Another cruise ship had to return earlier than planned because of a norovirus outbreak. This time it is the Caribbean Princess. 165 passengers fell ill with norovirus, the same intestinal disorder that forced another ship to cut short a trip this week. Like Explorer of the Seas, the Caribbean Princess was on a Caribbean cruise. The ship set sail from Houston on Jan. 25 and was scheduled to return on Saturday.
Port Canaveral is already one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Disney, Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean all have ships based at Port Canaveral. It is also a port of call for many cruise ships. Last week the port officials announced plans for a new cruise complex. It will be constructed next year at the cost of $ 85 million.
The 185,000 square foot terminal at Port Canaveral will be the first modern one on the south side of the port’s ship channel. It will be adjacent to the port’s newly opened Exploration Tower, as well as the shops and restaurants on that side of the port. “Cruise visitors will be able to walk outside the terminal to enjoy port destination options or depart from the terminal and Exploration Tower to enjoy area excursions,” said John Walsh, the port’s director. Announcements regarding tenants for the new $85 million terminal, which comes with its own 1,000-space parking garage, are expected soon, Walsh added.
The port also added a terminal in 2012 at a cost of $ 65 million, bringing the total number of berths up to seven. We are planning four new terminals during the next 10-15 years. One is 2014-2015, one will replace [terminals 3 and 4] in 2016-2017 and then two added terminals likely in 2021 and 2025 based on current trends. We also will have terminal expansion coming for [cruise terminals 5 and 10].” Walsh said.
The 185,000 square foot terminal at Port Canaveral will be the first modern one on the south side of the port’s ship channel. It will be adjacent to the port’s newly opened Exploration Tower, as well as the shops and restaurants on that side of the port. “Cruise visitors will be able to walk outside the terminal to enjoy port destination options or depart from the terminal and Exploration Tower to enjoy area excursions,” said John Walsh, the port’s director.
“The new cruise terminal complex will handle the largest cruise ships currently sailing as well as the 6,000-passenger vessels in design,” reads a press release from the port. This words started speculations. The only vessel of this class „currently in design” is the unnamed third Oasis-class ship of Royal Caribbean. Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd says we shouldn’t read too much into that information. „The same reference was made when the new Kai Tak passenger terminal was opened in Hong Kong harbor last year.” he commented.
Another possibility for the new terminal is Anthem of the Seas – the second of three 167,800-ton, 4,180-passenger next generation Royal Caribbean cruise ships to debut, will launch spring 2015 with 2,090 cabins. Royal is expected soon to announce the home port and itineraries for the Anthem.
One thing is for sure – Port Canaveral keeps growing and getting better.
We already wrote about that the annual AAPA Convention will take place in Orlando and Port Canaveral this year. Well, mainly in Orlando as it turns out. Though Port Canaveral is a world-class tourist center, it simply isn’t accommodated for hosting grand business events. But with Orlando just 45 minutes away, it still counts that the port is the actual host of the convention. And port authorities are more then optimistic that the conventions will bring a major boost to the port.
More information about the convention’s program can be found on FloridaToday
Recently, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its newest ship, the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway, will call at Port Canaveral during 7-day cruises from New York City to the Bahamas, starting in October of this year.
Norwegian Breakaway, which debuted in April 2013, is a New York City-inspired ship that sails year-round from the Big Apple to Bermuda. The ship is the first of two Project Breakaway vessels. Breakaway, the first of a new vessel class for Norwegian, was designed to reflect the culture and style of its New York homeport from the outside in. The hull pops with a colorful depiction of the NYC skyline designed by American pop icon Peter Max. The high-energy ship is chock full of eateries, entertainment venues, lounges and outdoor activities. Chances are you’ll never get to try everything in one sailing. Between three Broadway shows, 27 restaurants, an 80’s-themed dance party with fireworks, a full schedule of day and night activities and the half-deck Aqua Park and Ropes Course, you might have a hard time deciding which activity to tackle first.
“This is an exciting ship with the kind of innovative experiences we always are looking to add to this Port’s offerings,” said Port Authority Commissioner John Evans. “And we look forward to welcoming the thousands of visiting passengers it will bring to enjoy the attractions of the Space Coast.”
If you seek a vacation that will bring you an entertaining and adventurous experience, but in the same time is comforting and convenient – the cruising is just for you! On this kind of adventure you and your family can visit many and different paradise-like destinations in a short period of time, enjoy onboard activities and entertainments! You can easily and comfortably experience all of these and many more on the board of Disney Cruise Line.
The answer to the question why should you choose a Disney Cruise is quite simple – it combines activities for everyone: if you need some time to relax there is place just for you, adults, there is also place where your kids will have marvelous time. For sure there is – it is a Disney Cruise!
There are 4 Disney Cruise Line ships – all of them with an outstanding design, recognizable with the decorative gold swirls across their bows. And now there they are – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy! Mixing elegance and a pinch of element of fun, they are created especially for families! Now, find out the fabulous delights of sailing to exotic destinations aboard these liners that can even bring you back to the childhood.
Each one of these ships has enough places to keep you entertained until the end of the cruise, no matter if you are an adult or a kind – there are restaurants, nightclubs, shops and recreational facilities that will make this vacation an unforgettable memory.
For kids, and why not for adults, too, there are live-shows, including all of the Disney characters, performing musicals and dancing… Children and adults can meet and greet many of the Disney characters throughout the entire fleet of Disney Cruise Line Ships. There are youth activities aboard the Disney ships, including activity centers – delightfully themed onboard youth clubs, where kids of all ages can play and participate in different activities that gets their attention together with their siblings and friends and why not some new friends, met on the ship! There are 3 pools on the ship – Goofy’s pool, Donald’s pool and of course Mickey’s pool which even features a twisting slide.
For the adults there are many nightclubs and lounges – starting with the 687 – a contemporary sports bar where families can partake in activities and games during the day, and adults can relax with a cocktail at night. Bon Voyage is a cozy space where families can enjoy a refreshing drink or snack throughout the day. Cadillac Lounge, a piano bar that is an intimate spot with a classic Cadillac theme, where adults can enjoy a cocktail, listening to live music.
If you’ve already packed up the suitcases let me tell you where you can start this adventure – right from Port Canaveral, of course!
