Blog Page 11

Carnival Paradise Guests Notified of Private Island Change

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Paradise Guests Notified of Private Island Change

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Paradise is swapping Princess Cays for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on her November 9, 2026 sailing.
  • There are no other changes to the 6-night cruise from Tampa other than changing the private destination visit.
  • The cruise line has not indicated that there are any technical problems with the ship for this minor port change.

Guests on one upcoming Carnival Cruise Line sailing will not be visiting the private destination they anticipated with the original itinerary, but fortunately they are going to be able to enjoy another private destination instead.

The cruise line has reached out to guests booked on the November 9, 2026 sailing of Carnival Paradise to alert them to the change. Originally, the Fantasy-class ship was departing Port Tampa Bay on Monday, November 9 with port visits to Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Nassau before the 6-night cruise returns to Florida on Sunday, November 15.

Now, Carnival Paradise will not be visiting Princess Cays, but will instead go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

“We have made an adjustment to the planned itinerary for your cruise,” the email notification posted to Facebook confirmed. “The visit to Princess Cays has been replaced by a call on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.”

There are no other changes to the itinerary, and in fact, the ship will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on the same day and time as originally planned for Princess Cays: Thursday, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The two private destinations are only 15 miles apart, making this an easy adjustment for the 2,124-guest ship without needing any adjustment to the overall time spent in port.

Both Princess Cays and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are owned by sister brands under Carnival Corporation, which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and others.

Carnival Paradise in Tampa
Carnival Paradise in Tampa (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng / Shutterstock)

Because the ship will no longer be visiting Princess Cays, Carnival Cruise Line has stated that all pre-paid shore excursions purchased for the destination will be automatically cancelled and refunded to the original form of payment.

Guests can book tours for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay through the cruise line’s website ahead of sailing or onboard at the Carnival Adventures desk, starboard side on Deck 7 (Empress Deck) in the Paradise Atrium once they board the ship.

Why Are the Private Destinations Changed?

Carnival Cruise Line has given no indication for why Carnival Paradise will now visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay rather than Princess Cays for this one sailing.

Port crowding is not likely a concern, as Carnival Paradise was the only ship originally scheduled for Princess Cays on Thursday, November 12.

Meanwhile, on that same day, Carnival Paradise will now be joining two other ships at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Carnival Vista and Carnival Elation are both scheduled for that private destination on that day. It is possible, however, that those ships may also have minor itinerary adjustments as port visits are tweaked, though no such details have yet been confirmed.

It is not uncommon for cruise lines to make minor adjustments to planned itineraries as sailing routes and berth schedules are refined. Because itineraries are generally planned well more than a year in advance, port maintenance, dock repairs, and other unforeseen factors may impact ship visits and require adjustments.

More From Cruise Hive

To be clear, there is no indication of any difficulty with Carnival Paradise, such as propulsion problems or other issues that might require repair or cause a port change for maintenance.

While the ship is one of the oldest and smallest in the Carnival fleet, she was last dry docked in October 2023 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. The 16-day renovation included maintenance and technical updates, as well as refurbishments of public areas and other work.

Carnival Cruise Director Says Goodbye After 10 Years at Sea

Calvin Musquez
-
0
Carnival Cruise Director Says Goodbye After 10 Years at Sea

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Director Robby Howell is retiring from the cruise line after 10 years at sea.
  • Howell says the decision is entirely his own as he prepares to begin a new chapter on land with his wife.
  • His final cruise will depart Port Canaveral aboard Carnival Venezia on November 1, ending November 8.

All good things must eventually come to an end. That is certainly true today as Carnival Cruise Director Robby Howell is preparing to say goodbye to life at sea after a decade-long career. The cruise director announced the change in a post to his followers on Instagram.

Howell specified that the decision to leave Carnival Cruise Line was completely voluntary. He shared his thanks to the cruise line and the guests who have sailed with him for the memories he has made.

“It’s entirely my decision, and I’m excited for what comes next… starting a new chapter on land with my beautiful wife,” Howell said. “Carnival has given me 10 years of experiences, friendships, laughter and memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Known for his approachability and memorable guest interactions, Howell began his Carnival career seemingly by fate. In a 2025 interview with Carnival Fleet Cruise Director Lee Mason, Howell explained how a chance meeting with a Carnival recruiter led to his first job at the company. 

Howell was working as a front desk manager at a beach resort when a recreational convention rolled into town. When Chris Unstead, at the time Carnival Entertainment Recruiting Supervisor, came to check in for the convention, Howell told him that he had always wanted to be a cruise director.

Unstead took a chance on him, and Howell began his Carnival career as a junior Fun Squad member in 2016. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to his dream job of Cruise Director for the 110,000 gross-ton Carnival Conquest in 2023.

He currently sails aboard the 135,225 gross-ton Carnival Venezia, where he will remain as cruise director through his final sailing. Yes, it’s not all over yet. Howell still has around two and a half months before his final debarkation; two and a half months that he is calling “Robby’s Retirement Run.”

Who Will Take Over on Carnival Venezia?

His final sailing will be a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Carnival Venezia. Departing from Port Canaveral on November 1, 2026, this voyage will visit Celebration Key, San Juan, and St. Thomas before returning to the Florida port on November 8.

Tyler Meehan will take over as Cruise Director on Venezia on November 1, 2026, overlapping with Howell’s final sailing. Meehan will continue on Venezia until March 14, 2027.

Tyler Meehan
Tyler Meehan

In a touching end to his announcement, Howell welcomes anyone sailing with him between now and that November 1 sailing to say hello. We at Cruise Hive wish him a fun-filled final few months of sailing, and a happy life on land afterward.

Carnival Cruise Directors Continue to Change

Cruise directors are particularly visible members of Carnival’s onboard teams, overseeing entertainment and interacting heavily with guests. Because of that visibility, they can build significant followings with frequent Carnival cruisers.

This can also lead to a sense of loss amongst their fans when they decide to leave or retire. Howell’s retirement is one of several recent changes among Carnival’s cruise directors.

Cruise Hive reported in July when Cruise Director Gabby Gamboa suddenly announced the end of her tenure with the cruise line. That announcement came just days before her new four-month contract aboard Carnival Conquest was set to begin. As the saying goes, however, when one door closes, another one opens.

While some longtime crew members are leaving shipboard life, Carnival has also been promoting new faces. Earlier in June, the cruise line promoted Fun Squad member Sara Taskoski to Cruise Director, first aboard Carnival Firenze and later Carnival Freedom.

The changing lineup means Carnival guests will continue seeing both familiar faces and newer personalities taking on this highly visible role. For Howell, however, there are still more memories to make before his “Retirement Run” comes to an end on November 8.

Man Dies in Balcony Fall on Final Night of Norwegian Getaway Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Man Dies in Balcony Fall on Final Night of Norwegian Getaway Cruise

Key Aspects:

  • A man died after falling from a balcony stateroom onto an exterior promenade onboard Norwegian Getaway on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
  • The incident happened between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. on the last night of a 3-night weekend cruise from Miami.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the tragic incident but has not released any further details, as is common to safeguard privacy.

It was a tragic last night onboard Norwegian Getaway‘s most recent cruise that had departed PortMiami on Friday, August 21, 2026. As the ship was making her way back to Florida after visits to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, a man tragically fell from a stateroom balcony onto an exterior promenade, and did not survive the fall.

A photo posted to TikTok by a guest onboard the ship shows crew members gathered around a tarp spread out on the deck and covering a significant space, though no further details are discernible from the image.

The photo’s caption describes the incident, which occurred between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, the last night of the 3-night weekend cruise.

“An emergency announcement came over the PA while we were in the elevator,” the post described. “A passenger had fallen from the 10th floor, landing on the Deck 7 port-side walkway.”

Another guest, whose cabin was allegedly right above the guest who fell, claims to have heard yelling from inside the stateroom before seeing the man lean over the rail then lift his legs to go completely over the balcony railing.

Other guests have noted the same man appeared intoxicated earlier in the evening shortly before the incident, claiming he may have gotten into a fight and swung at another guest before returning to his stateroom. It is not confirmed whether the two incidents involve the same individual.

Some other comments note discrepancies in the deck the guest may have fallen from, whether it was Deck 10, 11, or 13. All those decks do have balcony staterooms.

Deck 7, where the original caption suggested the guest impacted on the deck, is a public deck with restaurants, bars, and the onboard casino. The outdoor promenade, however, is actually on Deck 8, which disputes the original poster’s assertion about deck numbers. Regardless, the guest did appear to fall several decks.

While these alleged witness accounts seem to paint a picture of what happened that evening, Norwegian Cruise Line has not confirmed such details.

Norwegian Getaway in Miami
Norwegian Getaway in Miami (Photo Credit: DacologyPhoto)

Cruise Hive reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for an official statement on the incident and received the following on Tuesday, August 25:

“On the evening of August 23, a guest went over their balcony, falling on a lower deck. While our crew acted immediately to provide life sustaining measures, the guest did not survive. Our thoughts are with the guest’s family during this very difficult time.”

Why Guests Weren’t Told More Onboard

More comments on the TikTok photo speculate that the cruise line may be trying to cover up the unfortunate incident because no information was announced to guests that last night of the cruise or the following morning.

“I was on that cruise, didn’t hear anything like that,” one guest noted.

“That’s one of the things we thought was crazy too, like the cruise tried so hard to down play it,” the original poster responded.

While announcements were made onboard at the time of the emergency, the codes for such medical emergencies would not reveal any information about the nature of the situation.

It is not uncommon for cruise lines to limit details after such tragic situations in order to safeguard the privacy of family members, friends, and travel companions of those associated with the individual involved.

Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues? Find Out What Happens

This is especially true when an investigation may be ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and whether there could have been foul play or other potential concerns.

There was no significant delay to Norwegian Getaway and the ship returned to Miami as planned on Monday, August 24. Later that afternoon, the 3,963-guest ship departed on her next voyage, a 4-night Bahamas cruise.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the family members, friends, guests, and crew members affected by this tragic incident.

First Wish-Class Disney Ship Will Sail From New York in 2027

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
First Wish-Class Disney Ship Will Sail From New York in 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Wish will be moving to New York City for seven sailings beginning September 29, 2027.
  • The sailings range from 4-7 nights and include Bermuda and Canada itineraries.
  • The last departure from New York is on October 31, 2027 and is a one-way voyage to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Wishes do come true for Disney Cruise Line fans hoping to set sail from New York City and San Juan, as the cruise line will be moving the 4,000-guest Disney Wish to the Big Apple in late September 2027 for a short season before offering two departures from Puerto Rico.

Bookings became listed as “Coming Soon” on the cruise line’s website on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 and show Disney Wish offering seven departures from New York from September 29 to October 31.

The ship’s first departure is a 4-night Bermuda cruise to King’s Wharf, setting sail from New York on Wednesday, September 29, 2027.

Four sailings are 5-night voyages. On October 3, 2027, the ship is offering a Canada and New England itinerary with visits to Saint John, New Brunswick, as well as Boston, Massachusetts.

Two other 5-night voyages visit Bermuda for an extended stay in King’s Wharf. Those cruises set sail on October 14 and October 19. The fourth 5-night cruise is when the ship will leave New York.

A single 6-night cruise combines Bermuda and Canada with visits to King’s Wharf and Halifax. The sailing departs New York on October 8.

Disney Wish will be offering just one 7-night cruise from New York, departing on October 24, 2027. That weeklong voyage is a Canada cruise scheduled to visit Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as well as both Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia before returning to the Big Apple.

The 4,000-guest Disney Wish will depart New York on Halloween (October 31) 2027 for a sailing to San Juan. The 5-night cruise will visit Bermuda before turning her bow south on the one-way trip.

The ship has just two departures from Puerto Rico. The first is a 7-night Southern Caribbean itinerary to Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Roseau, Dominica; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten that sets sail on Friday, November 5, 2027.

Disney Wish Cruise Ship
Disney Wish Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

After that weeklong cruise, Disney Wish will depart San Juan on November 12 and sail through the Bahamas, visiting both Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point as well as Disney Castaway Cay before arriving back at her familiar homeport, Port Canaveral on Tuesday, November 16. That cruise is a 4-night sailing.

Once back in Florida, Disney Wish will resume offering 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises.

Great Wishes in New York

Disney Cruise Line has offered sailings from New York in the past, but this is the first time a Wish-class ship will offer multiple sailings from the city.

Disney Treasure, sister ship to Disney Wish, was christened in New York on November 19, 2024 in a brief ceremony highlighted by a coordinated drone performance, but did not remain in the Big Apple for sailings.

Most recently, Disney Dream offered a short season from New York with sailings from late September to early November 2023. The cruises were similar in length and itinerary schedule to those that are now coming from Disney Wish.

Cruise Hive reported on the speculated return to New York with Disney Cruise Line’s teaser announcement just one day before the new bookings became visible. While the cruise line often spins out announcements and new details over weeks or months, such as new ship reveals, this is one time when eager guests did not have to wait long to learn that wishes can come true.

While reservations are not yet open to be booked, Disney Cruise Line commonly permits guests who are members of the Castaway Club to access new bookings sooner than new guests.

Silver members can book one day before the general public, Gold members get a two-day advance window, Platinum members have three days, and the highest loyalty tier, Pearl members, can book new itineraries four days before the general public.

Cruise Ship Lifeguard Arrested Over Alleged Contact With Teen Passenger

Calvin Musquez
-
0
Cruise Ship Lifeguard Arrested Over Alleged Contact With Teen Passenger

Key Aspects:

  • An MSC World America lifeguard was arrested in Miami following allegations involving a 17-year-old passenger.
  • The 38-year-old crew member faces a charge of unlawful sexual activity with a specified minor, with bond set at $7,500.
  • MSC Cruises says it contacted law enforcement after discovering the alleged conduct, assisted the passenger, and dismissed the crew member.

An MSC Cruises crew member has been arrested in Miami following allegations involving a teenage passenger onboard one of the cruise line’s ships. 38-year-old Rafael Cayetano Blanco was serving as a lifeguard aboard MSC World America when the encounters allegedly occurred.

The 216,638 gross-ton vessel had departed August 15, 2026 on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from PortMiami. The cruise visited Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Ocean Cay.

According to a report by NBC Miami, Blanco met a 17-year-old female passenger onboard on August 16 and exchanged numbers before meeting in his cabin that night.

The Guatemalan native allegedly engaged in sexual activity with the underage passenger twice: once that first night, and once more on August 19.

On August 22, MSC World America returned to PortMiami and Blanco was detained. Investigators say he subsequently admitted to the alleged sexual activity. He was then arrested by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Metro West Detention Center in Miami.

Miami-Dade Police
Miami-Dade Police

Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department booking records show the bond for Blanco is set at $7,500. He is charged with unlawful sexual activity with a specified minor, a second-degree felony under Florida Statute 794.05.

If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He remains in jail on an immigration hold. The case is still pending with no court date yet released to the public. No attorney was listed in the booking records.

MSC Fires Crew Member and Issues Response

MSC Cruises says it dismissed Blanco from his position as a lifeguard. In a statement to NBC Miami, the cruise line detailed its response to the alleged incident.

“On discovery of a breach of conduct by a crew member and an alleged criminal act, we immediately contacted the relevant law enforcement authorities,” MSC Cruises told NBC Miami. “We fully supported the investigation and provided every assistance to the guest. The crew member concerned has been dismissed.”

MSC World America has been based out of PortMiami since entering service in April 2025. The vessel, designed with the North American market in mind, became the first World-class MSC ship to sail from the United States. Cruise Hive covered the ship’s arrival in Miami before her inaugural voyage in April 2025.

The ship operates alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami. Western Caribbean cruises typically visit Mexico and Honduras, while Eastern Caribbean voyages call in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Both feature MSC Cruises’ private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC World America departed on her next cruise from PortMiami on August 22 as scheduled. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas cruise is set to visit Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Ocean Cay before returning to PortMiami on August 29. The arrest does not appear to have affected this sailing.

Disney Cruise Line Teases Big News With Secret Coordinates

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Disney Cruise Line Teases Big News With Secret Coordinates

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Cruise Line is teasing what may be new itinerary releases and homeports with a graphic of latitude coordinates.
  • The teaser was published on Facebook on Monday, August 24, 2026, stating that a big announcement would be coming “tomorrow.”
  • Clues in the graphic and the latitude coordinates indicate that New York may be part of the announcement.

Disney Cruise Line has dropped a teaser on Facebook that cruise guests are eager to decipher. On Monday, August 24, 2026, the cruise line posted a simple graphic with a series of latitude coordinates, but no context about precisely what announcement will be forthcoming.

“Let’s coordinate to meet back up tomorrow for a big announcement…” the post said.

The graphic is a set of Mickey ears with grid lines reminiscent of latitude and longitude lines on a globe, and the Disney Cruise Line logo is at the top with a DCL ship at the bottom.

The list of coordinates includes (with their corresponding homeport cities):

  • 40° 46.3′ N (New York City, New York)
  • 18° 27′ N (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
  • 29° 18.2′ N (Galveston, Texas)
  • 32° 43.3′ N (San Diego, California)
  • 26° 5.4′ N (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
  • 28° 24′ N (Port Canaveral, Florida)

Looking even more closely at the graphic, viewers with sharp eyes have noted an apple “constellation” on the left and a shape that appears to be the island of Bermuda or the country of Panama in the stars just to the right of the coordinate list.

Another shape passes through the DCL logo, and while faint, it could be Tinker Bell, perhaps spreading pixie dust on her way to a new destination. The indistinct central outline could also be a palm tree, indicating some tropical destination.

Disney Cruise Line Tease
Disney Cruise Line Tease

The cruise line continues to tease with a follow-up comment: “Looks like the set is a little incomplete. What could this list be?”

Without corresponding longitude coordinates one cannot definitively place these latitude coordinates on a map. Several other homeports are also close to those latitude lines, including Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Tampa, depending on exactly how precise the measurements are and where the exact pier or cruise terminal coordinates may be measured.

As of publication, the teaser post has received more than 650 comments from eager guests hopeful for more hints or sharing their speculation.

What Announcement May Be Coming?

The only firm information Disney Cruise Line has shared at this time is that a further announcement will be made on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest (2026-1998)

This is the time of year when cruise lines typically release future itineraries and open new sailings for bookings. Because the latitude coordinates are likely indicating homeports, Disney Cruise Line may be preparing to announce new homeports, itineraries, or ship redeployments.

With the Disney Cruise Line fleet expanding rapidly over the next few years, including two smaller ships to debut in 2029, there are certainly options for the cruise line to expand to new homeports and destinations.

Currently, the active Disney fleet is homeported as follows:

  • Disney Magic – Vancouver, San Diego, Galveston
  • Disney Wonder – Vancouver, San Diego
  • Disney Dream – Southampton, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, Port Canaveral
  • Disney Fantasy – Port Canaveral
  • Disney Wish – Port Canaveral, Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Southampton
  • Disney Treasure – Port Canaveral
  • Disney Destiny – Fort Lauderdale
  • Disney Adventure – Singapore

It is worth noting the Disney Believe will be debuting in late 2027 but no homeport or itineraries have yet been announced. The forthcoming announcement could be just about that new ship’s deployment and sailings.

Clearly, the teaser latitude coordinates do not correspond to homeports outside of the mainland United States and Puerto Rico, but it is not unusual for cruise lines to release itineraries in single sailing regions at once, while holding other itineraries for a later release.

Of the teaser coordinates, only New York City is not currently a homeport for a Disney ship, though the cruise line has sailed from the homeport in the past. Disney Cruise Line’s official website now lists “Limited-Time Cruises from New York” as a destination option, noting itineraries to Bermuda and Canada, but the site does not yet connect to any live, available bookings.

At the moment, all Disney Cruise Line ships have published itineraries only through the end of August or late September 2027. This supports the idea that a new schedule of sailings for late 2027 and into 2028 is imminent.

Two Holland America Cruise Ships Getting New Live Music Venues

Calvin Musquez
-
0
Two Holland America Cruise Ships Getting New Live Music Venues

Key Aspects:

  • Holland America Line is adding new bandstands beside the Lido Pools aboard Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
  • These new venues will host live performers, sailaway entertainment, special events, and activities.
  • The additions are part of Holland America’s over $500 million Evolution program, which will overhaul six ships beginning with Oosterdam in 2027.

Holland America Line is expanding live entertainment aboard two ships. The 82,305 gross-ton vessels Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will receive permanent bandstands at their Lido Pools.

The new poolside venues will serve as dedicated performance spaces on the pool decks. Programming at the bandstands will range from solo performers to full live bands.

They will also serve as the central hub for various special events and celebrations, such as sailaway parties and the cruise line’s Orange Party. This party is a Dutch-themed celebration, usually held once per sailing, where guests dress in orange attire for a lively party with Dutch-inspired snacks and drinks.

“Over the past several years, we’ve been on a journey to expand and elevate our entertainment offerings across the fleet,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The new Lido Pool bandstands are another step in that effort.”

New Bandstand on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam
New Bandstand on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam (Render Credit: Holland America Line)

The Lido Pools on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam also feature retractable glass roofs. This feature will allow the venues to be utilized even in poor weather. Oosterdam will be the first ship to debut the new bandstand in fall 2027, following her Evolution transformation.

Post-transformation bookings are currently available for Oosterdam cruises beginning on December 2, 2027. Zuiderdam will debut later, with currently available post-renovation sailings starting April 2, 2028.

Holland America’s $500 Million Overhaul

The bandstands are part of the cruise line’s ambitious Holland America Evolution plan, the largest fleet update in the company’s history. Cruise Hive previously covered the refurbishment project when it was announced in April 2026.

This major overhaul will bring new spaces and experiences to six Vista and Signature-class vessels in the cruise line’s fleet. Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Eurodam will all see updates over the course of this multi-year project. The renovations are expected to cost over $500 million. 

Holland America's Oosterdam Cruise Ship
Holland America’s Oosterdam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: lenic)

The bandstands are among several new venues and experiences planned for the ships. They will also feature additional new staterooms, expanded dining options, and some experiences being brought over from the newer Pinnacle-class ships. 

Oosterdam and Zuiderdam Are Getting Other Major Changes

Holland America has not yet revealed all of the changes planned under the Evolution program. However, some additional details have been released regarding Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, the first two ships undergoing these transformations.

Cruise Hive previously covered updates to the planned renovation of Zuiderdam. The cruise line has now confirmed many of these upgrades will be coming to her Vista-class sister, Oosterdam, as well.

Both ships will receive the Grand Dutch Café, a counter-service venue offering Dutch snacks, breakfast items, and coffee. The dining venue was previously available only on Pinnacle-class ships, debuting on the 99,863 gross-ton Koningsdam.

More From Cruise Hive

A variety of new staterooms and suites will be added and expanded. Zuiderdam has been confirmed to receive one reimagined Pinnacle Suite, two new Bridgeview Suites, 14 enhanced Vista Suites, and 32 Solo Verandah rooms.

Many existing onboard spaces and venues will also be refreshed, though the cruise line has not provided additional details. The new bandstands represent a relatively small part of the $500 million project. However, they offer another look at how Holland America plans to update its older ships.

The One Thoughtful Gift Carnival Crew Members Have to Turn Down

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
The One Thoughtful Gift Carnival Crew Members Have to Turn Down

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador is reminding guests that crew members cannot accept homemade food as gifts.
  • When crew members refuse such a gift, guests are urged not to remove gratuities but to understand they’re just following the rules.
  • Only pre-packaged, factory-sealed, unopened food and snack items may be brought onboard Carnival cruise ships.

Many cruise guests enjoy bringing small gifts as tokens of appreciation for the hard-working crew members onboard, knowing that they are away from their families, friends, and the comforts of home for months at a time.

One type of gift, however, cannot be accepted by Carnival Cruise Line crew members: homemade treats. While there’s nothing wrong with a great cookie, brownie, or other delicious treat, the cruise line has a firm policy that crew members cannot accept homemade food items.

Cruise Hive reported when that policy was first implemented in early 2023, but not all guests are aware of the restriction. Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, posted a reminder on Monday, August 24, 2026 about the policy to help minimize any hard feelings when crew members reject such a gift.

“Please do not be offended if a crewmember politely tells you they cannot take cookies that you have baked at home,” he said on Facebook. “While the sentiment is to be applauded, the crewmembers have been instructed not to take these. There are health and safety reasons for this.”

It can be challenging to confirm what ingredients may be in home-baked goodies. Potential allergens or dangerous substances may be present, and rather than risk problems, crew members simply cannot accept such items, no matter how well-intentioned the gift may be.

Heald describes a recent message he received from a woman currently onboard a Carnival cruise who was upset when a crew member would not accept the cookies she’d brought.

Carnival Cruise Line Crew
Carnival Cruise Line Crew (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

“I don’t want you to be upset if a crewmember says no. It’s embarrassing and hard for them to do, but they are protecting themselves as well as following our rules,” he said.

According to Heald, the woman was so upset at the interaction that she was considering removing gratuities from her onboard account. Heald often advocates for crew members and always wants guests to have a positive experience, but he also does not want guests to take their frustrations out on crew members who are only following the rules.

Read Also: How Not to Overeat on a Cruise – And Why It Matters

Crew members can accept unopened, factory-sealed items in the original packaging. While they may not be homemade treats, the gesture will certainly be appreciated by crew members who receive such goodies.

Can Guests Bring Homemade Cookies Onboard?

Carnival Cruise Line does not permit guests to bring homemade goodies onboard at all. It is unclear how the woman who contacted Heald recently had homemade treats to offer crew members.

The restriction is listed on Carnival’s prohibited items list, which specifically notes that “homemade foods” and “pre-cooked foods” are not permitted. All food items brought onboard must be pre-packaged, factory-sealed, and unopened.

Snacks can be brought onboard, and many guests do bring along their favorite chips, candy bars, or other snacks. It is especially popular to bring along a child’s favorite snacks, particularly for picky eaters who might have a meltdown if they’re hangry, or to bring snacks that may adhere to certain dietary needs such as allergies.

Similarly, snacks can be purchased in ports of call and brought onto the ship, but the same restrictions for pre-packaged, factory-sealed, and unopened items still apply.

Family Favorite Closed for Refurbishment on Disney Cruise Line’s Private Island

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Family Favorite Closed for Refurbishment on Disney Cruise Line’s Private Island

Key Aspects:

  • Pelican Plunge on Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas is temporarily closed for refurbishment.
  • The cruise line has not announced any reopening date for the floating platform and its two waterslides.
  • Because Castaway Cay does not have extensive waterslides, the closure will be disappointing to many guests.

Castaway Cay, one of Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations in the Bahamas, is a favorite port of call for many guests. There may be some disappointment in the coming weeks, however, as a popular feature of the island is now closed for refurbishment.

Guests visiting Castaway Cay are learning that Pelican Plunge is now closed, albeit temporarily, for refurbishment. Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to notify guests of the closure, but there is no indication when exactly it may reopen.

“While the Pelican Plunge water slide is closed over the coming weeks due to necessary refurbishments, there is lots to see and do!” the notification, which was shared on Facebook on Sunday, August 23, 2026, read. “The water play structure in the swimming lagoon and Spring-A-Leak are open for your enjoyment, as well as onboard water slides that may be available.”

There is no indication of exactly when Pelican Plunge was first closed, nor is there any exact date for it to reopen.

Disney Cruise Line has not disclosed the exact refurbishments necessary for Pelican Plunge. All waterslides, however, require regular maintenance to stay safely coated and comfortable for guests to ride.

The water pumps and other features also require regular maintenance, and it is possible the platform itself requires flooring work or other maintenance before guests will be able to use it again.

Castaway Cay Kids Area
Photo By: Brian Hart (Creative Commons)

While Pelican Plunge is closed, a smaller play platform is available in the southern swimming lagoon, though it does not have the waterslides. Guests can also enjoy swimming in the clear water, and a variety of port adventures include snorkeling, banana boat rides, and other water sports and activities on Castaway Cay.

Different Disney Cruise Line ships have waterslides onboard, from the classic AquaDunk on Disney Magic to the exciting AquaMouse water coaster on Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.

What Is Pelican Plunge?

Pelican Plunge is a floating activity platform anchored off the northernmost of the island’s two family beaches. The jutting spur of the Heads Up bar curves around Pelican Plunge. The Pelican Point tram stop is the closest to Pelican Plunge.

Read Also: I’ve Been to Disney’s Castaway Cay Three Times – Is It Any Good?

The platform includes two twisting waterslides, one open and one enclosed. Other features on the platform include a water dump bucket, water guns to shoot at nearby targets, and whimsical nautical theming such as nets, buoys, barrels, a mouse-ears-shaped life ring, and of course, pelicans.

Guests must be at least 38″ tall to ride the Pelican Plunge slides. There is no pathway access to the floating platform, so guests must be able to swim out to the platform to access the waterslides. Both slides exit directly into the swimming lagoon.

Other private islands have more extensive waterslide sections. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay, for example, has 14 waterslides at Thrill Waterpark and the Great Tides Waterpark on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay has multiple slides, a rapid river, and cliff jumping.

Cruise Hive has already reported that Great Tides Waterpark will be welcoming its first guests on September 4, 2026, with a port visit from Norwegian Luna.

Unlike the larger waterparks on other private islands that have sometimes expensive entrance fees, there is no charge to enjoy Pelican Plunge.

Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations do not have a large selection of waterslides, making Pelican Plunge even more popular and this temporary closure all the more disappointing for guests.

1...101112...619Page 11 of 619