Are you ready for Cruise Hive’s comprehensive weekly news recap? Of course you are, so let’s dig in! Top headlines this week include the grand opening of the long-awaited Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination, and the updating of Princess Cruises’ two add-on packages, Premier and Plus. Also, find out which cruise
Key Aspects: Celebrity Beyond is fully repaired and ready for her July 27, 2025 departure, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise. There have been itinerary adjustments to permit a slower speed, likely as a precaution following the repairs. At this time, there are no further changes to the ship’s future cruises. Following emergency repairs to her
Key Aspects: A male crew member jumped overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and did not survive. New details have revealed that the crew member allegedly stabbed a female crew member multiple times before fleeing the scene and leaping into the ocean. Passengers were not in danger and the female crew member is
Key Aspects: Princess Cruises is taking the feedback to heart after introducing revamped Premier and Plus Packages earlier this week. Guests were upset that the Plus package would now include non-alcoholic drinks in the daily drink limit of 15 beverages, which was not previously the case. The cruise line has now made specialty teas and
Key Aspects: Spider-Man and the Spider-Bots have been successfully mounted to the stern of Disney Destiny. The heavy emphasis on Marvel throughout the ship is a first for Disney Cruise Line. Disney Destiny will set sail on her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on November 20, 2025. This has been an eventful week for Disney
Key Aspects: The 5,600-guest Icon of the Seas shares the title of world’s largest cruise ship with soon-to-launch sister ship Star of the Seas. Icon of the Seas’ inspection by the CDC was held on June 4, 2025. Adventure of the Seas also garnered a score of 100 during her June inspection. Since the start
Key Aspects: Carnival cruise ships from North American homeports will begin offering Coke products in early September. Individual ships may have slightly different dates for the Pepsi-to-Coke soft drink changeover. Guests can still bring aboard their preferred soft drinks, subject to the cruise line’s standard limitations. With Coca-Cola fans eagerly awaiting the return of their
Key Aspects: A guest aboard Norwegian Escape shared a nearly $10,000 itemized bill from the ship’s medical center. While no information is given about why the guest was ill, the bill is stamped for emergency care. All cruise guests should always check onboard statements in case of duplicate or erroneous charges. It’s no surprise that
Key Aspects: An overboard was reported from Icon of the Seas at just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The individual was recovered with the ship’s rescue craft in less than 30 minutes, but unfortunately passed away. Icon of the Seas is currently sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary and should not be
Key Aspects: Carnival Panorama will remain homeported from Long Beach through at least April 2028. More than 50 Mexican Riviera itineraries are now available for booking, including 3-8 night sailings. The Vista-class ship was last updated in October 2024 and offers fun for all ages onboard, as well as new specialty dining and more. The
Key Aspects: One Carnival cruise guest is upset that their ceiling fan was not permitted onboard and was confiscated by security. Carnival’s John Heald has explained the safety reasons for why ceiling fans are not permitted and the crew was doing their job. The guest suggests that the Carnival security team should be after kids
Key Aspects: Star Princess will feature about 4,800 square feet of shopping opportunities. Vintage handbags are among the luxury offerings guests can purchase. A Caribbean-inspired boutique is planned for the new ship. With the launch of Princess Cruises’ new-build, Star Princess, just a few months away, the line is detailing a major onboard revenue-maker: the
