Hero of the Seas was floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Both Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean have shared behind-the-scenes looks at the milestone with photos and video.
The fourth Icon-class ship is now at the outfitting pier at the shipyard where her construction continues.
Cruises are getting a little more heroic as the upcoming fourth Icon-class ship, Hero of the Seas, has floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where the vessel is currently under construction.
The ship was floated out on Friday, September 4, 2026, and Meyer Turku shared the important milestone on Facebook several days later, on September 8. A ship’s floating out or launching ceremony is the first time water touches the completed hull, a critical step in a vessel’s construction.
Hundreds of the project’s construction workers were on hand for the momentous event as the dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water, a process that occurred overnight. A ceremonial cannon firing, a long-standing maritime tradition, marked when the floating out began.
Photos show the process from both aerial and close-up perspectives, shipyard viewpoints cruise guests do not typically get to see and ones that highlight the ship’s massive size. Royal Caribbean has also shared a behind-the-scenes video of the special milestone for Hero of the Seas.
When she debuts, Hero of the Seas will join her sister ships Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas as the largest cruise ships (by gross tonnage) in the world.
Process Getting Refined for Building Massive Ships
For Meyer Turku, the process of building Hero of the Seas is a continuation of a lengthy relationship that has redefined modern shipbuilding.
“Hero of the Seas is another important milestone in the long-standing partnership between Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean. Building consecutive Icon Class ships has enabled continuous development of our expertise, production processes and energy-efficient shipbuilding solutions together with our partners and thousands of shipbuilding professionals involved in the project,”said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.
“We are proud to see Hero of the Seas move one step closer to delivery.”
All three previous Icon-class ships were also built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southwestern Finland, and the shipyard cut steel for the as-yet-unnamed fifth Icon-class ship on January 19, 2026. That ship is expected to debut in 2028.
On April 27, 2026, Royal Caribbean Group also confirmed orders for the sixth and seventh Icon-class ships, though construction on those vessels has not yet begun and they will not debut until 2029 and 2030.
In the meantime, there is still much to be done to complete Hero of the Seas‘ construction and prepare her to welcome guests in August 2027.
The ship has now moved to the outfitting pier where construction will continue, such as the installation of the waterslides, decking, interior venues, art details, and so much more.
Following her construction, Hero of the Seas will undergo sea trials to ensure the full operation of all her systems, including navigation, steering, propulsion, and emergency responses.
After successful trials, the ship will be delivered to Royal Caribbean and officially become the property of the cruise line. At that time, she will take on supplies and crew members before entering service, including welcoming Dolly, her newly-named Chief Dog Officer.
Her inaugural voyage is planned as a 3-night sailing departing Miami, Florida on August 11, 2027 with a visit to Perfect Day CocoCay, before she begins a regular schedule of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
These will no doubt be the 10 Western Caribbean cruise ports that are on your radar when planning a cruise. Many of these stops include multiple piers and cruise line exclusivity, so you’ll want to know which cruise lines sail to which ones.
Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: Creativity lover)
Lying just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel is one of the most popular ports of call. The port is towards the west of the island. The island can accommodate up to eight cruise ships at a time with three dedicated cruise piers: Punta Langosta for mainly Royal Caribbean-owned ships, the International SSA Pier, and Puerta Maya for mainly Carnival-owned ships.
Additional ships use tenders to transport passengers ashore, but this is very rare due to the high number of piers. Punta Langosta is just a five-minute stroll south of downtown and the Main Square. The other two cruise piers are further south and visitors can use shuttle buses or take a taxi for the 5-minute trip.
Once ashore, there’s plenty of duty-free shopping and authentic Mexican restaurants to explore before you even leave the port area. Cozumel has some of the best and clearest diving and snorkeling sites with caves, underwater tunnels and a coral reef brimming with marine life.
Take your pick from jet boat tours, fishing trips, Jeep excursions to Mayan ruins and Tequila tastings. There are plenty more thrills, such as ziplines and glass-bottom kayaking at Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park.
Cruise lines visiting Cozumel:
Holland America Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Virgin Voyages
TUI Cruises
Viking Cruises
Margaritaville at Sea
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)
Located in the Western Caribbean, midway between Cuba and Jamaica, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands making up the Cayman Islands. The cruise terminal is in the capital, George Town, on the sheltered west coast.
Grand Cayman is a tender port, which means the ships drop anchor in the harbor and use tenders/ lifeboats to transport cruisers ashore. There are three terminals: South, North, and Royal Watler. They have modern facilities for welcoming cruisers along with duty-free shopping and excursion departure points.
Once famous for its turtles, the island has an interesting Turtle Center where you can learn more about turtle conservation and see new hatchlings and fully grown turtles up close. Go snorkeling with rays at Stingray City, swim with dolphins or visit Starfish Point Beach to see bright red starfish in abundance.
Relax and enjoy swimming and watersports on idyllic Seven Mile Beach, or visit Hell, a rocky area of jagged black limestone, and send a postcard from Hell to your family and friends.
Cruise lines visiting Grand Cayman:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Costa Maya, Mexico
Cruise Ship Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico
Located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Maya is just north of the town of Mahahual. It’s about 100 miles south of the popular resort of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan site at Tulum. Royal Caribbean Group actually completed a purchase of the port in July 2025. It planned to build Perfect Day Mexico to totally transform the port, but that project faces setbacks with the Mexican government.
The port has modern facilities with duty-free shopping, restaurants, and bars. There are plenty of local taxis to take you independently to Mahahual or other tourist attractions. Some cruise lines offer shuttle services to Mahahual, which has beautiful sandy beaches.
Costa Maya is an exciting Caribbean cruise destination with an incredible number of attractions, including two biosphere reserves at Banco Chinchorro and Sian Ka’an. More reasons to visit Costa Maya include pristine beaches, jungle adventures and amazing watersports.
Visit Xcalax, an authentic fishing village, or take a tour to see exotic wildlife, including beautiful jaguars, monkeys, and crocodiles. Divers can visit shipwreck sites and see turtles, rays, tigers, and hammerhead sharks. All this, plus Mayan temples and carved pyramids at Kohunlich and Chacchoben.
Cruise lines visiting Costa Maya:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
TUI Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Virgin Voyages
Roatán, Honduras
Carnival Cruise Ship Docked at Mahogany Bay, Roatan (Photo Credit: denbaim)
Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands. The offshore island of Roatán is a popular port of call for cruises due to its cultural diversity and aquatic fun. There are two main cruise ports, but it depends on which cruise line you sail on, which one you visit.
Carnival Corporation owns Isla Tropicale (formerly known as Mahogany Bay), opened in 2009, and it has two berths. It is located on the southwest coast of the island near the town of Coxen Hole. The Cruise Center actually has its own shopping village. From the cruise terminal, you can walk along a nature trail or take a chairlift down to the beach.
There’s also the Coxen Hole cruise ship dock, which is used by other non-Carnival cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and opened in 2008. This facility features a mall and stores for cruise visitors to enjoy.
On Roatan, you can snorkel and scuba dive on one of the largest reef systems in the world, visiting caves and shipwrecks while spotting sharks, eels, and colorful marine life. And where else can you visit a Sloth Farm or an Iguana Park that protects toucans, parrots, monkeys and reptiles? Other attractions to see from a water taxi tour include the multicolored stilted houses of fishermen in Oakridge and 17th-century pirate fortifications at Coxen Hole.
Cruise lines visiting Roatan:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
TUI Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Photo Credit: Rory Burchenson / Shutterstock
Perched on the northern coast of the Caribbean island of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s largest cruise port. It is also a lively coastal town backing onto lush tropical hills.
Most larger cruise vessels dock at the main Turtle Bay pier. From there, cruisers can head to the local craft markets and beaches or take an excursion to see more of the island. Street performers are a popular sight around the port shopping area, providing entertainment and music. There’s also a second berth just across the bay at the Reynolds Pier, a former sugar factory.
Ocho Rios offers some unique opportunities for adventure, including the chance to climb up Dunn’s River Falls, a dramatic cascade that is 180 feet high. At the top of the falls is a Craft Market where cruisers can pick up fragrant Blue Mountain Coffee that is grown on the island.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the lush rainforest, lagoon swims, boat rides, ziplines, and thrilling bobsleigh rides. Everywhere you go in Jamaica, you’ll hear the beat of reggae. Of course, Bob Marley fans can pay homage at his hometown of Nine Mile, St Ann.
Cruise lines visiting Ocho Rios:
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
TUI Cruises
Costa Cruises
AIDA Cruises
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Viktor Hladchenko)
Montego Bay is a popular port of call on many Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. Located on the northwest side of the island, this buzzing port is the second-largest cruise port in Jamaica and can accommodate up to four ships at a time. The MoBay terminal has good amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, bars and excursion desks.
Montego Bay cruise terminal is within easy reach of many attractions on the island, such as the Rastafari Indigenous Village, just 15 minutes away by taxi. Four championship golf courses combine a round of golf with stunning scenery. The vibrant Hip Strip is the main hub for shopping and local businesses, such as the world-famous Margaritaville, which combines water slides and pools with cocktails in the sun.
Montego Bay has some of the finest white sandy beaches and clear blue waters in the Caribbean. Chill out and sunbathe, browse the local shops or visit one of the historic plantation homes such as Rosehall. A rafting trip down the Martha Brae River is the ultimate excursion from your cruise around the Western Caribbean.
Cruise lines visiting Montego Bay:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
MSC Cruises
TUI Cruises
Marella Cruises
Virgin Voyages
AIDA Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Ambassador Cruise Line
P&O Cruises
Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth Piers (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
Another major cruise port on the popular western Caribbean island is Falmouth, located on the northern coast between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
Royal Caribbean and the Port Authority of Jamaica developed the port, which offers two berths and opened in March 2011. This means two cruise ships can dock at the same time, including the large Oasis-class vessels. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay can’t handle the larger Oasis-class ships, so the cruise line needed a new port to handle its larger ships. Falmouth can often serve as a handy relief port because of its location between the others.
The port is also not exclusive to Royal Caribbean-owned ships, as some other cruise lines visit too.
The Falmouth pier design is impressive as it allows for many stores and facilities in the middle of two docked ships. Cruisers get easy access to local taxis to reach attractions such as Martha Brae rafting and the Glistening Waters luminous lagoon. Just beyond the secure gate entrance to the port is the historic town that was founded in 1769.
Cruise lines visiting Falmouth:
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Oceania Cruises
Progreso, Mexico
Carnival Ship Docked in Progreso
Located 30 km from the city of Merida in northwest Yucatan, the port of Progreso dates back to Mayan times. It remains a pretty fishing port as well as a busy cruise terminal that is growing in popularity as a port of call.
Progreso has an exceptionally long four-mile (6.4km) pier that goes over the shallow continental shelf to allow docking by larger cruise ships. Shuttle buses are provided to transport cruisers to the Progreso terminal. From there, you can walk just three blocks to the beach.
The most famous part of the port is El Malecon, an elegant mile-long seaside promenade that provides access to the sandy beach and has beautiful Gulf views. One of the main features is the traditional carousel right on the sand. The waters are warm and crystal clear for swimming.
The original Mayan city of Merida is worth a visit. Rebuilt by Spanish Conquistadors, it has grand Spanish-influenced architecture and palatial mansions. Shopping on the fashionable Paseo de Montejo is said to rival the Champs-Elysees in Paris!
Cruise lines visiting Progreso:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Margaritaville at Sea
Belize City, Belize
Belize Tender Port for Cruise Passengers (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)
Belize City welcomes cruise ships to the port, which includes a cruise terminal officially known as Fort Street Tourism Village. It’s located in the heart of Belize City. The terminal has good facilities, including restrooms, souvenir shops, and information desks.
Snorkelers and divers will be keen to visit Belize as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere lies just offshore. It provides amazing scuba diving, including the 300-meter-wide Blue Hole.
Excursions venture into the tropical jungle for zip-lining over the rainforest or visit long-lost Mayan ruins. Wildlife preserves and botanical gardens showcase exotic flowers, plants, and mammals, while Belize City has a bustling market and impressive Colonial architecture.
Cruise lines visiting Belize:
Holland America Line
Royal Caribbean
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
TUI Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking Cruises
Key West, Florida
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock
Key West, Florida, is the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Although the island community is just 120 miles or so southwest of Miami, it is a world away in lifestyle and culture. This colorful island is at the end of a chain of offshore islands linked by the breathtaking Overseas Highway.
Larger cruise ships dock at the deepwater Pier B at the Key West cruise port, while smaller vessels dock at the city-owned Mallory Square Dock. Both terminals are just a short stroll from the downtown area, making it easy to explore independently. There are plenty of small shops and stalls near the cruise terminal, along with waterfront bars and boat trips.
This laid-back community is known for its pastel-painted architecture, naval and shipwreck museums, art studios and bars in the Old Town. Go shopping on Duval Street, visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, or take in the main sights on a whistle-stop trolley tour that includes the lighthouse, aquarium, and Truman’s Little White House. After that, treat yourself to a rum cocktail or a slice of Key Lime Pie as you watch street performers at sunset on Mallory Square, a Key West tradition.
Cruise lines visiting Key West:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Margaritaville at Sea
Armed with all this information, it’s easy to book a Western Caribbean Cruise based on places to visit and things to do that appeal to your personal taste. Bon voyage!
Three cruise lines have placed restrictions on cruise ducks: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Marella Cruises.
Despite the restrictions, none of the three cruise lines has ducks on its official prohibited items list.
Guests should respect the restrictions, or the activity could be banned outright, and more cruise lines might introduce restrictions.
Cruise ducks have flown to stardom for many guests, and hiding and finding a feathered flock can be great fun on a cruise vacation. Quackers of all sizes, shapes, and colors might appear just about anywhere on a cruise ship: in an elevator, tucked into a planter, hidden behind a sign, or even perched on a doorway.
Not all cruise lines welcome the activity, however, and three major lines are now restricting cruise ducks. Royal Caribbean has specific restrictions in one area, and both Disney Cruise Line and Marella Cruises request but do not demand an outright ban on ducks.
Disney Cruise Line’s No Duck Request
Disney Cruise Line was the first to discourage guests from hiding cruising ducks. Cruise Hive reported on the policy in January 2024, which the cruise line worded as “we kindly request that guests not hide items such as rubber ducks in public areas or staterooms.”
Do guests still leave ducks around Disney cruise ships? Yes, but crew members may collect and discard them to discourage the activity.
To still share the fun of cruising ducks while respecting Disney Cruise Line’s request, guests may trade them in mailboxes on their stateroom doors or share them in fish extenders or as “pixie dust” gifting.
Royal Caribbean does not ban or restrict ducks outright, but does not permit the activity in one sensitive area. In July 2025, guests started noticing signs in the Central Park neighborhood of the cruise line’s Oasis- and Icon-class ships declaring those spaces as a “duck free zone” and asking that guests not hide ducks in Central Park.
No Cruise Ducks Sign on Royal Caribbean (Credit: Lisa Young)
The restriction has been put in place due to the delicate nature of the tens of thousands of real plants and trees in Central Park. Overly enthusiastic duck hiders and hunters might damage the plants, causing bare spots and disturbing the aesthetic of the peaceful neighborhood.
Guests are welcome to hide ducks in other areas of the ship, and in fact Royal Caribbean has embraced ducks on its newest Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, with a whimsical “Duckie-Go-Round” carousel in the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.
Marella Cruises Requests No Ducks
British cruise line Marella Cruises is the latest to request that guests leave ducks at home. Notices began appearing in onboard newsletters on both Marella Voyager and Marella Discovery in August 2026.
The broad wording covers not just ducks, but all manner of small trinkets and novelties.
“We kindly ask that toys, novelty items and other personal bits aren’t left or hidden around the ship or at our destinations,”the notice said.
Furthermore, Marella Cruises goes even further to explain what happens to ducks that are found around its ships.
“While it’s all meant in good spirit, these can become hazards and are usually disposed of by our crew,”the notice confirms.
While these three cruise lines have official restrictions on cruise ducks, no other cruise lines have yet indicated any similar bans or limitations.
Nevertheless, should cruise ducks get out of control and become a problem with trash, disrupting onboard activities, or causing fights between guests eager to claim the same duck, it isn’t inconceivable that more cruise lines might restrict the activity or full bans could be put into place and ground cruise ducks for good.
A recent Royal Caribbean guest has asked about elevator use etiquette while toting luggage after encountering a skeptical passenger.
Cruise lines do not restrict guests from bringing luggage into elevators, even on the most crowded days.
Elevator etiquette can be a hot topic among cruisers, including rude behavior, misusing buttons, or smart elevator operation.
Every experienced cruiser has found themselves faced with a crowded elevator, and both embarkation and debarkation days are notorious for lacking elevator space when guests are trying to make their way around a very crowded ship. But what is the etiquette with luggage in the already tight confines of a cruise ship elevator?
Reddit users are debating the question after a recent guest on a Royal Caribbean ship was wondering if they were inadvertently rude when debarking the ship with their luggage.
They noted that they had chosen to carry their luggage themselves rather than hand it over to cruise crew members to move more quickly on debarkation morning and not have to wait, so they took to Reddit to check their behavior.
“We are as green as can be to cruising, so maybe we missed that part of the briefing where you are not supposed to take your luggage with you in the elevator,”the poster explained.
Responses were swift that there is no “no luggage in the elevator” rule aboard cruise ships, though polite guests will try to minimize how much space their bags take up in an elevator by using a corner, stacking bags, or standing over them.
The original poster did not identify the exact cruise ship they were on, but did state they were moving from Deck 14 to Deck 5. Many commenters agreed that while 1-2 decks might be okay to manage with a bag or two, multiple decks is too much without an elevator’s assistance.
Alternative Options
The idea of someone complaining about luggage in an elevator quickly led to multiple alternative suggestions for how to move one’s bags down multiple decks.
“I chuck mine over the railing down into the Central Atrium like any reasonable person would,”one guest said, to which another guest explained, “I prefer using the water slides.”
Luggage Outside Stateroom on Royal Caribbean Cruise (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)
This was met with a loyal-to-Royal comment of “Amateur. Try the Abyss,” referring to the Ultimate Abyss dry slide which spans 10 stories onboard the cruise line’s six Oasis-class ships.
Another guest noted how simple it is to throw one’s luggage off the balcony to lighten the load for debarkation.
On a more serious note, some commenters did suggest making sure one debarks early when there are fewer people leaving the ship, so elevator space is more available.
Elevator Debates Not Uncommon
Elevator etiquette has been a frequent debate among cruise guests. Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has even issued informal guidance to guests on elevator etiquette, including urging respect for those using mobility scooters in elevators.
The introduction of “smart” elevators in recent years onboard different cruise ships, including newer Royal Caribbean ships, has also caused some confusion as guests learn how to use the new design and find their designated elevators.
Of course, one contentious topic has always been children misbehaving in elevators, such as pushing every button as a prank or simply hanging out in elevators when others wish to use them.
Experienced cruisers know the best way to approach any elevator onboard is to just be patient. After all, what goes up will eventually come down again.
Scottish trail runner Paul Manson ran 7 marathons during a 7-night cruise aboard Enchanted Princess in August 2026.
He completed the first marathon in Rome the day he boarded the cruise ship and did additional marathon distances at every port.
One day was a marathon onboard the ship at sea with 185 laps on the jogging track on Deck 18.
Many cruise ships are equipped with fitness facilities and onboard jogging tracks, but it can be a joke that many cruisers add up more miles just walking around the ship than they ever would using the fitness equipment.
Adding up the miles is no joke to Scottish trail runner Paul Manson, better known as the Random Runner, however. His recent “Run the Med” challenge with Princess Cruises puts a bit of time on the jogging track to shame.
Manson does unique marathon and other running challenges to share on his Instagram page and YouTube, and one of his most recent was the goal of running seven marathons in seven days, all while on a Mediterranean cruise.
He undertook the ambitious feat onboard the Enchanted Princess, beginning on August 4, 2026 in Rome before boarding the ship. During the cruise, as the ship went from port to port, Manson planned out and completed marathon distances at each successive stop: Naples, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, and Messina (Sicily).
During the one day at sea, Manson completed 185 laps on the ship’s running track on Deck 18, the Sky Deck, using a hand clicker to keep track of the laps accurately.
“An incredible achievement and a unique way to explore the Mediterranean – well done Paul!”Princess Cruises posted on its UK and EU media Instagram page.
Manson posted each of his marathons to Instagram, as he stopped along the way to take pictures of top sights in the iconic cities.
In Rome, for example, his winding route took him past the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the famous Trevi Fountain, along the River Tiber, and across historic bridges to add up to 42.3 kilometers (26.3 miles).
One of his most unique routes was the last marathon on the route, which included 2,500 meters running down the Mount Etna volcano. Manson shared a video showing just how coated with sweat and ash he was at the end of the trek.
“Looks like I’ve been working down in the mine,”he commented while catching his breath, later explaining that he didn’t know the volcano was actually erupting at the time.
He did say that the sticky, sweaty layer of ash was “nothing a jump in the sea didn’t sort out,” showing that he also indulged in other popular cruise activities.
How Far Did Manson Run in Total?
In total, Manson’s runs were 42.3 kilometers in Rome, 43.9 km in Naples, 42.2 km onboard Enchanted Princess, 42.6 km in Kotor (Montenegro), 43.0 in Corfu, 43.0 in Olympia (Katakolon), and 42.5 in Messina (Mt. Etna). In that week of marathons, Manson completed 299.5 kilometers (186 miles).
He described missing half a kilometer as “mildly annoying,” as that would also have been an interesting milestone for an already interesting achievement.
“Not bad, not bad at all,”he said.“And what a week it was.”
Videos Yet to Come
For cruisers inspired by Manson’s feat, he is planning what he describes as a “full feature length film” about the experience to be posted to his Instagram in the coming weeks, as he edits the footage and photos he took along the journey.
Several shorter videos have already been posted showing the highlights of some of his stops, including some insights he shares about each one, such as proper planning, staying hydrated, and in general enjoying the route.
Crowds, heat, and high humidity made the challenge even harder, but Manson completed each marathon with a smile and always an appreciation for seeing new things and having the ability to explore the world in such a unique way, an attitude that should be shared by all who enjoy cruises.
A small fire broke out onboard Norwegian Aura on August 28, 2026, while the future Norwegian Cruise Line ship was under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard.
The fire reportedly began in a waste container, producing a large cloud of black smoke.
Emergency crews at the shipyard contained the fire and no injuries were reported.
Late on the morning of August 28, 2026, a small fire broke out in Monfalcone, Italy, at the Fincantieri shipyard. It began onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s future flagship, the 170,000-gross-ton Norwegian Aura, which is currently under construction at the shipyard.
A video shared on Facebook by Italian news outlet Il Piccolo shows a thick cloud of black smoke rising from the Prima Plus-class ship. Workers can be seen wearing face masks as they observe the smoke.
A container holding waste and construction debris onboard the ship was reportedly the source of the fire. The shipyard’s in-house emergency team responded and was able to contain the fire.
Local fire department personnel were reportedly not called on-site to assist. The cause of the fire has not been released and there were no injuries or significant damage reported. Fincantieri has not released a statement on the incident and it is unclear if an investigation has been launched into how the fire began.
Norwegian Aura Shipyard Fire (Credit: Il Piccolo)
While Norwegian Aura is the first Norwegian Cruise Line vessel to be constructed at the Monfalcone facility, Fincantieri has a long-standing relationship with the cruise line. The Italian shipbuilder also constructed all four predecessors in the Prima and Prima Plus classes, which began with Norwegian Prima in 2022.
The cruise line has also placed an order with the Italian shipyard for one more Prima Plus-class ship, set to debut in 2028. Additionally, five ships from a new class are on order with Fincantieri for delivery in 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036, and 2037.
Norwegian Aura Scheduled for 2027 Debut
There has been no confirmed delay to the construction of Norwegian Aura as a result of this fire. The ship remains scheduled to debut in May 2027 in Trieste, Italy. The Prima Plus-class vessel reached a major construction milestone on April 16, 2026, when she floated out of Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard for the first time.
Norwegian Aura Float Out (Credit: NCL)
This marked the completion of the hull’s external construction and the beginning of the internal finishing phase. Work has since focused on completing Norwegian Aura’s interior spaces ahead of sea trials and her eventual delivery to Norwegian Cruise Line.
At approximately 1,130 feet long, Norwegian Aura will be the largest vessel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet when she enters service. She is approximately 10% larger than sister ships Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna and will feature 1,976 staterooms.
The 3,879-guest ship will embark on her maiden voyage on May 21, 2027, from Trieste. Originally set to end in Barcelona on May 28, port availability forced the cruise line to move the disembarkation to Tarragona, roughly 55 miles further along Spain’s coast.
Following her inaugural sailing, Norwegian Aura will cross the Atlantic before beginning year-round Caribbean cruises from Miami in June 2027. The ship will primarily operate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with scheduled visits to destinations including Great Stirrup Cay.
There are a lot of nautical terms that you may hear for the first time when you take your first cruise. Among them, and two terms that you definitely need to understand, are port and starboard.
You probably know that one means “left” and one means “right,” but it will be useful to know which one is starboard side and which one is port side. I’ve been on over a hundred cruises as a crew member and passenger, and I still find myself getting confused, especially on a class of ship I haven’t been on before.
Why Do Cruise Ships Use Port and Starboard Instead of Left and Right?
So let’s go back and first find out why cruise ships use port and starboard instead of left and right, because “left” and “right” are determined by the individual and how they’re standing. The port and starboard sides of the ship, in contrast, always stay the same.
This is vital because, when you’re operating a ship, you need to be able to communicate to the crew around you and tell them about certain sides of the ship, without any ambiguity. This port and starboard system helps avoid confusion.
Think about it. If you were sailing on a ship and an emergency occurred, you wouldn’t want to say “Crew, the ship’s left side is on fire!” Depending on where your fellow crew members are standing and the direction they’re facing, they could head to either side of the ship. However, if you say, “Crew, the ship’s starboard side is on fire!” they’ll know exactly what you mean and where to go.
Port and Starboard Graphic
Beyond emergencies, from on-board emergencies to potential collisions, port and starboard are also important terms for general navigation, as well as for identifying other ships in the water via their red and green navigation lights, and determining whether they’re sailing toward or away from you (particularly if the weather is bad or at night).
They also come in handy when docking or otherwise maneuvering the vessel into a certain position. For example, when sailing near buoys, a ship’s captain can look at the buoy’s paint or light for key directional information.
Red usually means “port” or “left” and green usually means “starboard” or “right.” If the captain sees a green buoy, it means that the ship should stay to the right of the buoy. If the captain sees a red buoy, it means the ship should stay to the left of the buoy.
Where Did the Terms Port and Starboard Come From?
Port Side Red Light
The terms port and starboard have been in use for centuries, since the early days of boating, and the linguistic history behind the two terms is quite interesting.
Before ships were powered by rudders, people would steer ships with a steering oar. Because many people are right-handed instead of left-handed, the people steering with these oars would sit on the right side of a boat.
The term “starboard” comes from two old English words: “stéor,” which means “steer,” and “bord,” which means a boat’s side. So, “steorbord” became “starboard,” meaning, “the steering side of the boat.”
The steering oar belonged on the right, steering side of the boat, which we now call “starboard.” Because of this, when ships were docked and moored, this would be done on the other or left, side. This other side was called, “larboard,” because it was the side on which the ship would be loaded.
However, over time, this term became confusing because it sounded too much like “starboard.”
So, this term was changed to “port” because it was the side of the boat that would be used when the ship was coming into port. This other side of the boat was the right side.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as the English began to sail their trading ships more often, these terms started to become popular. It was a way for navigators to give each other instructions while sailing the great seas.
As England colonized countries such as the current United States and India, sailors in the countries all over the globe that the English colonized began to use these terms, too. As a result, it became a global way of referring to the sides of the ship.
Since this time, maritime terms have become regularized and made uniform by international bodies. Because port and starboard were already being used by so many, they became the official terms used worldwide.
Even the colors used to indicate port and starboard have historical origins! The red for port and green for starboard weren’t just picked at random.
Historically, red lanterns were easier to come by than green lights (due to the limited availability of green glass, and the relative common use of red glass). As such, red lights were often used to illuminate ports and harbors. Thus, over time, red began to be used to indicate “port.”
How Do You Know Which Side of the Ship is Starboard and Which Side is Port?
So when you embark on your cruise, how do you know which side of the ship is starboard and which side is port? All you have to do is look toward the front of the ship (which is called the bow).
When you’re facing the bow, starboard is on the right and port is on the left.
Not sure you’ll be able to remember this? Try using a little memory trick or some mnemonic devices.
The words “left” and “port” both have four letters in them, and both are one syllable. This can help you remember that left equals port — so if you’re facing the bow, the port side of the ship is on your left side.
Other letter-related tricks for remembering the port and starboard sides of the ship include counting the number of “r”s in both words. Port as one “r” and starboard has two — thus, starboard equals “right,” as it also begins with the letter “r.”
You can also simply think about the terms alphabetically. Left comes before right, alphabetically, and so does port come before starboard alphabetically. As such, left equals port and right equals starboard.
You can also look for the ship’s lights and signage. As mentioned, often, red navigation lights and signage are used to indicate the port side of the ship, while green lights and signage are used to indicate the starboard sides of the ship. You can use another little memory trick to remember this as well. Just remember that port wine is red, and red indicates the port side of the ship.
And, if all else fails, you can simply buy some novelty items to help you remember which side is which — like socks! Just be sure to put them on the right feet, and be sure to be facing the ship’s bow before referencing them.
Does it Matter if Your Cabin is on the Port or Starboard Side of the Ship?
Carnival Cruise Line Balconies (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Beyond just averting potential accidents and preventing collisions, knowing the port and starboard sides of a cruise ship can also clue you in to where exactly your cruise ship cabin will be — and while this doesn’t always matter for every cruise, it definitely does for one-way cruises.
While cabins and suites are generally the same regardless of the side of the ship they’re on, in terms of layout and size, where they can differ is the views.
On round-trip sailings, both sides of the ships will typically get good views at different times of the cruise. However, if you’re on a one-way cruise, you may find that one side of the ship gets all the views while the other gets none.
For example, if you’re sailing up the Alaskan coastline, northbound, and it’s a one-way cruise, you’ll want a stateroom on the right (starboard) side of the ship, facing the shoreline. If you’re sailing southbound, the opposite would be the case. You’d want a stateroom on the left (port) side of the ship.
Do note that, on cruises such as these, getting a cabin on a certain side of the ship, where the views are best, will often cost more.
Beyond just soaking in the views of the shoreline, you may also want to pick a cabin on a side of the ship that will offer more sunrise or sunset views. The sun always rises in the east and sets in the west.
So, if your ship is traveling north, and you want to get some great sunrise views, you’ll want a cabin on the right side of the ship, or the starboard side. If you want sunset views, you’d choose a port side cabin.
How Do You Know Which Side of the Ship a Cabin is On?
But how do you actually find out which side of the ship a potential cabin you’re thinking of booking is on?
Some ships use odd and even numbers to indicate what side of the ship a cabin is on. If it does, the even numbered cabins are on the starboard side of the ship, while the odd numbered cabins are on the port side of the ship.
Now I know you still might get confused, so when you are coming out of the elevators or coming down the stairs to your cabin deck, try to keep in mind the forward and aft of the ship, as that helps you to work out which side is which. Cruise lines will often have signage letting you know if it’s starboard or port side, along with the grouped cabin numbers.
I was actually on a recent P&O Arvia cruise, and it was a new ship to me, and I did actually get confused; it took me a few days to actually get familiar with it and automatically look at the port and starboard signage when heading back to my cabin on deck 11.
I’ll often also try to remember a particular venue, such as the perfume shop being on port and the logo ship with the ship models being on the starboard.
Other Important Nautical Terms to Know Before Your Cruise
Photo Credit: Michaela De Freitas / Shutterstock
Beyond port and starboard, there are some other nautical terms that it can be helpful to know before your cruise.
For example, both “fore” and “bow” refer to the ship’s front, as does the “prow.” “Stern” and “aft” refer to the ship’s back.
The ship’s “bridge” is where all the navigation happens, and where the captain works (you can sometimes get a behind-the-scenes tour that takes you to the bridge, depending on your cruise line!).
While not as important to know, if you hear someone refer to the beam, that’s the width of the ship at its widest point, in the middle. Likewise, the draft is the depth of the ship’s keel below the water. On that note, the keel is the bottom center of the boat (think of it a little like a spine).
The lee side of a ship is, unlike the port side and starboard side, something that can change. The lee side is the ship’s side that’s not facing the wind at any given moment.
A brief power outage onboard Adventure of the Seas on Saturday, September 5, 2026 interrupted ship operations.
The ship had departed Perfect Day CocoCay before losing power, but the outage only lasted about 30 minutes.
Royal Caribbean has not issued any statement about the incident but power appears fully restored and the ship’s itinerary is not impacted.
Guests onboard a cruise ship rarely have to think about what might happen if something goes wrong. Worrisome thoughts, however, briefly interrupted the evening for guests on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas when the ship had a power outage on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
According to videos posted on Facebook and Threads, the power outage occurred shortly before one of the ship’s main dining times, but it is unclear whether it was the early or late dining that was impacted.
Power failed shipwide, causing brief confusion and some concern as onboard operations were disrupted. All power in staterooms was lost, elevators did not operate, and dining service could not move ahead, though emergency lights did function throughout the vessel.
Guests began using the lights on their cell phones as they tried to determine what happened and whether there was an emergency situation.
The ship’s captain made a quick announcement to reassure guests, noting that if power was not restored within 15 minutes, he would make further announcements to clarify the situation.
Cruise Hive has reached out to Royal Caribbean but has not yet heard back as of publication time.
The 3,114-guest Adventure of the Seas departed Port Canaveral, Florida on Friday, September 4, 2026 for an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary. Before the power loss, the ship had visited Perfect Day CocoCay on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday is planned as a day at sea before calls to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic (Monday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Oranjestad, Aruba (Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.); and Willemstad, Curacao (Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.). The ship will return to the Sunshine State on Saturday, September 12.
“The power has been restored and hopefully that’s the end of it because we still have six days left!”he quipped, mentioning that there had been no explanation offered to guests onboard.
Another guest on Reddit confirmed that the power was fully restored in approximately 30 minutes.
There have been no reports of any further power loss aboard the ship or additional operational concerns, and no injuries were reported. There also does not appear to be any change to Adventure of the Seas‘ itinerary.
Power Failures Rare But Do Happen
It can be frightening to be at sea when power is lost. Thankfully such failures are rare onboard cruise ships, and when power is lost, it is often restored quickly.
Another Royal Caribbean ship, Radiance of the Seas, lost power briefly on May 16, 2026, causing the ship to be adrift for a short time but power was restored within an hour.
On June 5, 2026, Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princesslost power for just over an hour while the ship was sailing from San Juan to Port Canaveral.
Cruise Hive has also reported about power outages aboard Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Valiant Lady, Carnival Panorama, Norwegian Star, and other ships at different times.
The causes of power outages can vary from electrical surges or small fires to other mechanical problems, but onboard technical and engineering teams typically respond swiftly to make repairs and restore power.
Of course, no cruise fan has forgotten the infamous “poop cruise” onboard Carnival Triumph in 2013, which Netflix covered in an in-depth episode of the series “Trainwreck” in June 2025.
Fortunately, the incident aboard Carnival Triumph was far more extreme than most cruise ship power failures, and guests onboard Adventure of the Seas just have another adventure to add to their cruise vacation memories.
A water leak onboard Quantum of the Seas caused flooding down a stairwell near the Royal Esplanade on a recent cruise to Mexico.
Royal Caribbean has not issued a statement on the incident, but it appears to be like a burst pipe, which is not uncommon on cruise ships.
The water was cleaned up quickly and there was no apparent change to anything else onboard or during the next cruise.
Cruise vacations may be all about water with stunning ocean views, poolside lounging, and beach days, but guests onboard Quantum of the Seas recently had more water than they knew what to do with.
Video posted to Reddit under the title “Major water leak on Quantum of the Seas last week” shows an impromptu waterfall in one of the ship’s public stairwells. While the video is only 12 seconds long, signage is visible for the “Royal Esplanade,” which is only onboard the Quantum-class ships.
On most larger ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the central public space onboard where many shops and restaurants are located is the “Royal Promenade.”
The Royal Esplanade stretches down Decks 4 and 5. The video does not show which deck is being flooded, but the water is clearly flowing down from above and pooling in the stairwell.
The leak began during a storm while Quantum of the Seas was near Cabo San Lucas, but guests discussing the incident in the comments indicate the storm was not the cause of the impromptu waterfall.
“It was a burst pipe by the men’s room at the midship elevators, the storm was coincidence,”one guest noted, confirming that restroom is on Deck 5.
The date of the incident is unclear. While the original post says “last week” and the video was posted on Friday, September 4, 2026, a guest later in the thread notes that it was closer to August 25, almost two weeks earlier.
Nothing in the video indicates an exact date, and there is no discussion or photos of any leak or burst pipe in a Facebook group for Quantum of the Seas‘ August 31, 2026 sailing.
Furthermore, another guest on the August 31 sailing commented on the video about the condition of the ship after the leak.
“Just got off the ship. Was on a 4 day cruise from Aug 31 to Sept 4. There was absolutely no signs of a prior water leak whatsoever when I got on,”they said.“So it sounds like I was the follow up boat and they fixed it so quickly that I hadn’t even noticed.”
In the video, crew members were already blocking off the location even as the water was pooling at the base of the stairwell. While these types of incidents can be startling, they are often tended to very quickly and cleaned up as soon as possible.
Royal Caribbean has not made any public statement about the incident. There have been no reported changes to the ship’s recent itineraries.
Flooding on Quantum of the Seas (Credit: killerbitch)
The 4,180-guest ship is homeported from Los Angeles, offering various Mexican Riviera itineraries through September 22, 2026. On September 26, 2026 she departs for a one-way trip to Brisbane, visiting ports in California, Hawaii, and French Polynesia along the way.
Quantum of the Seas will remain in Australia until mid-April 2027, at which time she will return to the US to sail 7-night Alaskan itineraries from Seattle.
Water Incidents Not Uncommon
The leak onboard Quantum of the Seas is not the only recent water incident on a Royal Caribbean ship.
Cruise Hive has also reported similar incidents onboard different ships of different cruise lines, including Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess in May 2026, MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaview in January 2026, and P&O Cruises’ Azura in January 2025.
In addition to burst pipes, other incidents that can cause abrupt flooding onboard cruise ships include sprinkler malfunctions, pool overflows, and clogged toilets.
No matter what the cause, however, crew members always react quickly to contain and clean up such flooding, drying out flooring and making repairs right away so guests’ cruise vacations are never more watery than they’re meant to be.
