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GM to buy SoftBank's stake in Cruise self-driving unit for $2.1 billion

General Motors is acquiring SoftBank Vision Fund 1's equity ownership stake in its majority-owned Cruise autonomous vehicle unit for $2.1 billion.
Softbank's exit comes as the technology investment firm was set to have to invest a second tranche of $1.35 billion upon Cruise's commercial deployment of vehicles, which GM will now pay.
It also follows Cruise CEO Dan Ammann abruptly leaving the company in December.

In this article

DETROIT – General Motors is acquiring SoftBank's equity ownership stake in its majority-owned Cruise autonomous vehicle unit for $2.1 billion, the automaker announced Friday afternoon.

SoftBank Vision Fund 1 first acquired a minority ownership in Cruise through a $2.25 billion deal in 2018. Its exit comes as the prominent technology investment firm was set to have to invest a second tranche of $1.35 billion as part of the deal upon Cruise's commercial deployment of vehicles, which GM will now pay.

It also follows Cruise CEO Dan Ammann's abrupt departure from the company in December. Ammann was reportedly let go from Cruise by GM CEO and Chair Mary Barra, who also chairs Cruise's board, over disagreements in strategy, including when to take the company public.

GM has signaled it plans to keep the company public for the foreseeable future. Ammann's successor, Cruise founder Kyle Vogt, tweeted on Friday that an IPO would be a "major distraction, especially right now" as the company is scaling up its newly-launched driverless ride-hailing service in San Francisco.

The SoftBank announcement was made as GM and Cruise also announced the launch of a "Recurring Liquidity Opportunity Program", in which Cruise employees with vested stock options will be able to sell them to GM.

"Employees can sell as many vested shares as they like at a fair price determined by a third party," Vogt said on Twitter. "Or they can hold onto their shares and hope for appreciation over time."

The program is apparently intended to help retain Cruise employees, who may have been hoping for a windfall from an IPO of the company, something that Wall Street has been hoping for as well.

A GM spokesman said SoftBank's exit was not related to the employee program. He referred questions about Softbank's decision to the company. A SoftBank spokesman declined to comment.

Since SoftBank's initial investment, much of the hype and investor optimism surrounding autonomous vehicles has crashed down to reality, including GM and Cruise missing an initial deployment of self-driving vehicles in San Francisco in 2019.

The dramatic downturn in tech stocks since late 2021 also is problematic for SoftBank, which has been among the biggest investors in pre-IPO companies across the globe in the past half-decade. The new deal with GM frees up capital that SoftBank could deploy elsewhere.

SoftBank's investment division ran into problems in 2019 after office-sharing company WeWork had to pull its IPO and massively downsize its business to skirt collapse. SoftBank took a multibillion-dollar writedown on WeWork after rescuing the company and becoming 80% owner.

While SoftBank bounced back during the pandemic, thanks to a large position in DoorDash , OpenDoor and other companies that had blockbuster market debuts, the rapid downturn in high-growth tech stocks this year has again created troubled for Japanese conglomerate.

It's the biggest shareholder in South Korean e-commerce site Coupang and Chinese ride-hailing app Didi , which are both down significantly . With the IPO market shuttered indefinitely, SoftBank has limited opportunities to get liquidity from many of its big dollar bets.

7 Best Cruise Stocks to Buy Now

It's been smooth sailing for cruise stocks so far this year, thanks to tailwinds from strong travel demand.

Cruise ship at sea aerial view with dramatic clouds at sunset in the Andaman Sea, Phuket, Thailand

Getty Images

Cruise stock investors stand to benefit immensely if shares return to their pre-pandemic levels.

Many cruise stocks have rewarded investors year to date thanks to booming travel demand. After gloomy performances during the pandemic, cruise stocks look poised to deliver gains for investors.

Battered comps from slow travel make it easier for cruise stocks to achieve triple-digit year-over-year revenue growth. And some cruise companies have already reported that type of growth.

Do Cruise Stocks Present an Opportunity?

Many cruise stocks still have not reached their pre-pandemic prices. Carnival Corp. & PLC (ticker: CCL ), one of the best cruise stocks to buy now, is well removed from its pre-pandemic per-share range of high $40s to low $50s.

John Engle, president of Almington Capital, indicates that cruise stocks can continue to ride the momentum from current trends. "In the short term, cruise stocks may enjoy some tailwinds thanks to upbeat expectations about the summer vacation season," Engle says. "After years of struggles in the face of a global pandemic and macroeconomic uncertainty, cruise operators have been bouncing back."

Cruise stock investors stand to benefit immensely if shares return to their pre-pandemic levels. Some of these cruise stocks distributed quarterly dividend payments leading up to 2020, hiking the dividend each year.

Meanwhile, the airline industry has experienced a strong recovery as well. Delta Air Lines Inc. ( DAL ) raised its full-year outlook and reinstated its dividend. American Airlines Group Inc. ( AAL ) has also flipped back to profitability and is experiencing strong top-line growth.

The success of airlines and cruises demonstrates that more people want to travel with restrictions lifted.

Cruise Stock Risks to Keep in Mind

Although cruise stocks have delivered strong year-to-date returns and have made significant progress, the travel sector carries some risk. Some stocks are riskier than others, but Engle says some risks specifically apply to cruise stocks.

"The biggest risk for cruise stocks is sustainable profitability," says Engle. "Many cruise operators are carrying an awful lot of debt, and it is not clear whether they will be able to service it over the long run. Thin profit margins and high debt should always be a cause for concern for investors looking at cyclical industries . Even a mild recession could be enough to devastate cruise operators' bottom lines."

Cruise stocks can continue their run as long as travel demand stays strong. However, any slowdowns can hurt cruise companies that carry significant debt. Cruise stock investors should carefully monitor travel demand to gauge the risk of their investments.

Investors seeking exposure to heightened travel demand may want to consider these seven top cruise stocks:

Carnival Corp. & PLC ( CCL )

Carnival shares have more than doubled year to date as more travelers return to cruises. The company reported $4.9 billion in revenue in the second quarter, more than doubling its growth year over year. It is also the highest quarterly revenue number the corporation has ever reported. Total customer deposits also reached an all-time high of $7.2 billion, eclipsing the previous record of $6 billion in May 2019.

Carnival also reported a better-than-expected net loss of $407 million. Previous guidance suggested a second-quarter net loss between $425 million and $525 million. In a press release, Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue its progress.

"With bookings and customer deposits hitting all-time highs, we are clearly gaining momentum on an upward trajectory."

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ( RCL )

Royal Caribbean shares have also doubled year to date, and the company is almost back to profitability. The company reported $2.9 billion in revenue and a $47.9 million net loss (19 cents per share) in the first quarter. Full-year guidance calls for adjusted earnings per share in the range of $4.40 to $4.80 per share.

A return to profitability can mean a dividend isn't too far away. While management said there is no plan to declare or pay dividends in the near future, a return to payouts in 2024 or 2025 would be a welcome development for investors.

Prior to the pandemic, Royal Caribbean had been a reliable dividend growth stock since 2011. During that time span, the annual dividend jumped from $0.40 per share to $3.12 per share.

Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty remains optimistic that the rising trend of cruises will hold its ground.

"Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spend further shifts toward experiences," Liberty said in a May 4 press release. "Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition."

Raised guidance also indicates the confidence leadership has in the underlying business.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ( NCLH )

NCLH stock hasn't doubled like the other cruise stocks, but it has still outperformed the market with a nearly 70% year-to-date gain. The company reported $1.8 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 31, which represents 249% year-over-year growth. Its annual revenue as of March 31 was $6.1 billion, a 426.5% increase year over year. Norwegian had a quarterly net loss of $159.3 million, or 38 cents per share.

Norwegian met or exceeded guidance on all key metrics in the first quarter. The company believes it can achieve a full-year adjusted EPS of 75 cents, an increase from its prior estimate of 70 cents. The company is going through a CEO transition, with Frank Del Rio passing the helm to Harry Sommer at the end of June. In his last press release as CEO, Del Rio informed shareholders that the company is "solidly positioned for 2023 and beyond" and has completed its post-pandemic operational recovery.

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc. ( LIND )

Lindblad Expeditions is a smaller cruise stock, with a $558 million market cap that has rewarded shareholders with a 35.6% year-to-date return as of July 17. The company reported $143.4 million in revenue in the first quarter, representing a 167% revenue increase from Q1 2019 and a 111% revenue increase from Q1 2022.

The company has growing occupancy rates and reported a quarterly net income of $621,000. That is a significant improvement from last year's net loss of $41.7 million in Q1 2022.

Leadership remains confident in the booming demand for cruise travel, setting full-year tour revenue guidance at $550 million to $575 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA , at $70 million to $80 million. The company has also planned a $35 million stock repurchase program.

Agilysys Inc. ( AGYS )

Agilysys provides software for the hospitality industry, giving it some exposure to cruise lines. The company also serves other sectors, such as hotels, resorts, stadiums and higher education.

Agilysys reported 21.8% year-over-year revenue growth to a record $198 million in fiscal year 2023, which ended on March 31. The company also reported $14.6 million in net income, more than doubling its growth from FY 2022. A healthy 60% of the company's total revenue is recurring, which makes it more feasible for the company to maintain profit margins.

Agilysys hasn't soared like pure-play cruise stocks. In fact, the stock is down roughly 14.3% year to date as of July 17. However, AGYS shares are up more than 300% over the past five years.

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd. ( OSW )

OneSpaWorld Holdings provides spas, wellness and treatments on cruises and on land. Shares have jumped 28% year to date as the rising demand for cruise travel means more demand for OneSpaWorld's services.

The company reported $182.5 million in total revenues in Q1 2023. That's more than double the amount of revenue that the company generated in Q1 2022. Leonard Fluxman, OneSpaWorld's CEO, indicated back in May that second-quarter results were already looking promising.

"Our second quarter 2023 performance is off to a positive start, and we expect our favorable momentum to continue to build throughout the year," Fluxman said.

World Kinect Corp. ( WKC )

World Kinect Corp., formerly known as World Fuel Services Corp., is an energy, commodities and services company. The corporation sells more than 50 fuel products and has delivered over 18 billion gallons of fuel.

Cruise ships that need fuel to cover vast distances turn to companies like World Kinect. The return of travel helped the company generate about $59 billion in revenue in 2022.

Revenue growth decelerated in 2023, and the company also reported a 13% year-over-year decline in net income in the first quarter. Aviation and marine segments both experienced double-digit year-over-year gains in gross income, though.

Ira Birns, chief financial officer of World Kinect, emphasized the company's solid numbers in a Q1 press release: "Our balance sheet remains strong, providing significant liquidity to drive growth and continued investment in products and services that will further support our strategic priorities."

Should You Get On Board with Cruise Stocks?

Many cruise stocks have outpaced the stock market and rewarded investors in 2023. Significant travel growth has helped cruise lines hit revenue records and get closer to profitability. Many of these same stocks also offered dividends and reliably paid them for several years before the pandemic.

However, cruise stocks have their risks. The gains may become muted in future years as year-over-year comps become more challenging. Investors should also monitor how cruise lines cover their long-term debt and track whether the demand for travel remains this elevated.

5 of the Best Travel Stocks to Buy

Wayne Duggan June 14, 2023

Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean Cruises , Cruises , investing , money , Carnival Corp. , Travel , Airlines , Delta Airlines , American Airlines

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Focus: Investors pull away from GM's Cruise bet

A Cruise self-driving car, which is owned by General Motors Corp, is seen outside the company’s headquarters in San Francisco

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Reporting by Ben Klayman and Joseph White in Detroit and David Shepardson in Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis

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Joe White is the global automotive correspondent for Reuters, based in Detroit. Joe joined Reuters in January 2015 as the transportation editor leading coverage of planes, trains and automobiles, and later became global automotive editor. Previously, he served as the global automotive editor of the Wall Street Journal, where he oversaw coverage of the auto industry and ran the Detroit bureau. Joe is co-author (with Paul Ingrassia) of Comeback: The Fall and Rise of the American Automobile Industry, and he and Paul shared the Pulitzer Prize for beat reporting in 1993. You can sign up for Joe's Auto File newsletter here: https://www.reuters.com/newsletters/reuters-auto-file/

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Japan's finmin says 'speculative' moves in currency market impacting yen

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said on Monday there were some speculative moves in the currency market that did not reflect economic fundamentals, repeating his warning against excessive yen declines.

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GM to buy back $10 billion in shares, cut Cruise spending

By David Shepardson

(Reuters) – General Motors said on Wednesday it will buy back $10 billion in shares and boost its dividend by 33%, even as it cuts spending at its troubled robotaxi unit Cruise and lowered profit expectations following the lengthy auto workers’ strike.

The company’s new guidance reduced expected net income attributable to stockholders for 2023 to a range of $9.1 billion to $9.7 billion, compared to the previous outlook of $9.3 billion to $10.7 billion.

That includes an estimated $1.1 billion EBIT-adjusted impact from the United Auto Workers union strike, which lasted just over six weeks, primarily from lost production.

“We will return significant capital to shareholders,” GM CEO Mary Barra said in a statement setting out the largest U.S. automaker’s updated targets for the year.

GM said earlier this year it would cut fixed costs by $2 billion by the end of 2024 and then followed up in July with plans for another $1 billion in costs. In April, GM said about 5,000 salaried workers had taken buyouts and agreed to leave the company.

GM said it would cut costs at Cruise, which has suspended all U.S. testing after a crash in California last month prompted that state’s regulators to bar the company from testing driverless vehicles.

“We expect the pace of Cruise’s expansion to be more deliberate when operations resume, resulting in substantially lower spending in 2024 than in 2023,” Barra said in a shareholder letter on Wednesday.

Cruise has lost more than $8 billion since 2017, including $728 million in the third quarter of this year.

GM now faces higher costs under a new contract with the UAW. The company said it was finalizing its budget for next year “that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing.”

GM’s accelerated share repurchase program will advance $10 billion to executing banks, and the company will immediately receive and retire $6.8 billion worth of GM common stock.

“Our cash balance, which is well above our target, is a function of our recent record profits and our prudent management of resources through the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and labor negotiations,” Barra said.

GM had approximately 1.37 billion shares of common stock outstanding prior to the buyback program, the company said. The program is expected to end in late 2024 and will be executed by Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Citibank.

GM will still have another $1.4 billion of capacity remaining under its share repurchase authorization for additional stock buybacks.

It also expects to increase its common stock dividend by 3 cents per quarter to 12 cents a share beginning in 2024.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

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Six Lessons Learned From a Sold-Out Cruise Vacation

Finding elbow room on a cruise is doable, even on a smaller, sold-out sailing, but it takes careful planning and effort

I booked a Bahamas cruise because I had a hunch it would be crowded. Demand is high for cruises, in a dramatic comeback from pandemic shutdowns. Because cruises can be a rare travel bargain these days, many sailings are sold out or, in some cases, oversold.

Despite the close quarters, my fellow passengers were almost always in good spirits. For every moment when the crowds were a bother, there were many more when I had a great time. Here are some strategies for coping with the crowds at sea.

Lesson 1: Go long

Shorter cruises like my four-day voyage are likelier to sell out, since they involve taking fewer days off work or school. For a better chance of breathing room, book a longer cruise, or one that leaves from a port many travelers fly to, like Puerto Rico, says Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of travel website Cruise Critic.

Lesson 2: Mealtime mania

To save money and time, take your meals at off-peak times. If you don’t mind paying extra, book reservations at the ship’s specialty restaurants.

Lesson 3: Pool party

If you can’t be among the first to the pool, look for moments of transition, like just before lunch or dinner, to grab a lounge chair. Busy yourself with other activities, like playing the daily bingo games or hitting the ship’s gym, when the crowds are sunbathing.

Lesson 4: Shoreside strategy

Book excursions and amenities ahead through the cruise line’s website or a travel agent. If you miss out on something, get on wait lists, McDaniel says. Cancellations happen.

Lesson 5: Seeking hideaways

A bar I stopped in on the first day became my refuge throughout the cruise. Positioned past a bank of elevators, it never drew a crowd. Check out a map of the ship early to find tucked-away spots that might provide peace and quiet.

Lesson 6: Unexpected souvenir

I came back from the cruise with more than just good memories—two days after the trip, I tested positive for Covid-19. I can't say for certain I contracted the illness on board, and Carnival says the ship’s medical team found no positive guest cases during the cruise. But lesson learned: Covid is still out there. Prepare accordingly.

Cover image: Jon Krause

Produced by Shay D. Cohen

Looking for more information about Events at Sea? Click here.

MEETINGS & INCENTIVES

THE ULTIMATE EVENT DESTINATION

Full Ship Charter FAQs

General Cruise FAQs
Meeting & Incentives Group FAQs

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Freedom to Customize & Greater Control
Complete customization of your program and itinerary
Unlimited branding opportunities
Camaraderie – Everyone sailing is part of your group
Prestige & Exclusivity – People feel honored and excited when they board a privately chartered ship
Undivided Attention from the Ship’s Staff – entire staff and crew devote 100% of their attention and resources to you and your program
Exclusivity – an experience that can’t be duplicated
Value – save up to 30% compared to land based events or meetings
Complimentary use of all A/V equipment.

Corporate: A company purchases all staterooms for a meeting or incentive program and provides those staterooms at no charge to its employees, customers or vendors.

Meetings & Conventions
Product Launches
Incentive Programs
Corporate Anniversaries
Consumer Promotions

Affinity or Promotional (Re-Sale): An organization charters the ship with the intention to re-sell all or a portion of staterooms to consumers sharing a common interest OR as a general re-sale to non-related consumers. The client typically creates unique onboard programming with the intention of charging a premium for the exclusive opportunity. The primary of affinity or promotional (Re-Sale) programs are:

Music & Entertainment
Extremely strong affinity or cult-like following
Entertainment or charitable component
Ability to market to & reach intended audience
Exclusive and/or unique customized onboard experience
Excellent fulfillment capabilities

Royal Caribbean International does not typically consider Full Ship Charter requests within 12 months of the requested sail date and/or for those sailings booked above a pre-determined threshold. Charter should be planned at least a year in advance. Most clients charter one year in advance and some as far out as two or more years.

For Re-Sale charters, it is in the best interest of the client to allow ample time to promote the charter (13 months+). The cost of displacing booked guests will be a factor for any “open” sailing and will generally be lower if the charter is contracted farther out.

Charter pricing includes:

ship accommodations
ocean transportation
most non-alcoholic beverages
most entertainment aboard the ship

Charter pricing does NOT include:

air transportation
transfers to and/or from the vessel
optional shore excursions and/or private
arrangements requested for site inspection trips
meals and accommodations ashore
certain beverages
casino gaming
photographs
gratuities (shipboard or shoreside porterage)
telephone calls or internet services
specialty restaurant charges
purchases from ship stores
items of a personal nature (medical services, laundry, spa or salon treatments)
meeting break or special event set-up fees
technical and broadcast fees when applicable
expedited shipping fees for documents
customization of documents

To maximize value, the number of participants should be close to the double occupancy capacity of the ship under consideration. Should the chartered sailing fall below full double occupancy level, the client may be responsible for per person Onboard Revenue fees. Regardless of occupancy, the client may be responsible for meeting or exceeding a certain Onboard Revenue expectation.

The charter rate provided to the client will be based on our standard product. Any requested change to standard operation may impact the charter rate or result in incremental fees. Examples are:

Requests to close any revenue center or revenue generating activity (ex: casino, bars, art auctions, bingo, etc.)
Requests to significantly change menu offerings
Requests to re-print menus
Custom itinerary requests that impact fuel, port fees, security, etc. and/or changes to contracted itinerary requested post-contract
“Floating Hotel” requests
Food and/or Beverage events not offered on a non-chartered sailing
Customized entertainment requests
Incremental power supply and/or connectors required for customized onboard performances
Tender services requested above Royal Caribbean International standard
Special Services such as: Fireworks, Flyovers, Banners, Decorations, Pool Liners, etc.
Requests to provide special products onboard during the charter

The simplest type of itinerary customization involves changing ports of call within an itinerary while keeping the departure/arrival city and dates as scheduled. Generally speaking, all itineraries from the U.S. must involve at least one foreign port of call. Incremental costs associated with the custom itinerary request will be included in the initial charter quote and/or provided as an optional line item.

A more complex itinerary change involves creating a unique itinerary length by combining all or a portion of several cruises without changing the departure/arrival city. For example, a 7 night sailing of Navigator of the Seas may be created by combining 3 and 4-night sailings or a short itinerary may be created for Oasis Class or Liberty of the Seas by splitting a 7 night sailing into two sailings (a 3 night and a 4 night) if Royal Caribbean® is willing to sell the resulting unique itinerary. While possible, significant costs may apply for this type of itinerary change and it is always best to find an existing itinerary whenever possible.

Opportunities that involve repositioning ships from regularly scheduled departure/arrival cities, and particularly those that involve a request to turn the ship in a port of call that we don’t typically use, may or may not be possible. A considerable amount of time is needed to research and significant incremental costs will most likely apply. This type of itinerary customization incurs a high premium.

Cruises to Nowhere are not typically considered due to tax implications.

Option 1: Staggered Payments with Letter of Credit

An Irrevocable Stand-By Letter of Credit in place at contract signing

10% of charter rate and pre-paid gratuities at contract signing
30% of charter rate and pre-paid gratuities at 7 months prior to sailing
30% of charter rate and pre-paid gratuities at 5 months prior to sailing
30% of charter rate and pre-paid gratuities at 3 months prior to sailing

Option 2: Payment in Full at Contract Signing –No Letter of Credit

100% of charter rate and pre-paid gratuities at contract signing
Interest credit earned to be provided as a shipboard credit on the chartered sailing.
Payment is non-refundable.

Payment for per person taxes & fees, expected OBR penalties (if applicable), requested amenities and other miscellaneous fees relating to customization will be required 30 days prior to sailing and/or prior to the release of documents.

Requests for alternate custom payment arrangements may be considered and must be discussed with the responsible Charter Sales Manager. All payments to be made in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise agreed. Charterer will be required to provide a credit profile.

An Irrevocable Stand-By Letter of Credit is issued by the client’s bank and confirmed by a bank designated by Royal Caribbean International to confirm the client’s ability to perform under the terms of the contract. If the client’s bank is rated BBB or higher by both S&P and Moody’s, a confirmation is not required.

As the beneficiary, Royal Caribbean International is able to draw upon the LOC to collect payment should the client default on the Agreement. The LOC is required from contract signing and is held for up to 60 days post-sailing to ensure all balances are paid and that there have not been damages to the ship. The LOC is reduced each time a payment is received but will be held at a pre-determined threshold until the agreed upon expiration date.

The Letter Of Credit is required with a Full Ship Charter program because Royal Caribbean International loses all ability to market and sell the chartered sailing once an Agreement is signed. Should the client default on the Agreement, we would most likely not have the ability to fill the ship and would suffer significant financial loss.

Unlike a large group contract, there is no provision in the Full Ship Charter Agreement that allows for cancellation of the program and/or for any number of staterooms. A client cannot choose to change to a Half Ship Charter or a group once signed as a charter.

No. The client must have the ability to handle or work through a travel partner to market the program, answer questions, accept payment (if applicable), assign staterooms, etc.

Not necessarily – although we do prefer:

A history of chartering ships of a similar size with us or our competitors
A history of sailing as a large group with growth from year to year
A history of promoting and selling large land programs on a similar scale

The client is responsible for determining the pricing model for a Re-Sale Full Ship Charter program. Due to anti-trust regulations, Royal Caribbean International cannot legally advise the client how to price staterooms on a chartered sailing. Current retail pricing may be used as a guide but is a snapshot of the pricing on a particular day. This pricing would never apply to the entire ship nor would it remain constant throughout the booking life cycle for the sailing.

No. The client is responsible for the marketing program of the chartered sailing. Specific collateral relating to full ship charter programs does not exist today but a combination of existing collateral can be provided to assist with promotion.

FOR NORTH AMERICA BASED AGENTS/CLIENTS:

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FOR INTERNATIONAL BASED AGENTS/CLIENTS:

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Princess Cruises

Sold out cruise - would this work?

By NickyLovesDisney , January 18 in Princess Cruises

NickyLovesDisney

New to Princess and looking at taking my family on a cruise this summer but the one we like the look of is showing as sold out for 4 in a room.

There are suites and inside rooms available for 2 - could I book one of each and then us all sleep in the suite? I understand they have a sofa bed? Would that be allowed / would they make up the sofa if we asked?

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It all couches make up as sofa beds, and not always as a double. EM

Part of the problem could be the muster station is full. That is why they won't allow 4 people in the suite, even if 4 people could fit in it. You can check the Princess deck plan to see if 4 people can be accomodated in that cabin number.

I have no idea if they would let all 4 people in the cabin once on board, but I would assume they would not officially say they would make the room up for 4 if you can't book it.

We have booked two cabins in the past, a balcony and inside room across from each other, or two to four balconies side by side, and gotten access to all the cabins at Guest Services. However, Suites have benefits that other cabins do not. If everyone is not in the Suite, there are some benefits all 4 will not be able to enjoy.

39 minutes ago, NickyLovesDisney said: There are suites and inside rooms available for 2 - could I book one of each and then us all sleep in the suite? I understand they have a sofa bed?

The sofa bed in the penthouse suites are small - really for one person only. Most of them can fit 3 people but not 4 unless you book the Sky suite - which has two bedrooms, or the Grand Suites which can sleep 4 and have a larger sleeper sofa.

Not sure what ship you are on but have you looked into booking the Family Suite? It can't be booked online - you have to contact Princess or have your TA do it.

Another caveat. Assuming you are referring to a full suite and not a mini suite, the suite privileges would only extend to those booked in the suite.

You might ask a T.A. if they can arrange for a roll away bed in a full suite. If you book two in a full suite and two in an inside cabin then the two booked in the inside cabin would not be able to dine in the reserve class dining room nor would they be able to have the special breakfast for full suites only and they would also not be able to have some other full suite benefits.

If your family has two children both under the age of 16 then you would have to book one parent and one child in each cabin. Here is the relevant text from the passage contract.

" For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for at least one person in each stateroom is 16 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian."

If your children are really young you might be able to book a mini suite for the 4 of you. Mini suites for 4 have an upper berth over the convertible sofa. The sofa is probably large enough on its own for two small children.

This is where a good travel agent may be able to assist you.

Thanks everyone. I literally just want a room that sleeps all of us - not bothered about suite perks, just know there’s enough room for 4 of us in one. But if there’s a possibility that we won’t be allowed to set it up that way then it won’t work booking an extra “throwaway” room to get us all on 😢 .

I would try the family suite route as Thrak suggested. You have to call for that, you cannot book online, but if it's available, it's a good way to have everyone in the same space.

You can also get on wait lists for every category you are willing to take, and if you want 4 to a room, you can wait list that way. You still have to put a deposit down, but it is refundable if you don't get it. You can also ask where you are on the wait list. You can do that through Princess (calling) or your PVP at Princess or a TA, but when I do wait lists I want to have more control over things and that's doing it directly through Princess (for me). I've heard of amazing TAs that do it for you, but I just don't like the middle man in desperate times. lol

Also, if you do get on a waitlist, check multiple times a day because most times they don't call you, you have to be the one to do all the work.

Wishing on a star

I would suggest that you explore all options, as this can be 'iffy' on a cruise with so many families and children.

Is this a mini-suite or a full-suite?

It could be 'capacity' issues. As mentioned.. muster capacity, etc...

And, I have heard of limits on the numbers of kids.. Perhaps they want to. make sure that the kids clubs can accommodate all kids, within capacities.

IF... IF... the system will allow you to book that mini suite for one child and one adult, and let you book that inside, for one child and one adult, then you are in.

I don't see how they can police where everyone sleeps.

Hopefully your Steward is not one to be keeping an eye and decide to report any 'technical' breaches of policy.

How close could you get the inside to the mini-suite.

You might find it to be helpful convenience, for the occasional extra space and bathroom???

If this family is looking at a full suite.. not mini... It might also be helpful for this poster if somebody who is fully knowledgable in the Suite Perks could go over them... So, they could see how this might affect them on their cruise.

I know that two

1. earlier priority boarding.

2. The special breakfast offered.

and there is a minibar setup in the room, right...

traveling as a family, these perks might not be something that they would really miss.

But, also hate to pay for a suite

6 hours ago, NickyLovesDisney said: Thanks everyone. I literally just want a room that sleeps all of us - not bothered about suite perks, just know there’s enough room for 4 of us in one. But if there’s a possibility that we won’t be allowed to set it up that way then it won’t work booking an extra “throwaway” room to get us all on 😢 .

Have you looked into connecting cabins (with an internal door between two cabins that can be left open if desired)?

reedprincess

12 hours ago, NickyLovesDisney said: New to Princess and looking at taking my family on a cruise this summer but the one we like the look of is showing as sold out for 4 in a room. There are suites and inside rooms available for 2 - could I book one of each and then us all sleep in the suite? I understand they have a sofa bed? Would that be allowed / would they make up the sofa if we asked?

What actual sailing are you looking at?

People may be able to offer better suggestions with knowing what sailing you're looking at...

Also, as it's this coming summer, final payment isn't here yet, which means there will be a fair amount of people who opt not to sail - and the larger travel agencies that have blocks of rooms reserved will release them. So, if you're in a wait-list for a 4 person cabin - you would get in....

Have you asked your TA or tried to book a suite for 4 people to see what happens. You should get an answer really quickly. Now the question as to whether it is practical is up to you.

Thanks for all the answers - kept checking daily and we got lucky and managed to grab a mini suite for all 4 of us when someone cancelled (I assume) 😊

Glad OP got what they wanted.

For future readers of this thread: yes, in a full suite, the cabin steward would make up the sofa bed into a sleeper if you wanted to, why would they say no? Maybe you and spouse had a fight and he/she got kicked into the other sleeping arrangement. None of their business.

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What happens if my cruise line goes bankrupt or shuts down?

When Susan Group and her husband booked their summer vacation last year, they never considered that the cruise line could go bankrupt. But that's exactly what happened.

The couple had been looking forward to sailing from Lisbon to London aboard Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony in a deluxe veranda cabin. Those plans ended abruptly when the cruise line canceled their trip and suddenly shut down.

That left the Groups wondering how to get their money back from the bankrupt cruise line. They weren't the only ones with that question.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The pandemic has been particularly hard on the cruise industry. Eleven cruise lines have gone out of business during the global crisis. Unfortunately, each time one of those companies sank, thousands of blindsided customers were inevitably left behind empty-handed – no cruise and no refund.

Those losses didn't have to happen.

Here's what you can do before and after a cruise line declares bankruptcy to reduce your chances of bearing the financial brunt of the company's shutdown.

Protect your cruise investment during the planning process

Protecting yourself against losing your money to a cruise line's insolvency begins in the planning phases of your trip.

Use a professional travel advisor

One way to ensure you don't book your next cruise with a line teetering on the edge of extinction is by using a travel advisor. Those professionals are in the know and won't book their clients on cruise lines in immediate danger of going under.

You can find a professional travel advisor specializing in cruises on the American Society of Travel Advisors website.

Related: Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Do your research about the cruise line

If you're doing your own travel planning, it's imperative that you do some basic research before booking anything.

Although bankruptcies and shutdowns often seem sudden to consumers, they really aren't — and the internet will tell the tale. In today's digital age, it's nearly impossible for a cruise line to hide its financial problems from the world.

Looking through online cruise communities such as Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic and others will give you an idea if the cruise line you're considering is on the verge of collapse. Remember that complaints do not always come in chronological order, so you may need to scroll around.

Don't be lured by an unbelievable deal

Sure, everyone wants a great deal, but some deals should be avoided. If a cruise line that typically sells luxury tours that cost $15,000 or more starts offering the same trips for $5,000, don't fall for it.

Cruise lines on the brink of bankruptcy often offer unbelievable deals to generate revenue. The appearance of heavily discounted trips — especially ones in which the customers are expected to pay in cash — is always a giant red flag.

Related: How to get a deal on a cruise

Purchase travel insurance that includes bankruptcy protection

Many cruise ship passengers do not consider their need for travel insurance until it's too late. I often receive requests for help from troubled travelers who didn't purchase travel insurance but then find themselves in a situation where they need it.

Taking a cruise without the protection of travel insurance is a bad idea. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover a passenger for medical treatment aboard the ship, trip delays, cancellations, medical evacuation and, yes, even bankruptcy of the cruise line.

Related: Best cruise travel insurance plans

Using a site such as InsureMyTrip , you can compare various policies based on your personal information and pick one that provides the coverage you need.

It's important to note that not all travel insurance policies provide bankruptcy protection, so it is critical to review the document carefully.

Generally, you have 10-14 days after purchase to read that policy in its entirety before it becomes nonrefundable. During that time, you'll want to verify the policy contains the bankruptcy clause that will allow you to file a claim should your cruise line go belly-up before your trip.

Do not purchase a 'waiver product' from your tour operator

If you book directly with a private tour operator or cruise line, you may be offered a hybrid type of travel protection sold by the company. These are waiver products, and they can give the unaware customer the impression that they've purchased traditional travel insurance when they haven't.

A cancel-for-any-reason waiver product, such as the one Vantage Deluxe World Travel sold to its customers, is problematic in significant ways. As many of its customers were disturbed to find out after purchase, if the traveler canceled their cruise for a covered reason, Vantage was responsible for paying the claim. If the passenger canceled for any other reason, Vantage was responsible for providing a future trip.

This type of travel protection is particularly precarious if the tour operator is in financial distress.

If you are insured by a cruise line or tour operator, and it goes bankrupt or ceases to operate, you'll have no protection at all. Always outsource your travel insurance to a neutral third party, and make sure to read and understand the policy.

When you buy directly from a travel insurance provider, you will almost always spend less and receive a more comprehensive policy.

Related: 10 mistakes to avoid when booking your cruise

Pay for your cruise with a credit card

Some troubled cruise lines and tour operators will offer significant discounts to customers willing to pay for their trip with a bank transfer. This is almost always a mistake for the customer — especially if the company has financial difficulties and could go bankrupt before you take your trip.

The Fair Credit Billing Act allows consumers who pay for goods and services with a credit card to request a chargeback if the merchant doesn't hold up its end of the transaction.

Related: Use these credit cards to maximize your next cruise vacation

If you pay for your cruise with a credit card, you will have the power of the FCBA behind you. Your credit card company will be able to reverse those charges should your cruise line be unable to provide the trip you purchased.

Remember, the FCBA doesn't apply to debit card purchases, checks or bank transfers.

Read and print your cruise contract

Recently, unusual requests for help from customers of Vantage Travel have hit my inbox. The tour operator canceled these confused customers' cruises and then deleted the online paper trail associated with the trip — including their trip itineraries and invoices.

Consumers should always download their contract and any additional correspondence and make hard copies. If a cruise line goes bankrupt or ceases to operate, your online details can quickly become inaccessible. If you need to prove what you are owed later, you will need that documentation.

How to get your money back after a cruise line announces its bankruptcy

If the worst happens and your cruise line goes bankrupt or ceases to operate, and you've followed the pre-booking guidance, you'll be in a favorable position to get your money back. But even if you've made some missteps along the way or booked so far ahead that it was impossible to predict your cruise line's possible demise, you can still do some things to claw back your cash.

File a credit card dispute

This one is easy. If you've paid for your cruise with a credit card and the line ceases to operate and cancels your trip, you can file a chargeback. Your credit card company will protect you — at least it should.

Unfortunately, I know from experience that sometimes when consumers ask their credit card companies to begin a chargeback investigation, they may be given inaccurate guidance from the front-line customer service representatives. That's because those agents may not be completely familiar with the Fair Credit Billing Act and the protection it provides for consumers.

The customer service representatives may erroneously cite a 60-day time limit from the date that the consumer first made the purchase to file a dispute. If this happens, ask to speak to a supervisor and let that person know that you are aware of your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Related: What is the Fair Credit Billing Act, and how does it affect consumers?

As a consumer advocate, I've spoken to numerous bank executives who have repeatedly assured me that the chargeback deadline for consumers is based on the expected date of service. This is an important detail for cruise line passengers, who often purchase trips months or years before the scheduled departure date.

If your cruise line cancels your trip and doesn't promptly refund your cash, here's how to file your credit card dispute:

Call the number on the back of your credit card to open the dispute.
Your bank will ask you to upload your proof of cancellation and other supporting evidence into the online portal.
You will receive a conditional credit while the bank conducts its investigation.
Your cruise line will have 30 days to respond to the dispute.
If the cruise line doesn't provide evidence to your bank supporting the charge during that time, the conditional credit will become permanent.

Ask your bank to reverse the transfer

If you've paid for your trip in the past 60 days with a direct transfer, your bank may be able to help. Contact your bank ASAP if your cruise line goes bankrupt, declares insolvency or ceases to operate, and you've made a bank transfer to the company in the past 60 days.

File a travel insurance claim

If you've purchased a travel insurance policy that includes a bankruptcy or insolvency clause, it's time to contact your provider. In some cases, you may need to wait until the company officially files for bankruptcy, or you may be able to file a claim based on "cessation of operations." Check the specific language in your policy.

Check if your state has a Seller of Travel retribution fund

Only five states have Seller of Travel laws (California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa and Washington). These laws require Sellers of Travel to register and, in some cases, pay into a retribution fund to protect consumers from the fallout of a potential bankruptcy of the operator.

Check with your state's attorney general to find out if your state has such a fund and if your situation qualifies.

Join the bankruptcy class

For consumers, the worst route to a refund when a cruise line goes bankrupt is joining the bankruptcy class. If that's all that is available in your situation, then you'll need to lower your expectations going into the ordeal.

Bankruptcy proceedings can take months and even years to resolve. Worse, consumers are always last on the list when the settlement eventually comes. As unsecured creditors, customers will stand behind vendors, lawyers and other secured creditors.

Once bankruptcy is announced, you will likely receive a postcard notification inviting you to join the class with instructions on how to do it.

Set a Google alert

If a bankrupt cruise line has not kept careful records, not all customers will receive a timely announcement about the case. If you are affected by a company's impending bankruptcy, you should set a Google notification to alert you whenever the business is mentioned in the news. That way you will not miss out on any important information or deadlines to claim any compensation you may be owed.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
15 ways cruisers waste money
15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
What to pack for your first cruise

Virgin Voyages Prepares For U.S. Launch — Who Owns the New Cruise Line?

Virgin Voyages is owned in part by Richard Branson, with major investments from Bain Capital. Here's everything we know about the new cruise line.

Aug. 30 2022, Published 9:38 a.m. ET

Virgin Voyages has begun operations in the UK and the first U.S. voyage is set for October 2022.

In a niche of the travel industry dominated by Carnival and Royal Caribbean, billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is attempting to appeal to a different consumer. Branson’s Virgin Group founded Virgin Voyages, which had its first U.K. sailing this summer and will soon embark on its first voyage from the U.S. So, who owns Virgin Voyages?

The Virgin cruise line, Virgin Voyages, is owned by parent company Virgin Group and its top investor, Bain Capital. Branson, though most consider him synonymous with the Virgin brand, doesn’t own all of the Virgin companies outright. He licenses out the name to subsidiaries, so his actual assets are considerably less than most people assume.

Bain Capital is Virgin Voyages’ majority investor.

The private equity firm Bain Capital is the largest investor in Virgin Voyages. According to CNBC, total investments in the cruise line (not all from Bain) were about $3 billion as of September 2021. Each ship cost about $800 million.

Bain Capital’s consumer and retail chief Ryan Cotton told CNBC that “the public markets are a really viable option for us.”

Bain Capital manages about $160 billion across asset classes including credit, public equity, venture capital , and real estate.

Virgin Voyages raised $550 million in August 2022.

The company closed on an additional $550 million in capital as of August 16, 2022. Bain Capital Private Equity and Virgin Group participated, along with new investor BlackRock Global Credit leading the raise.

Brendan Galloway, director at BlackRock, said “the industry is exhibiting a powerful rebound” from the past few years’ challenges.

Branson celebrating his birthday aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise this summer.

Richard Branson said he started Virgin Voyages to change the cruise industry.

Branson told CNBC that he was inspired to start a cruise line because cruising as it was didn’t appeal to him. He said, “Do you know I was never interested in going on cruise ships, and I suspect there’s something like 90 percent of people who are listening are not that interested in going on cruise ships.”

Virgin Voyages’ no-kid policy is part of the company strategy to attract a different clientele than the typical cruise customer. Morgan Stanley estimates the average age of cruise passengers in the U.S. to be 49. Trade organization Cruise Lines International Association estimates it to be 47.

Branson hopes that the policy of adults-only cruising may attract younger cruise customers such as millennials. “It’s just going to be a fun ship for adults.” The first U.S. voyage is set to depart from Miami on Oct. 6 after numerous pandemic-caused delays.

Virgin Voyages aims to be an adults-only, fun cruising atmosphere.

Cruise line competitors say Virgin Voyages could ultimately be good for the industry.

According to CNBC, Royal Caribbean’s CEO Richard Fain believes the new Virgin Voyages cruise line could be beneficial to their business. New cruise lines could draw attention to the industry and help other cruise lines rather than taking away customers.

Fain said that Disney’s cruise lines ultimately helped their business by increasing supply by 2 percent and adding 10 percent to the demand for cruises. Therefore, he isn't concerned about Virgin Voyages harming Royal Caribbean revenues.

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Six presumed dead after cargo ship crash levels Baltimore bridge

BALTIMORE — A major Baltimore bridge collapsed like a house of cards early Tuesday after it was struck by a container ship, sending six people to their deaths in the dark waters below, and closing one of the country’s busiest ports.

By nightfall, the desperate search for six people who were working on the bridge and vanished when it fell apart had become a grim search for bodies.

“We do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon N. Gilreath said.

Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, said earlier that one of his workers had survived. He did not release their names.

Up until then, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore had held out hope that the missing people might be found even as law enforcement warned that the frigid water and the fact that there had been no sign of them since 1:30 a.m. when the ship struck Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Moore expressed heartbreak after officials suspended the search for survivors.

"Our heart goes out to the families," he said. "I can’t imagine how painful today has been for these families, how painful these hours have been have been for these families."

It was a crushing blow to the loved ones of the missing men, who had waited for hours at a Royal Farms convenience store near the entrance of the bridge for word of their fate.

Follow live updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse

The tragic chain of events began early Tuesday when the cargo ship Dali notified authorities that it had lost power and issued a mayday moments before the 984-foot vessel slammed into a bridge support at a speed of 8 knots, which is about 9 mph.

Moore declared a state of emergency while rescue crews using sonar detected at least five vehicles in the frigid 50-foot-deep water: three passenger cars, a cement truck and another vehicle of some kind. Authorities do not believe anyone was inside the vehicles.

Investigators quickly concluded that it was an accident and not an act of terrorism.

Ship was involved in another collision

Earlier, two people were rescued from the water, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said. One was in good condition and refused treatment, he said. The other was seriously injured and was being treated in a trauma center.

Moore said other drivers might have been in the water had it not been for those who, upon hearing the mayday, blocked off the bridge and kept other vehicles from crossing.

“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives.”

Nearly eight years ago, the Dali was involved in an accident. In July 2016, it struck a quay at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, damaging the quay.

The nautical commission investigated the accident, but the details of the inquiry were not immediately clear Tuesday.

The Dali is operated and managed by Synergy Group. In a statement, the company said that two port pilots were at the helm during Tuesday's crash and that all 22 crew members onboard were accounted for.

The Dali was chartered by the Danish shipping giant Maersk, which said it would have no choice but to send its ships to other nearby ports with the Port of Baltimore closed.

The bridge, which is about a mile and a half long and carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was "fully up to code," Moore said.

National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said that her agency will lead the investigation and that a data recorder on the ship could provide more information.

"But right now we're focusing on the people, on the families," she said. "The rest can wait."

President Joe Biden vowed to rebuild the bridge and send federal funds.

"This is going to take some time," the president warned. "The people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them, at every step of the way, till the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

Speaking in Baltimore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg echoed the president's promise.

"This is no ordinary bridge," he said. "This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure."

But Buttigieg warned that replacing the bridge and reopening the port will take time and money and that it could affect supply chains.

The Port of Baltimore, the 11th largest in the U.S., is the busiest port for car imports and exports, handling more than 750,000 vehicles in 2023 alone, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

Image: Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Being Struck By Cargo Ship

Writer David Simon, a champion of Baltimore who set his TV crime drama "The Wire" on the streets of the city he once covered as a reporter, warned online that the people who will suffer the most are those whose livelihoods depend on the port.

"Thinking first of the people on the bridge," Simon posted on X . "But the mind wanders to a port city strangling. All the people who rely on ships in and out."

Timeline of crash

Dramatic video captured the moment at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday when the Dali struck a support and sent the bridge tumbling into the water. A livestream showed cars and trucks on the bridge just before the strike. The ship did not sink, and its lights remained on.

Investigators said in a timeline that the Dali's lights suddenly shut off four minutes earlier before they came back on and that then, at 1:25 a.m. dark black smoke began billowing from the ship's chimney.

A minute later, at 1:26 a.m., the ship appeared to turn. And in the minutes before it slammed into the support, the lights flickered again.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the workers on the bridge were repairing concrete ducts when the ship crashed into the structure.

At least seven workers were pouring concrete to fix potholes on the roadway on the bridge directly above where the ship hit, said James Krutzfeldt, a foreman.

Earlier, the Coast Guard said it had received a report that a “motor vessel made impact with the bridge” and confirmed it was the Dali, a containership sailing under a Singaporean flag that was heading for Sri Lanka.

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Being Struck By Cargo Ship

Bobby Haines, who lives in Dundalk in Baltimore County, said he felt the impact of the bridge collapse from his house nearby.

"I woke up at 1:30 this morning and my house shook, and I was freaking out," he said. "I thought it was an earthquake, and to find out it was a bridge is really, really scary."

Families of bridge workers wait for updates

Earlier in the day, relatives of the construction crew waited for updates on their loved ones.

Marian Del Carmen Castellon told Telemundo her husband, Miguel Luna, 49, was working on the bridge.

“They only tell us that we have to wait and that they can’t give us information,” she said.

Castellon said she was "devastated, devastated because our heart is broken, because we don’t know how they have been rescued yet. We are just waiting for the news."

Luna's co-worker Jesús Campos said he felt crushed, too.

“It hurts my heart to see what is happening. We are human beings, and they are my folks,” he said.

Campos told The Baltimore Banner that the missing men are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

Active search and rescue ends

The Coast Guard said it was suspending the active search-and-rescue effort at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"Coast Guard’s not going away, none of our partners are going away, but we’re just going to transition into a different phase," Gilreath said at a news conference.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Roland L. Butler, Jr., said it was moving to a recovery operation. Changing conditions have made it dangerous for divers, he said.

Butler pledged to "do our very best to recover those six missing people," but the conditions are difficult.

"If we look at how challenging it is at a simple motor vehicle crash to extract an individual, I'm sure we can all imagine how much harder it is to do it in inclement weather, when it's cold, under the water, with very limited to no visibility," he said.

"There's a tremendous amount of debris in the water," which can include sharp metal and other hazards, and that could take time, Butler said.

'A long road in front of us'

Built in 1977 and referred to locally as the Key Bridge, the structure was later named after the author of the American national anthem.

The bridge is more than 8,500 feet long, or 1.6 miles. Its main section spans 1,200 feet, and it was one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world upon its completion, according to the National Steel Bridge Alliance .

About 31,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, which equals 11.3 million vehicles per year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The river and the Port of Baltimore are both key to the shipping industry on the East Coast, generating more than $3.3 billion a year and directly employing more than 15,000 people.

Asked what people in Baltimore can expect going forward, the state's transportation secretary said it is too early to tell.

"Obviously we reached out to a number of engineering companies, so obviously we have a long road in front of us," Wiedefeld said.

Julia Jester reported from Baltimore, Patrick Smith from London, Corky Siemaszko from New York and Phil Helsel from Los Angeles.

Julia Jester is a producer for NBC News based in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

A family looking out at an Alaskan glacier while standing on the deck of a Princess Cruises ship.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Family standing on deck of a Princess Cruises ship, pointing out at the sea on an Alaska cruise.

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Family kayaking in Tatoosh, Alaska, on a Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska cruise shore excursion.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Mickey and Minnie Mouse standing on a deck of a Disney Cruise Line ship by Alaska fjords.

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Holland America Line's Konsingdam ship at port in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Children's play area on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Celebrity Cruises' Camp at Sea program and play area on the Celebrity Edge.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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