The cruise ship Carnival Dream has been forced to make a slight detour during its transatlantic voyage from Miami to Marseille, France. The vessel approached Funchal, Madeira yesterday and anchored near the port to disembark a crew member in need of medical assistance. The crew member was medically evacuated with a boat and transferred by to the Hospital da Luz by an ambulance waiting at the port. 

The cruise ship Carnival Sensation arrived today in Mobile, Alabama for crew vaccinations. The ship docked into port in order for 110 crew members, currently on board, to get their first doses of the vaccine against COVID-19. Staff members from USA Health will board the vessel to vaccinate the ship’s crew who will then return in three weeks to receive their second doses.

Carnival Cruise Line released detailed instructions and rules for crew members who received a Letter of employment and expected to join the ships. As the company prepares to restart cruise operations Carnival wanted to help the joining crew set the right expectations by presenting more information for the joining crew on the new way of crew life on board.

Following the popularity of the Carnival’s latest stunning red, white and blue livery adorning Mardi Gras hull, another ship in the fleet will soon receive the fresh hull design that will become a trademark feature for all Carnival Cruise Line ships as the company prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2022.

Following the recent announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that cruises could resume from the US ports by mid-July, cruise lines are moving forward with the restart plans and already started with the necessary preparations for the upcoming season. Yesterday three major cruise lines announced the start of crew vaccination including MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.

Like many nations struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic, Myanmar faces additional destabilizing risks from the military coup. Cruise ship crew members from this country shared their concerns about the current situation and worries that this might affect their next sign-on date. In hopes that the cruise lines will not forget them they sent an open letter voicing their concerns.

Cunard Line announced today the retirement of Captain, Christopher Wells, after a stellar 20 year career with the company, part of 30 years spent working across Carnival Corporation cruise lines. Wells embarked on his retirement this week, as he was awarded the rank of Commodore in recognition of his long outstanding career with the brand.

The past few days have been devastating for the people on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent after La Soufriere volcano erupted several times in an explosion of ash and hot gas. The larges eruption happen this Monday, since the volcanic activity started last week, and poses a serious threat to residents yet to be evacuated.

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have declared Red Alert and ordered mandatory evacuations on Thursday after La Soufriere volcano is in danger of exploding. Evacuation is underway by land and sea in preparation for an explosive eruption of the volcano.

Crew members are proud and hardworking people, loyal to the cruise lines and committed to their jobs at sea. They are breadwinners for their families but also visionaries who dream for a better future. During this difficult year some found different jobs, others waited for that call from the cruise lines. However, almost all of them are eager to get back at sea and continue doing what they do best.