Disney’s New Ship, Antarctica Hotel and Biggest Cruise Stories From October

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Tue October 29, 2024

From a new hotel for Antarctic cruises to the CDC's cleanest cruise ships of the year, these are all the biggest cruise news stories of October 2024.

Cruise Leaders Named to Inaugural Travel Industry 40 Under 40

Many cruise leaders were named to TravelPulse’s inaugural Travel Industry 40 Under 40, which recognizes young professionals who are making significant contributions to the industry. They include: Jazzmine Douse, AmaWaterways; Jerry A. Estrada Jr., Carnival Cruise Line; Christina Falcone, Celebrity Cruises; Katie Kania, Norwegian Cruise Line; and Rebecca Stacey, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions.

Silversea Is Building a Hotel for Antarctica Cruise Departures in Chile

Construction is underway for Silversea’s new hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, the world’s southernmost city. The new 150-room hotel will support the cruise line’s voyages to Antarctica. Silversea is working with a consortium of Chilean investors on the project, which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2025.

A rendering of Silversea's forthcoming hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile

“This development not only differentiates us from other polar expeditions but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence as Silversea continues to set the standard in experiential luxury travel,” says Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea.

The Cleanest Cruise Ships of 2024, Revealed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed the cleanest cruise ships of 2024. The federal agency inspected more than 100 ships this year, including common spaces like pools, kitchens and children’s activity centers. Some of the cleanest vessels included Carnival Spirit, Viking Orion, Seabourn Odyssey, Norwegian Jewel and many others from top cruise brands.

Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Gets Closer to Debut

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, is one step closer to making its debut on December 21, 2024. This month, the cruise line accepted delivery of the ship, which has been under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Supports Hurricane Milton, Helene Relief Efforts

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. pledged to donate $80,000 to support communities affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The cruise company is donating money to the American Red Cross to help with relief and recovery efforts.

Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 7 Million Travelers Sailing From New Orleans

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated another major milestone this month: 7 million travelers departing from New Orleans. When they stepped onboard Carnival Valor this month, Thomas and Julie Litteral, plus their children Zachary and Zoey, became the 7 millionth passengers to embark from the city with Carnival.

More than 400,000 travelers each year sail from New Orleans with Carnival, which has been cruising year-round from the city since 1994.

Viva Cruises Announces Launch of New Premium Brand

This month, Viva Cruises announced the creation of a brand new premium brand called Viva Boutique. The first European river cruise ship under the new brand, called Viva Beyond, will debut on the Seine River in May 2026.

Royal Caribbean International Announces New Private Destination in Mexico

Royal Caribbean International announced its plans to build a private destination in Mexico called Perfect Day Mexico. Inspired by Perfect Day at CocoCay, the company’s popular private island destination in The Bahamas, the new destination will be located in Mahahual on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It will open in 2027.

Viking Orders More Cruise Ships From Fincantieri

Viking continues to grow its fleet. The cruise company inked a deal with Fincantieri to build two new ships, slated for completion in 2030. Viking also has the option to build four additional ships in the future, with delivery in 2031 and 2032. The new 54,300-ton vessels will have 499 cabins and will be able to accommodate 998 passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line President Skydives To Raise Over $85,000 for Hurricane Relief

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, went skydiving to help raise more than $85,000 for hurricane relief. Duffy’s tandem skydive brought in funds for the Gary Sinise Foundation to help those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy will tandem skydive in support of hurricane relief efforts.

She jumped just as Carnival Paradise departed from the Port of Tampa Bay, along with members of the U.S. Special Operations Command's premier aerial parachute demonstration team and the Round Canopy Parachute Team. Duffy leapt from the Tico Belle, a historic WWII-era C-47 airplane flown during the D-Day invasion of Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944.

AmaWaterways Announces 2025 Soulful Experience Sailings

AmaWaterways’ river cruises for Black travelers have proven so popular that the line is introducing four itineraries for 2025. Guests can sail on the Nile River in Egypt, through Provence in France, on the Douro in Portugal, and on the Magdalena River in Colombia.

AmaWaterways Soulful Epicurean themed cruises

Also this month, the river cruise line again delayed the launch of its new Magdalena River sailings until March 15, 2025.

Royal Caribbean Increases Crew Gratuity Charges

Royal Caribbean International announced that it will be raising its crew gratuity rates starting November 1. The fees are automatically added to travelers’ onboard accounts.

Moving forward, those traveling in suites will pay $21 per person per day, up from $20.50. Guests in other cabin categories will pay $18.50 per person per day, up for $18.

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