Blog Page 42

Why I Never Got Off in Port on Utopia of the Seas

Melissa Mayntz
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Why I Never Got Off in Port on Utopia of the Seas

Many cruisers love visiting ports to enjoy different beach days, dining, shopping, and tour options. On my recent 4-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, however, I got all of that (and more!) right on board and never left the ship.

The cruise departed on June 1, 2026 for a typical “world’s biggest weekend” non-weekend cruise. The 246,743-gross-ton Utopia of the Seas debuted in 2024 and was the first of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships to exclusively offer shorter 3- and 4-night cruises.

I’ve been on the ship’s true weekend cruise from Friday afternoon until Monday morning, but this was my first time on the ship’s 4-night sailing. The only itinerary difference is that after visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, there is an extra day at sea to enjoy all the massive mega-ship has to offer.

Because I have been to Nassau 21 times and Perfect Day at CocoCay eight times, neither port had much to catch my eye this time, but the ship offers a lot! Despite the bright summer days that weren’t too hot, I stayed onboard and Utopia of the Seas was the only destination I needed.

While many first-timers might be concerned about crowds on the megaship, the beauty of staying onboard in ports of call is the crowds thin out amazingly. There was never a lack of space for lounge chairs, show seating, and other than some busier periods, even dining seating was easy to come by.

Dining on Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas features 22 different dining venues with something for every taste.

I’m a Windjammer fan and the wide variety of dishes available makes every meal unique. From the cheese rolls to the glazed donuts to the classic favorites, international dishes, and carving stations, you don’t leave the buffet hungry. I was especially pleased that I could get milk to drink from the coffee station at every meal.

One Windjammer drawback is the sometimes chaotic lines, especially at breakfast on port days. Pro tip: to avoid the worst of the breakfast lines, visit the Solarium Bistro on Deck 15 for the same buffet options with far smaller crowds. While the Solarium is adults-only, the Bistro welcomes families for breakfast.

Utopia of the Seas Boardwalk
Utopia of the Seas Boardwalk (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

A special lunch option is the also quiet Park Cafe in Central Park on Deck 8. The roast beef “kummelweck” sandwich is superb, carved-to-order and topped with your choice of gravy, horseradish, or mustard. Fresh fruit, a selection of other deli sandwiches, and desserts are also available. While at sea or in port, Park Cafe always felt much less crowded and service was fast.

One sweet treat I discovered on this cruise is at The Spare Tire poolside on Deck 15. This grab-and-go venue is the first food truck concept in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and it doesn’t disappoint. While the Tornados and the chipotle chicken sandwiches were a bit spicy for me, the raspberry stuffed cheesecake was well worth multiple visits!

Late-night slices from Sorrento’s, hot popcorn near Studio B, soft serve from Sprinkles, cookies from Cafe Promenade, and more rounded out the must-have foods for a casual cruise.

Shopping on Board or on Shore

Shopping is fun and at-your-leisure cruise activity for thousands of guests, and I do love kitschy souvenirs and unique crafts from different ports. Because Nassau and CocoCay were no longer unique for me, however, I did my shopping onboard along the Royal Promenade on Deck 5.

Of course, the shops were closed while the ship was actually in port (as per local regulations), but they were open in the evenings and all day long on Thursday, the day at sea.

Utopia of the Seas Promenade
Utopia of the Seas Promenade (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

The luxury shops are always worth an envious browse (but I’d rather spend that money on another cruise), and the Effy store offered charm and bracelet giveaways all the time. I most enjoyed the Royal Shop with its collection of exclusive Utopia of the Seas merch, with everything from magnets to attire to commemorative coins.

Shopping in the middle of the promenade was focused on special sales and deals. I would have taken advantage of the “2 for $30” t-shirt special, but the same shirts were already in my closet on Deck 10!

I did miss that I couldn’t get as wide of a selection of rum cakes onboard as I could have in Nassau. Note to self: budget time and cash for stocking up on the next visit.

Tours and Adventure Right Onboard

Beach days, zip lines, waterslides… These are all things different cruisers love in the Bahamas. You can do them all right onboard Utopia of the Seas, and more, and with fewer guests onboard while the ship is in port, crowds aren’t as much of a concern.

The adults-only Solarium was perfect for quiet “beach” time onboard. The comfy loungers were plentiful during port days and the space was just the right temperature, not too hot and certainly not too cool.

Read Also: Utopia of the Seas Size Comparison – Facts and Stats

When I wanted to dabble my toes in the surf, I just strolled through the aft pools on Deck 15 with the in-water loungers, where you can walk through just a few inches of water for a cooling dip without a full dive.

Sail Away Party on Utopia of the Seas
Sail Away Party on Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

For a high-flying thrill, try out the zipline on Deck 16 with a birds-eye view of the Boardwalk. Safety comes first and the ride is brief, but it’s well worthwhile for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. If you prefer thrills closer to the ground, don’t miss the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story dry slide with music and light effects throughout the exciting plunge.

Both attractions had naturally shorter lines while the ship was in port, but they were still open for those of us who preferred to stay on the ship.

Utopia of the Seas also has fantastic waterslides (the yellow one is the wildest), Splashaway Bay for the kids, and the nostalgic carousel for all ages, along with the arcade, Flowrider, a generous non-smoking casino, ice skating, and so much more to do. Truthfully, you don’t even realize you’re in port!

More From Cruise Hive

And I’m not even mentioning all the trivia games, live music, spectacular production shows, interactive game shows, and more that kept the ship hopping from morning to night.

Ultimately, staying onboard Utopia of the Seas was a great choice for the ultimate getaway. I got everything I love about cruises in one package, plus the bonus of lower crowds while most of the ship’s 5,668 guests were off the ship in port. Can’t wait to do it again!

P&O Cruise Ships Ranked By Age: Newest to Oldest (2022-2000)

Emrys Thakkar
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P&O Cruise Ships Ranked By Age: Newest to Oldest (2022-2000)

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises’ newest ship is Arvia, which debuted in 2022.
  • P&O Cruises’ oldest ship is Aurora, which debuted in 2000.
  • Even P&O Cruises’ older ships have received substantial refits and refurbishments over the last five years, keeping the fleet up to date as much as possible. 

P&O Cruises is a British cruise line with a small fleet of seven ships. Arvia is the newest and biggest ship for P&O, debuting in 2022, so it’s going to be the ship passengers will want to pick if they value newer amenities and high-end features.

Meanwhile, the oldest ship, Aurora, first entered service in 2000, though it’s been kept more or less up to date, so cruisers shouldn’t be overly concerned regarding its age if it otherwise looks like it’ll fit their needs. 

Whichever ship you’re considering sailing on, though, don’t underestimate this brand due to the modest P&O fleet size. This is a line with a history dating to the 1800s, with vessels that make their way onto our list of the top largest cruise ships in the world. 

Here’s what you need to know before you make your next booking.

In This Article:

Arvia (2022)

P&O Arvia Cruise Ship
P&O Arvia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Chris Hyde)

As mentioned, Arvia is the newest ship for P&O Cruises, but it’s also the biggest if you’re comparing P&O Cruises vessels by size. The large ship was built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft at their shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. 

The Excel class ship proudly displays a few modern features, such as a retractable glass SkyDome. It’s also powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which has been gaining popularity among many cruise lines due to its environmental friendliness (though the industry does admit there are both pros and cons to the option). 

The family-friendly ship was built with warm-weather destinations in mind, serving itineraries to the Mediterranean and beyond. Thus, it features four pools, including an infinity pool, and lots of choices for dining and drinking.  

  • Entered Service: 2022
  • Gross Tonnage: 185,581 GT
  • Length: 345 meters/1,131 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 5,200
  • Crew Capacity: 1,800

Iona (2021)

P&O Iona Docked in Southampton
P&O Iona Docked in Southampton (Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss)

Arvia’s sister ship Iona debuted just one year before Arvia, making it one of the newer P&O ships you could choose for a cruise. 

Iona was also built by Meyer Werft and is likewise LNG-powered. Iona is just a little bit smaller than Arvia (but she was the largest ship built for P&O Cruises ever, at her time of launch). Iona introduced the Excel class to the world and, as such, also features the SkyDome, as well as the three-tier atrium that has become associated with these ships. 

  • Entered Service: 2021
  • Gross Tonnage: 184,700 GT
  • Length: 344 meters/1,128 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 5,200
  • Crew Capacity: 1,800

Britannia (2015)

P&O Britannia Cruise Ship
P&O Britannia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Nandani Bridglal)

Six years prior to Iona’s debut, Britannia proudly took to the high seas as P&O Cruises’ flagship vessel. In 2015, Britannia was introduced after being built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, as the largest ship ever constructed by Fincantieri on P&O Cruises’ behalf. 

Yes, Britannia is now smaller than the newer ships in the fleet, but it’s become a beloved staple thanks to just how well it, as its name suggests, fully embraces British culture and caters to the British cruise market. It also has one of the largest outdoor promenades of all the other P&O ships.  

  • Entered Service: 2015
  • Gross Tonnage: 143,000 GT
  • Length: 330 meters/1,082 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,647
  • Crew Capacity: 1,350

Azura (2010)

P&O Azura Cruise Ship
P&O Azura Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

There was a similar gap between Britannia and Azura, with Azura coming onto the scene in 2010. Again, she was built by Fincantieri in Italy, with construction beginning in 2008. Azura is very similar to sister ship Ventura, and the ship has received upgrades to keep it modern, to make up for its more than 15 years of age. 

Most recently, in 2025, refurbishments affected the ship’s bars and restaurants, as well as cabins.

  • Entered Service: 2010
  • Gross Tonnage: 115,055 GT
  • Length: 290 meters/951 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,100
  • Crew Capacity: 1,250

Ventura (2008)

P&O Ventura in Southampton
P&O Ventura in Southampton (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

Ventura first set sail a mere two years before Azura, debuting in 2008. 

Built by Fincantieri, the ship is modestly sized and was most recently refitted in early 2026. Cabins and suites received new carpet, curtains, bedside lampshades and armchairs. Public spaces such as the Atrium and multiple bars and restaurants received new life as well. Even the theater, spa and shopping areas were given a bit of an upgrade. 

In short, this is a ship that, while on the older side, has been lovingly restored to keep up with modern guests’ demands. 

  • Entered Service: 2008
  • Gross Tonnage: 116,017
  • Length: 290 meters/951 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 3,078
  • Crew Capacity: 1,205

Arcadia (2005)

P&O Arcadia Cruise Ship
P&O Arcadia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

Now we’re getting into some of P&O’s smaller ships. Arcadia is more than two decades old at this point, and is both the second-oldest and second-smallest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet. The ship is also one of the few adult-only cruise ships within the P&O family. 

As P&O has done with all its older ships, the cruise line gave this one a refresh in recent years. In 2024, a refresh resulted in new carpets, furnishings and similar in cabins and suites, as well as new furnishings and accents in popular restaurants and bars. A broad range of other changes were made in further public spaces, such as a new dance floor being added in the theater and new gaming machines in the casino. 

Arcadia was built by Fincantieri.

  • Entered Service: 2005
  • Gross Tonnage: 83,781 GT
  • Length: 285 meters/935 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 2,094
  • Crew Capacity: 866

Aurora (2000)

P&O Aurora Cruise Ship
P&O Aurora Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: P.Cartwright)

Then, finally, we get to the smallest P&O ship, as well as the oldest P&O ship: Aurora. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany and delivered in April 2000, this is a ship that does, admittedly, show her age, but she’s been refitted numerous times, most recently in 2025.

Like Arcadia, Aurora is also adults-only, and these refits brought cabins, restaurants, bars, the spa and more up to modern standards. More of a traditional ship, don’t expect anything overly flashy here — just good ol’ fashioned ocean cruising. 

  • Entered Service: 2000
  • Gross Tonnage: 76,152 GT
  • Length: 270 meters/885 feet
  • Passenger Capacity: 1,874
  • Crew Capacity: 850

Propulsion Problem Forces Holland America Ship to Drop Multiple Alaska Ports

Melissa Mayntz
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Propulsion Problem Forces Holland America Ship to Drop Multiple Alaska Ports

Key Aspects:

  • Zaandam has developed propulsion issues on her June 3 sailing that have required an extended stop in Juneau for repairs.
  • The ship will miss both Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as scenic Glacier Bay cruising, to return to Vancouver on time.
  • Guests are being offered compensation for the altered voyage, but it is not yet known if the next cruise is impacted.

An Alaskan cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime voyage filled with spectacular experiences to make amazing memories, but unfortunately for guests currently aboard Holland America Line’s Zaandam, their sailing will be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

One of the oldest ships in the fleet, the 61,400-gross-ton Zaandam has developed propulsion issues, making it necessary to cancel the remainder of the cruise and head directly to Vancouver for debarkation.

The 7-night voyage began as planned on June 3, 2026 and has already enjoyed scenic glacier cruising and arrived in Juneau on Friday morning. Rather than leaving the capital of Alaska at 10 p.m. that night as scheduled, however, the ship remained in port for emergency repairs.

“We’re dealing with a technical issue affecting one of our propulsion systems, which means we’re unable to sail at our normal speed,” the captain announced onboard, shared in a letter to guests. “Because of that, we’ll remain in Juneau overnight so additional technical specialists can come on board and assist with repairs.”

Guests booked on Cruisetours that were scheduled to join Zaandam in Skagway on Saturday, June 6, were instead brought to Juneau to board. Skagway is approximately 85 miles north-northwest of Juneau.

The ship will depart Juneau Saturday evening, but instead of heading to any of the remaining ports of call, the vessel will sail straight to Vancouver for debarkation.

This means there will be no visits to Skagway or Ketchikan, and likewise no scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. By heading directly back to the homeport, Zaandam will be able to arrive in Vancouver for an on-time disembarkation on Wednesday, June 10.

During the extended time in Juneau on Saturday, guests have been permitted off the ship to further explore the port, though Zaandam did need to move away from the dock from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. due to other vessels’ scheduled visits. There was no water shuttle service available, so any guests who did debark for extra time in Juneau needed to remain ashore until 4:30 p.m.

Eight ships were planned for Saturday, June 6: Two small expedition vessels and a regional river cruise, along with Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Explorer, and Silversea’s Silver Whisper.

Guests Onboard Offered Compensation

Because the nature of the cruise has changed dramatically with multiple port cancellations and the loss of iconic scenic cruising, guests currently onboard Zaandam have been offered a 50% refund of their cruise fare as well as a 50% future cruise credit for the cruise fare only.

Naturally, any shore tours booked through Holland America Line for Skagway and Ketchikan will be automatically cancelled and refunded.

Zaandam in Vancouver
Zaandam in Vancouver (Photo Credit: Macklin Holloway)

While guests onboard are naturally disappointed and frustrated at the change, they are also noting that crew members remain exemplary and are doing all they can to create a positive experience.

“Have no complaints about staff or food as most are really kind and helpful,” one guest posted on Facebook.

The nature of the technical issue impacting the ship’s propulsion has not been disclosed, but there are no reports that any other onboard systems are impacted. This means the ship’s restaurants and dining operations, bar service, casino, entertainment, and activities are all proceeding as planned.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on propulsion issues for different cruise ships from different cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. Cruise lines work diligently to correct such technical problems as swiftly as possible.

Will the Next Cruise Be Impacted?

At this time, there has been no confirmed announcement of any changes to Zaandam‘s next weeklong sailing, scheduled to depart Vancouver on Wednesday, June 10.

As many as 1,432 guests may be booked on the ship’s next cruise, as well as further sailings through the Alaska season. Zaandam is homeported in Vancouver through early October, mostly offering identical 7-night sailings.

Read Also: Holland America Alaska Cruise Ships – Which One to Choose?

On September 16, the ship is offering an outstanding 18-night itinerary to many more unique Alaskan ports, including Valdez, Kodiak Island, and Homer, with an overnight visit for Anchorage and Denali National Park.

After that voyage, the ship will reposition to San Diego for a limited number of longer sailings before moving to Fort Lauderdale for her Grand South America and Antarctica voyage departing on January 3, 2027.

Zaandam will return to Vancouver for another season sailing the Last Frontier in April 2027.

Cruise Guest Sues Royal Caribbean After Mobility Scooter Left in Walkway

Catie Kovelman
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Cruise Guest Sues Royal Caribbean After Mobility Scooter Left in Walkway

Key Aspects:

  • A former guest of Jewel of the Seas tripped and fell due to a poorly parked mobility scooter in the casino.
  • She is now suing Royal Caribbean for negligence because she believes the cruise line failed to provide safe conditions onboard.
  • Royal Caribbean does enforce scooter policies regarding the size of the devices and where they are allowed to park.

A former Royal Caribbean passenger tripped on another guest’s mobility scooter, and she’s decided that the cruise line is to blame.

Colleen Parsons, who resides in Florida, filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on May 18, 2026, in which she accuses the cruise line of negligence.

On June 22, 2025, Parsons was sailing onboard Jewel of the Seas. While enjoying the Casino Royale on Deck 6, the cruiser tripped on a large electric mobility scooter that had allegedly been left in a walkway by another guest.

As she navigated what she describes as an overcrowded casino, Parsons says that another guest bumped into her and forced her to trip over the scooter.

It’s unclear how full the casino actually was. Casino Royale onboard Jewel of the Seas is around 6,459 square feet, with approximately 195 machines and 12 gaming tables.

Rather than going after the other passengers who may have been involved, Parsons has pursued legal action against the cruise company.

Her legal team is now accusing Royal Caribbean of negligence for failing to maintain a safe environment and failing to warn passengers that there was a hazard in the walkway.

The suit also claims that crew members failed to establish or enforce proper safety protocols for operating and parking mobility scooters onboard the 90,090-gross ton ship.

Parsons fractured her left wrist in the fall and required surgery, which resulted in scarring. She is seeking compensation for the medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and loss of enjoyment and financial value for her cruise.

Royal Caribbean has not commented publicly on this specific lawsuit, but Cruise Hive will update if and when a statement is made.

As of the time of this writing, everything is status quo in the Casino Royale as Jewel of the Seas operates 3- to 4-night Caribbean and Bahamas sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Royal Caribbean Enforces Scooter Policies

Jewel of the Seas operates with a team of approximately 859 crew members who try to make guests’ vacations as fun and as safe as possible.

But with a maximum of 2,702 guests onboard the Radiance-class ship for each sailing, it’s impossible to police everyone constantly, especially when guests aren’t aware of or willingly choose not to follow the rules.

Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas (Photo Credit: Studio Porto Sabbia)

While Parsons may not have seen it in action, Royal Caribbean does have a policy for mobility scooters. Per the cruise line’s website, scooters must be able to fit through a standard stateroom door and must always be safely parked.

“Mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers,” Royal Caribbean’s website states.

This is very similar to the scooter policies enforced by other mainstream cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.

Would Cruise Lines Ever Ban Scooters?

Mobility scooters always seem to be a source of controversy, both in terms of proper guest etiquette concerning these devices and now as health hazards.

In addition to this current situation, Cruise Hive recently reported that a former Carnival Valor passenger sued Carnival Cruise Line after falling from their scooter during debarkation.

And in May, another cruise guest plunged to her death after riding her mobility scooter off the pier and into the ocean at Celebration Key in the Bahamas.

All that said, there are plenty of cruisers who rely on mobility scooters in order to get around who do use these devices safely and responsibly. Banning scooters entirely would not be fair to passengers who rely on them.

The only exception to this are on some river cruises, where the ships are much smaller and less accessible due to structural limitations like low bridges and narrow locks.

But even then, brands like Viking River Cruises still usually allow guests with mobility challenges to bring compact, lightweight folding scooters.

How Carnival Breeze Is Bouncing Back After Its Worst CDC Inspection Score

Melissa Mayntz
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How Carnival Breeze Is Bouncing Back After Its Worst CDC Inspection Score

Key Aspects:

  • The corrective report for Carnival Breeze‘s recent 86-point CDC sanitation inspection has been submitted.
  • Most issues were corrected immediately, though some require parts and maintenance that are now planned.
  • Ultraviolet disinfection will not be added to the thalassotherapy pool, though that update may be made in the future.

It can be jarring when a cruise ship comes just one point from failing a health inspection from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program. Carnival Breeze did just that for her inspection on May 14, 2026, but guests do not need to worry.

Carnival Cruise Line has now submitted its “Corrective Action and Follow Up Report” for the inspection. Cruise Hive previously reported on the near-failing score of 86, just one point higher than a failure for the 128,052-gross-ton ship.

Now, 30 of the 36 noted infractions that lowered Carnival Breeze‘s score from her previous perfect 100 in January 2026 have been addressed.

Many of the items were corrected at the time of the inspection. For example, rice stored with incorrect time labels was immediately discarded. Crew members were also retrained on proper labeling and time-control requirements for proper food safety.

Similarly, immediate recleaning of inspected areas that were not within proper sanitary standards corrected a number of inspection problems, along with crew retraining and reviewing of proper procedures to prevent recurrence.

Pest control measures, drying of excessively wet areas, regrouting deck tiles, and reinforcement of supervisory procedures have also helped address different issues.

In many cases, Carnival Breeze crew members went above and beyond to ensure sanitation compliance. A single dirty martini glass found in the Casino Bar, for example, was not only “immediately removed and rewashed, cleaned, and sanitized” but the entire rack of glasses was re-inspected to ensure full compliance with health code guidelines.

What Has Not Been Corrected?

There are some issues noted in the inspection that have not yet been corrected, but not because of a lack of effort.

A pot washing machine in the crew galley was not in working order, and instead, a three-compartment sink is being used for proper cleaning. To correct this, spare parts have been ordered and are awaiting delivery for the issue to be fully resolved.

Spare parts are also on order to correct some condensation issues for dishwashers for the Lido Marketplace, though equipment efficiency has been adjusted as much as possible until the parts arrive.

CDC Sign
CDC Sign (Photo Credit: Tada Images)

One specific issue will take longer to correct, as it requires full bulkhead replacement. At the Tides Bar on Deck 10, excessive corrosion on the bulkhead through the bar makes cleaning to exacting standards very difficult.

To mitigate this problem, a “repair and refurbishment plan has been initiated” that includes temporary cleaning to maintain sanitation in the area. To fully correct the problem, “the technical team will address the corrosion through scheduled maintenance and replacement of the bulkhead.”

There is no exact timeline for that work to be completed, but progress will be checked to ensure the bulkhead replacement happens in an appropriate timeframe.

One Issue Will Not Be Fixed

Only one inspection issue aboard Carnival Breeze will not be corrected. The CDC inspectors noted that the thalasso pool on Deck 12 uses gooseneck fountains to recirculate the water, making it an “interactive recreational water facility.”

Because of this, secondary ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is recommended as the best public health practice.

More From Cruise Hive

Carnival Breeze was built in 2011-2012. At that time, the most recent Vessel Sanitation Program practices did not yet recommend UV light. Therefore, the ship is still aligned with the best program recommendations according to its construction date.

It is possible that when the ship undergoes her next dry dock, the thalassotherapy pool may be updated to the newest standards. The ship is scheduled for dry dock in late February 2027, but Carnival Cruise Line has not announced what updates or renovations may be part of the maintenance schedule.

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas Delayed by Rough Weather in the UK

Catie Kovelman
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Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas Delayed by Rough Weather in the UK

Key Aspects:

  • Rough weather is slowing Liberty of the Seas’ return to Southampton, UK, which was scheduled for the morning of June 7.
  • The Royal Caribbean ship will arrive roughly six hours late, delaying both debarkation and the next embarkation.
  • Guests booked on the next voyage have been told to arrive at the cruise port three hours later than initially planned.

Rough seas are blocking Liberty of the Seas from returning to Southampton, UK, and the consequences will carry over to her next cruise.

The Royal Caribbean ship was supposed to return to her UK homeport on June 7, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time to conclude her current 7-night sailing to Spain and Portugal.

But due to anticipated bad weather, the 154,407-gross ton ship will be forced to delay her arrival by approximately six hours. This will result in delays for both debarkation and embarkation for the following voyage.

“We are closely monitoring adverse weather along our route back to Southampton, England for our current sailing,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter, which is circulating on social media.

“With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours and the terminal will be closed for embarkation until 2:30 PM,” the update continued.

According to the Met Office, Southampton is experiencing rain and wind gusts up to 28 miles per hour as of the time of writing, though conditions may be worse at sea.

Embarkation is Delayed By Hours

Because arrival and disembarkation will be delayed on June 7, embarkation for the next sailing has also had to be pushed back. This will be a 5-night cruise to Hamburg, Germany, and Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Cruise Hive learned that the next wave of guests have been told to delay their terminal arrival appointments by three hours. This means that 11:30 a.m. appointments would be pushed to 2:30 p.m., 12 p.m. arrivals would shift back to 3:00 p.m. and so forth.

Any guests who arrive earlier than their newly assigned time may be turned away. But at the same time, all passengers must be onboard by 6:30 p.m. and should arrive at the cruise port no later than 6 p.m.

“Arriving at the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time. All guests should be checked in and onboard by 6:30 PM. So, plan on arriving no later than 6:00 PM,”  Royal Caribbean advised.

Luckily, it does not seem like there will be any itinerary changes as a result of the delayed start.

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (Photo Credit: 26ShadesOfGreen)

Hamburg is about 560 nautical miles away from Southampton, but a sea day is scheduled for June 8 before the 3,634-guest ship is due to arrive on the morning of June 9. The sea day will allow the captain to make up for lost time.

The planned visit to Zeebrugge isn’t until June 11, and should certainly not be impacted by the delayed embarkation.

Not the First Itinerary Challenge

This isn’t the first itinerary change that guests of the current sailing have been forced to deal with. Shortly before the current cruise departed on May 31, the itinerary was reconfigured due to strikes taking place in Lisbon, Portugal.

The strikes were planned and were meant to push back against the government’s proposed labor code reforms.

“To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for our guests, we’ve made a few adjustments to our itinerary in light of planned strikes in Lisbon, Portugal,” Royal Caribbean wrote in an earlier letter, which was obtained by Cruise Hive.

The Freedom-class ship was supposed to visit Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bilbao, Spain; in that order. But because of the strikes, the order was changed to Bilbao first, followed by Lisbon in second, and Vigo last.

This was simply one of those sailings where forces outside of the cruise line’s control just wouldn’t give guests a break.

Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship Suddenly Loses Power While at Sea

Catie Kovelman
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Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship Suddenly Loses Power While at Sea

Key Aspects:

  • Caribbean Princess temporarily lost power while sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Port Canaveral, Florida, on June 5.
  • Some guests thought the outage was related to the ship’s engines, but they appear to be operating normally.
  • Princess Cruises confirmed that power was restored onboard after around an hour and 15 minutes.

A scary situation unfolded onboard Caribbean Princess on the morning of June 5, 2026, as the ship lost propulsion and power for at least an hour during its current Eastern Caribbean sailing.

Up to 3,140 guests onboard the Princess cruise ship were left without air conditioning in the sweltering Caribbean heat in a situation that felt at least somewhat reminiscent of Carnival’s infamous 2013 “Poop Cruise.” 

“Hey, if you hear our ship —Caribbean Princess — lost power, it did, twice, this morning.  Weird thing to wake up to. It lasted a few hours but all is fine,” one current guest shared on Facebook.

Princess Cruises also confirmed the situation in an email to Cruise Hive and stated that the issue was resolved after a little over an hour.

“This morning, while en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Port Canaveral, Florida, Caribbean Princess experienced a temporary loss of main power for approximately one hour and 15 minutes,” the cruise line wrote.

The spokesperson also confirmed that guests were never in danger and that emergency power was provided normally for the duration of the outage.

Are the Engines to Blame?

While Princess Cruises has not confirmed what caused the temporary outage, some cruise guests think that the issue might be related to something going wrong in the engine room.

While Caribbean Princess doesn’t have a reputation for constant engine issues, reports show that she has previously experienced technical difficulties related to power and propulsion in 2005, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2017.

Based on updates from the captain that were shared by current guests, it also sounded like the majority of the repairs were taking place in the engine room.

“They’ve got emergency power/wifi back up and now just floating along while trying to recover the engines,” one passenger posted on Reddit.

“8:50a ET. Captain just announced no power recovery after the previous failed recovery. Now just floating around again and the ship is going to hit some winds on the starboard side. All room lights are out except for WiFi,” they said in a subsequent update.

But even with the inconvenience caused by the power outage, most guests commended the captain and the rest of the 1,200-person crew for their transparent and frequent communication as the situation evolved.

“Crew is very nice and the Captain providing good updates…Old ships do come with old problems,” the Redditor continued.

Per cruise tracking data, the 112,894-gross ton ship is sailing at normal speeds of 20 knots in the direction of Port Canaveral as of the time of this writing, which suggests the engines are functioning normally.

And for the record, Princess Cruises does make a pointed effort to maintain its fleet. The 2004-launched ship visited dry dock fairly recently (in 2024) for a tune up.

No Impact to Debarkation

Thankfully, the power outage was resolved quickly and there will be no impact to debarkation in Port Canaveral on June 7, 2026.

The visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 4 was the final stop on the 14-night itinerary, so there were no additional port calls that could be affected.

“Main power has since been fully restored. Caribbean Princess is continuing its passage to Port Canaveral as scheduled, with no delay expected,” Princess Cruises confirmed in its statement to Cruise Hive.

“The safety and well-being of our guests and crew remains our top priority as our onboard teams continue to monitor the situation closely,” the cruise line concluded.

This also means that there should be no negative impact to Caribbean Princess’s next embarkation day on June 7. On this date, passengers for a 7-night and a 14-night Eastern Caribbean sailing will board the ship simultaneously.

Ex-Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Frank Del Rio Sues Company for Millions

Lissa Poirot
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Ex-Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Frank Del Rio Sues Company for Millions

Key Aspects:

  • Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio has sued the company over a consulting agreement.
  • The suit, tied to his 2023 retirement, alleges the company failed to honor promises.
  • Del Rio says the company owes him millions of dollars.

Frank Del Rio helped transform Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) into one of the world’s largest cruise companies. Now, three years after stepping down as chief executive, he is suing the company he once led.

The lawsuit, filed May 5, 2026, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, names NCLH, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., and four former directors, Russell Galbut, Harry Curtis, Mary Landry, and Stella David. Del Rio alleges that the defendants failed to follow through on promises that would have provided him with millions of dollars in additional compensation following his departure.

According to reports based on the complaint, Del Rio claims he agreed to retire early after being promised a consulting arrangement that would pay him $1 million per quarter through the end of 2027.

Worth Reading: Interpol Arrests Former Norwegian Cruise Line Executive Accused of Fraud

He says the deal was intended to compensate him for stepping down as CEO and allowing the company’s succession plan to move forward. Had he not retired, Del Rio would have continued to make millions annually.

Del Rio served as president and chief executive of NCLH from 2015 until June 2023. At the time of his retirement, the company announced he would continue serving as a senior advisor to the board following the leadership transition to Harry Sommer.

However, Del Rio alleges that the written agreement he ultimately received covered only two and a half years of consulting services, worth $10 million instead of the $18 million he says he had been promised.

Oceania Vista Christening
Oceania Vista Christening (Photo Courtesy: Oceania Cruises)

He claims company representatives assured him the agreement would later be extended but that it never happened and payments stopped.

The complaint includes allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and conspiracy with Del Rio seeking damages. He has requested a jury trial and NCLH has not commented on the litigation.

Lawsuits During Major Changes

Del Rio’s claims come as NCLH has been experiencing major leadership shakeups.

In 2023, Del Rio stepped down as president and CEO, making way for Sommer, who was promoted from president of Norwegian Cruise Line to the head of its parent company. As part of the transition, Del Rio signed an agreement that moved him into a consulting and advisory role.

But less than three years later, the company’s leadership was reshaped again. In February 2026, Sommer stepped down as CEO and was replaced by Burger King CEO John Chidsey.

Less than a month later, activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake of more than 10 percent in the company and publicly called for changes to the company’s leadership, strategy, and governance. 

Elliott argued that NCLH had lagged competitors despite strong demand for cruises. The campaign ultimately led to a board shakeup and the departure of several directors, including David, who stepped down as chair of NCLH.

Besides David, the other former directors named in Del Rio’s lawsuit are also no longer serving on the board, with Galbut behind the new residential cruise line Crescent Seas.

The case also revives questions about executive compensation at NCLH. During Del Rio’s tenure, shareholders repeatedly voted against executive pay packages, reflecting concerns about compensation levels.

More From Cruise Hive

According to the complaint, Del Rio alleges those concerns played a role in how his consulting arrangement was structured. He claims the shorter written agreement was intended to avoid criticism while members of the company privately promised additional compensation would be provided later.

As of press time, defendants in the lawsuit have filed waivers and the case has not had any hearings.

Mexico Considers Relocation for Royal Caribbean’s Rejected Perfect Day

Catie Kovelman
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Mexico Considers Relocation for Royal Caribbean’s Rejected Perfect Day

Key Aspects:

  • Discussions between Royal Caribbean and the Mexican government are underway to try to relocate Perfect Day Mexico.
  • The project, which was in development in Mahahual, was rejected in May due to environmental concerns.
  • Mexican officials are able to modify, relocate, or reject developments based on findings from environmental reviews.

Royal Caribbean’s plans to build Perfect Day Mexico in Mahahual were recently rejected by the government, but the cruise line isn’t staying down for long.

Alicia Bárcena, the head of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), announced the rejection during a press conference on May 19, 2026. The decision was made due to insurmountable environmental concerns.

However, there may be an opportunity for Perfect Day Mexico to find a different home where the environmental holdbacks won’t be as much of an issue.

In a press conference held on May 27, 2026, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that government officials are in talks with Royal Caribbean to potentially relocate the private destination to elsewhere in the country.

“We are in talks with the company to see if there are any locations where the project could be developed without these environmental impacts, and we will first analyze whether it truly has environmental viability,” Sheinbaum said in a translated statement.

When the rejection was first made public, Royal Caribbean told Cruise Hive that it respected SEMARNAT’s decision and would look for other ways to further its investment in Mexico.

It’s unclear how that investment will evolve if Perfect Day finds its footing in a different part of the country, as the cruise line already invested $292 million to buy the Costa Maya cruise port because of its proximity to Mahahual.

The Environment Will Determine What Happens Next

During the press conference, Sheinbaum explained that the government has to balance economic investment opportunities with the need to protect the environment and Mexico’s various ecosystems.

In fact, Mexico is home to nearly every type of ecosystem found on Earth, including several entirely unique habitats and high rates of endemic plants and animals.

Mexico’s president noted that projects can be modified, relocated, or rejected depending on the findings of an environmental review to try to find a solution that is ultimately the best of both worlds.

“They envision both issues: on the one hand, that there be investment in the country, but at the same time that in areas where a project is not suitable, the project is redefined so that it does not have those impacts, or it is relocated to another place, or it is simply rejected so that it is not developed,” Sheinbaum stated.

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Meixco Water Park
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Meixco Water Park

The main reason Perfect Day Mexico was rejected was because of the potential impact to the vital mangrove ecosystem, which is critical for water filtration and erosion protection and could negatively impact local communities if handled poorly.

Before being outright rejected, the project was halted back in January by a Quintana Roo judge to give authorities time to investigate the environmental concerns and evaluate possible solutions.

Currently, Mexican officials are also considering whether Mahahual should be given additional protections to further safeguard the environment in the small fishing village.

“In this area (Mahahual), the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the governor herself are evaluating the possibility of granting it an additional protection category, for example, allowing ecotourism only under certain conditions,” Sheinbaum mentioned.

If this order is passed, Perfect Day Mexico and any projects like it would likely be immediately dead in the water, even if construction had been allowed to resume.

What Would a Revised Perfect Day Mexico Look Like?

At this time, it’s too soon to tell what a relocated Perfect Day Mexico would entail, and that’s assuming the cruise line and the country are able to agree upon a suitable location.

So much would depend on where the development lands, how much space the cruise line has to work with, and what stipulations are put in place by the Mexican government.

More From Cruise Hive

What we do know is that Perfect Day Mexico would have been Royal Caribbean’s biggest and most ambitious exclusive destination to date. It was expected to be a 230-acre private island-style resort with a record-breaking waterpark.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the ongoing discussions, and it’s unclear when a new plan may be approved.

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