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World’s largest cruise ship rescues 14 people stranded at sea for over a week.

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The largest cruise ship in the world rescued 14 people Sunday who had been stranded on a small boat for eight days.

Alessandra Amodio was traveling on Royal Caribbeans’s Icon of the Seas with her family when the rescue happened.

“We were really surprised and honestly a little freaked out,” Amodio said. “We’ve been on a handful of cruises and never seen something like this happen. It was crazy to think that these people were stuck at sea for so long, and we were all on board excited and relieved that the ship was able to rescue them.”

She watched the small boat from the windows of the lunch buffet. People on the tiny craft were waving a large white flag.

“The boat turned around, and we pulled up as close as we could to them and stopped,” Amodio said. “RCC (Royal Caribbean) deployed a small zodiac-type rescue boat to investigate.”

As you can imagine, turning around the largest cruise ship in the world takes quite a while.

This was the scene from the lunch buffet during the first full day of cruising for the Icon of the Seas.

Getting near a small boat without swamping it in the ship’s wake takes careful skill.

The detour and rescue took about two hours, according to Amodio.

“Everyone around us was watching from the windows with us and just talking about how this isn’t something we ever thought to experience, and we hoped everyone on board was OK,” she said. “But never were we afraid for ourselves.”

The detour and rescue took about two hours, according to Amodio.

She described the boat as a small dot in the vastness of the sea.

Royal Caribbean didn’t provide much information about the rescue.

“On March 3, 2024,  Icon of the Seas  encountered a small vessel adrift and in need of assistance,” the company said in a statement. “The ship’s crew immediately launched a rescue operation, safely bringing 14 people onboard. The crew provided them with medical attention, and is working closely with the US Coast Guard.”

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Amodio said the crew had to take several trips to the small boat to rescue everyone.

This was the ship’s first full day of cruising.

The eight-day vacation started in Miami and the ship was headed for Honduras.

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Amodio estimated from a map that the Icon of the Seas was between Cozumel, Mexico and western Cuba.

Captain’s legal responsibility to aid boaters in distress

According to Amodio, the crew broadcast “Code Oscar, Code Oscar, Code Oscar,” over the loudspeakers, about 3 p.m.

“Then shortly after, the captain came back on the speaker and announced they spotted a distressed vessel, and they were going to turn us around and investigate,” she said. 

Amodio said that after the rescue, the captain announced that the crew had rescued 14 people stranded at sea for eight days. The captain said he didn’t know what country they came from.

cruise ship broken down

All the rescued people left the ship the next day while docked in Roatan, Honduras, she said.

According to maritime law, a ship and crew have a legal and moral obligation to help save human life.

“A master of a ship at sea, which is in a position to be able to provide assistance on receiving a signal from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance,” stated the International Maritime Organization.

Code Oscar is unique to Royal Caribbean, according to Marine Insight.

The emergency code is usually used when a person falls overboard. Captains use the signal instead of shouting orders to “prevent the potentiality of chaos.”

This is the Icon of the Seas’ inaugural season. Its very first voyage with passengers was early this year, and FOX Weather got a tour.

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This was the scene from the lunch buffet during the first full day of cruising for the Icon of the Seas.

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Passengers off cancelled Royal Caribbean ship in Seward, ‘no one stranded’

SEWARD, Alaska (KTUU) - The estimated 2,200 passengers on the Royal Caribbean ship, Radiance of the Seas, are off of the vessel, a representative with Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska said on Sunday in Seward.

There were constant coaches taking passengers from the ship Saturday and Sunday. The only people from the cruise who remain in Seward are choosing to stay, the representative said, adding that there are no longer crowds of cruise passengers frequenting the town. There were local tourism companies, such as Seward Ocean Excursions that were completely booked with the extra people in town Saturday, Seward mayor Sue McClure said. A lead reservation agent with Kenai Fjords Tours said that they were overwhelmed by extra visitors on Saturday, saying that they had more than double the people they usually get on a Saturday during this time of year.

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship named Radiance of the Seas announced to its passengers on Friday that the planned sail from Seward due to depart on Sept. 1 has been cancelled due to mechanical issues with the vessel.

The Radiance of the Seas was due to leave port on Friday for a 7-day cruise making calls in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Haines before reaching its final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia. Passengers were informed on Friday that the cruise would not be taking place.

A letter distributed to passengers cites issues with the vessel’s propulsion system as the reason for cancellation.

“As you may know, on your return to Seward, Alaska, Radiance of the Seas’ propulsion system experienced a technical issue which impacts the ship’s speed,” read a letter distributed to passengers. “Unfortunately, our teams were unable to complete the needed repairs to be able to depart today on our sailing. As a result, we’ll be cancelling this current sailing.”

Passengers will be refunded the complete cost of their cruise and any shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean. Those who also booked their air travel through Royal Caribbean will have their flights rebooked, and those who did not will receive a up to a $600 credit to change pre-booked return flights.

Passengers are permitted to stay on the Radiance of the Seas until Sunday, Sept. 3 and will receive complementary services including internet, beer and wine, and a shuttle into Seward.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has not yet responded to inquiries about the cancellation. It is unknown if the mechanical issues will affect future sailings.

Royal Caribbean letter to passengers by Alaska's News Source on Scribd

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Copyright 2023 KTUU. All rights reserved.

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Photos of abandoned, stripped cruise ships show how deeply the cruise industry is sinking

  • Photos of unused cruise ships getting stripped for parts show how the cruise industry is struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Maintaining cruise ships that aren't in use is very expensive, so many cruise companies are selling part of their fleet for scrap.
  • Since the pandemic hit, the number of cruise ships being dismantled for scrap has increased. 
  • Because many shipyards had to close due to lockdowns, there's a waiting list for cruise ships to get dismantled around the world.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Insider Today

The travel industry is hurting as the coronavirus pandemic ravages on, but the US cruise industry, in particular, has been hard hit.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a no-sail order in March, which it changed to a " conditional sailing " one on November 1. This means that cruises could accept passengers, but only after making significant changes to their health and safety protocols. Most cruise companies voluntarily renewed the no-sail order through 2020 as they figure out these new measures.

Ahead of the coronavirus pandemic, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world's largest cruise industry trade association, which represents 95% of the global cruising industry, projected that 32 million passengers would set sail in 2020 and that the industry was creating an economic impact of $53 billion in the US , and $150 billion worldwide.

The CLIA now estimates that "each day of the suspension of cruise operations in the US results in a total loss of approximately $110 million in economic activity and up to 800 American jobs."

For the shipbreaking industry, however, this means big business.

Photos of cruise ships being dismantled into scrap metal at bustling shipbreaking yards around the world illustrate just how deeply the cruise industry is hurting right now.

Photos of unused cruise ships getting stripped for parts show just how much the cruise industry is struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Nicola Mulinaris, the communication and policy officer at NGO Shipbreaking Platform, told Insider that they've seen an increase in the number of cruise ships getting scrapped since the pandemic hit.

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Source: NGO Shipbreaking Platform

He explained that cruise ships can be "extremely costly to maintain if they're not operational."

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Consequently, cruise companies, many facing financial troubles, are downsizing their fleets.

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Source: WESH

Carnival lost $2.9 billion last quarter, the New York Times reports. It has canceled trips into 2021 and is cutting 18 of its ships, per Good Morning America.

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Source: The New York Times , Good Morning America

Three of those ships, the Inspiration, Imagination, and Fantasy, are being dismantled at the Aliaga Ship Recycling Facility in Turkey, alongside two other cruise ships.

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Almost 2,000 people are working to dismantle the five ships in Turkey, according to the New York Times.

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Source: The New York Times

Mulinaris said that because many shipyards had to close due to lockdowns, there's even a waiting list for cruise ships to get dismantled around the world.

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In the past, cruise companies sold their ships to smaller companies, but because of the pandemic, no one can afford to buy them — nor would they want to.

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Cruise companies are also afraid of strengthening the competition, said Mulinaris, "so it becomes quite appealing to recycle the vessels and get money out of it."

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Generally speaking, cruise ships will sell their ships to scrap dealers through a broker. These will then pay the shipyards for their work, and make money selling scraps.

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According to Mulinaris, 90% of a conventional vessel is steel, which is recyclable. But machinery and furniture can also be sold.

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"It's a treasure chest in there," an antique store owner told the New York Times about cruise ship interiors. "These are not regular ships; they are luxurious floating museums with many precious items inside."

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Depending on where the ships are sold and scrapped, cruise ship companies could be paid between $150 to $400 per ton.

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Carnival sent its ships to get scrapped in Turkey: While the prices there per ton are on the low end, according to Mulinaris, the working conditions are better and the recycling process more environmentally friendly.

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A cruise ship can take up to 10 months to dismantle, but it depends on both the vessel and the shipyard.

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"Everything is taken out piece by piece, from the light bulb to the piano and swimming pool to the golf course," Kamil Onal, chairman of the Ship Recyclers' Association of Turkey, told the New York Times.

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Usually, ships are cleaned, stripped of anything that can be sold, then cut into small blocks, taking care to avoid hazardous materials. These pieces are then usually lifted away by crane, one by one.

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Sometimes they are carried away by hand.

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Shipbreaking is dangerous work.

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Besides the obvious risks of sustaining injuries from operating heavy machinery, getting crushed, or falling, ships are also filled with flammable gases that can cause explosions and toxic elements like asbestos and lead.

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According to data by NGO Shipbreaking Platform, there have been 397 deaths in shipbreaking yards since 2009.

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Source: Off the Beach

Shipbreaking is also bad for the environment. As it can be difficult to contain pollutants, oil spills, sludge, and heavy metal, contaminated debris are common side effects.

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Governments and organizations such as Mulinaris' NGO are working hard to improve working conditions for shipbreakers and to ensure more environmentally sound practices.

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Cruise companies are working to turn things around, however, and are working to get passengers on the ocean as soon as safely possible with measures like mock cruises to test safety measures.

cruise ship broken down

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  • Main content

An expert explains: What happens to cruise ships when they’re retired, from makeovers to scrapyards

The most recent purge has been largely due to the shut down in the wake of covid, says cruise historian peter knego.

cruise ships scrapped scrap yard cruise ship retirements covid

Each new cruise ship launch sets off a multi-stage celebration. From the steel cutting to the maiden voyage, the introduction of vessels that can cost up to $1.4 billion (£1.1 billion) to build is meticulously planned.

Yet even the multi-million-dollar ventures will, sometimes after a few reincarnations, eventually be bound for a cruise ship graveyard. At least 18 cruise ships were scrapped in 2022.

Among those that were set to be sent to scrap was Global Dream II, a 9,000-passenger, 20-deck vessel with features including a waterpark and cinema, which never carried paying customers. Its sister ship, the Global Dream, was sold to Disney Cruise Line in November. Both ships had belonged to Genting Cruise Lines, which collapsed in 2022. Global Dream II may have been 2022’s standout case, but there are decades’ worth of cruise ship retirement stories to unearth.

Here, we explain the stages of a cruise ship’s demise, with the help of , a cruise historian and journalist whose YouTube channel MidShipCinema is dedicated to cruise.

How many ships are scrapped each year?

The figure can vary widely, according to Knego.

“Older ships tend to get eliminated when steel prices are on the rise, when economic conditions are poor for the second and third tier cruise lines operating older ships, after the implementation of more rigid safety regulations that some older ships no longer can meet and due to rising fuel costs or international crises such as the Covid-19,” he says.

“The most recent purge of ships has been largely due to the cruise industry shut down in the wake of Covid.”

IZMIR, TURKEY - OCTOBER 02: In this aerial view from a drone, five luxury cruise ships are seen being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey. With the global coronavirus pandemic pushing the multi-billion dollar cruise industry into crisis, some cruise operators have been forced to cut losses and retire ships earlier than planned. The cruise industry has been one of the hardest hit industries with public confidence in cruise holidays plummeting after a series of outbreaks occurred on cruise liners as the pandemic spread. The crisis however has bolstered the years intake of ships at the Aliaga ship recycling port with business up thirty percent on the previous year. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Within the travel industry, cruise saw the starkest loss of business during the pandemic. In February 2020, the Covid outbreak on the Diamond Princess ship anchored in Japan was reported across the world. By the pandemic’s peak in 2020, global passenger numbers were down by more than 80 percent. In the UK, international cruises were banned for 16 months. Hong Kong, where Genting Hong Kong was based, welcomed back overseas cruise passengers on 18 January this year after a three-year shut down.

Knego adds: “Many lines just did not have the financing to continue to maintain inactive ships while others are struggling to get back into a margin of profitability as the public resumes its appetite for cruising.”

Where do ships go when they are scrapped?

Ships are taken to scrap yards, or ship recycling facilities. Aliağa in Turkey and India’s Alang ship breaking yard tend to gather passenger ships. Gadani Beach in Pakistan has also seen a surge in the number of passenger ships, Knego says. Other ships may end up in China or Bangladesh.

It can take hundreds of people to dismantle a cruise vessel, a job that comes with risk to workers and the local environment.

All the parts of a ship will be removed and sold in the local area – or, occasionally, to cruise enthusiasts. Knego’s YouTube channel details some of his own trips to shipyards.

“I made my seventh visit to Alang, India to rescue fittings and artwork from one of my very favourite ships,” he says in one video.

The ship was the Italian Winter 5, which started out as the Ausonia in 1957.

After valuable or collectable parts are removed during the scrapping process, the super structure of the ship is dismantled and its steel is melted down.

IZMIR, TURKEY - OCTOBER 02: Luxury cruise ships are seen being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey. With the global coronavirus pandemic pushing the multi-billion dollar cruise industry into crisis, some cruise operators have been forced to cut losses and retire ships earlier than planned. The cruise industry has been one of the hardest hit industries with public confidence in cruise holidays plummeting after a series of outbreaks occurred on cruise liners as the pandemic spread. The crisis however has bolstered the years intake of ships at the Aliaga ship recycling port with business up thirty percent on the previous year. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

This process was carried out on a number of thousand-plus passenger ships in 2022. A report by Cruise Industry News lists Carnival Sensation (2,040 passengers, built in 1993), Carnival Ecstasy (2,040 passengers, built in 1991), Century Harmony, formerly known as Carnival Fascination (3,040 passengers, built 1994) and Marella dream (1,506 passengers, built 1986) among 18 ships scrapped in 2022

Are ships often repurposed for a new line?

Ships can go through “numerous names and owners throughout their careers while others have not, there is no set formula for this,” Knego says.

The number of times a ship is sold and renamed is more about timing and demand for steel, he explains.

“For instance, of the six Fantasy class ships Carnival Cruises has sold for scrapping these past few years, all but one kept their original names (save for the addition of the ‘Carnival’ prefix to their names that was added in 2008).

“In the meantime, other ships like the recently scrapped Karnika (the ex-Crown princess), A’Rosa Blu, Aida Blu, Ocean Village Two and Pacific Jewel have had multiple names and careers.”

How long are ships built to last?

This will depend on the quality of the ship’s construction. Knego mentions mechanics, issues such as wiring and plumbing, new safety regulations and economics among the factors influencing a ship’s lifespan.

He adds: “Most ships are expected to last between twenty and thirty years, but there are exceptions.”

Knego refers to a ship that was scrapped after a mere thirteen years of service due to mechanical problems and the global fuel crisis.

“Others like the Monterey of 1932 remained in active service for over sixty years due to solid construction and good maintenance by its original and subsequent owners,” he adds.

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What are Knego’s favourite stories among cruise ship makeovers and retirements?

Knego mentions Astoria, which has been laid up and for sale in Rotterdam.

The vessel was built in 1948 for Swedish American Lines transatlantic service as the Stockholm.

“It became famous for colliding with and sinking the Italian liner Andrea Doria in 1956. It was later sold to the East German government for use as the cruise ship Volkfreundschaft for Communist party members,” Knego says.

The ship has also been used as a floating hostel before it was completely rebuilt in Italy for use as a cruise ship in 1994.

“After numerous careers – it last sailed for CMV under charter as the Astoria – it was purchased by bitcoin entrepreneur Brock Pierce, who seems to have now lost interest in returning the ship to cruising service,” Knego adds.

He also singles out the Aurora. It was built in Germany in 1955 as the Wappen Von Hamburg.

“After numerous lives and careers, including a cameo as the Spectre Yacht in Dr. No and being one of the ships mentioned in The Love Boats book by former cruise director Jeraldine Saunders (which inspired the television series), it languished for decades before being bought by current owner Chris Willson off Craigslist.”

The ship is now being refurbished in Stockon, California , a task that has been documented on YouTube .

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Carnival Passengers Trade Broken Down Ship For Stranded Bus

February 15, 2013 / 2:30 PM EST / CBS Miami

MOBILE, Ala. (CBSMiami/AP) — Already having endured a multi-day nightmare at sea, the nightmare continued on land for some Carnival Triumph passengers, as at least one of the buses chartered by Carnival to escort passengers to New Orleans broke down, reports CBS News correspondent Anna Werner.

Most passengers, however, didn't share the same fate and boarded the buses for a long haul home after five days at sea on a ship left powerless by an engine-room fire. Other passengers who finally escaped the disabled ship were checking into hotels early Friday for a hot shower, food and sleep.

The vacation ship carrying some 4,200 people docked late Thursday in Mobile after a painfully slow approach that took most of the day. Passengers raucously cheered after days of what they described as overflowing toilets, food shortages and foul odors.

"Sweet Home Alabama!" read one of the homemade signs passengers affixed alongside the 14-story ship as many celebrated at deck rails lining several levels of the stricken ship. The ship's horn loudly blasted several times as four tugboats pulled the crippled ship to shore at about 9:15 p.m. CST. Some gave a thumbs-up sign and flashes from cameras and cell phones lit the night.

Less than four hours later, the last passenger had disembarked.

Some passengers, like 56-year-old Deborah Knight of Houston, had no interest in boarding one of about 100 buses assembled to carry passengers to hotels in New Orleans or Texas. Her husband Seth drove in from Houston and they checked into a downtown Mobile hotel.

"I want a hot shower and a daggum Whataburger," said Knight, who was wearing a bathrobe over her clothes as her bags were unloaded from her husband's pickup truck. She said she was afraid to eat the food on board and had gotten sick while on the ship.

At the Mobile airport, a dozen passengers from the Triumph slept on couches for a few hours before catching flights Friday morning.

Buses arrived in the pre-dawn darkness at a Hilton in New Orleans to a host of reporters and paramedics on the scene with wheelchairs to roll in passengers who were elderly or too fatigued to walk.

Many were tired and didn't want to talk. There were long lines to check into rooms. Some got emotional as they described the deplorable conditions of the ship.

"It was horrible, just horrible" said Maria Hernandez, 28, of Angleton, Texas, tears welling in her eyes as she talked about waking up to smoke in her lower-level room Sunday and the days of heat and stench to follow. She was on a "girls trip" with friends.

She said the group hauled mattresses to upper-level decks to escape the heat. As she pulled her luggage into the hotel, a flashlight around her neck, she managed a smile and even a giggle when asked to show her red "poo-poo bag" — distributed by the cruise line for collecting human waste.

This was only part of her journey to get home. Hernandez, like hundreds others, would get to enjoy a brief reprieve at the hotel before flying home later in the day.

"I just can't wait to be home," she said.

It wasn't long after the ship pulled into the Port of Mobile that passengers began streaming down the gang plank, some in wheelchairs and others pulling carry-on luggage. One man gave the thumbs up.

An ambulance pulled up to a gate and pulled away, lights flashing.

Carnival had said it would take up to five hours for all the 3,000 passengers to be off. It took closer to four.

"All guests have now disembarked the Carnival Triumph," Carnival tweeted.

For 24-year-old Brittany Ferguson of Texas, not knowing how long passengers had to endure their time aboard was the worst part.

"I'm feeling awesome just to see land and buildings," said Ferguson, who was in a white robe given to her aboard to weather the cold nights. "The scariest part was just not knowing when we'd get back."

As the ship pulled up, some aboard shouted, "Hello, Mobile!" Some danced in celebration on one of the balconies. "Happy V-Day" read one of the homemade signs made for the Valentine's Day arrival and another, more starkly: "The ship's afloat, so is the sewage."

A few dozen relatives on the top floor of the parking deck of the terminal were waving lights at the ship as it carefully made its way alongside. Those about were screaming, whistling and taking pictures.

Hundreds gawked from dockside at the arrival at the Alabama cruise terminal in Mobile, the state's only seaport, as the Triumph docked.

Taxis were lined up waiting for people, and motorists on Interstate 10 stopped to watch the exodus of passengers from the cruise ship.

Some still aboard chanted, "Let me off, let me off!"

It took six grueling hours navigating the 30-odd-mile ship channel to dock, guided by at least four towboats. Nearly 900 feet in length, it was the largest cruise ship ever to dock at Mobile.

In texts and flitting cell phone calls, the ship's passengers described miserable conditions while at sea.

Buses left the terminal over several hours. Up to 100 had been reserved to carry passengers either on a seven-hour ride to the Texas cities of Galveston or Houston or a two-hour trip to New Orleans.

Galveston is the home port of the ill-fated ship, which lost power in an engine-room fire Sunday some 150 miles off Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. It was the end of a cruise that wasn't anything like what a brochure might describe.

Carnival CEO Gerry Cahill apologized at a news conference and later on the public address system as people were disembarking.

"I appreciate the patience of our guests and their ability to cope with the situation. And I'd like to reiterate the apology I made earlier. I know the conditions on board were very poor," he said. "We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a great vacation experience, and clearly we failed in this particular case."

Passenger Ferguson said crew members tried to make the situation bearable.

"They did their best to keep our spirits up," she said.

Joseph and Cecilia Alvarez of San Antonio said some passengers passed the time by forming a Bible study group.

"It was awesome," he said. "It lifted up our souls and gave us hope that we would get back."

While the passengers are headed home, Triumph will head to a Mobile shipyard for assessment.

Earlier Thursday, four days after the 893-foot ship was crippled in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, the passengers and crew suffered another setback with towline issues that brought the vessel to a dead stop for about an hour just as it was getting close to port.

As the vessel drew within cell phone range Thursday, passengers vented their anger.

In a text message, Kalin Hill, of Houston, described deplorable conditions over the past few days.

"The lower floors had it the worst, the floors 'squish' when you walk and lots of the lower rooms have flooding from above floors," Hill wrote. "Half the bachelorette party was on two; the smell down there literally chokes you and hurts your eyes."

She said "there's poop and urine all along the floor. The floor is flooded with sewer water ... and we had to poop in bags."

The company disputed the accounts of passengers who described the ship as filthy, saying employees were doing everything to ensure people were comfortable.

Carnival has canceled a dozen more planned voyages aboard the Triumph and acknowledged the crippled ship had been plagued by other mechanical problems in the weeks before the engine-room blaze. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation.

Passengers were supposed to get a full refund and discounts on future cruises, and Carnival announced Wednesday they would each get an additional $500 in compensation.

Kendall Jenkins of Houston won her first cruise as a contest prize. But she's never planning to set sail on a cruise again after the ill-fated voyage of the Triumph, despite the offer for another free cruise.

"This is my first and last cruise. So if anyone wants my free cruise look me up," said Jenkins, 24.

She and her friend, Brittany Ferguson, bounded off the ship Thursday night clad in bathrobes. They immediately kissed the pavement at the Port of Mobile, having spent their final minutes aboard jumping up and down excitedly.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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Based in Copenhagen, Jacob oversees reporting from Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Specializes in security and geopolitics in the Arctic and Baltic Sea regions, as well as large corporates such as brewer Carlsberg and shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk. His most impactful reporting on Arctic issues include a report on how NATO allies are slowly waking up to Russian supremacy in the region, uncovering how Greenland represents a security black hole for Denmark and its allies, and how an abundance of critical minerals has proven a curse for Greenland. Before moving to Copenhagen in 2016, Jacob spent seven years in Moscow covering Russia's oil and gas industry for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal, followed by four years in Singapore covering energy markets for WSJ and Reuters. As a Russian speaker, he has been involved in covering the war in Ukraine. He publishes a newsletter each weekday focused on the most important regional and global news. Contact Jacob via email if you are interested in receiving the newsletter.

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Francis made his comments in an interview recorded last month with Swiss broadcaster RSI. It is due to be broadcast on March 20.

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Blown away? Norwegian Cruise Line ship breaks from mooring ropes due to wind

cruise ship broken down

A Norwegian Cruise Line ship broke from its mooring ropes due to windy weather in Belgium on Saturday.

The line’s Norwegian Prima vessel drifted from the pier in Zeebrugge on the country’s coast because of “unexpectedly strong side winds,” which also caused a gangway to fall into the water, according to a Norwegian spokesperson.

“Thankfully, there are no reported injuries, and all guests and crew remain safe,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “A damage assessment is in progress and as of now, there appears to be no impact to the vessel.”

Norwegian did not specify the wind speed during the incident. The region saw sustained winds on Saturday of around 20 to 30 miles per hour – which is not out of the ordinary – according to AccuWeather, though it did not have data for Zeebrugge specifically. There could have been stronger gusts during rain showers in the area, but AccuWeather did not have information on those.

The ship was on a 10-day sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Southampton, England, at the time, according to CruiseMapper .

“It's very rare for cruise ships to break free of moorings but has occurred during extreme weather conditions,” Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry expert known as The Cruise Guy, said in an email.

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He noted that weather conditions at each port are monitored before arrival to gauge safety and any dangers involved.

“The cruise lines are always assessing these matters and mitigating the risks,” he said. “If it's (deemed) unsafe, they take appropriate action so passengers can focus on their vacations. Unfortunately, they don't control the weather.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

These Luxury Cruise Ships Are Being Sold for Scrap Metal

The ships are being broken down for scrap metal amid the novel coronavirus pandemic..

In this aerial view from a drone, five luxury cruise ships are seen being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey.

From afar, the cruise ships in these photos almost look like toys, perhaps LEGO models being taken apart for new creations. But these are not toys; they’re real cruise ships. They’re being broken down for scrap metal as yet another casualty of the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has docked ships across the globe.

These Are Not Toys, They’re Real Ships

With the global coronavirus pandemic pushing the multi-billion dollar cruise industry into crisis, some cruise operators have been forced to cut losses and retire ships earlier than planned.

As many of you probably know, it wasn’t always like this for cruise ships. Life pre-coronavirus, which seems like ages ago, painted a picture of a very vibrant industry (even though it’s actually rotten to its core .) According to CNN, the cruise industry had 30 million passengers in 2019. It was a $150 billion industry that employed 1.2 million people. This rosy tale of success came to a screeching halt when the coronavirus started appearing on ships and spread like wildfire.

And They’re at This Shipyard Because of the Pandemic

The cruise industry has been one of the hardest hit industries with public confidence in cruise holidays plummeting after a series of outbreaks occurred on cruise liners as the pandemic spread.

Some of the earliest images we have of the health apocalypse we’re currently living in are from cruises. Then there were horror stories of ships, some with and some without passengers, being stranded at sea and not being allowed to dock at their destinations. On March 14 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a “No Sail Order” for cruise ships because of covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which suspended passenger operations on cruise ships with the capacity to carry at least 250 passengers in U.S. waters.

Ships Haven’t Been Able to Sail on U.S. Waters for Months

The crisis however has bolstered the years intake of ships at the Aliaga ship recycling port with business up thirty percent on the previous year.

At the end of September, the CDC extended its “No Sail Order” through Oct. 31 . The agency said that cruise ship travel “continues to transmit and amplify the spread” of the coronavirus, and “would likely spread the infection into communities” if passenger operations were allowed to resume prematurely. It also highlighted the fact that cruises that have resumed operations in foreign countries have continued to have outbreaks, despite extensive safety protocols.

In Fact, They Still Can’t

A man works at a ship recycling yard in front of five luxury cruise ships that are being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey.

The CDC reports that from March 1 through Sept. 29, there were at least 3,689 covid-19 or covid-like illnesses on cruise ships in U.S. waters, as well as at least 41 reported deaths.

What’s a Company to Do With a Luxury Cruise Ship It Can’t Send Out to Sea? Sell It for Scrap Metal

In this aerial view from a drone, luxury cruise ships are seen being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey.

The near-global halt in operations has lead companies to tackle the difficult question of what to do with their luxury ships when hardly anyone is traveling or allowed to travel. Some have decided to sell their ships for scrap metal. Ships can cost anywhere from $500 million to $1 billion to build and typically have a lifespan of 40 years, per the Financial Times . The Times reports that selling a ship for scrap metal, which average about 25,000 metric tons without fittings, could bring in about $4 million.

That’s How These Five Ships Ended Up In This “Ship-breaking Yard”

In this aerial view from a drone, five luxury cruise ships are seen being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey.

A shipyard in Aliaga, Turkey, is making headlines for its dismantling of five luxury cruise ships. According to Reuters, the shipyard is expecting three more ships to begin to take apart. Kamil Onal, chairman of a ship recycling industrialists’ association, told the outlet that before the pandemic, Turkey’s “ship-breaking yards” tended to work with cargo and container ships.

In a Few Months, They Won’t Be Ships Anymore

In this aerial view from a drone, five luxury cruise ships are seen being broken down for scrap metal at the Aliaga ship recycling port on October 02, 2020 in Izmir, Turkey.

Reuters reports that about 2,500 work at the Aliaga ship-breaking yard and that it can take around six months to break down a full passenger ship. Onal said the shipyard aims to increase its volume of dismantled steel from 700,000 metric tons in January to 1.1 million by the end of the year.

“We are trying to change the crisis into an opportunity,” Onal told Reuters.

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The MS Maud

Norwegian cruise ship MS Maud loses power in North Sea during storm

Hundreds of passengers and crew safe but navigation systems and radars are no longer working after a rogue wave shattered windows on the bridge

The Norwegian cruise ship MS Maud suffered a power outage after a rogue wave shattered windows on the bridge while it sailed in the North Sea, causing the vessel to lose its ability to navigate, Danish authorities and the ship’s owner said on Thursday.

The 266 passengers and 131 crew members were safe, according to the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.

“There is no power on the ship. The main engine is functioning but the navigation systems and radars are not,” a spokesperson for the centre, which is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations, said.

While sailing roughly 200km (120 miles) off Denmark’s west coast and roughly 330km off Britain’s east coast, strong winds blasted windows on the bridge of the vessel, allowing water to enter and resulting in a power failure on the bridge, the centre said.

The ship, which belongs to cruise company HX, a unit of Norway’s Hurtigruten Group, left Floroe in Norway on Thursday and was due to arrive in Tilbury in the UK on Friday.

“Earlier this afternoon, December 21, MS Maud reported a temporary loss of power after encountering a rogue wave,” Hurtigruten said in an emailed statement.

“At this time, the ship has confirmed that no serious passenger or crew injuries have been sustained as a result of the incident and the condition of the ship remains stable,” it said.

A towage vessel from the civil rescue company Esvagt was scheduled to arrive at the ship around 2230 GMT.

The ship was currently being steered manually from the engine room but cannot navigate. Esvagt support vessels had arrived to help the ship navigate until the ship could be towed to port.

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“I don’t think there is any danger to the ship now. If the captain thought so, he would have asked to be evacuated which he hasn’t,” the rescue centre spokesperson said.

The area was hit by a storm late on Thursday with hurricane-force gusts blowing from the north-west that were forecast to continue on Friday, the Danish Meteorological Institute said.

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Updated: Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Cancels Next Voyage

Andrea Santillan

Andrea Santillan

  • September 5, 2023

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Four days past-cancellation, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Radiance of the Seas is still docked in Seward, Alaska, due to engine problems.

Update: Royal Caribbean Blog reports that the next sailing of Radiance of the Seas, set to take place on September 8, is now canceled. You can find the letter to Radiance of the Seas guests in Matt’s article.

Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship

While Royal Caribbean has assured passengers that repairs are underway, anxious booked guests are wondering how long the issue might realistically take to address. As of Tuesday afternoon, the ship is still moored in Seward, Alaska.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Still Broke Down

The line said, “Repairs are underway and we are progressing to resolve the issue. At this time, we intend to sail as planned on September 8,” read a recent notice from the cruise line.

On September 1, around 2,200 guests embarking on Radiance of the Seas for an Alaska-Canada cruise were suddenly sent home. Instead of enjoying a seven-night sailing that would take them to see various attractions in Alaska, they were left making unexpected arrangements to fly back home.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Stuck letter

Despite a generous compensation package that included a free cruise, it was a huge inconvenience for the passengers and the small city with a population of around 2,700 residents.

Guests scheduled to leave on the same ship on September 8 are understandably anxious to know if they might experience something similar.

A worried passenger from South Florida posted on a CruiseCritic’s board , “We’re scheduled on B2B from Vancouver on September 8th. Flying from SoFlo on Wednesday. Supposed to hear if cruise is a go on Tuesday. Not packing yet.”

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A local from Anchorage, Alaska, posted, “I live in Anchorage, and the local news reports are vague. It does seem like the real problem is being kept hush. Who knows though. I hope all the pax affected were able to at best, get on a Princess ship Saturday or a Holland America ship Sunday to sail south or at least enjoy a few days of Alaska over the weekend before flying home.”

It’s 1,505 nautical miles from Seward to Vancouver. Going 20 knots would take Radiance of the Seas just over three days to reposition from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia. This means the ship would have to leave Seward by this afternoon to make it to Vancouver on time for the next scheduled cruise.

This article was updated on September 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. ET

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What Carnival Cruise Ship Broke Down

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Cordey Towner

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Introduction

Welcome aboard the exciting world of cruising! Cruises offer a unique and immersive experience, allowing passengers to explore various destinations while enjoying world-class amenities and entertainment on board. One of the most renowned names in the industry is Carnival Cruise Line. Unfortunately, even the most well-established cruise companies can sometimes encounter unexpected challenges, leading to unforeseen incidents that impact both passengers and the company itself.

In this article, we will delve into the incident involving a Carnival cruise ship that recently broke down, creating an upheaval in the lives of its passengers. We will explore the details of the breakdown, its consequences, and the subsequent response from Carnival Cruise Line.

Embark on this journey with us as we unravel the events surrounding this incident, shedding light on the actions taken to resolve the issue and get the ship back on track. Whether you are a cruise enthusiast or simply curious about the inner workings of the industry, this article aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

So, fasten your seatbelts, or in this case, secure your life jackets, as we set sail on a voyage to uncover the story behind the Carnival cruise ship breakdown.

Overview of the Carnival Cruise Ship

Carnival Cruise Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Known for its fun and vibrant atmosphere, Carnival offers a wide range of cruise options to cater to different interests and preferences. From Caribbean cruises to European adventures, their fleet of ships provides a diverse array of itineraries to choose from.

The Carnival cruise ships are known for their impressive size and capacity. They boast an array of onboard amenities and entertainment options to ensure a memorable experience for guests of all ages. From multiple swimming pools and water slides to state-of-the-art gyms and spas, there is something for everyone onboard.

Accommodations on Carnival cruise ships range from cozy interior cabins to luxurious suites, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay for every guest. The ships also offer a variety of dining options, including formal dining rooms, casual buffets, and specialty restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. With an emphasis on providing exceptional service and creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere, Carnival has become a favorite choice among cruise enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Carnival Cruise Line places great importance on safety and reliability. The ships are equipped with advanced navigational systems and undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with stringent safety regulations.

Now that we have established an overview of Carnival Cruise Line and its impressive offerings, let us delve into the unfortunate incident that unfolded when one of their beloved ships encountered a significant breakdown, causing disruption to the journey of its passengers.

Breakdown Incident

In a twist of fate, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s prominent ships experienced a major breakdown during a recent voyage. The cruise ship, which was en route to a tropical destination, encountered mechanical issues that led to a temporary halt in its operations. This unexpected turn of events left passengers on board facing an unfortunate disruption to their vacation plans.

The breakdown incident occurred when the ship was sailing through calm waters, offering passengers breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere. However, as the ship cruised into the night, passengers began to notice unusual vibrations and heard an unusual sound emanating from the ship’s engine room. Concerned by the sudden change, guests reported the issue to the ship’s crew, who promptly initiated an investigation to identify the cause of the problem.

Upon inspection, it was determined that a vital component of the ship’s propulsion system had malfunctioned, rendering it unable to continue the voyage at its normal speed. As a precautionary measure, the captain made the decision to anchor the ship while efforts were made to rectify the issue and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members on board.

Although the breakdown incident was undoubtedly an inconvenience, the crew members worked diligently to keep passengers informed and comfortable during the unexpected halt. Meals were provided as usual, and the ship’s entertainment and activities continued to operate to ensure guests could make the most of their time on board, despite the hiccup in their travel plans.

Passengers expressed their disappointment and frustration at the unexpected turn of events, as many had been eagerly anticipating their destination and the unique experiences it promised. However, in true Carnival Cruise Line fashion, the crew members went above and beyond to offer support and compensate for the disruption, aiming to ensure passenger satisfaction and provide a positive experience despite the unfortunate circumstances.

Now that we have explored the breakdown incident, let us move on to examine the impact it had on the passengers and the response from Carnival Cruise Line.

Impact on Passengers

The breakdown incident on the Carnival cruise ship had a significant impact on the passengers who were eagerly looking forward to their vacation experience. The unexpected delay in reaching their destination not only disrupted their travel plans but also caused disappointment and frustration among the passengers.

For some passengers, the breakdown meant missing out on planned shore excursions and activities at the destination port. The anticipation of exploring new places and immersing themselves in unique cultural experiences was abruptly put on hold. This sudden change left many passengers feeling disappointed and unable to enjoy the full itinerary they had envisioned.

Additionally, the extended timeframe spent onboard the ship due to the breakdown affected the overall cruise experience for some passengers. While Carnival Cruise Line made efforts to provide entertainment and activities to keep guests occupied, the prolonged time at sea without the anticipated destination created a sense of monotony for some travelers. Passengers who had chosen the cruise specifically for the destinations and experiences they offered felt a sense of disappointment over not being able to fully engage with those aspects.

Furthermore, the breakdown incident had an impact on passengers’ plans following the cruise. Many passengers had arranged post-cruise travel arrangements or had to reschedule flights, hotel bookings, and other engagements due to the unexpected delay. This situation caused inconvenience and potentially additional expenses for affected passengers.

Despite the impact and inconvenience faced by the passengers, it is essential to highlight the efforts made by Carnival Cruise Line to address the situation and mitigate the effects of the incident. The cruise line’s priority was to prioritize passenger safety and well-being while keeping them informed about the progress of repairs and the revised itinerary.

In the next section, we will delve into the response from Carnival Cruise Line and the actions taken to rectify the issue and alleviate the concerns of the affected passengers.

Response from Carnival Cruise Line

Upon discovering the breakdown on the Carnival cruise ship, Carnival Cruise Line swiftly responded to the situation to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their passengers. With a commitment to providing excellent customer service, they implemented a comprehensive plan of action to address the issue and minimize the impact on the affected guests.

Communication was a top priority for Carnival Cruise Line during this challenging time. Passengers were regularly updated on the progress of the repairs through announcements, daily newsletters, and direct communication with the ship’s crew. The cruise line provided transparent information about the nature of the breakdown, the actions being taken to resolve it, and the revised itinerary for the remainder of the journey.

In addition to maintaining clear and consistent communication, Carnival Cruise Line made efforts to compensate passengers for the inconvenience caused by the breakdown incident. They offered refunds for any missed shore excursions or prepaid activities affected by the disruption. Furthermore, guests were provided with onboard credits to compensate for any additional expenses incurred during the extended time at sea.

Passenger satisfaction is of utmost importance to Carnival Cruise Line, and they took proactive steps to ensure that the passengers’ cruise experience was still enjoyable despite the unexpected setback. The crew members organized extra onboard activities, entertainment shows, and themed events to keep guests entertained and create a memorable experience amidst the temporary delay.

Moreover, Carnival Cruise Line acknowledged the impact on passengers’ post-cruise plans and made efforts to provide assistance in rescheduling flights and accommodations, where possible. The cruise line worked closely with affected individuals to minimize any inconvenience and additional expenses resulting from the delay.

By taking these swift and proactive actions, Carnival Cruise Line demonstrated their commitment to customer satisfaction and their ability to handle challenges with efficiency and professionalism. The response from the cruise line helped to alleviate the concerns of the passengers and restore their confidence in the overall cruise experience.

In the next section, we will explore the investigation and findings regarding the cause of the breakdown on the Carnival cruise ship.

Investigation and Findings

Following the breakdown incident on the Carnival cruise ship, a thorough investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the mechanical failure. Carnival Cruise Line prioritized identifying the root cause to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure the safety and reliability of their fleet.

Teams of engineers and technical experts were deployed to assess and analyze the affected components of the ship’s propulsion system. Their investigation revealed that the breakdown was a result of a faulty bearing in one of the ship’s main engines. The bearing, which had experienced excessive wear and tear, ultimately led to the malfunction and subsequent halt in the ship’s operations.

The investigation further uncovered that the bearing failure was a result of a combination of age-related wear and insufficient maintenance. The ship had been in service for a significant period, and despite regular maintenance, the particular bearing had reached a point where it required replacement.

Upon discovering these findings, Carnival Cruise Line reinforced their commitment to ensuring the highest standards of maintenance and safety throughout their fleet. They implemented enhanced maintenance procedures and increased the frequency of inspections on critical components to address any potential issues before they escalate.

Additionally, the cruise line pledged to invest in the refurbishment and modernization of their existing ships. This would involve upgrading and replacing components that have exceeded their life cycle to ensure the continued reliability and smooth operation of their vessels.

The investigation and subsequent findings provided valuable insights and lessons for Carnival Cruise Line. By identifying the causes of the breakdown and taking proactive measures to prevent similar incidents, they further demonstrated their commitment to the safety and well-being of their passengers.

In the following section, we will discuss the steps taken by Carnival Cruise Line to rectify the ship’s mechanical issues and resume its scheduled operations.

Steps Taken for Repairs

Upon identifying the cause of the breakdown on the Carnival cruise ship, Carnival Cruise Line immediately mobilized their resources to initiate the necessary repairs. The cruise line understood the importance of rectifying the mechanical issues promptly to minimize any further disruption to the passengers’ travel plans.

A team of experienced engineers and technicians was dispatched to the ship to conduct the repairs. These professionals worked diligently to address the faulty bearing in the engine and restore it to full functionality. The repair process involved replacing the damaged bearing with a new, high-quality component that met industry standards and specifications.

The repair work was carried out with utmost precision and adherence to safety protocols. The engineers worked around the clock, ensuring that the necessary repairs were completed efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. The goal was not only to resolve the existing mechanical issues but also to prevent any potential future breakdowns.

During the repair period, Carnival Cruise Line remained in constant communication with the affected passengers, providing regular updates on the progress of the repairs and the anticipated timeline for the ship to resume its voyage. The cruise line ensured that passengers were kept informed and reassured throughout the repair process.

Once the repairs were successfully completed, a series of comprehensive tests and inspections were conducted to verify the ship’s safe and efficient operation. This stringent evaluation process aimed to instill confidence in both the passengers and the cruise line that all necessary measures had been taken to ensure the vessel’s reliability.

After confirming that the ship was in full working order, Carnival Cruise Line resumed its scheduled operations, allowing the passengers to continue their journey to their intended destination. The cruise line remained committed to providing the outstanding experience that guests expect, ensuring that the remainder of the cruise would be enjoyable and memorable.

By promptly addressing the mechanical issues and conducting thorough repairs, Carnival Cruise Line displayed their dedication to passenger satisfaction and safety. Their swift action and efficient repair process showcased their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.

In the concluding section, we will reflect on the overall impact of the breakdown incident and the subsequent response from Carnival Cruise Line.

The breakdown incident on the Carnival cruise ship was an unfortunate occurrence that disrupted the travel plans and expectations of the passengers on board. However, the response from Carnival Cruise Line demonstrated their commitment to passenger safety, satisfaction, and efficient problem resolution.

From the initial identification of the mechanical issue to the thorough investigation and subsequent repairs, Carnival Cruise Line took proactive steps to rectify the problem and minimize the impact on the affected passengers. Clear and consistent communication, compensation for missed activities, and efforts to keep passengers entertained during the delay showcased the cruise line’s commitment to customer service.

The investigation and findings regarding the cause of the breakdown provided valuable insights for Carnival Cruise Line to enhance their maintenance procedures and prevent similar incidents in the future. The cruise line further emphasized their dedication to safety by implementing enhanced maintenance practices and investing in the refurbishment of their fleet.

The swift repairs conducted by a team of experts ensured the ship’s safe and efficient operation. Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction was evident in their rigorous testing and inspection processes, ultimately leading to the ship’s successful return to its scheduled operations.

While the breakdown incident may have caused disappointment and inconvenience for the passengers, Carnival Cruise Line’s response showcased their dedication to addressing unforeseen challenges and providing outstanding customer service. Through their actions, they were able to restore confidence and ensure an enjoyable cruise experience for the affected passengers.

In the dynamic world of cruising, unforeseen incidents can occur. However, it is the way in which these incidents are handled that truly showcases a cruise line’s dedication to their passengers. In the case of the Carnival cruise ship breakdown, Carnival Cruise Line exemplified their commitment to passenger satisfaction, safety, and operational excellence, reaffirming their position as one of the leading names in the cruise industry.

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Cruise Ship Renovations: The Complete Schedule

A handy guide to every cruise ship's scheduled renovation, broken down by line and class.

cruise ship broken down

Updated February 20, 2016

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Through the course of a year, we spend a lot of time at sea, but our favorite voyages are often those on brand new cruise ships.  These beauties may not quite waft that “new car” smell, but new vessels usually have the latest bells and whistles and best address the industry’s current trends in design, dining, activities, entertainment and more.

Conversely, we don’t like boarding an older ship and finding dated décor, ragged furnishings or malodorous accommodations. If we find out during our cruise that our ship is headed for a refurbishment a few weeks or months later, it only adds insult to injury.

cruise ship broken down

All cruise ships must go in for renovations eventually, to repair wear and tear, to make repairs, and to add new, trending features.

Of course, cruise lines prefer to keep their product fresh and appealing and, accordingly, most ships go in for a two-week dry dock overhaul every three years or so.  The ship is taken out of the water for a thorough cleaning of the hull (hence the name dry dock), while interior and topside issues are also addressed.

While some dry dock refurbishments may involve little more than a deep cleaning and replacement of carpet and paint as needed, others can be more extensive, adding additional cabins and decks, or in some cases even extending the ship by adding a new midsection.

Into that latter category falls Carnival Destiny, a 101,000-ton vessel that first went to sea in 1996 as the largest ship afloat. When Destiny goes in for a seven-week dry dock on February 22, 2013, the reconfiguration will be substantial, involving 182 new cabins, new restaurants, new bars, and the addition of the popular adults-only Serenity deck (actually three decks)—an overhaul that will add up to a $155 million price tag, according to Carnival. The final result will be something close to a new ship. In fact, when Destiny emerges from the surgery, she’ll carry a new name, Carnival Sunshine.

We predict you’re going to be hearing a lot more about cruise line facelifts in the months and perhaps years to come. Why? From design to construction to delivery, it takes upwards of three years to build a new cruise ship, and today it appears there are fewer new ships on order than at any time in recent history. For instance, although Carnival Breeze debuted in June 2012, Carnival has no new ships on order for the first time in more than two decades. Holland America hasn’t announced a new ship since Nieuw Amsterdam came on line in 2010. And Royal Caribbean also hasn’t had a new ship since 2010 when Allure of the Seas launched.

Credit the lingering world recession that has cruise line honchos keeping their pocketbooks in check. Although 2012 saw the arrival four major new ships, of the eight biggest lines catering to the U.S. market, only two new ships are scheduled for 2013: Norwegian Breakaway in April and Royal Princess in June. (Things start to pick up again in 2014, when we can look forward to one each from Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean.)

As a result, we’re seeing the major cruise lines investing more of their resources in renovations than in replacing older ships, extending the life of their older models by a few years. While this is likely just a cyclical blip, before booking a cruise vacation check our charts listing planned dry docks for the major cruise lines. Keep in mind that renovations schedules do change, so verify with your travel agent or the cruise line directly before committing a nonrefundable deposit on a yet-to-be remodeled ship.

While we can’t promise that new car smell when these ships emerge from refurbishment, we think you, too, will appreciate a little nip and tuck.

cruise ship broken down

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Here’s How Much Money Cruise Ships Make Off Every Passenger (Infographic)

It starts the moment that you book your cruise. That low headline cruise fare suddenly doubles when two people are added… followed by hundreds more in port taxes and fees… and even more money with the addition of gratuities.

cruise ship broken down

Once on the ship plenty of things are free, but you are expected to pay for extras ranging from soda to alcohol to excursions.

You are also bombarded with sales messages while on board. Art auctions, spa specials, and slot tournaments are just a few of the things that cruise lines pitch to passengers.

With all that, you can sometimes feel like you are spending a fortune on your cruise. In addition, it may seem like the cruise line must be raking in massive profits. But is that true?

That why we just dug through the financial reports of one of the world’s biggest cruise companies — Royal Caribbean Group. We wanted to give you a better idea of exactly how much money people spend on a cruise ship and how much profit the cruise company makes when it comes to each individual passenger.

How Much Passengers Spend Per Person

How can we find out how much passengers spend… and where it goes?

As a public company, Royal Caribbean Group (just like rivals Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Carnival Corporation) makes regular financial updates to investors.

These reports provide insight into the business of the company, which is parent to the popular Royal Caribbean brand, as well as Celebrity and other lines. While the reported figures aren’t broken down by cruise line, they do give insight for the company as a whole.

In 2023, Royal Caribbean and its cruise lines carried 7.65 million passengers on its ships located around the globe. In total, those passengers generated $13.9 billion in revenue during the course of the year.

In other words, for every passenger Royal Caribbean carried, the average passenger spent $1,818 with the company last year. This figure includes everything from cabin fares to buying drinks to souvenirs in the gift shop.

Of that $1,818, 68.8% ( $1,251 per passenger ) was spent on cruise fare and the remaining 31.2% ( $567 per passenger ) was spent onboard for everything from booze to t-shirts in the gift shop.

Where the Money Goes to Operate the Cruise

Money with Royal Caribbean card

Now, it goes without saying that all that money being spent on cruising doesn’t make it to the bottom line as profit. After all, cruise lines run major expenses, starting with the cost of the ship itself. Then there is the cost of all its employees, food, and even fuel to get the ship moving. That’s to say nothing of expenses like marketing and commissions to travel agents.

Royal Caribbean Group identifies numerous different groups of expenses in its financial statements, presented below in their own words:

Our cruise operating expenses are comprised of the following:

  • Commissions, transportation and other expenses , which consist of those costs directly associated with passenger ticket revenues, including travel advisor commissions, air and other transportation expenses, port costs that vary with passenger head counts and related credit card fees;
  • Onboard and other expenses , which consist of the direct costs associated with onboard and other revenues, including the costs of products sold onboard our ships, vacation protection insurance premiums, costs associated with pre- and post-cruise tours and related credit card fees as well as the minimal costs associated with concession revenues, as the costs are mostly incurred by third-party concessionaires, and costs incurred for the procurement and management related services we perform on behalf of our unconsolidated affiliates;
  • Payroll and related expenses , which consist of costs for shipboard personnel (costs associated with our shoreside personnel are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses);
  • Food expenses , which include food costs for both guests and crew;
  • Fuel expenses , which include fuel and related delivery, storage and emission consumable costs and the financial impact of fuel swap agreements; and
  • Other operating expenses , which consist primarily of operating costs such as repairs and maintenance, port costs that do not vary with passenger head counts, vessel related insurance, entertainment and gains and/or losses related to the sale of our ships, if any. 

In addition, the company has depreciation and amortization expenses and marketing, selling and administrative expenses before it arrives at its operating income. This is the money the cruise company makes in the day-to-day operation of its business.

Before arriving at net income (profit), one more category must be factored in — other income and expenses . This includes thing like interest income and more importantly for cruise companies, interest expense. 

With the pause in sailing during the pandemic, cruise companies like Royal Caribbean Group took on billions in debt to survive. Now, they are paying these loans back aggressively but still have higher interest expenses.

How Much Cruise Lines Profit Per Passenger

All told, these costs eat into revenue, but there is still a healthy profit. How much so? Of the $1,818 in revenue generated from each passenger, 12.3% — or $223 — ends up as profit.

Below, we’ve broken down all the expenses the cruise line sees on the average fare per passenger (click to enlarge) :

As you can see, a healthy portion of the money taken in by Royal Caribbean still goes down to the bottom line. All told, last year saw a profit of $1.704 billion  — or $4.67 million per day — before adjustments.

If you’re a shareholder, however, it’s been anything but smooth sailing. Consider that in 2022, the net income loss totaled more than $2 billion, on top of billions lost during the pause in sailing. With cruising back and seemingly more popular than ever, the healthy profits today are a welcome sight to the industry.

Source: Royal Caribbean Group Form 8-K. February 2024

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This is so well presented and easy to understand. Thank you for taking the time to frame it this way.

I would like to know how long does it take for a cruise ship to recoup the cost to build the ship, roughly 850,000 to 1.5B? Obviously, there are many factors to consider including how many passengers the ship will hold and what amenities must be offered (or not) to get people willing to pay for the passage? And what would that ticket price be? Question; are people willing to go back to paying passage for a FAST luxury liner (3 days from US to Europe) to avoid the cramped, bacteria, germ-filled ventilation in close quarters of a jet plane? I used to like to fly, but not anymore! Would passengers be willing to pay more for the experience to travel on a historic ship that is presently derelict but still holds the record for fastest time crossing the Atlantic? Do people have to have a “Disney Land” experience on every ship or would people be willing to pay to relive the heyday nostalgia of a cruise liner with today’s 5-star, first-class amenities? I ask these questions in reference to bringing back the SS United States docked in Philly since 1969. I for one would prefer to set sail on such a ship over the “carnival” most all ships offer.

I always tell our Cruising Customers that a Cruise is a WHOLESALE vacation. Cruise lines make NO profit (do the math) on the BASE cruise fare. Their profit is all the other “stuff” – that 28% extra.

So….. If you don’t drink, buy gifts, do specialty dining, take shore excursions, you get a DEAL. And I am MOST happy with the people who DO make these purchases, and they subsidize MY Cruise Vacation

I think the actual profit must be higher than 8%. Royal Carribean have hired a good accountant in order to minimise their official profits and therefore taxes paid. Investors regularly make 10% with a mixed portfolio. You would think the actual figure must be higher to justify the effort and risk involved.

This was from a recent annual report. It could be higher or lower in more recent reports. We plan to take another look in the future.

On The Royal Caribbean 3-day cruise to Bahamas that we just came from, it seemed like we spent quite a bit. It seemed like they must be making a lot.

I took an 11 Baltic Cruise with Princess. The cruise was free of charge as an offer for giving up a 7 day cruise of south Japan. The cruise fare was advertised at $4600.00 CDN pp. When we received our statement for the Baltic Cruise, it included the base fare and extras we booked re: shore excursions, gratuities etc. The base fare was $2600.00 pp! That is $4,000.00 ($2000.00pp) less than the advertised price that we would have paid if not for the ‘Move-over-offer’ That equates to a profit of over 40% on the base price (not including the profits off alcohol, excursions etc.). The Royal Caribbean stat. of 8% sounds ridiculous.

Very cool. Thanks for taking the time to research this.

8% is good but it’s also not true. They are making much more. The ships are tax havens or are put in onshore schemes that pretty much make them tax free (less than 1% in annual tax). The deprecation is also used to offset any taxes that may have been applicable so that’s a lot to keep profits above 8%.

Dan, the data comes from financial reports filed with the SEC.

8% is a pretty healthy profit margin – higher than I would have expected.

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Cruise from Seward to Vancouver is canceled due to problem with ship’s propulsion system

cruise ship broken down

Royal Caribbean's cruise ship Radiance of the Seas is docked in Seward on May 13, 2022. (Marc Lester / ADN archive)

A problem with the propulsion system on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship scheduled to sail from Seward to Vancouver caused the line to cancel the entire trip.

Royal Caribbean Group’s vessel Radiance of the Seas was scheduled to depart Seward on Friday night for a seven-day cruise to Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops at Juneau, Skagway, Haines and Ketchikan. On Friday, passengers were notified that the cruise was canceled.

“As you may know, on our return to Seward ... Radiance of the Seas’ propulsion system experienced a technical issue which impacts the ship’s speed,” the company said in the email shared with the Daily News by passengers. “Unfortunately, our teams were unable to complete the needed repairs to be able to depart today on our sailing. As a result, we’ll be canceling this current sailing.”

[ Coast Guard rescues 18 after tour boat runs aground in Prince William Sound ]

Royal Caribbean didn’t respond to questions about what caused the mechanical issue and whether other trips will be affected.

“Due to a technical issue, Radiance of the Seas canceled her 9/1 sailing, and we are working directly with impacted guests,” the company said in a written statement.

The line told the passengers they would receive full refunds for the trip plus credits. Passengers were allowed to stay two days on the ship while docked in Seward with free food, drinks, activities and shuttles into Seward. Checkout from the ship was by noon on Sunday, and the company provided free shuttles to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, passengers said.

The 962-foot ship , which first sailed in 2001, can accommodate 2,466 passengers, according to Royal Caribbean.

Alena Naiden

Alena Naiden writes about communities in the North Slope and Northwest Arctic regions for the Arctic Sounder and ADN. Previously, she worked at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

  • Royal Caribbean International

Gratuity breakdown by position

HOBE SOUND CRUISER

By HOBE SOUND CRUISER , February 25, 2018 in Royal Caribbean International

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Cool Cruiser

HOBE SOUND CRUISER

Gratuities = $14.50/person/day.

Does anyone know w hat is the $/day breakdown for the individual crew members.......Waiter, Asst. waiter, Stateroom attendant, etc?

Just curious.

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Clarea

Gratuities = $14.50/person/day.   Does anyone know w hat is the $/day breakdown for the individual crew members.......Waiter, Asst. waiter, Stateroom attendant, etc?   Just curious.

The cruise line no longer publishes the breakdown. This is the way it was when the total was $12.95 per day ($15.95 for GS and better):

Dining & Culinary Services: $7.75 USD

Stateroom Attendant: $3.85 USD OR Suite Attendant: $6.10 USD

Other Housekeeping Services: $1.35 USD OR Housekeeping and Suite Services: $2.10 USD

10,000+ Club

This is the breakdown that Royal Caribbean sent me when I asked how the gratuities were broken down:

Total Standard Staterooms: $14.50 Previously $13.50

Stateroom Attendant: $6.20 Previously $6.10

Dining Room: $6.25 Previously $6.10

Other Hotel Services: $5.05 Previously $5.05

I asked also what was covered with the "Other Hotel Services." This is the breakdown I received. (Including the spelling)

The other hotel services include the persons who wash the bed linings as well as whoever cleans balconies or restocks the mini bar. Other hotel services include any additional person other than the stateroom attendant that may attend to any stateroom need.

This is the breakdown that Royal Caribbean sent me when I asked how the gratuities were broken down:   Total Standard Staterooms: $14.50 Previously $13.50   Stateroom Attendant: $6.20 Previously $6.10 Dining Room: $6.25 Previously $6.10 Other Hotel Services: $5.05 Previously $5.05 I asked also what was covered with the "Other Hotel Services." This is the breakdown I received. (Including the spelling) The other hotel services include the persons who wash the bed linings as well as whoever cleans balconies or restocks the mini bar. Other hotel services include any additional person other than the stateroom attendant that may attend to any stateroom need.
Those numbers add up to $17.50. Could those be the suite numbers?

90,000+ Club

Suites are more than normal cabins...and the "extra" goes to the suite attendant.

They get what the cruise line posts (and it's in the cruise brochure!), and it's what employees agree to!

Ourusualbeach

Ourusualbeach

And the previous numbers add up to $17.25....something is definitely wrong.

I'm sorry that somehow I only posted part of what I was sent by Royal Caribbean. I thought I had copied the whole part, but somehow I messed it up. I am going to try again:

The gratuities for the dining room are divided among the entire dining services team including those that work in the Windjammer.

Additionally, all funds received for gratuities are disbursed to the employees. We do not use it for any administrative purpose or incentive for the crew.

Please see the breakdown for the gratuities collected below on a per day basis.

Stateroom Attendant: $3.55 Previously $3.45

Other Hotel Services: $4.70 Previously $3.95

Total for Suites: $17.50 Previously $16.50

Thanks for updating. The only part that still does not add up is the "previously" part for suites, but it's not big deal, we're just looking for the "present" distribution.

Thorben-Hendrik

Thorben-Hendrik

:rolleyes::')

Mini Bar? :rolleyes::')

I wondered the same thing as the last three times I sailed on Allure, the mini-bar was empty. I know you can request things to be put in the mini-bar as there is a form in the cabin to do so, but I thought, perhaps wrongly so, there was a gratuity charge added for the items requested.

Somehow, I don't think the people answering the questions "on behalf of Mr. Bayley"don't know what they are talking about.

The tips get spread wide and far. Especially to those folks you never see. Need a clean table in the buffet? Find it? someone cleaned it for you. Cabin steward has 19 cabins, yet your is spotless, it may have been the assistant you never see. Extra towels< same thing.

  • 4 months later...

Parrotheadtoo

Parrotheadtoo

I'm sorry that somehow I only posted part of what I was sent by Royal Caribbean. I thought I had copied the whole part, but somehow I messed it up. I am going to try again:     The gratuities for the dining room are divided among the entire dining services team including those that work in the Windjammer.   Additionally, all funds received for gratuities are disbursed to the employees. We do not use it for any administrative purpose or incentive for the crew.   Please see the breakdown for the gratuities collected below on a per day basis.   Stateroom Attendant: $3.55 Previously $3.45 Dining Room: $6.25 Previously $6.10 Other Hotel Services: $4.70 Previously $3.95   Total Standard Staterooms: $14.50 Previously $13.50   Stateroom Attendant: $6.20 Previously $6.10 Dining Room: $6.25 Previously $6.10 Other Hotel Services: $5.05 Previously $5.05   Total for Suites: $17.50 Previously $16.50
Do these rates suggested mean per person per day of cruising? Thanks for the update..

setsail

Everything is pp

70,000+ Club

Yes. "per night", actually. 7 night cruise, 7 charges of $14.50 or $17.50 per person.

There is no more break down - they moved to a bonus-system where RCI distibutes the tip-pool-money as they determine it correct -> based on a "score" they give their employees...:rolleyes:

CruisingNole

When crew members flat out ask you to rate them highly on the survey, it is obvious there's a monetary correlation with those "scores."

little britain

little britain

But there is a section on the survey asking if you have been specifically asked to score a 10.... and by what department. Presumably that mean they go on the naughty step that week and lose out on the pot?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

CPT Trips

What's next? Asking your accountant how the fee you pay to get your taxes prepared and filed how your fee is split up among the various employees and support functions.

Guess I'll never understand why this is a FAQ with some cruisers.

What's next? Asking your accountant how the fee you pay to get your taxes prepared and filed how your fee is split up among the various employees and support functions. Guess I'll never understand why this is a FAQ with some cruisers.

It's nice to know (in theory) where your money goes.

I don't believe for a minute that "breakdown" is accurate. But let's assume it is. If I see that $5 goes to dining staff and $3 goes to housekeeping staff, and I have a messy family, and the housekeeping staff keeps my room immaculate, I might be more inclined to throw some extra cash to housekeeping.

Again, I don't believe these numbers are accurate (nor do I believe Royal doesn't skim a percent off the top) so in reality, it's a moot point. Receive great service...tip cash accordingly.

Like

But there is a section on the survey asking if you have been specifically asked to score a 10.... and by what department. Presumably that mean they go on the naughty step that week and lose out on the pot?     Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
No idea. Maybe so. But I would never "out" someone over something like that, especially if they provided phenomenal service.

John&LaLa

John&LaLa

They do ask you to fill out the survey, but no request for a top score anymore.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

I like that that they quit doing it.

It was so uncomfortable, especially from Head Waiter

Haven't been asked in over a year.   They do ask you to fill out the survey, but no request for a top score anymore.

Our experience also.

??? Source?

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Cruise Ship Facts That Are Rarely Talked About

Posted: December 14, 2023 | Last updated: December 14, 2023

For some people, cruises are the ultimate getaway when planning their travels. They are a floating ecosystem and it's almost like being in a whole new world where everything you might need is located all in one place. But they also come with their own set of rules and realities. Whether you're a luxury cruise line expert or a novice thinking about taking your first trip, you'll want to know these cruise secrets before hopping on board. From secret amenities to things crew members know but never tell the guests, these fun facts will shed new light on the whole experience.

A Morgue Lurks Within Every Cruise Ship

Cruises are supposed to be about letting loose and having fun but there is often a dark side to cruises that passengers don't really see. Because a large portion of cruise goers usually tend to be older it's actually not uncommon for people to pass away while on ship.

One former crew estimated that around three people pass away every month on a cruise. Due to this, all cruise ships are required to have a morgue on board and usually has room for around three to six bodies.

<p>The requirement that crew members be as hospitable and nice as possible to passengers, they don't usually get a chance to say everything they'd like to say. For this reason, cruise ships keep a log where they write down everything that happens while on a trip. These logs keep everything from something as big as a fire or injury to something as minimal as a comment a guest made.</p><p>It sounds weird but all of that information helps an incoming crew best prepare and spot potential hazards and how to manage them best. This log can also be used as a venting outlet for crew.</p>

It Might Sound Creepy but Crew Members Keep Record of Everything That Guests Do

The requirement that crew members be as hospitable and nice as possible to passengers, they don't usually get a chance to say everything they'd like to say. For this reason, cruise ships keep a log where they write down everything that happens while on a trip. These logs keep everything from something as big as a fire or injury to something as minimal as a comment a guest made.

It sounds weird but all of that information helps an incoming crew best prepare and spot potential hazards and how to manage them best. This log can also be used as a venting outlet for crew.

<p>If you have ever seen pictures from a cruise you will have noted that the pools are often the most crowded areas on the ship. Even though the ship is floating on water, people just gravitate toward the pools anyway. It turns out that most cruise ships have "secret" pools reserved for their staff only. Because these pools are dedicated to staff they are often much less crowded.</p><p>Guests can however be invited and of course, a guest would have to make quite the impression on the crew in order to be invited to the secret pool. The invite is actually harder to secure than you would think, considering some of the rules on board.</p>

The Eerie Hidden Pools of Cruise Ships

If you have ever seen pictures from a cruise you will have noted that the pools are often the most crowded areas on the ship. Even though the ship is floating on water, people just gravitate toward the pools anyway. It turns out that most cruise ships have "secret" pools reserved for their staff only. Because these pools are dedicated to staff they are often much less crowded.

Guests can however be invited and of course, a guest would have to make quite the impression on the crew in order to be invited to the secret pool. The invite is actually harder to secure than you would think, considering some of the rules on board.

<p>Passenger safety on board is paramount and maintaining that safety is not an easy task. Crew are sometimes forced to speak in code, so they don't incite panic while still being able to act quickly during an emergency. Some of these codes are used for dealing with medical emergencies, reacting to a fire, or responding if someone falls overboard. If you ever wondered about what code word is usually used for someone falling overboard, then it's "oscar."</p><p>This really makes a lot of sense since the last thing you really want is to terrify your passengers or cause a panic making it harder to do your job.</p>

The Crew Speaks in Code to Keep Guests in the Dark

Passenger safety on board is paramount and maintaining that safety is not an easy task. Crew are sometimes forced to speak in code, so they don't incite panic while still being able to act quickly during an emergency. Some of these codes are used for dealing with medical emergencies, reacting to a fire, or responding if someone falls overboard. If you ever wondered about what code word is usually used for someone falling overboard, then it's "oscar."

This really makes a lot of sense since the last thing you really want is to terrify your passengers or cause a panic making it harder to do your job.

<p>Many cruise ships have casinos on board, and since most of the time you are traveling through international waters, it's completely legal. This also means that the cruise ship isn't necessarily subject to a single area's laws concerning gambling. The rules onboard will occasionally change depending on whatever country is closest.</p><p>Cruise ships might switch up the number of decks they use for blackjack, etc. and your odds of winning can change dramatically depending on where you are. Just be aware that the rules governing their games aren't set in stone, and can change.</p>

Gambling Rules on Board Aren't as Legal as You Think

Many cruise ships have casinos on board, and since most of the time you are traveling through international waters, it's completely legal. This also means that the cruise ship isn't necessarily subject to a single area's laws concerning gambling. The rules onboard will occasionally change depending on whatever country is closest.

Cruise ships might switch up the number of decks they use for blackjack, etc. and your odds of winning can change dramatically depending on where you are. Just be aware that the rules governing their games aren't set in stone, and can change.

<p>The buck stops with the Captain at all times while on board which is a fantastic system when it works, and it typically does. It makes sense that one person with experience should calling the shots during an emergency. The last thing you would want is two or more people wasting time arguing over a decision in a crisis. That being said, even captains make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can be disastrous for a ship or its passengers.</p><p>It's not often that it happens which is why when it does it usually makes headlines. A few cruise ships have even been sunk due to a captain's decisions.</p>

Even Cruise Ships Are Vulnerable to Mysterious Accidents

The buck stops with the Captain at all times while on board which is a fantastic system when it works, and it typically does. It makes sense that one person with experience should calling the shots during an emergency. The last thing you would want is two or more people wasting time arguing over a decision in a crisis. That being said, even captains make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can be disastrous for a ship or its passengers.

It's not often that it happens which is why when it does it usually makes headlines. A few cruise ships have even been sunk due to a captain's decisions.

<p>Strange things happen while at sea, and one of those things is when people go missing. It sounds weird but people really do go missing on ships. Approximately 165 people reportedly went missing while on a cruise from 1995 to 2011.</p><p>There is speculation that the number is possibly higher. This is separate from passengers that fall overboard. We're talking about people who have just disappeared without a trace and were never seen again.</p>

Sometimes Passengers Go Missing at Sea

Strange things happen while at sea, and one of those things is when people go missing. It sounds weird but people really do go missing on ships. Approximately 165 people reportedly went missing while on a cruise from 1995 to 2011.

There is speculation that the number is possibly higher. This is separate from passengers that fall overboard. We're talking about people who have just disappeared without a trace and were never seen again.

<p>On occasion you will hear about pirates taking over cargo ships or something like that but you don't often hear about cruise ships being boarded. Still, it does happen, and because of that the crew is trained for it.</p><p>In 2005 a cruise ship was targeted, and the crew used some kind of acoustic weapon to assault the pirates' eardrums. The attack was thwarted, and everyone on board went about enjoying their vacations.</p>

"I'm the Captain Now" - There's a Risk of Pirates Coming Onboard

On occasion you will hear about pirates taking over cargo ships or something like that but you don't often hear about cruise ships being boarded. Still, it does happen, and because of that the crew is trained for it.

In 2005 a cruise ship was targeted, and the crew used some kind of acoustic weapon to assault the pirates' eardrums. The attack was thwarted, and everyone on board went about enjoying their vacations.

<p>Where there are often hookups between crew members, they are strictly forbidden to fraternize with passengers while on board. This rule is mainly in place to protect the crew from being accused of anything inappropriate but it is also to protect the cruise company from being sued by a passenger.</p><p>The cruise company will have a much easier time cleaning up in-house than it would feilding a public lawsuit with a passenger.</p>

No Fraternization With Guests

Where there are often hookups between crew members, they are strictly forbidden to fraternize with passengers while on board. This rule is mainly in place to protect the crew from being accused of anything inappropriate but it is also to protect the cruise company from being sued by a passenger.

The cruise company will have a much easier time cleaning up in-house than it would feilding a public lawsuit with a passenger.

<p>You have surely heard of the brig before but did you know there is one on a cruise ship and you don't have to be military to be thrown in it. It's a sort of jail cell on a ship, and it's reserved for passengers that break the law' get a bit too rowdy or in any way threaten the safety of other passengers or crew.</p><p>There is no judge or jury on a ship so if you're thrown in the brig, you'll most likely spend the rest of your vacation there or until the ship makes port and can offload you to the authorities. Sometimes this leaves you in a different country than the one you sailed from.</p>

You're Under Arrest

You have surely heard of the brig before but did you know there is one on a cruise ship and you don't have to be military to be thrown in it. It's a sort of jail cell on a ship, and it's reserved for passengers that break the law' get a bit too rowdy or in any way threaten the safety of other passengers or crew.

There is no judge or jury on a ship so if you're thrown in the brig, you'll most likely spend the rest of your vacation there or until the ship makes port and can offload you to the authorities. Sometimes this leaves you in a different country than the one you sailed from.

<p>It's never good when someone goes overboard but on a cruise ship it can be especially complicated to initiate a rescue. If a passenger goes overboard during a cruise, you may see crew members throwing stuff over the side in order to mark where they are in the water.</p><p>There aren't any landmarks in the ocean, meaning your brain doesn't have anything to refer to when trying to locate an overboard passenger from the top of a very high cruise ship.</p>

Rescuing Passengers Who Went Overboard Is Complicated

It's never good when someone goes overboard but on a cruise ship it can be especially complicated to initiate a rescue. If a passenger goes overboard during a cruise, you may see crew members throwing stuff over the side in order to mark where they are in the water.

There aren't any landmarks in the ocean, meaning your brain doesn't have anything to refer to when trying to locate an overboard passenger from the top of a very high cruise ship.

<p>If you have ever noticed your crew is especially happy or chatty it may be because they have had a couple of drinks themselves. Crew members get great discounts on alcohol and although most cruise lines say they randomly test their employees to ensure that they're not drinking while on the job, they still manage to sneak a few drinks here and there.</p><p>According to former crew members, it happens more than from time to time. Some former crew members have also come out and said that drinking among crew members is much more common than some cruise companies would have their passengers believe.</p>

Crew Members Are Drinking All Day on Cruises

If you have ever noticed your crew is especially happy or chatty it may be because they have had a couple of drinks themselves. Crew members get great discounts on alcohol and although most cruise lines say they randomly test their employees to ensure that they're not drinking while on the job, they still manage to sneak a few drinks here and there.

According to former crew members, it happens more than from time to time. Some former crew members have also come out and said that drinking among crew members is much more common than some cruise companies would have their passengers believe.

<p>We all heard about outbreaks onboard cruise ships curing the 2020 pandemic. They got big news coverage as essentially floating petri dishes. Due to thousands of people situated together in a tight space the outbreaks seem to spread faster.</p><p>Even before the pandemic there were plenty of outbreaks. For example in 2014, around eight cruise ships and many of their passengers were hit with the norovirus. As a result there have been strict procedures and rules to limit the spread of sickness during an outbreak but the risk is always going to be there.</p>

Disease Outbreaks Are More Common Than You Think

We all heard about outbreaks onboard cruise ships curing the 2020 pandemic. They got big news coverage as essentially floating petri dishes. Due to thousands of people situated together in a tight space the outbreaks seem to spread faster.

Even before the pandemic there were plenty of outbreaks. For example in 2014, around eight cruise ships and many of their passengers were hit with the norovirus. As a result there have been strict procedures and rules to limit the spread of sickness during an outbreak but the risk is always going to be there.

<p>There are a lot of reasons that cruise lines don't tend to hire American workers and one of the reasons is that Americans wouldn't put up with the long hours required on a cruise ship. The typical work week in America is around 40 hours, compared to the sometimes 100-hour long work week on a cruise ship.</p><p>Together with different and less generous overtime rules as well as lower pay, it's not hard to see why there aren't as many Americans in the cruise industry.</p>

Crew Members Are Mostly From Outside of the USA

There are a lot of reasons that cruise lines don't tend to hire American workers and one of the reasons is that Americans wouldn't put up with the long hours required on a cruise ship. The typical work week in America is around 40 hours, compared to the sometimes 100-hour long work week on a cruise ship.

Together with different and less generous overtime rules as well as lower pay, it's not hard to see why there aren't as many Americans in the cruise industry.

<p>Cruise ships aren't really required to operate to the same standards as other companies located on land in the U.S. and because of that the medical care available to passengers can sometimes be hit or miss.</p><p>It's common for cruise ships to hire doctors from countries with lower medical standards than in the U.S. and also have the facilities on board a cruise ship to be not quite as great as you'd find on land. Together with the fact that doctors on cruise ships basically can't be sued for malpractice, it leaves something lacking in the care like on a lot of cruise ships.</p>

Medical Care Can Be Spotty

Cruise ships aren't really required to operate to the same standards as other companies located on land in the U.S. and because of that the medical care available to passengers can sometimes be hit or miss.

It's common for cruise ships to hire doctors from countries with lower medical standards than in the U.S. and also have the facilities on board a cruise ship to be not quite as great as you'd find on land. Together with the fact that doctors on cruise ships basically can't be sued for malpractice, it leaves something lacking in the care like on a lot of cruise ships.

<p>Where does all the human waste go when you're on a ship and out at the ocean? It goes exactly where you might expect it to go, in the ocean. Cruise ships simply dump waste when they are around 12 miles from shore. They are required to treat it first but it still isn't great for the environment and it's quite gross.</p><p>Not all countries have the same laws either and this means that sometimes cruise ships will discharge waste when they're closer to shore in a country with more lax laws like recently when Canadians complained about U.S. cruise ships dumping near British Columbia.</p>

Where Does All The Waste Go?

Where does all the human waste go when you're on a ship and out at the ocean? It goes exactly where you might expect it to go, in the ocean. Cruise ships simply dump waste when they are around 12 miles from shore. They are required to treat it first but it still isn't great for the environment and it's quite gross.

Not all countries have the same laws either and this means that sometimes cruise ships will discharge waste when they're closer to shore in a country with more lax laws like recently when Canadians complained about U.S. cruise ships dumping near British Columbia.

<p>It goes without saying that rooms for crew members are much different than the rooms for guests on cruise ships. Crew quarters are very cramped in comparison and for the most part rooms are shared by multiple crew members.</p><p>That being said, crew members do have their own break areas and even have crew-only events, classes, and a pool for staff only. On the downside they don't really get to enjoy all of that stuff very often because they work such long hours.</p>

Tight Quarters for the Crew

It goes without saying that rooms for crew members are much different than the rooms for guests on cruise ships. Crew quarters are very cramped in comparison and for the most part rooms are shared by multiple crew members.

That being said, crew members do have their own break areas and even have crew-only events, classes, and a pool for staff only. On the downside they don't really get to enjoy all of that stuff very often because they work such long hours.

<p>You would think there would be some kind of system making sure every guest is accounted for when they cruise pulls away from port but there isn't. The cruise is not going to wait at port for a couple of passengers who failed to get back in time. If you're late getting back to the ship there is a good chance you will be watching from shore as your ship sails away.</p><p>That's why it's important that you always remember to get back to the ship well before it's scheduled departure. It's also a good idea to carry your documents and passport with you just in case you're left behind in a foreign country.</p>

Cruise Ships Wait For No One

You would think there would be some kind of system making sure every guest is accounted for when they cruise pulls away from port but there isn't. The cruise is not going to wait at port for a couple of passengers who failed to get back in time. If you're late getting back to the ship there is a good chance you will be watching from shore as your ship sails away.

That's why it's important that you always remember to get back to the ship well before it's scheduled departure. It's also a good idea to carry your documents and passport with you just in case you're left behind in a foreign country.

<p>To keep things running smoothly while feeding thousands of guests, it's no surprise that most cruise ship kitchens run their operations with military-like precision. With that many mouths to feed they have to ensure that they have enough food on board for everyone and stay within a budget working hard to eliminate waste.</p><p>Some kitchens are so precise that they can predict consumption down to a margin of two meals for a week. Sometimes crews even change up how much they order based on the nationality of their guests. For example, a ship with many Americans might order more ketchup than one with a majority of other nationalities.</p>

Preparing the Kitchen Is Done With Military Precision

To keep things running smoothly while feeding thousands of guests, it's no surprise that most cruise ship kitchens run their operations with military-like precision. With that many mouths to feed they have to ensure that they have enough food on board for everyone and stay within a budget working hard to eliminate waste.

Some kitchens are so precise that they can predict consumption down to a margin of two meals for a week. Sometimes crews even change up how much they order based on the nationality of their guests. For example, a ship with many Americans might order more ketchup than one with a majority of other nationalities.

<p>Alcohol is always the most expensive part of any trip for good reason. There are really good margins for alcohol sales so it makes sense that there would be strict rules regarding their biggest money maker. Cruise lines force you to use the bars on the ship and for this reason, people have figured out how to smuggle their own booze onto cruises.</p><p>For these reasons guests get really inventive with the way they smuggle on alcohol. One way of sneaking alcohol on board a cruise ship involves filling a plastic bladder with booze in an effort to evade x-ray detection. People have also resorted to filling mouthwash bottles with alcohol and adding food coloring to dye them a specific color.</p>

Hiding Drinks Isn't Easy

Alcohol is always the most expensive part of any trip for good reason. There are really good margins for alcohol sales so it makes sense that there would be strict rules regarding their biggest money maker. Cruise lines force you to use the bars on the ship and for this reason, people have figured out how to smuggle their own booze onto cruises.

For these reasons guests get really inventive with the way they smuggle on alcohol. One way of sneaking alcohol on board a cruise ship involves filling a plastic bladder with booze in an effort to evade x-ray detection. People have also resorted to filling mouthwash bottles with alcohol and adding food coloring to dye them a specific color.

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IMAGES

  1. Costa Concordia: 20 Powerful Photos of the Cruise Ship Disaster and

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  2. Scrapped Cruise Ships

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  3. 10 Worst Cruise Ship Disasters

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  4. Costa Concordia: 2012 Cruise Ship Disaster That Killed 32

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  5. Haunting interior of the shipwrecked Costa Concordia ship

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  6. Broken-down cruise ship stranded in Alaska, again

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COMMENTS

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