Just some quick notes from the show floor from the first day:
- The day started off with the annual State of the Industry. You can see our recap here as well as my commentary.
- There was Carnival’s awesome and over the top presser where they announced the new suites as well as Family Feud being held on their ships.
- They have the show laid out differently this year. For the most part, the ports and country pavilions are on the left and the ship equipment are on the right.
- Royal Caribbean quietly announced that they are temporarily suspending operation of the skypad. This is the outdoor bungee/trampoline venue on their newly refurbed ships.
- Oceania Cruises will feature an enhanced plant-based culinary selection on their ships. This is designed to attract health conscious and strict vegetarians.
- Cunard announced that in addition to their 2019 Alaska season, they plan on expanding their 2020 Alaska season.
- MSC announced this:
Mic drop – @MSCCruisesUSA just revealed the look of new state of the art terminal housing two berths @PortMiami coming 2022 @Seatradecruise #STCGlobal pic.twitter.com/7Upy0mHVmF
— Ken Muskat (@KenMuskat) April 9, 2019
- New Norwegian coastal shipowner Havila Kystruten signed an agreement with fellow Norwegian firm Kongsberg for servicing of their equipment onboard.
- And interestingly enough, China is being mentioned less and less during the show. The past two years it was all anyone could talk about.