Blog Page 54

High Winds Disrupt Perfect Day Plans for Thousands on Two Royal Caribbean Ships

Catie Kovelman
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High Winds Disrupt Perfect Day Plans for Thousands on Two Royal Caribbean Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Neither Liberty of the Seas nor Radiance of the Seas made it to CocoCay on January 15.
  • The call to Royal Caribbean’s private destination had to be cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions.
  • Both Royal Caribbean ships spent the day at sea instead.

Thanks to some rough weather, thousands of disappointed Royal Caribbean guests never got to experience their “perfect day.”

Liberty of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas were supposed to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas on January 15, 2026, and both ships had to cancel due to unsafe weather conditions.

With room for 3,798 guests onboard Liberty of the Seas and 2,134 guests onboard Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean could have nearly 6,000 upset passengers to contend with.

“The Radiance and the Liberty just cancelled Coco Cay for tomorrow. This is my second time in 4 months. I guess I’ll get there someday…,” one impacted guest shared on Reddit on January 14.

“For those wondering, they cancelled due to high winds/safety concerns,” another guest added to the post.

Royal Caribbean’s private destination was meant to be the final stop of the current sailings for both ships, which are operating identical 4-night Bahamas itineraries that embarked in Fort Lauderdale on January 12, 2026.

The only other port call was to Nassau, Bahamas, where both vessels stopped on January 13.

How Bad was the Wind?

Per weather forecasts, the Berry Islands – where the private destination is located – have been experiencing winds of up to 35 miles per hour throughout the day on January 15.

The winds started picking up the previous day, with guests from Utopia of the Seas who had visited CocoCay on January 14 taking note of the rocky conditions as they departed at approximately 5 p.m. local time.

Bad Weather at CocoCay
Bad Weather at CocoCay (Photo Credit: dnaveh)

“Was there on Utopia today. The wind definitely picked up a crazy amount at the end of the day when we were leaving,” one cruiser commented on the situation.

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

While cruise ships have no problem navigating strong winds at sea, docking is unfortunately a different story.

Once winds reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour, the risk of colliding with port infrastructure or another ship becomes too great, especially if there are stronger gusts.

Where Did the Ships Go Instead?

In this case, Royal Caribbean did not replace the skipped port call with another destination.

According to cruise ship tracking data, both of the vessels spent the day at sea instead. This was also confirmed by passenger accounts.

“View from our balcony on Radiance of the Seas. We have been at sea since Tuesday at 5:30pm because it was too rough to go to Coco Cay this morning,” one guest onboard Radiance of the Seas shared, along with a photo of the sunset.

“They canceled it because of the weather. So we just had another day at sea until we dock tomorrow,” a guest of Liberty of the Seas’ said in a separate update.

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At this time, it appears no compensation was provided to guests over the missed call, nor is Royal Caribbean required to provide any based on the cruise contract.

Both cruise ships are due back in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 16, for disembarkation. Hopefully, guests were able to make the most of the final day of their vacation, even if it wasn’t what they expected.

Dozens of Cruise Cabins Flooded After Pipe Bursts on MSC Ship

Catie Kovelman
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Dozens of Cruise Cabins Flooded After Pipe Bursts on MSC Ship

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Seaview experienced flooding after a pipe burst, impacting Deck 10.
  • The pipe, which is now fixed, was part of the ship’s built-in fire safety system.
  • Approximately 40 cruise cabins were affected by the flooding, with these guests temporarily displaced.

Some of the current guests onboard MSC Seaview had a water-filled Monday morning, and it wasn’t because they were hanging out on the pool deck.

According to local outlet Mix Vale, a pipe within the ship’s fire safety system burst at around 7:45 a.m. on the morning of January 12, 2026, leading to flooding on Deck 10.

Photos and videos shared by impacted passengers show flooding in the hallways and their staterooms, with water rising to their ankles in some places.

Approximately 40 cruise cabins were affected, many of which were serving as homes away from home for families with small children and elderly passengers for the duration of the 7-night South American voyage.

Read Also: How Do Cruise Ships Get Fresh Water?

At the time of the flooding, the 153,516-gross ton vessel was still early in the sailing, which embarked in Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil, on January 10, 2026.

Passengers were supposed to be enjoying a sea day as the Seaside-class ship made her way from Buzios, Brazil, to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.

Crew Members Take Quick Action

Though a flooding incident is no one’s idea of a good time, the problem was at least identified and resolved quickly. Everything was said and done within a few hours.

Onboard engineers who are part of the ship’s technical team were able to locate the leak within the fire safety system and make the appropriate fix.

Cruise lines usually install advanced water sprinkler or mister systems throughout the ship because they are highly effective at knocking out fires, should a flame decide to spark.

“A leak was identified in a water pipe that is part of the ship’s fire safety system, resulting in water entering some guest cabins and a common area corridor,” MSC Cruises said in a statement.

“The problem was quickly resolved by our technical teams, and all affected areas underwent thorough cleaning. Guests were promptly assisted, and at no time was there any risk to their safety. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our guests,” the cruise line continued.

Once repairs were made, the affected areas were thoroughly cleaned and dried by the housekeeping team. Guests were then welcomed back to their cabins.

For good measure, an additional inspection of the pipes was also completed by the Port Authority of Alagoas when the 5,119-guest ship visited Maceio, Brazil, on January 14.

How Were Guests Impacted?

Aside from getting a rude wake-up call for passengers who were still asleep, guests were asked to vacate their staterooms until repairs were complete.

Most were sent to a bar on Deck 8 to wait for additional updates, but a few guests with special circumstances were assigned temporary cabins based on availability.

Passengers board MSC Seaview Cruise Ship
Passengers board MSC Seaview Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Alexandre Rotenberg)

During the hours-long waiting period, crew members offered guests drinks and water from the bar. Impacted passengers were also given $150 per cruise cabin as compensation for the inconvenience.

Additionally, they were told to report damage to items such as cell phones, suitcases, and clothing to guest services for potential reimbursement.

Meanwhile, it was business as usual onboard the rest of the ship. The incident was contained to Deck 10, and all other amenities, dining, and entertainment operated normally.

How Common is Cruise Ship Flooding?

Despite the best efforts of crew members, sometimes things simply go wrong. Cruise ships operate essentially non-stop, which can lead to wear and tear.

While not a staple of every voyage, flooding incidents do occur from time to time across the major cruise lines. This is not a situation that is unique to MSC Cruises.

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MSC Seaview is also not known to have a recurrent problem with flooding, but this event is reminiscent of an incident that occurred shortly after the vessel entered service in June of 2018.

On August 17, 2018, another pipe burst during a Mediterranean sailing that sent water flooding down a central stairwell leading into the atrium. This incident was also resolved quickly.

Harsh Weather Forces Cruise Ship to Remain an Extra Night in Port

Melissa Mayntz
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Harsh Weather Forces Cruise Ship to Remain an Extra Night in Port

Key Aspects:

  • Ambassador Group’s Ambition must remain in Lisbon, Portugal, longer than planned due to rough weather.
  • This has the knock-on effect of shortening the next port of call, an overnight visit to Funchal.
  • Ambition will still visit Funchal, but just for a day call instead of the anticipated overnight on the 23-night itinerary.

The 23-night “Enchanting Escapes and Iberian Charm” itinerary of Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is off to a less-than-enchanting start as the ship is unable to escape the harsh weather impacting Lisbon.

High waves are expected on the route from Lisbon to Funchal, making it impossible for the ship to leave the capital of Portugal as planned.

“We are sorry to announce the forecasted weather for Ambition’s passage to Funchal is predicted to be severe with waves in excess of 5m [16 feet]. Ambition will now stay an extra night in Lisbon,” the cruise line explained when notifying guests.

Ambition was to have departed Lisbon at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 16. On Friday afternoon and late evening, forecast winds are roughly 25-30 miles per hour on the route to Funchal. On Saturday, winds may reach as high as 40 miles per hour.

This means the next port visit, originally planned as an overnight in Funchal from 8 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, through 11 p.m. on Monday, January 19, will now just be a day visit on Monday.

“Your comfort and safety is always our first priority, and so we have rescheduled our port calls so that we can avoid the worst of this weather,” Ambassador Cruise Line said.

Ambition left Tilbury, UK on Monday, January 12, 2026 for the 23-night itinerary, and Lisbon has been just the second port visit following Oporto, Portugal.

Fortunately, while the ship will be unable to enjoy the overnight visit to Funchal, the port is not completely cancelled.

Also on the extensive itinerary are amazing ports throughout the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, and Gibraltar before the ship returns to Tilbury on Wednesday, February 4.

Ambassador Passengers Understanding of Change

While the loss of the itinerary’s only overnight port visit will understandably be disappointing to guests, travelers are magnanimous about the decision and agree that safety should always be the paramount consideration.

Ambassador Ambition Cruise Ship
Ambassador Ambition Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Skyshark Media)

“After experiencing the struggle to get back on a Tender New Year’s Eve to the Ambience in Funchal I can fully understand this decision,” one guest shared. “As frustrating it is I wouldn’t want to experience that again.”

Read Also: What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

Other travelers who have visited Funchal note that there is plenty at the port to fill a day’s visit, even if the overnight isn’t possible. The botanical garden with views overlooking the city and cruise port are especially popular and highly recommended.

Cruise Line Experienced With Changes

Ambassador Cruise Line (now Ambassador Group) is no stranger to unique weather-related itinerary changes for their ships, Ambition, Ambience, and Renaissance.

In September 2025, Ambition remained overnight in Stavanger, Norway, due to high winds and swells. This delay resulted in a port cancellation during the Norway itinerary.

On the very next sailing, the ship also adjusted its itinerary in Scotland due to poor weather that cancelled three consecutive port visits.

In November 2024, Ambition remained in port for the entirety of a short 3-night sailing when Storm Bert was pummeling the UK. The ship was unable to leave at all, but onboard operations remained intact for cruise guests to enjoy a unique “staycation” instead of their planned cruise.

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While it may seem that the cruise line is overly cautious about weather-related changes, it should be noted that Ambition is a smaller ship at just 48,123 gross tons. This can make the ship particularly susceptible to rough conditions, creating a less-than-pleasant experience for the roughly 1,300 guests onboard.

Instead, safety is always the top priority and the cruise line will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure guests are comfortable and secure, regardless of weather conditions.

Carnival Cruise Line Unlocks New Cruises From California

Donna Tunney
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Carnival Cruise Line Unlocks New Cruises From California

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line opened sales on Carnival Radiance’s Baja Mexico voyages.
  • The sailings in 2027 and 2028 will visit Ensenada and Catalina Island.
  • Most cruises are 3- and 4-day getaway sailings.

Calling all Baja Mexico and California coast enthusiasts! Carnival Cruise Line has opened for booking a slew of voyages operating from Long Beach in 2027 and 2028.

The 2,764-guest Carnival Radiance, based year-round at the Southern California port, will sail a series of short cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Starting with departures on May 3, 2027 through April 28, 2028, the ship will offer 3-day getaways with one port call to Ensenada and 4-day cruises calling at both destinations.

“We value our long-standing partnerships in Catalina Island and Ensenada, and appreciate the continued collaboration with these communities,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

“We look forward to continuing to bring our guests to these treasured ports of call,” Duffy added.

Catalina Island, just 22 miles off the coast of California, is a rising star in West Coast cruising. The destination offers restaurants and bars, and a wide range of water-based and cultural activities.

Read Also: Ensenada Cruise Port – Terminals, Getting Around, and What’s Nearby

The island is home to just one city, Avalon, and a small village called Two Harbors. Carnival Cruise Line, in fact, recently signed a 15-year pact with Avalon, securing anchorage agreements.

Ensenada Bay Village Render
Ensenada Bay Village Render (Credit: ITM Group)

Ensenada is equally charming, with plenty of eateries and souvenir shops along the waterfront and nearby attractions such as La Bufadora, a huge marine geyser, and the Valle de Guadalupe — Mexico’s premier wine region.

Moreover, it is possible that Carnival Corporation’s planned Ensenada Bay Village, a shoreside destination, could be open by the start of 2028, adding another experience for guests sailing on Carnival Cruise Line and her sister brands.

Special Voyages Include Christmas Sailing in 2027

Along with its short sailings from Long Beach to Baja, Carnival Radiance will offer a unique 4-day cruise featuring back-to-back visits to Ensenada on January 3, 2028, and a 5-day Christmas cruise departing on December 23, 2027. That voyage will call at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

Carnival Radiance was formerly known as Carnival Victory, constructed as the last of the line’s Destiny class. The ship launched in 2000, then underwent a $200 million renovation in 2021 that transformed it into a Sunshine-class ship.

It was renamed Carnival Radiance following the upgrade. The ship is one of three vessels operating from Long Beach in 2026. In addition to Carnival Radiance, the line offers cruises on Carnival Firenze and Carnival Panorama to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. The two ships sail longer voyages, from 4 to 6 days.

In 2027 and 2028, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Legend will join Carnival Radiance in sailing the region.

While none of the itineraries specifically show Ensenada Bay Village as a port call — since opening day has not been set — it is likely that if the destination is completed by the start of 2028, all of Carnival Cruise Line’s ships sailing to Baja are likely to visit.

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Ensenada Bay Village represents a $26 million investment by the cruise line and will feature recreation and relaxation areas such as wellness spaces, hot springs, family activities, and an adult-only pool.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy announced the planned construction of the village in December 2025, as she visited the destination onboard Carnival Panorama.

Disney’s Biggest Ship Yet Makes a Florida Debut With a Long Journey Ahead

Melissa Mayntz
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Disney’s Biggest Ship Yet Makes a Florida Debut With a Long Journey Ahead

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Adventure has arrived at Port Canaveral for a brief stop before she continues on to Singapore.
  • There are no sailings offered from Florida, but the ship will be taking on supplies and cast members.
  • The ship is the largest ever built for Disney Cruise Line and will remain homeported in Asia for at least five years.

It’s exactly seven weeks before the adventure begins in Singapore with Disney Cruise Line’s biggest ever ship, but the 208,100-gross-ton Disney Adventure is already on the move with an appearance in the Sunshine State before she continues on her way to her Asian homeport.

The highly anticipated ship arrived in Port Canaveral at roughly 7 a.m. Thursday morning, January 15, and she will spend just under two weeks in Florida before departing to continue her journey to Singapore.

Captains Mickey and Minnie Mouse were on hand for the welcome, along with cast members and cruise ship fans.

“The Disney Adventure has arrived at Port Canaveral, Florida and we are one step closer to the magical Maiden Voyage on 10 March!” Disney Cruise Line posted on Facebook.

While in Florida, she will undoubtedly be taking on supplies and cast members, but there are no media sailings or previews available.

Disney Adventure Arriving at Port Canaveral
Disney Adventure Arriving at Port Canaveral

Instead, the ship will head on her way on Tuesday, January 27, continuing her journey toward Singapore while Disney Cruise Line fans eagerly watch her progress and await her inaugural sailing.

“The ship will continue to sail through the Panama Canal, making a stop in Los Angeles before voyaging across the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo and concluding her journey to its homeport in Singapore,” the cruise line said. “Our Captains can’t wait to sail with you soon!”

Why the Strange Route?

It’s curious that Disney Adventure has sailed from Germany to the US and will move through the Panama Canal to Japan before finally arriving in Singapore.

Overall, that route is approximately 19,500 miles, an astonishing distance for the ship to travel without guests aboard.

In contrast, if Disney Adventure had moved through the Mediterranean, passed through the Suez Canal, and sailed through the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean to reach Singapore, the route would have been just 10,100 miles.

Dangerous waters and pirate activity makes the Red Sea an unsafe route, however, and many cruise lines have altered itineraries to avoid the region. In that case, if Disney Adventure were to circle around the coast of Africa instead, her route from Germany to Singapore would have been roughly 14,300 miles.

So why would the ship go on the longest possible route to Singapore? With Port Canaveral as the premier homeport and Disney Cruise Line headquartered in central Florida, it makes sense that the ship would call there.

Read Also: Disney Cruise Ships by Size – Largest to Smallest

This is an opportunity for cast members who have been training in Florida to more easily board the ship, as well as for branded merchandise and other supplies to be loaded aboard. Additional cast members and supplies will undoubtedly come aboard the new ship in Los Angeles as well.

This circuitous route is also an opportunity for more visibility for the new ship, as she attracts attention and interest around the globe from eager cruisers and Disney Cruise Line fans alike.

An Epic Adventure to Bring the Ship to Life

The Global-class ship was delivered to Disney Cruise Line in mid-December at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, following the end of her construction and her successful sea trials and final outfitting.

The adventure of the ship’s construction has been a lengthy one, as she was originally ordered in 2018 by the now-defunct Dream Cruises. When the parent company, Genting Hong Kong, went bankrupt in 2022, the partially-completed hull was sold to Disney Cruise Line.

Disney Adventure in Bremerhaven
Disney Adventure in Bremerhaven (Photo Credit: Eckardt)

At that time, the ship was renamed Disney Adventure and contracted to be refit to Disney Cruise Line’s standards by Meyer Werft, the same company that has built 5 of the cruise line’s active ships, including the Wish-class ships.

Now, after a delay of several months that cancelled more than 20 sailings, Disney Adventure is nearly ready to welcome her first guests.

She can welcome 6,000 guests per sailing, and she offers unique and outstanding experiences onboard, including Asian-inspired venues and dining options sure to appeal in the Singapore market.

Disney Adventure also includes innovative new spaces, such as the richly themed Disney Imagination Garden that features a three-deck-high castle, the first representation of an iconic castle on any Disney cruise ship.

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Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Marvel Landing, and other spaces will also be found onboard, along with unique dining and touches from a wide range of classic Disney film favorites, including “Moana,” “Tangled,” “Frozen,” “Cinderella,” “Finding Nemo,” “Luca,” and much more.

Disney Adventure will offer 3- and 4-night sailings to nowhere from the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore for at least five years before she may redeploy to bring her adventures elsewhere around the globe.

Royal Caribbean Reveals Points Choice and It Could Change Loyalty Forever

Donna Tunney
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0
Royal Caribbean Reveals Points Choice and It Could Change Loyalty Forever

Key Aspects:

  • Following much speculation on social media, Royal Caribbean Group has detailed its new Points Choice loyalty program.
  • The plan will take effect with departures on and after January 30, 2026.
  • Points Choice allows guests to apply their points across the company’s three brands.


After some details of its new Points Loyalty program emerged on social media in recent weeks, Royal Caribbean Group’s new loyalty program, which extends across the company’s three brands, was officially announced.

Points Choice will take effect with cruise departures on and after January 30, 2026, enabling guests sailing on ships operated by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises to earn loyalty points and apply them to any of the three brands. The parent company hinted that changes were coming in a statement in October 2025, prompting plenty of speculation by guests.

Currently, guests can apply their existing loyalty tier level to any of the brands under the Status Match program, which rolled out in 2024. But Points Choice takes the concept to a new, more lucrative level for guests, according to the company’s January 15, 2026, statement.

With the soon-to-launch plan, guests who are members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society can assign their earned loyalty points to whichever club or society they prefer.

“Points Choice is designed with our guests at the center,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

“Our guests are exploring more of our brands than ever before, and we believe our loyalty experience should grow with them. Points Choice gives every guest the power to direct their loyalty points within our family of brands where they will have the biggest impact for them,” Liberty added.

Points Choice Table
Points Choice Table

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

Loyalty points will continue to be based on the number of nights booked, with different cabin categories determining the number of points per night. An exchange chart has appeared on social media platforms in recent weeks, as word of the loyalty club changes began to surface.

For example, according to the chart, guests booking Sunset, Owner, Aqua-Theater, or Oceanview Panoramic suite categories would earn two points per night in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, eight points per night in Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, or one point per night in Silversea’s Venetian Society.

The chart shows 10 category levels, from inside staterooms to the most opulent suites across the three brands.

User-Friendly Process Offers Choices For Guests

Taken together, the tier-equivalent aspect of Status Match and the cross-brand sharing of points in Points Choice arguably make Royal Caribbean Group’s loyalty system the most advantageous in the industry.

The mechanics of the enhanced program appear to be user-friendly: Guests have 14 days following their sailing to decide where to apply their points, using a Points Choice Request form found on the Royal Caribbean app or on the line’s website.

Royal Caribbean-Owned Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean-Owned Cruise Ships

The whole process can be done online, and those who do not wish to apply their points to a different brand will take no action — points will automatically be applied to their existing club.

Points Choice is expected to be a welcome upgrade to Royal Caribbean Group’s brands, unlike what competitor Carnival Cruise Line experienced when it announced it would replace its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program with Carnival Rewards.

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In that case, the line will base loyalty points on guest spending as well as frequency of travel — a concept that drew considerable backlash from guests. The new plan is slated to take effect on September 1, 2026.

Royal Caribbean Group owns the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea brands and has a 50% stake in TUI Cruises, operator of Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd. Status Match and Points Choice do not extend to those two brands.

Royal Caribbean Limits a Popular Space on One Highly Booked Sailing

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Limits a Popular Space on One Highly Booked Sailing

Key Aspects:

  • Guests on Oasis of the Seas will have reduced loyalty benefits for the January 18 sailing.
  • Access to the Crown Lounge will be restricted during each evening’s happy hour due to many loyal guests onboard.
  • Other benefits remain intact and no other sailing date is impacted.

While Carnival Cruise Line angers loyal guests regularly with the removal of high-level benefits from popular sailings, Royal Caribbean guests aren’t immune to similar capacity limitations.

Loyal-to-Royal guests boarding Oasis of the Seas on Sunday, January 18, 2026 for the ship’s 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary to Nassau, San Juan, and Puerto Plata have just learned one of their most exclusive benefits is being restricted.

“We’re expecting a high number of top-tier Crown & Anchor members onboard,” the email explained. “To ensure everyone has access, the Crown Lounge will be reserved for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night.”

Onboard Oasis of the Seas, the Crown Lounge is found on Deck 4, forward of Studio B on the ship’s starboard side.

Unlike some Carnival sailings that remove multiple benefits due to high numbers of Diamond and Platinum guests, this particular Oasis of the Seas cruise is preserving other benefits.

“The lounge and its services are fully accessible to you at all other times,” the email confirmed. “And don’t forget – your complimentary drink vouchers can be used at most bars and lounges throughout the day.”

The now-restricted hours are due to the extreme popularity of the Crown Lounge for pre-dinner or pre-show cocktails and nibbles as guests socialize before those evening events.

This is not an unusual occurrence and in fact the Crown Lounge is regularly restricted on high-interest sailings when there may be many Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members onboard.

In fact, the restriction is written into the benefits explanation for the Crown and Anchor Society as follows:

“Royal Caribbean may limit or remove access to the lounge as needed to accommodate sailings with higher than usual member counts including, but not limited to: charters, crossings, repositionings, inaugurals, trade events, and President’s Cruises.”

Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge
Royal Caribbean Diamond Lounge

To be fair, many experienced Royal Caribbean guests don’t necessarily care for the lounge’s location on Oasis of the Seas, as there are no windows in the space.

“Last time I was on an Oasis class, I think I spent a grand total of an hour in the ‘Crown’ Lounge down in the basement over the course of a week,” one guest noted.

“Don’t think I have ever used it since I made Diamond. I’d much rather be out on deck enjoying a cocktail and the weather,” another added.

Because Oasis of the Seas remains one of the world’s largest cruise ships with a capacity of 5,606 at double occupancy, it’s not surprising that the lounge could fill up on different sailings.

How High is High-Level Loyalty?

In Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, guests must accrue 175 points to be Diamond Plus and at least 700 points to rise to the Pinnacle Club level.

Read Also: What Is Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society?

Guests earn points for every night they’ve sailed with the cruise line. Extra points can be earned on select sailings depending on the stateroom category booked, though reduced fares and some promotional offers are not eligible for extra points.

Central Park on Oasis of the Seas
Central Park on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: ATCreator)

The smoke-free Crown Lounge, formerly called the Diamond Lounge but renamed fleetwide in 2023, is exclusive to the top three tiers, which includes Diamond members (80 points).

When so many high-level travelers are expected onboard, however, eliminating the Diamond tier from the most popular evening hours helps ensure that everyone has time and space to enjoy the lounge.

Diamond members will still be able to visit and relax in the Crown Lounge at other times.

Other Benefits Still Available

Despite removing the happy hour access to the Crown Lounge for this one Oasis of the Seas sailing, the remainder of the loyalty benefits remain intact for Diamond members.

This includes drink discounts, one free day of Surf & Stream internet access, priority wait lists for dining room, spa, and shore tour reservations, an exclusive Backstage Tour, free jackpot cards with the purchase of a bingo package, and more.

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Guests onboard Oasis of the Seas will also want to investigate Royal Caribbean’s new Points Choice plan in case they no longer care for the loyalty benefits from the cruise line.

Under the new program, guests can choose which cruise line in the Royal Caribbean Group they would like their points applied to, helping them earn exactly the loyalty they most prefer with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea.

Norwegian Aura Revealed as NCL’s Largest Ship Yet, Will Homeport in Miami

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Aura Revealed as NCL’s Largest Ship Yet, Will Homeport in Miami

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Aura has been revealed and bookings are now open for the fifth Prima-class ship.
  • The new ship will homeport from Miami, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from June 2027.
  • The ship is the largest in the NCL fleet and has multi-generational spaces designed for families to share.

Just weeks ahead of the inaugural sailing of the upcoming Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line has officially revealed the name and opened bookings for the next ship in the revolutionary Prima-plus class: Norwegian Aura.

The new ship will first offer a single 7-night Mediterranean sailing from Trieste to Barcelona beginning on May 21, 2027, with visits to Malta, Salerno, and Rome.

Following that inaugural cruise, she will spend the next 14-nights on her first transatlantic cruise, with visits to Motril, Cadiz, and Gibraltar before she heads across the ocean on her way to the Sunshine State.

From Miami, Norwegian Aura will offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries with visits to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

Norwegian Aura
Norwegian Aura

On her Eastern Caribbean sailings, the new ship will spend time at Great Stirrup Cay complete with the newest updates, including the Great Tides Waterpark, while the Western Caribbean voyages will visit Harvest Caye for a relaxing, exclusive day in Belize.

Bookings are now open for the new ship’s first seasons and are sure to fill up fast with so many great experiences onboard for guests to enjoy.

Biggest Ever Ship for Norwegian Cruise Line

Built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the new Norwegian Aura will be the longest and largest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, measuring nearly 1,130 feet long and coming in at 169,000 gross tons.

This makes the new ship 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna and just slightly larger than the current largest ships in the NCL fleet, the Breakaway-plus subclass that includes Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore.

“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Norwegian Aura Haven Duplex Three-Bedroom Suite
Norwegian Aura Haven Duplex Three-Bedroom Suite

Norwegian Aura has a total of 1,976 staterooms, including 159 in the exclusive ship-in-a-ship retreat, The Haven. In total, the ship boasts 30% more suites than other Prima class vessels and the most of any ship in the NCL fleet.

The ship’s distinctive profile is instantly recognizable, as is her stunning hull art designed by international artist Rosie Woods.

The aura-like palette of purple, pink, blue, and teal is reminiscent of aurora lights and showcases celestial light, oceanic bioluminescence, and how light interacts with water.

Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights LED Lights
Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights LED Lights

“I’m thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, who has been known for showcasing beautiful, cutting-edge hull art designs. I’m so excited to see my large-scale piece of artwork come to life, sail across the seas and illuminate day and night,” said Woods.

More Onboard for Everyone

The new ship focuses on everything being bigger and better, with something for everyone.

“Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world,” said Sommer. “With brilliance and connection at her core, the ship was created to give all guests the freedom to vacation their very own way – offering the chance to exhale, connect and effortlessly escape into the moment.”

Norwegian Aura Main Pool
Norwegian Aura Main Pool

The ship has been deliberately designed to appeal across generations, making it ideal for family vacations and togetherness.

The expansive Ocean Heights complex from Decks 18-21 will have five outstanding waterslides, including the dueling mat slides Eclipse Racers as well as the Aura Free Fall drop slide that plunges down 250 feet and The Wave where four guests can ride together.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Size – Biggest to Smallest

Norwegian Aura - Ocean Heights
Norwegian Aura – Ocean Heights

The signature dry slide of the Prima class, The Drop, will offer a waterless slide option down 10 decks, while guests who want the very best of views can tackle the Aura Ropes Course on the top deck. There will also be a rock climbing wall, a midway-style games area, a 9-hole miniature golf course, and more.

For more relaxing with a stunning connection to the ocean, guests can stroll along the Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8, passing by the wading pools and water loungers of Infinity Beach, the Adventure Alley playspace for young cruisers, and the Little Explorer’s Cove playhouse.

Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights
Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights

The exclusive Vibe Beach Club is another relaxation option reserved for adults. The space is 15% larger than on Norwegian Aura‘s sister ships and offers more seating, sun loungers, a private bar, and a unique waterfall feature for the ultimate in ocean atmosphere.

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More details on dining and entertainment are sure to be revealed in the coming months as excitement for Norwegian Aura continues to grow. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for all the latest information!

Norwegian Gem Itinerary Shift Sparks Frustration Among Guests

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Gem Itinerary Shift Sparks Frustration Among Guests

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Gem‘s January 22 visit to Great Stirrup Cay is being moved earlier in the morning and shortened by an hour.
  • Not all guests are happy about the change, considering they will be the only ship at the private island that day.
  • Weather may play a part in the visit change as winds are expected to increase later in the afternoon.

Less than a week before embarkation, Norwegian Cruise Line has adjusted the itinerary for Norwegian Gem‘s January 20, 2026 departure from Jacksonville, a 12-night Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas sailing.

Not everyone is pleased with the change, which doesn’t seem to have much of an explanation at all.

Only one port of call is impacted: the ship’s visit to Great Stirrup Cay on Thursday, January 22. Initially, the call was to have been from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but that is no longer the case.

“While we’re always working to bring your dream vacation to life, there are times when a slight adjustment helps ensure a more efficient operation, resulting in the best overall guest experience,” the notification explained.

“In this case, we’ve adjusted the timing of our visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. This change allows all guests visiting our recently enhanced private island on January 22, 2026, to enjoy a smoother, more relaxed and enjoyable day ashore.”

Now, Norwegian Gem will be visiting the island from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is one less hour than originally planned.

The note that “all guests visiting our recently enhanced private island” will benefit from the change seems odd, as Norwegian Gem is the only ship slated to visit Great Stirrup Cay on January 22.

Read Also: Great Stirrup Cay – A Full Overview of NCL’s Private Island

Furthermore, the ship has a day at sea both before and after the private island visit, so it isn’t necessary to adjust arrival or departure times to travel between ports of call.

What Other Factors Could Impact the Port Time?

It is possible that other factors may be impacting Norwegian Gem‘s planned visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

Weather forecasts, particularly for tides and winds, could have some impact on scheduling to ensure the ship is able to dock at the new pier safely.

For example, winds expected at Great Stirrup Cay on January 20 should be approximately 17 miles per hour throughout much of the day. Increasing winds up to 22 miles per hour or higher are expected later in the day.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

Those rising winds in the afternoon could make it more challenging to keep Norwegian Gem steady against the dock just when many guests are returning to the ship. If gusts are even higher, there is a greater risk that the ship might snap her mooring lines and the gangways could collapse.

These types of incidents are not unheard of, and in fact less than a month ago Celebrity Equinox broke free while docked in Buenos Aires.

Not All Guests Are Happy

Some guests on Facebook are very upset at the change, particularly since this is the second time this particular itinerary has been changed. Previously, another stop in the Bahamas was removed in favor of a sea day.

Now, this change to an earlier-in-the-day visit to Great Stirrup Cay seems less than reasonable.

“There is no reason for this change! We are the only boat there that day,” one guest noted. “We have a sea day the next day, so we are in no hurry to get somewhere the next day. And they own the island, so an outside entity is not changing it.”

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

As different guests have pointed out, there are no breakfast options available on the private island, and the overall visit time is now an hour shorter than originally planned.

Furthermore, for guests who enjoy a sunny day on the beach, sunrise isn’t until 6:55 a.m. on January 22, just minutes before Norwegian Gem is scheduled to dock. This means a cooler overall day for beachgoers rather than the sun-drenched day they may have hoped to experience.

“Who wants to be up and out and on the beach at 7:30 a.m.?” one guest asked.

Nevertheless, all cruise lines are entitled to adjust itineraries at any time, for any reason. This is a common clause in cruise ticket contracts, and is clearly outlined in section 7(c) of Norwegian Cruise Line’s guest ticket contract.

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Nevertheless, the last-minute nature of the change is also irksome to many guests, as there is no option to change or cancel their cruise if they prefer.

“It is frustrating when the last minute changes happen,” one guest noted.

While guests may be disappointed, the good news is they will still be visiting Great Stirrup Cay and will be among the first guests to enjoy the new enhancements, including the huge 1.4 acre Great Life Lagoon with swim up bars and lounge areas, as well as the Splash Harbor play area for younger cruisers.

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