Lazy rivers can be found in resorts around the world, and cruise ships are like a luxury resort at sea.
But while modern cruise ships are more innovative than ever, they aren’t ready for lazy rivers just yet.
Even so, I know I certainly have noticed their absence after embarking on sailings across five different cruise lines. Despite cruising most of my life, I still really want one!
Many other cruisers also share the fantasy of peacefully floating around a cruise ship in a lazy river with a drink in hand as they take in the sights of the ocean and the ship.
“I love the idea of casually floating along with a tropical beverage in a drink-holder on my float and an ever-changing view,” one person mused.
“I imagine a lazy river pool feature with a nice, slow current would be highly appealing to some of the older guests who aren’t into the idea of a five-story water slide drop,”they continued.
Another cruise fan had more specific instructions about how their dream lazy river should look.
“The path of the lazy river needs to connect both sides of the ship, so the floaters can view several ‘neighborhoods’, giving them the idea of what part of the ship to visit later,”they instructed.
“The lazy river needs to have several tiki bars along the river, so floaters can refill their pina coladas (cha-ching) with ease. It needs to play carribean music, and have some greenery around it (even if it’s fake greenery),” they added.
It’s true that in the past, the cruise lines have considered adding lazy rivers to their new ships, but these plans have never come to fruition.
Most famously, Carnival Cruise Line’s Project Pinnacle from the early 2000s was based around a design for the ship of the future.
The vessel would have been the largest in the world at least at the time, coming in at over 200,000 gross tons (on par with or perhaps even bigger than Icon of the Seas).
Her massive size would have allowed her to have never-before-seen amenities like an onboard monorail system and a lazy river that circled the ship.
But unfortunately, the project was cancelled in 2005 due to rising costs and unfavorable exchange rates between the dollar and the euro.
It simply would have cost more than Carnival was willing to spend to build a ship they weren’t sure would actually function correctly, as the concept was very ahead of its time.
A bit more recently, Disney Cruise Line also initially designed the Dream-class vessels(Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) to have a lazy river around the ship.
However, that plan was also scrapped in favor of a raised water coaster to make the most of limited deck space.
Why Are Lazy Rivers Impractical?
Lazy rivers ultimately come with too many costs and challenges to make them practical for cruise ships, but you never know what the future might hold.
Currently, the biggest issue is that even the giants of the sea are still not quite big enough. Deck space is limited and can be used more efficiently for other desirable features, and the lazy river would simply add too much weight.
For context, a filled standard-sized pool can add hundreds of thousands of pounds, while a lazy river can potentially add thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on its length and depth.
Icon of the Seas Amenities (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
This could lead to a free surface effect, in which the water sloshing around in the lazy river can actually destabilize the ship.
Another factor to consider is the amount of manpower that it would take to supervise and maintain the lazy river, which comes with additional costs and likely requires hiring more crew members.
First, additional lifeguards would be needed to supervise guests using the lazy river during all operational hours for obvious safety reasons.
Then comes the hassle of cleaning and draining the water feature. Just like the pools, the water would likely need to be drained and treated dailyor every other day, which would be a huge undertaking.
If a cruise guest has a bathroom accident, as someone like a child in diapers might, the lazy river would require additional draining and cleaning, too.
In bad weather, rocky seas could also cause the lazy river to overflow. This would, at best, create a huge, slippery mess to clean up, or at worst, potentially even destabilize the cruise ship.
Innovating Water-Filled Fun
View of Perfect Day Mexico
Although none of the cruise lines have any plans to add a lazy river on their upcoming new builds, Royal Caribbean is building the longest lazy river in the world at its upcoming private destination in Mahahual, Mexico.
Indeed, the lazy river in Perfect Day Mexico is over a mile long. It will take up to an hour to float the whole length and there will be plenty of swim-up bars and splash zones along the way.
Although the river won’t be onboard Royal Caribbean ships, it can only be accessed by cruising – which is like the next best thing.
This feature will be found in Splash Cove when the exclusive resort opens in the fall of 2027.
The cruise lines have also found other ways to innovate the swimming and water-play experiences onboard that are more practical.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has Category 6, which is the largest waterpark at sea, and the first ever suspended infinity pool.
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the upcoming Disney Destiny also feature the now-famous AquaMouse.
This attraction is a first-of-its-kind water coaster that combines the fun of a water slide with a theme park ride.
The other major cruise lines also offer their own takes on thrilling water slides, splash pads, swim-up bars, and in-water lounging for guests to enjoy.
So, while onboard lazy rivers may not be coming in the near future, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water that will only keep getting better.
The United States is about to turn 250 and to commemorate the big birthday, Holland America Line has announced a new themed cruise will launch from Boston, the home of the American Revolution.
The “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes” voyage will depart on America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2026, aboard the 81,769-gross-ton Zuiderdam. It will feature calls in Canada, Virginia, and an overnight in New York City timed with another major maritime celebration.
The 7-day cruise with up to 1,964 passengers will launch its cruise from Boston Harbor, where the Boston Tea Party kicked started the revolution in 1776. Setting sail at 9 p.m., guests will witness the Harbor’s distinctive Fourth of July fireworks.
After setting sail, Zuiderdam will journey to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, then to Norfolk, Virginia, a rare stop for Holland America Line.
Here, passengers can access key American historical sites with shore excursions including visits to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – each destination playing a significant role in the fight for independence.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we’re excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born,”said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
“From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history,” she continued.
Guests of the special sailing will also spend a night in Manhattan on July 8, 2026, to coincide with the conclusion of the “Sail4th 250” tall ships event.
New York City will be hosting the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels in the world for the occasion – more than 30 from 17 different nations – July 3 to 8, 2026.
Zuiderdam’s scheduled arrival aligns with the “Farewell to the Fleet” as tall ships begin departing for Boston, offering passengers a chance to see the ships in motion as they sail by Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
While in New York, guests can also choose shore excursions to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or a land and sea experience that includes a small boat ride pass landmarks.
Boston (Photo Credit: Vlad G / Shutterstock)
Bodensteiner says the cruise will offer special events to celebrate the Fourth of July “in true patriotic style.”
“It promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board,” she added.
As a roundtrip cruise, Zuiderdam will conclude the special sailing in Boston on July 11, 2026. It will also enjoy two sea days.
Bookings are now open for the celebratory cruise and are priced beginning at $1,459 per person.
Boston Departure Stands Alone Among Celebrations
Zuiderdam won’t be the only cruise celebrating America’s birthday, but it will be the only one offering in-the-heart-of-it festivities.
Carnival Cruise Line is offering 10 special sailings in 2026 with options departing from Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach, and San Francisco – none depart from Boston.
Princess Cruises is also offering New England celebratory cruises, but they will not be sailing over the actual birthday of the US. Also celebrating a bit late is Scenic Cruises’ Chairman’s Voyage beginning in September 2026.
Ironically, Queen Mary 2 from UK-based Cunard is recognizing the momentous occasion with a New York sailing that also aligns with Sail4th 250. Its “Independence Day Spectacular” sails July 3 through 10, 2026.
Currently, no other cruise ships are expected to be in Boston on July 4, 2026, besides Holland America Line.
Carnival cruise lovers who are also Coke aficionados have been cheering this week with the announcement that the cruise line will be switching to Coca-Cola products in the coming months, but exactly which products will be available?
The Coca-Cola company owns more than 500 different products, from different types of bottled water to sparkling juices, sports drinks, sodas, energy drinks, milks, teas, and much more. Of course, it would be impossible for any cruise ship to carry the complete line of Coke products.
Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has provided a full list of what sodas and other Coke products will be available, with a lot off options that guests will enjoy.
The most familiar Coke sodas, including caffeine-free and diet variations, will all be available. Other top flavors from the company that will be onboard include Sprite and Sprite Zero, along with Fanta Orange.
Barq’s root beer will be available. Savvy cruise guests will also visit Swirls for some vanilla soft serve ice cream to craft their own delicious oceangoing float!
Topo Chico will be offered in tangerine, lime, and blackberry flavors as more refreshing, sparkling options.
Guests who want to level up their beverages and keep up their energy for all of Carnivals’ onboard activities will enjoy Powerade in both fruit punch and lemon-lime flavors, as well as Powerade Zero in fruit punch and mountain blast flavors. All Powerades will be in 20-ounce bottles.
For those who want an extra protein fix, Fairlife Core Power will be offered in both chocolate and vanilla flavors in 14-ounce bottles.
The complete list of Coke products coming to Carnival ships is as follows:
Coca-Cola
Coke Zero
Diet Coke
Caffeine-Free Coke
Caffeine-Free Diet Coke
Sprite
Sprite Zero
Barq’s Root Beer
Fanta Orange
Topo Chico Tangerine
Topo Chico Lime
Topo Chico Blackberry
Powerade Lemon/Lime
Powerade Fruit Punch
Powerade Zero Fruit Punch
Powerade Zero Mountain Blast
Fairlife Core Power Chocolate
Fairlife Core Power Vanilla
Club soda, tonic water, and ginger ale will also be available. Though not directly Coca-Cola products, there are manufacturing and distribution agreements with the Coca-Cola company for these popular drinks.
As a special treat for those who are fans (not me, but hey, you do you), Dr. Pepper will also be offered but only on ships sailing from Galveston or New Orleans.
It is possible the unique “pepper soda” will be available onboard other ships in the coming months, but this has not been confirmed.
“I have asked the beards to consider having Dr. Pepper from the rest of the home ports as well,”Heald explained.“I will let you know as soon as I have any news.”
Some guests have also reached out to Heald requesting Mr. Pibb (similar to Dr. Pepper) and Mellow Yellow (similar to Mountain Dew) be added to the drink offerings, but they are not planned at this time.
When Will Coke Products Be Available Onboard?
Now that the overall drink list is known, when will Coke products be available? Heald has only been able to specify “late summer” for when the complete beverage switch will happen.
“It’s quite a big job to restock the ships, get everything where it needs to be, and have all those different products onboard,”he explained.“It is scheduled for the late summer.”
Drinks at Bar on Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: gary yim)
Of course, “late summer” can mean different things to different travelers – our summer vacation ends on August 1, but in other areas it may not end until early or even mid-September. Nevertheless, it is fair to expect Coke products will not be onboard Carnival ships for several weeks yet.
Of course, travelers can always bring a 12-pack of cans of their favorite soda beverages, whether Coke or Pepsi, onboard so they can have whatever they wish to drink whenever they are setting sail.
Those 12-packs can also be replenished at ports of call so no one needs to crave their favorite soda or juice even on longer sailings or if Carnival hasn’t quite switched over to their preferred beverages yet.
When looking at the mega-ships currently sailing the high seas, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and MSC Cruises’ newly launched MSC World America are among the best.
Both cruise ships offer cutting-edge technology, world-class amenities, and lead sustainability with LNG-powered engines. But which of these massive cruise ships is right for your next vacation?
I’ve been on over a dozen cruises and have sailed with Royal Caribbean and MSC, and was most recently onboard MSC World America.
Using my experience, I looked beyond the size to examine everything that these cruise ships have to offer their passengers, so that you can book your next sailing with confidence.
As of the time of publication, Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, while MSC World America is still quite large as the eighth-largest ship.
The Icon-class flagship, of course, has the advantage in terms of size, boasting a maximum guest capacity of 7,600, offering 18 passenger decks, and coming in at 248,663 gross tons.
But MSC Cruises’ new addition really isn’t all that far behind, with a capacity for a maximum of 6,764 guests that have access to 16 decks and a gross tonnage of 216,638.
Both ships made history when they began theircareers in Miami, Florida, just around a year apart from each other.
The Royal Caribbean ship’s maiden voyage embarked on January 27, 2024, while MSC World America officially entered service on April 12, 2025.
The Layout
If you’re worried about navigating these floating giants of the high seas, don’t be. The cruise lines planned for this by adding interactive maps to their apps and by making maps available around the ships (usually at the elevator bays).
Both ships have also been divided into neighborhoods or distinct districts, with each zone featuring its own unique dining venues, amenities, entertainment, and atmosphere.
Neighborhoods onboard Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
One of the most popular neighborhoods, Thrill Island, is home to Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking water slides.
Another example is Surfside, which was designed as an all-day hangout spot for family-friendly activities.
It’s home to a tasty soft serve station, family-focused all-day dining, several kid-friendly pools, splash pads, an arcade, a carousel, and the teen social club (Social020).
The AquaDome neighborhood is particularly exciting because it features the largest glass dome ever created for a cruise ship.
Inside the dome, guests can enjoy the aquatic theming and adrenalin-inducing stunt shows in the sophisticated AquaTheater.
Central Park is meant to feel like a natural oasis, with four living plant walls and more than 30,000 living plants in this area, which are tended to by an onboard horticulturist.
Chill Island, as the name suggests, is all about relaxing. It features plenty of spots for sunbathing, a Swim and Tonic pool that includes a swim-up bar, and the Cloud 17 Infinity Pool that is located at the very end of the ship.
The Hideaway is an adults-only area that is very private and tends to have a calmer atmosphere. Not only does it have its own hot tubs and bars, but the Hideaway features the first ever suspended infinity pool at sea.
As the center of the ship, the Royal Promenade is like the heart of the vessel. It is home to shopping, restaurants, and features the innovative Pearl, which is a huge orb-like staircase.
Finally, the Suite Neighborhood is an exclusive area that can only be used by guests who, as the name suggests, booked suites.
It also has its own pools, sundeck space, and even its own restaurants (Grove Restaurant and the Coastal Kitchen Restaurant) and bar (Grove Bar).
Districts onboard MSC World America
Aerial View of MSC World America Arriving in Miami, Florida
The MSC Cruise ship also features seven districts, which is the cruise line’s unique take on the concept of neighborhoods.
The buzzing Promenade District is home to the World Promenade, which features shopping, specialty restaurants, parades, pop-up events, and light shows.
The World Galleria, which is just below the World Promenade, is also a hot spot for shopping, nightlife, lounges, and live music.
Meanwhile, the Terraces district that is just above the Promenade district is home to specialty dining – like the first Eataly at sea – as well as entertainment geared specifically at adults.
As the name suggests, the Aqua Deck is where to go to soak up the sun and go for a swim. This deck features pools, Whirlpool Jacuzzis, and several outdoor bars and lounges.
Family Aventura is a multi-level deck that is designed for families. This is where The Harbour can be found, which is home to the Cliffhanger Swings and the Jaw Drop slide.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Zen Area is an adults-only oasis toward the aft of the ship that is meant for relaxation. It has its own pool and plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing.
This area comes with extra luxurious amenities like a butler and a private pool deck, restaurant, and lounge.
The Pools
Main Pool Area on MSC World America (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
It’s a given that both of these cruise ships have plenty of pools and Jacuzzis, and we even told you where onboard some of them can be found.
Icon has seven main pools, as well as numerous hot tubs, splash pads, and even a lazy river.
MSC World America, meanwhile, offers a combined 20 public pool and whirlpool options for guests, as well as a splashpad for kids.
I highly recommend the Botanic Garden pool on the MSC ship, which tends to be shadier and calmer than some of the other options.
The Thrills
Slides and Fun on Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Between the two cruise ships, Icon likely has the edge as far as water-filled adrenalin rushes.
While both ships have water slides, MSC World America has two fewer slides (four vs. six) and Royal Caribbean’s ship has the actual waterpark at sea in Thrill Island.
Also in Thrill Island, guests can enjoy the Crown’s Edge zipline, which doubles as a thrill ride and ropes course.
This is also where fun activities like bumper cars, a rock climbing wall, and the famous FlowRider Surf Simulator are located.
However, the thrills in the Harbour onboard MSC World America shouldn’t be discounted either.
The Harbour on Deck 20 is where guests will find the waterslides and an onboard ropes course. It’s also home to the two arguably most exciting attractions onboard, Cliffhanger and the Jaw Drop dry slide.
Cliffhanger on MSC World America (Photos Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Cliffhanger is a set of over-water swings that holds guests 160 feet above the open ocean, offering both unparalleled views and unparalleled adrenalin (especially if you have a fear of heights like me).
Jaw Drop is an 11-story slide that begins in the mouth of a shark sculpture (hence the name). It’s one of the longest dry slides at sea at 250 feet long.
And for guests looking to get out of the sun, the F1 simulator in the Hall of Games on Deck 19 will certainly still get your heart racing and make you feel like you’re actually on the race track.
The Entertainment
Icon of the Seas AquaTheater Show
Both cruise ships feature the standard entertainment you would expect to find at sea, such as comedy shows, dueling pianos, trivia, karaoke, and game shows.
But it’s the big production shows that are really something special.
In the Royal Theater, Icon is currently presenting Broadway-caliber performances of “The Wizard of Oz” and concert-type productions like “Showband! Live. Music. Now.”
At the Absolute Zero ice rink, guests can take in the “Starburst: Elemental Beauty” figure skating show and then ice skate themselves during public sessions.
Additionally, the AquaTheater is home to stunt shows like Aqua Action! and “Pirates vs. Mermaids.”
Dirty Dancing Show on MSC World America (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
MSC World America’s production shows are all about the experience and nostalgia, and from experience, they quickly have you dancing and singing along.
The first featured production in the World Theater include a film-to-concert “Dirty Dancing” experience, which features live dancers and singers to bring the classic film to life in a new way.
There is also a concert called “Hall of Fame,” which pays homage to pop legends like Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, and Elton John.
And over in the Panorama Lounge, guests can enjoy “Queen Symphonic,” which is an epic tribute to the Queen band with live singers, dancers, and aerial acrobats.
Dining Options
While you won’t go hungry on either cruise ship, Icon of the Seas is famous for having more dining venues than its predecessors in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Dining onIcon of the Seas
Surfside Eatery on Icon of the Seas
In fact, the massive vessel has around 40 different dining establishments between specialty restaurants, buffets, bars, and quick service options.
In order to try all the different venues during a one-week cruise, you would have to eat around six meals a day.
For cruisers on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that 15 of these restaurants are complimentary and already included in the price of your cruise fare.
These include buffet options like the Windjammer Buffet and the Surfside Eatery, which offer a variety of options, including good old American comfort food.
Quick bites can be found at popular venues like Cantina Fresca and El Loco Fresh, which offers Mexican-American cuisine (Definitely try the tacos!), and the Pearl Café, which offers light bites like sandwiches and ready-made salads.
More formal sit-down meals are hosted in the main dining room and long-time Royal Caribbean favorites like Sorrento’s, which is famous for its pizza.
There are, of course, no shortage of specialty restaurants onboard that fit a variety of budgets and range from casual dining to over-the-top VIP experiences.
Celebration Table on Icon of the Seas
For example, the Celebration Table in the AquaDome is the new and improved version of the Chef’s Table. It only seats 12 and offers a private tasting experience.
Chops Grille, on the other hand, is the signature Royal Caribbean steakhouse that offers decadent beef options like filets, ribeyes, New York strips, and even Maine Lobster.
Additional elevated dining experiences can be found at the highly popular Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Hooked Seafood Restaurant, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.
Icon of the Seas Dining Guide Infographic
For dessert, we recommend the included Sprinkles ice cream venue located in Chill Island and Thrill Island and the specialty milkshakes at Desserted.
It’s also worth noting that Icon of the Seas offers the standard drink packages used across the fleet, as well as dining packages.
The Unlimited Dining package gives guests access to all specialty restaurants on the ship and comes with discounted bottles of wine, while the 3-restaurant package allows guests to choose three specialty dining experiences.
Dining on MSC World America
Butcher’s Cut on MSC World America
MSC World America has a more manageable total of 19 dining venues onboard, including four main dining rooms, two big buffets (Il Mercato and La Brasserie), and a variety of specialty restaurants.
The two buffets and the main dining rooms – Bubbles, Esagono, Hexagon, and La Foglia – are all complimentary.
Additionally, Luna Park Pizza and Burger, La Boca Grill, and Promenade Bites are also included in the cruise fare and offer kid-friendly options.
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience, it’s definitely worth making reservations at Hola! Tacos & Cantina, the Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse, Kaito Teppanyaki & Kaito Sushi Bar, or Eataly at Sea.
I was also particularly fond of Paxos Greek Restaurant because the food was tasty and the open air environment allowed me to people watch the other guests passing through in the World Promenade.
MSC World America Paxos On the Go
While soft serve and ice cream can be found onboard for free, we recommend the rich and tasty gelato from Jean Philippe Maury for dessert.
As is standard in the cruise world, MSC does offer a variety of inclusive drink packages, including premium extra options, alcohol-free packages, and packages just for kids.
Similar to Royal Caribbean, MSC does also offer three different dining packages that allow guests to reserve their spot at the specialty restaurants, usually at a discount.
The Accommodations
Ultimate Family Townhouse, Icon of the Seas
After enjoying all these delicious gourmet meals, you’ll likely want to head back to your cruise cabin for a siesta. But what do the accommodations look like on these mega ships?
If you’re willing and able to splurge, Icon also offers some of the most unique suite options, including the already iconic Ultimate Family Suites, which feature multiple levels, in-suite slides, ping-pong tables, and even private movie theaters.
But even the cheapest interior cabins still offer the most modern amenities and design.
Infinite Oceanview Aurea on MSC World America (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot / Cruise Hive)
Meanwhile, MSC World America has 19 different stateroom categories and has a total of 2,626 cabins onboard.
The suites are also quite nice onboard this new ship, but offer a more elevated, adult experience. Some even feature their own private Whirlpool Jacuzzis.
And something that I’m a fan of for both cruise ships is that you can select an interior balcony. As someone who likes people watching, I really love having this option.
Although, when I was onboard MSC World America, I loved my ocean balcony stateroom, which I found to be clean, surprisingly spacious, and very modern.
The Itineraries
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Heading to the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Deutschlandreform)
Of course, taking a cruise is not just about the ship. It’s also about the destinations.
The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
The Western Caribbean itineraries also stop at CocoCay, but switch out the other ports of call with Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras.
MSC World America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
She offers both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises and sailings to the Bahamas that range in length from 7 to 14 nights.
Most itineraries also include a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which is the cruise line’s private island.
The Cost
MSC World America Prices
Cruise fare prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and which itinerary you are booking. For example, booking during Wave Season, which is like an extended Black Friday sale for cruise ships, may result in better deals.
Similarly, booking a sailing during peak season when there is greater demand will likely be more expensive than embarking on a cruise during the off season.
But between the two cruise ships, Icon of the Seas tends to come with the higher price tag.
But on Icon of the Seas, the cheapest sailing I could find (even with our booking service’s discounts) averaged at $1,228 per person.
Icon of the Seas Prices
In addition to the cruise fare, you’ll also have to consider how onboard purchases fit into your budget, such as Wi-Fi packages, spa treatments, and dining or drink packages.
Which is Better – MSC World America or Icon of the Seas?
At the end of the day, it’s not so much about which cruise ship is better as far as which ship offers the experience you are looking for.
If you’re craving a more sophisticated, adult-friendly experience on a budget, MSC World America is likely the ship for you.
But if you’re looking for constant thrills and family-friendly fun, Icon of the Seas likely has more to offer.
But no matter what you choose, your next cruise vacation will certainly be a trip to remember!
A cruise ship’s departure time is never set in stone, as guests booked on an upcoming Royal Caribbean ship sailing from the Port of Galveston have just learned.
In a letter to guests booked on Harmony of the Seas’ September 21, 2025 voyage to the Western Caribbean, the cruise line announced that the ship will depart a half-hour earlier than originally scheduled, at 3:30 p.m. rather than 4 p.m.
While the notice does not detail specific changes in boarding times, it recommends that guests traveling to the Galveston area by air on departure day adhere to recommended arrival times.
The closest airports to the Port of Galveston are in Houston, roughly an hour’s drive away depending on traffic.
Royal Caribbean strongly suggests that guests flying into William P. Hobby Airport arrive by 11 a.m., and those flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport arrive even earlier — at 10 a.m.
“If you’ve pre-purchased your air independently, and you need more time to head to the terminal, please reach out to your carrier to arrange alternate accommodations,” Aurora Yera-Rodriguez, assistant vice president of guest experience at Royal Caribbean, said in her notice to guests.
Guests who booked their air travel through Royal Caribbean, as well as those who purchased transfers to the port from area hotels, will automatically receive updated arrangements from the line, as needed.
The Port of Galveston, also known as Galveston Wharves, is the fourth-busiest port in North America, welcoming 1 million-plus cruise arrivals each year, and the number keeps rising. Galveston is a major drive-to port, with an estimated two-thirds of cruise passengers arriving by car.
The change in departure time for Harmony of the Seas’ 6-night Western Caribbean cruise likely means that those planning to arrive at the port by car or public transportation will have to leave a bit earlier from their home or hotel in order to accommodate the new departure time.
Why Do Cruise Ships Leave Port Earlier Than Planned?
The cruise line offered no reason for the altered departure time, and since the cruise is still more than two months away, it cannot be tied to bad weather, which often prompts changes in departure and arrival times.
Sometimes other factors come into play. For instance, Royal Caribbean announced an earlier departure time for a Symphony of the Seas cruise in July 2024, due to a container vessel that was to arrive at Cape Liberty in New Jersey, the cruise ship’s homeport at the time. In that case, the idea was to move the cruise ship out of the cargo ship’s way.
Port congestion or the need to accommodate other cruise ships can impact departure times, too. Galveston is a busy cruise port; besides Harmony of the Seas, the port is home to Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Jubilee.
While no specific changes in Harmony of the Seas’ boarding times were included in the notice, the earlier departure could impact the boarding process. Typically, cruise ships begin boarding guests an hour or two after disembarkation of current guests is complete.
Cruise guests debark their ships normally by 10 a.m. at the latest, and embarkation of the new passengers can start before noon. Generally speaking, all cruise guests must be onboard their ship two hours prior to departure.
Once the Oasis-class Harmony of the Seas gets under way, her Western Caribbean itinerary will take guests to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras. The mega-ship, which can accommodate 6,600 guests with all berths occupied, will sail from Galveston until mid-March 2026.
The ship will reposition to Barcelona for the summer 2026 season, then return to North America for a series of Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral through spring 2027.
A cruise has unfortunately ended in tragedy for a 67-year-old British man and his loved ones.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2025, the passenger was pronounced dead while his cruise ship was docked at the Greek Island of Corfu.
“In the morning hours today, the Corfu Port Authority was informed of the death of a 67-year-old foreign passenger (British citizen) on a cruise ship (C/Z) flying the Maltese flag in the port of Corfu,” Port officials said in a statement that was released on July 2.
The guest died onboard, but it’s unclear if his passing occurred mid-voyage or after the vessel had arrived in the port.
The cause of death and if he had any pre-existing health conditions that may have contributed are also unknown.
“The body was transferred to the Corfu General Hospital for an autopsy,”the statement continued. “A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Corfu Central Port Authority.”
Cruise ships are also required to investigate deaths that occur onboard, which is a process that is usually led by onboard security personnel.
Speaking of cruise ships, three vessels were in Corfu when the death was reported. These include TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6, MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia, and Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Encore.
However, the man was most likely sailing on Mein Schiff 6 because authorities indicated the ship was registered to Malta, which TUI’s vessel is.
MSC Fantasia sails under the Panama flag, while Seabourn Encore is registered in Nassau, Bahamas.
When the sad incident occurred, the 2,535-guest Mein Schiff 6 was in the middle of operating simultaneous 7-night and 14-night sailings throughout Greece, Italy, and Croatia.
There was no delay to the itinerary, with cruise tracking datashowing that the 2017-launched ship is well on her way to her next port call, which will be at Ravenna (Porto Corsini), Italy, on July 4, 2025.
Cruise Hive sends our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased as they navigate this dark time.
What Happens After a Death at Sea?
While deaths during sailings aren’t exactly common, they are an unfortunate inevitability with millions of people from all walks of life booking cruise vacations every year.
But as this is the third recent mid-voyage death, some might be wondering what happens on a cruise ship if someone does unfortunately pass away.
Not long after, a two-year-old boy sailing onboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Toscana collapsed and died during a Western Mediterranean Voyage. His death was most likely related to a known heart condition.
If someone falls ill on a cruise ship, the crew members will do everything they can to keep them alive and get them the care they need, even if that means coordinating a medical evacuation or diverting the ship.
But if a death does occur, the first step is for the onboard medical staff to pronounce the patient. The onboard doctor and authorities in the country where the ship is registered may also issue a preliminary death certificate.
Contrary to myths about bodies being stored in refrigerators, cruise ships do have onboard morgues where the body can be preserved until it is taken offboard (usually during the next port call).
A trained crisis team will then comfort the deceased’s companions and help them sort out the logistics of bringing their loved one home for burial.
Carnival Adventure’s current voyage is making a splash in the cruise community, but not in a good way.
Indeed, the 4-night sailing that embarked from Sydney, Australia, on July 1, 2025, started out on a sour note after the porters dropped one of the passenger’s bags into the harbor.
Pictures of the floating bag quickly circulated on social media after another guest reached out to the cruise community to make sure the bag’s owner was aware.
“Anyone on the Carnival Adventure embarking today with a white suitcase? Because it’s in the ocean,” she quipped.
“I know if it was my bag, I would be appreciative of a stranger posting so I had a chance to find out sooner rather than later, especially if I had medication, baby items or things that can not be replaced onboard in that floating suitcase,” she continued.
Naturally, cruisers were buzzing about how angry they would be if they were in this situation.
Heated debates about how well crew members and port employees tend to checked luggage and how often this type of mistake happens then began.
While suitcases do rarely end up in the water, it does happen occasionally.
Just about a year ago, for example, a Celebrity Cruises guest went viral after sharing how her luggage somehow fell into the water and was left behind as the undisclosed ship sailed off without it.
In the current case, it’s possible that rain made for slippery conditions that contributed to the accident, as photos show some of the up to 2,636 guests trudging through a downpour to get to their cruise ship.
Carnival Adventure Fallen Luggage (Credit: Jennifer Morris)
In the end, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the incidenttook place during embarkation at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and that the bag’s owner was made aware.
The cruise line also told Yahoo News Australia that the “suitcase was quickly retrieved by Carnival’s shoreside team, and the guest received compensation, including for a damaged hairdryer.”
The bag owner has not been publicly identified at this time and specific details about how it happened have not been shared.
Bad Weather Could Impact the Itinerary
While the weather conditions could have played a role in the dropped luggage, it is much more likely to have an impact on the itinerary.
The 108,865-gross ton ship is only supposed to call on Moreton Island in Queensland on July 3 before returning to Sydney on July 5, but poor weather might make this a cruise to somewhere new or nowhere at all.
While no changes have been made just yet, the cruise line wouldn’t concern guests with this matter if it wasn’t a distinct possibility.
“Our Fleet Operations Centre is actively monitoring weather forecasts for the Moreton Island area, and unfavourable conditions are expected in the coming days,” the cruise line wrote to booked guests the day before embarkation.
“At present, there is no change to our itinerary, but as everyone’s safety is our priority, we will continue to monitor the weather and provide you with an update ahead of embarkation,” the letter continued.
If an update did come, it has not been released publicly at this time.
Although skipping or changing the visit to Moreton Island would likely be disappointing, especially as it is the only stop on the itinerary, the Carnival must prioritize the safety of all onboard.
Docking during inclement weather can often become too dangerous and risk causing accidental collisions or snapping mooring lines in high winds.
If this does become a cruise to nowhere, the captain will navigate the ship to smoother waters and guests will still be able to enjoy all the amenities and entertainment onboard.
There has been great attention directed at Disney Dream and the could-have-been-tragic incident of the 5-year-old girl falling overboard and her father jumping in the water after her.
The dramatic event, which ended in the safe and successful rescue of both the father and his daughter, happened on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Disney Dream was enjoying a day at sea at the end of 4-night Bahamas sailing from Fort Lauderdale when the girl fell overboard at roughly 11:30 a.m.
She fell from Deck 4 of the 14-deck ship. That deck has no staterooms but features the ship’s jogging/walking track, shuffleboard courts, and a variety of public spaces.
You can watch footage of the overboard below:
Speculation has been rampant across the internet about how a child could possibly have “fallen” overboard. It is well known that cruise ship bulkheads and railings are high enough to prevent such an accidental mishap.
Cruel commentary has centered around the idea that the father must have been holding his daughter up to the railing for a photo, at which point she slipped and fell overboard due to his negligence.
New statements from the Broward Sheriff’s Office made to CBS News Miami have clarified, however, that this was absolutely not the case.
“The little girl was not being held, as erroneously reported on some social media sites,”authorities have stated.
A witness onboard Disney Dream spoke with a crew member who clarified that the young girl had climbed up on the railing and slipped. Her parents were nearby playing shuffleboard, but as any parent knows, youngsters can get into trouble – even dangerous situations – in an instant.
The 37-year-old father did not see his daughter slip, but the child’s mother did. She alerted the father, who immediately jumped into the ocean below.
He was able to reach his daughter and tread water with her, keeping her safe and above water for approximately 20 minutes, until the ship’s rescue craft could reach them.
Dad Saves Overboard Daughter From Disney Dream (Credit: Janice Martin-Asuque)
The ship’s onboard security footage verified the parents’ account of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, undoubtedly to ensure that all safety protocols were in place and functioned appropriately.
Disney Dream‘s onboard medical team evaluated both the father and daughter, and they were taken to a local hospital once the ship returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Monday. The father was hospitalized, but his condition has not been disclosed.
At their own request, the family has not been identified in order to preserve their privacy.
How Can Such Accidents Happen?
Cruise lines take many precautions to prevent accidents, but it is impossible to predict and subsequently prevent every possible scenario.
Bulkhead and railing heights, gap opening measurements, warning signage, CCTV cameras, overboard detection systems, and strict crew training schedules help ensure maximum preparedness in case of accidents.
In fact, local authorities have commended the crew of Disney Dream for their quick actions, which surely made a lifesaving difference in this incident.
“The Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue,”a statement from the Broward Sheriff’s Office read.“This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome.”
Disney Dream returned to Fort Lauderdale as scheduled and there was no delay for the ship to set sail on her next voyage, a 5-night Bahamian cruise with visits to Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Lookout Cay.
The ship is homeported from Port Everglades through early May 2026, at which time she will move to Europe to offer departures from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, and Southampton.
On July 1, 2025, the Juneau Police Department received a report that Marites Buenafe, a passenger on the168,028-gross-tonNorwegian Bliss, was missing.
Last spotted in the morning, this guest got off the ship while it was docked in Juneau, Alaska, with a plan to go hiking.
However, around 2:50 p.m., Buenafe’s family called to identify her as missing after she did not return to the vessel before it departed at 1:30 p.m..
“The hiker, 62-year-old Kentucky resident Marites Buenafe, told family around 7:30 AM that she was getting off the ship to take the tram up the mountain and continue hiking from there,” shared the Juneau Police Department.
Other details provided by Buenafe’s family included that she was hiking alone during this time.
The search and rescue operation was started immediately by the Alaska State Troopers and remains ongoing.
So far, Juneau Mountain Rescue, Southeast Alaska Dogs for Organized Ground Search, and the Juneau Police Department have all stepped in to help aid in the search efforts to locate Buenafe.
These organizations have teamed up to conduct both aerial and ground searches, which went on throughout the night and into the next day.
Also deployed to help in the search were both helicopters and thermal drones used to scan the mountain where Buenafe was supposed to be hiking.
A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson stated to Cruise Hive:
“On July 1, 2025, when one of our guests did not return to the ship by all-aboard time while docked in Juneau, Alaska, they were reported missing to local state troopers. An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.“
Buenafe was only 4 days into a 7-night round-trip itinerary out of Seattle on Norwegian Bliss when she suddenly went missing.
Having embarked guests on June 28, the vessel had already called on Sitka before docking in Juneauon July 1.
Despite one guest having gone missing, the voyage is going on as planned, calling on Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, before disembarking guests on July 5.
Missing Cruise Passenger
As of now, the ground search continues for this guest — but the biggest issue remains that the clock is ticking.
Most hikers who go missing have a relatively good chance of being found, but factors like being injured, bad weather, and harsh terrain can all complicate search and rescue missions.
Given that this guest planned on taking a tram to go hiking, it is likely she set out to hike the Mount Roberts Trail, which is considered to be highly difficult as it is steep, uneven, and often muddy.
With it raining today while search efforts continue on the ground, this could cause even further delays. However, the hope remains to find Buenafe alive and well.
Buenafe can be described as 5 feet 1 inch tall and about 110 pounds, as well as having short black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on this passenger’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
Photo Credit: ackats / Shutterstock
How Often Do Passengers Go Missing?
Despite more than 30 million people going on cruises every year, passengers going missing is quite a rare occurrence, as there has only been one other report of a guest missing in 2025.
Back in February, Tynisha Williams got off Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas while it was docked in Cozumel, Mexico, and has since been missing.
Similarly, in April of 2024, a 66-year-old guest who was on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas with dementia also went missing in Cozumel.
Also in 2024, a 14-year-old who was sailing on Caribbean Princesswith his family went missingwhen the ship stopped in Rostock-Warnemünde in northern Germany.
Guests going missing and not being found is unusual, as many are often located safely.
We hope that the outcome of the search for Marites Buenafe will be exactly that.
