docked cruise ship

Out-of-control 700ft cruise ship crunches into dock at Turkish port

This is the moment a 700ft cruise ship crunched into a dock at a Turkish port after desperately trying to slow down. 

The Celestyal Journey cruise ship was making a routine arrival into the port in Kusadasi, Turkey last week when it hit the concrete pier with its bow bulb.

The crew miscalculated the speed and approached the pier too quickly, resulting in the collision, Cruise Hive reported.

Members of the vessel's 597-person crew reportedly lowered the anchor in a bid to slow the approach, but despite their efforts the ship still crashed into the pier.

The collision caused only minimal damage to the ship and pier. No injuries were reported onboard or on the shore.

The Celestyal Journey struck a pier at Kusadasi Cruise Port on Monday last week at 12pm local time while crew were trying to dock.

Passengers were still able to enjoy their day in Kusadasi, one of the most well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, as planned, according to Cruise Hive. 

The port, which has eight berths for large ships, is the most popular cruise port in Turkey. Officials say the incident has not negatively impacted operations. 

Celestyal Cruises, which operates the vessel and two other ships, did not have to alter any routes following the incident.

The Celestyal Journey entered service in 1994 and initially sailed for Holland America Line as Ryndam. Celestyal Cruises acquired the cruise ship last year.

The cruise liner has 630 cabins, including 149 that feature balconies, and offers guests access to seven exclusive restaurants, and eight bars and lounges, Haber7.com reported. 

Celestyal Journey is currently sailing seven-night cruises in the Aegean Sea region until late October 2024. 

However, unlike a typical closed-loop route, the Celestyal Journey's round-trip sailings overlap, allowing guests to embark and debark in Kusadasi, as well as various cities in Greece.

Travellers can start their voyage in Heraklion, Crete Greece; Piraeus-Athens, Greece; or Thessaloniki, Greece. 

The ship's final journey in the Aegean Sea will embark on October 19 this year. It will be followed by a 14-day repositioning cruise from Athens to Doha, Qatar. 

Once it arrives in its new homeport in Doha, the Celestyal Journey will offer seven-night roundtrip sailings to the United Arab Emirates. 

MailOnline has approached Celestyal Cruises for comment. 

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Ruby Princess' estimated departure is now Sunday, according to officials.

The Ruby Princess cruise ship that startled sleeping San Francisco residents Thursday morning when it collided with a pier while docking won't likely depart until Sunday, officials said.

"Repairs are underway and our technical experts estimate that repairs are likely to take upwards of 24 hours," said Princess Cruises on Friday, giving an estimated departure time of Sunday at 4 p.m. PT.

The ship was returning from a 10-day cruise to Alaska, which had 3,328 guests and 1,159 crew members on board, none of whom were injured and all safely deboarded, according to Princess Cruises.

The damage done to the vessel did not slow down new passengers from boarding at 4 p.m. PT, set to embark on the next 10-day cruise. As of Friday afternoon, 4 p.m. locally, the ship was still docked, according to a live shot from ABC affiliate KGO.

Following an inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard, Ruby Princess will be cleared to sail once all damage from Thursday has been fully repaired, according to the cruise line.

According to the cruise line, there are over 3,000 guests currently boarded, who are being given the option to cancel and receive "a 100% refund of their cruise fare, post-cruise hotel packages and transfers booked through Princess, prepaid shore excursions and other prepaid items and taxes, fees and port expenses."

While also being given a 50% voucher for a future cruise, guests are being given the option to decide by Sunday at 11 a.m. PT, and in the meantime, they are free to come and go from the cruise ship to explore San Francisco.

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Guests who do decide to stay aboard and embark on a now 7-day journey to Alaska, will receive a partial refund of 75%.

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The collision was so loud, residents told KGO that they could hear the impact and they were awoken by the sounds of the crew scrambling.

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Witnesses said the dock took the brunt of the damage from the crash.

The Coast Guard is investigating the incident, according to police. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Bar Pilots group told ABC News in a statement that it is cooperating with the investigation.

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Nearly 140 people onboard a cruise ship sick in gastrointestinal illness outbreak

Around 140 people have fallen sick with a gastrointestinal illness onboard the Cunard Queen Victoria cruise ship that docked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 22 when the CDC began monitoring the outbreak.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 123 passengers and 16 crew members have reported being ill during a three-week leg of the voyage as of Thursday. Around 1,800 passengers and 960 crew members are onboard the ship in total.

The predominant symptoms of the gastrointestinal illness include diarrhea and vomiting. The cause of the outbreak remains unknown, according to the CDC.

The Queen Victoria is on a 107-night world voyage. The cruise ship is scheduled to stop in San Francisco on Feb. 6 and Honolulu on Feb. 12 before sailing to countries in Oceania, according to the Cunard website . 

In response to the outbreak, the Queen Victoria crew has reportedly "increased cleaning and disinfection procedures" and "isolated ill passengers and crew." 

"Cunard confirms that a small number of guests had reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness on board Queen Victoria, Cunard Cruise Line told NBC News in a statement.

"They immediately activated their enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all guests and crew on board. Measures have been effective,” Cunard added.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program continues to remotely monitor the situation, including "reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures."

Medical staff on cruise ships under U.S. jurisdiction are required to report gastrointestinal illness cases to the Vessel Sanitation Program when at least two percent of people onboard are infected.

Katherine Itoh is a news associate for NBC News.

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How Long Does It Take to Get Off a Cruise Ship?

Eager to get off the cruise ship when it’s time to go home? You aren’t alone.

Come time to board for your vacation, everyone is excited to get on the ship. In fact, many people get there early and wait before boarding even begins. Cruise lines have even moved to staggered boarding “windows” to spread the crowds over the course of the day so that there aren’t large crowds waiting to get on the ship right at the start. 

But when the cruise gets back to port? Or when it’s time to go explore a port of call? That’s a different story.

As soon as a cruise comes to port or returns back home, everyone can’t wait to get off the ship. In fact, just like when boarding, they often line up well before debarkation is announced to be among the first off the ship.

So, exactly how long does it take to get off the cruise ship? That depends on a number of factors. In many cases it can little as a few minutes , but we’ve personally been on cruises where debarking has taken more than a couple of hours.

We have everything you need to know below…

How Long It Takes to Get Off a Cruise Ship at a Port of Call

If you’re visiting a foreign port on your cruise — like the Nassau or Cozumel — then there is good news: it doesn’t take very long to get off the ship… once everything is ready to let passenger debark.

The cruise lines let you go ashore as soon as the ship is docked, secured, and the local authorities have given the go-ahead. All you need to do is scan your keycard as you exit the ship. 

Now, keep in mind that the time to dock and be cleared by authorities can take a little while. In most cases you’ll find that it is completed in 30-45 minutes of arrival. So just because the ship is tied up at the pier doesn’t mean passengers can immediately get off. There will be a ship-wide announcement once passengers are allowed to go into port.

Once free to go ashore, there is a bit of a rush of people at the beginning, but the line usually goes quickly. And since all of the immigration paperwork is taken care of by the cruise line beforehand, there is no hold-up after getting off the ship like there would be if you were arriving via plane and had to go through immigration.

You will simply swipe your cruise ID card (which is also your room key) at a kiosk at the exit of the ship. This lets the staff know you are off the ship. Then you just walk on shore via the gangway.

If you are tendering to port (where the ship anchors offshore and smaller boats take passengers into port), then that process can take a little longer as fewer passengers are able to leave at one time. 

If you want to limit your wait to get off the ship, we suggest just find something to do for about 30 minutes once debarking at the port of call begins. By then, the initial rush should be calmed down, making it easy to get off the ship and into port.

Bottom Line: The process of readying for passengers to leave once the ship arrives in port can take 30-45 minutes. After that, actually getting off the ship once passengers are allowed ashore takes just minutes. If tendering, the wait could be longer waiting for a boat to load and head into shore.

How Long it Takes to Get Off the Ship at the End of the Cruise

While getting off the ship in a port of call is no big deal, your experience leaving back at home can be much less predictable. It can take as little as 15 minutes or more than an hour to leave the ship when returning home . We’ve personally experienced both ends of that timeline.

Part of the reason for that unpredictability is the amount of other passengers, and another part is the immigration process.

Thousands of Passengers Leaving at Once To make things more orderly, the cruise lines unload passengers in groups based on cabin location.

You’ll get numbered luggage tags and a schedule for when your numbered group is to debark. You attach the tags to your luggage and set it outside your cabin door the night before arriving home. The staff then takes your bags so you don’t have to carry them. Then when your section is called the next morning, you leave the ship and pick up your bags in the cruise terminal.

But the cruise lines also allow passengers who are carrying all their bags with them to disembark first . Since using the luggage tag system could mean waiting hours before its your turn to leave the ship, many people opt to just carry all their bags and leave earlier.

This can lead to long, slow lines with hundreds — or thousands — of passengers trying to carry all their luggage. The sheer numbers of people trying to get off the ship at once can lead to delays unless you are at the front of the line. Other times, however, you can simply grab your bag, start walking and barely have to stop until you are out of the cruise terminal.

Immigration Can Take Time Another factor that can delay debarking? The ship has to be cleared by authorities and every passenger also has to go through immigration. We’ve found that the speed of this process is highly dependent on the immigration officials when it comes to how long it takes to depart.

In normal circumstances the ship is cleared shortly after arriving in port and passengers are allowed to start debarking soon after. There are occasionally cases where it takes longer, however. This includes one cruise we personally took that had a two-hour wait at port before the first passengers could even start to get off the ship. Those sort of delays are not common but can happen .

From there, passengers have to walk off the ship, grab luggage (if not carrying it with them) and then go through immigration.

Your immigration experience can vary. Most ports are using technology to process passengers faster. If you have a passport, you simply walk to a kiosk, take a photo, and then you are on your way. From ship to shore, it can take as little as 10-15 minutes if there is no line.

Some ports — or if you are traveling with a birth certificate — do things the old way where you have to wait in line to meet with an agent that checks your documents. In this case, expect the process to take considerably longer, depending on lines and the number of agents.

Bottom Line: Time to leave the ship can vary widely. If everything goes smoothly and there are automated kiosks for immigration, it can be as little as 15 minutes. However, delays and thousands of passengers leaving at once can lead to longer wait times of 1-2 hours until you are outside the cruise terminal. Thankfully, longer waits seem less common.

How to Get off the Ship Faster Once Back Home

Have an early flight? A long drive home? Or you simply want to wait as little as possible to get off the ship? No matter the reason, there are some ways you can potentially speed up the debarkation process. These won’t mean you can get off the ship within minutes, but they could save you some time.

Travel With a Passport First and foremost, traveling with a passport is smart anyway. Should something come up on your cruise that means departing early, having a passport makes it much easier to get back home. 

It can also help you get off the ship faster. Ports are moving toward automated systems with facial recognition. That means you exit the ship, take a picture, and you are on your way. We’ve personally been in ports where this is available for passengers with passports but those that still travel with birth certificates must stand in a longer line to check their identification.

Carry Your Own Luggage When debarking the ship, you’ll be given the option of either “self-debarkation” or the normal process of leaving. If you can carry all your baggage, then you can choose the self-debarkation option. In this case, you simply carry all bags off with you and you’ll be in the first group to get off the ship.

Now, this sounds like an easy way to get off the ship quickly. However, it is very popular. You may find hundreds or thousands of other passengers have the same idea. It’s still the fastest way to get off the ship, but can still take some time.

Early Flight? Alert the Staff Have an early flight? It’s a good idea not to book a flight before noon on debarkation day in order to give yourself plenty of time , but sometimes the only flights available are for earlier in the day.

If you have an early flight, then it’s a good idea to head to Guest Services toward the end of the cruise and let them know. We’ve seen some trips with special early debarkation times specifically for passengers with early flights. It will also help your case if you have a boarding pass or some proof of your early departure to show the staff.

It’s not a guarantee they can help you, but it’s worth a shot.

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We got off of the Symphony of the Seas at the Miami cruise port at 7:00 and were through security checkpoint by 8:15 at FLL.

That is flat amazing. You must have been one of the first off the ship and got a car right away.

I am wondering if there is a limit or does anyone know how late you can stay on the ship once docked back at home port. Our flight doesn’t leave until MUCH later in the evening and we would like to take the advice to stick around the ship for a bit…. is there a last “check out” time? Thank you!

Yes, there will be depending on your ship. It’s usually around 10 a.m. or so.

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What Is The Difference Between A Tender And A Docked Port

• September 17, 2023

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a tender and a docked port? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore the distinctions between these two types of ports and uncover their unique roles in the world of maritime travel. Join us as we unravel the mystery and gain a deeper understanding of these essential components of the sea-faring experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply have a curious mind, this article is bound to pique your interest. So, let’s set sail on this informative voyage together!

Table of Contents

Definition of Tender

A tender refers to a small boat or a shuttle used to transport passengers from a larger ship, which is anchored offshore, to the port. It serves as a means of transportation for passengers who wish to explore the destination without the need to bring the entire cruise ship into the port.

Explanation of a tender

When a cruise ship cannot dock directly at a port, it anchors a certain distance away from the shore. In such cases, passengers are transported to land using tenders. Tenders are usually smaller vessels that can navigate into shallow waters and reach the port’s designated landing area. They are equipped with seating, and sometimes even lounges and refreshments, to provide a comfortable experience for the passengers.

Characteristics of a tender

Tenders are designed to accommodate a specific number of passengers, ranging from smaller tenders that can carry around 100 passengers, to larger ones that can carry up to 500 passengers or more. They typically have a crew onboard to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the transfers. Tenders often operate on a scheduled basis, with designated departure and arrival times to and from the cruise ship.

Definition of Docked Port

A docked port, on the other hand, refers to a port where the cruise ship is able to directly berth at a pier or a dock, allowing passengers to embark and disembark directly from the ship at the port itself. This means that passengers have direct access to the port without the need for additional transportation methods like tenders.

Explanation of a docked port

In docked ports, the cruise ship is securely anchored to a pier or a dock, allowing passengers to simply walk on and off the ship. This convenience eliminates the need for tender transfers and makes it easier for passengers to explore the destination at their own pace. Docked ports are typically equipped with facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of cruise passengers, such as shops, restaurants, and transportation services.

Characteristics of a docked port

Docked ports are typically larger in size, capable of accommodating larger cruise ships. They have the infrastructure to handle the logistics of passenger embarkation and disembarkation efficiently. Docked ports often have customs and immigration facilities within the terminals, providing a seamless experience for passengers when going through the necessary procedures. Additionally, they may offer various services and activities directly at the port, allowing passengers to easily access entertainment, shopping, and shore excursions.

Location and Accessibility

Tender ports.

Tender ports are usually located in areas where the water is too shallow or the port infrastructure cannot accommodate larger cruise ships. These ports are often found in remote or less developed destinations, offering unique experiences for passengers. While tender ports may be more secluded, they often provide a sense of exclusivity and a chance to explore lesser-known destinations.

The accessibility of tender ports can vary depending on the weather and sea conditions. In some cases, tender operations may be affected or even canceled due to rough waters, making it necessary for passengers to stay onboard the cruise ship. However, cruise lines and port authorities strive to ensure safe and efficient tender operations to minimize any disruptions.

Docked ports

Docked ports are generally located in areas with deep waters and well-developed port facilities. These ports are often found in popular cruise destinations and major cities, offering a wide range of amenities and attractions for passengers. Docked ports are easily accessible, allowing passengers to directly step ashore and explore the port city or its surrounding areas without any additional transportation.

The accessibility of docked ports is generally reliable, as cruise ships have regular schedules and arrangements with port authorities. Passengers can have peace of mind knowing that they can easily come and go from the ship at their convenience.

Transportation Method

As the name suggests, tender ports rely on tenders as the primary mode of transportation between the cruise ship and the port. Tenders are small boats or shuttles that ferry passengers back and forth from the ship. The tenders are often operated by the cruise line or contracted local operators, ensuring a high level of safety and service.

Passengers board the tenders from the cruise ship and are transported to a designated landing area at the port. The process typically involves queueing and assigned departure times to ensure an organized and efficient transfer. Once onshore, passengers can explore the port area or take organized shore excursions according to their preferences.

In docked ports, transportation between the cruise ship and the port is unnecessary as passengers can simply walk off the ship onto the port. This direct access allows passengers the freedom to explore the port city or its nearby attractions without any additional transportation arrangements.

However, some docked ports may still offer shuttle services within the port area, especially in larger ports where the ship may dock further away from the main attractions. These shuttles typically run on a scheduled basis, making it easy for passengers to visit key areas of interest before returning to the ship.

Vessel Size and Capacity

Due to the restrictions of shallow waters or limited port infrastructure, tender ports often accommodate smaller cruise ships. These smaller ships offer a more intimate and exclusive cruising experience, with passenger capacities ranging from around 100 to 1,000 passengers. The size of the tenders themselves can vary depending on the ship’s passenger capacity, with some tenders designed to carry a few dozen passengers while others can accommodate several hundred.

The limited size of the tender ports and ships creates a sense of coziness and allows for a close-knit community onboard. Passengers can easily interact with one another and develop a sense of camaraderie as they navigate through the unique experiences offered in these more remote destinations.

Docked ports generally cater to larger cruise ships with significantly higher passenger capacities, often ranging from a few thousand to over 5,000 passengers. The larger size of the cruise ship allows for a greater range of onboard amenities and entertainment options. These docked ports are capable of accommodating the size and requirements of these larger cruise ships, providing a seamless experience for passengers to come and go from the ship.

The larger scale of docked ports also opens up a wider range of activities and attractions within the port itself. From shopping and dining to cultural landmarks and historical sites, passengers have a diverse array of experiences right at their fingertips when visiting docked ports.

Time Efficiency

Tender ports often require more time for the transfer process due to the need to shuttle passengers between the cruise ship and the port. Depending on the number of passengers onboard the ship, tender operations may involve orderly queues and designated departure times to ensure a smooth transfer experience. While these measures are in place to maintain efficiency, the process can sometimes cause delays if passengers are not punctual or if tender operations are affected by external factors such as rough weather.

However, it is worth noting that tender ports can offer unique and picturesque approaches to the port, with tenders navigating through stunning coastal scenery. This scenic journey can add an extra element of excitement and anticipation for passengers as they approach their destination.

Docked ports generally provide a more time-efficient experience as there is no requirement for additional tender transfers. Passengers can disembark directly from the ship and start exploring the port city or participating in organized shore excursions without any delays or interruptions. The convenience of direct access allows for a more flexible and relaxed timetable, allowing passengers to make the most of their time ashore.

The time efficiency of docked ports can be particularly advantageous for passengers who wish to thoroughly explore a port city or take part in longer excursions that require more time. With the ship securely docked, passengers have the confidence of returning to the ship at their leisure, without any concerns about missing departure times.

Customs and Immigration Procedures

The customs and immigration procedures at tender ports can vary depending on the location and the regulations of the country. In some cases, passengers may need to go through customs and immigration procedures directly at the port’s landing area. This process ensures that passengers meet the necessary legal requirements to enter the destination. These procedures are usually straightforward, with immigration officers available to process passenger documentation efficiently.

However, it is important to note that tender ports, especially in remote or less developed destinations, may have limited customs and immigration facilities. In such cases, the cruise ship may facilitate the clearance process onshore, ensuring a smooth and expedited experience for passengers.

Docked ports typically offer more advanced and comprehensive customs and immigration facilities within the terminal buildings. Passengers can go through the necessary procedures, such as passport control and customs inspections, in a well-organized and hassle-free manner. With more resources and infrastructure available, docked ports can efficiently handle larger passenger volumes and ensure a smooth flow of people through the required checkpoints.

The dedicated customs and immigration facilities at docked ports enhance the overall efficiency and convenience for passengers, allowing them to quickly complete necessary procedures and begin enjoying their time ashore.

Security Measures

Tender ports have specific security measures in place to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew during the tende

Matt and Carol

Hi, We are Matt and Carol and we're delighted to welcome you to Cruising Market! As the authors behind this website, we are passionate about providing helpful information for both new and experienced cruisers. Whether you're looking to learn more about vacationing on a cruise ship, seeking answers to commonly asked questions, or simply in search of exciting things to do and places to see on your upcoming voyage, we've got you covered. Additionally, you can even discover some amazing items that are essential for a memorable cruise experience. Join us as we navigate the incredible world of cruising together!

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Stay Aboard the Cruise ship when docked at a Port

Reasons to Stay aboard the Cruise ship

(When it is docked at a Port-of-call)

One of the joys of taking a cruise vacation is the many great port-of-call destinations you will go to along the way. Getting out and exploring the ports and surrounding areas are the most significant appeal for people when they book a cruise. However, there are many reasons why you may want to stay aboard the cruise ship while others go ashore.

I know…. You spent all this money to go on a cruise to visit the many great exotic locales, cultures, and new experiences. Why would you stay aboard the cruise ship when it is docked at the port? While staying on board at ports of call may not be for everyone, some of these ideas may give you reasons to want to stay behind. Thats what Freestyle cruising is all about – do your own thing.

Pools & Hot Tubs

Lounging by the pool is popular for many cruisers, making the pools rather crowded while at sea. The deck lounge chairs in primo spots are often taken or reserved, making it difficult to find an excellent place to relax. While most other cruise passengers are out exploring, you can find the perfect spot to lounge by the pool or have the pool all to yourself. You can relax in the hot tubs without sharing it with strangers. It will be less noisy, disruptive, and distracting; and more relaxing and enjoyable. If your ship has a waterslide, this will be a great time to enjoy this feature, as there are no lines or crowding.

Rest and Relaxation

If you have ever been on a cruise with many ports of call, you know how exhausting that can be. Busy cruise itineraries may seem like a great way to go – you certainly get more bang for your buck. We went on a 10-day cruise around Italy , and it had five ports of call back to back in the course of 5 of those days. While that may sound like a lot of fun, after five days of walking around Italy – it can be rather tiring. You may want to take a break and relax for a bit. Taking a day off from exploring may be just what you need. This break allows you the opportunity to sleep in, read a book, or enjoy a day by yourself away from people.

TIP: Grab a plate of veggies/fruits/cheese and sit by the pool as you read, or simply relax.

Discounts on Spa packages

One of the perks of staying onboard the cruise ship is that the Spas often have discounted rates on their massages, steams, facials, and other treatments. A trip to the spa is a fabulous way to help you relax and rejuvenate; after a hectic day of excursions at the port. The availability is better because very few people are on board. So, there is no waiting for an appointment.

Playing Games

When we take cruises, we enjoy playing board games in the games room. However, this is a very popular activity when the cruise ship is at sea, making it difficult to get a table. Yet, you have your pick of tables when you are at port.

Tip: There may be Bingo (or other) games going on where your chances of winning money go up.

Lectures, seminars, and demonstrations.

Every day, you will receive a newsletter with a schedule of events for the next day. Take a look at this and plan your daily activities to fit your interests. There are many seminars, lectures, and activities that the cruise staff put on that you may find of personal interest. Some of these include wine tasting, towel folding, dance classes, circus training, and much more. The chances of getting into these activities are vastly improved when the cruise ship is docked at port.

Exploring the ship

Is touring the vessel something you would enjoy? For many curious cruisers, this is a highlight of taking a cruise. Cruisers love seeing how things run onboard the boat and go behind the scenes. Maybe you want to visit the bridge or meet the officers and captain. You can see parts of the ship that are more functional than ‘pretty’. When the boat is docked at the port is a great time to make this happen. Satisfy your curiosity and explore the ship.

Bars & Restaurants

Staying aboard while most people go ashore is a wonderful time to enjoy the various restaurants on the ship. There is no shortage of dining options on a cruise ship, and you can be guaranteed a table at any of them. You can enjoy a relaxing meal at your favourite restaurant, burger joint, buffet, or pub without the crowds or wait time.

The bars are not busy if you just want to kick back and enjoy a cocktail. You will get the same excellent service you are accustomed to without a wait.

Meet the Crew

We like to think of ourselves as good travellers who appreciate those who work in the tourism industry. We are always very kind and respectful when we cruise  to the servers, bartenders, housekeeping, and other crew members. Engaging in conversation with them to learn a little more about them is something we enjoy. Where they are from, and what their job entails. There is always time to be kind and respectful . With fewer people on board for them to serve, striking up a conversation with the crew is much easier. Let them know you appreciate what they do to improve your cruise vacation.

Entertainment

If you choose to stay aboard the cruise ship when it is docked at the port, there are movies and shows for you to enjoy. Head to the theatre and catch a show with your choice of seat.

Cruising can be a lot of fun and a great way to see many different countries in a short time. Some cruises, like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, etc., often include many of the same ports of call. The more you cruise, the more you will see these ports, giving you more chances to stay behind.

Check out our Cruising Tips for Beginners.

Have you ever stayed aboard a cruise ship while docked at a port of call? What are some of the reasons that keep you onboard? Contact us to let us know.

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Adventurer, gastro-tourist, avid road tripper, and butter tart aficionado. Exploring the road less travelled and the adventures that exist for all to see if you open yourself up to new possibilities. Greg and his husband Nick are residents of Guelph, and their greatest joys in life are exploring the world around them. Road trips with no real destination are a favourite past time. Get off the beaten path and discover somewhere they have never been before. Sometimes the best vacations are the ones you don't really plan. Life is about the journey together and not the destination.

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World's largest cruise docks in Mexico for the first time

STORY: Locator: Mahahual, Mexico

The world's largest cruise ship docked for the first time in Mexico

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas set sail from Miami on January 27

with capacity for 8,000 passengers across 20 decks

(Jaspreet Kaur, Tourist from Los Angeles)

“The experience on the ship has been amazing so far, the food, the service, the beauty of the ship, everything is beautiful, beyond our expectations, it’s nice.”

They were greeted in Mexico by mariachi and folkloric dance performances

(Tito Monteiro, Entertainment Director, Costa Maya Port)

"It's an honor for Mahaual, for the port and for all of us who work here in Costa Maya, it's an honor to receive it for the first time in Mexico. As you can see, the atmosphere is beautiful, the people are happy, they are very happy to receive the Icon (of the Seas) today.

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One of the world’s biggest cruise ships is now anchored in Brooklyn

The 19-story boat is as long as the Eiffel Tower is high.

A floating city has made its way to Red Hook —and it’s taller than many Brooklyn apartment buildings. 

The MSC Meraviglia, a new ship by MSC Cruises, docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal over the weekend and will use the port as its home base for itineraries between The Bahamas, Florida, Canada, New England and Bermuda.

The ship itself is like an extra neighborhood: Accommodating over 5,700 guests (plus staff), the cruise ship is 1,036 feet long, as high as the Eiffel Tower, and has 19 decks standing at 213 feet tall. Inside, the ship hosts a 985-seat Broadway-style theater, a 6,000-square-foot gym, plus 20 bars, 12 restaurants and a handful of pools and hot tubs. 

Like most cruise lines, MSC is headquartered overseas, in Geneva, Switzerland, but the local docking is still predicted to influence New York’s local economy. So far, 150 New Yorkers have been hired to facilitate terminal operations and the ship itself has 10,000 full-time-equivalent jobs to fill. 

Those who want to set sail from New York can choose from multiple itineraries, ranging from 5 to 11 nights. Upcoming trips include sailings to The Bahamas and Florida, August voyages to Bermuda and a fall New England trip to Newport, Boston and Portland in the U.S and Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney in Canada. Trips start at $609 per person, for a week at sea with free wifi and unlimited food and drinks. Honestly, that's a whole lot cheaper than dining in New York. 

“When we chose New York as the next step in our North American expansion, we knew that MSC Meraviglia would be the perfect ship, given her versatility and offerings for a wide variety of climates," said Rubén Rodríguez, President of MSC Cruises USA. "She’s big and innovative, she offers something for everyone, and now she’s more accessible than ever for our guests in and around New York. We’re thrilled to give guests from the Northeast a direct link to our private destination—Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve—which is part of our fantastic itineraries to The Bahamas. As the year goes on, they’ll have other options like spending several days exploring Bermuda, or heading north for the breathtaking fall foliage in Canada and New England."

• Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

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Docking a Cruise Ship – How Is It Done?

Book Your Next Amazing Cruise with Travel Leader, Jeffrey Cleary

Have you ever wondered about the techniques involved in docking a cruise ship? We will cover 6 of the most common docking techniques cruise ships use.

Docking a cruise ship is a relatively complex procedure that relies on careful planning, clear communication, and a skillful crew. While you may assume that cruise ships are always docked using the same techniques, these massive vessels can use various methods.

To help you understand how cruise ships are docked, we will cover some of the most common docking techniques. We will also explain why the different methods are employed, rather than all vessels using the same basic process. 

If you are ready to learn about cruise ship docking, it’s time to get started!

Why Are Different Docking Techniques Used?

How a cruise ship is docked will depend on a variety of factors. The following are just some that need to be taken into consideration by a ship’s navigational crew when deciding which docking method they will use:

Port Infrastructure and Layout

The port where the cruise ship intends to dock plays a significant role in determining which type of docking technique the vessel will need to use. Some have narrow waterways, which restrict how ships can navigate the port.

Others may use fixed rather than floating docks, so tidal conditions at the time of docking can force the vessel to dock in a certain way.

Available Space Within a Port

In high-traffic ports, larger ships can be forced to dock at a specific angle, allowing the port authority to maximize their limited space. Even if a port is not particularly busy but is on the smaller side, they could request specific docking techniques to prevent larger ships from blocking in others.

The Physical Size of the Cruise Ship Itself

The length and width of a cruise ship can also play a significant role in determining which docking method is the safest and most efficient. With larger cruise ships, maneuverability can be a concern in tight spaces.

These larger ships may also have to dock in ports with the specialized infrastructure required to allow many passengers to disembark, like multiple berths and longer piers.

Urgency of Docking

In emergencies where a ship must be evacuated quickly, its captain and navigational officers can be forced to adopt a docking procedure they may otherwise avoid. These forced docking situations can dictate which type of technique is used, as simply waiting for a more suitable docking point to become available is not an option.

What Are the Most Common Techniques for Docking a Cruise Ship?

Now that you understand why cruise ships can use different docking techniques, it is time to take a look at some of the most common methods used for docking a cruise ship:

The Traditional Docking Method

As the name implies, traditional cruise ship docking is how most cruise ships were initially docked. It also is the most commonly used method today.

This docking technique involves aligning the ship parallel to a stationary dock. The ship’s navigational officers work with the port’s head pilot to maneuver the cruise ship alongside the dock.

While most maneuvering is carried out using the cruise ship’s primary propulsion system and  secondary side thrusters , they can also request assistance from tugs operating within the port.

Once the cruise ship is in position, mooring lines are deployed and secured to hold the vessel in place. This prevents movement and allows for the secure docking required to allow guests and crew to disembark the ship.

Multiple Berth Docking

In larger ports with areas explicitly dedicated to allowing cruise ships to dock, multiple berth docking can be performed. With this technique, numerous cruise ships can dock alongside each other.

Each cruise ship can be positioned in its own berth, with mooring lines securing them. This is particularly common in popular destinations offering cruise ship passenger attractions. This technique requires careful planning, as it is vitally important that the cruise ships do not dock while another ship’s guests are disembarking or boarding .

Bow or Stern Mooring

When a port does not offer sufficient docking facilities for full-sized cruise ships, it is possible to anchor offshore, then transport cruise passengers to the shore using smaller ferries. Within the cruise ship industry, this process is called  tendering .

When this unique form of docking is used, the ship’s crew positions the cruise ship so that its bow or stern faces open water. This increases stability, even when the vessel is not in port. Mooring lines can be used to secure the ship to additional anchoring points and secured buoys.

Not only is this technique common when visiting areas that are incredibly busy and need more room for a cruise ship in their port, but it can also be used for more remote areas that lack adequate docking facilities. 

Mediterranean Mooring

Mediterranean Mooring, or Med Mooring for short, is a docking technique developed to overcome the logistical issues of docking in some of the Mediterranean Sea’s most popular and crowded ports.

Rather than using the traditional docking technique of aligning the ship parallel with the dock,  Mediterranean Mooring involves docking at an angle of about 30 to 45 degrees .

This allows the cruise ship to take up less space in the port, so more cruise ships can fit. Once the ship is in position, mooring lines are secured to the dock to hold the ship at this angle. 

Passengers can either depart at the front of the ship, which is the area closest to the dock, or lengthy platforms can be extended to the ship to allow passengers to walk across the water.

While this technique was developed to overcome the crowded ports of the Mediterranean Sea, it can be used elsewhere if required.

Perpendicular Pier Docking

In ports where cruise ships must dock perpendicular to the shoreline to maximize space, they can position their bow or stern towards the shore, then position themselves inwards.

Once this occurs and the ship is in position, mooring lines hold the vessel in place, allowing passengers and crew to disembark or board safely. This docking technique usually involves pilot and tug boats assisting the cruise ship, as the docking process must be exact.

One of the significant advantages of this type of docking is that it means docks are located on both the starboard and port sides of the ship . One side of the vessel can allow passengers to come and go from the ship, while the other can be used to restock the ship with supplies and fuel.

Floating Dock Docking

In ports that have significant tidal fluctuations, floating docks can be used. Rather than a fixed dock, the port uses docks that move in elevation with the rising and lowering of the tide. These floating docks are attached to the shore with flexible connections that can move with the tides.

The ship’s navigation team will use the ship’s propulsion system and thrusters to align the ship with the appropriate floating docks. A local pilot familiar with the port and the characteristics of the tide will assist the vessel.

Once the ship has been attached to the floating dock with mooring lines, the local pilot can authorize the cruise ship to allow passengers to disembark.

Even though the cruise ship is connected to the floating docks, it is still essential that local tide conditions are taken into account to ensure that the passengers are safe at all times. This is usually for much smaller vessels rather than large cruise ships.

How Do Cruise Ships Prepare for Docking?

Preparing a large ship to dock safely and efficiently is a complicated process. Not only does the crew have to determine the safest docking technique to use for the situation at hand, but they must also carry out the following procedures correctly:

The ship’s captain and navigation officers must work with the local pilot and port authorities to plan when the vessel should approach. They review everything from depth charts, incoming weather conditions, the physical size and draft of the ship itself, and local regulations for that specific port.

Officers on the bridge communicate their plans with the relevant personnel to ensure the docking procedure goes smoothly.

Positioning and Speed Control

Once the planning phase has been completed, it becomes time to prepare the crew for executing their docking responsibilities. Communication systems are tested, then the planned maneuvers and speeds are properly communicated with the relevant crew members.

Depending on the chosen docking technique, the ship’s propulsion system and thrusters work together to position the ship. Tug assistance can be requested from local tug operators and pilots.

Emergency Preparedness Procedures

Safety is always the number one priority with any complicated process like docking. The ship’s crew is readied to react to any sort of emergency that could feasibly occur during the docking procedure. 

Passenger and Crew Preparations

Once everything has been planned and the crew is ready to dock the ship, announcements can inform passengers and crew members to return to designated assembly areas or their cabins, as these are the safest areas to remain during the docking procedure.

As mentioned, safety takes priority whenever any cruise ship is being docked. The entire procedure can be called off if docking cannot be performed safely.

The cruise ship’s crew and shore-based authorities, pilots, and other relevant personnel work together to prioritize the safety and comfort of those on board and those in other pre-docked cruise ships.

Final Words

Docking is incredibly important for cruise ships. It allows passengers and crew members to board and disembark the cruise ship safely. When this is carried out smoothly, it will enable passengers to begin and end their voyage and visit exciting shore destinations for day trips and shore excursions.

Read Also: How Do Cruise Ships Float?

It is a critical component of the entire cruise ship experience. Beyond allowing passengers to board, docking allows cruise ships to load new supplies. In some situations, maintenance and repairs can also be carried out while the cruise ship is docked.

For longer cruise voyages, even the crew can be changed over or given some much-needed time off the ship for their own well-being. Overall, docking is one of the most vital operations a cruise ship carries out, and it is an integral part of any cruise experience!

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Jeffrey Cleary is an experienced travel advisor and cruise specialist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in Caribbean and World cruises. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Jeffrey has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor for those seeking unforgettable Caribbean and/or World cruise experiences. "I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in the cruise industry, along with real-world experience on many of the finest ships at sea. I love cruising myself, so I am often sailing (and reachable by clients) and experiencing the cruise lines first hand. I'll get to know you, your style, your ideal vacation and recommend an Amazing Cruise experience."

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NCIS investigates the death of a man on a cruise ship whose body is discovered in the ship's sauna. NCIS investigates the death of a man on a cruise ship whose body is discovered in the ship's sauna. NCIS investigates the death of a man on a cruise ship whose body is discovered in the ship's sauna.

• Michael Zinberg
• Donald P. Bellisario
• Marco Schnabel
• Mark Harmon
• Sean Murray
• Wilmer Valderrama
• 14 User reviews

• Leroy Jethro Gibbs
• (credit only)

• Timothy McGee

• Nick Torres

• Jessica Knight

• Jimmy Palmer

• Kasie Hines

• Donald Mallard

• Alden Parker

• Delilah Fielding

• Carson Granger

• Pilar Rivera
• (as Ziah Colón)

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Did you know

• Trivia Alden Parker says that he comes from a big family "Like Brady Bunch big". Gary Cole starred as Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) .
• Goofs Near the start Parker shared an app to McGee's phone about information sharing for their cases. Parker's phone had a large letter B on the screen before the share. Then Knight put her phone up so that she could get the app. But her phone had the large letter B on her phone screen before she got the app.

Kasie Hines : That bomb took out most of Judy's living room. How's she taking it?

Alden Parker : Remarkably well. Said it gave her a reason to remodel.

Kasie Hines : Wow, that Mama Fielding is one tough lady. If somebody bombed my place... on second thought, I hate my place. I wish somebody would bomb it.

• Crazy credits Before the credits rolled on "Docked," NCIS aired a title card reading "in memory of our friend and colleague Harriet Margulies. We will miss you." Margulies, who died at the end of October at the age of 94, had worked on the show throughout its entire 19-year run. Previously, she had worked on classic shows like Kojak, Magnum PI, Airwolf and Quantum Leap, as well as the show NCIS span off from, JAG. For nearly two decades, she worked as the audience liaison on the show for its production company, Belisarius Productions. This meant answering fan questions and information requests, organizing fan participation in conventions and organizing set visits for superfans. She also worked in the same role for previous Belisarius productions like JAG and Quantum Leap.
• Connections References The Love Boat (1977)

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• hindsonevansmike
• Feb 3, 2024
• November 8, 2021 (United States)
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'Access to hidden-gem ports': Why this luxury yacht is the best option for beach lovers

“This is your yacht, to do with as you please,” Captain Rob O’Leary said to guests of the Emerald Sakara , the second luxury superyacht from Emerald Cruises. “We have an international crew from 21 different nations, and we are all here for you.”

I was on the maiden voyage of the 360-foot Sakara, a December 2023 sailing with the added glamor of a Champagne christening in San Juan, Puerto Rico, led by the ship’s godmother Kelly Craighead. She is president of Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade organization.

“Sakara” is a Sanskrit word meaning “thoughts become things” – a fitting name, given the thought that went into the ship’s chic design.  And our itinerary for the week couldn’t be more yacht-like – an island-hopping experience in the West Indies, stopping in out-of-the-way ports that larger cruise ships can’t manage. And while some smaller boats can feel rocky, the Sakara’s stabilizers keep the ship on an even keel.

Are luxury cruise ships worth the money? We did the math for Silversea's Silver Nova.

With just 100 guests and 76 crew, the Sakara is part of the larger trend in cruising: smaller ships that cater to vacationers who want the style and feel of a yacht, and the intimate service that accompanies that, with the amenities of a larger ship. Craighead said that small-ship cruises offer “luxury at a great value, access to hidden-gem ports and unique features like marinas for water activities directly off the ship,” she says. “These small ships can even be chartered, for your own amazing, private yacht experience.”

After departing from San Juan, the Sakara reached the Puerto Rican island of Culebra in a few hours, just 20 miles off the coast. We hopped in a taxi van at the port to reach the pristine waters of Flamenco Beach, which consistently makes the world’s top 10 lists. It was a fall-asleep-on-the-sand kind of day, under brightly colored umbrellas, with multiple trips to the canteen for French fries.

“I hope you enjoyed Culebra today because it’s quite hard to get in, through a very narrow channel,” O’Leary said at a supper-hour briefing. 

The next day, we stopped at the nearby island of Vieques, which is filled with wild horses – about 2,000 of them – most of whom are fully accustomed to the photo op. We docked at Esperanza Bay and wandered the waterfront. There were jeeps or ATVs available to rent for those who wanted to beach-hop, but we settled into the sand at Sun Bay. And when we sailed into Cruz Bay on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John the following day, there were yachts and catamarans everywhere – and the Sakara fit right in.

The crew outdid itself the next day at White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands. A barbecue feast awaited us, along with beach loungers, steel-drum entertainment, and all the paddles and water toys from the ship. Later, we wandered down the beach to find a young yacht crowd, groups of friends who have rented their boats, all knee-deep in their mojitos.

“I get a real kick out of driving the Emerald Sakara into St. Barths, muscling in and anchoring next to all the other superyachts,” O’Leary said. “It looks good in the pictures.” A stop there brought a snorkeling excursion, a bit of high-end shopping and a few rosé-soaked hours on Plage de Saline.

Back on board, the creature comforts of the Sakara included plenty of outdoor space to connect with the ocean, a small infinity pool, a full-service spa and a large, elegant dining room and terrace. It’s all part of the cushy yacht lifestyle. 

The ship will spend the summer and fall cruising the Mediterranean Sea – heading for the French and Italian rivieras, Croatia and Greece – with eight-day itineraries from $5,100. The Emerald Sakara will be back in the Caribbean next December, with eight-day cruises starting at $4,100. 

Editor’s note: The contributor of this story received access to this cruise from Emerald Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

A group of cruise passengers stranded off the coast of Africa spent 6 days chasing the ship to get back on

• Eight passengers chased their cruise ship around Africa for six days.
• Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the passengers re-embarked in Senegal on Tuesday.
• They were stranded in São Tomé and Príncipe and missed a chance to re-embark in Gambia.

A group of passengers left stranded on a small African island after missing a boarding deadline finally managed to rejoin their cruise ship on Tuesday after chasing it for almost a week.

On March 27 a private tour overran, causing eight passengers to miss the Norwegian Dawn's 3 p.m. all-aboard time by over an hour, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed via email to Business Insider.

The passengers found themselves stuck on São Tomé and Príncipe , an island nation of some 220,000 people off West Africa, in what the cruise line called a "very unfortunate situation."

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Despite the efforts of São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard to ferry the passengers to the ship in tender boats, the group was unable to reboard and had to turn back to land, according to the ABC affiliate WPDE.

The first attempt to get the guests back on the ship occurred on Monday, when they hoped to re-embark at a port in Banjul, Gambia, some 1,800 miles from São Tomé and Príncipe.

However, "adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions" meant that the ship could not dock safely, a spokesperson for the cruise line said.

As a result, the guests had to chase the ship to Dakar, Senegal — a distance of some 100 miles further — for another attempt to re-embark on Tuesday.

Norwegian said it helped the passengers by facilitating their visas, and would pay them back for the trip from Gambia to Senegal.

Jill Campbell, one of the passengers, told NBC News that she and her husband traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to catch up with the ship.

It wasn't clear exactly what route they took.

The couple had considered not rejoining the ship, believing that Norwegian Cruise Line had fallen short in a '"basic duty of care," Campbell told NBC News.

But, six days after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe, the cruise line confirmed the eight passengers, including the Campbells, finally re-embarked in Senegal on Tuesday.

Watch: Stowaways survive 14 days at sea clinging to a ship rudder

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Upcoming Cruise Ship Refurbishments

Brand-new cruise ship s may get all the love and admiration when they first launch, but not to be forgotten are existing fleets, aging gracefully as they too receive some bells and whistles sans the sticker shock a new vessel can command. Enter the cruise ship refurbishment, which can make an old ship look nearly new again.

Ships are required to head into dry dock every few years for the "routine scrape of the barnacles" (minor cosmetic and engineering updates, plus routine maintenance), but quite often cruise lines will take this time -- or even extend it longer as needed -- to refresh a ship's public areas and private accommodations.

Cruise Critic has assembled a list of currently known cruise ship refits and dry-docks. Only cruise lines with current refit plans are listed; check to see if your favorite cruise ship is scheduled for a sprucing-up.

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Carnival cruise line is anticipating carnival firenze and remodeling carnival glory, celebrity has multiple refurbishments planned for older ships, norwegian cruise line’s norwegian epic to become even more epic, royal caribbean’s alluring “royal amplified” program to continue, hurtigruten coastal express ships undergoing green refurbishments, windstar cruises: new themed suite decor for star pride and refurbs for the wind class ships, seabourn introduces new solis restaurant to its non-expedition fleet, silversea will refresh silver whisper with enhanced private and public amenities, virgin voyages to briefly enhance and maintain scarlet lady.

Ship: Carnival Firenze

Dates: 2024

Details: Carnival Firenze will be the second ship to operate under the banner "Carnival Fun Italian Style," (after Carnival Venezia ) and it's another former Costa ship, Costa Firenze. Expect the similar changes in drydock as Carnival Venezia, which include the traditional Carnival venues that will be added in the refit: the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Guy's Burgers , Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge. In the cabins, Carnival will add a new Terrazza space, which is similar to Havana cabins on other ships in the fleet. The cabins will also receive mini-bars and U.S. power outlets to cabins and a new bar featuring spritzes in the adult-only Serenity area on the top deck.

Ship: Carnival Glory

Dates: Early 2024

Details: More details are expected to be released once Carnival Glory emerges from its current dry-dock, but its updates are expected to be very similar to those recently made to Carnival Sunrise. As such, enhancements to Glory may include a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge.

Ship: Celebrity Constellation

Dates: Spring 2024

Details: This drydock for the Constellation will include all-new carpeting as well as updated crew quarters. Suites are scheduled to get new Jacuzzis, and some galley equipment will be replaced.

Ship: Celebrity Eclipse

Dates: Spring 2025

Details: Celebrity Eclipse is slated for all new carpeting in this drydock along with new draperies. All staterooms and suites will get new balcony furniture, and the galley is getting new equipment.

Ship: Celebrity Solstice

Dates: First quarter 2026

Details: Celebrity Solstice received all new soft goods (carpets, drapes, linens) in early 2023. The next drydock is scheduled for early 2026, but no details are available yet on those refurbishments.

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Details: Following several cancellations of future sailings during the time – the April 15, April 26 and May 5 departures – Norwegian Epic is expected to receive updates during a scheduled dry-dock. However, exact details about what the ship may be receiving are yet to be revealed by Norwegian Cruise Line .

Ship: Allure of the Seas

Dates: Early 2025

Details : As the only remaining Oasis-class ship to not receive a major refurbishment, read install the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and more, Allure of the Seas is next to be refurbished by Royal Caribbean International , according to a mention during a corporate earnings call. The ship was previously part of an announced “Royal Amplified” program that was postponed due to the pandemic. Though currently, any enhancements have not been specified.

Ships: All seven Coastal Express ships, starting with MS Richard With

Dates: Through 2026

Details: All ships will undergo massive refurbishments designed to reduce NOx emissions by eighty percent, including conversion to hybrid power systems, hull changes, new boiler systems, and power management systems.

Ship: Star Pride

Details : Star Pride, which completed its full Star Initiative renovation and stretching in 2022, is slated to have themed suites in 2024.

Ship: All three Wind Class ships

Details : Wind Star (Phase 2 completion December 2025), Wind Spirit (Phase 1 and 2 done by December 2025) and Wind Surf (Phase 1 December 2024 and Phase 2 December 2026) will, in phases though 2026, receive redesigned public spaces and staterooms extending to commissioned art by Miami artists in collaboration with Fountainhead Art, enhanced audio equipment and lighting, as well as enhanced Starlink internet connectivity.

Specifics will encompass a refreshed lobby with open reception and additional seating; revamped living room-style lounge; new pool, whirlpool and accompanying larger pool bar; updated fitness center with new Technogym equipment and a new World Spa by Windstar.

Teak decks and overall decor will be redone, and all cabins will get new carpeting and televisions with on-demand programming. The Owner’s Suite will also be redesigned. Phase 2 will touch on enhancements to Amphora, Veranda and further stateroom amenities.

Ship: Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Encore

Dates: April 2024 and Spring 2024, respectively

Details : Already completed aboard sister ships Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest, the luxury line's swap of The Grill by Thomas Keller with its own in-house Solis will take place across its remaining non-expedition vessels.

The new restaurant’s dishes will be inspired by Mediterranean Sea destinations, and its design will showcase custom blue and cream colors and solar shapes comprised of sustainable materials.

Ship: Silver Whisper

Dates: May 2024

Details : Scheduled next for dry-dock from the luxury line is Silver Whisper from April until May 2024. The ship’s refurbishment, according to the brand, will cover “an array of refreshments, enriching guests’ comfort in the ship’s suites and public areas.”

Ship: Scarlet Lady

Dates: November 2024

Details : Scarlet Lady is on the calendar for a brief dry-dock in November 2024, set to include general maintenance, enhancements and recalibrations.

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