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Mallorca: P&O ship with thousands of Britons onboard collides with tanker

Cruise vessel’s mooring ropes snapped in high winds, which blew liner into nearby oil transport ship off coast of Palma

A P&O cruise ship carrying thousands of British holidaymakers has crashed into an oil tanker off the coast of Palma in Mallorca after it snapped its moorings.

The Britannia was blown by gales towards the other vessel on Sunday after a storm battered the island in the Balearics. P&O said a small number of people had sustained minor injuries.

It was understood that 321 guests from the ship will be flying home early as it heads back to Southampton with a reduced number of people on board, as required by maritime law.

Ricky Stubbs, a passenger, said he and his children had been about to disembark when the crash happened.

“We were at the stairwell next to the sunset bar,” he said. “A loud crash came from the bar and the door flung open with people running in. Within seconds there was more crashing followed by chaos as people were trying to escape the onslaught of wind and rain.

“People were being ushered in by other guests and staff. You could clearly see some had injuries due to either falling over or debris flying around, and people were distraught.

“A couple of minutes later the captain came over the speaker asking all guest to return to their rooms until further instructions.”

Stubbs said the passengers had been told they would be staying overnight while the boat was moored up so the damage could be assessed.

“Huge respect for the captain and all the staff as they managed to stay calm and keep everyone updated,” he said. “The captain made announcements every 10-15 minutes once we were back in our cabins and they did a great job in a stressful situation.”

The £473m ship, which entered service in 2015, is the flagship of the P&O fleet.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: “On Sunday 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia was impacted by severe weather when alongside in Palma de Mallorca.

“Following inspections, our third-party surveyor has confirmed that one of Britannia’s lifeboats has sustained structural issues and cannot be repaired onboard.

“We are so sorry but these extraordinary circumstances mean that the ship is required, by maritime regulation, to return to Southampton with a reduced number of people onboard.

“A limited number of guests and crew on board have been advised that they will be leaving the ship and will be returned to Southampton (or their starting point) by flight and transfer. The guests remaining onboard will be able to enjoy the entertainment and activities scheduled for the remainder of their trip.”

Mallorca had been experiencing winds of 75mph and torrential rains, which caused sun loungers to be blown into the air. An amber weather alert was in place across the whole of the island and had been extended until midnight on Sunday.

The Tramuntana region and the north and north-east of the island were most likely to be affected, forecasters said.

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Cruise ship sent crashing into cargo vessel as hurricane-force winds hit Majorca

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Several passengers on board a P&O cruise ship sustained minor injuries when severe stormy weather sent it smashing into a cargo vessel in Majorca.

Along with its neighbours Ibiza and Menorca, the island is being battered by hurricane-force winds and torrential rain.

Weather warnings for wind and stormy seas have been extended into Monday for the Balearics and parts of Catalonia in Spain ’s north-east.

Thousands of people sailing on the P&O ship Britannia, which is based in Southampton, got a frighteningly close look at the extreme weather this morning.

Their vessel broke free from its moorings near the island’s shore at around 11am and collided with a smaller ship nearby, causing the walkway to fall into the sea.

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According to BBC News , the captain informed passengers after the incident that ‘there’s no structural compromise, but deck five has sustained a small amount of damage’.

Britannia, which can hold 6,647 passengers and 1,350 crew, will remain in Palma while a technical assessment is completed.

One Welsh passenger told WalesOnline : ‘It was panic stations, I was bawling my eyes out.

‘We went out onto our balcony and could see debris in the ocean and all the damage to the side of the boat and our lifeboat.’

P&O said a small number of people had sustained minor injuries and were being cared for on board.

A spokesman for the company said: ‘On Sunday 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while alongside in Palma de Mallorca.

‘A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre.

‘To allow our technical teams to make an assessment, Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.’

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People injured after P&O cruise ship involved in 'weather-related incident' in Mallorca

It's reported that P&O ship Britannia, carrying thousands of travellers, crashed into a freight vessel on Sunday morning during severe storms.

Monday 28 August 2023 08:22, UK

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P&O Cruise passengers injured after 'weather-related' incident in Mallorca

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Powerful storm causes chaos at resort, cruise ship collision on Spanish island of Mallorca

The Spanish holiday island of Mallorca was slammed by a storm with wind gusts of up to 100 km/h on Sunday, causing chaos at a local hotel and caused a collision involving a cruise ship.

Video captured guests fleeing from the pool at the Sol Mirlos Tordos Hotel as sun loungers were sent flying by the powerful winds.

The storm also broke the P&O Cruises ship Britannia free of its mooring, causing it to collide with another ship in the island's capital of Palma.

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"P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while alongside in Palma de Mallorca. A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre," a spokesperson for P&O Cruises said.

With files from Reuters

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Some Britannia cruise passengers to fly home after Mallorca storm crash

• Published 28 August 2023

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Watch: Two ships collide as storms hit Mallorca

Some passengers on board a cruise ship that crashed in a storm in Mallorca have been told they have to fly home.

The P&O Cruises vessel Britannia broke free from moorings and collided with a freight vessel on Sunday.

Inspections revealed a lifeboat was damaged and could not be repaired on board, the cruise company said.

P&O said a total of 321 passengers would be returned to Southampton, or their starting point, by flight and transfer.

A technical assessment was carried out on the cruise ship in Palma, where experts found "structural issues" with one of the lifeboats.

Britannia can carry 3,647 passengers and P&O said the ship was "close to capacity" at the time of the collision.

P&O said guests were asked to "kindly volunteer to disembark".

"Together they made up the total of people who needed to leave for the ship to be able to sail safely within maritime law, given the damage to one of the lifeboats," the spokesperson added.

A small number of people were also being cared for on board after sustaining minor injuries, P&O previously said.

The captain earlier told passengers there was "no structural compromise".

Russ Dawson, from east London, was asked to leave by cruise staff earlier on Monday, but said he refused to leave the ship.

"We got a phone call to the cabin and they told us to bring our passports to reception because we were going home at five o'clock but I told them I wasn't leaving.

"I assumed people would have been asked to leave the ship based on whether they were in the same muster station as the damaged boat, but that didn't seem to be the case because we weren't," he added.

Mr Dawson was watching the weather from his balcony when the crash happened, as weather had suddenly become stormy and the sky had "turned black".

"I saw this boat start to turn around and I said 'that's going to crash into us'," he said.

"There was a bang when it hit the boat and there was screaming and shouting and panic."

Mr Dawson said P&O had offered him 20% off his next cruise as a gesture of goodwill, but he said that it "didn't come close" to making up for the situation.

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UK cruise ship crashes in Mallorca storms

• Published 27 August 2023

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P&O Cruises

Exclusive: Video shows moment P&O Britannia cruise ship crashes at Mallorca harbour

Some passengers have been injured in the crash, P&O Cruises has confirmed

• 19:54, 27 AUG 2023

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Footage has captured the moment a P&O cruise ship carrying thousands of British tourists crashed into another vessel near to the shore of the Spanish island of Mallorca, leaving some onboard suffering injuries.

The video, sent to WalesOnline by passenger Ben Griffiths, shows the extremely popular MV Britannia ship slowly moving towards the smaller vessel before colliding with it. The crash is followed by a loud horn.

Multiple holidaymakers staying in Mallorca and aboard the cruise ship on Sunday have told WalesOnline how the ship had been forced into the other vessel due to a storm which swept through the island on Sunday morning. Officially the cause of the collision remains unconfirmed.

Pictures sent to WalesOnline from the ship, which you can see here, show passenger decks damaged following the collision, with tables and chairs in disarray. A separate video sent by Welsh holidaymakers also in Mallorca, which you can see here, shows the extent of the storm that hit the island on Sunday as it wrecked one Mallorca hotel, even turning sunbeds over and into the pool and sending loungers flying through the air.

Following the sounding of the horn on the Britannia on Sunday morning all passengers were told to remain inside their cabins, passengers explained, while being told, “this is not a drill”, by the captain after they heard a loud bang and saw debris floating in the water, they said.

One Welsh woman, who is on board with her partner and two children, said: “We were docked overnight in Palma and the wind was so strong our anchors broke and we blew out into another ship. We were up browsing on our phones in bed and heard the big horn after the bang. It was panic stations, I was bawling my eyes out. We went out onto our balcony and could see debris in the ocean and all the damage to the side of the boat and our lifeboat.”

The Welsh passengers said the Britannia ship was anchored less than a mile from the shore following the accident. Other passengers have since reported the ship has since docked again at Palma for the night while further checks are carried out to establish if the ship is seaworthy.

Another passenger, Mark Beckwith, told WalesOnline on Sunday evening: "The captain has and is doing an amazingly calm job with the fantastic crew. It's very calm and relaxed onboard now and we are just redocking to collect the passengers who were off the ship for the duration of the incident."

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: “On Sunday, August 27, P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while alongside in Palma de Mallorca. A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre. To allow our technical teams to make an assessment Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.”

The Britannia set sail from Southampton on August 18 for the Mediterranean cruise including stops at Cadiz and Ibiza and had been due to leave Mallorca on Sunday afternoon. It can carry up to 3,647 passengers and is 330 metres in length. She has a crew of 1,398 and cost £473m.

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P&O cruise ship crashes on Mallorca as panicked Brits 'in tears' fearing for their lives

A terrified customer on board the P&O cruise ship said it was 'panic stations' when the horn blew on board the Britannia vessel after a storm 'suddenly hit'

• 15:25, 27 Aug 2023
• Updated 07:52, 28 Aug 2023

A packed P&O cruise ship carrying thousands of British passengers has crashed into an oil tanker off the coast of Palma in Mallorca after it snapped its moorings.

Holidaymakers were left stranded after gales sent the Britannia hurtling into another vessel in the Balearics. It was reported that a storm “suddenly hit” the island with heavy rain and hail accompanied by strong 55 MPH gusts. The huge £473m ship is currently said to be anchored less than a mile from the shore following the accident.

Passengers were told “this is not a drill”, by the captain earlier after they heard a loud bang and saw debris floating in the water. Terrifying footage shows poolside furniture being tossed around as frantic staff attempted to calm customers on board the 140,000-tonne ship.

A "small number" of passengers are being cared for onboard after sustaining "minor injuries", P&O said in a statement. There were conflicting reports that guests were ordered to report to their emergency points, known as muster stations.

Thousands were left in waiting rooms as they awaited updates. One woman, who is on the ship with her partner and two children, said: “We have now been told we’re allowed to leave our cabins but we can’t do anything on the ship and all the crew are in their life jackets and doing all of their emergency things. The side of the boat is battered."

She told WalesOnline : “We were docked overnight in Palma and the wind was so strong our anchors broke and we blew out into another ship," she believed. "We were up browsing on our phones in bed and heard the big horn after the bang. It was panic stations, I was bawling my eyes out.

"We went out onto our balcony and could see debris in the ocean and all the damage to the side of the boat and our lifeboat. The captain said: ‘Everyone, this is not a drill.’ Lots of people were running around looking panicked. Then they came around again and said everyone needs to get back to their cabins. We’re still none the wiser. I can’t see how they’ll be able to sail it again after this.”

Passenger Gary McGuinness is on board and told the Mirror of his experience: "Me and my seven-year-old daughter Kasey stepped off the ship to go out for the day. I then saw a wall of water and wind heading towards us down the concrete jetty - it looked like a sort of ferocity that you would be unable to stand up in.

"The large fold out greeting umbrellas on the jetty, shot past into the sea about 80mph. We stepped back into the ship and about 8 seconds later, we broke our moorings. The walk way that we were just stood on, I think fell into the sea. But when you first witnessed it happening it looked, like the ship opposite and the concrete jetty was floating away. But of course we were floating away into a small cargo ship and rocks opposite."

He added: |I didn’t see any injuries myself. The fire brigade on the jetty and the ship itself were running an emergency drill at the time of the incident."

It comes as flights across the islands face cancellations and delays over the challenging weather conditions. The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that 84 storm-related incidents were reported inside an hour today.

A witness to the event told the publication: "What a mess. A 200-tonne ship has carried it to the other side of the harbour like it was straw. Something must surely have been damaged. It went like a missile to the other side."

The Britannia set sail from Southampton on August 18 for the Mediterranean cruise including stops at Cadiz and Ibiza. The ship can carry up to 3,647 passengers and is 330 metres in length. She has a crew of 1,398.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: “We are aware of an incident involving Britannia on Sunday morning while the ship was alongside in Palma de Mallorca. We are working to assess the situation. The captain is keeping all guests updated.”

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Two cruise passengers airlifted to hospital in Mallorca

Six busy hours for air sea rescue service, scrap this silly curb at palma's port.

Busy morning for air sea rescue helicopters. | Majorca Daily Bulletin reporter

The Maritime Rescue service has airlifted a cruise passenger to Son Espases hospital in Palma with urgent health problems off a cruise ship which was sailing to the east of Minorca, the second similar intervention in six ours today.

According to the sea rescue agency, at around 9.20 a.m. those in charge of the cruise ship Tosca Toscana requested the evacuation of a passenger who was having breathing difficulties. The cruise ship, which had departed from Barcelona and was heading for Cagliari, in Sardinia, was 65 miles west of Minorca and changed course to approach the Balearics again and facilitate the rendezvous with a Hemiler 220 helicopter , which picked up the patient and flew him to Palma.

The patient is a 68-year-old French citizen , according to the same sources. Early this morning, the same helicopter rescued and evacuated to Son Espases an 81-year-old German passenger who suffered a stroke on board the Aida Stela cruise ship on its crossing from Palma to Mahón, 41 miles from the Balearic capital.

Related news

Philip Green's superyacht docks in Palma

In the UK , a major search operation has ended after a crew member was reported to have gone overboard from a cruise ship off the coast of Kent.

The crew member was on board the German AIDAperla cruise ship when he went overboard in the early morning of 22 October. HM Coastguard said the search near Ramsgate was ended at about 6pm on Sunday after it had been alerted earlier that day.

A helicopter, a Coastguard aircraft and lifeboats were involved in the operation. The ship was reportedly travelling from Hamburg in Germany to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

• Cruise ships in Majorca
• Emergencies
• Majorca rescue
• Mallorca helicopters
• Mallorca rescue
• Maritime Rescue Helicopter Airlifts Passenger To Palma

Also in News

More than 50 flights from the Balearic Islands may be affected this Thursday by the strike at French airports

Police destroy "fortification" at the Son Banya "drugs supermarket"

Britons in the dark over new entry/exit system in Mallorca

Arrested for stealing nine electric bikes in Santa Ponsa worth 30,000 euros

• Spain wants Britons to show they have 113.40 euros, £97, per day for their holidays
• Over two hours for Britons to get through Palma airport queues
• Palma Airport passport control "collapse" put down to unscheduled flights
• Living in a motorhome in Palma: "It'll only get worse"
• Watch those prices in Mallorca

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• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Mediterranean - Black Sea Cruise Ports

Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island Balearic Spain)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-27 01:30

Port Palma de Mallorca cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Palma de Mallorca is located on Majorca Island's southeastern coast (Western Mediterranean Sea). Currently, the seaport (locode ESPMI) is among the busiest homeports/departure ports for cruise ships due to its proximity to the international Palma Airport (PMI) - located approx 8 km (5 mi) east of the cruise port. Port's cruise ship schedule shows a variety of roundtrip itineraries to seaports in the Mediterranean and also to the Canary Islands (Spain).

In late-October 2019, Balearic Port Authority (Palma port's managing company)approved a law to protect the Posidonia Oceanica (seagrass species). Ships that drop anchors on the seabed will be fined EUR 30,000. Anchorage for large ships (passenger and cargo) is allowed only in 2 marine zones, located approx 300 m (1000 ft) off the coast and between Playa Can Pere Antoni (beach) and Cap Gros Lighthouse.

The anchorage sites for carriers shipping dangerous goods are further away from the coast. Permission for anchoring is required for all vessels. Anchoring in port's Zone 1, access channel, inside the harbour and anywhere on Posidonia meadows is strictly forbidden. For anchoring in the access channel and the harbour fines are up to EUR 180,000. Mooring in the prohibited marine zones is fined up to EUR 90,000. Anchoring in other areas without permission is fined up to EUR 60,000.

For season 2020, Port Palma de Mallorca had scheduled a total of 586 cruise ship calls (berth bookings), including 100 by Costa , 94 by AIDA , 80 by MSC . Most berthings were booked in October (89). Port's low seasons are March-April and November-December. In 2019, the cruise port handled 2,153295 million ship tourists, including 1,223148 million on transit calls and 930,147 on roundtrips. Homeported ship passengers spent 1-3 nights in Palma hotels pre-cruise.

Since 2023, the Port allows maximum 3x cruise ships per day, including only one large-sized liner with passenger capacity 5000+. Prior to the restrictions were allowed 4x ships per day.

Inca (Majorca) Spain

Inca is a town (not port) on Majorca Island with population around 30,000. There is a junction train station Majorca rail network with trains to Palma (island's capital), also to Manacor and Sa Pobla.

The town was named "Inkan" during the Islamic period, from which several vestiges remain, including the "sinies" and "ganats" - systems used by the Arabs to draw underground water.

The town's peak was at the beginning of the 20th century, following the railway construction and the installation of gas factory. Then was established the footwear manufacturing company "Camper". Inca town is famous for its outdoor market (every Thursday) considered to be one of the island's largest. The biggest market event is on "Good Thursday" Maundy Thursday - Thursday before Easter) coinciding with local trade shows and fairs.

Among the town's tourist attractions (also offered as cruise shore excursions from Palma) are the Santa María la Mayor church, the old convents Sant Domingo and Sant Francesc the Sant Bartomeu monastery. The town is also famous for its wine cellars. In the period 17th-19th centuries, Inca Spain was a major producer of wine - until phylloxera (pest of commercial grapevines) destroyed the industry. Today many of the old wine cellars are used as restaurants for serving traditional Mallorcan dishes - like sopes tombet, mallorquines, gato d'ametlles.

Palma de Mallorca cruise terminal

The biggest Balearic Islands port Palma de Mallorca is in the middle of the city, right in front of the Old Town’s streets. Port Plama is connected from one side to the other by an esplanade (seafront promenade) and comprises four zones – Ribera (shoreline dock), commercial docks, recreational docks and Dique del Oeste (west dock).

Palma de Mallorca cruise port terminals are Estacion Maritima 1,2,3,4 and 5. The first four (Estacion Maritima 1,2,3 and 4) cruise terminals are for the cruise vessel docked at the Paraires and Poniente quays and are connected by a network of covered sidewalks. They have features like snackbar, cafeteria, office, restrooms, post office, police station and telephone kiosks. They are located southwest of the center of Plama (about a mile and a half).

The cruise ships that dock at the west sea wall (Dique Del Oeste) piers are served by passengers terminal Estacion Martima 5.

Palma de Mallorca is a charming place to visit with a lot of attractions, magnificent architecture, sidewalk places for a coffee and very friendly and hospitable population. You can enjoy both shore excursions and city tours in the area.

• Pisa’s leaning tower, from Livorno
• the iconic David, artwork of Michelangelo in Florence, from Livorno
• the Cappuchini Catacombs, Palermo
• the ambient old town of Ibiza
• La Seu: the most popular attraction in Palma de Mallorca. The gorgeous cathedral was built more than 300 years, the construction began in the 13 th century. Gaudi took part in its 20 th century rebuilding.
• Almudaina Palace: or Palacio de la Almudaina was a fortress converted in the 13 th century into a palace for the monarchy of Mallorca. Currently it is a great museum where you can see paintings, Flemish tapestries, carpets from the Middle East and other artworks.
• Bellver Castle: here are the Despuig Classical Sculpture and Palma History Museums. To go there you will have to hike up the hill starting from Estacion Maritima for approximately 10 minutes.
• C’an Pere Antoni Beach: sunny beach with golden sands and warm clean water. Located South of the La Seu.
• Palma To Soller Railway: take a 27 km journey to Soller, small and lively village in the mountain, by a retro electric train. This will take about an hour and you will enjoy views from all over the island. You can take the train from the Palma station, located at the city center.

Palma de Mallorca tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Palma de Mallorca - user reviews and comments

Virgin Set For Second ‘Virgin Celebration Voyage’

• April 26, 2024

After its successful debut last year, Virgin Voyages announced its second annual “Virgin Celebration Voyage.”

In honor of the company’s 50+ year history, guests will have the opportunity to sail on three voyages featuring special guests, including Richard Branson and Boy George from Culture Club, according to a press release.

Present onboard will be Virgin Voyages executives joined by astronauts from Virgin Galactic who have voyaged to the edge of space. Guests can look forward to shore experiences, fitness classes, interactive workshops, exclusive fireside chats and daily happy hours.

  “Not only are we excited to bring back this special series, but we’re making a splash, doing it bigger and better than in 2023 with not one, but three incredible voyages,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Once a year, our Sailors have unprecedented access to immerse themselves in the magic of both Virgin Voyages and the Virgin brand. They’ll be rubbing elbows with visionary leaders from across the Virgin family and this year’s very special guests.”

Dates for this year’s “Virgin Celebration Voyage”  include:

• The Valiant Lady – August 30 – September 4: Dominican Daze (Miami – Puerto Plata – Beach Club at Bimini – Miami) 
• The Scarlet Lady – September 1-8: French Daze and Ibiza Nights (Barcelona – Marseille – Cannes – Palma de Mallorca – Ibiza – Barcelona)
• The Resilient Lady – September 3-8: UK to Zeebrugge and Amsterdam (Portsmouth – Amsterdam – Zeebrugge (Bruges) – Portsmouth) 

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Cruise ship industry is booming despite spate of high-seas deaths

I t’s full steam ahead for the cruise ship industry after Royal Caribbean hiked its full-year profit guidance on Thursday, saying it expects 60% growth from last year following record bookings during the first quarter.

Travelers are paying “record ticket prices,” according to Royal Caribbean — despite a recent spate of high-sea deaths and missing passengers reports, including a Florida 20-year-old who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise this month.

Soaring demand for vacations at sea has given cruise operators ample room to raise ticket prices as the industry looks to close the pricing gap between more expensive land-based holidays and give their profits a lift.

Royal Caribbean, which operates the Celebrity Cruises, now expects annual profits of between $10.70 and $10.90 per share, compared with its earlier forecast of $9.90 to $10.10.

“Our existing fleet along with our new ships continue to perform exceptionally well, highlighted by the market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas,” CEO Jason Liberty said.

Royal Caribbean’s shares — which have spiked 126% in the past year, were up 2% on Thursday morning, to $139.32.

“I remember owning the stock in 2022 and every client was giving me grief about it,” said Peter Ahluwalia, manager at Belinvest Global Equity Fund that holds Royal Caribbean stocks and chief investment officer at Swiss Partners Group. “We’re turning almost 45% return on equity at the moment, which is quite incredible.”

Overall, the industry which was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, is expected to grow to 39.4 million passengers in 2027 from 31.7 million last year, according to Statista.

The surge in demand comes amid major publicity blows from incidents at sea involving passengers who have gone missing, including the Florida man who jumped overboard on April 4 in front of his brother and father after a night of drinking.

Last December, a 41-year-old Royal Caribbean passenger went overboard on a cruise to the Bahamas. That followed an incident last August involving a 64 year-old woman sailing from Singapore to Malaysia on Royal Caribbean who is presumed to have jumped to her death .

On average, 19 people go overboard on cruise ships every year — and of those, only about four are rescued, according to a 2020 study commissioned by the industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association.

Florence in California: Carnival launches new Italian-style cruise ship

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing a touch of Italy to Southern California.

The line launched Carnival Firenze, inspired by its namesake city, this week. The vessel sailed its maiden voyage from its Long Beach homeport on Thursday.

“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,” Christine Duffy, the line’s president, said in a news release . “The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”

The ship is the second in the Carnival Fun Italian Style concept after sister ship Carnival Venezia joined the fleet last summer. Both were originally part of Costa Cruises – also owned by parent company Carnival Corp. – before being rehomed.

Where will Carnival Firenze sail?

The roughly 5,000-guest ship will offer Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises ranging from three to seven days. Stops include destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Catalina Island.

What can guests expect on board?

Built in 2020, Firenze was refurbished earlier this year to add Carnival-specific touches. Those include staple venues like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and JavaBlue Cafe.

But the line leans into the ship’s Italian motif. The ship’s atrium was designed with Florence’s Piazza del Duomo in mind and the Lido deck takes influence from the Italian Riviera. There’s even a replica of Michelangelo’s David on board that was previously on Carnival Pride (the real sculpture is located in Florence’s Accademia Gallery).

The theme extends to the food and drink options, with eateries like Italian specialty restaurant Il Viaggio, Mexican-Italian fusion venue Tomodoro and La Strada Grill, serving Italian street food. Frizzante specializes in bubbly drinks, and passengers can sip craft cocktails and Italian coffee at Amari.

Other features include the WaterWorks water park and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

How long should I take a cruise?: Here's how short and long cruises compare

How much does Carnival Firenze cost?

Prices vary based on sailing date and other factors, but a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise departing on May 30 currently starts at $409 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival’s website . The fare includes much of the food on the ship, drinks like regular coffee and iced tea and more.

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

Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

Related stories

I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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