Latest news with #CarnivalConquest
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line rep addresses adults-only cruise controversy
Carnival Cruise Line rep addresses adults-only cruise controversy originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Adults-only cruises have been a big hit for the hip Virgin Voyages cruise brand. These kid-free cruise vacations have become so popular that many cruisers have begun to wonder whether other cruise lines would break with classic cruise tradition to test out the new style of sailing, Carnival Cruise Line fans often write to the cruise line's brand ambassador, John Heald, on his popular Facebook page with questions and requests about adults-only cruises. Few people expected that the family cruise line would actually add adult-exclusive sailings, though. On his page, Heald even told passengers he didn't think that would ever happen. But then it did. Why the sudden shift? Is Carnival Cruise Line moving toward becoming an adults-only cruise line? Those were some of the questions swirling around the internet after Carnival recently announced a series of casino-exclusive sailings and SEA cruises — sailings exclusively for adults. Sailing from Miami on select dates this summer and fall aboard Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic, these specialty itineraries are casino-focused cruises featuring expanded casino access and other perks for Carnival Players Club casino loyalty program the release of these specialty sailings led to rumors that Carnival is moving to become an adults-only cruise line, John Heald was quick to set the record straight. 'Please ignore that; we are a proud family cruise line, we have been and I'm sure we always will be,' Heald insisted in a video message posted on his Facebook page. Heald assured his followers that the only reason Carnival is offering adults-only casino cruises is because of schedule changes for Carnival cruise ship dry docks — maintenance and refurbishment that cruise ships undergo every few years.'This all is because we moved Carnival Magic's dry dock and the casino have taken a couple of cruises and made them adults only. They're making special casino offers to people,' Heald explained. Since both Carnival Magic and Carnival Conquest won't be out of service as originally planned for a few weeks later this year, the cruise line decided to offer some special invitation-only casino cruises to fill the reason these sailings are adults only is simply because they're casino cruises. 'Now, because they are casino offers, we cannot make those casino offers to children, which is why these cruises are for adults only because they are casino-based offered cruises and they are very popular,' Heald pointed out. These new offerings have made the brand ambassador more open to entertaining the possibility of future adults-only Carnival cruises, however. 'I understand why people are saying, 'Oh, we need an adults' cruise,'' Heald noted. 'So listen, I don't know what the future is going to hold, but let me just tell you we are not moving to an adults-only cruise line now.' More Carnival cruise news:Those who want to continue to enjoy Carnival cruises with kids shouldn't fret. 'This is not something that you should be concerned about because for every one person who says, 'I would love an adults-only cruise,' there are many who have written and said, 'What do I do with my children, my grandchildren?'' Heald explained. 'No, we are a proud family cruise line,' the brand ambassador reiterated. 'These were cruise-specific situations, so please ignore what some people have been highlighting.' (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Carnival Cruise Line rep addresses adults-only cruise controversy
Adults-only cruises have been a big hit for the hip Virgin Voyages cruise brand. These kid-free cruise vacations have become so popular that many cruisers have begun to wonder whether other cruise lines would break with classic cruise tradition to test out the new style of sailing, too. Related: Carnival Cruise Line gives passengers Titanic-like warning Loyal Carnival Cruise Line fans often write to the cruise line's brand ambassador, John Heald, on his popular Facebook page with questions and requests about adults-only cruises. Few people expected that the family cruise line would actually add adult-exclusive sailings, though. On his page, Heald even told passengers he didn't think that would ever happen. But then it did. Why the sudden shift? Is Carnival Cruise Line moving toward becoming an adults-only cruise line? Those were some of the questions swirling around the internet after Carnival recently announced a series of casino-exclusive sailings and SEA cruises - sailings exclusively for adults. Sailing from Miami on select dates this summer and fall aboard Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic, these specialty itineraries are casino-focused cruises featuring expanded casino access and other perks for Carnival Players Club casino loyalty program members. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. After the release of these specialty sailings led to rumors that Carnival is moving to become an adults-only cruise line, John Heald was quick to set the record straight. "Please ignore that; we are a proud family cruise line, we have been and I'm sure we always will be," Heald insisted in a video message posted on his Facebook page. Heald assured his followers that the only reason Carnival is offering adults-only casino cruises is because of schedule changes for Carnival cruise ship dry docks - maintenance and refurbishment that cruise ships undergo every few years. Related: Carnival Cruise Line answers controversial tipping question "This all is because we moved Carnival Magic's dry dock and the casino have taken a couple of cruises and made them adults only. They're making special casino offers to people," Heald explained. Since both Carnival Magic and Carnival Conquest won't be out of service as originally planned for a few weeks later this year, the cruise line decided to offer some special invitation-only casino cruises to fill the void. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. The reason these sailings are adults only is simply because they're casino cruises. "Now, because they are casino offers, we cannot make those casino offers to children, which is why these cruises are for adults only because they are casino-based offered cruises and they are very popular," Heald pointed out. These new offerings have made the brand ambassador more open to entertaining the possibility of future adults-only Carnival cruises, however. "I understand why people are saying, 'Oh, we need an adults' cruise,'" Heald noted. "So listen, I don't know what the future is going to hold, but let me just tell you we are not moving to an adults-only cruise line now." More Carnival cruise news: Sailors recount their life-saving rescue by Carnival cruise shipCarnival and Royal Caribbean both have this surprising extra chargeCarnival cruisers eat way more of one food than Guy Fieri burgers Those who want to continue to enjoy Carnival cruises with kids shouldn't fret. "This is not something that you should be concerned about because for every one person who says, 'I would love an adults-only cruise,' there are many who have written and said, 'What do I do with my children, my grandchildren?'" Heald explained. "No, we are a proud family cruise line," the brand ambassador reiterated. "These were cruise-specific situations, so please ignore what some people have been highlighting." (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Carnival Cruise Line ship hit hard by flooding during storm
Severe weather is something many cruise passengers never hope to experience during a vacation at sea, but sometimes it can't be avoided. A rainy day on a cruise is sometimes cause for disappointment, but usually doesn't result in more significant concerns like a missed port of call. Thunderstorms can disrupt or shut down certain cruise activities. though. including shore excursions, pools, and waterslides. Related: Earthquake triggers travel concerns for top cruise destination Cruise line private islands like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas can even shut down entirely when severe weather moves in, sending cruisers back to their ships early. And even without lightning, heavy rain can have an impact on cruises, but not just because it closes down the pool and sends passengers indoors. When rain comes down hard and fast on a cruise ship, it can actually flood certain areas of the ship as drainage systems struggle to keep up with the deluge of rainwater. That's what happened on board one Carnival cruise ship sailing through a heavy rainstorm in The Bahamas this week. Doug Parker shared more details on the cruise ship flood and other cruise news on the May 14th edition of Cruise News Today. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Transcript: Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here's your cruise news for Wednesday, May 14th. Severe weather has caused major flooding aboard the Carnival Conquest currently sailing in The Bahamas. Passengers report water nearly entering cabins with balconies submerged and crew working nonstop to contain the flooding. The storm began Monday evening and is expected to continue through today. The Bahamas has been hit hard this week by that same weather front that moved through Florida earlier in the week. Related: Carnival shares cruise loyalty news; Royal Caribbean cruiser fined One guest sailing on Conquest told us that this is some of the worst flooding they've ever seen on a cruise ship. And Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas was diverted to Port Everglades on Tuesday to evacuate an injured guest. Yeah, the ship had left CocoCay earlier that day because lightning shut the island down. Around noon, an Alpha medical alert was issued for an injury in the ship's Central Park area. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. A later call requested Type O blood donors in which 30 passengers volunteered. The injured guest was transferred to a Broward County rescue boat around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Royal Caribbean refunded all excursions from CocoCay. And the cruise industry is now clarifying details on Mexico's new in-transit cruise passenger fee set to begin this summer. Now, unlike prior claims, this is an in-transit fee, not a non-resident duty tax. And the final rate kicks in a year later than initially reported. The fee will start at $5 per guest on July 1st, rising in stages to $21 by 2028. The change impacts all ships visiting Mexico. Related: Carnival Cruise Line gives update on new cruise fee, port opening And cruise stocks were up on Tuesday. Carnival Corporation: up 3%, 22.74. Royal Caribbean: up 2.3%, 247.84. Norwegian: up 1%, 19.33. And Viking: up 1.4%, 46.18. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@ Have yourself a great Wednesday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Carnival Cruise Line ship hit hard by flooding during storm
Severe weather is something many cruise passengers never hope to experience during a vacation at sea, but sometimes it can't be avoided. A rainy day on a cruise is sometimes cause for disappointment, but usually doesn't result in more significant concerns like a missed port of call. Thunderstorms can disrupt or shut down certain cruise activities. though. including shore excursions, pools, and line private islands like Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas can even shut down entirely when severe weather moves in, sending cruisers back to their ships early. And even without lightning, heavy rain can have an impact on cruises, but not just because it closes down the pool and sends passengers indoors. When rain comes down hard and fast on a cruise ship, it can actually flood certain areas of the ship as drainage systems struggle to keep up with the deluge of rainwater. That's what happened on board one Carnival cruise ship sailing through a heavy rainstorm in The Bahamas this week. Doug Parker shared more details on the cruise ship flood and other cruise news on the May 14th edition of Cruise News Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here's your cruise news for Wednesday, May 14th. Severe weather has caused major flooding aboard the Carnival Conquest currently sailing in The Bahamas. Passengers report water nearly entering cabins with balconies submerged and crew working nonstop to contain the flooding. The storm began Monday evening and is expected to continue through today. The Bahamas has been hit hard this week by that same weather front that moved through Florida earlier in the guest sailing on Conquest told us that this is some of the worst flooding they've ever seen on a cruise ship. And Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas was diverted to Port Everglades on Tuesday to evacuate an injured guest. Yeah, the ship had left CocoCay earlier that day because lightning shut the island down. Around noon, an Alpha medical alert was issued for an injury in the ship's Central Park area.A later call requested Type O blood donors in which 30 passengers volunteered. The injured guest was transferred to a Broward County rescue boat around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Royal Caribbean refunded all excursions from CocoCay. And the cruise industry is now clarifying details on Mexico's new in-transit cruise passenger fee set to begin this summer. Now, unlike prior claims, this is an in-transit fee, not a non-resident duty tax. And the final rate kicks in a year later than initially reported. The fee will start at $5 per guest on July 1st, rising in stages to $21 by 2028. The change impacts all ships visiting cruise stocks were up on Tuesday. Carnival Corporation: up 3%, 22.74. Royal Caribbean: up 2.3%, 247.84. Norwegian: up 1%, 19.33. And Viking: up 1.4%, 46.18. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@ Have yourself a great Wednesday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival is opening a private resort for cruise passengers. See what's in the works
Carnival Corp. is putting the finishing touches on, not a new ship but a new destination for cruise passengers. Beginning in July, Doral-based Carnival will send ships between PortMiami and Celebration Key, a private development in the Bahamas. Described by the cruise ship company as 'a new destination from the ground up,' Celebration Key is on the southern side of Grand Bahama island and about 17 miles northeast of Freeport. When finished, the resort will have its own pier with two berths where Carnival's largest ships can dock. In 2026, the pier at Celebration Key will add two more berths so a total of four Carnival ships can dock at the same time. The resort will feature water slides for kids, scuba diving and other sports, and excursions. And there will be restaurants and bars that passengers can reach by walking or swimming. Costing $600 million, the destination is the latest in major cruise carriers betting big time on private islands or resorts built from the ground up. The new stops give cruisers more beach time, expand group activities and bring in more money. Royal Caribbean, also based in Miami, is developing a third private space in Mexico that's expected to be ready in 2027. The company's other two private resorts are in Labadee, Haiti, and Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line has Great Stirrup Cay, also in the Bahamas. Carnival is so keen on Celebration Key that 20 of its 27 ships plan to sail there, including all five ships that call PortMiami home: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic. Ships sailing from Baltimore, New Orleans and Galveston will also head there this year. Carnival Conquest, which does three-and four-day trips to the Bahamas, will be the first PortMiami-based ship to visit Celebration Key, departing South Florida on July 18. 'Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival and its construction builds on our close partnership with the Bahamas,' Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. 'Seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible.' Duffy visited the under-construction Celebration Key in February, along with Carnival Corp. Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen. The cruise executives joined leaders from the organization Plant a Tree and replanted about 1,000 sabal palms, a nod to the role their industry needs to play in increasing sustainability. Duffy also took part in 'the ceremonial filling of one of two expansive freshwater lagoons, the largest in the Caribbean.' These will be sustained by Celebration Key's desalination system that converts seawater into freshwater. The lagoons span over seven acres and hold about seven million gallons of water. Carnival broke ground on the project less than three years ago. About 500 Bahamian workers are on the 65-acre site around the clock to make sure the resort is ready by July. The cruises from Miami that will stop at Celebration Key range from a three-day weekend cruise on Carnival Conquest to a 13-day trip starting from Barcelona on Carnival Journeys. Carnival Celebration will offer a variety of seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean that stop at the new resort. The resort expects to have more than 30 restaurants and bars, from full-service sit-downs to self-ordering food trucks. The development is broken down into different areas. Paradise Plaza is the welcoming area. Starfish Lagoon has recreation and relaxation. Calypso Lagoon has an adult-only area with a DJ island and a large swim-up bar. Pearl Cove Beach Club is a premium adult-only space with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas. Pearl Cove Beach Club will offer beachfront daybeds, private cabanas and Super Villas, each of which includes access to the club's open bar service, infinity pool, full-service restaurant and beachfront. Here is a rundown on the food and drinks: Calypso Lagoon ▪ Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen, named after the Bahamas' national bird the flamingo, is a full-service, Carnival-run restaurant offering Bahamian favorites including fried fish and conch fritters, as well as burgers, seafood, tacos, steak and sandwiches. Mingo's bar will serve tropical frozen drinks and cocktails. ▪ Mingo's Express food truck, just outside the restaurant, has self-ordering kiosks and shaded seating, and to-go hamburgers, salads and fish sandwiches. ▪ Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews is a full-service dining spot serving slow-smoked meat prepared in an outdoor smoker. A full-service bar pours craft beer from Bahamian breweries. Starfish Lagoon ▪ Gill's Grill, a full-service restaurant and full bar, cooks up Caribbean seafood including seafood baskets, local fish, lobster, steamed crab and shrimp, chicken, burgers and kids' meals. ▪ Captain's Galley Food Hall features five outlets serving burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, Mediterranean bowls, tacos and burritos. ▪ Food trucks with self-ordering kiosks offer chicken sandwiches, burgers and conch fritters. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant in an area for guests 18 and older. Calypso Lagoon ▪ Long Necks Bar is where you can grab one of 100 seats and order a frozen drink, beer or Bahamian cocktailwhile aDJ spins tunes. ▪ The Sunshine Swings Bar has 40 swings and offers a 'chill vibe.' ▪ The Parrotfish Swim Up Bar has seating in-water and out-of-water and serves frozen cocktails and mocktails with tropical fruit juice. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ An infinity pool overlooks the beach and a swim-up bar Paradise Plaza ▪ A welcome area where you can get your caffeine fix or energy boost with coffee and ice cream. You can book sailings taking place into 2027. To learn more about their sailings and make reservations, visit the Carnival website at
