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MSC Meraviglia Undergoes Repairs, Coast Guard Warns Boaters

Lissa Poirot
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MSC Meraviglia Undergoes Repairs, Coast Guard Warns Boaters

An MSC Cruises ship is docked in Portland, Maine, but it’s not there with any passengers.

Arriving in port on May 12, 2025, for an unscheduled “call,” the 171,598-gross-ton MSC Meraviglia is being serviced by a dive team working beneath the surface to replace broken propeller blades, which forced the cruise line to cancel its first New York to The Bahamas voyage scheduled for May 11, 2025.

The US Coast Guard has been warning boaters in the area to use caution while sailing in Casco Bay due to the underwater operations taking place near the port’s Ocean Gateway Terminal, where the ship sits with just its crew.

Underwater repairs are necessary when a ship cannot return to a dry dock. Divers can remove bent propeller blades by using hydraulic grinders to cut and crop blade sections. They also will do the same on the opposite propeller to balance the system.

The massive ship is the 23rd largest in the world and an imposing figure at the port. Even more imposing has been a spew of “odd-colored” smoke emitting from the 4,500-passenger ship’s smokestacks.

Turns out, while under repairs, the vessel is utilizing its scrubbers to remove toxins from its exhaust, leading to the environmental group Portland Protectors to raise concerns about MSC Meraviglia’s impact on the air and water quality.

However, the ship won’t be in Portland much longer. Repairs are expected to be complete ahead of the weekend and MSC Meraviglia, which was christened in 2017, will be heading back to sea by May 17, 2025, to resume her cruise schedule.

The ship is not scheduled for dry dock until 2027, although details are not yet available.

Ship to Resume Bahamas Schedule

While residents of Portland aren’t exactly happy its port is home to a damaged vessel, MSC Cruises passengers will be thrilled to see the ship return to its course.

Instead of Portland, Maine, the ship will finally begin a long series of cruises from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to the Bahamas.

Guests set to journey with the cruise line on its first voyage of the season had been notified of the initial cancellation in mid-April due to then-reported mechanical issues that were affecting MSC Meraviglia’s speed.

Read Also: Spent a Day at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Passengers were offered a chance to rebook on another MSC Cruises’ sailing or to receive a full refund, as well as a 50 percent Future Cruise Credit for the inconvenience.

Turns out the issue was related to its propellers and following the repairs, she will be ship-shape again and can finally launch the series of roundtrip voyages between New York and the Bahamas.

MSC Meraviglia Cruise Ship
MSC Meraviglia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Michelangelo DeSantis)

Her next scheduled sailing from Brooklyn is May 18, 2025, if the repairs can be complete on time, which the cruise line anticipates. 

The Bahamas cruises will take passengers from New York to Port Canaveral, Florida, before visiting Nassau and MSC Cruises’ private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in the Bahamas with two sea days to enjoy the ship.

This includes multiple pools and the Polar Aquapark, Broadway-style theater and Cirque du Soleil-style shows, the indoor Galleria Meraviglia promenade, and a host of specialty restaurants, themed bars, and lounges.

Kids sailing, from babies to teens, can enjoy the MSC Kids Club as well as special LEGO play areas and activities through the cruise line’s special LEGO partnership.

The Bahamas roundtrip sailings will continue through April 19, 2027, when MSC Meraviglia repositions to the Mediterranean.

The ship will also sail on two 7-night cruises to Kings Wharf in Bermuda in August and September of 2025.

Norwegian Touts Upgraded Ships as Summer Cruises Begin

Donna Tunney
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Norwegian Touts Upgraded Ships as Summer Cruises Begin

The calendar doesn’t say summer quite yet, but Norwegian Cruise Line is highlighting its vast array of vacation-at-sea options that reach from the glaciers of Alaska to the sun-soaked Caribbean and the historic destinations of Europe.

Moreover, the cruise line is calling attention to recent dry dock investments it has made on several ships, which now offer new and refreshed public spaces.

Let’s start with a look at the line’s voyages to Alaska aboard three Breakaway-Plus class ships, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy, all sailing from Seattle, the gateway port to The Great Land from the US West Coast.

Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, each accommodating 4,000 guests, and Norwegian Joy, slightly smaller with a capacity for 3,800 guests, together offer a wide variety of cruise lengths and itineraries.

And from Vancouver, British Columbia, the line has deployed the 2,400-guest Norwegian Jade and 1,900-guest Norwegian Sun, bringing to five the number of Norwegian Cruise Line ships dedicated to Alaska in 2025.

Onboard Norwegian Joy, one sample sailing is the 10-night “Alaska: Hubbard Glacier, Skagway & Juneau” itinerary, with calls at Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Victoria, British Columbia, and scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier.

On Norwegian Encore, a recent dry dock added the adults-only Spice H2O outdoor recreation area on the ship’s main pool deck. The venue has a dedicated bar, day beds, and hot tubs, among other innovations.

Norwegian Joy also recently received Spice H2O, while Norwegian Bliss underwent an enhancement program that added Horizon Park, an outdoor area geared to lawn games like corn hole and other activities.

“In anticipation of this summer season, we have invested significantly in new and newly renovated ships to give our guests more to do, more to enjoy and more value for their vacation in some of the hottest destinations this summer,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“Whether you are dreaming of an adventure in Alaska, a cultural discovery in Europe or dipping your toes in the sand on a beach in the Caribbean, NCL has a great vacation for every type of traveler this summer,” added Herrera.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska experiences can be extended by booking a cruisetour, which combines a voyage with land components to Denali National Park, and Fairbanks, Alaska.

Onboard Norwegian Jade, for instance, a Fairbanks Denali Express cruisetour provides an 11-day exploration that features a 7-day sailing with port calls to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Hubbard Glacier, concluding in Whittier. From there, land tours begin to Denali and Fairbanks, and guests return by air from Fairbanks.

Line Offers Multiple Ships Sailing Europe, Caribbean

Recently renovated ships from the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet that are sailing European itineraries include the 4,000-guest Norwegian Breakaway and the 4,100-guest Norwegian Epic. 

Norwegian Epic emerged from a dry dock renovation in early May 2025 with a refreshed Kids’ Aqua Park and a larger Vibe Beach Club, for adults only.

Norwegian Epic in Europe
Norwegian Epic in Europe (Photo Credit: meunierd)

The ship is sailing 9- to 12-day voyages between Rome, Barcelona, and Venice, visiting destinations such as Sicily and the Greek Islands.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: The Differences

Also, two of the line’s newer ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, are deployed to Europe for the summer of 2025. They accommodate 3,000 and 3,200 guests, respectively.

Sun seekers looking for a summer vacation in the Caribbean have several Norwegian Cruise Line ships to choose from, including the line’s newest, Norwegian Aqua. The 3,500-guest ship entered service in April 2025.

Her 7-day “Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic” cruise, roundtrip from Port Canaveral, calls at Puerto Plaza, St. Thomas, Tortola, and the line’s private destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

Virgin Voyages’ Celebration Cruise Shifts Itinerary Due to Wind

Catie Kovelman
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Virgin Voyages’ Celebration Cruise Shifts Itinerary Due to Wind

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady is about to embark on a special celebration voyage – and a last-minute itinerary change shouldn’t be enough to put a stop to the fun.

The 11-night voyage is due to embark from Athens, Greece, on May 18, 2025, and will sail through Turkey and the Greek Isles. 

However, the second-to-last stop on the itinerary – which was supposed to be a visit to Mykonos, Greece, on May 26, 2025 – will no longer be possible due to anticipated high winds. 

Instead, the final port call on Chania (Souda Bay)- which is a town in Crete, Greece – has been extended to become an overnight visit, giving the up to 2,770 passengers more time to explore the destination. 

“Ahoy Sailor! Due to forecasted high winds in Mykonos, we’ll now be calling at Chania, Crete, for two full days, including an overnight stay,” Virgin Voyages wrote to booked guests. 

“Shore Things will be available to book soon. Check your email or visit Sailor Services on Deck 5 for more details,” the notice continued. 

Indeed, Mykonos is known for being rather windy – and has actually been given the nicknames of “The Island of the Winds” because of it.

These winds can get particularly bad during the summer season – sometimes even reaching speeds of over 50 miles per hour – because that’s when the strong Meltemi winds blow the island.

While cruise ships are capable of withstanding high winds, Mykonos is primarily a tender port – meaning guests are usually ferried to and from shore in lifeboats or other smaller vessels.  

Strong winds can cause unpredictable swells and waves that increase the risk of accidents while loading and unloading passengers, and while navigating the harbor. Winds of 30 miles per hour (and sometimes even less) are enough for tendering operations to be deemed unsafe. 

However, even if the 110,000-gross ton ship was slated to dock at the small pier, higher winds can make docking more dangerous and increase the risk of collisions.

Plenty of Fun to Still be Had

Although a last-minute itinerary change can be disappointing, this special edition sailing still has all the ingredients to be the trip of a lifetime. 

Plus, only one port has been removed from the itinerary. The remaining destinations – which include Istanbul and Kusadasi (Ephesus) in Turkey and Santorini and Rhodes in Greece – remain unaffected. 

Chania is also known for its charming old town, pristine beaches, rich culture and history, and an exciting nightlife (especially when tourists are around!) – which Resilient Lady’s guests will now get more time to experience.

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Cruise Ship
Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)

Read Also: Rough Seas on a Cruise Ship – How They Handle it

This sailing is also one of two Virgin Celebration Voyages setting sail in 2025 – which was a tradition that started in 2023 to commemorate decades of innovation for the Virgin brand.

The only other sailing in this category for this year will be onboard Scarlet Lady and will last from July 22-27, 2025. 

These unique cruises are extra fun because many important VIPs come onboard to join in on the fun – including higher ups in the cruise line and usually even founder Sir Richard Branson himself. 

Adding to the hype, popular singers like Melanie C, who Spice Girls fans know as “Sporty Spice,” and Kathy Sledge, a founding member of the Sister Sledge musical group, will also be onboard for exclusive performances. 

After that, the next rendition of these sailings won’t be until 2026 – and will be even more in demand as it will be hosted onboard Brilliant Lady, which is joining the fleet as its fourth ship in September 2025. 

Starting next year, these cruises will also be known as Red Hot Sailing Club Voyages to better align with the cruise brand’s focus on musical legends and original programming designed specifically for fun-loving adults.

Amazingly Efficient Operation to Airlift Guest From Disney Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Amazingly Efficient Operation to Airlift Guest From Disney Ship

No cruise guest wants to be medically evacuated from their oceangoing getaway, but when an emergency occurs, it is reassuring if the evacuation can be carried out smoothly and quickly.

For one guest and their family aboard Disney Fantasy, the outstanding professionalism and efficiency of the air rescue crew would have been a great relief during a very upsetting situation.

The evacuation occurred from the 129,700-gross ton Disney Fantasy while the ship was heading toward Lisbon, Portugal during the ship’s current 13-night sailing, a one-way transatlantic cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona.

On Monday, May 12, 2025, the call “bright star” was heard across Disney Fantasy. This is an onboard code used to indicate an urgent medical issue and summon an appropriate response team.

No details of the incident have been released – as is standard procedure to safeguard the individual’s privacy, as well as that of their traveling party. On Wednesday, May 14, however, a military helicopter approached the ship in the early evening.

In a matter of minutes, an emergency responder had been lowered to the deck on the front of the ship, the guest loaded onto a lift basket, and both raised up to meet the helicopter. Throughout the operation, the aircraft maintained smoothly consistent positioning with the cruise ship.

Once the basket had been safely loaded into the helicopter, the aircraft turned and sped away, taking the affected individual to more extensive land-based care.

You can watch the full video below:

From the time the aircraft crew member first descended from the helicopter to the time the helicopter turned away was just 6 minutes and 25 seconds.

No information on the age of the guest or the nature of the medical emergency has been confirmed. From injuries to appendicitis to cardiac incidents, evacuations have been performed from cruise ships for a wide range of medical emergencies.

Why Didn’t the Evacuation Happen Earlier?

The delay between the initial emergency incident on Monday to the evacuation on Wednesday evening could be due to a wide range of reasons. Because the ship was at sea, it may not have been possible to arrange an airlift immediately due to distance.

It is also possible that the guest’s condition was appropriately stabilized to await transport closer to shore, or their condition may have deteriorated over the intervening time to the point where an evacuation became necessary.

It is also possible the earlier emergency code call and the medical evacuation were not related at all, but merely coincidental.

Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)

Read Also: 10 Worst Cruise Fails You Can Prepare For

Undoubtedly, Disney Cruise Line is offering support to the family as needed, ensuring that everyone is kept updated and assisted as much as possible.

Disney Fantasy has continued her sailing as planned, calling on Lisbon on Wednesday and departing on schedule. Her next port is Cadiz, Spain on Thursday, May 15, after which she will enjoy another day at sea before arriving in Barcelona on Saturday, May 17.

The ship will remain in Europe through the summer and fall, offering various itineraries from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Southampton before returning to Florida and her Port Canaveral homeport in mid-November.

This week’s incident is not the first time Disney Fantasy has had what could have been a challenging medical evacuations (owing to the distance from shore). In April 2024, the US Coast Guard airlifted a pregnant woman from the ship while 180 miles northwest of Puerto Rico.

Cruise guests on any ship should always be grateful that emergency personnel are ready and able to respond in all types of situations should an evacuation be necessary.

Cruise Guests Attempt to Illegally Import Thousands of Cigarettes

Skyler Wolpert
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Cruise Guests Attempt to Illegally Import Thousands of Cigarettes

If you think you are smart enough to successfully commit a crime while cruising without getting caught, think again.

This was the case for two female passengers who, on April 17, 2025, disembarked a cruise carrying illegally imported cigarettes.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at California’s Long Beach Cruise Port discovered 749 cartons of cigarettes hidden within 10 pieces of luggage.

The duo had been on a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, and willingly went through CBP inspection – which is where the contraband was identified.

Per the CPB website, vacationers can only bring 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars back into the US after traveling abroad – so these cruise guests far exceeded the limit.

Larger quantities of cigarettes are not considered for personal use, but rather for commercial use, and requires a special importer permit from the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

Even though the passengers had the corresponding purchase receipts available, they were unable to produce the required permits to import the large quantity of tobacco products to the United States.

Additionally, tobacco product labels must all fall under the approved FDA standards, including warning and accurate product descriptions – and it’s unclear if these met this requirement or not.

Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, said, “The importation of tobacco products is highly regulated from both tax and consumer safety perspectives.”

“Travelers who intentionally disregard U.S. importation laws and regulations often pay a high price,” Davies added, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Between the ten pieces of luggage, authorities discovered 43 cartons of Marlboro Silvers, 58 cartons of Newport regulars, 112 cartons of Marlboro Red, 210 cartons of Marlboro Gold, and 326 cartons of Newport 100s cigarettes.

The amount of individual cigarettes was estimated to be about 150,000, with the average cost of a single one being $0.40 in the United States.

At the low end, it was estimated that each of the cartons would sell for about $80 in California — meaning the total value of all of the cigarettes was just shy of $59,920.

Every single one of the 749 cartons was immediately seized, and under the supervision of the CBP, will be destroyed.

The Crime and the Consequences

CBP has thus far kept the identity of the offending cruisers confidential, and did not say if any additional consequences were levied for their actions. In addition to seizing the cigarettes, the passengers could also be subjected to fines, or even jail time.

Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, spoke about how these types of schemes are usually meant to rake in a big profit without paying taxes. But in doing so, innocent consumers are put at risk.

“Selling illegally imported cigarettes could yield high profits for underground vendors due to the low cost of cigarettes when purchased overseas and the evasion of taxes owed upon import,” Bell added.

However, the guests did consent to being searched during the disembarkation process, so there’s a chance they may have received leniency in exchange for their cooperation.

CBP Confiscate Cigarettes from Cruise Passengers at Long Beach
CBP Confiscate Cigarettes from Cruise Passengers at Long Beach (Credit: CBP)

According to cruise tracking data, the only cruise ship in Long Beach on the day of the seizure was the 4,126-guest Carnival Firenze – which had just returned from a 5-night sailing to Mexico. However, this has not been confirmed.

Since guests have to go through security screenings before re-boarding while in port, it’s also interesting that the ship security team did not flag the large amount of cigarettes the duo was bringing onboard – unless perhaps the women were bringing the items on in smaller waves throughout the day.

Smoking is allowed onboard Carnival’s fleet in designated locations, so smaller amounts of cigarettes likely wouldn’t ring too many alarm bells.

There’s also a possibility that the guests were buying the cigarettes onboard in increments throughout their sailing, and therefore wouldn’t have had to go through security with them.

But normally, the crew members selling the cartons would be advising guests on the allowance upon returning to the US. Some cruise lines also impose limits on how many cartons can be sold onboard in a single transaction.

Read Also: Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship – What to Know

That being said, Carnival can still issue a lifetime ban for the two cruisers in light of this information – even though they were technically caught in the cruise terminal after their voyage had ended.

Just last month, a fight broke out in the luggage hall of the Galveston Cruise Port in Texas during disembarkation. All 24 of the Carnival passengers involved were immediately placed on the Do Not Sail list for their actions.

Take this as a warning — people who work at cruise ports have seen it all and will find it all. If you are thinking about doing something illegal, do not do it or be ready to pay the price.

Royal Caribbean Reveals Perfect Day Mexico With Record Breaking Thrills

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Reveals Perfect Day Mexico With Record Breaking Thrills

Guests eager for a new and exciting port destination to visit in Mexico now have some fantastic fun to look forward to, as Royal Caribbean has revealed the first concepts for Perfect Day Mexico, slated to open in fall 2027. The cruise line also revealed Lelepa in Vanuatu and the Cozumel Beach Club.

First, let’s get started with Perfect Day Mexico! Never-before-seen features will be the highlights of the new destination near Costa Maya, creating a one-of-a-kind experience with something for all ages.

And you thought Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas was outstanding? Just wait until you see what the cruise line has in store for its new Mexican headliner destination.

“Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”

View of Perfect Day Mexico
View of Perfect Day Mexico

The new destination covers more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, divided into seven themed neighborhoods with something for everyone.

Up first is Fiesta Plaza, the colorful and energetic arrival area right in the heart of the action to welcome guests to Perfect Day Mexico. The world’s largest sombrero will crown the Tipsy Sombrero Bar, where guests can indulge margaritas, cervezas, and other tropical drinks.

Anyone who has visited Perfect Day at CocoCay is familiar with the Thrill Waterpark. At Perfect Day Mexico, the Loco Waterpark will feature more than 30 waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslides anywhere in North and South America.

Perfect Day Mexico, Loco Waterpark and Jaguar’s Peak
Perfect Day Mexico, Loco Waterpark and Jaguar’s Peak

The most visually startling is the 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak that includes two dueling slides. Other slides in the park will include the longest coaster waterslide in the world, the tallest family raft slide, hydrolaunch slides, and the world’s first sombrero slide, plus other smaller slides (but with equally impressive thrills).

For guests who want a bit of a slower pace, Splash Cove will feature the longest lazy river in the world – up to an hour to float along! – with an optional crazy side more daring visitors can tackle with rapids, spins, and other surprises.

Along the way, three swim-up-bars provide refreshment stops, while splash zones give guests not on the river the chance to make extra thrills along the route.

Costa Beach Club on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico
Costa Beach Club on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico

For the youngest visitors, the Splashaway Bay water play complex will be the largest such feature Royal Caribbean has ever built, with ample seating for parents and nearby cabanas available as well.

There will be no lack of any sort of water fun with the more than 10 pools at the destination, including a massive 100,000-square-foot pool. Together, all the pools span the area of more than four football fields!

Several exclusive areas will be spread throughout Perfect Day Mexico, including the adults-only El Hideaway with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar, live music, and in-pool DJ. For the ultimate party atmosphere, guests will want to consider the Ultimate Party Cabana that can host up to 20 guests!

El Hideaway is the signature adults-only neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico
El Hideaway is the signature adults-only neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico

The Costa Beach Club will provide an even more elevated experience with a heated infinity pool and white sand beaches for the very best of relaxation and private vibes. Private cabanas will also be available for rent with dedicated service and their own pool to ensure quiet, exclusive relaxation.

Almost two miles of white sand beaches will be featured at Chill Beach, with loungers, umbrellas, and towels for use so guests can relax the day away for the perfect beach getaway.

Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

Throughout Perfect Day Mexico, regionally-inspired dining includes everything from casual eateries to sit down restaurants, most of which will be complimentary for guests. A total of 24 bars are spaced throughout the destination as well, ensuring that no one is far from a cool sip of their favorite drink.

“At Royal Caribbean, our ambition is bigger than ever, and so is our lineup of amazing experiences we are designing, all centered on our guests,” said Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer for Royal Caribbean.

“Vacationers trust us to help them make every moment a memory, which is why we are changing the game with unforgettable experiences at Perfect Day Mexico and beyond.”

What Is Beyond Perfect Day Mexico?

Royal Caribbean's Cozumel Beach Club
Royal Caribbean’s Cozumel Beach Club

It isn’t just cruises to Mexico that are getting the Royal (Caribbean) treatment. Two new Royal Beach Club destinations are also in development.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be the first of its kind in the Bahamas, situated conveniently near to the Nassau cruise terminal. Slated to open in December 2025, the destination will offer the world’s largest swim-up bar, the Floating Flamingo, as well as locally-inspired eateries, Bahamian art, and live music.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel is also in development and scheduled to open in 2026. Outstanding beaches, a locally-inspired street market, fresh dining, and more will be part of that new option for cruise travelers.

Royal Caribbean's Lelepa
Royal Caribbean’s Lelepa

To go even further afield, Royal Caribbean is developing Lelepa in the South Pacific, a Vanuatuan island east of Australia. This will be the first-ever exclusive, private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere and is sure to feature local flair and inspiration for guests to explore.

While exact itineraries and sailings for each destination have not yet been confirmed, stay tuned to Cruise Hive for more details as they are released, and get ready to book your perfect Royal Caribbean cruise vacation!

Carnival Cruise Line Wants to Help – Does Bed Direction Matter?

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Wants to Help – Does Bed Direction Matter?

A good night’s sleep is important on a cruise, or else you might not have the energy to enjoy everything the ship or the port destinations have to offer.

Bed size (king or twin?), mattress comfort (firm or soft?), cabin temperature (warm or cool?), and other factors can make a difference to just how good any guest sleeps. But what about the actual orientation of the bed?

One prospective guest has messaged John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, to see if is possible to learn which way a bed faces in order to ensure comfort and less seasickness.

“My life partner and I are no strangers to cruising. We are both at the top loyalty level with [another cruise line]. We want to be on the Carnival Venezia,” the guest explained. “I was told by our travel agent that they could not guarantee that our balcony cabin will have the bed facing in the same direction the ship will be moving.”

The guest notes that they are hoping to book the ship’s October 6, 2025 departure, a 12-night Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York with visits to the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola.

With six days at sea and of course every night spent sailing, good sleep and comfort is certainly important.

“You need to understand that [bed orientation] can make a difference for someone that can get seasick. We want our cabin to have our bed by the balcony and so we can sleep while going the same way as the Venezia,” the guest said. “Can you guarantee this before we book the room?”

While it is possible that the bed’s orientation could have a small impact on seasickness, it is important to note that how a ship might roll or pitch on any individual voyage can vary tremendously.

The ship’s speed, any prevailing winds that push the vessel, wave action, regional storms, and other factors all contribute to how much motion might be felt.

Furthermore, exactly where a stateroom is located – on a top deck or lower down, toward the ends of the ship or in the center – also determines how much motion a guest feels.

Plus, the guest’s question is somewhat unclear. They want to “sleep while going the same way as the Venezia” – but what does this mean? Should their head be facing the direction of motion, or their feet?

Ultimately, however, the answer is the same. It isn’t possible to “guarantee” how a bed is oriented before booking a cabin (or even afterward for that matter).

“I do understand. I have to say though that having been working at sea for so many years I don’t think I have ever [felt] the direction of travel on a cruise ship,” Heald responded.

“And it is hard, I think, to guarantee this as the construction of the ship means that cabin configurations are going to different from cabin to cabin and from deck to deck.”

Carnival Cruise Cabin
Carnival Cruise Cabin (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

In some staterooms, the bed might be next to a window or balcony doors, while in others, the bed is closer to the bathroom. The bed might be oriented with the head toward the ship’s bow, or toward the aft, or even situated cross-wise in the room depending on the type of stateroom (this is more common with interior cabins).

Heald does suggest the guest have their travel agent contact him about the exact stateroom numbers they may be considering. He will try to find out how the bed is oriented, but he can’t guarantee it.

What If the Bed Points the Wrong Way?

Guests who might be sensitive to which way their bed is oriented in comparison with the ship’s motion do have some options.

First, if it’s a simple head-to-foot switch, it’s easy enough to change how the bedding is tucked in for an instant 180-degree move. This might not be ideal with respect to watching television or using the bedside tables, but it’s a fast and effective solution.

Read Also: How to Sleep Well During Your Cruise

If the bed is oriented perpendicular to the length of the ship, it might be possible to ask the stateroom attendant if it can be moved 90 degrees. Depending on the overall dimensions of the room and how furnishings may be affixed to the walls or the floor, this could be possible.

If seasickness is a concern, medications such as bonine or dramamine can be effective no matter which way the bed is facing, and guests can take other steps to ease discomfort as well.

Trying other tactics to get a good night’s sleep, such as stretching, blocking unnecessary light, keeping the room cool, or using a small travel fan can also help guests enjoy a restful night, regardless of where the bed is pointing.

Cruise Passengers Unprepared for New UK Visa Rule on Carnival Miracle

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Passengers Unprepared for New UK Visa Rule on Carnival Miracle

Every cruise passenger knows how essential it is to have the proper documentation and paperwork for setting sail.

While this could be as simple as a driver’s license and birth certificate for a cruise from a US homeport, sailing in Europe has more paperwork challenges guests need to be aware of or they risk being denied embarkation.

Cruise lines take extra steps to notify, alert, and inform guests about documentation requirements. It never fails, however, that some travelers don’t pay attention and are frustrated at the inevitable consequences.

Such paperwork snarls have occurred this week for guests hoping to board the newly refreshed Carnival Miracle in Lisbon, Portugal for the ship’s move to Dover, UK as she begins her European summer season.

Because of documentation changes in recent months for entry into the United Kingdom, all guests are required to have an electronic travel authorization (ETA) visa. Despite multiple notifications from Carnival Cruise Line, however, many guests failed to get that visa.

“We had a lot of people who arrived at embarkation of the Carnival Miracle for their cruise from Portugal to Dover, UK without the correct visa,” John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, noted. “There were some guests who took responsibility for this and some who did not and of course blamed Carnival.”

Heald notes that details about required paperwork, including the ETA, are clearly listed on the cruise line’s website. Furthermore, all booked guests were emailed reminders about the requirement prior to sailing.

“Despite there being advice clearly on our website and this is despite emails being sent from our Chief Communications Officer Chris and his team reminding guests about the visa … it was still our fault,” he said.

Because this was Carnival Miracle‘s first post-dry dock sailing, Carnival Cruise Line executives were on hand to welcome guests and extend good wishes for the sailing.

Instead of a happy beginning to the cruise, however, they were treated to juvenile and irresponsible behavior.

“As told to me by Carnival beards who were there for this first cruise [guests] shouted, screamed, and threw all their toys out of their stroller at the embarkation staff and the team behind the guest services desk,” Heald described.

This type of behavior is never acceptable, particularly when directed at crew members who do not have any control over the situation.

Heald does invite any guests to express their frustrations to him, but not to take those feelings out on the crew.

“If you want to shout at someone shout at me please, use CAPS if you want and I will as always be here to listen and to help. However shouting and screaming at the staff and crew is really uncalled for,” he said.

What Paperwork Is Now Required?

The new visa requirement for cruising to the UK went into effect from January 8, 2025. This means that all cruisers, except those who have passports from the UK or Ireland, must obtain the visa before setting sail.

Because it can take up to three days for the visa to be approved, guests who fail to get the paperwork sorted in advance risk not being permitted to board Carnival Miracle on her British Isles, northern Europe, Scandinavia, or Iceland itineraries through mid-August.

Read Also: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise? – Full Guide

To be clear, the visa requirements apply to cruise guests of all ages, including toddlers and infants.

Carnival Cruise Ship Docked in Dover, UK
Carnival Cruise Ship Docked in Dover, UK (Credit: Port of Dover)

The requirement also applies to flying into the UK and so may also impact guests planning to arrive several days before embarkation to explore before their sailing.

Heald also noted that guests booked on Carnival Legend in 2026 will require a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa.

While this does not apply for 2025, it is important for travelers to be aware of the upcoming requirement, including for Carnival Legend‘s May 24, 2026 14-night transatlantic cruise from Miami to Dover.

“Seeing Europe, the UK and all of these incredible places is something everyone should consider,” Heald said. “I might just see you there – don’t forget your visa.”

Cruise guests are always responsible for obtaining the correct documentation for their travels. This can vary from country to country, and requirements may be changed or updated between when a guest books their cruise and they actually set sail.

If guests fail to arrive at the cruise terminal with the correct paperwork, they may be denied embarkation and there is no compensation or refund provided.

Navigator of the Seas Will Homeport in Singapore for the First Time

Donna Tunney
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Navigator of the Seas Will Homeport in Singapore for the First Time

For the first time, Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will spend a winter season based at the Port of Singapore, sailing weekend getaway cruises and longer voyages from October 2026 to February 2027.

The Voyager-class ship accommodates 3,400 guests in double occupancy, and its deployment to the Far East port reflects a shift for the cruise line to a lower capacity ship than in previous years.

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas just completed the 2024-25 winter season from Singapore and Ovation of the Seas will deploy to the port for the 2025-26 season — both ships have capacity for 4,100 guests.

In fact, the cruise line’s guest capacity at Singapore has been drawing down since Quantum of the Seas, accommodating up to 4,900, was deployed there in 2022.

Like other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet that homeported in Singapore, Navigator of the Seas will cater largely to the Asia market. As the lion’s share of sailings will be 3- and 4-night cruises, it’s unlikely that North Americans will be among the ship’s guests from Singapore.

Three-night cruises will feature one port call, to Penang, Malaysia, while 4-night itineraries will call at Penang and Phuket, Thailand. Five-night sailings add a visit to Langkawi, Malaysia.

Longer, 10-night voyages visit Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand, and Langkawi. The ship will overnight in Bangkok.

“With Navigator of the Seas, we are bringing an adventure-packed holiday experience tailored to Asian travelers, especially families and large groups,” said Chad Grospe, vice president and managing director, APAC, Royal Caribbean International. 

“From thrilling activities to world-class entertainment and dining, there’s something for everyone from every generation to enjoy together,” added Grospe.

Longer Voyages Feature Overnight Stay in Bangkok

The destinations on Navigator of the Seas’ itineraries from Singapore are sure to appeal to cruisers of all ages. 

Langkawi is known for its beaches and rainforests, Penang for its colonial architecture and street food culture, and Phuket for its stunning coastline and vibrant nightlife. 

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks – Is It Worth Upgrading?

The overnight port call at Bangkok will provide plenty of time for guests to explore the city’s famous Grand Palace and its Buddhist temples, including Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez)

Onboard Navigator of the Seas, guests can indulge in 11 dining venues, including the specialty venues Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, Izumi, Chef’s Table, Hooked Seafood, and Johnny Rockets Express.

More than a dozen bars and lounges will tempt guests to try out their favorite exotic drinks at such venues as Schooner Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, The Lime and Coconut, Viking Crown Lounge, Diamond Club, English Pub, Suite Lounge, Solarium Bar, and The Bamboo Room.

Adventure seekers can experience the “Perfect Storm Waterslides” — Blaster and Riptide, while entertainment venues will offer original stage productions and ice skating performances.

Other fun activities on the ship include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, the Royal Escape Room, and a glow-in-the-dark laser tag game.

Navigator of the Seas is currently homeported at Los Angeles and sailing 4- to 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises. The ship is scheduled to remain at the West Coast port through September 2026, when she will reposition to Singapore.

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