Miami-based Royal Caribbean International announced it will conclude its cruise ship service next year from the Port of New Orleans, The Times-Picayune reported on June 10.

Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Janet Diaz said there are no New Orleans ships planned for the winter of 2015-2016. The 2,360-passenger Serenade of the Seas ship replaced the larger Navigator of the Seas at the port in December 2013. Serenade underwent a major $29 million renovation. Three restaurants and an outdoor café were added, plus a wireless internet connection was installed throughout.

Port of New Orleans president and CEO Gary LaGrange said that upon conferring with Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein, he gathered that there is a possibility that Hong Kong will replace New Orleans as a port destination due to an increasing demand for cruise ships in Asia. The cruise line has not yet said whether it will return to port at New Orleans in 2016.

Cruises are a beloved vacation for many American families. However, dangers are still prevalent on cruise ships. If you have been injured aboard a cruise ship, contact a member of our legal team at the Louis A. Vucci P.A. today by dialing (786) 375-0344 to discuss your situation.

To be successful in today’s market cruise line, CEOs underlined the importance of adapting and sometimes taking tips from one another, industry executives said in Thursday, September 19 panel discussion with travel agents at the Hyatt Regency Miami. The heads of Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, and Viking Cruises talked about onboard experiences and the importance of travel agents for cruise passengers when choosing a particular cruise line, among issues.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian said cruise liners can cash in on the influx of passengers with amenities directed towards not merely the cruise-paying adult audience, but also to their children and parents/grandparents.

Viking Cruises chairman Tor Hagen said their company will have two ocean-going ships in 2015 and 2016 to complement their nearly three-dozen river-cruising vessels. As incentive to their passengers, the company will provide wine and beer, some shore tours, and access to specialty restaurants.

Despite the actions that some cruise lines are taking, innocent passengers continue to be seriously injured while on cruises. If this has happened to you or a loved one, call the attorneys from the Louis A. Vucci P.A., at (786) 375-0344 today. We might be able to help you file a claim against the cruise ship or other party responsible.