Welcome to the weekly Cruise News Digest. Here you can catch up on the past week’s cruise news and all things La Lido Loca.
Let’s dive in!
First up–Holland America Line announced its holiday cruises. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Hanakkuh, Christmas or New Year’s, Holland America has the stress-free holiday you are looking for. These cruises will depart from the ports of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and San Diego, California to sail to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico. Or you can choose a holiday cruise in Asia, South America, and Australia and New Zealand.
Princess Cruises also announced a special cruise–the “Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise.” This magical cruise will partner two California icons—Princess Cruises and Hollywood’s world famous Magic Castle. This seven day roundtrip magic themed cruise departs from Los Angeles on October 7, 2023, will feature day-long ports of call in San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to Los Angeles on October 14, 2023.
In Carnival news, the cruise line announced Carnival Jubilee’s senior officers. Captain Andrea Catalani, Chief Engineer Vittorino Perasole and Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri will be at the helm and bring nearly 70 years of experience ensuring the best cruises for both the guests and crew. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line opened 2025-26 bookings on its ships sailing out of Galveston, which includes Carnival Jubilee along with Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream. Beginning May 2025, itineraries vary from four- to eight-day sailings.
Cunard celebrated two milestones this week. First, the cruise line announced on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, that its entire fleet now has the capability to connect to shore power, including Queen Anne who is debuting next spring. On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth was welcomed by The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority when they arrived in Victoria, British Columbia bringing the ten millionth cruise passenger to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth’s arrival marked 54 years of cruise ships visiting Victoria.
This week also brought the announcement that MSC Cruises would be bringing its newest ship, MSC Euribia, to the Middle East from late November 2024 through early April 2025. This will mark the third time MSC Cruises has debuted a brand new ship to the Middle East with the first being MSC Virtuosa during the 2021-22 season and then MSC World Europa for the 2022-23 season.
There you have it. This week’s Cruise News Digest. Did you see this week’s live show with Tony and Jenny B? Are they paying for pizza? While you are there, hop on over to Have To Lose where Tony gives an update on his weight loss journey. Be sure to hit the subscribe button with notifications on so you never miss out on all things La Lido Loca. You can also join in on the conversation via social media on the La Lido Cruising Community and the Have to Lose Support Crew group pages.