An authentic life jacket from Titanic and signed by survivors has sold at auction in the UK for more than $900,000.
No other life jackets from the tragic sinking have ever been available through public auctions.
Henry Aldridge & Son handled the auction and has sold other Titanic artifacts and memorabilia over the years.
It’s been 114 years since that cold April night when the RMS Titanic slipped beneath the waves of the North Atlantic, but public fascination with the “unsinkable” ship has only grown even bigger through the years.
This week, that fascination swelled to proportions nearly as rich as the celebrities onboard the famous vessel with a first-ever auction of a specific Titanic item: a life jacket worn by a survivor of that spectacular sinking.
According to the BBC, the life jacket was auctioned by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, UK. The rare and outstanding piece garnered amazing interest from collectors and ultimately sold for £670,000 ($905,000 USD) on April 18, 2026.
“It reflects the ongoing interest and passion for the story of the Titanic, and its passengers and crew,”said auctioneer Andrew Aldridge of the spectacular outcome.
Initially, the jacket was expected to sell for £250,000-£350,000 ($338,000-$473,000). Auctions are unpredictable, however, and it all depends on who is interested in any particular piece of memorabilia.
The vest was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class woman who was 31 years old at the time of the sinking. She was employed as a secretary and assistant to Lady Duff-Gordon, a famed dressmaker who also survived that tragic night. Both women were rescued in Lifeboat 1, the fifth launched from the doomed ship, but with only 12 people onboard.
Francatelli and seven other survivors had signed the life jacket in the years since the sinking, adding even more interest to its collectability.
Titanic Lifeboat
Henry Aldridge & Son noted that the life jacket remained in Francatelli’s family for decades, but was “acquired by a private collector” roughly 20 years ago. It has previously been displayed at museums in the US and Europe as part of various Titanic exhibitions.
Very few Titanic life jackets are known to exist and this is the first which has ever been offered at auction. Bids were taken in the room, online, by phone, and through commission bids. Multiple viewing dates were offered ahead of the auction.
The buyer has not been identified, as is standard procedure with high-profile auctions, in order to preserve the privacy of collectors.
Titanic Memorabilia Remains Popular
The same auction house has handled other memorable artifacts from Titanic. Most notably was the Rostron Gold Tiffany Pocket Watch sold in October 2024 for $1.97 million, the most expensive piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold.
The Rostron watch was presented to Captain Arthur Rostron of the RMS Carpathia, the first ship to arrive at the site of the disaster on April 15, 1912. The gift was given to the vessel’s master in 1913 by three survivors who had all lost their husbands in the sinking: Mrs. John B. Thayer, Mrs. John Jacob Astor, and Mrs. George D. Widener.
In November 2025, different commemorative items related to Titanic were auctioned, including stunning artwork, postcards of Titanic in the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, passenger photographs, pieces of coal, cutaway brochures, the Isador Straus pocket watch, and more.
Other Titanic items Henry Aldridge & Son has handled over the years include menus, lifeboat plaques, deck chairs, and keys.
Titanic may have sunk more than a century ago, but the ship remains very much alive for many fans.
Royal Caribbean boasts the largest, most advanced ships in the world.
Carnival Cruise Line fares can be markedly cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s.
Both lines are family-friendly, but Royal Caribbean caters to a more diverse crowd.
When it comes to booking your first cruise, many cruisers end up comparing and contrasting two of the largest cruise lines in the business: Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
While they have their similarities, these cruise lines also have major differences, such as ship size, demographic, pricing, and more, and thus choosing the right option of the two is key to having an enjoyable vacation.
Carnival is ideal for an affordable getaway. Royal Caribbean has bigger ships. Carnival is low-key with plentiful complimentary dining options. Royal Caribbean may cost more, but you may find the quality of food and entertainment to be superior.
Let’s dive into these differences and others, so if you’re deciding between Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you can feel confident booking your best fit.
Quick Comparison of Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line
Category
Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Line
Overall vibe
Modern, contemporary, and tech-forward, with lots of “first at sea” attractions and perks
Low key, casual and, depending on the itinerary, party focused
Guests Demographics
Lots of options, but fewer complementary options
Families, budget travelers, young adults
Fares
Not as high as what you’ll get with a luxury cruise line, but definitely higher, especially on new ships
Some of the most affordable fares in the industry
Fleet and ship size
Royal Caribbean boasts the largest ships in the world, with 29 ships in the fleet
Not small, but not the largest ships in the world either, with 29 ships in the fleet
Cabins
More variety to choose from, and more unique options
Basic and traditional
Dining
Large number of high-quality activities for all ages, from waterparks and zip lines to ice skating and ropes courses, plus theatrical and live music entertainment
Modern, contemporary and tech-forward, with lots of “first at sea” attractions and perks
Entertainment and Activities
Perfect Day at CocoCay; Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island; Labadee, Haiti; and a future Mexico destination
Lots of options, and many are complimentary and crowd favorites
Private destinations
Waterslides, deck parties, the first rollercoaster at sea, comedy shows and a lot of highly reviewed crew member-led activities
Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key
Ship Size
When comparing Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean based on ship size, the clear winner is Royal Caribbean. The line boasts the biggest vessels in the biz, frequently outdoing itself with record-setting vessels often named the largest cruise ships in the world.
Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Icon class ships and the lead ship, Icon of the Seas, take this title, and they can carry more than 7,500 passengers each at max capacity. The rest of the fleet isn’t too tiny either (though, sure, you can find older, smaller Royal Caribbean ships).
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
In contrast, Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are slightly smaller. Its biggest ships are Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration, which carry just over 6,600 passengers at max capacity. Again, that’s hardly small, but it definitely drags behind Royal Caribbean.
Does Ship Size Matter to You?
If you’re deciding between a Royal Caribbean cruise and a Carnival Cruise Line cruise, as a newbie, you might not even think about ship size initially. However, the size of the ship you cruise on will really impact your trip experience.
The bigger the ship, the more amenities (and often the newer the ship, with more innovation). However, on the flip side of that, you also get more crowds.
You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before deciding what’s best for you.
Fleet Size
In terms of fleet size, or how many overall ships the brand has for you to choose from when booking, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are very similar.
Royal Caribbean has 29 ships, ranging from Star of the Seas, which first set sail in 2025, to Grandeur of the Seas, which dates back to 1996. Furthermore, Royal Caribbean will welcome more ships to its family in both 2026 and 2027, with the arrivals of Legend of the Seas and Hero of the Seas.
Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas
Carnival’s fleet, meanwhile, consists of 29 ships, ranging from the newest in the bunch, Carnival Jubilee, which debuted in 2023, to the oldest, Carnival Sunshine, which debuted in 1996. Carnival Cruise Line likewise will welcome new ships in the coming years, with Carnival Festivale in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028.
Cruise Fares
One big deciding factor for a lot of people when booking a cruise? The cost. Cruising can be very economical, but some lines are more affordable than others.
In general, Carnival Cruise Line keeps up a reputation as being, if not the most affordable cruise line overall, definitely one of the top most affordable options for most, before you even consider any discounts or specials.
Royal Caribbean’s fares are often higher, especially when you get into the newer, larger ships.
As with everything in travel, though, you get what you pay for. I love getting a great deal on a cruise, but I also definitely don’t mind splurging, especially if it means I’m going to enjoy a top tier cruising experience, whether that be because the ship is brand new, I’m staying in a luxury suite, etc.
Cabins and Suites
And on that note, how do the cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean compare?
This is ultimately going to really come down to the actual ship that you’re on andwhich cabin you book. While, yes, often Royal Caribbean’s ships will offer more variety in terms of staterooms and cabins, as well as more unique options, such as the Ultimate Family Suite or staterooms with virtual balconies, a newer ship is just about always going to offer better cabins than an older one.
Royal Caribbean Stateroom (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
You’ll also notice a difference in overall cabin aesthetic across the two brands. Carnival’s cabins are typically bright and cheery, and make you feel like you’re at, say, an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean’s aesthetic is a little more subdued and leans toward an upscale hotel vibe.
Dining
Long time cruisers of Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have established fan favorite dining venues across the lines. You definitely won’t go hungry on either.
Carnival, though, typically delivers more in terms of complimentary dining, whereas Royal Caribbean offers a lot of truly amazing dining experiences (like the new supper club style eateries on its newer ships) … but for an extra cost if you’re branching too far away from the main dining room.
Honestly, if you’re a foodie traveler who doesn’t mind paying extra, I’d recommend you consider Royal Caribbean. If you just want good, but cheap, eats, go for Carnival and indulge in fast (free!) favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint.
Activities and Entertainment
Royal Caribbean really goes all out when it comes to entertainment, with tons of remarkable, first at sea attractions.
There are the basic Royal Caribbean fun offerings, that you’ll see on the majority of the line’s ships, like FlowRider surfing simulators and rock climbing walls, but also features like the next generation SeaPlex, the largest indoor and outdoor activity space at sea, and the Category 6 waterpark with its six slides.
Cat in the Hat Waterpark on Carnival Horizon (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)
Carnival Cruise Line, though, is none too shabby when it comes to the entertainment and activities arena. From ropes courses and a water park, to the SkyRide and the world’s first roller coaster at sea, dubbed BOLT, the line’s newest ships really deliver.
Just, again, keep in mind: The bigger and newer the ship, the more entertainment. It would be unfair to compare a 20 year old Royal Caribbean ship to a brand new Carnival ship and vice versa.
Demographic
So who will you be sailing alongside, on these two lines?
Both cruise lines are very family-friendly. Still, because Carnival Cruise Line is typically always cheaper, you may find the demographics skew younger. Especially on shorter itineraries, don’t be surprised to see college students and/or young adults looking for a fun time.
In contrast, the Royal Caribbean demographic is a little more diverse and spread out among age groups.
Private Destinations
Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have a handful of private destinations, where cruisers can enjoy branded experiences and everything from private beaches to zip lining, eco tours to beachside dining.
Royal Caribbean has its Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas, with its waterpark, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, and adults-only spaces. Then, there’s a Haitian private destination called Labadee with multiple beaches and zip lining; however, it is currently shut down due to security concerns.
Another Bahamas private locale is the Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island, which opened in 2025 with even more to love, spread out over 17 acres, including multiple pools, beaches and the world’s largest swim up bar.
Royal Caribbean is expanding its lineup of private destinations, too, with Perfect Day Mexico coming in 2027.
Carnival Cruise Line, meanwhile, has its Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, with tons of tours, so that you can get active and go adventuring, whether that means snorkeling, visiting the stingrays, biking, etc.
It likewise also opened up a new destination in 2025: Celebration Key. It features a huge freshwater lagoon, adults only areas and dining options.
Itineraries
When it comes to itineraries, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer a truly astounding number of options, all across the world. Whether you want to cruise the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, etc., you can do it (and you can book that cruise on CruiseHive!).
Royal Caribbean Ships in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
To be honest, unless you have your heart set on a very, very specific itinerary or on leaving out of a specific, small port, I wouldn’t let itineraries determine whether you sail on Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line.
Unless you have something extremely specific in mind, chances are high that you’ll be able to find an itinerary that suits your needs with either of these lines.
Which is Best: Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean?
Ultimately, I can’t tell you if Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean is “the best,” out of the two. It’s all going to depend on who you are as a traveler and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If you want something really budget-friendly, and money is your main concern, then sure, go with Carnival. If you want to sail on some of the biggest, newest, most advanced ships in the world, Royal Caribbean’s new megaships may be for you. Looking for a party atmosphere? Try Carnival.
Booking a multigenerational trip and want a cruise line that offers a little bit of something for everyone, regardless of age? Royal Caribbean delivers.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. If there’s any group of travelers that’s outspoken about their experiences, no punches pulled, it’s cruisers. You can find tons of people comparing and contrasting Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean on forums like Reddit
For example, a recent Reddit post contrasted the two after the original poster sailed on both three times. Their verdict? The food is comparable, but Carnival wins thanks to poolside options, while Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is of a higher quality.
Another Reddit thread succinctly summed up the difference as “Carnival is Walmart and Royal Caribbean is Target.” That’s a viewpoint that I can definitely agree with.
Norwegian Aura will not be debarking or embarking guests in Barcelona on May 28, 2027.
The ship’s schedule has been shifted to Tarragona, where the May 21 sailing will debark and the May 28 sailing will embark.
Port availability has been cited as the explanation for the switch, but no further details are offered.
Just days after a major construction milestone and more than a year before her debut, the first two itineraries are already changing for the upcoming Norwegian Aura.
Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on the ship’s first two departures to alert them to the change. The two impacted cruises are the May 21, 2027 and May 28, 2027 sailings.
The first is a 7-night, one-way cruise as the ship departs Trieste, Italy and makes her way to Barcelona with port visits in Valletta, Salerno, and Rome. Those port visits are not changed, but the ship will not be arriving in Barcelona as planned.
Instead, Norwegian Aura will head to Tarragona, roughly 50 miles further west along Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast. Debarkation will then be in Tarragona rather than Barcelona.
Similarly, the May 28, 2027 departure will now be from Tarragona instead of Barcelona. That 13-night cruise is the ship’s first transatlantic crossing as she heads to Florida to homeport from Miami.
At this time, there is no change to the ports of call on the transatlantic cruise either, which include Motril, Cadiz, and Gibraltar. Norwegian Aura‘s arrival in the Sunshine State is not impacted.
The cruise line has cited “port availability” as the reasoning behind the homeport change.
“While we coordinate closely with port authorities to confirm every detail well in advance, operational conditions can change, and at times we’re informed that space is no longer available,”Norwegian Cruise Line explained.
No further details are available, but there are many reasons why such port changes can be made, even to pre-planned cruise ship homeports. Fortunately, Tarragona is just about an hour’s drive or train ride from Barcelona, making it easy for guests to adjust their pre- or post-cruise travel plans as appropriate.
Norwegian Aura Float Out (Credit: NCL)
Given that the impacted cruises are more than a year away, travelers have plenty of time to change how they reach Tarragona rather than Barcelona. This could be a great opportunity for guests who have already sailed from Barcelona to enjoy a new Mediterranean destination with a rich Roman history, beautiful beaches, and more.
Norwegian Aura just floated out from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy on April 16, 2026. This is a major step in her construction, marking the physical completion of the ship’s hull.
There is, however, a lot of work yet remaining before the new ship will welcome her first sailing of 3,840 guests.
Port availability was also cited as the reason for that change. Barcelona has been fighting increased cruise ship traffic for years, but the swaps could also be due to port operations, terminal construction or maintenance, and other issues.
Tarragona has been a cruise homeport for years, but it was only in 2024 when a new terminal opened that interest in the destination continued to grow. The thoughtfully designed port has remarkable architecture and eco-friendly features, as well as advanced security and accessibility.
The port can also accommodate ships of all sizes, making it an attractive option for many cruise lines. In 2026, ships from MSC Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Cunard Line, TUI Cruises, and more all have either port visit calls or homeport operations from Tarragona.
Legend of the Seas has begun sea trials in Finland, testing propulsion, maneuverability, and onboard systems.
More than 2,000 people are onboard the vessel for her first 10 days at sea.
The ship will sail roughly 2,400 nautical miles before returning to the shipyard for final preparations.
Royal Caribbean’s next giant cruise ship has officially left the shipyard for its first tests at sea.
Legend of the Seas, the cruise line’s third Icon Class vessel, began sea trials on April 19, 2026, in the Baltic Sea after departing from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
The tests mark one of the final phases of construction before the ship is delivered and begins carrying passengers in summer 2026.
“The vessel departed the shipyard on Sunday evening, marking the start of an approximately week-long testing phase at sea,” announced Meyer Turku.“Smooth sailing and fair winds for the journey ahead!”
During the trials, more than 2,000 engineers, technicians, and specialists are onboard to evaluate how the ship performs under real operating conditions.
The testing program will last about 10 days and will examine everything from maneuverability in open water to engine performance and safety systems.
“Over the next 10 days, Legend will push her engines to the limit – think doing donuts and hitting max speed,” Royal Caribbean said.“This marks one of the last few major milestones ahead of Legend’s debut in July.”
Over the course of the tests, Legend of the Seas is expected to sail roughly 2,400 nautical miles before returning to Turku to complete interior work and final preparations ahead of delivery.
Like its sister ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, the vessel will feature multiple themed areas designed to organize the massive ship into smaller districts, along with dozens of dining venues, bars, and entertainment options.
Legend of the Seas has begun sea trials. (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)
After entering service on July 4, 2026, the ship will spend its inaugural season sailing in Europe before relocating to Florida in November 2026. From Fort Lauderdale, it is expected to operate 6-night Western Caribbean cruises and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Those voyages will include stops at several ports across the Caribbean as well as visits to the cruise line’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
From Steel Cutting to Sea Trials
The new vessel represents the latest step in Royal Caribbean’s effort to build the largest cruise ships in the world.
Legend of the Seas is being built in the same shipyard that constructed the earlier Icon Class ships. Construction began with the first steel cutting in January 2024, followed by the keel laying later that year, a traditional step that marks the formal start of a ship’s assembly.
In August 2025, the ship was floated out of dry dock for the first time and moved to the outfitting pier, where interior spaces, cabins, and public areas were installed. It’s last key milestone took place in February 2026, when Legend of the Seas had her coin ceremony.
When completed, the ship will measure about 250,800 gross tons and stretch roughly 1,198 feet long. At double occupancy, it will carry abut 5,610 passengers, with a maximum capacity of roughly 7,600 guests, supported by more than 2,300 crew members.
That scale places the ship among the largest cruise vessels ever built following the debut of Icon of the Seas in 2024 and Star of the Seas in 2025.
A 67-year-old passenger died while snorkeling during a call at Moreton Island, Australia.
The incident occurred on Carnival Splendor on April 17, 2026.
Queensland Authorities said the drowning is not considered suspicious.
Just hours before Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor was involved in a large search operation for a passenger who went overboard, Cruise Hive has discovered another emergency occurred on the same ship.
A passenger died while snorkeling during the 113,500-gross-ton ship’s April 17, 2026, call in Moreton Island, Australia, just off Brisbane.
Local authorities confirmed that a 67-year-old woman from Tasmania was found unresponsive in the water while snorkeling during an excursion. Emergency responders and crew members attempted to assist her, but she could not be revived.
The ship contacted authorities as the situation unfolded, prompting a response from Queensland emergency services. The passenger was later pronounced dead at the scene after attempts to resuscitate her failed.
The incident took place during the 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor’s regularly scheduled 4-night roundtrip cruises from Sydney, which spend two days at sea and 10 hours on Moreton Island.
The destination is known for its calm waters, shipwreck snorkeling sites, and marine life that draw cruise visitors and day-trippers from Brisbane.
Passengers on the itinerary typically spend the stop swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or taking guided marine excursions around the island’s famous Tangalooma Wrecks.
Carnival Cruise Line has not publicly released any additional details about the passenger out of respect for the family but confirmed that it is cooperating with authorities following the incident.
Said a spokesperson in a statement to local media,“Carnival Cruise Line is deeply saddened by the death of a guest on Moreton Island on Friday. Our Care Team is supporting the guest’s family during this difficult time.”
The fatal snorkeling incident occurred only hours before Carnival Splendor was linked to a separate emergency.
In the early morning hours of April 18, a passenger in his 70s climbed over the safety rails and went overboard from the ship, triggering a major search operation involving Australian maritime authorities. The search lasted for several hours before it was eventually suspended.
The operation disrupted the ship’s schedule and delayed its arrival and subsequent sailing departure from Sydney. The incidents are not believed to be linked.
Drowning Incidents Remain Rare
While the drowning near Moreton Island shocked passengers aboard Carnival Splendor, this is not the first time crew from the ship have dealt with a drowning during an excursion.
In May 2023, a passenger sailing on Carnival Splendor died while swimming during a port call at Mystery Island in Vanuatu. The ship was operating a South Pacific cruise from Sydney at the time.
Other water-related deaths have occurred on Carnival Cruise Line itineraries, including an August 2025 incident in which two American passengers in their 70s drowned in separate incidents at Celebration Key, the cruise line’s private beach destination in the Bahamas.
Such cases are rare relative to the millions of passengers who cruise every year, but they underscore the risks that can accompany ocean swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities offered during port calls.
Cruise lines typically advise passengers to follow safety instructions, remain aware of weather and current conditions, and participate only in excursions that match their comfort level and swimming ability.
Queensland Police are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the Moreton Island drowning but said the recent death is not considered suspicious.
A report is being prepared for the coroner, which is standard procedure in such cases.
A key feature of a City of Palma tour will not be available when Celebrity Xcel visits Palma de Mallorca on May 10.
Because the visit is on a Sunday, the city’s iconic cathedral and its museum will be closed to visitors.
The overall tour is not cancelled but Celebrity Cruises is alerting guests to what could be a disappointing change.
Shore tours can be a phenomenal way for cruise guests to learn about the history and culture of a region, but what if that history and culture isn’t available on the one day a ship will be visiting?
Unfortunately, guests booked on Celebrity Xcel‘s April 26, 2026 sailing will miss their chance to see the interior of the spectacular Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (also known as La Seu Cathedral), one of the most famous Gothic architecture cathedrals in the world.
The ship will be visiting Palma de Mallorca on Sunday, May 10, as the last port of call on the 15-night transatlantic cruise. This amounts to poor timing for that outstanding site.
Celebrity Cruises reached out to guests booked on impacted tours to alert them to the change.
“We’ve been advised by the tour operator of an update to the ‘Small Group: City of Palma’ excursion. As our call to Palma de Mallorca will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Cathedral and its museum will be closed,”the cruise line explained.
“As a result, planned visits to these landmarks will take place from the exterior only.”
Because the visit to Palma de Mallorca is still several weeks away, however, guests who no longer wish to take the planned excursion have ample time to cancel the tour and select a different option they may enjoy more.
Tours are available once the up to 3,260 booked guests log in to the Celebrity Cruises app, or tours can also be booked on the cruise line’s website.
Celebrity Xcel on Sea Trials
Other stops on the adjusted tour are not impacted, and visitors are sure to still enjoy the amazing sites of the Spanish city in the small group tour that provides a better individualized experience than larger group bookings.
Celebrity Xcel‘s itinerary is not changed. After departing Fort Lauderdale, the ship will also be visiting Bermuda, the Azores, Lisbon, and Cartagena before arriving in Palma de Mallorca. Debarkation will be the next day (May 11) once the ship arrives in Barcelona.
The Edge-class ship will be offering Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Athens through the summer and will return to the Sunshine State in early November, at which time she will homeport from Miami.
Is Visiting the Cathedral Necessary?
To be clear, the intimate, immersive tour will still be visiting the cathedral, but guests will not go inside the building. Instead, the tour guide will likely offer what historical context they can from the outside.
Guests will still see the impressive flying buttresses and pinnacles of the iconic structure, as well as other distinctive architectural elements.
Because they will not be going inside, however, they will not be able to view the stunning artwork, the glorious light from the rose window, the tombs of Mallorcan Kings James the II and III, or the white marble Episcopal Throne of 1346.
The cathedral is the most popular tourist site in Palma de Mallorca, but it is important to remember that it is still an active cathedral.
On Sundays and on holy days, visitors may not be permitted, as space would be reserved for parishioners. Tour groups would disrupt the sanctity of services and other cathedral activities.
Cruise lines always follow local laws and make every effort to respect local history, traditions, and customs.
While it can be an amazing experience and a special bonus for cruise guests to visit a city on the day of a local festival, art fair, or other event, it is important to respect closures and restrictions as well.
Carnival Sunshine is reversing the order of port visits because of unfavorable weather for her April 18 sailing.
No ports are cancelled, but the times in each port are also adjusted on the new itinerary.
Weather conditions are continuously evaluated and the ship’s safety is always the top priority.
While guests had some challenges boarding Carnival Sunshine in Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, April 18 due to a local event, even more challenges are in store for the 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.
On Sunday, the first full day of the cruise, guests received letters updating them on the sailing schedule. All three ports of call are impacted, though none are cancelled.
“With help from our Fleet Operations Center, we’re monitoring weather forecasts for our itinerary,”the letter, signed by Captain Antonio Gargiulo, explained.“Unfavorable conditions are expected, therefore, weather permitting, we will follow a revised voyage plan.”
Following two full days at sea, the 103,900-gross-ton Carnival Sunshine was originally scheduled to visit RelaxAway Half Moon Cay on Tuesday, April 21, followed by Grand Turk on Wednesday and Amber Cove on Thursday. Two more days at sea would bring the ship back to Virginia for debarkation on Sunday, April 26.
Now, however, the ship is reversing the itinerary and will visit Amber Cove on Tuesday, Grand Turk on Wednesday, and Half Moon Cay on Thursday. The days at sea are unchanged.
In addition to the change in visit days (except for Grand Turk), the time in all three ports has also been adjusted on the revised schedule.
Amber Cove’s visit will now be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., when it was originally planned for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., cutting one hour off the in-port time. Grand Turk’s visit is now also from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but was originally 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This adds an hour to the port visit.
When Carnival Sunshine reaches Half Moon Cay, the ship will be at the port from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Originally, the schedule for that day was 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the same amount of time for the port visit, just shifted one hour earlier.
Any shore tours purchased through Carnival Cruise Line for any of the ports of call will be automatically adjusted for the revised schedule. Guests do not need to visit the Carnival Adventures Desk on Deck 3 unless they want to cancel their tours or purchase new ones.
Reversing Itineraries Not Uncommon
Cruise Hive has regularly reported on itinerary reversals when cruise ships must avoid widespread weather systems. By reversing the order of ports, it is possible for the ship to still visit all the planned destinations, albeit on different days than the original schedule.
Because the first and last ports on Carnival Sunshine‘s sailing; Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove, are roughly 470 miles apart, the ship can easily avoid rough weather that may be affecting one port at the time the ship was scheduled to visit.
Even if strong storms may not seem to be in the forecast for each port of call, if tendering is necessary, the port may be impacted.
While a pier is currently under construction for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, it is not yet complete and ships must still use water shuttle service to ferry guests to shore. Because Carnival Sunshine can welcome up to 3,758 guests, this can take some time even in the best conditions.
If strong swells are expected in the area, tendering is not possible and the port must be skipped.
Forecast expectations for Half Moon Cay on Tuesday, when Carnival Sunshine was originally scheduled, include a 65% chance of rain and winds up to 22 miles per hour. During the rescheduled visit for Thursday, however, there is only a 10% chance of rain and winds should only reach 15 miles per hour.
Safety is always the first priority for cruise ships visiting any port of call. Even on days that may seem mild, winds or swells from the wrong direction can still impact docking or tendering operations.
The ship’s captain will always take all current information into account and make the most responsible decision about whether or not to visit a port. Forecasts can and do change, and it’s not unusual for a port to be cancelled at the last minute if conditions aren’t suitable.
Cruise passengers sailing from Philadelphia must arrive at the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport.
The off-site check-in process will remain in place until Philadelphia’s new PhilaPort cruise terminal is completed.
Guests will park and check-in from the Clarion Hotel, where shuttles will transfer them to Norwegian Jewel.
As excitement continues over Philadelphia’s reopening as a cruise port for the first time in 15 years, passengers sailing in coming weeks have received new instructions on where to arrive and park before their cruise begins.
In a notice sent to guests and travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) outlined revised parking procedures tied to the temporary embarkation setup near Philadelphia International Airport.
Instead of heading directly to the cruise pier, guests arriving by car must first go to the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, which is serving as a central arrival spot for the cruise line as it awaits the completion of PhilaPort’s new passenger terminal.
The hotel is where all passengers must park, as well as drop off luggage and check into voyages on the 93,502-gross-ton Norwegian Jewel. Once checked-in, guests will be transported to the port by shuttle bus.
The system is designed to keep traffic organized during embarkation while cruise operations begin in the city, following the nearly 3-hour delay that took place on Norwegian Jewel’s first Philadelphia departure on April 16, 2026.
“To help set the tone for a smooth and well-orchestrated arrival, we kindly ask guests to follow posted signage and the guidance provided by arrival staff on embarkation day,” said the notice from NCL.
Guests driving to the cruise have two parking choices. The cruise line recommends prepaying for parking before arrival by contacting the hotel directly. Those who prepay will be guided into a designated traffic flow reserved for NCL passengers and directed to a dedicated parking area.
After arriving, guests notify the arrival team that they prepaid. Staff will confirm names on the prepayment list and provide a parking decal for the vehicle. Passengers can then unload luggage and proceed to the designated drop-off area outside the hotel entrance before heading inside to complete check-in.
Passengers who choose to pay for parking upon arrival will follow a similar process but will have to complete payment inside the hotel before receiving their parking decal, which can slow the arrival process.
For those arriving by taxi, private drop-off, or ride share, the drop-off point will be the Clarion Hotel entrance. From there, guests will check-in inside the ballroom before boarding a shuttle to the cruise port.
Drop-offs are not permitted at the cruise terminal itself.
Unfortunately, wheelchair assistance will not be available at the hotel location, though the cruise line says assistance will be provided at the port for guests who requested it prior to sailing.
Temporary Setup Until Cruise Terminal Is Finished
The unusual embarkation process is tied to construction delays affecting Philadelphia’s new cruise terminal at PhilaPort along the Delaware River.
The new terminalis being developed on a 16-acre site next to the Philadelphia International Airport.
Port authorities had expected the terminal to be ready in time for the return of cruise departures this spring. However, winter weather slowed construction, leaving the facility unfinished when Norwegian Jewel arrived for its first sailing.
The temporary system debuted April 16, when the ship launched its inaugural Philadelphia voyage, but the rollout did not go smoothly.
Guests reported long lines, heavy traffic, and crowded conditions inside the hotel ballroom during the embarkation process.
One passenger described the experience as 2.5 hours of standing in a small ballroomwith almost no air movement.
“It was physically hard,” the guest shared, adding that once onboard, the ship and crew were amazing. “It’s just the process of getting here is exhausting.”
Norwegian Jewel was scheduled to depart at 4 p.m. but did not set sail until after 7 p.m. due to the embarkation delays, prompting NCL to send new arrival instructions ahead of the vessel’s next departure to Bermuda on April 23.
The first Philadelphia voyage arrived in Kings Wharf, Bermuda, for an overnight call on April 18. It will stop in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 21 before returning on April 23.
MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Euribia will set sail for her May 16 and 17 departures in northern Europe.
The two sailing dates were previously cancelled while the ship remained in Dubai with the Strait of Hormuz closed.
MSC Euribia was able to safely transit the strait and guests will be contacted about reinstating their vacation plans.
Just days after cancelling MSC Euribia‘s May 16 and 17 departures in Europe, MSC Cruises has now reinstated those sailings as the ship has successfully passed out of the Arabian Gulf and is en route to northern Europe to begin her season in the Baltic Sea and North Sea.
In a surprise move, the cruise line has opted to move ahead with the sailings that were already cancelled. At the time of the cancellation, just two days before MSC Euribia had the opportunity to depart the Arabian Gulf, there was no indication about when passage might be possible.
As it turns out, the Meraviglia-Plus class ship was able to set sail from Dubai and move through the Strait safely. She will now be able to reach Europe in time for those cruises to move forward.
“MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe. The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities,”the cruise line confirmed to Cruise Hive.
“MSC Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated, MSC Cruises confirms that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings operating as planned.”
The May 16 departure from Kiel, Germany is a 7-night sailing with visits to Copenhagen, Denmark (another departure point) as well as Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flam in Norway. The May 17 departure is the same cruise, but with embarkation and debarkation in Copenhagen.
MSC Euribia (Photo Credit: Thorsten Schier)
Satellite tracking shows that MSC Euribia cleared the northern tip of Oman on Saturday, April 18, and is continuing on her way to reach Kiel.
While no exact day or time is yet announced for her arrival in Europe, the fact that the ship has finally departed the Arabian Gulf is great news indeed for guests booked on upcoming voyages.
First, however, MSC Euribia must travel roughly 8,300 miles to reach Germany. Along the way, refueling and resupply stops will be necessary.
Guests Can Shift Their Bookings Back to the Original Cruises
Of course, guests were naturally disappointed about the initial cancellation of the May 16 and 17 departures, but MSC Cruises is permitting them to shift back to those sailings.
“Guests whose cruises were cancelled will have the option to transfer their booking to this sailing should they wish, and will be contacted directly with further details,”the cruise line confirmed.
When the sailings were cancelled, guests were offered three options. They could shift to another sailing, accept a future cruise credit, or choose a full refund.
MSC Cruises has not yet clarified which guests will receive priority to return to their original sailing date, or in what order travelers may be contacted. Given that the departure dates are a month away, there is some time for those arrangements to be made.
Undoubtedly, not all travelers will be prepared to shift back to the previously cancelled sailings due to the logistics of pre- and post-cruise travel plans that may already have been adjusted.
Future departures for the 184,000-gross-ton ship should move forward as planned and there are no updates to any other itineraries at this time.
MSC Euribia will remain sailing in northern Europe through mid-October, at which time she will move to the Mediterranean with departures from Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, and Palermo for the winter season. The ship will return to Kiel and Copenhagen in April 2027.
