LACruiser88

Will there be any changes to the Princess fleet with this major change???

June 3, 2024 7:15 PM EDT June 3, 2024 7:15 PM EDT Carnival Corporation to Strategically Align Portfolio and Absorb P&O Cruises Australia into Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line to boost its capacity by absorbing P&O Cruises Australia in 2025, further optimizing the company's brand portfolio creating operational efficiencies MIAMI and SYDNEY, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced that in March 2025, the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line, the most popular cruise line in the world. This change is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, the company's flagship brand and the highest-returning brand in Carnival Corporation's global portfolio. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line's fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises. In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028. "Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line's capacity by almost 25% since 2019 including transferring three ships from Costa Cruises, guest demand remains incredibly strong so we're leveraging our scale in an even more meaningful way by absorbing an entire brand into the world's most popular cruise line," said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. "In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line was 29% of our total capacity, and when we complete this move early next year, Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – will make up approximately 35% of our total global capacity. While our company's overall growth between 2019 – 2028 is projected to be less than 2% (CAGR), the majority will be for Carnival Cruise Line, which will grow by approximately 50% over that time period." In addition to further optimizing the composition of Carnival Corporation's global brand portfolio, the realignment will strengthen the company's performance in the South Pacific through numerous operational efficiencies. "P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region," said Weinstein. "However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region. Carnival Corporation & plc remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region with 19 ships calling on 78 destinations and representing almost 60% of the market." Building on Shared Legacy in the Region As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025. Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings as a result of this announcement. When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line – which has served the South Pacific since 2013 – will have four ships in the market, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure. "We look forward to building on the history and heritage of P&O Cruises Australia by bringing some of our innovations to more cruise guests in the region," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes to the two P&O Cruises Australia ships, they will continue to be geared to the unique Australian market with a familiar feel and much of the same experiences for P&O Cruises Australia guests. The most notable change will be the availability of our popular HubApp, enabling guests to make online dining and excursion reservations, request food and beverage delivery, and chat with other guests, among other features. P&O Cruises Australia guests will also be invited to participate in Carnival's loyalty program and promotional offerings specific to Carnival ships sailing in the region." "Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy and an important contributor to the tourism industry in the South Pacific," said Weinstein. "We value the connection our P&O Cruises Australia guests, employees, travel advisor partners, public officials and destinations have with our company and are committed to building on this association moving forward as Carnival."

I believe the conversations regarding making the Hollywood Conservatory a Sanctuary would have the pool become a "Retreat" pool. Retreat pools are free and open to adults. Will see what they end up doing? 🤷‍♂️ We'll be on for 51 days in Dec/Jan and I'm fairly certain by then they will know exactly what they will do during the March dry dock.

Crews are paid in USD.

From the press release... Guests booked on a Princess Premier package will enjoy these premium spirits as part of their beverage options, further enhancing their all-inclusive cruise experienc

This is the same strategy they use for most of their cruise sales, raise the price just before a "sale." Buyer Beware!

May 30, 2024 9:30 AM EDT Princess Cruises Partners with Pitbull, Jason Aldean, Romero Britto to Introduce Exclusive "Love Line Premium Liquors" Collection New High-End Wine and Spirits Options Debut on Sun Princess, Rolling Out Fleetwide Included in Princess Premier Package FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, the world's most iconic cruise brand, has launched its all-new "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection. Crafted in collaboration with renowned celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto, this exclusive line of wines and spirits promises an unparalleled experience for guests sailing aboard ships from the Love Boat. Voli 305 Vodka by Pitbull Debuting on Sun Princess, the "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection features meticulously selected wines and spirits, each bearing the unique touch of its celebrity partner. From the smooth allure of premium vodka to organic notes of crafted wine, this collection caters to the discerning tastes of Princess Cruises guests. Among the highlights of the premium spirits collection are: Voli 305 Vodka by Pitbull: A celebration of style and sophistication, Voli 305 Vodka embodies the vibrant energy of Miami nightlife. Created in partnership with Pitbull, this ultra-premium vodka is distilled to perfection, offering a taste of luxury with every sip. Pitbull, also known as Mr. Worldwide, is a globally recognized musician, entrepreneur, and education advocate. Love Prosecco by Britto: Artist Romero Britto and esteemed winemaker Villa Sandi have joined creative forces to unveil Love Prosecco, a private label that marries artistry with the essence of fine Italian craftsmanship and is included as part of the dining experience at Love by Britto aboard Sun Princess, as well as available in bars across the Princess fleet. Love Prosecco embodies the essence of refinement and sophistication, offering a refreshing experience with every sip. This classic wine delights the palate with a nuanced interplay of dry melon fruit, transitioning seamlessly into a luxurious burst of fine mousse. Its liberating flavors dance on the taste buds, with notes of lemon, mineral, and white peach imparting a symphony of taste sensations. Not stopping at the contents within, every aspect of Love Prosecco, from label to packaging, reflects Britto's distinctive artistic vision. The label and box have been meticulously designed by Britto himself, infusing the product with an added layer of visual allure and creative expression. Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon by Jason Aldean: Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc, Melorosa Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon from celebrated country music icon Jason Aldean and his sister Kasi Wicks and fellow country music artist and entertainer Chuck Wicks round out the initial brands that make up the exciting new Love Line collection. Famed for his chart-topping hits like "Dirt Road Anthem" and "Burnin' It Down," Aldean and his family bring their passion for quality and authenticity to the world of winemaking. Crafted to perfection, Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing and dry white wine that promises a delightful sensory journey. Its crisp palate, accentuated by hints of herbs and grasses, pairs harmoniously with a variety of dishes. Those with a passion for reds will enjoy the sophisticated Melorosa Cabernet Sauvignon, a fruit-forward marvel crafted straight from the heart of California's vineyards. Embodied with rich dark fruit notes of blueberry and blackberry, complemented by nuances of earth, dust, mocha, and cedar, this Cabernet is a symphony of flavors. Its moderate to high tannin levels and concentrated profile make it an impeccable choice for pairing with rich tasting foods, promising an unforgettable dining experience. "We are proud to partner with esteemed celebrities like Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto to introduce the 'Love Line Premium Liquors' collection and deliver an exceptional selection of spirits that reflect the diverse tastes and preferences of our guests," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "The Love Line Collection is a natural extension of the elegance and sophistication found throughout our Princess ships and makes every sip a journey worth savoring." Guests booked on a Princess Premier package will enjoy these premium spirits as part of their beverage options, further enhancing their all-inclusive cruise experience. The "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection is now available aboard Sun Princess, and will be available exclusively across the Princess fleet starting ahead of summer voyages, providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the finest spirits from around the world. Whether sipping Prosecco under the stars or toasting to new adventures with premium wines, guests can expect nothing less than perfection from this extraordinary new collection. Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe and Caribbean can be booked by visiting www.princess.com/sunprincess

May 29, 2024 9:30 AM EDT Princess Cruises Announces Extended 2025-26 Japan & Southeast Asia Cruise Season Diamond Princess Returns to the Land of the Rising Sun for Expanded Program Showcasing Beautiful Fall Foliage FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of record-breaking travel to Japan by U.S. visitors in 2023, and another strong season underway this year, Princess Cruises today announced it will extend the number of itineraries in Japan during the 2025-26 season. The 2025-26 cruise season to the must-see island nations of Japan and Southeast Asia onboard a Princess ship has just been announced. On sale now, Japan-built Diamond Princess returns featuring an expanded Japan season showcasing the region's breathtaking fall foliage, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and more. "We truly make it easy to travel to Japan and Southeast Asia on our Diamond Princess Love Boat to experience these amazing destinations," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we're thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo (Yokohama) during the beautiful fall foliage season and continue to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia. Plus, our guests only need to unpack once to experience these storied countries while enjoying vibrant shore excursions and our regional culinary and entertainment offerings onboard." From ancient temples and castles, to bustling markets and breathtaking gardens, cruisers experience the best way to see Japan with Princess with a new fall 2025 season offering 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 days, visiting 25 destinations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as stops in Korea and Taiwan. Highlights of the season include: 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing taking place during the beautiful autumn leaves season 9-day Circle Japan voyage a circumnavigation of the country with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato 9-day Southern Islands departures to the southernmost part of Japan and the lush islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki 10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, which sails these large islands of Japan including visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji) For the ultimate Japan exploration, guests can combine these 18- to 22- day itineraries for an unforgettable 40-day adventure Following her extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong to kick off three roundtrip Singapore sailings including: 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise, which also includes calls to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) 16-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam departure which also includes a call to Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a gateway to Hanoi Closing the season will be a 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama) with late night More Ashore stays in both Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)

Most folks were dressed in nice casual attire. No one was dressed formal.

On Princess, we are always in a mini-suite (with balcony) and make sure we always have staterooms above us and below us. We are leaning towards a Veranda Suite but I was curious as to potential noise coming from under the Ocean View Suites.

FWIW, QR codes have never been used...

On the Sojourn, I noticed that there are no suites below the Ocean View Suites. I assume that this lower deck houses crew or engineering equipment which has me concerned??? The dreaded door slammers are one of our biggest complaints while cruising, especially at 5 in the morning!

Good Morning, we are long-time Princess cruisers considering booking our first Seabourn voyage. We are looking at a May of 2025 24-day Med cruise on the Sojourn. Our questions is re: Ocean View Suites and potential noise from the lower deck. Is this a concern/issue? What other things should we consider between booking a Veranda Suite or an Ocean View Suite besides the lack of a balcony? Thank you for your Help!

To update this list - Do not push the "Quote" button. (It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update). - Instead: Find the most recent post with the list. - Select and copy all of the text in that post, including these instructions, except the previous poster's "change notes". (copy from To update this list down to <Copy to this line . . .>) - Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the "Reply to this topic..." box. - Paste your copied text into that box to create a new post. - Make your modifications to the list. - Add your "change notes" at the bottom. - Click the Submit Reply button just below your new post. - Confirm that everything is correct! You can edit for up to 20 minutes after posting. *Dates under ship name reflect the voyage from which the most recent photo of officers was shared here on CC. SHIP Captain Cruise Director Entertainment Director Director of Restaurant Operations CARIBBEAN Vincenzo Lubrano (leaves Jan 2024) Ozren Marelic (leave) Nikki Jayne Mathew Edward Joseph Oscar Perego CORAL Domagoj Cuculic Esther Shelton Lauren Meyer [photo with Jason] Joachim Rothe CROWN Mario Juresko Vincenzo “Renzo” Lembo (leaves) Jason Allen Mariusz Czemarmazowicz DIAMOND Stefano Ravera On Emerald as of 5-25 David Frost Tim Donovan Fahey Giuseppe Franchina DISCOVERY Alessandro Genzo Cole Bockman (Back in June) Kristoff Greyling Kyler Mann Paul Ciobanu Catalin Ionel (on leave) EMERALD 5-25-24 Paolo Ravers Lloyd Flay Susan Rawlings ??? ENCHANTED Nick Nash DuVaul Gamble Matt Thompson Nicola Furlan GRAND John Foster Kevin Tugwell Drew Raitch Jean Paul Musiu ISLAND Paul Slight Andi Sanders Tobias Eland Stewart Daniele Rosafio MAJESTIC Giuseppe Castellano Olivia Guthrie Ron Goodman ??? REGAL Fabrizio Maresca Allie Ambriano Martyn Moss Neville Saldanha ROYAL Steve Holland Dan France Kelvin Joy Silvio Zampieri RUBY Marco Fortezze Michael (Micca) Reitano Alex Valcan Giuseppe Gelmini SAPPHIRE Paolo Ravers On Emerald as of 5-25 Armando Merin Drew Raitch Mario Propato SKY Nick Nash Lucy Kelly Alexandra Smith Silviu Criva STAR Gennaro Arma Nick Nash (relief) TBA TBA TBA SUN Paolo Arrigo Jayson Douglass Madison Adams Claudio Giuliani <Copy to this line so there is space to type "change notes" after this line DRO Douw Steyl, on the Majestic, went home on May 19th. Do not know who replaced him. Douw will be back in two months.

Did that, still happening... Looking into AdBlock+

Only happening on our PC. And I have two pop-up ad blockers applied. 🤷‍♂️

Anyone else getting the below Cruise Critic pop-up ad? It keeps popping up every 60 seconds, so annoying! This started happening a few days go, anyone know how to stop it???

Also, yesterday I removed Douw Steyl as the DRO on the Majestic, he went home on May 19th. Now he is back on the chart??? 🤷‍♂️

To update this list - Do not push the "Quote" button. (It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update). - Instead: Find the most recent post with the list. - Select and copy all of the text in that post, including these instructions, except the previous poster's "change notes". (copy from To update this list down to <Copy to this line . . .>) - Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the "Reply to this topic..." box. - Paste your copied text into that box to create a new post. - Make your modifications to the list. - Add your "change notes" at the bottom. - Click the Submit Reply button just below your new post. - Confirm that everything is correct! You can edit for up to 20 minutes after posting. *Dates under ship name reflect the voyage from which the most recent photo of officers was shared here on CC. SHIP Captain Cruise Director Entertainment Director Director of Restaurant Operations CARIBBEAN (Dec 3, 23) Vincenzo Lubrano (leaves Jan 2024) Ozren Marelic (leave) Gary Golding (Feb 2024) Mathew Edward Joseph 🟢 Oscar Perego CORAL (Feb 6, 24) Domagoj Cuculic Pat Carlos Milino Lauren Meyer [photo with Jason] Joachim Rothe CROWN (Feb 25, 24) Mario Juresko Vincenzo “Renzo” Lembo (leaves) Jason Allen Mariusz Czemarmazowicz DIAMOND Stefano Ravera David Frost 🟢 Tim Donovan Fahey Giuseppe Franchina DISCOVERY (Feb 19, 24) Alessandro Genzo (leave Jan 2024) Tony Ruggero (active Jan 2024) Cole Bockman (departs April and back in June) Kristoff Greyling (takes over in April) Kyler Mann Paul Ciobanu Catalin Ionel (on leave) EMERALD (Mar 20, 2024) Steven Lewis Geof O’Rourke Rui Pereira ENCHANTED (Feb 27,24) Nick Nash DuVaul Gamble Matt Thompson Nicola Furlan GRAND (Mar. 22, 2024) Michele Bartolomei Sophie Gideon Drew Raitch Jean Paul Musiu ISLAND Marco Cataldi (leaves Mar 2024) Paul Slight (leave) Jaclyn Friedlander (leaves Jan 2024) Andi Sanders (returns Jan 2024) Tobias Eland Stewart 🟢 Daniele Rosafio MAJESTIC (Dec 10, 23) John Foster (leaves Jan 2024?) Kristoff Greyling (Feb 2024 for ~ 2 mths) Olivia Guthrie Ron Goodman ??? REGAL (Mar 20, 24) Fabrizio Maresca Allie Ambriano Martyn Moss Neville Saldanha ROYAL (Mar 22, 24) Steve Holland Dan France Kelvin Joy Silvio Zampieri RUBY (April 14, 2024) Marco Fortezze Michael (Micca) Reitano Alex Valcan Giuseppe Gelmini SAPPHIRE (Feb 6, 2024 Todd McBain Armando Merin Ben Powney Mario Propato SKY (Mar 9, 24) Heikki Laakkonen Aaron Hawkins Alexandra Smith 🟢 Ciprian Hoidreag STAR Gennaro Arma Nick Nash (relief) TBA TBA TBA SUN Craig Street Corinne Steel Neil Rose Claudio Giuliani <Copy to this line so there is space to type "change notes" after this line Majestic DRO, Douw Steyl, went home on May 19th.

We will definitely get the latest scoop on the renovations when we are onboard in December. I'll post the info on my "Live" thread for that voyage.

I asked the HGM onboard this exact question. He said that the area would not be large enough. He only sees the Sphere Class Sanctuary on Sphere Class ships...

I forgot to mention that they are also removing all of the Chinese signage on the ship.

We were just onboard for the 33-day TP, Sydney to Seattle, on the Majestic. We had several conversations with Senior Staff Officers onboard. As I mentioned in my "Live" thread, the Catch by Rudi will be moving to Deck 5, Harmony's current location. Sabatini's will take over Catch's current location on Deck 7. The Slice will replace the Noodle Bar on the Lido Deck. All of these changes are to occur during the March dry dock in Palermo. We will be onboard on Dec 1st for the 51-day voyage, LA to Ft Lauderdale. I will be able to confirm these changes during this voyage. Also of interest, a very Senior Staff Officer told us that there has also been serious discussions regarding changing the Hollywood Conservatory to a Sanctuary (a non-revenue venue to a revenue venue). For us, these will be welcomed changes. I know not all will be happy with these changes. 🤷‍♂️

No, we always bring the below...

This is the one we always bring along with no issues.