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Logo-Light Spruce Up Revealed on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean News

Donna Tunney

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Jul 16, 2025

Let there be light, in this case a brighter, animated light on the crown-and-anchor logo aboard Royal Caribbean’s soon-to-debut Star of the Seas.

Images of the new-build, second in the line’s Icon class, were captured at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland where the mega-ship is undergoing final touches before her launch in four weeks.

A local photographer in Turku posted photos of the illuminated logo on Facebook, showing it changing colors and patterns. On sister ship Icon of the Seas, the giant logo’s lights are limited to its edges, but on Star of the Seas it’s a full-blown illumination that can show, for instance, a waving US flag.

“There was all sorts of animations at Star of the Seas light sign tonight. Apparently, they were filming a video at the shipyard for the use of the shipyard or a warehouse when a drone buzzed next to the ship, inside the shipyard area,” Janne-Petteri Kumpulainen wrote on social media.

Comments from the post indicate a thumbs-up for the splashy logo lights.

Besides the new, glowing logo on the exterior of the ship, innovative artwork will also be featured in the indoor spaces.

Large murals commissioned from three Caribbean-based artists, for instance, will grace the walls of the ship’s embarkation area, the Royal Promenade neighborhood, the Suite Sundeck Lobby, and the Suite Sundeck.

Testing of the new lighting on the logo was likely part of the ship’s final prepping before leaving the shipyard. Royal Caribbean took delivery of the 248,663-gross-ton vessel on July 10, 2025.

The handover followed successful sea trials in June, when the ship’s major systems, such as propulsion, navigation, and safety, were tested on the open sea. Before a series of preview cruises begin in mid-August, the ship will undergo final outfitting.

Crew members are onboard to set up various departments such as housekeeping, culinary, and entertainment, and final inspections will be completed before the ship sets sail.

In fact, the 5,600-guest Star of the Seas originally was to sail from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, for a short stay at the Navantia shipyard.

However, a metalworkers’ strike there forced the line to alter its plans; now the ship will sail to a shipyard at the Port of Algeciras, in Campamento, Spain, rather than Navantia.

Series of Showcase Cruises Begins in Mid-August

Star of the Seas will sail from Algeciras to Port Canaveral and sail her first preview cruise on August 16, 2025, a 4-night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.

Three additional preview cruises will follow before the ship begins her series of 7-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Eastern Caribbean sailings will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Western Caribbean voyages will take guests to Perfect Day, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.

Prior to the start of Star of the Seas’ cruises the ship will be christened at Port Canaveral, with Diana Ross, the “queen of Motown Records,” serving as godmother. The date of the naming ceremony has not yet been revealed.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that the event will be held in the ship’s AquaTheater, the centerpiece of the ship’s AquaDome neighborhood. Star of the Seas is a sister ship to Icon of the Seas, which debuted in 2024 and is based at PortMiami.

Carnival President Explains Why Major Loyalty Program Changes Are Coming

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Jul 16, 2025

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Carnival Cruise Line is giving its loyalty cruisers plenty of time to prepare for its much-publicized shift in its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program.

But that doesn’t mean loyalty members haven’t been upset.

Now, President Christine Duffy is addressing the changes directly to try to ease the building tension that has resulted in passengers jumping ship for competitor loyalty programs.

The changes, which were first announced mid-June 2025, will take effect on June 1, 2026.

“We want to be transparent, and we want to be sure everyone understands, the program,” Duffy said during a visit on Carnival Vista on July 14.

“While we knew this change and this announcement was going to be difficult, the lifetime status benefits just cannot be delivered in the right way.”

Duffy cited exponential growth as a key factor in the decision. Since Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1972, it will carry 110 million guests by the end of 2025 – 65 million of them in just the past 13 years.

With a growing fleet, including two more Excel-class ships and three Ace ships on the horizon, Duffy says the program’s original structure is no longer feasible.

“I really just want to reassure people that it is not our intention at all for people not to maintain their status, just lifetime status is not feasible given the number of people and the growth in the highest tiers,” said Duffy.

Carnival has already confirmed that the current VIFP credit card, issued through Barclays, will transition to a new version. “Any points you have today or on May 30, 2026, will automatically transfer to the new card,” Duffy added.

She also addressed concerns for top-tier Diamond guests. While lifetime benefits will end, existing Diamond members will have six years to maintain their status.

And although full point values and redemption details haven’t been announced yet, Duffy assured guests that points will accrue through both cruise purchases and everyday spending on the new credit card.

Duffy also noted that kids under 18 will no longer be eligible to join the new rewards program, as it aligns with legal guidelines and new program requirements.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy addresses new loyalty program aboard Carnival Vista. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Credit card laws differ in Canada and Australia, and the cruise line is in active discussions to add them to the program, albeit with slight variations.

For anyone who has earned a Milestone before the new program launch, Duffy has assured that they will have the ability to use what they have earned for up to 5 years. A new Milestone program is also being developed.

What We Do Know

Carnival Cruise Line’s current VIFP Club will be fully replaced by Carnival Rewards effective June 1, 2026. The updated structure introduces two new systems, points and stars, designed to replace the traditional cruise day-based tracking.

Guests will earn 3 points per $1 spent on cruise fare, onboard extras such as spa treatments, drinks, specialty dining, and casino play, as well as everyday purchases using the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.

Those points can then be redeemed for perks, including future cruise credits and onboard amenities, offering greater flexibility than the current program.

At the same time, guests will also earn “stars,” which will determine their loyalty tier. These stars must be earned with a rolling two-year cycle, and status will now be based on spending activity rather than cumulative cruise history.

Full point-to-tier thresholds have not yet been disclosed, but Carnival Cruise Line has said details will arrive before the end of the year.

To honor VIFP loyalty, all current tiers remain in effect until May 31, 2028. Diamond members receive an extended grace period through May 31, 2032. After that, maintaining loyalty status will require ongoing participation under the new system.

Catalina Island Shifting to Formal Port Agreements With Cruise Lines

Port News

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Jul 16, 2025

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Catalina Island Shifting to Formal Port Agreements With Cruise Lines

True to its Southern California vibe, the city of Avalon on Catalina Island has historically taken a laid-back approach to cruise ship visits, allowing ships to call without firm anchorage agreements in place.

However, that practice is slated to change as the city is negotiating official, long-term pacts with three major cruise lines — Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

Catalina Island, roughly 20 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, is a frequent port call on West Coast cruises. Known for its hiking, scuba diving, water sports, and cultural activities, the island has just two towns — Avalon and the small village of Two Harbors.

Avalon’s City Council at its July 15, 2025 meeting agreed to move forward with negotiating official port and anchorage agreements and directed its city manager to work toward executing the accords.

“Currently there is no written policy regarding the scheduling of cruise ship anchorage requests. However, the City Council reviews and adopts a resolution semi-annually confirming guidelines that establish a framework by which cruise ships are approved to visit Avalon as a port of call,” the meeting agenda stated.

Disney Cruise Line’s preliminary 5-year agreement, first disclosed earlier this year, would provide preferred anchorage space on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the shoulder season and on Tuesdays during the summer season.

The line would commit to certain wharfage fees and guarantee the arrival of at least 120,000 passengers each year. Avalon has no docks for cruise ships, and all vessels must anchor in the harbor and tender guests ashore.

Port agreements with all three cruise lines would become effective in September 2027. Like Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line is looking at a 5-year agreement term, while Royal Caribbean’s preliminary terms call for a 3-year plan, according to city council documents.

Cruise Ship at Avalon, Catalina Island (Photo Credit: cvalle)

Carnival Cruise Line’s minimum passenger arrivals total is not included in the existing term schedule, but Royal Caribbean appears committed to bringing at least 100,000 cruise guests to the destination during each year of its agreement.

While the terms of the agreements are not yet final, Disney’s pact with Avalon likely includes two options for five-year agreement extensions, potentially giving Disney ships preferred anchorage sites for up to 15 years.

Major Lines Already Have a Robust Presence in Avalon

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder and Disney Magic have included Catalina Island on certain itineraries for the past few years. In 2024 and again this year Disney Wonder called at Catalina Island on her 3- and 4-night Baja Cruises, which sail from San Diego and also visit Ensenada, Mexico.

In 2026, the ship is set to return to San Diego in March and begin another series of Baja cruises that feature calls to Catalina Island.

Currently, both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have ships calling at Catalina during the summer season. Both Carnival Radiance and Carnival Firenze, homeported at Los Angeles, visit the island on their 4-night Baja Mexico voyages.

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, also based in Los Angeles, is sailing 4-night Catalina & Ensenada cruises during summer 2025. Other ships due to call at the popular island include Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, which will visit in October 2025 as part of her 21-night Circle Hawaii and California Retreat voyage.

Indeed, Catalina Island has grown in popularity in recent years, with a surge of cruise ships making their inaugural calls at the destination in 2024. They included luxury line Seabourn’s Seabourn Sojourn.

Carnival Adds Coffee-to-Go App Ordering to Cut Lines

Carnival Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Jul 16, 2025

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Carnival Adds Coffee-to-Go App Ordering to Cut Lines

Early risers on select Carnival Cruise Line ships now have a new way to get their morning caffeine fix… without the wait.

The cruise line has launched a mobile ordering feature on its Hub app that lets guests order select coffees to go, with pickup at designated bars like Vista Bar.

The feature means to ease morning congestion at JavaBlue Café, Carnival’s popular specialty coffee shop.

“The reason we are doing this is to reduce the lines at the JavaBlue Café,” shared John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador, on his social media.

“It is convenient for people who wish to get an express coffee, and it is certainly not something you have to do, and it has definitely, absolutely definitely, helped the line, especially during the early hours of the morning at the JavaBlue Café,” he heradled.

The service is available from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on participating ships, including Carnival Vista.

Notably, the “Cheers!” and “Drinks On Us” packages are excluded, meaning passengers on those plans will need to pay additionally for any app-based coffee orders.

That caveat drew criticism online, with some guests calling it a “money-grabber” and another “nickel-and-dime” moment. Others asked why mobile ordering couldn’t be a perk for Cheers! package holders.

Several guests suggested that a non-alcoholic beverage package, covering mocktails and specialty coffees, should be offered for non-drinkers.

Despite the criticism, Heald said that the move is about guest convenience.

“You still get your coffee included in the Cheers! program and at the Java Blue,” he said, adding, “There is not likely to be a long line because of the express offering.”

Carnival Cruise Line has not confirmed which ships will receive the feature next, but based on Heald’s comments, the program is expanding soon.

App-Based Coffee Orders

While feedback is mixed, Carnival says the goal is to give guests more choice. For those looking to dodge lines at peak hours, the app can now be used to place an order in advance, then pick up their drink at a participating venue.

According to the current rollout, only certain drinks are available for mobile ordering. Specialty espresso drinks, cold brew, and iced coffees appear to be part of the offering, but frozen, blended beverages like frappes may not be included.

Orders are placed via the Carnival Hub app and do not offer delivery. Instead, guests must pick up their drink in person.

Carnival Radiance Coffee (Photo Credits: ItsNed & jejim)

The service is only active during limited hours in the morning, which is typically the busiest time for coffee lines.

Some guests said the feature would be helpful on larger ships or port days. “I’ve been on other ships where the lines were long and the ability to order ahead would have been amazing,” wrote one recent passenger who used the service on Carnival Vista.

JavaBlue Café remains the centerpiece of Carnival’s specialty coffee offerings. Found on most newer ships, the café serves espresso drinks, teas, iced coffees, and pastries in a modern setting.

Pricing is a la carte but drinks not pre-ordered are included in the Cheers! package when ordered in person.

Other ships may feature the Coffee Bar, offering similar options near the atrium.

While room service coffee is complimentary, it’s standard drip coffee and not the robust coffee experience that drives the long lines that prompted Carnival Cruise Line to add the new pre-order service.

Royal Caribbean Officially Owns Future Site of Perfect Day Mexico

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 16, 2025

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Royal Caribbean Officially Owns Future Site of Perfect Day Mexico

Royal Caribbean announced its highly anticipated upcoming exclusive destination on Costa Maya, Mexico, in October of 2024.

Only one thing stood in the way. The deal to purchase the Port of Mahahual and the surrounding land just needed to be formally completed.

But finally, the money has been transferred, all the papers have been signed, and the deal has closed after months of waiting – which means construction crews can start doubling down.

The $292 million USD purchase price came with the cruise port and 34 of the surrounding properties, which will be turned into Perfect Day Mexico over the next two years before opening in the fall of 2027.

Local news outlet Riviera Maya News reported that the announcement of the deal’s closing was made on July 11, 2025, by Jay Schnaider, the Director of Product Innovation for Royal Caribbean.

“We are now administrators of the port and have begun working on the development of Perfect Day Mahahual,” the company representative stated.

This means that Royal Caribbean can officially assume operations of the busy cruise port because both the legal and the financial transaction has been completed.

For context, the Port of Costa Maya and the Port of Mahahual essentially refer to the same place. Mahahual is the name of the small fishing village near the port, while Costa Maya (or Puerto Costa Maya) is the cruise port’s official name.

Schnaider did confirm that the cruise port, which receives hundreds of cruise ship calls every year, will remain open during construction.

Even after Perfect Day Mexico opens, Costa Maya will also continue to accept ships from other cruise lines that sail to the popular spot on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

The port currently welcomes other mainstream brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises, among others.

But of course, only Royal Caribbean passengers (and guests of sister-brand Celebrity Cruises) would gain access to the exclusive new resort.

What to Expect at Perfect Day Mexico

We don’t know all the details just yet, but Royal Caribbean has shared some of their vision for Perfect Day Mexico, which will cost an estimated $600 million to complete.

First, we know that it will be absolutely massive. The new exclusive destination is expected to span over 200 acres, making it considerably bigger than the original Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, which is 125 acres.

It’s supposed to be big enough to accommodate approximately 20,000 guests daily. For comparison’s sake, CocoCay can handle around 13,000 guests per day.

As with Royal Caribbean’s larger cruise ships, the destination will be divided into seven distinct neighborhoods that each offer unique vibes and experiences. (In my opinion, this also makes navigation easier.)

There will be no shortage of options offering family friendly fun, beach lounging, swimming, and thrills – many of which are major innovations on the private island experience.

For example, the Loco Waterpark will be home to more than 30 water slides, including the tallest waterslides anywhere in North and South America.

The most awe-inspiring of these will likely be Jaguar’s Peak, which will feature two dueling slides at 170-feet tall.

Guests looking for a more relaxing experience may also want to check out the world’s largest lazy river, which will be a central offering within Splash Cove.

The full river will take around one hour to float down, with plenty of exit and entry points and swim-up bars for refreshments along the way.

And for those thrill seekers, there will also be an optional “crazy river” section with manufactured rapids.

As the opening date for Perfect Day Mexico slowly approaches, even more information about the attractions within the destination will surely be released.

Propulsion Issues Wreak Havoc on Ruby Princess’s Alaska Cruise

Princess Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 16, 2025

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Propulsion Issues Wreak Havoc on Ruby Princess’s Alaska Cruise

Ongoing propulsion issues onboard Ruby Princess have the passengers feeling more cold toward Princess Cruises than Alaska’s glaciers.

The problems became apparent on embarkation day, July 9, 2025, right around the time that the 3,080-guest ship set sail from her homeport of San Francisco, California, on an 11-night cruise to Alaska.

“They announced over the PA right about 4 PM on embarkation day (Wednesday) in SF that due to a propulsion system issue we will be traveling slower than anticipated until it’s resolved,” a current passenger relayed.

This meant that the voyage would begin with three sea days instead of two, and the first port call on Ketchikan would be pushed back from July 12 to July 16 to accommodate the slower speeds.

Indeed, cruise tracking data shows the 113,561-gross ton ship sailing at speeds of 12.7 knots per hour, when her average is usually much closer to 23 knots.

“So Ketchikan (which was supposed to be Saturday 7/12) and been rescheduled Wednesday 7/16. Our first stop will now be Juneau on Sunday 7/13 — three sea days to start the trip instead of two,” the guest confirmed.

The visit to Juneau was already planned for July 13, so this isn’t a change. The following call on Skagway on July 14 was also unimpacted.

However, continued propulsion issues have still not been resolved as of day six of the voyage.

This led to the last-minute cancellation of the scenic cruising day through Endicott Arm on July 15, which guests were not happy about.

“On the Ruby and we were just informed that we will not be doing the scenic cruising to Endicott Arms at 8am. So, the issues are not fixed. What a disappointment,” another passenger shared.

Ruby Princess Cruise Ship — Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway / Shutterstock

The extended port call on Victoria, Canada, which was scheduled for July 17, has also been replaced with a shorter day in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which is closer to both Skagway and Endicott Arm.

The 2008-launched ship will depart Prince Rupert at 2 p.m. local time, most likely to ensure she returns to San Francisco timely for disembarkation on July 20.

Victoria is an extremely popular port (I’m partial to Butchart Gardens personally) and the ship wasn’t supposed to depart until 10:00 p.m. to allow for ample exploration.

Understandably, this final change has also been met with anger and disappointment.

The Impact on Cruisers

With the majority of the itinerary rearranged by the ongoing propulsion issues and some bucket-list destinations nixed entirely, many onboard are not happy.

As compensation for the inconvenience, Princess Cruises has provided guests with a $50 onboard cruise credit, which some don’t feel is enough.

“Just boarded the Ruby Princess to only hours later hear an announcement from the Captain announcing a major malfunction of the propulsion and as a result we will miss some of our stops,” one such cruiser said on embarkation day.

“Such a joke that they wait to tell us just as we are setting sail. And offer only $50 in reimbursement. Should be half or or more of our fees. Never cruise on Princess again.”

Per the cruise contract, the cruise line is allowed to change the itinerary for a variety of reasons, so guests are not necessarily entitled to a bigger credit or refund here.

At this time, it’s not clear what is causing the propulsion issues, but the voyage would have been delayed in San Francisco or cancelled entirely if the problem was severe enough to pose a safety risk at sea.

Trained engineers and maintenance teams are onboard for every voyage, and have likely been working to resolve the issue behind-the-scenes the entire time.

But as this matter seems to be taking a while to resolve, there is a possibility that the 11-night Alaska cruise that embarks from San Francisco on July 20 could also be affected.

Booked passengers should keep an eye out for any updates from the cruise line, just in case.

Seabourn Follows Carnival in Overhauling Its Loyalty Program

Cruise News

Lissa Poirot

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Jul 15, 2025

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Carnival Cruise Line left some of its most dedicated guests frustrated earlier this summer, and now its luxury sister brand is making waves of its own.

In June 2025, Carnival Cruise Line overhauled its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program, shifting milestone eligibility to a spending-based model and reducing some of the perks longtime cruisers had come to expect.

The move sparked backlash from loyal fans who felt the program had become harder to benefit from without significantly higher spending.

Now Seabourn, Carnival’s upscale sibling under Carnival Corporation, has announced major changes to its own loyalty program, Seabourn Club.

But it’s not bad news!

“We’re evolving Seabourn Club to make it more rewarding for more guests on every voyage,” the cruise line said. “The new program strikes a thoughtful balance of benefits, rewards, and recognition based on feedback we heard from our guests.”

The updates, shared with travel advisors on July 15, 2025, signal a shift toward simplification and faster tier progression.

Still, a word of caution: Opt-in by October 20, 2025, or start over.

The cruise line is requiring all current members to opt into the updated program by October 20, or risk losing all loyalty benefits and progress toward elite status.

New Perks, Faster Rewards

While Seabourn’s changes don’t involve shifting to a spending-based system like Carnival’s, the revamp introduces new reward thresholds, perks, and a point-based system replacing the previous “Club Days” calculation.

Seabourn Quest (Photo Credit: Mystic Stock Photography)

Club Days represented dollars spent cruising with Seabourn, so the more a guest sailed, the more Club Days they accumulated.

In some cases, bonus Club Days were awarded for booking higher-category suites, making back-to-back bookings, or booking during promotional periods.

The new “Club Points” system and tier entry have been adjusted to provide faster access to loyal guests:

Silver status drops from 20 Club Days to 10 Club Points
Gold status moves from 75 Club Days to 50 Club Points
Platinum status now starts at 100 Club Points, down from 140
Diamond and Diamond Elite tiers will require 200 and 500 Club Points, respectively, instead of 250 and 650, respectively

New Seabourn Club Members had to earn 1 point to be a member, but now, all one needs to be in the club is a simple, free enrollment.

Seabourn is also enhancing benefits. Silver Members and above will now receive a stream-level Wi-Fi package, while Gold and Platinum Members receive unlimited complimentary laundry.

Read Also: Which Cruise Lines Match Loyalty Programs?

Diamond-level guests will receive a one-time bonus of 100 or 150 Club Days when the new program goes live on October 20, 2025, depending on the tier.

The cruise line’s popular complimentary cruise awards remain intact, with the cruise line stating, “We are excited to share our signature complimentary cruises will remain a feature of Seabourn Club.”

It added that Seabourn remains “one of the most generous loyalty programs in luxury cruising.” However, the thresholds are shifting.

Members will now earn a 7-day complimentary cruise at 350 Club Days and a 14-day cruise at 460 Club Days, with an additional 7-day award offered every 110 Club Days beyond that.

Guests currently close to their next reward are being encouraged to check their Redeemable Sail Days balance and claim milestone cruises before the new system takes effect.

Those who do not opt into the revised Seabourn Club by the deadline will lose all access to benefits and future accrual.

Crew Members Removed From Two Cruise Ships Sailing the Great Lakes

Cruise News

Donna Tunney

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Jul 15, 2025

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Crew Members Removed From Two Cruise Ships Sailing the Great Lakes

Several international crew members working aboard two ships operated by Victory Cruise Lines were recently removed from the vessels by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.

As many as 13 crew from the cruise line’s Victory I and Victory II, both small ships with a capacity for 180 guests, were detained and apparently deported by CBP officials during port calls at US destinations.

The ships are currently sailing summer season Great Lakes voyages between Chicago and Toronto. The removal of the crew members occurred during port calls to Detroit and perhaps in another port call as well.

CBP has not confirmed any arrests or detainment of cruise ship crew members. The action apparently took place on July 9 and 11, 2025, according to the trade publication Travel Weekly.

“We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances, and my priority is always our crew and the experience for our guests,” John Waggoner, chairman of Victory Cruise Lines, told the media outlet.

The reasons behind the crew members’ removal are unclear but the arrests were not the work of the controversial US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, aka ICE. However, both ICE and CBP are part of the US Department of Homeland Security.

According to various unconfirmed reports, the crew members were handcuffed and removed from the two ships. Some reports indicate that at least one crew member was charged with possession of child pornography.

In fact, CBP posted on its Facebook page that nine cruise ship crew members were removed from a cruise ship in Detroit for alleged possession of child pornography, but those arrests happened on June 20, 2025, not in July 2025, adding another puzzling aspect to the report.

The removal of a cruise line’s foreign crew members at any US port would throw a wrench into cruise ship operations. Foreign workers typically obtain required documents and authority, such as a C1/D Seaman Visa, to work on cruise ships across the globe.

It would be highly problematic for a cruise line to find additional crew members to replace those arrested during a port call.

The removal and presumed deportation of the Victory Cruise Line employees has rattled international crew members across the industry, with fears rising that immigration sweeps could impact cruising on a widespread basis, although there is no indication that is happening now.

There have also been reports that federal agents have carried out similar removals of foreign staff working on other vessels operating in the Great Lakes, but these are unconfirmed.

Crew Member Arrests Don’t Happen Too Often

It is uncommon for cruise ship crew members to be arrested but it does happen from time to time. One recent case that sparked headlines was the case of the male stateroom attendant aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas who was charged with hiding cameras inside guest cabins.

In that case, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, a Filipino national, was arrested in Fort Lauderdale when Symphony of the Seas returned from an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing in March 2024.

Mirasol had placed hidden cameras in a number of staterooms and hid under the beds in staterooms while guests were reportedly in the shower. In August 2024, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

In another case, a crew member working onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore was arrested in May 2024 after allegedly attacking a ship’s security guard and a member of the medical staff.

Margaritaville at Sea Reveals Beachcomber as Name of Third Ship

Cruise News

Donna Tunney

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Jul 15, 2025

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Margaritaville at Sea Reveals Beachcomber as Name of Third Ship

Margaritaville at Sea, the cruise brand modeled on Jimmy Buffett’s concept of laid-back Caribbean vibes, unveiled details about the soon-to-be third ship in its fleet, including the name: Margaritaville Beachcomber.

Fans of the cruise line have been waiting to learn more about the fleet expansion, which was announced in May 2025.

Margaritaville at Sea had revealed that a third, larger, ship would join Margaritaville Paradise and Margaritaville Islander, both of which sail Bahamas and Caribbean cruises from Florida ports.

At roughly the same time, Costa Cruises released an update to its Strategic Path confirming that its Costa Fortuna would be transferred to a new, unnamed, owner in September 2026.

It turned out that the new owner was Margaritaville at Sea. Both Paradise and Islander came from the Costa fleet, too, formerly called Costa Classica and Costa Atlantica, respectively.

Beachcomber is substantially larger than both of the existing ships. She accommodates 3,450 guests compared to the 1,680 guests on Paradise and 2,650 on Islander.

Margaritaville at Sea launched in 2022 with its first ship, Paradise, and added Islander in 2024.

Like her sister ships in the Margaritaville fleet, Beachcomber will enter dry dock and undergo a refit and redesign that will add the brand’s Caribbean-style decor and venues.

“With Beachcomber, we wanted to create a design that captures the spirit of fun, warmth, and relaxed adventure,” said Martha Brabham, Head of Design at Margaritaville at Sea.

“We drew inspiration from nostalgic beach scenes, vintage surf art, and the carefree escapism that defines the brand,” added Brabham.

While Beachcomber will offer the brand’s most popular experiences and spaces, such as the 5 o’Clock Somewhere bar, Hemisphere Dancer, Cheeseburger in Paradise, and License to Chill, the new ship will introduce more than a dozen new experiences.

They will be revealed later, as the ship’s debut approaches, but Margaritaville at Sea promises the concepts will be even more immersive and playful than experiences found on Paradise and Islander.

Costa Fortuna is a Destiny-class ship that entered service in 2003. She is currently sailing 7-day Eastern Mediterranean voyages roundtrip from Athens and Istanbul.

Where Will Beachcomber Be Based? Probably in Florida

Margaritaville at Sea has not indicated where Beachcomber will be homeported, nor has it disclosed a launch date, itinerary details, or booking information. However, since its existing ships are based in Florida, it seems likely that the new vessel will call the Sunshine State home as well.

Margaritaville at Sea adding third ship (Rendering: Margaritaville at Sea)

Margaritaville Islander is based in Tampa and currently sails 4- and 7-night Mexico and Western Caribbean cruises while Margaritaville Paradise, homeported in Palm Beach, offers shorter getaway cruises to the Bahamas and Key West.

Margaritaville Paradise, earlier this year, received a slew of new dining and entertainment enhancements, all of which debuted in March 2025.

Some were reimagined from services offered on Margaritaville Islander, such as Hemisphere Dancer Craft Spirits, which serves up craft cocktails in a piano lounge, and Far Side Sushi, a specialty dining venue.

Upgrades were made to the ship’s poolside bars, the adult-only 12 Volt Bar, and the JWB Prime Steakhouse. Along with onboard improvements, Margaritaville Paradise added Nassau as a port call and launched the Sail and Splash excursion at the popular destination.

The day-pass shore tour enables cruisers to experience the water park at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.