Cruise News Today — January 11, 2023 [VIDEO]

The Caribbean is Fast Recovering Following Pandemic

The Caribbean Tourism Organization said that last year, the Caribbean was one of the fastest-recovering tourism regions in the world.

Some destinations recorded more arrivals in 2022 than in 2019, and all Caribbean destinations are expected to reach or exceed 2019 levels this year.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is predicting a big increase in cruise arrivals in 2023, with 450 calls carrying about 1.4 million potential cruisers, versus less than 250 calls in 2022.

Viking Neptune Named in Los Angeles

Viking named and christened its newest ocean ship Viking Neptune during a ceremony this Sunday in Los Angeles. The vessel was officially named and blessed by godmother Nicole Stott, a former astronaut, aquanaut, and artist.

Viking Neptune’s Los Angeles visit was part of the ship’s current 138-day world cruise, which departed Fort Lauderdale last month and is scheduled to end in London in May.

During the months-long voyage, the ship is scheduled to visit 57 ports in 28 countries as it travels through southern Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Mediterranean.

Viking Neptune is Viking’s eight ocean ship. The ninth, Viking Saturn, is scheduled to debut in April.

STORY: Newest Viking Ocean Ship Christened By Former Astronaut in Los Angeles

Carnival Jubilee Construction Progress

And finally, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador John Heald shared a photo of the construction progress on the line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee.

The vessel is scheduled to debut this coming December in Galveston, Texas, where she will homeport year-round offering western Caribbean cruises.

Carnival Jubilee is the third in the line’s Excel-class, following Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration which debuted in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

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