Key Aspects: Put your phone into airplane mode before your cruise to avoid unexpected bills. Utilize WiFi-enabled texting via apps like iMessage or WhatsApp. Look for deals that give you free WiFi on the ship or use free WiFi while in port. One thing that always makes me nervous when traveling internationally, including while on
Key Aspects: Queen Mary 2 was anchored in New York Harbor as part of the Sail4th 250 event to celebrate America’s independence. The visit concluded a transatlantic crossing voyage that departed Southampton on June 26. An international ship parade, military flyovers, and fireworks were all part of the celebrations guests onboard enjoyed. The skies were
Key Aspects: A former guest of Mardi Gras is suing Carnival Corporation after breaking her ankle during a shore excursion. The guest was riding a dune buggy in allegedly unsafe conditions, which flipped and fell on top of her. Her legal team claims that Carnival is negligent in how it advertised the tour and for
Key Aspects: At least three of Zaandam’s remaining Alaska itineraries have been altered, with a high possibility that more have also been changed. The confirmed impacted sailings include the departures on July 15, August 19, and September 16. Holland America Line cited limitations related to operating speeds and ocean tides as the reasons behind the
Key Aspects: Royal Caribbean is hiding special patriotic-themed ducks onboard ships to celebrate the July 4th weekend and America 250. The red-white-and-blue ducks feature the Royal Caribbean logo and flag-like patterns. Ducks are being hidden fleetwide and are already being found aboard Utopia of the Seas. Cruising ducks continue to be a fun phenomenon that
Key Aspects: Mariner of the Seas’ July 11, 2026, sailing to the Caribbean has been overbooked. Royal Caribbean is offering guests a full refund to downgrade from balcony and oceanview cabins to interior accommodations. Additionally, guests would also receive a $200 onboard credit to use during the sailing. Royal Caribbean is once again tempting guests
Key Aspects: A guest of Carnival Firenze fell from her private balcony onto a deck below in April. An investigation was conducted, which determined the guest intentionally jumped. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Carnival ship has continued operating normally with no related itinerary changes. More details behind a recent passenger death onboard Carnival
Key Aspects: Ruby Princess has slightly delayed embarkation for her July 2, 2026 sailing so the ship can be thoroughly disinfected. The cleaning follows a confirmed norovirus outbreak that sickened 125 guests and crew members on the previous voyage. No changes or delays for the ship’s departure from San Francisco or her Alaska cruise have
Key Aspects: At least one cruise for the river ship TUI Skyla is now cancelled due to broken air conditioning during Europe’s heat wave. Guests were being flown home from Budapest, refunded their cruise fare, and offered a voucher for a future sailing. The ship has also had problems in recent weeks with hot water
Key Aspects: MSC Cruises unveiled a new three-in-one Pan-Asian dining venue for MSC World Asia. The venue will combine a specialty restaurant, cocktail bar, and complimentary grab-and-go counter. Dishes will reflect Southeast Asian flavors influenced by Indonesia, Singapore, South China, Thailand, and Vietnam. One restaurant. Three ways to dine. That’s the concept MSC Cruises is bringing
Key Aspects: A cruise ship broke its mooring lines and drifted from the pier in the late afternoon in Corfu, Greece on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The gangway detached from the pier and a female guest fell into the water, sustaining minor injuries before being rescued. The ship’s captain has been arrested and may be
Key Aspects: A total of 125 norovirus cases have been reported among the guests and crew onboard the current sailing of Ruby Princess. The 20-night Alaska sailing departed San Francisco on June 12 and is returning on July 2. Extra sanitation protocols have been put in place and all staterooms were deep-cleaned earlier in the
