who buys old cruise ships

Here’s What an Entire Cruise Fleet Sold for at Auction

• November 8, 2020

The Cruise & Maritime Voyages fleet auction is over, with five ships heading to new owners or to scrap, and the values have finally been revealed as buyers were able to get cruise ships for pennies on the dollar during the sealed bidding process.

The Results:

Vasco Da Gama Built: 1992 Tonnage: 55,451 Capacity: 1,258 Guests Buyer: Mystic Invest Sales Price: $10,187,000 History:  Originally operated by Holland America, the ship was built in 1992. The original S-Class ship, it sailed as the Statendam until 2015, when Carnival Corp. transferred it to P&O Australia where it sailed as the Pacific Eden, along with its sister ship, the Pacific Aria, the former Ryndam. Moving under the CMV umbrella in 2019, the Vasco da Gama operated for the TransOcean brand in the German-speaking market.

Columbus Built: 1988 Tonnage: 63,500 Capacity: 1,400 Guests Buyer: Seajets Sales Price: $5,321,000 History: Built in 1988, the Columbus was originally ordered by Sitmar Cruises as the Fair Majesty. While still under construction, the company was sold to Princess Cruises, who took over its operation, and the ship then became the Star Princess. After nearly a decade sailing for Princess, the vessel was transferred to P&O Cruises UK as the Arcadia in 1997. She then spent time with both Ocean Village and P&O Australia before joining CMV in 2017

Astor Built: 1987 Tonnage: 20,704 Capacity: 650 Guests Buyer: Projected to be scrapped Sales Price: $1,710,000 History:  In service since 1987, the Astor was built in Germany to offer a five-star luxury soft adventure product in the British market. A year later, the vessel was sold to Soviet owners, becoming the FedorDostoyevskiy. After years sailing chartered to European tour operators, the vessel got its original name back and in 1996 was acquired by TransOcean Tours. In 2013, it was chartered to CMV for a new operation in Australia. The British cruise line later acquired TransOcean Tours to focus on the German market.

Magellan   Built: 1985 Tonnage: 46,052 Capacity: 1,452 Guests Buyer: Seajets Sales Price: $3,431,000 History:  In service since 1985, the Magellan was built for Carnival Cruise Line as the Holiday. Following a major refit in 2009, the ship was transferred to IberoCruceros to begin operating in the Spanish market as the Grand Holiday. With the demise of the Ibero brand in 2014 the ship was sold to CMV.

Marco Polo Built: 1965 Tonnage: 22,000 Capacity: 820 Guests Buyer: Projected to be scrapped Sales Price: $2,770,000 History:  A former ocean liner, the Marco Polo was built in 1965 as the Aleksandr Pushkin for the Leningrad/Montreal route. After serving its original purpose until the 1970s, the vessel started to sail as a cruise ship under charter agreements. In 1991, it was sold to Orient Lines and renamed Marco Polo. In Greece, the vessel was rebuilt as a true cruise ship, also receiving new engines.

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• Sweepstakes

Here's Your Chance to Buy a Retired Carnival Cruise Ship

One of Carnival's earliest cruise ships is going up for auction in the UK.

Why buy a dream home or a yacht when you can have an actual cruise ship?

According to The Points Guy , London-based ship auctioneer CW Kellock & Co. is listing one of Carnival Cruise Line ’s earliest vessels, the Holiday , next month. If you happen to have a couple million dollars lying around, it could be all yours.

The former Carnival vessel also sailed for Cruise & Maritime Voyages under the name Magellan since 2015, according to The Points Guy, though it still retained its signature winged funnel (also known as the “whale tail”) that Carnival is known for. The British company has since shut down due to the coronavirus, leaving the Holiday / Magellan without a crew.

The vessel originally set sail in 1985. It weighs 46,052 tons, can cater to 1,860 passengers, and generally had between 660 and 670 crew members on board, according to the listing on the CW Kellock and Co. website. Its length is between 727 and 733 feet and has 12 decks.

It’s currently the second oldest Carnival ship that still exists today. CW Kellock & Co. has a number of other vessels that are going up for auction in October, including the Vasco Da Gama , the Columbus , the Astor , and the Marco Polo , according to CruiseHive . All of these vessels other than the Marco Polo are docked in Port Tilbury in Essex, England.

Anyone who wishes to make a bid can also set up an inspection of the ship with CW Kellock & Co., The Points Guy reported. All bids must be submitted to the company by Oct. 19, 2020. There is currently no pre-auction price estimate for the ship, though The Points Guy estimates it will be for several million dollars.

Bidders should submit their offer in a sealed envelope with the vessel’s current name (Magellan) on it via mail to CW Kellock & Co Ltd, 5th Floor, 2 London Wall Buildings, London EC2M 5PP, U.K., or emailed to directly to kellock@eggarforrester.com, The Points Guy reported.

For more information, visit the CW Kellock & Co. website .

• CruiseMapper
• Tips & Tricks

How to Buy a Cruise Ship?

If you've got the urge to throw away some money to buy a cruise ship, you should have a banker on speed dial or pretty deep pockets. It's not often that you find a classified ad like "cruise ships for sale". However, it does happen from time to time.

Cruise ships range in price from USD 2 to 350 million and come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. It's rare to find a big cruise ship priced at less than a few million, although it's certainly not impossible. If you are seriously intending to buy a cruise ship, then you know how you will finance the purchase. Just find your price range.

How much does it cost to buy a cruise ship?

Do you wish to have your own cruise ship built? Naturally, the vessel's size will have an effect on the money. At the following links, you can compare building costs of cruise ships and also the world's top 50 mega-liners by size and capacity . The current world's largest passenger ship (228,081-ton Symphony Of The Seas ) costs the shipowner Royal Caribbean USD 1,35 billion. An average-sized newbuild liner costs USD 700-800 million.

There are shipbrokers who might be able to help you purchase a ship built in the 1980s or 1990s, which was popular in the time, but the cruise line that owned it moved on to better vessels. Such a classic ship might set you back as little as USD 10-20 million. Of course, like any used vessel, it is going to need a huge investment to get it into shape to carry passengers, and bring it up to current maritime safety standards and upgrade it with the latest amenities. For example, in 2013 the refit of Carnival Destiny (now Carnival Sunshine ) cost the shipowner Carnival Corporation about USD 155 million. When built new in 1996 the ship cost about USD 400 million.

Simply put, purchasing a cruise ship is an expensive proposition. But don't be upset – perhaps you'll be more than happy renting a cabin for a week as a cruise passenger.

Cruise Ships for Sale

There are various reasons why an individual owner or cruise line may put a cruise ship up for sale. The reasons may include the ship being outdated or the owner not being able to maintain it. Here are a few pointers to help you if in the market for cruise ships.

Determine the type of cruise ship that will best meet your needs:

• Five-star cruise ships; Three-star ships; Floating hotel ships;
• Ocean liners; River cruise boats;
• Luxury catamarans; Casino ships;
• 1,500-passenger ships; 100-passenger ships.

Do you need a 40-meter luxury catamaran, a 140-meter luxury cruise ship, or maybe a 240-meter classic cruise liner? Determine the size that will best suit your purposes.

Where to Find Cruise Ships for Sale?

Here is a list of places on the Internet that regularly advertise cruise ships for sale:

• Appolo Duck Commercial Listings (commercial.apolloduck.com)
• Homestead.com
• MegaYachtsOnline.com
• ShipTraders.com
• WorkBoatsInternational.com

Cruise ship construction is handled predominantly by European and Asian shipbuilding companies. The leading shipyards are owned by Fincantieri (Italy), Meyer Werft (Germany, Finland), STX France, and MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan).

Refitting may be required as part of the transfer of the cruise ship. Each cruise line features its own livery (insignia, symbols, uniforms) which may be displayed throughout the vessel. Probably, you will be required to remove any branded materials or trademarked symbols and come up with your own original name and design.

Depending upon your dream, the ship you buy may be repurposed to meet your ideas. For example, many liners were repurposed as cruise ships when cruising became popular. There were also cruise ships that were repurposed as floating hotels. Floating casinos are very popular, as well. And since cruise ships often change hands multiple times, repurposing a vessel for its new role is very common.

The private cruise ship MS The World is a floating residential community owned by citizens of 19 countries. Navigating around the globe, it stays several days in each port, and its owners actually live on the ship. The itinerary is set by the residents.

The next photo shows in detail the Superyacht Streets of Monaco. The 152-m long ship is lined with scaled-down versions of Monte Carlo's ' most famous buildings. The Grand Prix course version on the yacht doubles as a go-kart course. The ship has swimming pools, cafes, spa, full-size sports court (doubles as a helipad for private helicopters), library, interior parking for smaller boats, mini-submarine. Staterooms (16x VIP Suites) are sized 3800 ft2 (350 m2) each. There are also cabins for the 70 crew and staff members. The Superyacht cost about USD 1 billion.

Homes at Sea

For anyone who has struggled with the idea of spending savings purchasing a home or using it to travel the world, condo voyages present the perfect solution. These floating communities are becoming increasingly popular modes of fulfilling cruise fantasies with no need to leave the comforts of home.

Permanent homes at sea offer all comforts of a studio or multi-bedroom apartment on land, plus unparalleled sea views. The idea is growing more and more popular.

In August 2015, Crystal Cruises announced that its three new cruise ships will have up to 48 residences for sale each, ranging in size from 600 sq.feet to the whopping 4,000. The prices have been quoted as being in the multi-millions, and the cruise ships compared to New York 's uber-luxe Baccarat hotel.

The oldest and largest residential ship on the water is named The World. It first set sail in 2002 and features 165 private residences. The World, which calls itself a "residential yacht", is the most famous ocean residence. Ship's studio apartments are selling for more than USD 1 million, while the top suites are priced at USD 13 million. Added costs can be quite steep. Residents pay annual fees to cover staff wages and maintenance, which can be another 10% of the purchase price. May be life at sea is an opportunity only for cashed-up retirees, not for struggling first-home buyers.

However, residents of such a "community-at-sea" collectively own the cruise ship, and can thus choose their itinerary along with the captain. Last year, The World stopped at 104 ports in 30 countries and covered around 41,000 nautical miles. Its itinerary included three in-depth expeditions: Namibia & Mid-Atlantic, which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries; Greenland Expedition, which explores the Faroe islands; and Antarctica Expedition, which passes through Panama Canal. Residents have visited native tribes in Papua New Guinea, gone scuba diving in St. Barths, kayaked among icebergs and tracked polar bears in the Russian Arctic. In 2012, The World became the biggest passenger ship to make it through Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic.

Each unit on The World features a kitchen (there is even a grocery shop onboard, as well as a wealth of port calls in which to stock up), living and dining areas, multiple verandas depending on the apartment size and en-suite bathrooms for every bedroom. The luxury ship features a 7,000-sq. foot spa and gym, two pools, a jogging track, a tennis court, and golf facilities, as well as four restaurants, a grill, a deli, five bars, a tea room and private chefs for hire. Just like a true floating village, the vessel also has a movie theater, art gallery, library, chapel, medical center, florist and a constant stream of activities, such as classes in cooking, arts & crafts and dance, lectures and plays, and nightly entertainment. The concierge is able to organize access to exclusive events and all reservations around the world. The average age of the residents aboard The World is 64, with a solid 35% under 50. Most residents use the condos as second homes, and stay on board for a few months at a time, renting out their sea homes for the rest of the year.

Due to set sail in late 2016 or early 2017 is The Marquette, a 200-unit residential ship that will navigate inland waters in the United States. Planned features include theatres, hot tubs, a grocery store, and an 18-hole chip-and-putt golf course. The Marquette is already pre-sold, with prices ranging from the more affordable USD 327,000 up to 1,2 million.

Also making her maiden voyage soon is MS Utopia - the USD 1.5-billion liner is near twice the size of MS The World. The vessel has a total of 200 residential/condo units and 16 smaller cabins for tutors and nannies. The cruise apartments are on sale between USD 4-30 million. The annual maintenance fee for "ship residents" is ~4.5% of the list price. The American businessman Bill Powers shared his plans to buy a 3-bedroom suite on Utopia Residences:

“This satisfies my wanderlust desire without the inconvenience of packing, unpacking, going through customs, avoiding the wear and tear of travel.”

Living in a condo cruise ship helps to avoid common travel hassles like packing, unpacking, customs, lost luggage, etc. It also means traveling with an international set of neighbors. Resident families on The World come from 19 different countries, while the crew of 260 - from 40. Residents enjoy up to 5-day stops at each port and have the chance to join or leave the vessel at any point because itineraries are set two years in advance.

The sole alternative to such kind of lifestyle is purchasing a yacht, which makes buying a condo aboard a cruise vessel look like a steal.

Cruise ship retirement - cheaper than assisted living on land

Most cruises run from 3 days to 3 weeks, and prices average about USD 150 per day based on double occupancy, depending on the location and size of the room, on the length of the voyage and on the cruise line itself. The average price of independent living facilities is USD 2,000 per month and nearly USD 3,000 per month for assisted living facilities, so on average cruising is more expensive than traditional retirement options... but on average. It may be less than the higher-end facilities that charge USD 6,000 per month or more, and shorter sailings can even be found for USD 100 per day, bringing them close to the price of assisted living facilities.

It’s important to note that not all senior housing types are created equal. Life aboard a cruise ship might compare to expensive dull nursing homes showed in popular media, but the reality is different, and actually luxury senior housing and retirement communities provide many of the same perks that cruise ships do: customized senior nutrition, entertainment, chances to socialize, to name a few. And they are not as expensive as you might think.

Nursing homes and memory care, providing skilled 24-hour nursing, are the pricier options. However, for seniors who don’t need constant care, independent living and retirement communities are far less expensive - they generally cost less than a cruise: sometimes as little as USD 1,500 a month.

As to whether living out your golden years aboard a cruise ship is a viable alternative to spending them in the retirement homes, a Northwestern University geriatrician says such a plan is a cost-effective alternative to assisted living. Dr.Lee Lindquist, an instructor at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, has compared the costs of moving to an assisted-living facility, nursing home and cruise ship (over a 20-year life expectancy), including the expenses of treating acute illnesses, Medicare reimbursement, etc. She determined that the net cost of cruise ship retirement was only about USD 2,000 more than the alternatives (USD 230,000 versus USD 228,000) and offered a higher quality of service. According to Lindquist, the plan would work best for retirees who need minimal care.

"Seniors who enjoy travel, have good or excellent cognitive function but require some assistance with activities of daily living are the ideal candidates for cruise-ship care. Just as with assisted living, if residents became acutely ill or got to the point that they needed a higher level of care, they would have to leave."

Can cruise ship retirement be more cost-effective than the land-based one? Perhaps not if you are paying USD 164,000 per year for a premium berth. For example, prices on a 91-night world cruise aboard a Cruise and Maritime Voyages' ship start at GBP 4,387 per person. For that much, you’ll get meals, accommodation, entertainment and the chance to call at exotic locations on several continents around the world.

Average rents in Britain are GBP 761 per month (or GBP 1,160 in London ). When you add council tax, water, electricity and gas bills, as well as groceries, it’s not hard to see why some retirees opt for a life afloat.

Which is cheaper: renting in London or cruise ship retirement?

• Round-the-world cruise (13 weeks, 91 nights) - GBP 4,390
• Renting in London - GBP 5,040
• Average rent in London - GBP 3,480 (13 weeks x GBP 268 a week)
• Council tax - GBP 235 (based on GBP 940 per year rate in the City of London)
• Water bill - GBP 92.50 (13-week Thames Water average)
• Energy bills - GBP 159 (According to “small house/flat” estimate of UKpower.co.uk)
• Transport - GBP 417 (Based on the cost of a weekly travelcard - GBP 32)
• Food - GBP 650 (Based on GBP 50 per week typical household spending, according to ONS).

According to Telegraph Travel's cruise expert Jane Archer, it was not so unusual for men, women, and couples who love cruising to take up residence on a cruise ship. Princess Cruises once told her there were over 100 passengers living on their vessels. Douglas Ward (Berlitz) adds:

"It's a safe, comfortable environment, the crew become your new friends, and medical facilities, should you need them, are close by. And, unlike a retirement home or village, a cruise ship moves to different locations for a fresh view every day or so. So, why not, particularly if you have no immediate family ties?"

For those of you planning to make a cruise ship their home, longer voyages are probably the better option because the same route is not repeated every 7 days as it is on shorter sailings. One might choose one port and board cruises from there and time between sailings would be spent in a hotel. The majority of lines don't offer single rates and single seniors will have to pay 200% of the listed price. However, there are also cruise lines that have single cabins on their cruise ships and offer no single supplement cruises .

The "cruise ship retirement" trend

Within the last couple of years, the notion of cruise ship retirement has started to gain some traction. Though there are currently no "retirement cruise ships," as we said above, it is still possible to book back to back cruises to create a floating cruise ship retirement for slightly more than it costs to reside in the average assisted living communities. Most of you would choose the cruise ships any day, won't you?

Choosing cruise vessels over the soil is not a new concept.

• As far back as 1963, a lady lived full-time in a tiny cabin on Cunard's RMS Queen Elizabeth 2.
• Rosemarie Roberts lodged for nearly 12 years on Royal Viking Line's ships.
• Irma Morgan spent 50 weeks of 2004 and all 2005 on Crystal Harmony (now Asuka 2 ).
• Clair MacBeth lived on a Cunard ship for 14 years.
• Lorraine Artz spends around 10 months per year on Royal Princess .
• As of January 2000, Bea Muller (89) was a permanent resident on RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 until the ship was retired in November 2008. Muller died in 2013.

The story of 89-year-old Bea Muller of Florida is still floating around the Internet. It's said that her husband died on RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 during "world cruise 2001". Faced with moving back home to live in a retirement home alone, Ms.Muller decided to sell everything she owned, and book herself onto the cruise ship one year at a time. Thanks to her frequent discounts, her overall costs amounted to around USD 5,000 per month (since then, cruise prices have increased; also, Ms.Muller's accommodations were windowless and small: a 10x10 foot cabin featuring only a bed, radio, and TV, with a bathroom smaller than an average closet.) However, Ms.Muller was happy with her life at sea:

"I've got full-time maid service, great dining rooms, doctors, medical center (where she volunteers), a spa, beauty salon, computer center, entertainment, cultural activities and, best of all, dancing and bridge."

86-year-old Lee Wachtstatter is another uncommon cruise passenger. Over a decade ago, after the death of her husband, she also decided to sell her Florida home and relocate to a cruise ship. In an interview with USA Today, she explains that her husband Mason introduced her to cruising and taught her to love it. During their 50-year marriage, they took 89 cruises.

The day before her husband died of cancer in 1997, he told Lee, 'Don't stop cruising.’ And she certainly took this request to heart as three years were spent onboard a Holland America ship and then she’s been a resident on 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity for seven years - longer than most of the 655 crew members, who gave her the nickname “Mama Lee”.

Wachtstatter estimated that her “stress-free, fairy-tale” lifestyle cost her about USD 164,000 (GBP 108,000) per year, which covered the cost of her single cabin, meals in premium dining venues, gratuities and various activities including needlepoint classes and ballroom dancing with cruise hosts.

While few have spent quite as long at sea, Lee Wachtstatter is not the only full-time resident of the line. Crystal Cruises told USA Today that at least three other ladies live permanently on its ships.

Several lines offer world voyages that can last three months or longer. For example, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 offers a world cruise lasting 108 days and 3 of these back to back span for almost one year. The least expensive accommodation aboard is an inside room for USD 16,845 (based on double occupancy and early booking). This works out to USD 155 per day to sail the world, including meals, amenities, and housekeeping, not to mention being able to tell all your friends that you have retired on QE2. Unlike many other lines, Cunard offers single rooms, starting at USD 24,180 for an inside on the 108-day cruise.

However, fares are for the cruise only and don't include taxes, airfare to the point of departure, gratuities or port excursions. Cruises of nearly any length up to 3 months can be easily found by shopping around the Internet or through a cruise travel agent. Princess Cruises offers a 102-day world voyage for USD 19,990 (inside room). Other lines include Holland America , Norwegian , and Radisson, offering discounts to travelers 55 and above, which may reduce prices for cruise ship retirement, making it a more affordable option.

Can you really retire on a cruise ship?

In 2017, a UK-based company (Bolsover Cruise Club) created a cruise ship retirement package making it possible to spend one's golden years on a year-round around the world cruise . The package cost only GBP 140 per month more than land-based retirement would cost.

Based on the UK's average wage of GBP 26,500, in theory, one would have been required to save an average of GBP 711 per month (if starting work at the age of 22) to afford the cost of “normal” retirement. Bolsover’s retirement cruise travel (the whole year-round cruising) costs GBP 34,439 PP, which would require you to save GBP 850 per month – an increase of only GBP 139 per month.

What does the new package include? Besides all fare-included amenities and onboard activities, this type of travel offers for just GBP 4,439 more per year to swap the UK's never-ending rain with tropical sunshine. Based on a 12-month cruise itinerary, retirees could expect to visit New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Ocean islands, USA, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, canaries. These exotic travel destinations would be visited while aboard some of the world’s finest cruise liners with 24/7 entertainment, spas, gourmet dining.

Cons of cruise ship retirement

• Cost is only one of many elements to your choice of where to reside after retirement. Those of the golden agers who decide to make permanent homes aboard cruise ships always sacrifice proximity to their families who are no longer just a car ride away. Those devoted to children and grandchildren might find that too high a price to pay, no matter what the analysts say about relative financial costs. However, if your relatives are close to the coastline where your ship docks frequently, the arrangement could work well.
• Those who lack progeny but are involved in communities or are part of strong friendships may not wish to opt for the vagabond life, as it would mean abandoning all that gives them joy. Cruise ship retirement means one acquaintance after another and no permanent ongoing connections. Fellow travelers disembark to return to regular lives at the termination of 1- or 2-week holidays, which means that friendships struck up with them land very quickly in the "We'll keep in touch" bin. As for the staff, while serial vacationers can strike up deeply friendly relationships with some of the employees, these rapports are actually limited by their nature: no matter how close these associations appear to be, the employees are required to be respectful to paying passengers, so honesty, which is one of friendship-critical elements can never be part of the deal.
• Life onboard a cruise ship does not only mean leaving your relatives and friends, but it also means leaving your doctor. Cruise ships provide medical care, but not geriatric specialists. If you rely on specialists for ongoing health care, have in mind that you won’t receive that level of expertise aboard a cruise ship. Most seniors who consider cruise ship retirement can do so only as long as they stay healthy. Assisted living services are not available at sea. As you will not get specialized medical care, you will not get care for ADLs (Activities of Daily Life), either, and the idea of replacing your nursing home or assisted the living community with a cruise ship is not really a viable option.
• The only affordable cruise accommodations for many are the tiny inside rooms, which may be too tiny and too inside for some passengers. Living without a window for months could make some claustrophobic, even though there are plenty of open spaces on a ship.
• Activities onboard may not be tailored toward seniors. A significant percentage of cruise passengers are always seniors, but that doesn’t mean that cruise directors specialize in activities for seniors. Most of the action will be designed for adults of all ages, and if you want fun and innovative activities targeted at yourself, a senior retirement community is more likely to provide what you want.
• The logistics of permanent living on a cruise ship seem more than impractical. First of all, you cannot bring much more than a suitcase worth of possessions onboard. Forget about packing your favorite painting or sitting chair. That issue aside, it is not as if one could just move onto a boat and live happily ever after. Cruise passengers must disembark when the voyage ends, and make arrangements while the vessel is at the port. Keeping these arrangements month after month is more than burdensome.
• There is no tax deduction for living on a cruise ship. Some CCRCs permit to deduct a portion of the entry and monthly fees as medical expenses, even if you are not using the “care” portion of your retirement facility yet. But if you sell your home and move onto a cruise vessel, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of interest deductions from your mortgage (in case it’s not paid off) and you will not garner additional tax deductions.

Pros of cruise ship retirement

Everyday life onboard a cruise ship is similar to living in a retirement community or nice hotel, except that outdoor scenery keeps changing.

• Meals are provided. You can have room service, which means having breakfast in bed every single day of the week. And you’ll never have to wash dishes or make yourself meals like you would in ordinary retirement villages.
• Sheets and towels are changed on a daily basis, and you don't have to ask for them. Cruise ships also provide free toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
• The staff takes care of the maintenance. Does the light bulb need changing? Is TV broken? Need to have your mattress replaced? They'll fix everything and even apologize for the inconvenience.
• They will treat you like a client, not a patient. Gratuities will only be USD 10 per day. An extra USD 5 worth of tips will have the staff scrambling to help you.
• No worries about transportation. Retirement communities provide easy transportation into town for appointments and shopping, and most also offer trips to the surrounding area. But it doesn’t get easier than having everything you need just a stroll away. And the best of all is no food shopping.
• Nearly limitless activities and entertainment - from shows to spa treatments, swimming, and dancing, cruise ships offer numerous onboard activities, plus shore excursions, tours and themed events.
• Travel the world. Do you want to see Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Tahiti, the Panama Canal, or name where you want to go? Port calls provide an opportunity to visit the land and sightsee. The Internet allows for staying in touch with family back home.
• New, diverse people are coming onboard. Living on one cruise ship lets guests feel at home and get to know the crew. Living in a senior community has lots of benefits, including being surrounded by retirees of your own age. But immersing in a community of people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens, adults, and seniors may keep you young at heart.
• There is always a doctor on board. And if you are in good health and do not require any specialized care, living on a cruise ship could be an exciting way to kick off retirement. However, as we already pointed out, you should be ready for the possibility of relocating to an assisted living community or CCRC in the future if the circumstances change. The funny side of this, however, is, as follows: If you fall in a nursing home and break your hip, you are on Medicare; but if you fall and break a hip on a cruise ship they'll upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

What to consider about cruise ship retirement?

• Are you physically up for it? Remember that cruise ships are not designed to take care of travelers with extensive health care needs. In case you need a lot of day-to-day care or regular trips to the doctor, then a cruise ship does not make sense.
• Can you really afford it, even if you end up needing nursing home care or assisted living later? Before you do any calculations to figure out how many years onboard a cruise vessel selling your home will buy, have in mind that there may come a day when you’ll have to spend the money you have left on nursing home care or assisted living. Even if the cruise ship staff love you, they won’t step into the roles that senior care professionals play when that day comes.
• Will you get health care covered by your insurance while on travel? If you are going to be in and out of various ports, can you consistently reach physicians and hospitals that are covered by your insurance plan? And in case you need care on the ship itself, will the doctor be covered by your insurance plan?
• Can you stay healthy on the cruise ship? Cruise ship food is not exactly the healthiest, although most liners have a fitness center for exercising.
• If you stay on the same cruise ship, you will be visiting the same ports of call over and over again. At a certain point, the equation's “travel” part won’t be novel anymore. A resident ship like The World will all the time take you to new places, but it costs much more. However, a traditional ship will have consistent routes taking you repeatedly to the same spots.
• Are you OK with a rotating community of acquaintances? Retiring on a cruise ship means meeting a lot of new people all the time, but not making long-term connections. Senior loneliness can cause negative consequences and loneliness does not only occur when you are spending all the time solitary. Are you confident that you can be happy without a consistent community surrounding you?
• Where will you stay during maintenance? Cruise ships do not endlessly sail throughout the year and at some point, they have to stop, unload every single passenger and devote a period of time to dry dock . What will you do then?
• Are you willing to give up most of the things you possess? Cruise ship staterooms are not known for spaciousness and are already furnished so you cannot bring your favorite recliner and there is not much room for your stuff.

Retirement on cruise ships is not an official industry - yet. However, its time is coming as more and more adventurers seek new options for retirement. Even without designated cruise ships, retirees can design their own retirement at sea. It may cost more than an average assisted living but spending days lounging on the deck, ordering stateroom service, having attentive staff at hand and being treated like a client instead of a patient, sounds hard to beat. For snowbirds who shutter their winter homes and travel to warmer climates for 6 months per year, living on a cruise ship may be an alternative to Florida. And for those who own a home and have their mortgage paid-off, it may be cost-effective to rent their home and use the income to pay for living on a ship.

Lots of seniors like the idea of cruise ship retirement and can make it work on their own. As the idea grows and more people choose to cruise instead of land-based options, retirement community developers will start to offer retirement cruise ships with purchased accommodations or affordable leased and more services for seniors. The success of resident ships like The World is already prompting such discussions and cruise ship retirement could become the next great retirement trend. In any case, with more and more cruise ship retirement options to come on the scene in the near future, you can always reconsider it later.

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Your favorite cruise ship may never come back: 23 classic vessels that could be laid-up, sold or scrapped

Brace yourselves, cruise fans: Some of your favorite ships could soon be heading to the chopping block.

With most cruise departures around the world halted due to coronavirus concerns , and a quick comeback for cruising no longer in the cards , some of the industry's biggest players are starting to talk about permanently retiring parts of their fleets.

On Thursday, cruise giant Carnival Corporation -- the world's biggest cruise company with around 100 ships -- said in a regulatory filing that it had preliminary agreements to dispose of six of the vessels in the next 90 days. It said it also was working to remove additional ships from its fleet.

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Carnival Corporation didn't name any of the ships that are on the way out, or the brands that operate them. Carnival Corporation is the parent company of nine brands including its namesake Carnival Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Holland America and Seabourn.

Carnival Corporation also didn't say whether the ships that it planned to remove from its fleet would be scrapped. Some may just be sold to less prominent lines around the globe that can't afford new vessels. But just days before Thursday's announcement, in an exclusive, hourlong interview with TPG, Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald hinted that at least some of the ships were headed for dismantling.

"There will be an acceleration of retirement of ships, there's no question about that," Donald told TPG founder and CEO Brian Kelly. "I'd go so far as to say it's highly probable that you are going to see some ships actually scrapped as opposed to just moving to secondary or tertiary markets."

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The CEO of the world's third-largest cruise company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, also recently told TPG that ship retirements in the industry were likely .

A shortlist of ships that could go

For now, most cruise companies are being cagey about which ships will leave their fleets. But some have offered clues about the vessels on their shortlists for removal. In some cases, lines have listed ships that they clearly no longer want for sale. In other cases, they've stopped scheduling new sailings for ships or new overhauls in dry dock.

Age is one obvious marker of whether a vessel is on the way out from a fleet. It's not uncommon for major lines to sell off older vessels after they reach 20 or 25 years of age. Carnival, for instance, removed two ships from its fleet (Celebration and Holiday) during the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 that were 21 and 24 years old, respectively. The last Royal Caribbean ship to leave its fleet, Legend of the Seas, was 22 years old at the time.

Such ships usually don't disappear right away. They're often sold to smaller lines that can't afford newer vessels for at least a few more years of operation. That said, cruise ships don't last forever, and it's not uncommon for vessels to be scrapped after 40 or 50 years of service.

A sudden retirement of a wide swath of older vessels would be bad news for cruisers who love smaller ships. At nearly every line, the ships built in recent years are much bigger than those built more than 20 years ago. Royal Caribbean's two-year-old Symphony of the Seas , for instance, is nearly five times bigger than the line's oldest ship, Empress of the Seas.

Related: Why cruise ships keep getting bigger

Below is a list of the vessels we think are the most likely to disappear from their respective lines in the coming months. In some cases, they might just be sold by their current owners to a less-prominent brand. But at least a few of these ships, we suspect, will never return to sailing.

Note that the list does not include vessels from some overseas lines that operate in languages other than English, such as Germany's Aida Cruises. Aida, a part of Carnival Corporation, has several older, smaller vessels that would be logical candidates for removal in a companywide purge of older and smaller vessels.

Carnival Fantasy

Christened in 1990, this is the oldest ship in the Carnival fleet, and there are hints that the line is ready to let it go. For starters, Carnival hasn't announced sailings for the vessel beyond January 2022. By contrast, the line has announced sailings for every other one of the 27 ships in its fleet through at least April 2022.

Carnival also has not released a date for the next dry dock for Carnival Fantasy. Cruise ships usually go into dry dock for routine maintenance every couple of years, and Carnival Fantasy hasn't undergone a dry dock overhaul since January 2019.

Carnival Fantasy is the first of eight Fantasy Class vessels at Carnival that debuted between 1990 and 1998. While innovative for their time, they are smaller and less efficient than modern-day Carnival ships. They also lack a significant number of balcony cabins that many cruisers today desire. That said, many Carnival fans love the small size of the Fantasy Class ships. At 70,367 tons, Carnival Fantasy is about half the size of Carnival's newest ship, Carnival Panorama.

Related: TPG Cruise goes inside Carnival Panorama

Carnival Elation

Like Carnival Fantasy, this is a Fantasy Class ship at Carnival that dates to the 1990s. It's a bit younger than Carnival Fantasy, having debuted in 1998. But it has popped up on ship broker sites, such as Yacht World, which is a sign that Carnival is ready to remove it from the fleet.

Carnival Elation sails out of Port Canaveral, Florida .

Carnival Inspiration

This is another Fantasy Class ship at Carnival that shows up at ship broker sites , suggesting that Carnival is ready to part ways with it. It dates to 1996 and sails out of Long Beach, California.

Related: Carnival fans dealt blows as line cancels sailings into fall

Of course, just because Carnival has listed a ship for sale doesn't mean the vessel is immediately on the way out. Cruise lines sometimes have ships listed for sale for long periods.

Empress of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's oldest ship is increasingly an outlier in the line's fleet, which every year becomes more dominated by giant mega-ships that are chock full of amusements . At 48,563 tons, it's nearly five times smaller than the line's big Oasis Class vessels , and it only holds 1,602 passengers at double occupancy.

Called Nordic Empress when it originally debuted in 1990, Empress of the Seas is now 30 years old, which is old for a Royal Caribbean ship. Royal Caribbean already has removed it from its fleet once before, in 2008, when it transferred the vessel to the Royal Caribbean-affiliated Spanish line Pullmantur. But Royal Caribbean brought it back to its fleet in 2016 to operate sailings to Cuba , which due to port limitations could only be done with smaller vessels. Cruises from the U.S. to Cuba have since ceased due to changing government policy.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Grandeur of the Seas

Unveiled in 1996, this is the third oldest of Royal Caribbean's 26 ships, and it's already scheduled to leave the line's fleet in 2021. The line said last October that it would transfer the ship to Pullmantur. But on Monday, Pullmantur announced it was insolvent and reorganizing under Spanish insolvency laws . It's now unclear whether the transfer still will take place.

Related: The coronavirus pandemic claims its first cruise line

Grandeur of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's Vision Class ships, which the line has slowly been removing from its fleet. Two other Vision Class ships -- Splendour of the Seas and Legend of the Seas -- already have been transferred in recent years to British line Marella Cruises.

Another Vision Class ship, Rhapsody of the Seas , also could be on the shortlist of vessels that Royal Caribbean hopes to remove from its fleet. It appears for sale on some ship broker sites.

Related: 4 reasons you shouldn't take a voucher if your cruise is canceled

Majesty of the Seas

Sailing for Royal Caribbean since 1992, Majesty of the Seas is the second-oldest ship in the line's fleet and its only remaining Sovereign Class vessel. The other two were transferred years ago to Royal Caribbean-affiliated Pullmantur.

Measuring just 74,077 tons, Majesty of the Seas is about a third the size of Royal Caribbean's biggest vessels and popular with Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller ships. It carries 2,350 passengers at double occupancy. It sails out of New Orleans .

Related: American Express' Cruise Privileges program

Holland America's oldest and smallest ship is listed for sale on ship broker sites and has no sailings scheduled beyond September 2021.

Christened in 1993, Maasdam is now 27 years old. It's part of a class of four vessels that Holland America began transferring out of its fleet in 2014. Just two of the ships remain in the Holland America fleet -- Maasdam and younger sister Veendam , which debuted in 1996. Veendam is another logical candidate for removal from the Holland America fleet.

Costa Victoria

Unveiled in 1996, this 1,928-passenger vessel has spent its entire career sailing for Costa Cruises and is one of the line's oldest ships. European news outlets in recent days have said the vessel is being sold to a shipyard in Genoa, Italy, perhaps to be used as a floating dormitory for crew from ships undergoing maintenance work.

A spokesperson for Carnival Corporation would not say what vessels in the Costa fleet or other Carnival Corporation-owned fleets have been sold in recent weeks.

Related: Top travel insurance providers

Costa neoRomantica

Costa Cruises' oldest ship dates to 1993 and measures just 56,869 tons, making in an outlier in the Costa fleet. Costa's newest vessel measures more than 185,000 tons.

With the departure of Costa Victoria from the Costa fleet, Costa neoRomantica will be a full 10 years older than the next oldest Costa ship.

Another smaller Costa Cruises ship, the 2003-built Costa Mediterranea , is scheduled to transfer to a Carnival Corporation-affiliated Chinese cruise company in 2021.

Originally built for Royal Caribbean as Sovereign of the Seas, this 2,282-passenger ship is an icon of the cruise world. Billed as the world's first "mega-ship" when it debuted in 1988, it featured a five-deck Centrum with glass elevators, sweeping staircases and fountains in marble pools -- a revolutionary concept at the time. At around 73,000 tons, it was the biggest purpose-built cruise ship ever, though it has been eclipsed in size many times over during the past three decades.

Sovereign of the Seas sailed for Royal Caribbean until 2008 when it was transferred to Spanish line Pullmantur and renamed Sovereign. In the wake of Pullmantur's filing for reorganization on Monday, reports already have surfaced that Sovereign is being stripped of valuables -- a sign that it may be heading for a scrapyard.

Unveiled in 1991, this is a sister ship to Sovereign that also is now in the Pullmantur fleet. Like Sovereign, it originally sailed for Royal Caribbean, where it was called Monarch of the Seas. It left the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2013. In the wake of Pullmantur's insolvency filing on Monday, there are reports that this ship, too, is being stripped of its valuables.

Related: Best travel credit cards of 2020

Pacific Princess

Far smaller than any other Princess Cruises ship, Pacific Princess has been an outlier in the line's fleet for some time. Measuring just 30,277 tons, it's nearly five times smaller than the latest Princess vessels such as the eight-month-old Sky Princess . It holds just 680 passengers at double occupancy -- more than 80% fewer than the newest Princess ships.

Princess hasn't said anything about removing Pacific Princess from its fleet, and fans of small-ship cruising love the vessel, but it's surely an oddity for the line to keep operating. Built in the late 1990s for long-defunct Renaissance Cruises, it's a sister to seven other vessels that now form the core of the fleets of Oceania Cruises and Azamara, and it's built more for the sort of intimate, smaller-ship, destination-focused cruising that those two lines offer.

Two other Princess vessels that would be logical candidates for removal from the line's fleet are its two Sun Class ships: Sun Princess and Sea Princess . Unveiled in 1995 and 1998, respectively, they are the oldest vessels in the Princess fleet and relatively small, with room for just 1,990 passengers at double occupancy.

Celestyal Olympia

Originally built for Royal Caribbean as Song of America, this is another vessel that is listed for sale on ship broker sites. It debuted in 1982 and is now 38 years old.

Celestyal Olympia is part of Cyprus-based Celestyal Cruises, which is known for sailings around Greece and Turkey. The line currently has just two ships. In addition to Celestyal Olympia, the line operates Celestyal Crystal , a 40-year-old vessel that originally was built as a cruise ferry for the ferry company Viking Line (not to be confused with the cruise line Viking ). It was completely rebuilt in 1990 after a fire and then rebuilt again in 1994 after a partially sinking.

Given its age, Celestyal Crystal is another vessel that could be a contender for retirement.

Related: Travel insurance versus credit card protections

Marella Celebration

British line Marella Cruises in April said this 1,254-passenger vessel will not reemerge from the coronavirus shutdown and is being retired early. Dating to 1984, it's a former Holland America ship that sailed under the name Noordam for many years.

Marella didn't say whether the ship would be scrapped or sold to another cruise operator.

Marella operates five other ships, all built in the 1980s or 1990s for other lines. The oldest, Marella Dream , dates to 1986, making it 34 years old and another candidate for early retirement. The ship initially sailed as Homeric for the long-defunct Home Lines and later for Holland America (as Westerdam) and Costa Cruises (as Costa Europa).

Related: TPG's beginner's guide to points, miles and credit cards

Pacific Dawn

Originally built for Princess as the Regal Princess, this 29-year-old vessel is the oldest ship in the P&O Cruises Australia fleet. Princess and P&O Cruises Australia are sister brands.

Pacific Dawn is scheduled to be transferred to British line Cruise & Maritime Voyages in February 2021, and we wouldn't be surprised if it never sails again for P&O Cruises Australia. Australia is one of several destinations around the world that may limit cruising for some time.

Related: 17 destinations that may not welcome ships when cruising resumes

Cruise & Maritime Voyages also is scheduled to take possession of another P&O Cruises Australia vessel, Pacific Aria , in early 2021.

A wildcard for cruise ship retirements: Cruise & Maritime Voyages itself operates several older vessels that also are logical candidates for any shortlist of ships that could be retired in an era of fewer vessels.

Additional resources for cruisers during the coronavirus outbreak:

• When will cruising resume? A line-by-line guide
• Why you shouldn't expect bargain-basement cruise deals anytime soon
• How to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus
• Expecting a refund for a canceled cruise? Here's how long it will take
• Some of the year's hottest new ships could be delayed
• Stream these 13 movies, television shows to get your cruise ship fix

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Old Cruise Ships: Where Are They Now

Published: December 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Mamie Blais

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Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of retired cruise ships! These majestic vessels have sailed the seas, carrying thousands of passengers on unforgettable journeys. But what happens to these iconic ships once they reach the end of their sailing days? In this article, we will explore the different fates that await retired cruise ships and discover where they are now.

Retirement for a cruise ship is not as simple as docking at a harbor and being left to rust away. The process of retiring a cruise ship involves careful planning and consideration. The ship’s owner must decide whether to repurpose the vessel, sell it for scrap, or find a new role for it in the maritime industry.

Each retired cruise ship has its own unique story, bearing witness to years of oceanic adventures and memories. Some have found new life as floating hotels, while others have been transformed into entertainment venues or even museums. Let’s dive into the various post-retirement destinations that await these magnificent vessels.

But before we embark on this journey, it’s important to note that while some retired cruise ships enjoy a glamorous second life, others end up forgotten, abandoned in scrap yards, a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of maritime glory.

Join us as we unveil the captivating world of retired cruise ships and discover the diverse paths they take after their final voyage. From luxury hotels to training facilities, these retired vessels continue to make an impact, albeit in different ways. Let’s begin our exploration of old cruise ships and where they are now.

The Retirement Process

When a cruise ship reaches the end of its operational life, the retirement process begins. This involves a series of steps to ensure a smooth transition from active service to a new role or final resting place.

The first step in the retirement process is decommissioning the ship. This involves taking it out of service and preparing it for its next phase. The ship’s systems and equipment are thoroughly inspected, and any necessary repairs or upgrades are made. This ensures that the vessel is in a suitable condition for its future use, whether it be as a floating hotel or a museum.

Once decommissioned, the ship is often sold to a new owner. This can be another cruise line looking to expand its fleet or a company interested in repurposing the vessel for a different industry. The sale process typically involves negotiating the terms and conditions, including the purchase price and any additional agreements related to the ship’s future use.

If the retired cruise ship is to be repurposed, extensive modifications and renovations are often undertaken. This can include converting cabins into hotel rooms, adding new amenities and entertainment facilities, and redesigning the ship’s layout to suit its new purpose. These modifications breathe new life into the vessel, allowing it to continue serving a different clientele.

However, not all retired cruise ships find a second life. Some ships, especially those that are older or in poor condition, may be sold to scrap yards. In these cases, the ship is dismantled, and its materials are recycled or sold for scrap. It’s a bittersweet end for these vessels, as they are stripped of their former glory and reduced to their individual components.

The retirement process can be a lengthy and complex journey for a retired cruise ship. From decommissioning and sale to repurposing or scrapping, each vessel’s destiny is unique. The decision-makers involved must weigh various factors, such as market demand, historical significance, and the ship’s condition, to determine the best course of action.

Now that we understand the retirement process, let’s explore some of the fascinating paths that retired cruise ships can take. From luxury floating hotels to interactive museums, the possibilities are endless.

Repurposed as Floating Hotels

One popular fate for retired cruise ships is to be transformed into floating hotels. These captivating vessels offer a unique accommodation experience, allowing guests to stay onboard and enjoy the amenities and ambiance of a luxury cruise ship.

Repurposing a cruise ship into a floating hotel involves converting the cabins into guest rooms, refurbishing the public areas, and adapting the ship’s infrastructure to meet the needs of hotel guests. The result is a one-of-a-kind lodging option that combines the comforts of a hotel with the charm and allure of a maritime setting.

These floating hotels can be found in various locations across the globe, serving as iconic landmarks in bustling cities or serene waterfront destinations. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, indulge in onboard dining options, and even take part in activities such as spa treatments or swimming in onboard pools.

One notable example of a repurposed cruise ship is the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. This legendary ocean liner, which once sailed the transatlantic route, has been transformed into a stunning floating hotel. Visitors can explore the ship’s rich history, admire its Art Deco design, and enjoy luxurious accommodations.

Another renowned floating hotel is the Sunborn Yacht Hotel in London. This elegant vessel offers a lavish experience with its spacious suites, gourmet restaurants, and panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guests can immerse themselves in the maritime atmosphere while enjoying the convenience and comfort of a modern hotel.

Repurposing retired cruise ships as floating hotels provides a new lease on life for these magnificent vessels. It allows them to continue providing exceptional experiences to guests, albeit in a different capacity. Guests can relish the nostalgia and grandeur of a bygone era while creating new memories within the luxurious confines of a floating hotel.

Next, let’s set sail to the world of entertainment as we explore how some retired cruise ships have been transformed into vibrant party venues and entertainment hubs.

Transformed into Party Ships

Some retired cruise ships have found new life as party ships, offering a thrilling and vibrant experience for those seeking a unique entertainment venue. These transformed vessels serve as the ultimate party destinations, hosting events, concerts, and themed parties that attract an energetic crowd.

When a cruise ship is repurposed into a party ship, it undergoes extensive renovations to create a dynamic and immersive party atmosphere. The ship’s interiors are transformed with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, vibrant decorations, and themed spaces designed to enhance the party experience.

These party ships offer an array of entertainment options, including live music performances, DJ sets, dance floors, and bars serving cocktails and refreshments. Guests can dance the night away under the stars on the ship’s deck or explore different themed zones within the vessel, each offering its own unique party ambiance.

One famous example of a party ship is the Ibiza Boat Party. This retired cruise ship sails the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, offering an electrifying party experience in one of the world’s most iconic party destinations. Guests can enjoy live DJ sets, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as they cruise along the dazzling coastlines.

Another renowned party ship is the Groove Cruise. This floating festival takes place on a repurposed cruise ship, with multiple stages hosting world-class DJs and musicians. Passengers can mingle with like-minded partygoers, revel in the energetic performances, and enjoy the amenities and accommodations provided by the ship.

Transforming retired cruise ships into party ships breathes new life into these vessels and allows them to continue creating unforgettable experiences for party enthusiasts. The combination of a unique venue, thrilling entertainment, and the allure of sailing the high seas makes party ships a sought-after destination for those seeking a truly extraordinary party experience.

Next, let’s explore how some retired cruise ships have been transformed into captivating museums, preserving their history and allowing visitors to step back in time.

Converted into Museums

Retired cruise ships hold a wealth of historical significance, and many of them have been transformed into captivating museums, preserving their legacy and offering visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the maritime history.

When a cruise ship is converted into a museum, it undergoes a meticulous restoration process to recreate the original interiors and preserve the ship’s architectural and design elements. Exhibits are curated to tell the story of the ship’s history, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that provide insights into the vessel’s voyages, passengers, and crew.

One iconic example of a transformed cruise ship museum is the SS United States, once proudly known as the fastest ocean liner in the world. This historic ship has been converted into a museum in Philadelphia, allowing visitors to explore the vessel’s luxurious cabins, grand ballrooms, and engine rooms. The exhibits shed light on the ship’s role in transatlantic travel and its significant place in maritime history.

Another renowned cruise ship turned museum is the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), which sailed the seas for nearly 40 years. This legendary ocean liner has been transformed into a floating museum in Dubai, offering visitors the opportunity to step aboard and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the ship’s past. The QE2 museum preserves the vessel’s history through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and captivating storytelling.

Converted cruise ship museums provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, transporting them to a different era and allowing them to explore the maritime world. As they walk through the preserved cabins, dining halls, and observation decks, visitors gain a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation of these iconic vessels.

By repurposing retired cruise ships into museums, their historical significance is safeguarded, and their stories are kept alive for future generations to appreciate and admire. These museums serve as important cultural landmarks, paying homage to the maritime heritage and the remarkable achievements of these magnificent ships.

Next, let’s discover how retired cruise ships are utilized as training facilities, providing invaluable opportunities for aspiring mariners and maritime professionals.

Used as Training Facilities

Retired cruise ships are often repurposed as training facilities, offering aspiring mariners and maritime professionals a unique learning environment to gain hands-on experience and practical skills.

Utilizing retired cruise ships as training facilities provides a realistic and immersive setting for students and trainees to understand the complexities of operating and managing a vessel. These facilities offer a wide range of training programs, including navigation and seamanship, engine maintenance, safety procedures, and more.

One prominent example of a retired cruise ship used as a training facility is the SS Rotterdam in the Netherlands. This historic ocean liner has been transformed into a maritime school, providing comprehensive training programs for future deck officers, engineers, and hospitality professionals. Students have the opportunity to navigate the ship’s simulated bridge, work in the engine rooms, and learn the intricacies of customer service in onboard restaurants and accommodations.

Another renowned training facility is the Training Ship Golden Bear, a former cruise ship converted into a maritime training vessel for the California Maritime Academy. This ship offers hands-on training in various disciplines, including navigation, engineering, and maritime operations. Students live and work onboard, simulating real-life scenarios and gaining valuable practical experience.

Using retired cruise ships as training facilities offers a unique advantage over traditional classrooms and simulators. Trainees can apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, learning from experienced professionals and simulating real-world scenarios. The authentic ship environment allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and responsibilities involved in maritime professions.

Additionally, these training facilities offer a glimpse into the operational procedures and inner workings of a cruise ship, offering valuable insights into the complexities of the maritime industry. They serve as a bridge between the academic and practical aspects of maritime education, preparing students for real-world challenges and ensuring they are well-equipped to embark on their careers.

Next, let’s explore what happens to retired cruise ships that have reached the end of their useful life and are destined for the scrap yard.

Relegated to Scrap Yards

For some retired cruise ships, the end of their operational life marks a somber journey to the scrap yard. These once majestic vessels, with their rich history and captivating stories, are dismantled and recycled, bringing an end to their maritime legacy.

When a cruise ship is deemed unfit for further use or repurposing, it may be sold to a scrap yard. The ship is then towed to a facility where it will undergo the process of breaking, also known as ship breaking. This involves disassembling the ship and recycling its components and materials.

The ship breaking process is labor-intensive and meticulous. Skilled workers meticulously dismantle the vessel, salvaging valuable materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper. These materials are then recycled and used in various industries, contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing the demand for new raw materials.

Ship breaking yards, located in various parts of the world, handle the dismantling process. These yards employ safety protocols and environmental measures to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystems. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental and human rights aspects of ship breaking, highlighting the need for responsible and ethical practices in this industry.

While it may be a solemn fate for retired cruise ships, their journey to the scrap yard serves as a reminder of the transient nature of maritime vessels. The ship’s end-of-life is an opportunity to reflect on its history, the memories created by passengers and crew, and the impact it had on the world of cruising.

It’s worth noting that efforts are being made to repurpose and recycle retired cruise ships in more sustainable and environmentally conscious ways. Initiatives are being explored to convert retired vessels into artificial reefs, providing habitats for marine life and promoting biodiversity. These innovative approaches aim to balance the preservation of maritime heritage with environmental stewardship.

As the years go by, more retired cruise ships will likely find their way to scrap yards. However, the memories and impact of these remarkable vessels will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who crossed their decks and experienced the wonders of a cruise.

With our exploration of the different post-retirement destinations of cruise ships coming to a close, we can reflect on the diverse paths these vessels take once their voyages come to an end. From floating hotels and party ships to museums and training facilities, each retired cruise ship finds its own unique purpose, leaving a lasting legacy in the maritime world.

The journey of a retired cruise ship goes beyond its final voyage. These magnificent vessels find new life in various forms, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. From repurposed floating hotels to vibrant party ships, captivating museums, and training facilities, each retired cruise ship takes on a unique role in its post-retirement phase.

Transformed into floating hotels, these retired ships offer guests the opportunity to indulge in the luxurious amenities and ambiance of a cruise ship while enjoying breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Party ships bring an energetic and vibrant atmosphere, hosting events and themed parties that create memories that last a lifetime.

Converted cruise ship museums preserve the history and legacy of these iconic vessels, allowing visitors to step back in time and learn about their maritime heritage. They serve as cultural landmarks, paying homage to the achievements and innovations of these majestic ships.

Utilized as training facilities, retired cruise ships provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring mariners and maritime professionals to gain practical experience in a realistic and immersive environment. These hands-on learning environments bridge the gap between theory and practice, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals in the maritime industry.

However, not all retired cruise ships find a new purpose. For some, their final destination is the scrap yard, where they are dismantled, and their materials are recycled. While this marks the end of their physical presence, their legacy lives on, reminding us of the transient nature of maritime glory.

The journey of a retired cruise ship is filled with a mix of emotions – from nostalgia to excitement, and sometimes even sadness. Yet, it serves as a testament to the lasting impact these vessels have on the world of cruising and the memories they create for passengers and crew alike.

As we bid farewell to the retired cruise ships and their post-retirement destinations, let us appreciate the beauty, history, and significance these vessels hold. Their stories continue to inspire maritime enthusiasts and remind us of the wonders of the sea.

Whether repurposed, reimagined, or relegated to the scrap yard, retired cruise ships leave an indelible mark on our collective memory and remain a symbol of adventure, luxury, and the timeless allure of the open ocean.

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Heartbreaking video shows 20-year-old Levion Parker happily swimming in the ocean and fishing with his pals just a week before he drunkenly jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and was never seen again.

The TikTok video was posted by Parker’s friend, Kaleb Felty, on March 27 and shows Parker beaming on a boat off Florida and splashing around in the shallows.

At one point, a shirtless Parker holds up a fish he’d just caught. Another clip shows him fighting with a fish on his line as it darts under the boat before it cuts to Parker taking a dip in the sea.

Felty posted several other videos of Parker, including one of him hunting with a bow and arrow. In another video he dubbed a “typical Levion moment,” Parker feeds pelicans a fish out of his hands from a boat.

Parker’s pal also posted a slideshow of several photos of the two together, writing “I will see you again one way or another.”

Parker, of North Port, Florida, jumped off the 11th deck of the Liberty of the Seas around 4 a.m. on April 4, plummeting 200 feet into the Atlantic in front of his helpless brother and father while heading to Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island, Florida officials said.

He had been drinking and had just gotten into an argument with his father, witnesses said.

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” cruise passenger Deborah Morrison told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves,” she added.

Royal Caribbean said it “immediately” launched search boats to look for the 20-year-old and alerted the Coast Guard, which later took over the search. 

The boy’s stunned father, Francel Parker, told The Daily Sun he threw six life rings off the ship in hopes of saving his son before the massive vessel was able to come to a stop about 20 minutes later.

Five days later, The Coast Guard called off its search.

Francel Parker is demanding to know how his underage son was given alcohol on the four-day cruise.

However Royal Caribbean sources told The Daily Mail he could have purchased the booze offboard, where the drinking age is 18.

“We have a strict policy on underage drinking. We did not serve this guest on board,” the source told the outlet. “The ship was docked in the Dominican Republic that day, so we cannot speak to what guest did when he was off the ship.”

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The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

Set sail for a solo adventure at sea.

The Best Solo Cruises

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Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

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AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Party Cruises
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Caribbean cruise line reroutes ships, cancels stop at island port due to violence, turmoil

• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 12:11 p.m.

Royal Caribbean International has canceled stops at its private beach in Haiti through September as a result of the violence plaguing the island nation, a private fan blog, citing messages to travelers, reports. AP

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean has cancelled stops at its private port of Labadee through the summer because of simmering violence in Haiti.

In March, the cruise line canceled stops at the private beach area through May, but this week Royal Caribbean reworked cruise schedules through the summer and into September, a post on the Royal Caribbean Blog said.

“Guests booked on cruises in the summer and early fall are getting notifications from Royal Caribbean that their visits to Labadee have been canceled,” the blog said. “On Tuesday (April 23), cruisers began to share updates they received from Royal Caribbean that their itineraries have been updated to drop Labadee and replace it with another port or a sea day.”

Labadee is a beach area on a peninsula in northern Haiti near Cap-Haitien used exclusively by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has its own security force at the site, which is walled off from the rest of the country.

The 260-acre site has been leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. It is about a six-hour drive from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and thus far has not seen any incidents of violence, the blog said.

More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in gang violence from January to March across Haiti, a more than 50% increase from the same period last year, according to a report Friday by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. The vast majority of violence is in Port-au-Prince .

Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s former capital, has been spared much of the violence and is going through a bit of a resurgence, The Associated Press said . Business owners, anxious parents and even historic state ceremonies have been relocating there, and that began even before gangs started attacking key government infrastructure in Port-au-Prince in late February.

Royal Caribbean International had no formal announcements of the changes posted to its website. Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial site for fans of the cruise line and is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.

But it cited chatter and messages from cruise ticket holders about changes to their itinerary that showed stops at Labadee were being canceled and replaced with either an extra day of cruising at sea or stops in alternate ports.

A notice from the cruise line, reposted on the blog, informed guests about the change in travel plans, without explicitly mentioning the violence.

“Due to the continuing situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti,” the notice reads. “We’re sorry for the change – your safety is our top priority. Nevertheless, we’re excited to visit a new port with you!”

Grand Turk is the capital island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago north of Haiti.

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A pregnant passenger had to be evacuated from a Disney Cruise ship via helicopter after a medical emergency.

The Coast Guard said the Disney Fantasy ship was 180 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico on Monday, when the 35-year-old patient required a higher level of medical care.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard Jayhawk aircrew deployed a rescue swimmer aboard the cruise ship. A rescue basket was used to hoist the patient and a cruise ship doctor onto the helicopter.

“Our crew was able to quickly, safely, and efficiently execute a long-range MEDEVAC for the patient to receive the higher level of care she required,” said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens. “This case demonstrates the value of good crew resource management and the capabilities of our Jayhawk helicopter.”

The woman was taken to a hospital in San Juan for treatment. Her current condition was not immediately available.

I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

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I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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