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Outbreak Hits Guests and Crew on Cunard’s Iconic Ocean Liner

Cunard News

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Apr 4, 2025

Outbreak Hits Guests and Crew on Cunard’s Iconic Ocean Liner

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released details about the recent outbreak on Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2.

The ship is currently wrapping up a round-trip trans-Atlantic cruise out of Southampton, England.

This voyage departed on March 8, 2025, making nine stops in eight countries, including the United States, St Maarten, St Kitts, and the British Virgin Islands.

Unfortunately, just 10 days into the 29-night cruise, both guests and crew reported having symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness. The outbreak was reported to the CDC on March 18, 2025.

Having departed from New York on March 15, the ship was on its way to Philipsburg in St Maarten when the outbreak occurred.

Reported symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting, and in response, stool specimens were collected for testing. Additionally, all of those with symptoms were isolated and sanitation efforts were increased by the crew.

The CDC has confirmed that the gastrointestinal illness was Norovirus, which affected 224 passengers (8.8%) and 17 (1.4%) crew. These numbers reflect all confirmed cases throughout the duration of the cruise.

This vessel has a 2,695 guest capacity and a 1,253 crew capacity, but on this nearly month-long cruise, only 2,538 passengers and 1,232 crew were present.

It is a CDC requirement that any and all vessels operating in the United States have to report outbreaks when reported cases involve more than 3% of the crew or passengers onboard. Even if ship departs from another country, if it stops in the US this is a requirement.

The 149,215 gross ton Queen Mary 2 had just made a stop in the US before the outbreak began, so Carnival-owned Cunard quickly submitted the report after learning about the situation.

As an extra measure, during outbreaks like this cruise lines correspond directly with the VSP so they can ensure sanitation and cleaning procedures are adequate to help prevent the illness from being spread.

The ship arrived in St Maarten on March 19, which is when the crew informed all passengers that the vessel would be receiving a deep cleaning while at the next port of call.

When stopping in Barbados on March 22, Queen Mary 2 underwent intensive sanitation from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. while most passengers were off exploring the tropical destination.

Queen Mary 2 Ocean Liner (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

This effort was so extensive that it was suggested any guests who would be onboard during this time should consider vacating their cabins if possible.

In a letter from the cruise line, they detailed, “If you are unable to leave the ship, please vacate your stateroom when requested and make yourself comfortable in one of the available areas such as Golden Lion Pub, Sir Samuel’s and Pavilion Pool.”

They also informed guests that if they were isolated due to the outbreak, they should stay in their cabins. Passengers will disembark from Queen Mary 2 this weekend, thus ending yet another cruise affected by Norovirus.

Is 2025 the Year of Getting Sick on Cruises?

While it is quite rare to get something as serious as Norovirus on a cruise ship, the cruising industry in 2025 is not off to the best start.

In 2024, the CDC reported a total of 16 gastrointestinal outbreaks — tying with 2012 for the most to happen in a single year. So far, there have been 10 outbreaks just four months into 2025.

In January, affected ships included Holland America Line’s Volendam, Viking Ocean Cruise’s Viking Mars, and Princess Cruise’s Coral Princess.

Then in February, it was Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam and Eurodam, and yet again Princess Cruise’s Coral Princess.

Finally, in March 2025, there was one more on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, a new one being reported on Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Encore, and of course, the one on Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2.

While it is the first this year, this recent outbreak on Queen Mary 2 comes just shortly after the ship had two outbreaks in a single month.

In December 2024, the ship saw two back-to-back voyages with Norovirus — and hopefully, this third one is its last for a while.

With peak outbreak times for this particular virus tending to be between October and April, there is a good chance we will see fewer of these occurrences heading into the summer.

CEO Charged After Barefoot Dance Floor Confrontation on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 4, 2025

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CEO Charged After Barefoot Dance Floor Confrontation on Virgin Voyages

A vacation on the high seas turned confrontational when a passenger was arrested for allegedly choking another passenger aboard an adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise during a recent Caribbean cruise.

The incident, which occurred in international waters on March 31, 2025, has now led to federal assault charges with authorities and the accused preparing for a courtroom showdown.

The incident took place in the early morning hours in the cruise line’s Resilient Lady’s 360-degree “On the Rocks” bar, the vessel’s largest bar located below The Roundabout. The bar features a small stage for live performances and a dance floor.

Reports say a dispute escalated when Kenneth DeGiorgio, the 53-year-old CEO of First American Financial, a Southern California mortgage lending company, attacked another passenger, identified only by the initials M.A.

The altercation apparently began over a request by DeGiorgio to M.A. to wear shoes on the dance floor, leading to threats and a physical confrontation.

According to the criminal complaint filed, DeGiorgio grabbed M.A. by the neck and threatened his life, which was captured on the ship’s security cameras.

The altercation took place 70 nautical miles off the coast of Martinique’s Ford-De-France during a 10-night “Puerto Rican Daze & Caribbean Nights” cruise, which had departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 22, 2025.

DeGiorgio was confined in his RockStar Suite by order of Resilient Lady’s Captain Hannu Haaponiemi until he could be arrested by FBI agents when the vessel returned to its homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on April 1, 2025.

The suites are Virgin Voyages’ most luxurious accommodations and include a 24/7 RockStar agent and a fully stocked in-room bar.

Dance Floor Confrontation

According to an affidavit filed in Puerto Rico, FBI Special Agent William P. Waters of the San Juan Division said surveillance footage from the 110,000-gross-ton Resilient Lady shows M.A. dancing and at one point raising his middle finger to DeGiorgio’s wife, identified as Nichol DeGiorgio.

DeGiorgio is then seen walking up to M.A. and placing his hands around his neck, causing M.A. to stumble.

In interviews conducted by the FBI, Nichol DeGiorgio said M.A. was dancing barefoot and said, “Look, we are all grown-ups here, can you put your shoes on?”

She says he responded with vulgarities, which caused her husband’s reaction. She also said she should not have told the man to put shoes on and admitted he had not touched her.

On the Rocks bar on Virgin Voyages (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

A bartender at the ship’s bar contacted security, and DeGiorgio was contained.

The incident took place after the journey’s final call in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The roundtrip sailing from San Juan had previously visited the British Virgin Islands, Antigua, St. Kitts, Martinique, St. Lucia, and Barbados.

During DeGiorgio’s in-room confinement, Resilient Lady spent the day at sea, and he was arrested upon arrival in the early morning hours of April 1, 2025.

No other passengers on the 2,700-guest ship were involved in the altercation.

Agent Waters says DeGiorgio violated 18 U.S.C. 113(a)(4) Assault within the Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States, which is an assault under federal jurisdiction.

DeGiorgio requested an attorney during his arrest and did not answer any questions, according to the affidavit.

Considered a misdemeanor, the violation comes with a maximum imprisonment of one year.

Record Ship Calls and Embarkations Seen at Ports Across UK

Port News

Donna Tunney

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Apr 4, 2025

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Record Ship Calls and Embarkations Seen at Ports Across UK

Cruise ports across Great Britain marked some key milestones in 2024 when they welcomed a record 2,500-plus cruise ship calls and embarked a record 1.6 million passengers.

New data from Cruise Britain shows year-over-year growth, from 2023 to 2024, reached an enviable 9.9%. The boost in ship calls delivered 2 million-plus guests to Britain’s ports and surrounding destinations and attractions, and that translated into an economic boon.

According to the findings, each transit guest injects an average of £80 ($103 USD) into local coffers, meaning that the total transit arrival number accounts for a £170 million ($220 million USD) infusion of spending into local and regional economies through shore tours, shopping, and other services cruisers spend money on during port calls.

Most of the transit arrivals — more than 75%, were foreign visitors, with the lion’s share hailing from the US and Germany.

The numbers bode well for the future of cruise tourism in the UK, and some ports are taking more steps to attract additional business. Among them is the Port of Dover, which recently completed upgrades that will enable larger cruise ships to call at the southeast England destination.

Worth Reading: Southampton Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around and More

Cruise Britain represents ports in England, Scotland, and Wales, and in April 2024, signed a memorandum of understanding with Cruise Ireland that created a partnership between the two groups.

“Britain and Ireland cruise popularity goes from strength-to-strength with the diverse multi-country story of discovery really resonating with visitors, whether they be international guests, as the vast majority are, or UK residents exploring their own country,” said Ian McQuade, chairman of Cruise Britain.

“Looking ahead, we expect that the current season will continue to build on the strong 2024 figures,’’ added McQuade.

All told in 2024, 57 cruise ports received visits from 134 cruise ships representing virtually all of the major global cruise lines, from mega-ships to small, luxury vessels.

The UK’s largest port, Southampton, is expecting record numbers of cruise arrivals in 2025. It will follow a record 2024, when more than 3 million passengers transited the port either as port call visitors or guests embarking or disembarking a ship.

The port has experienced a busy first quarter of 2025, and had the honor of welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, during one of her inaugural sailings in late March.

Port of Dover Looks to Attract Larger Cruise Ships

Among the initiatives to bolster the growth of Britain’s cruise industry is the Port of Dover’s newly completed project to improve the moorings on its two cruise berths, enabling larger ships to call at the southeast England destination.

The £6 million ($7.7 million USD) moorings upgrade allows ships up to 350 meters, or 1,148 feet, in length to dock in Dover.

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

That length still excludes the industry’s largest ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (1,196 feet) and Oasis of the Seas (1,186 feet), for example, but does enable most mega-ships to call.

Ships such as Norwegian Aqua, at 1,056 feet, will be able to dock, along with other notable ships like Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Sun Princess, at 1,134 feet, and Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2, at 1,132 feet.

The April 4, 2025 announcement that the mooring project is completed solidifies Dover’s ambitions to be a leader in the UK’s cruise sector.

“We are delighted to share this exciting news with the industry, which demonstrates our long-term commitment to be one of the UK’s leading cruise destinations. My thanks go to our engineering and operations teams for delivering this key project,” said Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover.

Twenty-plus cruise lines typically call each year at the port, which had a robust 2024. The facility also operates growing cargo and marina businesses.

Carnival Cruise Line Shuts Down Reserved Seating Idea for Shows

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 4, 2025

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Carnival Cruise Line Shuts Down Reserved Seating Idea for Shows

With cruise ships getting larger and larger, the struggle to get the best seats for extravagant production shows can be fierce. Carnival Cruise Line, however, is unlikely to implement any type of reservation-based system to ensure seating at different performances.

The discussion began when an irritated guest contacted John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, about their experiences on a competing cruise line (shall we say, Competitor of the Seas?).

“Why is it that Carnival does not require any reservations for shows or comedy like what you need on other cruise lines who charge money to watch shows but give first choice to their elite members?” the guest asked.

“This is what Carnival should be doing for the big shows and comedy shows, but … you are not, why?”

Okay, that’s a fair question. Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ships, for example – the Excel-class Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee – each have a guest capacity of approximately 5,300 at double occupancy, or more than 6,600 if fully booked with all third, fourth, and fifth berths filled.

The main theater capacity of these ships, however, is just about 1,100 – only about 20% of the guests onboard.

Granted, many guests may not care to see different production shows, especially if they are frequent cruisers who may have already seen the same stage shows multiple times.

Worth Reading: Disney Cruise Guest Frustrated by Talking During Theater Shows

It is exactly the most frequent cruisers, however, that the original poster thinks should have the most access to theater seating.

“It is not fair that platinum people cannot get guaranteed seating for shows,” they concluded.

Heald did respond to the guest’s concerns, first noting what Carnival Cruise Line has done to give more travelers the opportunity to see any show they wish.

“I do understand that on some ships the shows do get very full which is why we have increased the number of performances,” he began.

He went on, however, to open a discussion on reserved seating, tickets, and even charging for shows.

“However, tickets may be something that would help?” he questioned. “It is very challenging to operate this and manage this. We tried this back on the Carnival Dream when the ship first started sailing. The main problem was that people would line up for tickets and then not show up.”

Carnival Dream entered service in September 2009. At that time, technology wasn’t nearly as ubiquitous in our lives, and there weren’t as many potential solutions to different organizational problems.

Heald notes that the Carnival Hub app might be able to be used for seating reservations, but for the moment, it does not have that functionality.

Meanwhile, the idea of “guaranteed seating” for “platinum people” rubs this “platinum person” the wrong way. Yes, I have been fortunate to cruise frequently, but no, I do not deserve extra privileges for doing so.

Guest Responses Support Current Policies

Responses from hundreds of other loyal Carnival guests agree that the current first-come, first-served policies for show seating are vastly preferred.

While it is true that the best seats may fill up quickly, the “best” view can vary from traveler to traveler. For example, I prefer seats in the upper deck where I may be further from the energy, but also have a better chance for an unobstructed view (I’m a bit on the shorter side, even in heels).

Experienced travelers note that showtimes are advertised well in advance, and arriving 30-45 minutes before a show can virtually guarantee guests any seat they might like.

Many guests also note that choosing a show reservation time can be a bother, especially if they may not be sure what other activities could be happening each evening or when they may be finished with dinner.

“I don’t know if I want to go to comedy on Tuesday at 8 p.m. two months from now on vacation. HUGE turn off for me,” one guest explained.

The flexibility to come and go can make cruising much more relaxing, and of course, plans do often change at the last minute, making any possible reservation system even more complicated.

What about charging for tickets or reserved seats? Carnival Cruise Line has no intention of doing so outside of the soon-to-be-expanded Carnival LIVE! entertainment series, which are add-on concerts and performances by top artists available only on select sailings.

The Surprising Cruise Length Carnival Guests Don’t Like

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 4, 2025

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The Surprising Cruise Length Carnival Guests Don’t Like

Carnival Cruise Line offers sailings of all lengths, from classic short 3-4 night getaways to iconic weeklong 7-night cruises to Carnival Journeys of 9+ nights. But which cruise length is the most popular?

Of course, with bookings at incredible highs and nearly every ship sailing fully booked, all cruise lengths are popular. But some surprising insight has come to light about what sailing length Carnival’s biggest fans prefer – or not.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, regularly responds to questions, comments, and – no matter how crazy – complaints about a wide range of issues. One that has come up recently is cruise length.

While he does not address an individual comment directly, he did post a poll on Thursday, April 3, 2025 that included an either/or selection on cruise lengths. These poll questions are based on things he has been asked throughout the day, so it is clear that at least some inquiring cruisers are interested.

“Can you explain why there are so few three day cruises? These used to be a great way for us to take short breaks over the weekend with family,” one guest asked. “Please bring back more three day cruises.”

Surprisingly, just two percent of the more than 53,000 votes, or roughly 1,100 voters, agree with the idea that the cruise line should be offering more short sailings.

The other option stated that “Three-day cruises are too short for me,” and garnered an amazing 29 percent of votes – more than 15,400 responses.

In addition to voting, different guests posted their thoughts on shorter sailings with a variety of reasons why these brief sailings may not be as appealing.

Many guests note that they don’t live close to a popular homeport and the hassle (and expense!) of travel means they get more bang for their vacation buck on longer sailings.

“For me, a 3-day cruise is a waste of time. It costs me almost as much to get to the port as it does to cruise,” one guest explained.

Carnival Paradise Docked in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: denbaim)

Other guests feel that a shorter cruise just doesn’t give them enough time to unwind in vacation mode, especially with how stressful travel to and from a cruise homeport can be.

The reputation that shorter Carnival cruises have gotten as “booze cruises” has also soured some travelers who, while they love the fun of a Fun Ship cruise, don’t want to be in quite that raucous of an atmosphere.

Personally, I do live less than an hour from Port Canaveral, and even I don’t always care for very short weekend sailings because of that frenzied party vibe. I do, however, completely agree with one guest.

“Three day cruises may be too short sometimes, but at other times they are a good ‘quick fix’ when needed!” they quipped.

Are Longer Cruises Always Preferable?

Not all travelers can enjoy longer sailings, however.

Parents with children in school note that a 7-night cruise isn’t always the best option if they do need to travel to and from the embarkation port.

This could mean needing to take their children out of school for longer due to flights and the possibility of delays, which can have negative impact on their schoolwork, testing, and extra-curricular schedules.

Even longer sailings can also be more expensive for travelers, and while Carnival Journeys longer cruises can be amazing immersive experiences, they aren’t as frequently available for scheduling flexibility.

Some guests also note that Carnival Journeys sailings aren’t typically offered in the summer when families have more time off school to schedule a longer cruise.

What is your preferred cruise length? Share your best sailing times and options on the Cruise Hive boards!

Royal Caribbean Ship Forced to Skip Port Due to High Winds

Royal Caribbean News

Skyler Wolpert

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Apr 4, 2025

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Royal Caribbean Ship Forced to Skip Port Due to High Winds

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise may have been excited to visit Costa Maya, Mexico, but their visit was cut short due to weather conditions.

The 6,780 passenger Harmony of the Seas was supposed to arrive at this popular tropical destination on April 3, 2025, but instead is having an unplanned day at sea.

When the vessel was only 300 feet off the coast, guests were notified that the ship would be unable to dock and would be heading back out to sea.

Several passengers shared posts online about the port cancellation, one of which included a photo that showed winds being measured at 43 knots.

While the ship’s equipment was reporting gale-force winds, weather reports indicate that the wind speed during the docking attempt should have been around 13 knots.

Still, this would be more than enough to warrant canceling an attempt to get the 226,960 gross-ton vessel to the pier safely.

Ships have tried and failed to dock in Costa Maya while the wind was being measured at just 10 knots — so rather than risk it, the crew decided to head to safer waters.

Another guest shared a video showing just how close Harmony of the Seas came to docking, as it was extremely close to reaching the long pier.

However, this video also showed just how choppy the ocean was as the conditions were not safe for the ship to attempt docking.

This passenger also shared that the cruise line would be refunding them for their port fees, but some cruisers commented that the process can sometimes take months.

“Costa MAYBE strikes again,” one person commented, pointing out that the popular cruising destination has this nickname for a reason.

This region of Mexico frequently experiences high winds which have caused many cruise ships to cancel — so cruisers know this is not always a guaranteed stop.

This ship departed on a round-trip itinerary out of Galveston, Texas on March 30, 2025 — so far just making one stop in Roatan, Honduras.

Now on their unexpected day at sea, Harmony of the Seas is heading towards Cozumel, Mexico, where it will arrive on April 4, 2025, before heading back to Galveston where it will disembark on April 6.

The only other cruise ship that was supposed to be in Costa Maya that day was MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore — though based on its current location on radar, it likely also skipped the port.

While guests on the ship may be disappointed that the wind caused this port cancellation, when it comes to windy weather it is always better to be safe than sorry!

The Wind Always Wins

Costa Maya has become one of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean — but Royal Caribbean is no stranger to itinerary changes due to the weather at this tropical destination.

Wonder of the Seas was forced to skip docking at this port in October of 2024 due to Hurricane Milton, while Harmony of the Seas was also forced to move up its visit to this port during the same week to make sure it avoided being in the path of the storm.

Just one month before that in September, Serenade of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas both had to cancel their visits to Costa Maya, instead visiting the Bahamas due to Hurricane Helene.

Despite the weather causing the occasional cancellation, Royal Caribbean recently announced a $600 million deal with plans to transform Costa Maya into Perfect Day Mexico.

The project is expected to be completed by 2027 and will feature a waterpark, pools, and private beach access.

If you are concerned about missing a stop in Costa Maya, the best thing to do is to book a cruise outside of hurricane season.

Thankfully, port cancellations this early in the year are uncommon as the weather tends to be more tame.

Be flexible with the experience and enjoy whatever your cruise has to offer!

No Production Shows for Norwegian Gem Due to Charter Sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 3, 2025

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No Production Shows for Norwegian Gem Due to Charter Sailings

Guests looking forward to their upcoming sailing on Norwegian Gem will not have the same entertainment options to enjoy that they might have anticipated.

The cruise line reached out to booked guests recently to alert them to the change, and the unique reason why.

“We want to keep you in the loop about a small adjustment to our entertainment lineup because sometimes, timing just doesn’t let all the stars align!” the email read.

The “stars” could be referring to the stars of the ship’s high energy production shows, who won’t actually be able to perform because of scheduling alignment.

“As part of our diverse cruise offerings, Norwegian Gem occasionally hosts charter sailings, and your cruise follows directly after one of these special events,” the notification explained.

“As a result, our spectacular cast from our larger production shows will not be onboard, meaning these performances won’t be available during your sailing.”

Norwegian Gem actually has several charter sailings booked back-to-back in the next few weeks.

The “Cruise to the Edge” progressive rock sailing (April 4-9) is followed immediately by the “Creed Summer of ’99 and Beyond Cruise” nostalgic ’90s rock cruise (April 9-15) and the “Heather McMahan Absolutely Knot Cruise” comedy sailing (April 13-17).

By offering multiple full ship charter sailings one after another, Norwegian Cruise Line can schedule training and onshore practices for the ship’s regular entertainment staff.

This may also be a time when cast members and regular entertainers are rotating to different ships, and so casts onboard may be incomplete.

Because of this, the regular production shows aren’t able to be offered on the next sailing(s). Guests aboard the April 20, 2025 departure – an 11-night Southern Caribbean itinerary – have received the notification, but other sailings may likewise be impacted, including the April 17 departure, a 3-night Bahamas cruise.

This does not mean, however, that there won’t be any entertainment at all aboard Norwegian Gem.

Instead of the typical production shows, there will be live music, multiple comedy performances, magic show, and more – including a mind-reading mentalist! (Or are they REALLY reading minds?)

Guests are urged to use the NCL App while onboard the ship or to refer to the Freestyle Daily newsletters for each day’s entertainment offerings, activities, shopping specials, and more.

Compensation Offered

Even though there will still be plenty of entertainment all around the ship, not to mention other onboard activities, Norwegian Cruise Line is still offering impacted guests some compensation for the inconvenience.

A $100 (USD) non-refundable onboard credit is being provided per stateroom, which can be used for specialty dining, spa treatments, photos, souvenirs, or just enjoying a drink.

All guests are also going to receive a 10% future cruise credit discount that can be used on any published Norwegian Cruise Line sailing through December 31, 2026.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: On The Run Photo)

This credit does not have to be used for another Norwegian Gem cruise, but instead can be applied toward any ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in any sailing region.

While these offers only apply to the April 20, 2025 departure of Norwegian Gem, it is possible the cruise line may extend similar offers at other times when the entertainment schedule is impacted.

Another group of charter sailings, for example, is coming up in May 2025 as well. This includes the “Chefs Making Waves” culinary cruise (May 5-9), the “Little Stevens Underground Garage” rock cruise (May 9-13), and the “Lindsey Stirling’s Master of Tides” music concert cruise (May 13-17).

Guests booked immediately following these charter cruises will want to stay alert to any notifications from the cruise line about whether or not their onboard entertainment may also be impacted.

Norwegian Gem is homeported from Miami, Florida through mid-August, offering short Bahamas sailings that visit Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, depending on departure date and cruise length.

Brilliant Lady Is Set to Razzle Dazzle with New Dining Experience

Virgin Voyages News

Lissa Poirot

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Apr 3, 2025

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Brilliant Lady Is Set to Razzle Dazzle with New Dining Experience

Virgin Voyages doesn’t shy away from the razzle-dazzle, and its new Brilliant Lady, debuting in September 2025, will be no exception.

The cruise line just announced a new restaurant concept that will be introduced when it brings its fourth and final 110,000-gross-ton ship to its fleet.

Following the introduction of the beloved Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, a Chinese-inspired eatery aboard the newly refreshed Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages is bringing Spain to Brilliant Lady with Rojo by Razzle Dazzle.

The new concept will feature fare designed by renowned Chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart, four-time James Beard Foundation award nominees and co-chefs at the popular Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, charcutier Morcilla.

With a passion for Spanish gastronomy, the menu will feature sharable dishes inspired by their acclaimed stateside creations, including the duos’ most-loved dishes like Oxtail Montadito. The fave combines braised oxtail with caramelized onion and mahón cheese on a crispy crostini.

Levi Mezick, director of Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Program Development, said of the new dining concept, “Spanish cuisine and the communal dining traditions complement our commitment to authentic yet innovative experiences for our Sailors.”

He added, “Virgin Voyages set out to be a disruptor from day one, and our culinary program – with Michelin-chef designed menus and boundary-pushing creativity – was always central to the mission.”

Day-to-Night Dining Across Four US Ports

While Virgin Voyages’ entire fleet of 2,700-passenger vessels closely resemble each other, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle’s culinary experience is being designed to serve as a relaxed brunch setting by day and then transform into a lively dining spectacle by night.

Daytime offerings will include Spanish-American brunch items such as jamon croquettes alongside acai bowls and frittatas.

As evening falls, the atmosphere will shift into a more elegant dining scene enriched with a menu of pintxos, tapas, and platos grandes, drawing inspiration from across Spain’s diverse culinary regions.

Virgin Voyages, which is seeing its bookings skyrocket, also collaborated with Onada Consulting from Barcelona to ensure that the cocktail offerings are as authentic as the food.

The drinks menu will be influenced by iconic bars from Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian, featuring artisanal vermouths and sangrias. The wine list will also feature several Spanish wines, including Riojas and Albarinos.

To accompany the new concept, the space will also give Razzle Dazzle a different look from its predecessor. Rich wooden accents and deep reddish-orange tones will complement the communal dining space.

Guests will be introduced to Rojo by Razzle Dazzle when the ship completes its construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

Set to be delivered to the cruise line owned by Sir Richard Branson, Brilliant Lady will be the fleet’s first ship catering specifically to the North American market.

It will operate from four homeports, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, and will be Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship to venture into Alaskan waters in 2026.

Passengers sailing on Brilliant Lady will find itineraries ranging from 5 to 14 nights, beginning with its New York City launch that will take guests to the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda, and the coast of South Carolina at Charleston.

Fall sailings will take the ship to New England and Canada before Brilliant Lady heads to Miami for a winter season in the Caribbean, where the ship will offer 17 itineraries lasting 7 to 12 nights.

Following that season, Brilliant Lady will travel through the Panama Canal and head to Southern California for a spring season. By May 2026, the vessel will arrive in Seattle to explore the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Hurricane Season Forecast Suggests Higher Chances of Cruise Disruption

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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Apr 3, 2025

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Hurricane Season Forecast Suggests Higher Chances of Cruise Disruption

Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science has released its preliminary forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

While hurricane season does not officially begin until June 1, these early predictions offer some insights into what to expect as winds speed up through the busy summer cruising months.

In broadest strokes, the forecast report calls for above-normal activity, albeit somewhat lower than the 2024 seasonal predictions. This year, a total of 17 named storms with nine hurricanes and four major storms (Category 3 or higher) are anticipated.

In April 2024, 23 named storms with 11 hurricanes and five major storms were predicted. The season concluded on November 30, 2024, with a total of 18 storms, 11 hurricanes, and 3 of them classified as majors.

Before the report discusses the finer details of the 2025 predictions, it does have one statement that must be made absolutely clear.

“Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them,” the report notes.

Nearly 40 years of past data from various storm tracking and modeling resources are used to create the seasonal predictions.

This year, a weak La Nina will likely keep the early part of hurricane season fairly neutral, but warmer than typical ocean surfaces in the eastern and central Atlantic mean storms can form and strengthen quickly.

It is important to note, however, that predictions are only that – predictions – and models occasional fail to predict already dynamic and uncertain conditions.

“Everyone should realize that it is impossible to precisely predict this season’s hurricane activity in early April,” the report explains. “We issue these forecasts to satisfy the curiosity of the public and the bring attention to the hurricane problem.”

Typically, early season storms tend to be weaker, with the strongest storms forming in late summer and early fall when the ocean waters are warmest.

The peak of hurricane season activity in Florida – and the Sunshine State’s six cruise ship homeports – is in early September. Dangerous storms, however, can and do occur at any time during the season, or even outside its official June 1 through November 30 dates.

What an Active Hurricane Season Means for Cruising

Regardless of the seasonal predictions, hurricanes can have a dramatic impact on cruise travel. From closing homeports to changing itineraries to delaying or cancelling sailings, even one storm can affect oceangoing vacations.

But where will this year’s storms most likely hit? Further analysis of historical data and current conditions does offer some insights.

The probability of a major Category 3+ hurricane striking anywhere along the continental US coastline is believed to be 51%, while the east coast and Florida peninsula probability is 26%. The probability of a major strike along the Gulf Coast to Galveston and Brownsville is 33%.

Cruise Ships Hurricane (Photo Credit: Tiffany Marie Green)

All three of these probabilities are above historical averages from 1880-2020, which are 43%, 21%, and 27%, respectively.

In the Caribbean, there is a 56% probability for at least one major hurricane track, compared to a historical average of 47%.

Of course, a hurricane does not need to be a major storm to have a significant and even catastrophic impact on an island nation, private cruise destination, or port of call.

Damage to docks, excessive debris accumulation in a harbor, or disruptions to local power supplies and services can all make it impossible for a cruise ship to visit a destination even after a smaller storm may have passed.

All cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions as well as storm development and potential tracks, adjusting their operations as necessary. The safety of guests, crew members, and port communities is always the top priority.

Cruise travelers with sailings booked during hurricane season should always be flexible with their travel plans and expectations, and be prepared for possible changes and less-than-smooth seas.