what ship is flower power cruise on

Flower Power Cruise

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The Flower Power Cruise is a phenomenal opportunity to relive the era of the Love Generation. The cruise will take you back to the days of long hair, bell bottoms, tie dye t-shirts and peace signs with special themed events including a Bell Bottom Ball, British Invasion Costume Party, and a Psychedelic '60s Dance party. It will blend the amazing music of the late ‘60s through LIVE performances by the era’s biggest stars along with celebrity led  interactive events, exciting ports of call, great food and amenities all aboard a luxury cruise ship. The Flower Power Cruise is a full ship charter filled with like-minded people who want to go back and celebrate this very special and unique time period. It’s like a music festival at sea with some of the greatest artists of the ‘60s.

Just a few of the many superstar artists who have sailed with us include Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Eric Burdon and The Animals, The Hollies, The Zombies, Peter Asher, The 5th Dimension, Three Dog Night, Blood Sweat & Tears, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Micky Dolenz – The Monkees Lead Singer, and more!

For more information visit http://www.flowerpowercruise.com

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Our Promise

StarVista LIVE promises to provide you with a unique entertainment experience, bringing you together with a community of like-minded enthusiasts to relive favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars you love. 

HERMAN'S HERMITS Starring PETER NOONE

Mickey dolenz the voice of the monkees, the yardbirds, the buckinghams, the grass roots, the fifth dimension, the family stone, the cowsills, the manfreds, big brother & the holding company, cruise host peter asher, the papas and the mamas, strange days a tribute to the doors, hitmakers trivia, information, passenger capacity - 2170 gross tonnage - 91,000 grt length - 965 feet beam - 105 maximum speed - 24 knots dedicated -march 3, 2001, penthouse suite.

Category: PS

You'll feel on top of the world amid the sprawling space of our Penthouse Suite experience. Lounge in the CashmereSM king-size mattress in your bedroom. Enjoy VIP treatment with butler service, expansive lounge areas and much more

Stateroom size 1,291 sq. ft, veranda size 389 sq. ft.

You'll feel on top of the world amid the sprawling space of our Penthouse Suite experience. Lounge in the Cashmere SM king-size mattress in your bedroom. Enjoy VIP treatment with butler service, expansive lounge areas and much more

Royal Suite

Category: RS

Our Royal Suite delivers space, style, and comfort fit for a king or queen. Spread out and enjoy the discrete living, dining, and sleeping areas. Invite friends over for drinks. You'll have plenty of space indoors, plus comfortable lounge seating on the spacious private veranda. When it's time for bed, sink into your Cashmere SM queen-size mattress-perfect for the modern monarch.

Stateroom size 538 sq ft., veranda size 195 sq. ft.

Celebrity suite.

Category: CS

It's time you got the Celebrity treatment. Your personal butler will assist you at every step. Plus, you'll have exclusive access to the dining and lounge experience reserved exclusively for suite guests.

Category: S1, S2

Upgrade your vacation with our exceptional Sky Suite experience. Enjoy a warm welcome with a cool bottle of sparkling wine. Gain exclusive access to suites-only venues such as The Retreat Sundeck, The Retreat Lounge, and your private suites restaurant, Luminae. Indulge in the luxury of a personal butler throughout your stay, assisting you with unpacking, reservations, and more.

Stateroom size 251 sq ft., veranda size 57 sq. ft.

Family veranda.

Category: FV

By far the largest stateroom with a veranda - plenty of room for you and the family.

Stateroom size: 271 sq. ft.; veranda size: 296 sq. ft.

Aqua class stateroom.

Category: A1, A2

Luxurious spa elements infused into the stateroom experience, savor clean cuisine with priority seating at Blu restaurant, and escape to the Relaxation Room and Persian garden for stunning sea views. Relax with AquaSpa treatments arranged by your personal spa concierge and feel rejuvenated with wellness classes such as meditation and yoga.

94 sq. ft.; veranda size: 54 sq. ft.

Concierge class stateroom.

Category: C1, C2, C3

Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring new services and amenities, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room-it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs. From Priority Check-In-when you're greeted by your Concierge-to the moment you head back home, we're there to assist you.

Stateroom size: 204sq. ft.; veranda size: 42 sq. ft.

Veranda stateroom.

Category: 2A, 2B, 2C

Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.

Stateroom size: 175 sq. ft.; veranda size: 38 sq. ft.

Ocean view stateroom.

Category: P4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Larger living spaces and expansive views make Ocean View Staterooms the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale bedding featuring the luxury king-sized Cashmere Mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs.

Stateroom size: 200 sq. ft.

Inside stateroom.

Category: 9, 10, 11, 12

Your escape at sea, Inside Staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities that all contribute to your modern luxury experience.

Stateroom size: 181 sq. ft.

Single inside stateroom.

Category: Singles

Cabin Deposit Amounts

$800/person (suites), $500/person (non-suites), flower power cruise terms of purchase.

Flower Power Cruise 23 LLC its affiliates, parent companies, employees, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively "FPC23") does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, guides, sightseeing companies, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, FPC23 is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity. In addition, FPC23 is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control. By booking a cabin you expressly agree to be bound by and accept the FPC23 Terms and Conditions. If you fail to accept the FPC23 Terms and Conditions in the time frame and manner determined by FPC23, FPC23 reserves the right to cancel your reservation with no refund to you. Please see the Cruise Terms and Conditions for more details.

Payment Plan:

FPC23 has one payment plan available to you for the Cruise. By selecting the payment plan available, you authorize us to charge your Payment Method for monthly payments as selected without additional notice to you. You expressly agree not to dispute any credit card charges associated with this trip.

Passport Policy:

All passengers must carry a valid passport book which expires at least six (6) months after the return date of the cruise. You may continue with the reservation if you are applying for or renewing your passport, as long as you are sure you will receive it on time. Please note that passport cards, birth certificates, and driver's licenses will not be accepted on this charter sailing. Failure to comply with the Passport Policy will result in a cancellation of your booking at no refund to you.

Cancellation Policy:

All payments to FPC23 are non-refundable. FPC23 may adjust itineraries and schedules, change any talent performing onboard the cruise, delay departures or arrivals without any further obligation to you. We reserve the right to refuse service to any person or cancel your reservation at any time at our sole discretion. FPC23 will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to a cancelled/delayed flight or other means of transportation.

Included/Excluded Charges:

The cabin prices advertised are "cruise only" and are based upon double occupancy, except for "Singles." The price does not include airfare, ground transportation, onboard purchases, purchased drinks onboard or excursions. It does include meals (except for meals at the specialty restaurants), shows and onboard events produced by FPC23. The cost of 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom varies depending on cabin category and is $1,500 for all suites and Family Veranda Stateroom, $1,200 for Aqua, Concierge and Verandah staterooms, $1,000 for Oceanview Staterooms and $800 for Inside Staterooms plus all applicable taxes and fees.

Port Charges/Taxes/Gratuities/Admin Fee:

$325 per person is due when remaining balance is due. This payment satisfies guest's total obligation for port charges, taxes, gratuities, and admin fees. However, FPC23 reserves the right to impose an additional fee for fuel ("Fuel Surcharge") if Cruise Line implements a fuel surcharge fleet wide for all guests. The Fuel surcharge will be processed with your final payment due to FPC23.

Credit Cards/Cancellation Fees:

FPC23 reserves the right to charge additional fees for returned payments, late payments, missed payments, canceled cards, chargebacks, credit card changes, invalid credit cards, cancellations and cancellations as a result of your failure to comply with any requests by FPC23.The fee assessed shall be $150 per person plus 5% of the total transaction.

Trip Protection:

All payments to FPC23 are nonrefundable so we strongly encourage the purchase of Travel Protection.

Unless otherwise noted, all prices on the website and any fees associated with the Cruise including any applicable taxes are quoted in United States Dollars (""USD"). All payments to FPC23 will be charged in USD to your selected payment method. You may incur an additional fee by your bank or credit card processor if it is an international transaction.

(Prices below are Per Person Double Occupancy)

The cost of 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom varies depending on cabin category and is $1,500 for all suites and family veranda stateroom, $1,200 for concierge and veranda staterooms, $1,000 for oceanview staterooms and $800 for inside staterooms plus all applicable taxes and fees..

$325 per person is due when remaining balance is due. Please note, in the event of a cancellation of a 3rd or 4th passenger, the remaining passengers in the cabin are responsible for the full double occupancy price of the cabin.

To qualify for our "Military Rate" you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or a military id. Please email this to [email protected] after booking and the 5% discount will apply to your balance before your first payment installment. Please note that in order to receive the discount, you cannot have already paid in full at the time of the application.

If you'd like to pay in full, please call our office at 316-641-2767 to book your cabin and provide the above information.

2023 Cruise Dates & Ports 

*Ports of call subject to change

Miami, Florida

Welcome to the official Cruise Capital of the World, a world-class city with a world-class beach. Before your cruise from Miami, stay and play. Within view of Miami cruises, colorful characters from macaws to monkeys greet you at Jungle Island, with pink flamingos, white cockatoos, and green parrots. In Miami Beach, iconic Lummus Park frames the Art Deco hotels, fashion models, and fancy cars. From South Pointe Park, watch the ships glide out to sea. On Lincoln Road, you could spend three months eating at a different restaurant every day. Up the coast at Bal Harbour Shops, designer boutiques challenge fashionistas, who shop till they drop at Haulover Park Beach.

Belize City, Belize

Set on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea, Belize City may no longer be the capital of Belize (that is Belmopan, since 1970), but it is the country's largest metropolis. Established in the 17th century as a British trading post for lumber, the city, then known as Belize Town, was an important source of mahogany and logwood. Though the Spanish and English fought over the Central American territory, it became a British colony in 1862, and remained so until it gained independence in 1981. Many of the traditional colonial structures have survived, including the Government House and St. John's Cathedral, as well as stately houses of the period. Haulover Creek, a tributary of the Belize River, divides the city into north and south sides; the famous Swing Bridge, a manually operated bridge from the 1920s, and much of the local boat traffic are found on this waterway. The north is where many of the cultural attractions are located, including the Museum of Belize and the Fort Street Tourism Village, a harbor front shopping and dining area catering to cruise-goers. Albert Street, on the south side, is considered the main downtown commercial area; it's lined with stores, gift and souvenir shops, banks and restaurants.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, an island in the Caribbean off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, draws scuba divers, snorkelers and seekers of sand and sun who are attracted by the reliably sunny and tropical climate. The island and its environs also offer all other manner of on- and around-the-water attractions, many of which are quite unique, such as underwater sculpture gardens, a submarine excursion to see a shipwreck and a sailboat-racing experience that's second only to the America's Cup. For visitors who are intrigued by Mexico's Maya culture, there are several archaeological sites in and around Cozumel, including the UNESCO-inscribed Chichen Itza and, on Cozumel itself, San Gervasio, once a site where women made offerings to the goddess of fertility and childbirth. When you're done sightseeing, there's shopping for traditional Mexican crafts, jewelry and leather goods, including custom-made sandals, and excellent food (the seafood, of course, is stellar).

Costa Maya, Mexico

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is, in some ways, a world apart from the rest of Mexico, thanks in part to its geography. That's never deterred visitors from coming here, however; Costa Maya, like the larger resort towns on the Yucatan, attracts scores of visitors each year. Eager to enjoy the sun and fun, they are also keen to explore the region's cultural attractions, including dozens of Maya sites, some of which were only recently rediscovered, excavated and opened to the public. In addition to seeing the pyramids, temples and ceremonial centers of Maya sites like Chacchoben and Kohunlich, modern-day visitors to Costa Maya can experience the Western Hemisphere's longest reef and cenotes, the sinkhole-formed pools that dot the region. Freshly caught fish and seafood dominate the menus here, as is to be expected, and restaurants are mostly casual in ambiance, with friendly, welcoming service. Shoppers will likely be drawn to Costa Maya's many jewelry shops, where you can buy rare gems set into stunning souvenirs or more affordable pieces that are believed to have healing properties.

My partner and I spent $4,648 for a 7-night '60s-themed cruise. It was filled with surprises, like being able to mingle with performers.

• My partner and I spent about $4,650 to go on the '60s-themed, music-filled Flower Power Cruise.
• Performers I had previously traveled to see were right there on the cruise mingling with guests.
• I was surprised to see how many people dressed up in elaborate costumes to go to the shows.

When my children were young, I drove a VW station wagon with a multicolored bumper sticker that read, "Where have all the hippies gone?" It took me a while but I finally have the answer: The hippies have gone cruising .

My partner and I were fortunate to get a spot on the Flower Power Cruise, a '60s-musical-themed experience, when cancellations gave those on the waitlist the opportunity to secure a cabin on the sold-out cruise. StarVista Live, the company that organizes the Flower Power Cruise, chartered an entire Celebrity Summit ship for the event.

In total, we spent $4,648 for seven nights in an interior cabin booked directly with StarVista. At first, the amount we paid for this charter cruise seemed like way too much. But the price included our meals, assorted non-alcoholic beverages, port charges, taxes, gratuities, and all of the concerts and scheduled events.

Here are 10 things about the cruise that surprised me the most.

We actually preferred our lower-level cabin over ones we've had on higher decks.

We cruised in an interior cabin located on deck three. Though we usually prefer to stay on higher decks , our room's location actually made getting to the nightly concerts easy. The main theater entrance was one flight of stairs directly above us.

We were surprised at how much we enjoyed staying on a lower deck and even secured the same stateroom for next year's Flower Power Cruise.

We were surprised at how much value we got out of the performers.

My partner and I had traveled around the US to see some of the performers who ended up being on the cruise and were excited to see them again.

During the cruise, we attended performances from Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Cowsills, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, Micky Dolenz from The Monkees, and The Fab Four.

Once we realized which singers were performing, we were surprised to discover how much more value the experience might have had.

We were amazed at how accessible the performers seemed to be.

The cruise allowed us to get up close and personal with the performers.

The artists ate in the buffet and main dining room, rode the same elevators, and even sat among the guests when attending events they weren't performing at.

It seemed all of the performers were accessible, friendly, and seemed happy to engage in conversations or have their photos taken.

I was surprised by the power the music had on us concertgoers.

Nearly 2,000 guests were on the Flower Power Cruise, and the average age appeared to be somewhere between 65 and 75.

I was delighted that the cruise featured the artists and music most guests grew up with.

From the moment The Grass Roots started playing at the Sail Away concert on the first night to their performance at the Farewell show on our final evening, the music of the '60s was like the fountain of youth, turning senior citizens into teenagers again.

I saw lots of other cruisers dressing up, which I didn't anticipate.

Each cruise night had a theme, such as The Bell Bottom Ball, British Invasion Mod Fashion Night, and Return to Woodstock.

Theme-night attire trended toward the costumey. I saw everything from adult costume garments clearly ordered from Amazon, to custom-made and sometimes matching outfits, to some vintage-looking items that probably came from the back of someone's closet just for the occasion.

Day and night, I also saw a lot of tie-dye, a pattern I've discovered is not a fad or a costume — it's a standard part of the hippie wardrobe on or off the cruise. 

I was surprised that so many activities and concerts were scheduled for us.

On each non-port day, our schedule began with a yoga class at 8 a.m.

For the first musical event, cruisers could attend a Q&A session with listed artists starting at 10 a.m.

Musical performances, game shows, and educational presentations were available non-stop through the 5 p.m. happy hour, and there was a DJ every day of the cruise .

I didn't realize each night would include dinner and a show.

After a 90-minute break, everything ramped back up with the main-stage show or dinner.

It seemed that half of the cruisers would attend the early show and the other half would eat early. Afterward, the early-show people would get dinner while early diners attended the nightly show.

I couldn't believe how long the late-night shows lasted.

Even after dinner was done, there was still more music to enjoy . There was a concert at the pool stage each night at 11 p.m., followed by an indoor late-night show beginning at 12:15 a.m. and often lasting until 2 a.m.

At first, we thought finding a seat at the late-night concert would be easy, but we were wrong. Regardless of age, the cruisers in attendance showed up and stayed up for everything.

Arriving early and staying late was an unspoken rule that nearly everyone seemed to follow.

I was surprised we received so many souvenirs to remind us of our Flower Power experience.

One of my favorite surprises of the cruise was returning to our cabins and finding the next day's schedule of events, wrapped chocolates, and branded tchotchkes.

On the first night, we received the official Flower Power T-shirt with a list of acts on the back. It was tie-dye, of course.

We also received hats, water bottles, and even bags with beach mats.

I was surprised that the music I heard still reminded me of modern-day issues.

During many of the Flower Power performances, I was surprised to find how relevant the music of the '60s is for us today.

Listening to the lyrics made me wonder how 60 years later, we're still fighting for peace and advocating for freedom.

Overall, I thought the Flower Power Cruise was a great, surprise-filled experience.

Though I was a toddler when most of the music I heard throughout the cruise first appeared on the airwaves, I'm still an old-soul hippie.

I wasn't 100% sure what to expect but I found the Flower Power Cruise experience delightful. Though, I was exhausted after multiple 16-hour days of non-stop activity.

From the live performances to the scheduled activities to the enthusiasm of other cruisers, I felt like the nearly $4,650 we spent was well worth it. I already can't wait to do it again next year.

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LIVE From The Flower Power Cruise: Peace, Love & Rock & Roll On The Infinity

By vtcruising , March 29, 2019 in Celebrity Cruises

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Background:

We are so excited to be headed on the 4th annual Flower Power Cruise. This will be our third one - we enjoyed the other two so much that we had to come back this year. On the previous two FPC's we had an amazing time being with 2000 mostly like-minded people. These cruises are a celebration of the 60's music and the culture of the "Love Generation."

Most people were 50’s-70’s (must be > 18 to book), although there were some were in their 20's-40's who were thoroughly enjoying the cruise - some came with parents and some came on their own because they loved the music of the 60's and 70's. Even the usual Muzak background music was 60’s and 70’s music, which was like a balm to my soul. Almost everyone was singing along in the hallways and elevators because we all knew every word of the songs. The staff commented on how much they liked the music too and heard it in the crew quarters as well. Everyone talked about the peace and love onboard – there seemed to be more patience and helpfulness among the guests than usual – a sense of community.

The line-up this year:

Cruise Itinerary on the Infinity:

We left Vermont yesterday and headed to Fort Lauderdale for a couple days prior to the cruise. Luckily there were no impending snowstorms so we flew without any issues. We flew Delta this time and had good flights. I was a bit nervous about the flights and airport because I had a hamstring tear a few weeks ago and a relapse last week, where it was difficult to walk. I even thought of staying home and sending my DH alone at one point. By Wednesday, the pain had improved some and I decided to go - I'm glad I did because everything went well. I upgraded to Comfort + so that I had plenty of room to do my PT exercises and elevate it, when needed. The connection at JFK went well, with our plane's gate near the shuttle to the next flight gate. I brought my special cane, in case needed (I decorated it for the Flower Power Cruise). 🙂

We are staying at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Blvd. It is the FPC hotel so is starting to fill with hippies this afternoon! What a great place this is!  Besides being very friendly and comfortable, it is a beautiful 80 year old hotel, with many of the old features maintained.  Lots of Art Deco touches and lovely art.

Our room is large, with couch and chair and good-sized dining table and chairs. The furniture is older, but comfortable. We slept like babies last night.  The balcony is long and wraps around the corner where we can see the ships in port. Harmony was the only one out there today.  The balcony also has a table that can be used for dining and comfortable chairs. The view, which I thought would just be a city view, actually includes the New River. We can see boats going up and down the river (? canal), including the Water Taxi, which stops beside the hotel. There is also a river walk out there. It has been fun watching all the action.

The Port View:

For lunch, we went to the Boathouse Restaurant, which is across the road from the hotel. It is on the waterfront and has great  view of the boats passing by and wonderful food and drink! I enjoyed my crab cake and my DH had the mahi mahi sandwich. Both were excellent!

Nice view of the waterway (the sun did finally come out!):

The pool was a lovely place to go in the afternoon.

We had dinner at the Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille in the hotel on the terrace. It was happy hour from 5-7 so got 1/2 price drinks and East Coast oysters. DH was very happy with his platters of raw oysters. I stuck with cooked food. I had the seafood chowder, which was decadent and corvina (a very nice white fish) that was beautifully prepared and DH had the black bass, which was reportedly delicious. We were stuffed so decided to go for house-made gelato for dessert. Wow! I was just going to cleanse my palette so we got one dish and two spoons. It was so good! There was live music there during dinner and eating on the terrace made for great people watching.

We ended the evening at Preston's Lounge (in the hotel) for drinks, with piano music and a pretty bar:

My DH was looking at this suit in a hotel shop for Chic Night (including the blue suede shoes): 😉

We headed back to the room and enjoyed our balcony view once more:

Today we are taking it easy before the next 7 fast-paced days of music and fun. We ordered room service and had really good breakfast wraps (1 between the two of us would have sufficed and already decided to do that tomorrow). We are really enjoying the balcony and it felt good to sit outside sipping tea and enjoying the view. We are eating at Indigo tonight (also within the hotel) where they will have live music - a Motown theme. We love this place!!

View of the river this morning:

What a difference a day makes - the sun is amazing. A lovely, relaxing afternoon!!

The DH is headed to CVS to get our two bottles of wine. They gave us the number of a liquor store that will deliver wine here for free (what a great idea), but he needs to go to CVS anyway.

We are so looking forward to boarding the Infinity tomorrow. We will be in AQ 1106. We have only been in the way aft AQ on M Class (over the bar), so will be a bit different. We won't have the great balcony, but it was meant to be since I will be very close to the elevator. 🙂   We are looking forward to seeing our buddies that we met on the FPC last year. We have been texting ever since - they are in Blu as well so will be dining with them much of the time. It's funny, but Blu was pretty empty last year - I think people would rather eat in the MDR or OVC, so good for us! We had a back window table every night last year and extremely attentive service. I hope they don't discover how good Blu is this year! 😉   I did book Le Petite Chef (I know I said I would never do it again), but this menu looks so much better than the Edge (it's the original one) so booked it to have a change of pace.  I'm not sure if we will do Tuscan or not - we have had some great experiences in Tuscan and some not so great ones over the years.

Be sure to throw out your Infinity or FPC questions. It sounds like the WiFi might be spotty from recent reports, but I will try to report in between the music and festivities. Peace and love to Cruise Critic readers!! ✌

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Share on other sites, helen haywood.

We stayed at the Riverside Hotel once.  Our canopied bed had a mirrored top!  A first for me!

Love the start of your review and looking forward to reading the rest!

5 minutes ago, helen haywood said: We stayed at the Riverside Hotel once.  Our canopied bed had a mirrored top!  A first for me!   Love the start of your review and looking forward to reading the rest!

Wow, we didn't get one of those beds!  We are definitely coming back - maybe I can request one! 😉

FlorenceItaly

The Riverside Hotel is our very favorite hotel in Ft. Lauderdale.    Also, the Happy Hour at the Golden Lyon Pub(onsite )is wonderful!

Looking forward to following along.  Thank you for posting.  Have a fabulous cruise.

MizDemeanor

Have a very Groovy Time!!!

3 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said: The Riverside Hotel is our very favorite hotel in Ft. Lauderdale.    Also, the Happy Hour at the Golden Lyon Pub(onsite )is wonderful!   Looking forward to following along.  Thank you for posting.  Have a fabulous cruise.

Oh, we might just head to the Golden Lyon right now! Then we will have hit all the bars and restaurants. 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

1 minute ago, MizDemeanor said: Have a very Groovy Time!!!

It's going to be cool, man! 😎

4 minutes ago, vtcruising said: Oh, we might just head to the Golden Lyon right now! Then we will have hit all the bars and restaurants. 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

They have some appetizer specials too.  Happy Hour 4-7, so hurry!  You won't be sorry.  You can even sit on the patio, if you like.

Travelicious

Oh, man, I didn't know this was a thing.  I want to go!

parrothead33

Looking forward to another great vtcruising review.  Have a wonderful cruise.

I'm sorry your injury took a bad turn (I've been there) but I love the way you've decorated your cane. Nice music lineup. I hope you have a great time! Can't wait to see your magical mystery tour unfold 😎

9 minutes ago, Travelicious said: Oh, man, I didn't know this was a thing.  I want to go!

I'll post the info for next year later! 🙂

8 minutes ago, Silkroad said: I'm sorry your injury took a bad turn (I've been there) but I love the way you've decorated your cane. Nice music lineup. I hope you have a great time! Can't wait to see your magical mystery tour unfold 😎

CaveCreekTraveler

Looking forward to your review, we're hoping to book for next year.

This sounds like soooo much fun!  I have already googled FPC2020... great itinerary & lineup!

Thanks for sharing, and looking forward to hearing all about your cruise!

Freestyle Cruiser

Jim and I are following too! Hope you have great weather and calm seas. 

Get ready to rock and roll.   🥁 🎸 🎹 🎧 🎼

1 minute ago, Freestyle Cruiser said:   Hi Vt Jim and I are following too! Hope you have great weather and calm seas.  Get ready to rock and roll.   🥁 🎸 🎹 🎧 🎼 Peace 🌸

We will toast you guys!! 🌈

13 minutes ago, julia said: This sounds like soooo much fun!  I have already googled FPC2020... great itinerary & lineup! Thanks for sharing, and looking forward to hearing all about your cruise!

Hope you can go next year!

1 minute ago, vtcruising said: Hope you can go next year!

I'm on the presale list so hoping. Would you recommend a veranda or to the better cabins still get all the perks?

30 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said: They have some appetizer specials too.  Happy Hour 4-7, so hurry!  You won't be sorry.  You can even sit on the patio, if you like.

Okay, are you happy now? Yummy!!

Just now, vtcruising said: Okay, are you happy now? Yummy!!

YAY!!!  Wish I was there.  We have the same taste in cocktails!

I'm excited to read your review.  We want to go next year.  Are you going to wear 60s' clothing?

9 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said: YAY!!!  Wish I was there.  We have the same taste in cocktails!

Whoa! That was amazing! Gotta go back!! 😀

Wow, never been there, but the Riverside looks awesome. Nice summary!

We’ll have to try it. 😍

13 minutes ago, CaveCreekTraveler said: I'm on the presale list so hoping. Would you recommend a veranda or to the better cabins still get all the perks?

Lots of tie dye!!! And daisies in my hair!!

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The 18 best themed cruises for 2024 and 2025.

From Christmas to Comic-Con, there's a themed cruise for you.

The Best Themed Cruises

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Grab your costumes, musical instruments, books or anything else you could need for a fun themed cruise.

Imagine boarding a cruise ship to find hundreds – or even thousands – of your shipmates share the very same passions and interests that you do. You're thinking of a themed cruise.

Like a traditional cruise, a themed cruise delivers everything you'd expect of a shipboard vacation, like sundrenched ports, sparkling blue waters and superb dining amid lush surroundings, but instead of a daily program filled with trivia, bingo, dance lessons and pickleball tournaments, you'll find myriad activities geared specifically to the sailing's theme – and plenty of like-minded people to share them with.

Below, you'll find some of the top themed cruises for 2024 and 2025. Be sure to book soon, as these voyages can sell out quickly.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Best Music-Themed Cruises

Best holiday cruises, best star trek cruises, best literary cruises, best culinary cruises, best sports-themed cruises, cayamo, a journey through song: march 1-8, 2024.

In its 16th year, Cayamo celebrates music of all genres. The 2024 voyage brings Lyle Lovett, Billy Bragg and Shawn Colvin together with more than two dozen acts aboard Norwegian Pearl . This themed cruise sails from Miami to the Dominican Republic and Aruba while offering songwriting sessions, open jams, autograph opportunities and more. In addition to full concerts, cruisers can count on memorable collaborations and onboard performances crafted specifically for this weeklong musical celebration. Though this music-themed cruise is currently full, interested travelers can join the waitlist on Cayamo's website .

The Broadway Cruise 2: March 13-18, 2024

The Great White Way relocates from the Big Apple to Miami , with stops in Key West, Florida , and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands , during this musical salute to Broadway. Join actors – including Norm Lewis, Christian Borle and Kerry Butler – as well as composers, choreographers, journalists and critics for five nights of performances, workshops and panel discussions aboard Norwegian Pearl.

Flower Power Cruise: March 21-28, 2024

Hop aboard Celebrity Summit for a celebration of the stars and music of the 1960s, hosted by Peter & Gordon's Peter Asher. The Rascals, Tommy James & the Shondells, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, John Lodge of the Moody Blues, John Kay of Steppenwolf, The Box Tops and The Grassroots are just part of the stellar lineup of classic rockers sailing from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico , and St. Croix on the seventh annual Flower Power Cruise. Visit the Flower Power Cruise website to join the waitlist.

On the Blue: April 5-10, 2024

Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues hosts this five-night celebration of classic rock aboard Norwegian Pearl, filled with full concerts, late-night jams, Q&A sessions with the artists, photo ops, meet-and-greets and themed nights. The Zombies, Alan Parsons, Al Stewart, Little River Band and more join Hayward as Norwegian Pearl sails from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic , and Nassau, Bahamas . VIP packages that include priority concert seating, a goody bag filled with themed merchandise and access to a special artist cocktail party are available.

The Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise: April 10-13, 2024

In 1986, Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle teamed up to record what would become a No. 1 smash hit: "On My Own," written and produced by Burt Bachrach and his then-wife Carole Bayer Sager. Now, McDonald and LaBelle reunite – this time, at sea – for a three-night event filled with musical performances. Hosted by Grammy Award winner Marcus Miller, this soulful voyage also features comedians George Wallace and Alonzo Bodden along with a cast of award-winning musicians and vocalists to keep the party going. This cruise sails from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, aboard Norwegian Pearl.

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Halloween on the High Seas: Mid-September to October 2024

It's a spooky time aboard four of Disney Cruise Line's ships – Disney Magic , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish – during its Halloween sailings. Dress up and join Disney characters for Halloween parties, themed food and beverages, eerie arts and crafts, creepy decor and other special events. Featured Halloween itineraries for 2024 sail to destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas.

Hallmark Christmas Cruise: November 5-9 and November 17-21, 2024

Hallmark Channel stars bring Christmas magic to life on this festive celebration at sea aboard the Norwegian Gem . Sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, the cruise includes Christmas cookie decorating, ugly sweater contests and Christmas "carol-oke" among its planned activities. Each voyage culminates in the world premiere of a new Hallmark Channel "Countdown to Christmas" movie. Head to the Hallmark Christmas Cruise website to join the waitlist.

Very Merrytime: November and December 2024

Get in the holiday spirit with Disney Cruise Line 's Very Merrytime sailings, available on Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. Join in for a jolly fusion of shipboard decor and holiday-themed entertainment, including Christmas tree lightings, meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, a holiday deck show and more. Very Merrytime's 2024 itineraries explore ports throughout the Bahamas and the western Caribbean.

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Star Trek: The Cruise: February 22-29, 2024

Board Royal Caribbean International for the best cruise experience in the galaxy on Mariner of the Seas . Sailing to Curacao and Aruba from Port Canaveral, you'll join Star Trek actors Walter Koenig, Levar Burton, Garrett Wang and nearly two dozen others as you're beamed into themed shows, events, parties and actor-hosted shore adventures. Each night of the cruise celebrates a different dimension of the Star Trek experience and, since the cruise's debut in 2017, guests have knocked it out of the park with show-stopping costumes.

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Literature Festival at Sea: November 13-20, 2024

Cross the Atlantic surrounded by authors, poets, journalists, critics, historians and book lovers aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2 as she sails from Southampton, England, to New York City . With discussions, master classes, book signings and special events, this ocean-going book festival, coordinated by The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, features authors Mark Billingham, Denise Mina and Chris Brookmyre, with more guest speakers and participants still to be announced. This special program is open to all guests sailing this particular Cunard Line crossing and need not be booked through an outside themed cruise organizer.

Comic-Con: The Cruise: February 5-9, 2025

A thrilling new entry into the themed cruise universe, San Diego Comic-Con and Entertainment Cruise Productions team up for Comic-Con: The Cruise. Participants will interact with Comic-Con icons – including the comic book world's leading actors, creators, authors and more – as they sail on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas from Tampa to Cozumel. While the specific talent lineup will not be revealed until early November, fans can expect nonstop activities on board, including hosted tastings, trivia sessions, parties, cosplay events, and autograph and photo sessions.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises S.A.L.T. (All Sailings)

Sometimes, you'll find a theme built right into a standard cruise experience – like Silversea's S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), an immersive multipronged culinary program created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine. Aboard Silversea's newest ships, Silver Nova, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn , S.A.L.T. celebrates the region guests are sailing through on their particular voyage. Cruisers will find a dedicated restaurant featuring local specialties; a bar offering the area's wines, beers and cocktails; hands-on cooking classes that show guests how to create their favorite local dishes at home; and an intensive program of culinary programs on shore.

Chefs Making Waves: March 25-29, 2024

Award-winning chefs Andrew Zimmern, Aaron Sanchez, Anne Burrell, Marcus Samuelsson, Robert Irvine, Michael Symon and more indulge you in culinary excellence on this four-night voyage from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas, aboard Norwegian Pearl. Guests can expect cooking demos, in-depth master classes, culinary panels and, best of all, four meticulously designed sit-down dinners curated by these master chefs who have reshaped the American food scene.

Sara Moulton Cruise: May 18-June 1, 2024

Oceania Cruises, creator of the decadent onboard Dom Perignon Dinner, celebrates dining with sailings featuring leading names in the culinary arts. In May 2024, chef, cookbook author and TV personality Sara Moulton leads food demonstrations and special shore excursions during a 14-day sailing from Barcelona to Rome aboard Marina .

Claudine Pepin Cruise: July 17-31, 2024

Known for its commitment to all things culinary, Oceania Cruises hosts another foodie voyage in July 2024. Claudine Pepin, TV host and daughter of world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pepin, conducts culinary-themed demonstrations and chats aboard Sirena on a sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland , to Hamburg, Germany , over 14 days.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Cleveland Browns Fan Cruise: March 11-16, 2024

Celebrate all things Browns during a five-day sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, and Falmouth, Jamaica, aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas . Dozens of Browns alumni will share insider secrets with guests and join in experiences that include special dinners; a deep dive into the past, present and future of the team; autograph sessions; beach parties and more.

Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco: May 20-27, 2025

Arrive for Formula One festivities aboard Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf, the world's largest sailing yacht. Cruisers will receive a themed gift package containing earplugs, binoculars, a seat cushion and more to enjoy the exhilaration of watching Monte Carlo's Grand Prix du Monde from a premier grandstand seat in Monaco . You'll enjoy two days of Formula One time trials and racing, as well as exclusive access to events like a Prix du Monde-themed cocktail reception. This experience is hosted by a Formula One expert who will provide behind-the-scenes insights, answer questions and participate in discussions throughout the sailing.

2025 British Isles Golf Cruise: July 15-July 28, 2025

In partnership with Perry Golf, Azamara hosts a number of golf cruises throughout the year. This is the big one: a sailing that includes attendance to the prestigious 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. You'll sail aboard Azamara Journey from Southampton, England, to Liverpool, England; Dublin ; Belfast, Ireland, and more, ending your cruise with three days in Edinburgh, Scotland . Travelers can count on playing six rounds of golf at well-known courses throughout the British Isles.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Judi Cuervo is a cruise enthusiast. Since her first cruise in 1976, she's been sailing aboard a wide array of cruises from mass market to expedition ships. Cuervo used her extensive cruise experience along with research skills to write this article.

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Carnival Cruise Passengers Kiss the Ground After Surviving Nightmare at Sea

Posted: July 4, 2024 | Last updated: July 4, 2024

Imagine you're boarding a cruise, one you've saved up for and been looking forward to for months. The ship departs port and begins its journey across the sea- only to lose all power, amenities, and hope within three days. When land is in sight once more, you can't help but kiss the ground and thank your lucky stars you made it off of the malfunctioning vessel, rejoining a world of comfort and running water.

This is exactly what happened aboard the Carnival Triumph in February of 2013. But how did this Carnival Cruise go so wrong? Let's discuss the infamous Carnival 'poop cruise' and find out.

Remember to scroll up and hit the ‘Follow’ button to keep up with the newest stories from Seattle Travel on your Microsoft Start feed or MSN homepage!

What Happened on the Carnival Triumph?

On February 7th, 2013, the Carnival Triumph departed its port in Texas. Setting sail and bound for some far-off destination in the Caribbean, the Triumph traversed the seas for three days without incident. But an event would soon occur that would change this cruise's fate forever- and the fates of every passenger on board.

February 10th, 2013- Fire in the Engine Room

Fire alarms and general hubbub awoke passengers aboard the Triumph on the morning of February 10th. A fuel line connected to one of the ship's generators began leaking, catching fire when coming into contact with a hot component in the engine room.

A Carnival Cruise Without Power

Without power, the Carnival Triumph remained adrift and lost at sea just off the coast of Mexico. The engines couldn't run and passengers aboard the vessel had little access to electricity. Very few power outlets were in operation during this time, causing greater fear and chaos among guests.

Limited Water, Food, Lights, and AC

The fire grew large enough to damage most of the ship's facilities, including its air conditioning, running water, and main power sources. Drinking water, food, and other necessities were limited, rationed, and otherwise unavailable. What's worse is that the generator that caused the fuel leak was already reportedly in need of repairs, according to a Carnival procedural report.  

Over 4,000 Guests Left Adrift

Can you imagine being trapped at sea with 4,000 other people? That's what passengers aboard the Triumph dealt with on this infamous trip. With no climate control across the entire vessel, many passengers set up tents or bedding in hallways or on the Triumph’s decks, seeking an escape from hot and cramped rooms. 

The Issue of Human Waste

Without running water or electricity, basic plumbing functionality aboard the Carnival Triumph ceased to exist. This 2013 cruise was dubbed the ‘poop cruise’ because of how passengers and staff members dealt with human waste.

Biohazard bags were distributed amongst guests and pooping in bags was encouraged. However, enough waste built up throughout the malfunction that bins and buckets of raw sewage were commonly left in stairwells and hallways. 

Four Days Aboard the Carnival Triumph

After 4 long days at sea, the Carnival Triumph made port in Alabama with the help of multiple tugboats and Coast Guard assistance. Some passengers needed medical treatment for smoke inhalation and emergency treatment was needed for a passenger who had a stroke, but no other serious casualties occurred. 

Writing on the Wall: Fires Aboard Other Carnival Cruises

Many Carnival passengers, experts, and concerned citizens agree: the fire aboard the Carnival Triumph's 2013 journey shouldn't have ever occurred. Safety is always a concern on any cruise, but especially safety involving any technical aspects of the ship.

According to an advisory notice issued by Carnival , the generator fire that happened aboard the Triumph isn't the first fire to happen on Carnival's fleet of ships.

Safety and Maintenance of Carnival Cruise Ships

It's important to note that passenger safety is never a guarantee nor is the company’s responsibility when boarding any cruise ship. However, Carnival made it a point to address their equipment and took extra time as well as funds to maintain their existing fleet of ships. Carnival also has an extensive refund policy that exists to ensure customer satisfaction at all costs. 

Rescue and Return: An End to Carnival Triumph's Voyage

When the Carnival Triumph made port on February 14th, 2013, passengers kissed the very ground they landed upon. After a harrowing, stressful experience, it only makes sense to appreciate dry land, especially land with electricity, food, and running water! The Triumph was immediately scheduled for repairs, with all future cruises aboard the vessel postponed.

Watch News Footage About This Carnival Cruise Nightmare

Want to learn more about what happened aboard the Carnival Triumph from firsthand accounts? You can watch actual news footage and guest reports by checking out this video . Regardless, this was certainly a cruise to remember (or perhaps it's best forgotten)!

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Amsterdam to phase out cruise ships and force use of onshore power

AMSTERDAM – Amsterdam will slash the number of cruise ships permitted to moor in its harbour by almost half before banning them from docking there entirely about a decade from now.

Currently, 190 ships dock annually at its passenger terminal, located close to the city’s heart. Following an announcement from Amsterdam City Hall last week, that number will drop to a maximum of 100 in 2026.

The following year, all ships will be required to use onshore power from the city’s grid rather than their more-polluting onboard generators. An outright ban within the city will start in 2035, following the opening of an out-of-town terminal now under construction 25.7km away.

“The city council wants a liveable, clean and sustainable city,” Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren said in a statement. “Sea cruises are a polluting form of tourism and contribute to crowds and emissions in the city.” 

The decision follows a broader move to reduce the damage from overtourism in the Dutch capital. The number of day visitors rose by 2.5 million to 15.1 million annually between 2019 and 2023, while overnight stays reached 22.1 million in 2023, despite an attempted cap at 20 million in 2021.

The rise has created pressures in the metro area of some 1.18 million, burdening transit infrastructure and the narrow street plan. It has also stoked resentment in locals who feel the boom is harming access to, and enjoyment of, their hometown.

While most visitors arrive by other means, cruise ships are criticised for causing pollution spikes in the city core.

Each vessel creates pollution equal to 31,000 trucks doing the round of the city’s beltway, according to figures cited by an Amsterdam representative of centrist party D66. They also bring heavy foot traffic that yields small gains to local businesses when their clients eat and sleep on board.

In 2021, Venice banished cruise ships from the city’s lagoon, while caps have also been introduced in Barcelona, Dublin, Dubrovnik, Croatia and Santorini, Greece.

With officials increasingly wary of its reputation as a party destination, Amsterdam has adopted broader measures to curb tourism. The city has placed limits on short-stay apartments, banned new hotel construction and adopted bylaws and launched publicity campaigns to curb public antisocial behaviour.

“We understand that there might be some adverse effects,” a city spokesperson said in a statement to Bloomberg CityLab.

“However, we also know that visitor numbers continue to rise both worldwide and in Amsterdam, so we cannot afford to sit back and wait for things to get worse. Measures are being taken in all kinds of areas to keep the city liveable.”

The plan has created some controversy and logistical issues. Van Buren, whose department will be responsible for implementing the decision, opposed the proposal when it was raised in 2023.

Before the new out-of-town terminal is completed, it will require the re-routing of 40 ships to the much larger, deeper port at Rotterdam 88km away, a move that will create extra congestion and pollution as visitors must travel by bus to the capital.

There will also be a drop in revenue to the city of Amsterdam, estimated at between €46 million (S$67 million) and €103 million. While the spokesperson acknowledged the move was a “drastic measure,” changes are necessary.

“If we don’t do this now, we will become less attractive as a city for people and companies. And that will cost more money in the long run.” BLOOMBERG

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Fire breaks out on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, cruise ship loses power

A fire broke out on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas cruise ship on Tuesday.

The ship also experienced a brief loss of power, according to Nathaniel Derrenbacher, a spokesperson for the line’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group . The ship was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico, at the time.

There were no injuries and the small fire – which was isolated to a crew area – was quickly extinguished. The ship’s backup power was activated immediately, and the main power systems were restored.

Derrenbacher did not have additional information on where the fire occurred or how long the power outage lasted.

The vessel’s itinerary was not impacted. Icon, the biggest cruise ship in the world , is currently sailing a week-long Western Caribbean cruise that departed from Miami, Florida on Saturday, according to CruiseMapper . The ship is scheduled to visit Cozumel on Wednesday.

The news comes after a fire occurred in the exhaust funnel of Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom ship in March, the second such fire on the vessel in less than two years.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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• Carnival Conquest first to use new shore power at PortMiami...

Carnival Conquest first to use new shore power at PortMiami (Florida USA)

PortMiami (Florida USA) has introduced shore power for docked ships, with Carnival Conquest representing Carnival Corporation & plc at the inaugural event. This development marks PortMiami as the first major cruise port on the USA's eastern seaboard to offer shoreside power connections at 5 cruise berths. The installation is through a partnership between Miami-Dade County, Florida Power & Light Company, and several major cruise lines including Carnival Corporation.

Carnival Conquest's selection for the inaugural connection follows Carnival Corporation surpassing its 2030 shore power goal in 2023, 7 years ahead of schedule. The company now leads the industry with 67% of its fleet shore power-capable, doubling the number of ships able to "plug in" compared to ports equipped to provide shore power. Shore power enables cruise operators to switch off ship engines while in port and use energy from the local electric grid to power onboard systems, significantly reducing emissions by up to 98%, depending on the energy source mix.

Carnival Corporation is committed to using shoreside electricity when available and operationally feasible, working with ports worldwide to prioritize this capability. Shore power is part of the company's broader decarbonization strategy, which aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Due to ongoing emission reduction efforts, Carnival Corporation has achieved a more than 10% reduction in total GHG emissions since 2011, despite a roughly 30% increase in capacity during that period.

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Port of Seattle: Reduce number of cruise ships

Re: “ Port commissioners, keep leaning into a greener future ” [June 27, Opinion]:

The Seattle Times editorial board rightly applauds the Port of Seattle’s decision to make shore power mandatory for all home-porting cruise vessels by 2027, eliminating much of the diesel particulate pollution threatening nearby port residents and workers.

But regarding the cruise industry’s climate-wrecking carbon dioxide emissions (greenhouse gases), let’s do the math. Cruise ships are only plugged into Seattle shore power for 7 hours out of a seven-day cruise, eliminating about 4% of total GHG emissions of the trip. Meanwhile, the Port has announced that 2025 cruise calls will exceed 300, an increase of more than 9% over 2024. So, even if every cruise ship hooks up to shore power in 2025 (an unrealistic projection), the Port would still be looking at a 5% increase in cruise GHG emissions: not a reduction at all, certainly not a walking-the-talk approach.

For every year we delay cutting greenhouse gases, the future costs of addressing climate change increase enormously. It’s time the Port of Seattle tells the cruise industry that if it won’t reduce carbon emissions, the Port will do so by reducing the number of cruises. That’s one way the Port Commissioners can really lean into a greener future.

Patrick McKee, Mercer Island (member, Seattle Cruise Control)

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