Things aren’t going so well on a Florida-bound cruise. A gastrointestinal illness outbreak has struck Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, sickening close to 100 individuals during its 13-night voyage from San Diego to Miami. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 98 passengers and one crew member have reported symptoms consistent with norovirus, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus often linked to outbreaks on cruise ships.
Florida’s east coast has changed a lot over the centuries, but one thing that’s held its ground—name and all—is Mosquito Lagoon. While other places in the region have shed their buggy branding in favor of more marketable names, Mosquito Lagoon remains the last major waterway in Florida to retain its original moniker.
So where did the name “Mosquito Lagoon” come from, and why did it stick?
Muireann Bradley from Ballybofey in County Down singing Candy Man Blues. Image by Richard P Gallagher | FMN
Florida is full of things to do, and no doubt cruising is one of the most popular. FMN’s Richard Gallagher recently spent a week pursuing hidden gems in one of his passions: the Blues. Read Richard’s account of what he discovered on the Norwegian Gem during a “Blues Cruise” from Miami last week.
A norovirus outbreak aboard the Holland America Line’s MS Eurodam has affected at least 79 individuals during a 10-day voyage from Florida to the Western Caribbean. So what happened?
So you’ve planned that long awaited cruise vacation down to the last detail. You’ve talked to travel agents, shopped around for your best deal, researched cruise lines and destinations on the internet, figured out your arrival dates, booked your flights, arranged your transfers to the port, and even finagled early boarding on your ship of choice. Now all you want to do is put on your favorite swim suit and pair of flip-flops, grab a drink, and kick back by the pool. Whew! We made it on board! Let the vacation begin!
Utopia of the Seas arrived at her new home port of Port Canaveral, Florida on July 11, 2024. Photo: Royal Carribean
This morning, the arrival of the world’s second-largest cruise ship and Royal Caribbean International’s newest vessel, Utopia of the Seas, was celebrated with fanfare and excitement as it docked at Port Canaveral. Observers say the ship could redefine luxury and innovation in the cruising industry, bringing with it a host of technology, features, and amenities that elevate the cruising experience to new heights.
Royal Caribbean has started promoting the arrival of the world’s second-largest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, to its new home in Port Canaveral. It all kicks off with an online contest for fans of pop singer Meghan Trainor to join her and a small group of other fans on the ship’s initial cruise before it enters into regular service later this month.
Disney Cruise Lines boards passengers in Port Canaveral, FL. Photo: Mark Stone/FMN
Those who plan to cruise over the 4th of July holiday weekend and into next week might not get what they signed up for. Hurricane Beryl, the first major storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has wreaked havoc on Florida-based cruise lines, forcing significant itinerary changes and posing operational challenges.
With everything going on in the world, no doubt 2024 will be a bizarre year. 2025 may start out even stranger. While stories like this are normally just a wee bit out of FMN’s wheelhouse, we found this one curious enough to take a look at. It’s not exactly “The Love Boat”, but…..
Utopia of the Seas is set to carry passengers for the first time July 19 from Port Canaveral, Florida
When you think of a big ship, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is one of the US Navy’s massive aircraft carriers. Truly a floating air base with a full-length flight deck for aircraft to take off and land, aircraft carriers are indeed huge. Typically 1,092 feet (332.85 meters) long and with a beam of 134 feet (40.84 meters) , they are formidable symbols of naval power worldwide. At the same time, they’re not the only huge ships on the ocean, and in a few weeks, one of the largest afloat will call Port Canaveral home.
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, is roughly the same size, and even a bit longer from bow to stern than an aircraft carrier: at 1,188 feet (362 meters) long, 211 feet (64 meters), it is also a huge ship, one devoted to giving its passengers the ultimate vacation experience. While the Utopia is huge, she is edged out slightly by RC’s Icon of the Seas, it is only only 8 feet longer and therefore carries the title of “World’s largest.”
Carnival MS Paradise cruise liner. Taken off the coast of Catalina Island, CA, USA. Photo: Beau Hudspeth, Creative Commons
Carnival Corporation, operator of the world’s largest cruise line, has deployed SpaceX’s Starlink Internet service to all ninety of their ships across all of their brands.
