Here are the top cruise industry news stories for Thursday, November 30, 2023, and the stock report for Carnival Corporation (CCL), Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH).
Cruise News Updates for Today
NCL Celebrates Christening of Norwegian Viva in Miami
Norwegian Cruise Line recently celebrated the christening of the Norwegian Viva in Miami.
Christened by musician Luis Fonsi, Norwegian Viva’s godfather officially named and christened the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle breaks across the ship’s hull, which signifies good fortune and safe travels for all who sail aboard.
This celebration follows the Norwegian Viva’s debut in August and its inaugural summer season of European voyages.
Next month, Viva will reposition to San Juan to homeport there through March.
RCCL Overbooks Cruise, Denies Entry to Several Guests
Several guests booked on the Quantum of the Seas for an 8-night South Pacific cruise from Brisbane were unexpectedly denied boarding due to overbooking guarantee staterooms.
On Tuesday, these guests, who had booked cabins without specific stateroom numbers, received letters at the terminal informing them of the lack of available cabins.
The 168,666-gross-ton ship, which can accommodate 4,905 passengers, offered various alternatives to the affected guests.
These included remaining on standby, possibly receiving a $100 onboard credit or a full refund, and a 25% future cruise certificate if no cabin became available.
Other options were switching to similar itineraries on different dates with a free stateroom upgrade.
Despite accommodating some guests at the last minute, others were left behind due to overbooking.
Carnival Tests New Debark Process Using App
Getting off the ship faster.
Carnival Cruise Line is testing a new debark process using their Carnival Hub app.
This “Digital Debark” system lets guests choose their debarkation time and request luggage tags through the app, which are then delivered to their rooms.
This method is currently being tested on four ships and aims to make the debarkation process smoother and less crowded.
Guests who prefer carrying their luggage or those in the VIFP program with priority debarkation will not be affected by this new system.
Currently on Carnival Dream, Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest, and Carnival Spirit.
The plan is to expand this service to more ships eventually.
Cruise Line Stock Report
- CCL 14.91, up 2%
- RCL 105.91, up slightly
- NCL 14.83, up 2.4%
