyrics just slightly, joyfully belting out: “This my ship, this my ship!”

Carnival Jubilee is the first new-build cruise ship to home port in Galveston and the first and only cruise ship to don the Star of Texas on her bow. It joins sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration as the third ship in Carnival’s Excel class, which all run on liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Coming in at 182,800 gross registered tons, Carnival Jubilee can carry 5,282 guests.

After all, not all staterooms are created equal. Some are better suited for certain people than others. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of staterooms on cruise ships and the pros and cons of each. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the best stateroom for your needs.

So whether you’re a light sleeper, a family of four, or a solo traveler, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about the best and worst cruise types of cruise cabin accommodations.

Avoid Cruise Cabins Above/Below Public Areas

If you’ve ever mistakenly booked a stateroom underneath the nightclub, surely it’s one of those live-and-learn situations.

The clacking of feet and the booming bass will sound into the early morning hours, so if you’re a light sleeper or simply want peace, avoid booking above or below the nightclub at all costs.

When Carnival Destiny (now Carnival Sunshine) debuted in 1996, the engineers didn’t realize certain staterooms would take in much of the noise from the dance club above.

In true Carnival style, the company began marketing these accommodations as “Night Owl Cabins” – for those who don’t mind not sleeping as much. Suffice it to say this problem was fixed in a subsequent dry dock.

The same rule can apply to any public area, including the lido deck – which often hosts late-night deck parties, early-morning chair set-ups, and lately, more sports areas with joggers and seemingly never-ending bouncing basketballs. 

The theater and lounge areas feature shows into the late hours, and anywhere near the casino – with no closing time and smoke permeating nearby halls is another area of staterooms to avoid. Staying away from rooms near the elevator bank could also be added to this category.

Under the Galley

We all love the delicious array of food on board, but did you know kitchen staff works all day and night cooking and prepping your meals and those for the crew? Be careful not to book a stateroom under the galley, as you might hear chopping, sauteing, and basting throughout the night, which could disturb your sleep. 

There are also food trolleys and dishwashers to heavy-duty floor-degreasing machines. Booking a stateroom under the galley could be as loud as booking one underneath the nightclub.

Connecting Staterooms

When choosing your cruise cabin, it’s essential to consider its impact on your overall experience. While it’s worth booking connecting staterooms if you travel with family or friends, there are drawbacks.  

While these rooms make it easy to access your travel companions, generally speaking, the soundproofing for doors connecting the staterooms differs from a typical cabin wall, which means you may hear conversations, TV noise, or even snoring from your neighbors.

If you value privacy and a quiet atmosphere, avoiding connecting staterooms is usually best unless you’re comfortable with the people staying in the adjoining cabin – and you can always tell them to keep the noise down.

Guaranteed Staterooms

Choosing a guaranteed stateroom – in which you agree to accept any available room within a specific category versus choosing your own cabin – may seem cost-effective. Still, it poses some risks that could affect your overall cruise experience.  

While this could potentially result in a pleasant surprise such as a room upgrade, it could also lead to being located in a less-than-ideal area of the ship, such as close to noisy elevators, below a busy deck, or at the front or back of the ship where there is more motion.

Additionally, you will not know your exact stateroom closer to the sailing date, which could complicate your trip planning.

If you prefer to know exactly where you will stay and want to avoid the risk, there may be better options than a guaranteed stateroom. It’s much like booking a flight with a restricted fare to avoid the proverbial middle seat.

Near Slamming Doors

This one is tricky because you’ll need to study the deck maps to understand where slamming doors may be.

Avoid rooms near areas like the spa, where you might hear those loud locker doors, or near a public restroom (like those on the side of the theaters), where you’ll hear the slam of the door and the roar of the hand dryer. Noise is one good way to ruin a cruise vacation.

Near Empty Spaces

Locating a stateroom in a prime location sounds easier than it looks. Many people are scanning the deck plan, and you see an empty gap between cabins, thinking they’ve hit the jackpot or discovered some little-known secret. 

This likely indicates a closet where the housekeeping staff keeps linens, a self-service laundry room, and an AC unit, all accessible by crew members anytime during the day or night.   There might be a reason why that stateroom is unoccupied. This is a cruise cabin to skip.

Near the Anchor

If you can help it, avoid staying in cruise staterooms near the ship’s bow where the anchor and lines at the front of the ship.

When the ship anchors in a port of call or on debarkation day, the clatter of the anchor as it is slowly lowered down from the ship has been known to shake walls with its noise, as well as the ropes that need to be thrown to tie up the ship – often with crew members shouting instructions or shipboard staff on the PA.

If you like to sleep in, avoid booking this cruise cabin as it may be noisy.

On the Lower Decks

The lower decks on cruise ships present a double-edged sword. On the plus side, they usually offer the best deals, and being lower in the ship also provides a more stable ride. 

However, on the downside, the lower decks are far from most activities and can be very loud and crowded on port days when cruisers walk through the halls to get to the gangway.

No one wants to open their door in the morning, only to see people lining up to get off the ship. Avoid these rooms if possible unless you’re on a budget or don’t mind crowds.

Near the Back of the Ship

Some people like the back of the ship as it tends to be quieter and away from everyone on board. However, remember there is a greater chance to experience more noise and vibration as the engines and other machinery tend to be on the back of the ship.

This is particularly noticeable during docking or maneuvering. The vibration caused by the engines can also be felt more in these cabins, which may be bothersome for those sensitive to it. 

Near Crew Areas

We all love the crew members who make our cruises so fun and memorable, but did you ever stop to think about how many crew members live below deck? 

It’s a veritable city in the crew areas – hundreds of cabins and dining areas, laundry facilities, repair shops, the medical center, training rooms, and recreation centers – that must accommodate upwards of 1,500 crew. 

And don’t forget about the marshaling area and something called I-95, the main thoroughfare named after the main interstate in South Florida, where most cruise lines are headquartered.

You might want to avoid the lower decks if you can.

Be Careful With Balconies

There’s nothing better than sitting on your balcony and taking in the passing scenery – it’s one of the main reasons people cruise. But if you’re booking a balcony stateroom, double-check the deck map before putting down that deposit, and ensure you’re aware if others can see into your room.

For example, on Carnival’s Dream-class ships, the outdoor lanai on the promenade deck (Deck 5) juts out further than the balcony decks above it (Decks 6-9), meaning your fellow passengers hot-tubbing late at night on Deck 5 can see directly into balcony rooms on Deck 6 above them.

Many ships are starting to build what the cruise industry calls “cove balconies,” which are on lower decks closer to the balcony built into the ship’s hull versus extending out over the water.

Granted, the view can be a little obstructed, but these are great choices for the value-conscious and those looking for something closer to the water line, which can help those prone to motion sickness. 

A similar issue occurs on some Princess ships with a tiered layout, where the balconies on one deck can see down to those below, who can see down onto those below them.

If you value privacy on your balcony, find other accommodations. Even smaller Holland America vessels can have balcony privacy issues.

Loud Stateroom Shout Out: Carnival’s Riviera Decks 

If you’re considering booking the budget-friendly staterooms on the Riviera Deck (Deck 1) of Carnival Cruise Line, it’s important to note that these cabins have a downside.

They are situated above the engines, resulting in constant noise and vibrations and lacking the views that other decks offer. Carnival Cruise Line is known for non-stop entertainment, but those seeking peace might want to consider booking a different deck.

Unless you’re a night owl, on a tight budget or don’t care about the views, It’s recommended that you reconsider booking a cabin on this deck.

What to take into consideration when you choose a cruise cabin:

• Are you a light sleeper? If so, pick a stateroom other than one of the above cabins. That also means spending a few extra dollars booking a confirmed room rather than a guaranteed cabin.
• If you tend to get motion sickness, you may want to avoid the upper decks and go the lower and center route. You may not find a balcony cabin low on the ship, but an ocean-view cabin will certainly be an option.
• Depending on the cruise line, ship cabins can start at 125 square feet and go up to over 1,000. Always remember the square footage, especially if you have space issues.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever gone to Vegas and booked the cheapest hotel room on the strip to save a few dollars, then get there and realize you should have splurged a little more. This is akin to that scenario.

Before choosing your stateroom, peruse the cruise ship deck plans and cabin category. They can be found on the cruise line’s website. Or work with a travel agent to help you locate the cabin of your choice.

RELATED: Cruise Ship Cabin Categories Explained

If you’re cruising to Jamaica, an excursion to Dunn’s River Falls should be on your list. As a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean, the falls promise a fun and memorable adventure. But before you go, here are nine things to know about Dunn’s River Falls.

Dunn’s River Falls is a Natural Waterfall

Dunn’s River Falls is a natural waterfall fed by underground spring water. While the tiered appearance may make you think it’s man-made, this results from lime deposits in the water that continuously build up a rock in a staircase formation.

In contrast, the water continues to flow over. Dunn’s River Falls is also one of the few waterfalls in the world that flow directly into the sea!

The Water is Refreshing (Cold!)

Since it’s fed by a spring, the water at the falls is cold. Don’t worry. You get used to it quickly. Plus, the cool water is refreshing as you sweat while climbing. Even with the chilly 72-degree water, it remains Jamaica’s most popular tourist attraction.

Wear Water Shoes

Sneakers won’t cut it here; they’ll just get weighed down with water and trip you up. You absolutely must wear water shoes.

If you don’t wear your own, you’ll need to rent some at the falls for $5. I bought my pair for $5 at Walmart before my cruise, so now I have a pair that’ll come in handy on other excursions during future vacations.

You Climb Dunn’s River Falls as a Group

You climb the falls in a small group with your guide, and everyone holds each other’s hands in a chain as support as you climb.

I groaned when I first learned this but was thankful for it once I began climbing. There were some places where the rock was slippery, or the water was rushing over my feet so forcefully that I felt I might slip, and it was oddly comforting to have some helping hands.

They Scrape the Algae

Jamaican workers at Dunn’s River Falls must scrape algae off the rocks to ensure they aren’t too slippery. This is for your safety, and your guide will let you know before you start your climb to avoid any black rock.

There are Lagoons

The falls cascade into the sea like a staircase, with shallow lagoons between each ascent. That means the lagoons give you a short break between each climb, which the guides like to use for photo opportunities.

Bring Cash for Items

You’ll want to bring cash and plenty of it.

Your guide will deserve a tip at the end, and a photographer will follow your group along the climb, taking photos and videos. (Even better, bring your waterproof camera to save from having to buy excursion pictures.) There are lockers on-site to store your wallet and items while you climb.

There’s an Emergency Exit

If you don’t want to or cannot climb the falls, a staircase has been built into the land next to the falls so that you can follow along while others climb.

There are also a few places where the stairs will open up to a lagoon, so look out for these if you get tired during the climb and would like to finish the rest by stairs. This also makes the falls more kid-friendly, as sometimes the climb can be difficult for little ones.

There may be Spiders and Crabs

The falls are located within the Jamaican rainforest, and all the critters come with that. In addition to watching your step while climbing, you must also mind your head – as you may find yourself frighteningly close to the low-lying webs of some very colorful, long-legged, creepy spiders.

Or, lurking in the rocks, you could come across a little crab. But don’t worry, they are more afraid of you than you are of them!

READ: Dunn’s River Falls Excursion Review in Jamaica

1. Hit the ship’s gym or jogging track at least twice.

Fitness goals are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions both made and broken. But it’s not a stretch to commit to hitting the gym or jogging track at least twice during your cruise – even if it’s just walking for 10 minutes. No matter what fitness level you’re at, there’s something you can commit to do. Many ship fitness centers even make this easier by having floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views to enjoy while you’re working out.

2. Get to know a crew member.

Whether it’s your steward or your favorite bartender, make a resolution to get to know a crew member. Ask them where they’re from, how long they’ve worked for the cruise line, what they miss about home, etc. Most crew members enjoy telling you about themselves because it creates a deeper, more personal connection than just crew member-and-cruiser. Many guests even make lifelong friends in crew members they’ve met during their sailings.

3. Make an onboard budget.

Since the cruise itself is already paid for, it’s easy to just swipe your card once you’re onboard and think “I’ll worry about the bill when I get home.” But sometimes that onboard expense bill can end up causing a lot of undue stress after your cruise. Try creating a budget for onboard expenses like alcohol, the casino, or shore excursions that will allow you to have all your fun without regretting it later.

4. Save more money for your cruise.

To make sure that onboard budget is enough for all your fun, commit to save more money for your cruise than you had originally planned. Decide you’re going to eat out less at home or sell some old things you don’t use anymore. There are many ways to find some extra spending money for your cruise.

5. Share your dining table.

If you typically eat your meals with only the people traveling with you, decide to instead have your dinner with some other cruisers. You may meet a new friend that you can connect with and even cruise with again.

6. Learn something new about another culture.

Wherever your cruise ship will call to port, research opportunities to engage in the port’s home culture. The cruise line may offer guided historical walking tour excursions, or there may be some museums you could visit on your own.

7. Don’t buy the internet package.

You’ll have to catch up on those Cruise Radio news briefs when you get back, but unplugging during your vacation can relieve a lot of stress. This is hard to do now with such affordable Internet access on cruises and the temptation to share your vacation pictures on every social media platform, but going off-the-grid for a few days will let you unwind rather than checking how many people liked your photo. If you’re planning multiple sailings for the year, try to make one of your resolutions to go internet-free for at least one of them.

8. Try something adventurous.

“Adventurous” can be subjective, but make a resolution to try something new that may put you outside of your comfort zone by doing a shore excursion like zip-lining in Jamaica or a sightseeing bus tour in Mexico. Just try something different than you might normally go for.

9. Do something charitable on your cruise.

This could mean donating $10 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during Carnival’s Groove for St. Jude party or donating money to another cruise line’s preferred charity. You could also look into shore excursions that offer volunteer opportunities or check out organizations like Together for Good. There are a lot of ways to make a difference for someone else while still enjoying your vacation.

10. Read a book on your cruise.

You may be behind on reading due to all your obligations at home. Instead of just lying out on the deck chair and people-watching, why not bring a book along while soaking up the sun?

11. Treat yourself.

“Treating yourself” may mean eating a piece of cake with lunch or booking a massage in the ship’s spa. Don’t be afraid to leave behind your reservations and just enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it.

This article was originally published in December 2015. It was updated and republished in December 2022.

Cruise resolutions Pinterest image photos courtesy of Flickr: Andrea Parish-Geyer, Andy, and Jasperdo.

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1. Carnival Panorama experienced a propulsion issue this week that impacted its maximum cruising speed. As a result, the ship returned late to Long Beach, California, yesterday. It was only last weekend that Panorama returned to service, sailing out of Long Beach for the first time in over a year on August 21.

2. Federal Maritime Commissioner Louis Sola thinks it’s safer to travel on a cruise ship than on an airplane right now. “You are interacting with more people of unknown vaccination status in an airport. You are breathing in recycled air in extremely close quarters [on a plane],” he argued.

3. Disney Cruise Line announced additional details on the new waterslide on board the upcoming Disney Wish. Named AuqusMouse, the ride will have a storyline called “Scuba Scramble,” inspired by “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts. The second show will be “Swiss Meltdown,” inspired by another short.

4. Princess Cruises announced restart dates for Island Princess and Diamond Princess. While Island Princess will return to the Caribbean in the spring of next year, Diamond Princess will also restart about the same time but in Japan.

5. The CDC has updated its guidance to recommend that anyone at high risk of serious complications from COVID-19 avoid taking cruises, whether or not they’re vaccinated. The news is a reflection of the growing Delta variant and applies to older adults, people with certain medical conditions, and pregnant and recently pregnant women.

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Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? Get daily cruise news from a trusted source. For August 27, hear news about Carnival Panorama’s technical issue, Viking’s world cruise, and a cleaning robot on a cruise ship.

1. Royal Caribbean is suspending all calls to its private island Labadee in Haiti “due to political unrest.” With a State Department travel warning at Level 4, the highest level, the precarious situation there was made worse when the country’s president was assassinated last month.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line revealed that its newest ship, Norwegian Prima, floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Prima will be the first ship in the new Prima class, the first new class of ship in 10 years for Norwegian.

3. Mardi Gras celebrated its first call to the port of Roatán, Honduras, during the ship’s first voyage to the Western Caribbean. As is customary for a ship’s first visit somewhere, the Carnival Cruise Line leadership team on-board met with local government officials for a ceremonial plaque exchange.

4. The State of Florida is appealing a ruling that allows Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to require vaccination documentation for passengers departing from Florida ports. Having declared it would only return to service with 100 percent fully vaccinated crew and guests, the cruise company says the policy has been accepted in every port it sails from around the world except for its home base in Florida.

5. Icy Strait Point, Alaska, welcomed the first cruise ship to its new pier. After Norwegian Encore became the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to resume cruising from the US when it departed from Seattle, Washington, the ship also celebrated being the first to call upon Wilderness Landing pier at Icy Strait Point, which was built in partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Huna Totem Corporation.

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1. Norwegian Cruise Line resumed sailings from the US this week after Norwegian Encore sailed from the Port of Seattle. Bound on a seven-night cruise to Alaska, the ship is one of the first to cruise there thanks to temporary legislation that allows cruise ships to bypass a stop in Canada.

2. Royal Caribbean announced that all guests sailing from a US port, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to present a negative COVID test result. The line called it a “sensible additional protocol” in light of the increase in positive cases from the Delta variant.

3. In Alaska, five guests sailing aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam were killed along with the pilot when their sightseeing floatplane crashed in Ketchikan. The tour was not one operated through the cruise line. This was only the second Alaskan cruise operated by Holland America since restarted from the shutdown.

4. The US Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, has banned cruise ships from visiting unless all passengers ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated. Anyone under 12 will need to show proof of a negative COVID test as well.

5. Carnival Cruise Line is now requiring all cruise passengers, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in most indoor areas on the ship. And as of August 14, all guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of boarding— vaccinated or not. It’s important to remember that policies and procedures are being updated constantly, and things can easily change between sailings.

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Start your day with the latest cruise news digest by subscribing to our YouTube channel or to the Cruise Radio News Briefs podcast.

1. Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its brand-new ship Mardi Gras becoming the first ship in 16 months to sail a revenue-generating cruise from Florida’s Port Canaveral for its maiden voyage. As the ship departed on its seven-night sailing to San Juan, Amber Cove, and Nassau, the ship’s captain called it an “emotional moment.”

2. Royal Caribbean is now requiring all guests sailing from a U.S. port on a ship during the month of August to arrive with a negative COVID test result, regardless of vaccination status. The new requirement comes “in an abundance of caution” due to the surge in cases attributed to the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.

3. Holland America Line took delivery of its new flagship Rotterdam during a handover ceremony at Fincantieri’s Marghera, Italy, shipyard. This is the 11th ship in the fleet and the seventh ship in the line’s long history to bear the name Rotterdam.

4. Viking River Cruises officially resumed river cruises in France, marking the company’s restart of cruising operations in Europe since the beginning of the pandemic. The line’s four new Viking Longships are now sailing the Seine: Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid, Viking Skaga, and Viking Fjorgyn.

5. Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald announced big changes to two of Guy Fieri’s restaurants on-board the line’s newest ship. Specifically on Mardi Gras, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse will be complimentary, and Guy’s Burger Joint will be open for breakfast for the first time.

Featured Article: Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras’ Loft 19 and Its Cabanas

The Loft 19 area on the new Mardi Gras is a brand-new concept to Carnival Cruise Line. Learn more here about the new space, who has access, and how much it costs to rent one of the exclusive cabanas.

This Week’s Podcast: Cruise Industry Restart with Retired Executive + News

In this week’s episode, former cruise line executive Art Sbarsky talks with us about the cruising industry restart and about moves the cruise lines are doing to earn extra revenue at this time.

Featured Video: Carnival Mardi Gras Food and Bars

She’s here! After years of anticipation, paying guests are finally stepping aboard Mardi Gras to enjoy the newest bells and whistles introduced by Carnival Cruise Line. Watch the video below to refresh yourself on all the newest bars and restaurants, from the new RedFrog Tiki Bar to Shaq’s Big Chicken.

1. Ovation of the Seas has been approved for a test sailing by the CDC. The ship will perform cruises from Seattle to Alaska starting July 30 through August 4. These will be simulated sailings with volunteer passengers, and new procedures and protocols will be tested during the cruises.

2. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream set sail on its first simulated sailing yesterday from Port Canaveral. All volunteers aboard are “cast members,” or employees of Walt Disney Company. Port Canaveral also noted that it expects to host other test cruises before Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras departs on July 31.

3. Viking’s newest ocean ship, Viking Mars, was floated out of the shipyard this week. The line also announced Lady Carnarvon s the ship’s godmother. Since 2013, Viking has offered guests ways to experience life at Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the filming location of Downton Abbey.

4. The Cayman Islands has announced plans for a phased reopening of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman to international travelers through a phased approach. Read more about each of the phases and when they’ll occur here.

5. The port of Venice, Italy, has banned large cruise ships effective August 1. The Council of Ministers approved the decree banning ships larger than 25,000 tons. However, many ships will still be able to dock in the nearby industrial port.

Featured Article: What’s Included in the Half Moon Cay Cabanas and Villas

Check out our breakdown of cabana and villa rentals on Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporation’s private island, including what each includes, how many people they can accommodate, and how much they cost.

This Week’s Podcast: Aboard First Carnival Cruise Ship Sailing From Florida

In this week’s episode, Doug discusses what it was like to be on Carnival’s first cruise out of Florida in nearly 16 months. The six-night sailing aboard Carnival Horizon left from Miami and stopped in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and the line’s private island Half Moon Cay.

Featured Video: Half Moon Cay Tour

While considering whether to stay in a cabana or villa, take a virtual tour of where you’d be and what it’s like around the port of Half Moon Cay.