Expanded sailings and a makeover in the works
Cruise fans will love these big plans announced by Carnival and Norwegian
The big ship cruise news keeps rolling in like an early Christmas present.
Right out of the gate is news that Carnival Cruise Line (cruise.center/carnival) will be expanding its sailings in Alaska in 2021 with the addition of the 2,980-guest Carnival Freedom. The ship — which has never before sailed the West Coast or Alaska — will home port in Seattle beginning in April of 2021.
“Alaska is a ‘bucket list’ destination that offers a unique combination of fascinating wildlife and unique cultural and sightseeing opportunities. We’re delighted to provide our guests with even more opportunities to Choose Fun as they experience and explore the beauty and majesty of Alaska,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Freedom will sail the line’s popular weeklong Glacier Route voyages that offer calls on Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria, in addition to scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.
This is noteworthy because ships of Carnival Freedom’s class are seldom seen on the West Coast, and rarely in Alaska. Larger than Carnival’s existing ships in the region, Carnival Freedom offers plenty of open deck space and window-lined public rooms, plus a wide array of inside, outside, balcony and suite accommodations.
Carnival Freedom joins the classy Carnival Miracle, a favourite on the West Coast, which will begin 10- and 11-day voyages to Alaska round trip from San Francisco. These voyages are great even for Canadians, as they offer more sea days and better opportunities to cruise the Pacific Coast.
Bookings for these new 2021 sailings have already opened. It’s early, but fans of Carnival
Freedom — currently based out of Galveston, Texas — will be eager to sail to a new destination aboard her.
Shifting gears somewhat, Norwegian Cruise Line (cruise. center/norwegian) has announced that it will put its 1998-built Norwegian Spirit through a sweeping refit, to the tune of US$100 million.
The ship has always been something of an outlier for Norwegian. It was originally built for Asian cruising powerhouse Star Cruises before being transferred to Norwegian in 2005 with much of its original decor and exotic styling intact.
But being smaller and slightly more well-loved, it provides a great counterpoint to Norwegian’s newest ships, which are universally large and packed with people.
Now Norwegian Spirit will get a little of the TLC it deserves. Starting in January, a 40-day dry dock will add 14 new venues to the 2,018-guest ship along with an expanded spa, new staterooms and fresh new hull artwork.
“We are excited to reinvigorate Norwegian Spirit so that she continues to provide lasting memories for guests as they sail to some of the most exotic destinations around the world,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian’s president and CEO.
Norwegian is adding new dining venues to Norwegian Spirit, including both complimentary and paid options, and a third new main dining room.
The ship will also receive the popular Spinnaker Lounge, the Humidor Cigar Lounge, the Bliss Ultra Lounge and the Waves Pool Bar.
On the cabin front, all suites and staterooms will be completely refurbished from top to bottom. The line is also adding 16 new staterooms (eight balcony and eight inside) to the ship.
Perhaps best of all, the ship’s Mandara Spa — already a pretty affair — will nearly double in size to 7,000 square feet. The Pulse Fitness Center will also be expanding.
When Norwegian Spirit resumes service in February, it will explore the shores of Asia, Africa and Europe. Most importantly, though, it will keep a unique and well-loved ship running well into the next decade.
Happy cruising.
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