Due to erosion, some of the Mabrika Cove family cabanas at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point have lost their private beaches.
Stairs that previously led to the shore now lead to steep dropoffs.
Even so, the cabanas remain popular and continue to book out well ahead of scheduled visits.
If a fix isn’t made soon, Disney Cruise Line guests are worried that an accident is just waiting to happen at the cabanas on the cruise line’s second private island.
Recent guests, who were expecting to rent their own beachside oasis, were surprised to find that the stairs of their cabana were unusable and led to a steep drop off because of seemingly rapid erosion.
“You could see the beach wash away while swimming in front of it. I don’t know how anything will be left soon…There was no way we could have stayed and swam there safely,” a recent guest shared, along with pictures and video of multiple cabanas.
The frustrated cruiser, who had rented cabana 21, saw their own back stairs lead to a drop off with rocks at the bottom instead of soft sand.
The cruiser did say that the stairs had been roped off, but it didn’t seem to stop them from trying to take advantage of their “private beach.”
“When we got to the deck, we were shocked to see all the huge rocks in front…They were not smooth, and they varied greatly in depth, so you had to walk very carefully and slowly or you would end up accidentally falling into a hole or crack,” they explained.
“We got to clearer water, but the waves and current were so strong that we kept getting pushed back into the rocks. The adults could barely stop themselves, and the kids were straight up being thrown into the rocks,” the guest warned.
There are 20 total Mabrika Cove Cabanas at the private destination, and while it was previously known that conditions became more rocky from cabanas 16 to 21, it does seem like the erosion has worsened quickly.
Several guests who had stayed in the cabanas as recently as May of 2025 said that “it didn’t look like this at all” during their visit.
What to Know Before Reserving a Cabana
Per this recent cruiser’s report, they would not recommend booking a Mabrika Cove Cabana outside of cabanas 1 through 5 due to the beach erosion as of their visit to the private island on July 17, 2025.
They also recommended that adults sailing without kids should reserve one of the six cabanas at the adults-only Serenity Bay area.
That said, Disney Cruise Line is one of the most safety-oriented brands out there, and likely would not continue renting out the cabanas if there was a significant risk to guests.
More likely than not, the cruise line is already working on a fix to stabilize the erosion, such as installing a sea wall or planting native vegetation.
Despite these issues, the private cabanas are still a hot commodity and are usually fully reserved well in advance of planned port calls.
Each cabana is furnished with comfortable seating inside and out, a mini fridge, beverages, plush towels, charging outlets, and sunscreen, which adds some extra luxury to the experience.
There is even a provided smart pad for ordering snacks, drinks, or whatever else guests might need during the day.
Cabanas 3 through 19 are standard cabanas that can accommodate up to 10, but start at just under $1,000 for six guests.
Cabanas 1, 2, 20, and 21 are larger Grand Cabanas that can accommodate up to 16 guests, but start at $1,375 for up to 10 guests.
For both types of cabanas, additional guests can be added until capacity is met for a cost of $56 per person.
I’ve been on hundreds of cruises and sailed on almost every major cruise line. While cruising can be an affordable way to travel, all those sailings do add up.
That’s why I’ve fine-tuned some key tactics for saving money on my cruise adventures. Here are the 19 ways I always save money while on a cruise, so you can save some cash, too, whether you’re going on your first cruise or your 30th.
1. If you must shop, take advantage of duty-free price match guarantees
Shopping at the Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Take advantage of duty-free price match guarantees. On many ships, some of the duty-free stores will offer a price match guarantee to get you to shop with them, versus going to a duty-free store in one of the ports.
So, if you buy an item on the ship, get into port and see the item at a cheaper price, you can get a refund.
I’ve had this happen to me on Royal Caribbean ships in the past, buying alcohol in one of the duty-free liquor stores on the ship, then found it at a cheaper price in port.
To get the price match, though, you do have to take a photo of the price in the port’s duty-free store, for proof. Then, you show it to the store on the ship and you’ll get your refund after the fact.
2. Know your duty-free allowance
CBP Confiscate Cigarettes from Cruise Passengers at Long Beach (Credit: CBP)
While you’re shopping, make sure you know your duty-free allowance, and don’t spend over it. In the United States, you can spend typically up to $800 on duty-free goods, but then after that, you will have to pay duty on anything above $800.
Your cruise line may also provide more direct information regarding duty-free allowances, as Carnival Cruise Line lays out in its allowances guidelines.
3. Consider if you even need to shop at all
Carnival Cruise Line Shops (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
I’m not going to tell you to not shop on the ship altogether, but keep in mind that duty-free shopping isn’t always the humongous bargain you think it’s going to be, and if you’re really trying to budget, you don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on luxury non-necessities.
However, if you really want to shop, you’re going to shop. As such, just make sure you follow the above tips to save money as you do so.
4. Book all of your packages ahead of time
Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
Whether it’s a dining package, WiFi package, excursions — whatever it may be — if you’re planning on purchasing a certain package anyway, make sure to do so in advance of your cruise. The longer you wait, the more the package will cost.
For example, you could spend 10% or more on a WiFi package when sailing with Carnival, if you wait until you’re onboard to buy it versus buying in advance.
Better yet, consider if you need the package, especially WiFi, at all. I find that I really enjoy completely disconnecting during some cruises, only checking email or social feeds when in port.
5. Only buy WiFi for one device
Cruise Wi-Fi
If you are planning on buying a WiFi package, consider only buying a package for one device. You and your partner can easily share a device for the duration of your cruise and you’ll cut your WiFi costs quite a bit.
For example, if you’re paying for a Royal Caribbean Voom package for a six-night sailing, you might pay $25 per day for one person/device, but $17 per day per person/device for two people. While it seems like a discount at first glance, by opting to pay for only one person/device, you’ll pay $150 versus $204.
6. Ask before you buy
Royal Caribbean Stateroom (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
You’re on your cruise and you realize that you forgot to bring some body lotion. Or maybe you need an extension cable to charge all your devices. Maybe it’s chilly at night and you want a blanket.
Whatever the case may be, stop before you march down to one of the ship shops and buy a branded blanket or an overpriced bottle of lotion. Always ask your cabin steward if they can provide these items first.
You’ll find that cabin stewards will give you a range of items, totally for free, so you don’t need to buy them. I’ve asked for tape, hangers, toiletries, blankets, extension cables and more, and gotten them. I’ve even known cruisers to ask for CPAP machines and, believe it or not, the cabin steward came through.
7. Bring your own soda
Pepsi on Carnival Cruise (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
If you like to have a soda or two every day, you may think that you need to buy a beverage package, but, depending on your cruise line, you might not need to. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, will allow you to bring 12 sealed, unopened cans of non-alcoholic beverages, per person, onto the ship.
This is more than enough to last you a full cruise if you’re just drinking a few per day — and it’ll save you from spending $11.21 per day per person for a Carnival Bottomless Bubbles drink package.
8. Bring your own wine, too
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock
On a similar note, if you’re planning on drinking during your cruise, but not all that much, skip the drink package and the expensive cost of buying just a single bottle of wine at a special dinner, and bring your own wine aboard.
Most cruise lines will allow you to bring a single bottle of wine per person onboard, so long as you pay a corkage fee (if you’re consuming the wine in a restaurant). On Carnival Cruise Line, I paid a corkage fee of $15 per bottle, but you can avoid that by drinking in your stateroom.
9. Bring a refillable water bottle or tumbler
Travel Water Bottle (Photo Credit: Darya Lavinskaya / Shutterstock)
On the note of beverages, I always like to pack a refillable water bottle and/or tumbler. Not only is this good for being able to refill your own bottle easily at water refill stations around the ship, but you can actually refill the bottle with soda at the buffet, for free.
So, if you had dinner at the buffet, before you leave, fill up your bottle and take it back with you to your stateroom for a free extra beverage. By the way, this is a great option that allows you to adjust the size, which is ideal for travel and when visiting ports.
10. Take advantage of loyalty perks
Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty Passenger Event (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
If you’re a frequent cruiser, then joining a cruise loyalty program is a no-brainer, but even if you’re not, you should still join the loyalty program. The introductory membership tier in most loyalty programs still come with some extra perks.
For example, with Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, as soon as you join the loyalty program, you get benefits such as multiple coupons for 10–50% discounts on wine, beer or soda; two coupons for 50% off a Johnny Rockets milkshake; and 25% off a coffee.
11. Avoid specialty venues and keep to the inclusive basics
Included Cruise Buffet (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
I have dined at some amazing specialty restaurants on cruise ships. However, when I’m cruising on a budget, I know that’s not always the best place to spend my money. So, if you’re trying to make your cruise as cheap as possible, stick to the inclusive basics.
Most ships have more than enough to last you for the entire cruise. For example, when sailing on Oasis of the Seas, you have 10 complimentary dining options, so you could easily change up your dining experience every day, with few repeats.
If you really want to try a specialty restaurant, see if they have a lunch menu with cheaper a la carte prices. You can also simply walk up to the host stand and ask for a discounted reservation, and you might just get one!
12. Hold out for discounts
MSC Cruise Deck in Miami (Photo Credit: venuswix)
There are two times during your cruise when you can expect to get discounts on extras like spa treatments or specialty dining (beyond lunchtime): on embarkation day and on port days.
Venues expect for guests to be still getting their lay of the land on embarkation day, and to be off the ship on port days, so they’ll offer sweet deals to draw in customers. As such, if you’re thinking of splurging, hold out to see what kind of discount you’ll get.
13. Bring your own beach gear
Loungers on Harvest Caye Beach (Photo Credit: James R. Martin)
If you plan on spending a day at the beach while you’re in port, bring all your own beach gear rather than waiting to rent it on the beach at a premium.
Just make sure that you’re not bringing anything that’s prohibited on the ship (for instance, Carnival Cruise Line doesn’t allow you to bring portable speakers, surfboards or kiddie pools on board).
Similarly, in some ports, bring a pool towel from the ship with you, versus renting a towel on the beach.
This might sound a little counterintuitive. After all, if you’re in your cabin, you’re not spending money. However, hear me out.
Sometimes, if I really want to save money on a cruise and I’m sailing on a new ship where there are tons of (free!) things to do and where I plan on spending a lot of time in port, I can save a lot of money by booking the cheapest room possible and then just not spending much time there.
I only use it for sleeping and otherwise I’m out enjoying the ship and port.
15. Pack everything you think you even could possibly need
I’m talking about all the little things you have in your medicine cabinet “just in case.” The Band-Aids. The pain reliever. The stuff for an upset stomach.
Bring it, because if you do drink one too many and have a hangover, or you get food poisoning from that little place in port, you’re going to pay a premium for OTC medications on the ship — and these are things you really can’t do without if you’re ill.
Typically, the main dining room, which is always going to be free, will give you a dinner menu with an appetizer, entrée and dessert section. Don’t feel as if you’re limited to one selection from each section!
You can actually ask for as many items from each section as you want (unless otherwise noted)! You can ask for second helpings! So, get two appetizers and two desserts. Order both the steak and the pasta.
17. Drink while you’re off the ship
Fat Tuesday’s Cozumel
If you do like to drink a little bit more while you’re on vacation, but you don’t like the drink package price tag, save your drinking for when you’re off the ship. Prices at local watering holes are typically cheaper than the ship’s prices (and the experience is potentially more authentic!).
Just be careful while in port and don’t drink to excess, as that becomes a potential safety hazard. You don’t want to get lost or injured, or miss the ship. You also don’t want to be one of those pier runners that you will be reminded of for the remainder of the cruise!
18. Buy cruise line stock
Cruise Ships in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: MikeDotta)
Maybe you’re just a savvy spender rather than stretched for cash. You don’t want to dump hundreds on cruise extras, but you like a good investment.
Consider cruise line stocks. Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line all offer benefits to shareholders who own at least 100 shares, in the form of onboard credits. It’s an easy way to get something free, while investing.
19. Keep an eye on your cruise price
Booking Bonus
Lastly, even after you’ve booked your cruise, keep an eye on your sailing’s price. If it goes down at some point between now and embarkation day, you can ask for a refund to get the newly discounted price.
Make your cruising experience as cheap as possible — so you can go on more cruises!
Cruising at its most basic is a very affordable way to travel, but the costs of a cruise add up very quickly. When you start buying WiFi, specialty dining, drinks, excursions, duty-free items and other nice-to-haves, you end up paying thousands more than you intended.
Even when I don’t necessarily have to, I like to take advantage of some of these easy ways to save money and make my cruise as cheap as humanly possible — so I can save my cash for booking more cruises in the future!
Celebrity Beyond is experiencing technical difficulties that have slowed her speeds significantly.
Because of the unspecified technical issue, her return to Port Miami on July 20, 2025, will be delayed by several hours.
The following 7-night cruise that would have embarked on July 20 is now delayed by at least one day to accommodate repairs.
The up to 3,260 guests onboard Celebrity Beyond are getting a slightly longer cruise than they bargained for, while the passengers waiting to embark on July 20, 2025, will have to be extra patient.
Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ship is en route to Miami, Florida, to conclude a 7-night sailing on July 20, but is sailing at slower than normal speeds due to an unspecified technical issue onboard.
Cruise tracking data currently shows that the 140,600-gross ton ship is sailing at speeds of around 16 knots per hour, which is below her usual speeds of around 22 knots per hour.
“Captain Kirk has announced that Celebrity Beyond is experiencing technical difficulties and will now be arriving late into Miami tomorrow the 20th approximately 2pm,”a current passenger reported.
Again, the cause of the technical issue has not been confirmed by the cruise line, but it is believed to be related to one of the engines.
“Currently on board. There was some type of malfunction and we are docking late. I have heard but have been unable to confirm that one of the engines shut off. As a result we are moving very slow,”another guest shared.
“A lady who was on the Beyond RIGHT NOW, shot a picture from Eden at the stern! They are on one propeller,”a third person echoed.
It’s unclear if current passengers will be compensated in any way for changes to airfare and travel plans due to the delayed disembarkation.
Some guests have said that an “enhanced brunch” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 20 as a way of making the most of the delay.
Next Sailing Delayed
It appears that the propulsion issues did not kick in until a planned sea day at the end of the current sailing, which means there were no major itinerary changes.
The next voyage, however, will have a more significant impact. Guests booked on the 7-night sailing embarking on July 20, 2025, will be delayed by at least one day.
“Beyond is currently experiencing a technical issue and we are working to address it. While this does not impact the safety or seaworthiness of the ship, we are sailing at reduced speed which will delay our arrival into Miami tomorrow,” Celebrity Cruises wrote to future guests.
“Once we arrive into Miami, our technical experts will assess the situation and make repairs as needed. As a result, the current plan is to have you board on Monday, July 21st in Terminal C at Port Miami,” the letter continued.
At the very least, this means that the first port call on the itinerary, which is scheduled for Nassau, Bahamas, on July 21, will need to be scrapped or rescheduled.
The itinerary also includes calls on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on July 23 and on Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on July 24.
Celebration Key has officially opened with the arrival of Carnival Vista, the first ship to visit the new private destination on Grand Bahama island.
Opening festivities included live music, dignitary visits, fireworks, a ribbon cutting, and much more to celebrate the first ship visit.
Celebration Key cost $600 million to build and Phase 2 of the project is already underway to extend the pier and accommodate more ships.
It’s a day for Carnival Cruise Line to celebrate as the very first ship and her 4,800 guests arrived at Celebration Key, officially opening the new Grand Bahama destination with appropriate fanfare.
Fun festivities welcomed the first Fun Ship to call on the new destination as Carnival Cruise Line “unlocked paradise” with a symbolic padlock, fireworks, and colored smoke to symbolize that Celebration Key is now officially open.
A colorful band and singers welcomed guests to the island, and they were able to enjoy a fun-filled day of sunshine, excursions, crystalline lagoons, and so much more.
You can watch a video of the opening ceremony and interviews below:
Cruise line executives and celebrities were on hand for the occasion, including Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, and Chief “Fun” Officer Shaquille O’Neal, as well as Bahamian officials and local representatives.
“Today marks an extraordinary milestone for Carnival as we open the first phase of our initial $600M investment, with more to come,”Duffy said.“We’ve built the ultimate beach day for our guests whether they crave fun in the sun or relaxation under a palm tree.”
In her opening remarks, Duffy noted that Celebration Key has been a dream of the cruise line’s for more than 25 years, and it’s a great occasion to see that dream now a reality.
The opening celebrations included not only unlocking the padlock to the iconic Suncastle, home to two racing waterslides, but also a ribbon cutting at the Bahamian retail and artistic village, Lonoko Cove, and a champagne toast at the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club.
For those guests looking to stay active while visiting Celebration Key, Shaquille O’Neal threw the first shot at the basketball court (but no word on whether he made it or not!).
Celebration Key Opening Ceremony
When asked about his first impressions of the now-open destination, Weinstein had nothing but positive feedback.
“It blows away anything out there,”he said.“This is going to be our home for the next 50 years, and it’s only going to get better from today. Congratulations to everyone who made this a reality.”
Also on the island for this inaugural visit has been John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, providing ongoing comments, tips, and “walkies” videos so even more Carnival fans can enjoy the celebrations.
Heald showed off such amazing features as the in-pool swings at the swim-up bar, the loads of relaxing and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, and the first two guests down the waterslides.
He also included an up-close view of one of the private rental cabanas in Pearl Cove, complete with Coke products. Carnival Cruise Line has recently announced a switch to the popular beverage provider.
Surprising Things Guests Need to Know When Visiting Celebration Key
Heald didn’t just show off the features of Celebration Key, but he also spent the day answering questions from guests on the island and those curious about the new destination.
Some top points he noted were that the food portions are quite generous, there is a shallow entry end to the lagoons, multiple lifeguards are on duty at all aquatic areas, guests can bring their own pool floats if they wish, and yes, there is a coffee shop on the island.
Most surprising is that guests need to bring beach towels with them from their cruise ship. At this moment, it does not appear that towel stations are available on the island.
Carnival Vista Guests Enjoying Celebration Key
This may be a supply issue, as it is hard to believe that such a key aspect of a beach and pool oriented destination would have been overlooked.
The first impression from many guests included such superlatives as “beautiful” “gorgeous” “incredible” and more, and guests are truly in for a treat when they visit the new destination.
Today’s festivities only opened Phase 1 of the overall Celebration Key project, as Phase 2 is already underway with a pier extension that will accommodate even more ships.
A total of 20 Carnival ships will visit Celebration Key this year, with sailings departing from 10 US homeports with the destination on their itineraries. Up next will be Carnival Conquest on Sunday, July 20.
The first Excel-class ship to visit will be Mardi Gras on Friday, July 25. Eventually, the largest ships ever built for Carnival Cruise Line, the Project Ace vessels, will also be calling on the destination as they debut in 2029, 2031, and 2033.
A Carnival cruise guest expressed concerns about potential shark attacks while swimming in the ocean at the newly opened Celebration Key.
Brand Ambassador John Heald and the data both confirm that shark attacks are extremely unlikely.
If guests are still nervous, there are plenty of ways to participate in water-filled fun at Celebration Key that don’t involve swimming in the ocean.
With Discovery Channel’s annual “Shark Week” about to kick off on July 20, 2025, sharks are swimming into some cruisers’ minds.
This has some Carnival fans wondering if sharks might be enjoying Celebration Key right along with them, potentially putting their safety at risk.
As of July 19, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination is officially open on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas.
“Have you ever seen sharks when cruising to the Caribbean? I mean not from the boat but in the sea, where people go swimming and where people go snorkeling,”a concerned parent asked Brand Ambassador John Heald.
They inquired on his Facebook page: “Somebody told me that Celebration Key is in the same place where there are lots of sharks. I will be going there on Conquest with my two children. Is it going to be safe to swim?”
It’s true that Grand Bahama is famous for its sharks, particularly around an area called Tiger Beach, which is about 20 miles off the coast of Grand Bahama’s West End.
Tiger Beach is known for its tiger shark population (hence the name), which have been known to be aggressive toward humans. Even so, shark attacks are not common.
“Celebration Key is part of Grand Bahama. There’s no concerns with sharks that I have seen reported by our guests or onboard teams,” Heald confirmed.
“I can definitely say there will be no sharks tomorrow or throughout next week because all the sharks are appearing on National Geographic because it’s shark week,” Heald then quipped.
Believe it or not, Carnival will actually be offering a “glass bottom boat & shark experience” at Celebration Key, which costs $79.99 per adult and $69.99 per child.
As part of the shore excursion, guests will visit the world famous “Shark Junction,” where sharks congregate and have been hand-fed by humans for decades.
How Common are Shark Attacks in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas ranks ninth globally for the most number of shark attacks, but this ranking makes the situation feel a lot more dire than it is.
In reality, shark attacks are extremely rare. Only 34 total shark attacks have been recorded for all of the Bahamas since 1580, which is a period of over 440 years.
The most recent shark attack impacting a cruise guest was in January of 2024, and it wasn’t at Grand Bahama Island.
The incident actually unfolded at a popular shark experience at Blue Adventures by Stuart Cove, where a 10-year-old boy was bitten while swimming in the shark tank. The child was thankfully expected to make a full recovery.
Shark
While Carnival guests are unlikely to encounter a shark, it’s also not unheard of for sharks to swim around people. Lots of activity and splashing can attract the animals because they are naturally curious creatures.
However, most sharks do not perceive people as prey, which is part of why attacks are so rare.
If the parent who wrote to Heald is too freaked out, they may also prefer to swim in Celebration Key’s Starfish Lagoon or Calypso Lagoon, which are both large, freshwater pools, where the absence of sharks is guaranteed.
Private island visits can be an amazing part of a cruise vacation and are even more enjoyable when the weather lines up just right – not too hot, gorgeous skies, and that perfect turquoise water.
Those were exactly the conditions when Norwegian Aqua approached Great Stirrup Cay at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, the last full day of her most recent Eastern Caribbean cruise.
The ship had departed Port Canaveral on Saturday, July 12, with myself onboard, and had some less-than-ideal weather throughout the sailing, including sudden showers in both St. Thomas and Tortola.
So it was exciting when the weather looked so ideal for the visit to Great Stirrup Cay, the last port visit of the sailing.
I was thrilled to stand on my starboard-side balcony early in the morning, seeing how gorgeous the island looked as the 156,000-gross ton ship maneuvered into position for tendering operations to begin.
We kept turning and turning, and then – we sailed away. No visit to Great Stirrup Cay for us.
Minutes later, the ship’s master, Captain Robert Lundberg, announced that the weather was not safe for the ship’s tender boats to operate, and we would be enjoying a day at sea instead.
This is proof positive that what may seem like a stunning day isn’t always the ideal weather for a cruise ship visit, particularly when there is no dock for the ship to safely tie up.
Before noon, a new, revised Freestyle Daily newsletter was printed up and available at the Guest Services desk on Deck 7, with copies also delivered to individual staterooms shortly thereafter.
New activities were planned, including my personal favorite, Crowd Trivia (we won!), a wine-and-cheese pairing seminar, a movie in the Aqua Theater, a Caribbean dance class, and more.
Freestyle Daily Newsletter
Later in the afternoon, a full explanatory letter was also delivered to guests so we could more thoroughly understand why, on a perfect beach day, we weren’t at the beach.
“Let’s talk about the marine conditions. The continued long swell and strong currents we’ve been navigating lately have definitely kept us on our toes,”the letter explained.“While we always hope for smooth sailing, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans.”
Indeed, throughout the sailing the waters had been a bit on the rougher side. Nothing so strong as a storm, but we were definitely feeling more of the ship’s movement than is typical for a calm Caribbean cruise.
“Due to today’s sea conditions, it is unfortunately unsafe to conduct tendering operations, so we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel our call to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas,”the letter confirmed.
Confirmed as in the cancellation was due to the conditions, as we certainly already knew we weren’t visiting the private island. The decision, however, was made due to safety concerns, and was 100% the correct call to make.
How Can a Beautiful Day Be Bad Weather?
While there was certainly some disappointment onboard, the decision to cancel Great Stirrup Cay was appropriate and necessary.
The long swell mentioned by Captain Lundberg is particularly dangerous for tendering operations, as it creates a stronger pitch or rolling motion for longer vessels, such as cruise ships.
This means the smaller tender boats would not have been able to maintain a safe and stable position alongside Norwegian Aqua for guests to move from one vessel to the other.
I’ve tendered at multiple ports under varying conditions, and movement between the cruise ship and tender boat of 2-3 feet up and down is not unusual.
Bigger motions, however, could dislodge gangways and cause the two vessels to move too far apart for guests to step between them.
While crew members will momentarily stop loading and unloading guests when the movement is too much for tender boats, this can dramatically delay overall tendering when a ship has more than 4,000 guests, as Norwegian Aqua did this past week.
Norwegian Aqua in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: NCL)
Furthermore, the smaller boats would be much more susceptible to choppy waters moving into the narrow docking area at Great Stirrup Cay, creating very uncomfortable conditions for guests aboard. Dramamine, anyone?
Granted, not everyone aboard was happy with the decision, perhaps not understanding the necessity of the cancellation. Grumblings about “wanting to make more money by keeping us all onboard” were heard, which is a common complaint for any cancelled port visit.
Of course, Norwegian Cruise Line certainly didn’t make more money by keeping everyone aboard, considering they automatically cancelled and refunded all shore tours for Great Stirrup Cay.
Yes, the casino was open longer than expected that day, as were the retail shops onboard, but neither was any busier than they had been during the rest of the cruise.
Overall, most guests onboard had a very pleasant extra sea day as the ship made her way back to Port Canaveral, arriving on time Saturday morning as planned.
Fortunately, pier construction is already underway at Great Stirrup Cay (we saw the cranes from our distant view). Ships should begin docking at the private destination by December, with no more tendering necessary and fewer missed private island port visits.
Let’s dig into Cruise Hive’s weekly news recap, keeping you up to date on the industry’s big developments. Some of the top stories this week feature the soon-to-open Celebration Key, a new express coffee service from Carnival Cruise Line, and all-new entertainment planned for Princess Cruises’ newest ship.
Make sure you stay well informed by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, so the big cruise stories are delivered right to your inbox.
First Guests Arriving at Celebration Key
Carnival Vista Departing for Celebration Key Cruise (Photo Credits: Melissa Mayntz & Carnival)
The long-awaited opening of Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination on Grand Bahama Island, is a hand, with the first ship set to disembark guests there on July 19, 2025.
The 4,000-guest Carnival Vista, sailing from Port Canaveral, will be the line’s first vessel to call at the $500 million enclave that took three years to build. The ship’s passengers will enjoy a full day at Celebration Key as Carnival Vista will remain in port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., local time.
Those who embarked the ship at the Florida port were welcomed by none other than Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, who will travel to the destination and host a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m.
The 8-night cruise will also call at Bonaire and Aruba, with Celebration Key as the final port call before the ship returns to Port Canaveral.
Nearly a dozen more Carnival Cruise Line ships will call at the new destination through July, and by the end of 2025 alone, some 2 million Fun Ship passengers will have visited Celebration Key.
Norwegian Star Experiences a Hiccup at Start of Voyage
Norwegian Star Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)
It was a momentous start to a cruise — getting stuck in the Hudson River after departing from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal, but thankfully, all turned out well.
It was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star’s 14-night Iceland voyage that was temporarily interrupted shortly after the ship left port on July 12, 2025. A power outage hit the vessel, leaving it unable to travel under its own steam.
Tug boats returned the 2,300-guest ship to Pier 88, where workers quickly identified and fixed a propulsion problem. Turns out that Norwegian Star has a history of propulsion issues dating back to 2003. The ship entered service in 2001.
The ship ultimately left Manhattan for the second time at 12:30 a.m. on July 13, 2025, and began her itinerary. The first port call was Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 14, 2025, and with all systems go the vessel is on track to make all scheduled port calls.
Visits are slated to Nuuk and Paamiut, Greenland; and Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Grundarfjordur, Iceland, before ending in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 26, 2025.
Galley Fire Prompts Guests to Gather at Muster Stations
Passengers with life jackets make their way to muster stations aboard Island Princess. (Video Still: Christina Wandell)
From a safety perspective, fire is said to be worst thing that can happen on a cruise ship, and the guests onboard Princess Cruises’ Island Princess can attest to that.
It was the second day of an 18-night cruise from New York to Canada and Greenland when a fire broke out in the ship’s Deck 12 galley. The blaze was reported at 6 a.m. on July 15, 2025, and guests made their way to their muster stations with lifejackets in tow.
An hour later, the ship’s captain gave the all clear, and the scary event was over just like that. Other than some guests reporting on social media that the Lido buffet area smelled like smoke, there were no other disruptions noted.
Also, no injuries were reported, and guests were quick to praise the crew’s fast response to the problem.
The 2,200-guest Island Princess called at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 16, 2025, then headed to port calls in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and St. John’s, Newfoundland. Passengers will explore four ports in Greenland — Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, Paamiut, and Nuuk, and return to New York on August 1, 2025.
Propulsion Issue Impacts Ship’s Alaska Itinerary
Ruby Princess Cruise Ship in California (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess experienced propulsion issues soon after embarking guests in San Francisco on July 9, 2025, just as the ship was beginning an 11-night Alaska voyage.
The problem forced the ship to travel at a slower speed than normal, and as a result, some port calls were impacted and one day of scenic cruising at Endicott Arm was cancelled outright.
The engine trouble slowed the ship’s speed to about 12.7 knots rather than the usual 23 knots. A port call to Ketchikan was delayed by two days, and guests experienced three at-sea days rather than the two originally planned at the start of the itinerary.
Calls to Juneau and Skagway went ahead as scheduled, but a visit to Victoria, Canada, was replaced with a shorter port call at Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
For their disappointment, guests were given a $50 onboard credit, which could be used for the purchase of goods, like drinks at a bar, or spa treatments, for instance. The ship is due to return to San Francisco on July 20, 2025.
Lots of cruisers love their morning coffee and Carnival Cruise Line’s JavaBlue Cafe is the popular place to get their cup of Joe, but that translates into long lines.
Looking to ease congestion and wait times, the cruise line rolled out a new coffee-ordering function on its Hub app. Now guests can place their order via the app and pick up their coffee at a designated bar.
The new service was revealed by cruise line brand ambassador John Heald on his popular Facebook page. The express service is offered between 7 and 11 a.m. on some ships and will be added to more vessels, Heald indicated.
However, the service seems a bit convoluted, since the quick pick-up option is not covered by the line’s “Cheers!” and “Drinks On Us” packages — those who paid for those packages, which include coffee beverages, will have to pay for the coffee orders placed via the app.
Some commenters balked at that, calling it a money grabber or nickel-and-time tactic by the line. So, guests who paid for either package must go in person to the JavaBlue Cafe to order their coffee. Heald noted that, with the new service, lines at the cafe should be considerably shorter.
Carnival Cruise Line President Addresses Loyalty Changes
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy addresses new loyalty program aboard Carnival Vista. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Pushback from Carnival Cruise Line’s most loyal guests has prompted brand president Christine Duffy to explain why the line plans to significantly alter the way its loyalty program works.
The VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program, which is based on the number of nights a person has cruised with the line, is going away in 2026 and will be replaced with a program based instead on how much a guest spends on cruise fare and onboard goods and services.
The new Carnival Rewards plan also nixes the lifetime status benefit. Duffy on July 14, 2025 said the main reason for the changes is the sheer number of cruise guests. In the past 13 years, the line has carried 65 million vacationers.
The structure of the VIFP plan is simply not sustainable with that many guests, Duffy said.
Under the new plan, guests will earn 3 points for every $1 spent on cruise fares and onboard services. The points will be redeemed for benefits like future cruise credits and onboard amenities.
The lifetime benefit that top-tier Diamond guests enjoy is going away, however, existing Diamond members will have six years to maintain their status, Duffy said.
New Entertainment Unveiled for Star Princess
Star Princess (Rendering Credit: Princess Cruises)
When Princess Cruises’ Star Princess enters service in October 2025, guests will be treated to two new main-stage productions — “Meridien” and “Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy.”
The two shows will be staged in the new-build’s Princess Arena, with “Meridien” offering a storyline about a luxury cruise ship and “Illuminate” set in an exciting circus environment.
The ship also will present a Princess Cruises’ favorite, “Viva La Musica,” a dance show with Latin themes that debuted on Sun Princess.
Other entertainment features aboard the new ship include a Candlelight Concert Series held in the glass-enclosed space called The Dome, and Princess Jamz, featuring the 15-piece Princess World Orchestra.
The 4,300-guest Star Princess, second in the line’s Sphere class, is under construction at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. She is due to launch on October 4, 2025. The ship’s inaugural voyage will be an 11-night Mediterranean sailing roundtrip from Barcelona.
Scheduled port calls include Marseille, France; Rome, Naples, and Palermo, Italy; Cartagena, Spain; and Gibraltar.
More Cruise Headlines
Don’t stop now! We have even more news on Cruise Hive, including a South Pacific destination reopening to cruising after a major earthquake; a luxury ship accused of damaging a coral reef in Indonesia; and Virgin Voyages unveiling its first true-crime cruise.
Also, Catalina Island moving to create port agreements with the major cruise lines; and an Alaskan port mulling a new, seasonal tourist tax.
Holland America Line alerted guests to unrest in Torre Pacheco, which is around 69 miles from the cruise port in Alicante, Spain.
The area around Alicante’s cruise port is still considered safe, and the warning was issued out of an abundance of caution.
More cruise ships will be calling on Alicante this summer from brands like MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, among others.
Holland America Line issued an important safety alert to passengers onboard Oosterdam before visiting the port of Alicante, Spain, on July 18, 2025.
The warning wasn’t given to scare passengers or because the port is super dangerous, but to make passengers aware of unrest in the fairly close Torre Pacheco to help them make smart decisionswhile exploring.
The unrest is related to anti-migrant protests that unfolded following a violent attack on a 68-year-old pensioner.
“As you may be aware, there has been a high level of political and social unrest in the town of Torre Pacheco, located just over hundred kilometers south of Alicante,” read a letter to the up to 1,964 guests onboard.
To clarify, the distance from Alicante’s cruise port to Torre Pacheco equates to around 69 miles and it would take over an hour to make the drive.
The Carnival-owned brandalso confirmed that none of the shore excursions offered by the cruise line would visit the impacted region.
“Please be assured that the safety and security of our guests and team members are our top priority and our security department remains in close contact with government and private sources, as well as our local agents and tour operators,”the cruise line reassured guests.
“We continue to monitor the situation and would not bring our guests to a location we considered to be unsafe.”
As expected, no issues have been reported for the 82,305-gross ton ship’s visit.
She will now stop in Valencia, Spain, on July 19, before disembarkingthe current 21-day cruise in Barcelona, Spain, on July 20.
More Cruise Guests Should Take Note
Before summer ends, several more cruise ships will be sailing to Alicante, Spain, with brands like P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, Cunard Line, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea Cruises on the port schedule.
Most immediately, MSC Cruises’ MSC Musica and P&O Cruises’ Britannia and Arvia will call on Alicante before July is through.
Holland America Line won’t be represented at the port again until Nieuw Statendam visits as part of a 13-night sailing from Amsterdam to Barcelona on September 18, 2025.
Cruise Ships Docked in Alicante (Photo Credit: alicantedsoler)
Especially for cruisers coming in the next few weeks, it will likely be smart to plan to stay in the port city, where the unrest has not spread as of this time.
If taking a shore excursion, passengers should make sure to book directly through their cruise line or with a reputable tour company.
Cruise guests should also remain extra aware of their surroundings while enjoying the port, which in reality, is a good practice no matter if someone is home or abroad.
The cruise lines will of course continue to monitor the situation, but no itinerary changes are expected unless the unrest begins to pose a greater risk to the port city.
18 outbreaks of illness on cruise ships have been reported to the CDC in 2025, which means this year is on track for more outbreaks than 2024.
Despite layoffs, the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation program continues to monitor cruise ships to ensure health and safety standards are being met and to track outbreaks.
The likelihood of becoming ill on a cruise is not necessarily any higher than it is for other types of vacations, so cruise guests shouldn’t be too worried.
We are just over halfway through 2025, with the 18th outbreak of the year recently reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in July.
This is leading some cruisers to wonder how much they should worry about getting sick on their next sailing.
The most recent outbreakwas onboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas during a 7-night voyage to Mexico that embarked from Los Angeles on July 4, 2025.
140 of the guests and crew members onboard became ill with an unidentified gastrointestinal illness during the sailing, and the 3,990-guest ship has since been thoroughly disinfected.
The layoffs included VSP employees responsible for conducting cruise ship inspections, ensuring cruise ships are meeting public health standards, and tracking and investigating outbreaks of disease.
CDC Facility (Photo Credit: Tada Images)
However, the rising number of outbreaks is more likely to be related to a growing interest in cruising, with a record 37.7 million expected to embark on a cruise in 2025.
With more people onboard from all over the world, there are more chances for illness to spread, although measures are taken to prevent this.
Additionally, VSP has continued conducting ship inspections and monitoring outbreaks despite losing much of its staff.
How Worried Should Cruise Guests Be?
I won’t sugar coat that there is always a risk of getting sick when taking a cruise, but this is true of any type of travel or vacation.
The likelihood of becoming ill is not necessarily higher on a ship than it would be on a land vacation. I’ve personally been on more than a dozen cruises, and I’ve only gotten sick twice.
Cruise ships are held to strict health and safety standards, and the crew members are almost constantly cleaning and sanitizing public spaces, high contact touch points, and dining areas.
