NCL Joy’s Major Refurbishment
Norwegian Cruise Line announced a major refurb for Norwegian Joy, scheduled for next January.
These additions include a new Spa Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, an expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, and redesigned Three-Bedroom The Haven suites.
The redesign will offer more balcony rooms, direct access to the Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, and remove the Galaxy VR pavilion.
The Vibe Beach Club will be expanded with new private cabanas, providing an exclusive adults-only experience.
Norwegian Joy will resume sailings on Feb. 13, from PortMiami.
Joy’s last refurb was when the company moved it from Asia to the US in early 2019.
MSC Ship Delivered
Following a delay over faulty fire panels, Explora Journey’s first ship, Explora 1, was delivered to MSC Group on Thursday morning.
The company prioritized safety and postponed the inaugural sailing, initially set for July 17, to August 1, ensuring all necessary certifications and safety standards were met.
The company said they invested extra money and resources to make sure the ship was deemed safe.
The ship has 461 ocean-front suites, six restaurants, and three pools (one indoors), Explora I will embark on its maiden journey from Copenhagen, Denmark on August 1.
Carnival Pride Saga
Carnival is making travel arrangements for more than 2,000 passengers aboard Carnival Pride, currently docked in Kiel, Germany, for emergency repairs.
The phased debarkation process considers guests’ preferences, providing options for an immediate return home, staying onboard until their original flights, or adjusting plans for canceled back-to-back cruises.
While some passengers have finalized their travel plans and are heading home on early flights, others will stay onboard during the repair period, possibly leading to a shortened subsequent cruise.
Charter flights with special immigration processing, hotel accommodations, and airport shuttle services have been arranged for passengers.
The exact duration of the repairs remains to be determined, raising the possibility of a significantly shortened next cruise with limited port stops.