cruise ship dock detroit

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Detroit MI (Michigan)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-21 18:07

Port Detroit MI cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Detroit MI, Michigan. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Detroit MI (aka Motor City) is USA's 7th largest city and a major port on Detroit River. It is located on a navigable waterway that links the Great Lakes with Saint Lawrence Seaway .

The city is also world's foremost car-manufacturing center. The economic growth was aided by city's transport links to USA's interior and its strategic location on Detroit River - the waterway connecting USA's upper and lower Great Lakes.

On Detroit riverfront is located the Civic Center, with Cobo Hall, City-County Building and Arena (one of the largest convention halls in the US). Here also is Henry and Edsel Ford Auditorium and Museum. Ford Museum takes a look at the man behind the assembly line and at how his ingenuity has transformed American life. The collection includes antique and classic cars including the automobile in which JFK was shot, railway locomotives, farm equipment, kitchen appliances, car advertising posters, early car videos. Greenfield Village is adjacent to the museum. It takes tourists back 150 years to reveal the genius of remarkable Americans. Actual structures like Thomas Edison's Menlo Park laboratory, Orville and Wilbur Wright's home and bicycle shop, have been moved to Greenfield. The village also features a paddleboat on the small lake and an operating steam railway.

Also north of downtown are General Motors and Fisher buildings, designed by the German architect Albert Kahn. Pewabic Pottery (1907) is another place of interest, built for ceramicist Mary Chase Perry Stratton. Her glazed tiles were an important element in buildings of 1920s. West of Detroit's downtown area is situated Fort Wayne Military Museum, Midwest's best-preserved pre-American Civil War fort. It houses Great Lakes Indian Museum and Tuskegee Airmen Museum.

The post-COVID 2022 was the most successful year ever for cruises on the Great Lakes. The season featured ~150,000 cruise ship tourists (+25% over 2019) served by 9x boats. Currently, the largest by capacity Great Lakes cruise companies are Viking Cruises USA ( Viking Octantis ), AQV-American Queen Voyages (ships Ocean Navigator , Ocean Voyager ), Pearl Seas Cruises ( Pearl Mist ), and the Canadian company St Lawrence Cruise Lines ( Canadian Empress ). Other travel brands that offer Great Lakes voyages are PONANT and Tauck ( fleet ).

Due to the increased Great Lakes cruise passenger traffic, in 2022 were opened two new US Customs and Border Protection facilities - in Duluth MI and Cleveland OH, in addition to the existing in Detroit MI and Sault Ste Marie MI.

In 2022, Detroit Port Authority reported a successful season with a total of 52 cruise ship calls/handled berthings.

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Detroit MI - user reviews and comments

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It’s not every day a 665-foot cruise ship docks in Detroit: We went aboard

• Updated: May. 04, 2022, 8:56 p.m. |
• Published: May. 04, 2022, 8:17 a.m.

• Edward Pevos | [email protected]

DETROIT - A lot of people pulled their cars over in Detroit to get a glimpse of something they don’t normally see. A 665-foot long cruise ship docked on the Detroit River on Tuesday, May 3 as it made its first voyage around the Great Lakes.

The Viking Octantis , newly built for 2022, docked at the Nicholson Terminal where cruisers from all over the country and staff from around the world got out and explored the city’s museums and attractions.

The Octantis holds up to 378 guests. 310 visitors are currently on the ship, which also holds 256 crew members.

The eight-day journey started in Toronto before making its way to Niagara Falls, Ontario and Point Pelee, Ontario, which is the southernmost point on the Canadian mainland.

Then came Detroit. Today, the ship is in Alpena before it heads to Mackinac Island tomorrow. Its final destination is Milwaukee where cruisers will disembark making way for a new set of visitors who will go from Milwaukee to Toronto with the same stops in reverse order.

Pricing per person for the eight-day cruise is $6,000 to $7,000. Most of 2022 is sold out, with bookings also open for 2023. You can check bookings here .

Every person we briefly talked to on the ship were from different states and had never been to Detroit before. We ran into a couple from Utah, another from Texas and another from California who were enjoying lunch at the time.

One of the big draws of a Viking cruise like this, which also sails to places like Antarctica, is the intimate settings and the educational aspects and plethora of observation and viewing areas.

“Our lecture series is pretty incredible on board,” said a Viking spokesperson. “We have our Viking scientists who travel with the guests and take part in excursions with them. They also participate in the lab and other parts of the ship. There’s also special guests that come on board like naturalists.”

And then there’s the hanger which is filled with boats, kayaks and even submarines. The special operations boats are used for tours, beach landings and more.

The ship has six decks. Included with the Viking cruise are excursions at every port of call, kayak and submarine excursions where available, wi-fi, alternative dining, beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, access to the spa and fitness center and more.

Here’s our video tour of the ship, which was originally streamed live on the MLive Facebook page with some signal interruptions.

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Viking Octantis cruise ship docks at Detroit for inaugural Great Lakes voyage

The Viking Octantis docked in Detroit. 

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Say hello to the Great Lakes largest cruise ship to date: the Viking Octantis. 

As Michigan continues leveraging its unique water systems as a source of unique recreation only offered in and around the state, cruise line companies are investing more in Great Lakes tourism. 

The latest addition to the region's cruise ship industry is a liner that can host 378 guests and has 189 rooms. The Octantis is currently docked at the Nicholson Terminal in Detroit near the Ambassador Bridge. 

Its Tuesday docking won't last for long as the ship plans to depart today around 2 p.m. for Alpena then Mackinac Island, before concluding its first voyage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Viking Cruises first announced it would plan Great Lakes excursions in early 2020. 

Known for its European voyages and Viking explorations, the company has expanded into the U.S. with three different expeditions, all lasting eight days: from Toronto to Milwaukee, Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Milwaukee, and one from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay. 

MORE: Viking Cruises announces Great Lakes plans for 2022

Prices start at just under $6,000 per person.

While none of those routes include a Michigan port at the beginning or end, they will all require circumnavigating around the state, offering plenty to watch and see along the state's coastline. The cruises will also traverse many of the iconic water bodies surrounding the state.

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WEATHER ALERT

A frost advisory in effect for 11 regions in the area

Viking octantis cruise ship makes port in detroit ahead of first season in great lakes, ‘can a cruise ship fit on the great lakes’.

Megan Woods , Reporter

DETROIT – It’s something you don’t see every day -- a cruise ship along the Detroit riverfront.

The ship is the largest and most modern expedition ship in the Great Lakes. For the first time, the Viking Octanist made port for the day in Detroit, allowing passengers a chance to check out the city.

In the meantime, locals stopped by to get a glimpse of the giant cruise ship.

Viking Octantis goes from Toronto to Milwaukee. People like Bryce Harden couldn’t wait for the inaugural voyage.

“I read about it a month and a half ago. I heard that there was supposed to be like big barges that can like go around the Michigan waterways and get to the cities now and to have something that can carry passengers, that means big money for Detroit. So I’m excited about it,” said Harden.

He wasn’t the only one, several people pulled over to take pictures in disbelief.

Matthew Boddy said, “We thought, ‘We’d love to do a cruise but can a cruise ship fit on the Great Lakes?’”

Gaby Boddy said, “I said it’s impossible. Where are they gonna park it and does it go under the Ambassador Bridge? So I said, ‘We need to go see.’”

Michael and Pamela Caldwell drove 60 miles to see it.

“It’s awesome. I’ve never seen nothing like this before. I don’t know if we ever will again except on TV,” Pamela Caldwell said.

The ship left for Alpena early in the afternoon and from there will go to Mackinac Island.

Viking plans to have several cruises in the coming months as well as add another ship for Great Lakes voyages.

The Viking will be joined by an identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris, in 2023.

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Detroit sees record cruise ship activity in 2022. Here's what the season looked like

Cruise ships docked in Detroit more than 50 times during the 2022 season, a record and more than double the amount of dockings in Detroit in 2019, the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority and a coalition of Midwest states, cruise lines and others said Friday.

The announcement coincided with the final weekend of cruise ships docking in Detroit. Le Bellot, a cruise ship operated by the French cruise operator Ponant, was docked in Detroit on Friday.

Ponant cruises in the Great Lakes go to locations such as Toronto, Mackinac Island and Milwaukee and start at about $5,800 for an eight-day cruise. That price includes accommodations, meals and drinks.

"Each of these visitors has had a great time in Detroit in the Motor City," Mark Schrupp, executive director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, said. "They're spreading the word about what a great time they had and what we have to offer."

There were nearly 10,000 passenger visits to Detroit this year, which generated $1.2 million in economic impact for Detroit, Schrupp said.

At least 11 different cruise ships are docking in Detroit next year, he said.

Across the Great Lakes ports in 2022, there were nearly 150,000 passenger visits, increasing more than 25% from 2019 and generating an economic impact of more than $125 million.

Nearly 170,000 cruise passenger visits to regional ports are expected next year, up 15% from 2022 with the addition of a second Viking ship Polaris and the Hanseatic Inspiration.

"We're looking forward to the cruise line business growing over time, welcoming people from all over the world (who are) getting to see the real story about places like Detroit," Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan and chair of Cruise the Great Lakes marketing program, said.

More: Travel the Great Lakes on a floating mansion with new Viking cruise ships

More: Port Days event in Detroit celebrates both past and future of Great Lakes cruising

Contact Adrienne Roberts: [email protected].

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Detroit, michigan cruise port.

• Riverfront Bliss : Explore the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, a beautiful park that stretches along the river and offers scenic views, bike paths, playgrounds, and events.  
• Art Odyssey : Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the country, with over 65,000 works of art from ancient to modern times.  
• African American Heritage Unveiled : Learn about the rich and diverse history of African Americans at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the largest institution of its kind in the world..  
• Motown Magic : Experience the legendary Motown sound at the Motown Museum, where you can see the original studio where artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross recorded their hits.  

Top 10 Cruises to Detroit, Michigan

• Viking Octantis 7 Night Niagara & the Great Lakes Departing From Toronto, Ontario (Apr 2024 - Jun 2025)
• Viking Octantis 7 Night Niagara & the Great Lakes Departing From Milwaukee, Wisconsin (May 2024 - Jul 2025)
• Viking Polaris 7 Night Niagara & the Great Lakes Departing From Toronto, Ontario (May 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Viking Octantis 14 Night Great Lakes Collection Departing From Duluth, Minnesota (Jun 2024 - Aug 2026)
• Viking Polaris 14 Night Great Lakes Collection Departing From Toronto, Ontario (Jul 2024 - Jun 2026)
• Viking Polaris 14 Night Great Lakes Collection Departing From Duluth, Minnesota (Jul 2024 - Jun 2026)
• Viking Polaris 61 Night Longitudinal World Cruise IV Departing From Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Oct 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Viking Octantis 68 Night Longitudinal World Cruise V Departing From Ushuaia, Argentina (Feb 2025)
• Viking Polaris 16 Night Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures Departing From Toronto, Ontario (May 2026)

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Detroit in the USA

Detroit is the largest city in the state of Michigan and the 23rd most populous city in the United States. It is located on the Detroit River, which separates the city from Canada. It is the seat of Wayne County and a major port on the Great Lakes. The city is known for its contributions to music, particularly Motown and techno, and its automobile industry, which has made Detroit a major center of the American automotive industry. It is also home to a number of major corporations, including General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford. The city was founded in 1701 by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and was named after the Detroit River. It became the center of the French fur trade in the Great Lakes region, and was later ceded to the British in 1760. Detroit was captured by the United States during the War of 1812, and in 1815, it became part of the Michigan Territory. In the 19th century, Detroit's economy was dominated by the automobile industry, and the city became known as the "Motor City." In 1943, the city was the site of the Detroit Race Riot, one of the most destructive race riots in American history. In 1967, Detroit was the site of the 12th Street Riot, the largest civil disturbance in the city's history. Today, Detroit is a major cultural and economic center, and is home to a number of major corporations, including General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. It is also home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Opera House.

Excursion tips for a day in Detroit

Experience Detroit with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Detroit. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Detroit

Detroit has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are usually hot and humid while the winters are cold and snowy. Spring and autumn are milder but still have some rain. Temperatures can range from a low of -14°C in the winter to a high of 34°C in the summer. Precipitation is fairly evenly spread throughout the year, with the most rain in June and the least in February.

Cruise weather for Detroit

Our weather forecast for Detroit helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Cruises to Detroit

Would you like to travel to Detroit on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Detroit.

Scheduled ship calls in Detroit, United States of America

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Detroit expects record-breaking Great Lakes cruise season in 2023

A record number of cruises are expected to dock in Detroit this year as part of a growing Great Lakes cruise industry.

Last year, there were a record 52 cruise ships that docked in Detroit, and according to Cruise the Great Lakes and the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, there will be 67 cruise ships docking during the season.

Mark Schrupp, with the Port of Detroit, said the cruise ship season will kick off in May with the first ship docking in Detroit on May 1 – the Viking Octantis.

David Lorenz, the vice president of Travel Michigan, said Cruise the Great Lakes met in Montreal earlier this year to look at the ships that planned to sail the Great Lakes this year. According to Lorenz, they have all the ships they had last year, and a new ship – the Hanseatic Inspiration.

The ships have a variety of routes on the Great Lakes with stops in Michigan including Detroit, Mackinac Island, Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie and more.

When they stop in Detroit, the team from Visit Detroit works with the Port Authority to provide a welcome for passengers on the dock.

Passengers from the cruises have a variety of options to explore metro Detroit while they're in the area, with locations like The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, the Motown Museum and more.

"Most people from all around the U.S., places like Texas and California, they've heard about places like Michigan, but they might not know the real story about pure Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes region. So when they come here, they get this two-nation destination experience pretty unique," Lorenz said. "They get to see that people in our region are really friendly and they see this freshwater experience, which not many cruisers around the world really get to see."

The cruise industry doesn't just benefit Michigan and Detroit – it also helps other cities along the Great Lakes like Cleveland and Milwaukee.

According to the Port of Detroit, the cruise ships will continue to dock in the city throughout the summer and last until mid-October.

In all, there will be nine cruises in May, nine in June, 12 in July, 15 in August, 17 in September and five in October. That doesn't include the dinner cruises along the river that use the Port of Detroit.

According to Lorenz, the future of cruising on the Great Lakes is bright, and he thinks the initial visit to Detroit will bring people back.

He also said they're hoping to lure some ships to start and stop their journeys in Detroit in the future.

"I think what you're going to find is that the Port of Detroit is going to continue to make accommodations so that they can lure additional ships, including some of these bigger ships like the Hanseatic Inspiration," he said. "You're going to be able to see more and more ships here. And I tell you, we're going to all benefit from that initial visit because people are going to be able to see Detroit."

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Discover detroit's premier riverboat dining and entertainment experience celebrating 20 years on the detroit river.

2024 marks a significant milestone for Detroit Princess as we proudly celebrate two decades of cruising the Detroit River. We are so grateful to our community, this incredible city we call home, and the supportive corporate community that has played a pivotal role in our journey.

Planning an event in Downtown Detroit? From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the Detroit Princess Riverboat is the perfect venue for any size event, accommodating from 1 to 1000 guests with ease. Our riverboat is ideal for various private events, including corporate functions, weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, or just a fun night on the Detroit Riverwalk. To schedule your unique event, please call us at (313) 631-2628 or visit our Charter Cruise section to fill out our information request form. For exclusive offers and special pricing, visit our General Information page HERE to join our mailing list for last minute cruise specials and special pricing!

For reservations, directions, or information please call or email CJC Cruises and the Detroit Princess Riverboat at: Phone: (313) 631-2628 or (877) 338-2628 Email: [email protected]

Great Views!

Providing a wonderful view of the Detroit and Windsor skylines.

Multiple Entertainment Options

Motown shows, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Live Bands, DJ's, and more!

Cruise Dates

Many cruise dates and options available!

Bar Service Available

Several fully-stocked bars on board for purchase of hand poured cocktails, a quality wine selection and domestic/craft beers during public or private cruise events!

All Aboard!

Discover the ideal venue for your private events in downtown detroit.

Elevate Your Event on Detroit's Iconic Riverboat

Transform your special occasions into unforgettable experiences with the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Our venue is not just about the unique setting; it's about creating moments that last a lifetime.

Picture your dream wedding on the scenic Detroit River, where elegance meets romance. Our dedicated team will ensure every detail reflects your vision, from the decor to the dining.

Corporate Events

Impress your colleagues and clients with a corporate event venue that combines business and pleasure. Our spaces are perfect for conferences, team-building events, or casual networking sessions.

Celebrations

Family reunions, birthdays, holiday parties – whatever you're celebrating, we make it extraordinary. Our riverboat venue offers a festive and inviting atmosphere, perfect for making memories.

Customized Experiences<

We understand that each event is unique. That's why our staff is committed to personalizing your occasion, offering flexible options to suit your specific needs.

Every cruise season, we're here to assist you in planning an amazing and memorable experience. Let the Detroit Princess be the backdrop to your next great event, where the beauty of Downtown Detroit adds to your special day. Contact us to start planning today!

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Octantis cruise ship docks in Detroit

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Getting to know DWCPA

The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is a government agency advancing southeast Michigan’s maritime and related industries with the purpose of delivering prosperity and economic benefit to our citizens and businesses. For more than 35 years, the DWCPA has worked to bolster the community by being the connection between the maritime industry and the Great Lakes region, raising awareness of the importance of the Port of Detroit and how the cargo and vessel activity generates economic impact for the State of Michigan.

The Port of Detroit

Boasting the title of Michigan’s largest inland port, the Port of Detroit is located on the west side of the Detroit River. The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority oversees the port, which is made up of multiple marine terminals for handling general, liquid, and bulk cargo as well as passengers. Steel reigns supreme as the Port’s most valuable commodity, while ore takes the lead in terms of the largest amount of goods handled by tonnage. Other goods handled at the port include stone, coal, and cement.

Our Relationship

The Port of Detroit contains several terminals in Detroit, River Rouge, and Ecorse. General cargo is processed through the NT&D Detroit Terminal and the NT&D Ecorse Terminal, operated by Nicholson Terminal & Dock Company. Specific liquid and bulk cargoes are processed at other terminals along the Detroit and Rouge rivers. The DWCPA  owns the NT&D Detroit Terminal located in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit. All other marine terminals at the Port of Detroit are privately owned and operated.

Each year, the Port Authority oversees millions of tons of cargo at 29 private and public sector terminal facilities in the Port of Detroit, including international and domestic commodities, which are shipped in and out of the port. Since it is one of the largest steel-handling port in the nation, the port is a powerhouse to the United States economy. At the Port of Detroit’s own terminal, steel, aluminum, cement, and project cargoes are handled for the support of the manufacturing community in Southeast Michigan.

Port Detroit has a long and rich history, and has played a pivotal role in the formation of this great city. Learn about how the port of yesterday has shaped the port of today.

Heavy Lifter

Port Detroit is one of the largest Free Trade Zones in the United States.

 Port Detroit handles approximately 8,177,000 tons of bulk cargo every year. 

Cruise Ships and Charter Vessels

 Port Detroit serves vessels from North and South America, China, and Eastern Europe. 

Port Detroit accommodates Cruise ships and passengers from all over the world.

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I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

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I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades

By Hunter Geisel

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 4:52 PM EDT / CBS Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE  — A search is underway for a cruise ship crewmember who went overboard while the vessel was still at sea before docking in South Florida this weekend.

Around 11:18 a.m. Saturday, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office Port Everglades District responded to a report of a missing crewmember on a Holland America cruise ship.

According to Holland America, the crew member was reported missing when the Rotterdam vessel docked in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. After reviewing the security camera video, the crew member went "purposefully overboard" around 9:45 p.m. Friday while the vessel was still en route between Cuba and Key West, the cruise line told CBS News Miami.

BSO's Homicide and Crime Scene units have responded to Port Everglades to investigate, while the U.S. Coast has been notified and is currently searching the sea for the crew member.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member's family at this difficult time," the cruise line shared in a statement with CBS News Miami.

This is a developing story. Tune into CBS News Miami on-air and online for the latest updates.

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Hunter Geisel is a digital producer at CBS News Miami. Hunter has previously produced digital content for local and national outlets, covering several topics from breaking news and current events to politics and pop culture.

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How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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