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Norwegian Bliss Passenger Missing After Alaska Hike — Search Intensifies

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Skyler Wolpert

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Jul 2, 2025

Norwegian Bliss Passenger Missing After Alaska Hike — Search Intensifies

On July 1, 2025, the Juneau Police Department received a report that Marites Buenafe, a passenger on the 168,028-gross-ton Norwegian 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 Juneau on 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.

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.

Cruise Ship in Juneau, Alaska — 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 Princess with his family went missing when 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.

Carnival Drops Controversial Rental Fee – But Is It Still Too High?

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jul 2, 2025

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Carnival Drops Controversial Rental Fee – But Is It Still Too High?

Just days after eager guests spotted an outrageous rental fee for a very simple accessory on Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly dropped the price.

Now, instead of renting a foam pool noodle for $19.99 (USD) for the day, it will only cost visitors $10.99 to enjoy all the fun of a single noodle for their visit to the new Bahamian destination.

Carnival Cruise Line does describe the pool noodle rental as “the ideal way to float your worries away while soaking up the sun” – but is it worth $10.99 when you don’t even get to keep the noodle?

Already, one guest has emphatically disagreed, as there is a one-star review posted on the rental page that states:

“They’ve lost their minds. These are $1 pool toys for rent for a day for $20??”

The poster, by the screen name of dragonflyblue, rates the rental as a single star for value, with four stars for reliability/convenience as well as for fun.

Of course, that review was posted before the cruise line dropped the price by 45%, but $10.99 is still quite a hefty charge for such a common item that is widely available for much better discounts.

For example, stores such as Walmart and Target offer single pool noodles ranging from $1 to $5, depending on the size (length and diameter) of the noodle.

The simple toys are also available at discount chains such as Dollar Tree and Family Dollar for $1.25-3, or they are for sale on Amazon.com in multipacks that average $1.75-5 per noodle, depending on the overall quantity.

Updated Noodle Rental Price at Celebration Key

Many guests have responded to the fee with declarations that they would simply bring along their own pool noodles if desired, as one noodle can fit quite well curved along the inside of a suitcase.

Some travelers have even joked that they might bring a few along to sell, undercutting Carnival’s rental price. That would undoubtedly be frowned upon as guests aren’t typically permitted to offer business transactions onboard.

Aren’t Pool Noodles Prohibited Onboard?

Surprisingly, pool noodles are not on Carnival Cruise Line’s official prohibited items list. It wouldn’t be unreasonable for pool toys to be banned outright, but the only specific water-related items noted on the list are “inflatable kiddie pool” and “surfboards, boats, and canoes.”

The prohibited items policy does describe some items similar to noodles that may not be used onboard Carnival ships.

“For the comfort of all our guests, rafts, tubes and floatation devices other than those used as life preservers (water wings) cannot be used in the swimming pools on board,” the policy reads.

Guests are permitted to bring such items along to enjoy during beach days at ports of call, which may be a money-saving solution for travelers who want to enjoy pool noodles at Celebration Key without the rental fee.

Carnival can, however, update the list at any time and add items that may cause difficulties, even if the items are typically innocuous.

For example, the cruise line recently restricted the use of handheld fans from certain areas, including Lido deck dance parties and onboard nightclubs. The foldable “clack” fans can cause injuries in crowded spaces when used for certain dance moves.

Could pool noodles join the list? There isn’t a water-wise kid anywhere who hasn’t taken a whack from a noodle in some way or other, so I suppose if they start to be considered dangerous items it might be a concern.

Carnival does – and rightly so – already ban all weapons or anything that could be “adapted” for use as a weapon, including blunt weapons, clubs, and batons.

What a way to (mis)use a pool noodle.

Cruise Line Expands Loyalty Program as Cruisers Jump from Carnival

Cruise News

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Jul 2, 2025

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Cruise passengers frustrated by recent loyalty programs at Carnival Cruise Line may find a new reason to jump ship.

Explora Journeys has just launched the second phase of its Explora Club loyalty program, offering members more ways to earn points and new onboard benefits, just as competitors struggle to retain their most dedicated guests.

The updated program now allows Explora Club members to track their points and loyalty status directly through their “My Explora Account.”

Points can be earned from nights sailed, onboard purchases, and Destination Experience bookings, with tiers offering an increased range of privileges.

The changes are well-timed. Carnival Cruise Line is facing heavy criticism for major revisions to its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club loyalty structure.

Announced in June, the new rules, effective in 2026, eliminate lifetime status and instead impose a two-year window to qualify based on cruise nights and onboard spending.

The backlash has been fierce, with loyal Carnival cruisers saying they feel betrayed.

Some of those guests are now turning to other cruise lines, including Explora Journeys’ sister MSC Cruises, which has seen an influx of interest in its own Status Match program.

That program allows guests to carry over their loyalty level from other lines and receive immediate benefits.

Explora is now joining that conversation by expanding its own Status Match to include Oceania Cruises, bringing the total number of eligible brands to 11.

New Tier Structure and Benefits

Explora Club’s loyalty program includes five membership tiers: Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

Members earn points through onboard nights, qualifying purchases, and booking select excursions. Points accumulate over time without expiring, and each level unlocks a broader set of perks.

At the Classic entry level, members receive exclusive member offers, priority access to the new Journeys Collections, and access to a personalized online member portal.

Silver, which is awarded to guests with 1 to 5,000 points, adds perks like birthday gifts, savings on future journeys, and invitations to cocktail receptions hosted by ship leadership.

Gold unlocks added comforts, including special turndown surprises, while Platinum members gain access to bridge tours, Journey Experience Credits, laundry service, and other higher-value perks.

These levels begin at 5,001 to 20,000 points for Gold and 20,001 to 50,000 for Platinum.

At the top, Diamond status, which is reserved for guests with over 50,000 points, passengers receive a complimentary week-long journey for two, private suite upgrades, transfers, and invitations to curated events such as the President’s Journey and Chef’s Kitchen experiences.

Cruise Hive Boards: Explora Journeys Status Match

Guests receive 100 points for every night at sea, with points multiplying by suites. (One time for Ocean Suites, two times for Ocean Penthouses, three times for Ocean Residences, and 10 times for Owner’s Residences.)

One of the biggest updates in phase two is the ability to view loyalty status online. The My Explora Account portal now allows members to track point balances, current tier, and upcoming eligibility.

The expanded Status Match is another major draw. Cruisers with loyalty status on 11 participating cruise lines can match their level when enrolling in the free Explora Club.

This includes MSC Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Scenic Luxury Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and now Oceania Cruises.

The match applies instantly to their first sailing with Explora Journeys, giving guests access to benefits without needing to start from scratch.

And, in contrast to Carnival Cruise Line’s changes, which limit tier maintenance and tie status to recent activity, Explora Journeys allows members to keep their tier once achieved.

Can Cosmic Mapping Find the Perfect Cruise? Royal Caribbean Thinks So

Royal Caribbean News

Donna Tunney

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Jul 2, 2025

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Stargazing from the decks of a cruise ship is a favorite activity for those who choose a vacation at sea, but a growing trend involving cruise-based astrocartography takes that idea to a whole new level, thanks to Royal Caribbean.

The cruise line has partnered with astrologer Clarisse Monahan to bring the concept of astrocartography to cruise guests interested in visiting destinations that align with their cosmic selves.

The phrase combines astro, meaning stars, and cartography, meaning maps, and refers to the specific positions of various planets at the precise time of an individual’s birth.

The positions are mapped across the globe, using planetary lines that show travelers the best locations for connecting with their astro energies. Various astrocartography websites offer free mapping services, based on the time and place of a person’s birth.

“Astrocartography takes this personalised cosmic blueprint revealing where different planetary energies are strongest for each individual,” said Clarisse Monahan, astrologer and author.

“These personalised planetary lines help people discover or map locations for love, work and travel, crisscrossing the world and many intersecting over the ocean, making Royal Caribbean’s diverse range of global itineraries perfect for connecting with these unique energies,” Monahan explained.

Let’s look a bit deeper into which planets are tied to which energies. According to Royal Caribbean’s astrologer, Venus’ planetary lines lead to love, beauty, and harmony. So for cruisers seeking to tap into those elements, they would follow their Venus lines.

With their abundance of global itineraries, Royal Caribbean is likely to have an itinerary that matches any cruiser’s Venus line. For instance, Allure of the Seas is currently sailing the Western Mediterranean and could be an ideal choice for those whose Venus line intersects with, say, Rome, Barcelona, or the romantic south of France.

Venus lines through the Caribbean could indicate that a cruiser might find love in Cozumel, Mexico, or in the Bahamas, where Icon of the Seas is sailing itineraries that feature those destinations.

In fact, all of the ship’s sailings call at the popular Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line’s private destination in the Bahamas, where guests can embrace their romantic side in a private cabana, for example.

“By exploring astrocartography, we’re empowering holidaymakers to consider trips that align with their deepest desires and create truly meaningful, memorable and transformative experiences,” said Gerard Nolan, vice president for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Royal Caribbean.

Think of it as a kind of themed cruise, but one that is personalized by each cruiser based on which planetary influences he or she wishes to explore.

Seeking Adventure? Try Royal Caribbean’s Alaska Experience

Here’s another example from the astrocartography world: Those looking for adventure would follow their Jupiter line, the astrologer advises.

If that line transects Alaska, Royal Caribbean can oblige with a voyage onboard Anthem of the Seas, which is operating 7-night itineraries roundtrip from Seattle.

With port calls at destinations including Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau, guests on these cruises can enjoy plenty of adventure activities. In Sitka, the excursion “Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears Oh My” provides up-close interactions with Alaskan wildlife exploring on an expedition vessel.

Other key planetary lines include the Moon, for nurturing and emotional connections, and Saturn for challenges, discipline, and lessons.

The astrocartography trend has increased significantly in recent years, by about 53%, according to Brandwatch Consumer Research. It found the spike by comparing news and social media mentions of astrocartography in the UK between May 2023 and May 2025.

Cruise Ships in Crete Under Surveillance by Suspected Spy

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Jul 2, 2025

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Cruise Ships in Crete Under Surveillance by Suspected Spy

A suspected spy arrested in Crete last week has raised alarms among Greek authorities after thousands of surveillance photos were discovered.

Many of the images included cruise ships docked at Souda Bay near Chania, Crete.

The 26-year-old Azerbaijani national, who was discovered to have entered Greece earlier this year using a Polish residency permit, was detained on June 22, 2025, near Souda naval base on suspicion of espionage.

The suspect reportedly rented a hotel room with a direct view of the naval base and used a professional camera.

Local media reveals that more than 5,000 photos were recovered from his electronic devices. And while many were focused on military targets like US and Greek warships, it is the close-range shots of cruise ships that are gaining attention.

“The fact that civilian cruise ships appear among the targets only amplifies the threat level,” a Greek defense analyst told Greek media.

The cruise ships included regular visitor Crown Iris, operated by Israeli cruise line Mano Maritime, which recently evacuated roughly 1,500 foreign nationals from Ashdod, Israel, to Limassol, Cyprus, on June 19 during Israel’s Operation Safe Return.

The ship routinely calls at Souda Bay as part of its Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.

Investigators believe the images of the cruise ships could represent part of a broader reconnaissance operation.

They are exploring whether the suspect has local contacts or sought recruits.

The incident also alarmingly mirrors a June 21, 2025, arrest in Cyprus of a British man, also of Azerbaijani descent, allegedly working for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

That suspect was arrested for photographing British and Cypriot military bases near Limassol.

Mano Cruises’ Crown Iris (Photo Credit: Mali Sokol)

Authorities believe they have uncovered a multi-pronged spying effort – possibly a precursor to a terror attack – targeting both military and civilian ships.

Cruise operators calling at Souda Bay are reportedly reviewing port security, while NATO-linked patrols and Greek authorities have increased surveillance around cruise docking zones.

Port Surveillance Raises New Fears

Unfortunately, this development comes as cruise lines had already altered course due to heightened geopolitical risks.

Since late 2023, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Those assaults, which included missiles and drones, have forced cruise ships and cargo traffic to reroute away from the Suez Canal, disrupting itineraries across the Middle East and East Africa.

With the Eastern Mediterranean taking on more cruise traffic diverted from the Red Sea, any suggestion that passenger ships are being surveilled by suspected foreign agents like the men arrested in Crete has raised serious alarms.

Souda Bay, where the recent suspect was captured with images of cruise ships, is both a NATO naval base and a regular port of call for cruise ships visiting Chania.

Crete is one of Greece’s most visited islands, and a popular destination for cruises in the Mediterranean and Greece.

Chania, a historic port on the northwest coast, is among the busiest of the nation’s cruise ports. Ships are arriving from major cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Silversea, TUI Cruises, and more within the next two weeks alone.

The less-visited Agios Nikolaos, located on the eastern end of the island, is also popular for smaller vessels. It is regularly welcoming Seabourn’s Encore and Silversea’s Silver Muse this summer.

The US does not currently have a travel advisory warning for Greece, but the UK has warned its citizens that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.”

MSC Warns Guests As New Cruise Fee Takes Effect in Greece

MSC Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 2, 2025

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MSC Warns Guests As New Cruise Fee Takes Effect in Greece

MSC Cruises is making sure that their future guests (and their wallets) are prepared for the new sustainable tourism fee taking effect in Greece this month.

In 2024, the Greek parliament approved legislation that would create a new tourism tax to help combat over-tourism at the Greek Isles.

But in mid-July, which is the middle of the peak cruise season, the new tax will officially take effect.

“Starting July 21, 2025, the Greek Government will introduce a new cruise passenger fee for all guests visiting Greek ports, as part of their Sustainable Tourism program,” MSC wrote to impacted guests.

MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Fantasia, and MSC Divina will all be sailing to Greece this summer.

“This fee, similar to those already in place for hotels and other types of accommodation, is designed to support local infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism, and enhance visitors’ experience,” the cruise line continued.

“Please note that this mandatory fee applies to all guests, regardless of age, who transit through a Greek port – including ports of call as well as the port of disembarkation.”

The fee will automatically get added to passengers’ onboard accounts the night before the scheduled visit, and all onboard accounts have to be settled prior to disembarkation.

If cruisers choose not to go ashore, the fee will drop off from their onboard account within 24 hours.

“For your convenience, MSC Cruises will pay this fee directly to the Greek authorities on your behalf. We will simply add the fee to your shipboard account the night before each visit,” the cruise line explained.

“If you choose to stay onboard and not go ashore, the expense will be automatically removed from your account within 24 hours.”

Similar letters will likely be coming to guests of other cruise lines (if they haven’t already), as MSC Cruises is obviously not the only brand to sail to Greece.

Just to name some examples, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Costa Cruises all have at least one ship deployed to the region this summer.

How Much is Greece’s New Cruise Fee?

The fee that cruise guests will have to pay will vary based on the time of year and the cruise ports they visit.

For example, Mykonos and Santorini are considered to be more popular and therefore visits come at a higher premium.

Looking back at 2023, Greece welcomed over 7 million cruise guests, with 1,298,968 cruisers visiting Santorini and 1,192,220 people sailing to Mykonos.

Preliminary numbers for 2024 show that Greece welcomed an estimated 7.9 million cruisers last year, which marks a 13% increase compared to 2023, and that number is only expected to grow in 2025.

Cruise Ships Calling at Santorini, Greece (Photo Credit: Ole Dor)

During the peak season that runs from June 1 to September 30, it will cost €20 ($23.61 USD) per person to go ashore in Mykonos and Santorini, and €5 ($5.90 USD) to visit less busy Greek ports.

For the month of October and from April 1 to May 31, it will cost €12 ($14.17 USD) per person to visit Mykonos and Santorini and €3 ($3.54 USD) to visit other Greek cruise destinations.

Cruise Hive Boards: Greece Cruise Restrictions

November 1 to March 31 will be the cheapest time of year to sail to Greece, with the fee dropping to €4 ($4.72 USD) per person to visit Mykonos and Santorini and €1 ($1.18 USD) for everywhere else.

The Greek government is hoping to raise €50 million ($59,044,425 USD) to put toward upgrading strained tourism infrastructure and improving cruise ports.

Hopefully, cruise guests will feel like their contribution will be a worthy investment, as it should improve their own experience in the ports in the long run.

Overboard Investigation Begins After Dramatic Disney Dream Rescue

Disney Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jul 2, 2025

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Overboard Investigation Begins After Dramatic Disney Dream Rescue

While any overboard situation will catch headlines, the brave actions of a father aboard Disney Dream on Sunday, June 29, 2025 have spread virally across the internet and social media.

The overboard incident happened while the ship was at sea and a 5-year-old girl fell from Deck 4 of the 130,000-gross ton vessel.

The girl’s father immediately jumped into the water and managed to keep both himself and his daughter safe and afloat for 20-30 minutes as the ship slowed, returned, and a rescue craft was deployed to retrieve them.

You can watch footage of the rescue below:

It was the fast and amazing actions of the crew that ensured an immediate response and a happily ever after outcome in what could have been a very tragic situation.

“Based on media reports I have read, 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.

“While there doesn’t appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard. 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.”

Worth Reading: Mother’s Photo Mishap Led to Child Overboard on Disney Ship

It is standard procedure to investigate these types of incidents to be sure there was no untoward behavior and that all safety systems and protocols were followed appropriately.

That investigation will likely involve interviews, reviewing onboard security footage, checking the deck where the girl fell, reviewing safety training and equipment, and other steps.

All Disney cruise ships are equipped with overboard detection systems, which likely played a role in how quickly the crew was able to react and the ship to turn for the rescue operation.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 requires that ships operating in US waters “integrate technology that can be used for capturing images of passengers or detecting passengers who have fallen overboard, to the extent that such technology is available.”

At this time, no injuries have been reported to either the father or daughter, and no charges have been filed. The identities of the two guests have not been confirmed, in order to safeguard their privacy and the integrity of the investigation.

Disney Dream finished her 4-night voyage with her return to Fort Lauderdale on Monday, June 30 without delays. The ship has already departed on her next sailing, a 5-night Bahamas sailing with visits planned to Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

How Can Such Overboard Accidents Happen?

There is a great deal of online speculation about just how such a young girl may have fallen overboard the cruise ship, particularly since bulkheads and railings are far higher than the height of a typical five-year-old.

It is important to note that no official statements have been released from any direct witnesses to the incident, and any accusations or stories of the moments proceeding her fall are simply that – speculation.

Disney Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Qart Hadasht)

Most overboard incidents happen due to reckless behavior or deliberate intent, ending in far more tragic circumstances than a rescue less than an hour later and the safe conclusion of an otherwise happy cruise vacation.

For example, data compiled by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) covering 2009-2019 note that of 212 overboard incidents during that time frame, just 48 individuals were successfully rescued.

Regardless of what happened in this situation, the crew’s amazing training and fast, efficient response was undoubtedly a critical factor in the successful rescue for an event no one involved will ever forget.

Royal Caribbean Reveals Pricing for New Beach Club as Bookings Open

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jul 1, 2025

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Royal Caribbean Reveals Pricing for New Beach Club as Bookings Open

Royal Caribbean guests sailing to Nassau can now plan a very exclusive and luxurious day at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, slated to open in late December 2025.

Bookings have now opened for the new beachfront property with a variety of all-inclusive passes to choose from, according to what type of experience travelers prefer.

For families, the day pass with non-alcoholic drinks and dining will start at $129.99 for guests aged 13 and older, $109.99 for young cruisers aged 4-12, and is free for guests aged 3 and younger.

For a fully inclusive experience, adults aged 21 and up can opt for the day pass, which includes unlimited open bar and dining, for $169.99 per person.

For all passes, loungers, umbrellas, towels, Wi-Fi, lockers, and roundtrip ferry transportation to the club are included.

Prices will vary based on popularity, exact ship, visit date, and other factors, similar to the fluctuating prices for different attractions and features at Royal Caribbean’s other Bahamian destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In fact, package bundles for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island combined with Perfect Day at CocoCay will also be available, giving guests great deals and discounts when planning their days at both destinations.

It should also be noted, however, that Bahamian residents will be able to purchase day passes to the club, a first for a destination developed by a cruise line.

Royal Caribbean Nassau Beach Club Pricing

Undoubtedly, Royal Caribbean will closely monitor attendance and popularity to ensure a fun and worthwhile experience for all guests, whether arriving by land or by sea.

At Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, guests can further upgrade their experiences with a variety of private rentals, including beach and poolside cabanas featuring personalized service, day beds, and more.

The Ultimate Family Cabana will be the most luxurious option as a multi-level cabana with premium experiences. A slide, frozen drink machine, dedicated attendant, and other amenities are part of the exclusive rental.

For a more energetic party vibe, guests will want to consider The Party Deck on the second floor of The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar.

Up to 12 guests can enjoy the exclusive space with expansive ocean views, poolside amenities, dedicated service, and the ultimate DJ connection.

Regardless of what option guests choose, they will get to enjoy two pristine beaches, three pools, 10 bars, live music, and all the sun-soaked relaxation they can handle.

Sailing to the Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island

Because the new beach club is on Paradise Island in Nassau, all Royal Caribbean ships that visit the capital of the Bahamas will have access to the exclusive destination.

This includes departures from six US homeports on a variety of sailings, from the short weekend getaways of Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral to longer cruises aboard many ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, such as Icon of the Seas from PortMiami or Odyssey of the Seas from Cape Liberty.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Bahamas

Day passes to the club are likely to sell out quickly, so interested travelers should reserve their space as soon as possible to ensure they can enjoy their exclusive visit.

While the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be the first of these exclusive clubs to open, it will not be the last. Royal Beach Club Cozumel is scheduled to open in 2026, followed by Lelepa in Vanuatu in the South Pacific in early 2027 – the first such destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Features, pricing, and options at the new destinations will be announced closer to their planned openings – stay tuned to Cruise Hive for more details as they are confirmed!

Passengers Take Legal Action After Outbreaks Aboard P&O Ship

P&O Cruises News

Lissa Poirot

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Jul 1, 2025

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Passengers Take Legal Action After Outbreaks Aboard P&O Ship

What was meant to be a couple of birthday celebrations turned sour after passengers fell ill aboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura in May and June 2025 — and now they’re taking legal action.

Irwin Mitchell, a UK law firm, confirmed on June 30, 2025, that it is representing more than 60 former passengers who claim to have become sick during recent cruises on Ventura since 2024.

Jason Howard, of Worthing, West Sussex, boarded Ventura with his sons on May 24, 2025, for a birthday cruise to Spain and France. Just two days in, his 14-year-old son became ill with vomiting and diarrhea.

Two days later, his 12-year-old showed symptoms, and soon after, Howard also became sick. The family was asked to isolate and Howard said they spent only a few days out of the weeklong sailing together.

He described the state of his cabin as “filthy,” noting discarded contact lenses on the floor and dust buildup on the skirting boards. He said he complained three times before the room was properly cleaned.

He also claims he still suffers from bloating, dizziness, and ongoing bowel issues. “All I want now are some answers,” he said. “It’s the least we deserve.”

In a separate incident, Southport, UK, retirees Steve and Lynn Smith boarded Ventura on May 10, 2025, for a 2-week Canary Islands cruise to mark their 65th and 60th birthdays. Within days, Lynn experienced severe vomiting, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.

Steve fell ill soon after and was seen by the ship’s doctor. “We didn’t even get to leave the ship to go on any excursions,” he said.

Neither, according to the Smiths, have fully recovered.

The couple noted that scheduled entertainment was cancelled due to staff illness and that they saw another passenger vomit inside the ship’s restaurant.

Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell said the firm is working to uncover what happened and whether any safety issues contributed to the outbreaks.

P&O Ventura Cruise Ship in Southampton (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

“The latest news of illness onboard the Ventura and the symptoms our clients are reporting is a concern,” Paul said.

“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed, as, in some cases, it can lead to serious long-term and permanent health complications,” he continued in a statement.

The law firm is suing P&O Cruises’ parent company, Carnival UK, which is a member of the Carnival Corporation.

A spokesperson from the cruise line told UK media it has received a letter from the law firm and “are investigating the allegations made.”

Recurring Lawsuits and Outbreaks

These latest complaints are not isolated. In November 2024, Hudgell Solicitors lodged a claim on behalf of 115 former Ventura passengers who fell ill during cruises between April and June 2024.

Lawyers allege repeated norovirus outbreaks and poor sanitation aboard the vessel, and highlighted a May 11, 2024, sailing from Southampton when over 500 guests experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

While P&O Cruises initially stated fewer than 1 percent of Ventura’s 3,200 passengers fell ill, the Southampton port health authority later suggested the actual figure might have exceeded 12 percent.

Guests also alleged that despite a deep cleaning prior to the following May 25, 2024, cruise, illness still spread during the voyage.

Lawyers said they uncovered outbreaks across multiple voyages, including those in April, May, and December 2024.

Similar outbreaks have been reported on P&O Cruises’ 5,000-guest Iona, including a February 2025 outbreak that affected nearly 50 passengers and crew members.