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HERE THEY COME !

The season has arrived with a big manifest of arrivals this fall and winter. Aruba is becoming a very popular destinatioon for ships sailing from the USA as well as those positoned in San Juan, the Domincan Republis. and Barbados.

We'll be receiving arrivals from Carnival, NCL, AIDA, Virgin, Holland America, Windstar, RCL, Seabourn, Celebrity, Azamara, Silver Seas, Marella, MSC, Princess, and more!. What a list! Arrival in December: 57.

Crystal Confirms Third Ocean Ship for 2032 Delivery

Crystal announced today the finalization of an order with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for construction of a third ocean ship for a 2032 delivery. It will follow new ships for the brand that are scheduled for 2028 and 2030. All three ships will be 690 guests and be about 61,800 tons. This comes as a result of the option granted under the two-unit agreements announced earlier this summer.

“Exercising this option and agreeing to build a third ship together showcases the trust and partnership between my family and Fincantieri, dating back to Sitmar Cruises and evolving through Silversea to our present vision with Crystal,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, added, “We’re pleased to bring an expanded fleet to our guests, offering even more ways to explore the world with the extraordinary service and style synonymous with Crystal.”

Crystal said a standout feature will be a promenade extending through the whole ships’ perimeter, similar to those loved by guests on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. (Cruise Industry News)

Port Everglades Tops Its Own Cruise Passenger Record

Port Everglades bested its own cruise passenger record with a preliminary count of 4,010,919 guests embarking and disembarking during Fiscal Year 2024, which ended September 30, 2024. The new record is expected to be short lived, however, as 4.4 million guests are anticipated during Fiscal Year 2025, according to a press release from the port. “We expected to do well with the addition of Disney Cruise Line to our fleet and a mix of short and week-long cruises throughout the summer. As the year progressed, it became evident that a near-record 4 million guests was within reach,” said CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris. “Cruising is in high demand, and our cruise line partners are poised for greater gains with new itineraries and a variety of sailing dates.”

In just one year, cruise passenger counts grew 39% and cruise ship calls rose 23% as the cruise lines fully recovered from the pandemic. The turnaround port’s original record was set in 2014 with 3,880,033 guests. In 2014, it took 887 cruise ships calls to set the port’s passenger record compared to 648 calls setting the new record this year because the ships are larger.

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A BUSY CARIBBEAN

Hard to believe. Many Caribbean islands are reporting better projected ship visitors this season prior to the pandemic. My first postdemic cruise if you want to call it that was from St. Maarten on Celebritiy's Summit un August of 2021 - just 380 fellow passengers.

Here in ARUBA the return of ships is a welcome sight for this hungry ship addict. I'll be taking loads of pictures featuring arrivals and some departures.

However, it can be a sad day when the total number of passengers and crew can reach half the population of some of their island destinations. Choose wisely. Our max here in Aruba is about three ships. That could equate to 10-12,000 guests, or ten percent of Aruba's population.

Wherever you sail to this fall or winter, stay safe and stay well. Life is good.

Journey On !