Blog Page 6

Storm Forces Independence of the Seas to Abandon Bermuda for Canada

Melissa Mayntz
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Storm Forces Independence of the Seas to Abandon Bermuda for Canada

Key Aspects:

  • The October 24, 2026 sailing of Independence of the Seas will be visiting Canada instead of Bermuda for the 5-night cruise.
  • A gale warning off the East Coast of the U.S. makes sailing to Bermuda too unsafe and uncomfortable for the planned itinerary.
  • The ship will be staying overnight in Saint John, New Brunswick and guests are being provided with onboard credit as compensation.

Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests booked on the Saturday, October 24, 2026 sailing of Independence of the Seas to alert them to a complete itinerary change. Instead of the 5-night sailing heading for Bermuda, the 3,858-guest ship will be heading to Canada.

Guests were notified of the change late on Thursday, October 22, less than 48 hours before embarkation in Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

“Along with our meteorology team, we’ve been closely monitoring inclement weather developing off the East Coast,” the email explained. “The weather’s impact make is hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey to Bermuda.”

Independence of the Seas was to have had an overnight visit to King’s Wharf at the Royal Naval Dockyard from 9 a.m. on Monday, October 26 until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. Because that is no longer possible, the ship will be sailing north.

“After exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to sail to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada for an overnight stay instead,” the email confirmed.

The ship will arrive in Saint John at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Monday and will remain docked until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Compensation Provided Per Stateroom

Royal Caribbean is providing guests a refundable onboard credit for this change. Each credit is per stateroom, with $150 USD for inside staterooms, $200 for outside staterooms, $300 for balcony staterooms, and $500 for suites. For third or more guests in each stateroom, an extra $50 will be added to the onboard credit.

The email notification also confirmed that any pre-paid shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Bermuda will be automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.

Any credit amounts remaining at the end of the sailing will be refunded to the credit card associated with those onboard accounts.

Multiple Cruises Changing Course

Several different ships have made similar itinerary changes recently due to poor weather.

Cruise Hive reported that the October 18, 2026 departure of Oasis of the Seas from Cape Liberty was rerouted to Halifax, Nova Scotia instead of Florida and the Bahamas for its 7-night itinerary.

NOAA Satellite Image of East Coast Storms
NOAA Satellite Image of East Coast Storms

The October 17, 2026 departure of Vision of the Seas from Baltimore, Maryland was also rerouted to Canada with a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick instead of the original Bermuda itinerary for the 5-night cruise. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the last-minute change for that sailing, guests were not permitted off the ship to explore Saint John.

Ironically, less than a month earlier, the September 24, 2026 Vision of the Seas sailing was rerouted in the opposite direction, sailing south to Florida and the Bahamas instead of north to Canada and New England when a powerful nor’easter impacted multiple ships at the end of September.

Weather Update

The National Weather Service has a gale warning in place for the mid-Atlantic waters off the east coast, between the U.S. and Bermuda, in the wake of Post-Tropical Cyclone Josephine. The warning area extends from 60-250 nautical miles offshore.

Winds on Friday, October 23, are 15-25 knots, which will increase to 25-35 knots on Saturday and as high as 40 knots through Saturday night and into Sunday. Seas will range from 7-19 feet over the next several days, with scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the region.

Arizona Surgeon Among Three Arrested Boarding Norwegian Jewel in Miami

Melissa Mayntz
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Arizona Surgeon Among Three Arrested Boarding Norwegian Jewel in Miami

Key Aspects:

  • Three different cruise guests were arrested at PortMiami on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, on drug charges.
  • All three guests were attempting to board Norwegian Jewel for a 5-night adult-only Bahamas cruise, but there is no indication they knew each other.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection made the arrests as part of Operation Temptation before the suspects were turned over to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

Three individuals, including an Arizona orthopedic surgeon, have been arrested at PortMiami for drug charges as they attempted to board the same cruise ship on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The arrests were made as part of Operation Temptation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to the Gila Herald, 38-year-old Dr. Jacob Lee Henrichsen of Central, Arizona, was arrested after his luggage was inspected and found to contain THC gummies; several MDMA-containing gummies, pills, and capsules; and psilocybin mushroom chocolate bars. He is employed by Mount Graham Regional Medical Center in Safford, Arizona, which has stated it is “taking the allegations seriously.”

Henrichsen was attempting to board Norwegian Jewel for a 5-night “Temptation Caribbean Cruise” to Key West and Nassau, and the arrest report confirms he was arrested at PortMiami’s Cruise Terminal B.

Temptation Cruises is a company that organizes adult-only charter sailings, described as “the ultimate adults-only playground at sea” with judgement-free zones and events geared toward different preferences.

While THC products are legal in Arizona, MDMA is not, and neither is psilocybin. Furthermore, none of the products are legal to take onboard cruise ships, which Norwegian Cruise Line makes very clear as the #1 point in its “What can’t I bring onboard?” FAQ.

Miami-Dade court records show that Henrichsen now faces three felony drug-related charges, including possession of controlled substances and drug trafficking. He was released on $10,000 bond and his attorney has entered a plea of not guilty with a request for a jury trial.

Henrichsen’s attorney is arguing that the alleged amounts of illicit substances in the gummies, candies, and chocolate have been overstated because of the composition of the items, which are largely sugar and water.

Two other cruise guests, Kimberly Shannon of Norton, Ohio and Lori Watt of Plainfield, Illinois were also arrested during the same operation, also while attempting to board the 2,376-guest Norwegian Jewel.

Norwegian Jewel Arrested Passengers
Norwegian Jewel Arrested Passengers (Left to right: Dr. Jacob Lee Henrichsen, Lori Watt, & Kimberly Shannon)

The 57-year-old Shannon and the 51-year-old Watt were both carrying THC gummies and vapes. Both women now face a felony charge for possession of controlled substances and each was released on $2,500 bond.

There is no indication that the three guests knew each other in any way or that their cases may be connected. Norwegian Cruise Line referred media questions to the CBP, though it is possible that all three individuals may face bans from the cruise line, preventing them from setting sail in the future.

All three individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Drug Arrests Not Uncommon

These are not the first drug-related arrests made as guests attempt to board cruise ships, and such incidents are not confined to Norwegian Jewel or PortMiami.

Cruise Hive reported in July 2026 that a guest onboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady was arrested on suspicion of drug charges while the ship was sailing to Greece, and ultimately the individual was deported back to his home country of Spain.

In July 2025, four Carnival Cruise Line guests were arrested in Bermuda on charges related to alleged possession and intent to distribute various drugs, including THC vapes and gummies as well as carfentanil.

A former Florida deputy was arrested while attempting to board Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas in January 2025, having been found allegedly trying to smuggle narcotic pills onboard to sell.

Storms Austen and Boelo Force Ambassador Ship to Swap Five Norway Ports

Melissa Mayntz
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Storms Austen and Boelo Force Ambassador Ship to Swap Five Norway Ports

Key Aspects:

  • Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition has changed five port visits in Norway on her current sailing due to expected rough weather.
  • The Land of Northern Lights itinerary will now be visiting ports further south along the western coast instead of northern destinations.
  • These changes will permit the ship to still explore Norway but at less risk from inclement weather when returning to the UK.

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is currently sailing a 17-night Land of Northern Lights itinerary that departed Bristol, UK on Friday, October 16, 2026, with nine port visits planned along the Norwegian coast. Unfortunately, after just the third port of call on the trip, the return schedule to the UK must be drastically altered due to Storms Austen and Boelo.

Guests onboard have been updated about the changed itinerary and why the adjustments are necessary, as well as what alternative ports have been arranged for the remainder of the journey.

The five remaining port destinations on the original itinerary were to have been Alta, Hammerfest, Harstad, Leknes, Narvik, and Bodo.

“We have been closely monitoring local weather forecasts and have been in contact with the relevant port authorities for the remainder of the voyage,” the cruise line explained in a Facebook post.

“Storms Austen and Boelo are forecast to bring winds of up to 70 knots and swells of up to 7 metres, which would cause disruption to Ambition’s planned calls. Continuing with the original itinerary in these conditions would put our guests, our crew and the ship at risk.”

Instead, the cruise line has arranged alternative berths at different, more southerly destinations in Norway. While the ship will still visit Alta on Friday, October 23, the remaining five ports after Friday’s call have now been changed to the following:

  • Monday, October 26: Andalsnes
  • Tuesday, October 27: Molde
  • Wednesday, October 28: Alesund (a second visit for this sailing)
  • Thursday, October 29: Bergen
  • Friday, October 30: Stavanger

Because these ports are all much further south along the western coast, the possibility of spectacular northern lights viewing is greatly diminished. Of course, such viewing is always subject to weather conditions, solar activity, and cloud cover.

Ambition will not return to northern Norway to offer another Land of Northern Lights itinerary until her March 8, 2027 departure.

While guests onboard are undoubtedly disappointed by the lower chance of seeing a fabulous aurora, many guests are noting that safety should always come first and they are pleased with the replacement ports.

“Thank you for taking care of us and the crew. We are sure that this will be the safest option, onto Alta tomorrow!” one guest commented.

“Thank you Ambassador Cruise Line for keeping us all aware and safe. I am having a great cruise and looking forward to visiting the newly announced ports!” another said.

There is no change to Ambition‘s return to Bristol on Monday, November 2 for debarkation as planned.

Storm Updates

Both Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are forecast to create rough seas between the UK and Norway that would make Ambition‘s northern itinerary unsafe and uncomfortable as the ship would be making her way south next week.

Cruise Hive has already reported on multiple itinerary changes for different ships heading to Southampton as Storm Austen approaches, and Storm Boelo is likewise impacting Scotland and Ireland.

While there are currently no warnings related to the storms directly for Norway, winds in the coming days could be very troublesome.

For example, according to Windy.com, winds from 40-50 miles per hour are expected off the western coast of Norway on Tuesday, October 27. While Ambition‘s originally planned call to Leknes on that day would not be impacted, the ship’s voyage back to the UK would need to pass directly through the strongest parts of the storms.

It can be challenging to predict exact weather conditions several days in advance, but Ambassador Cruise Line is taking no chances at the possibility of unsafe sailing conditions as Ambition returns from Norway.

By choosing a more southerly route and different destinations instead, the 1,200-guest ship can stay in safer harbors as the storms pass with plenty of time to still return to the UK on schedule.

NCL Confirms Norwegian Luna Speed Issue, Port Cancelled

Emrys Thakkar
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NCL Confirms Norwegian Luna Speed Issue, Port Cancelled

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that Norwegian Luna is operating at reduced speed due to a technical issue during its October 17 sailing from Miami, Florida.

As a result, the ship’s call at Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, has been cancelled and the ship is set for a sea day instead. Guests onboard are sharing details of the issue on social media.

One guest currently on Norwegian Luna posted on Facebook, “On the Norwegian Luna now 22/10 and they’ve cancelled the Great Stirrup Cay stop due to engine issues and given ANOTHER at sea day. Normally cruises offer goodwill gesture / on board credit etc – no mention of it. Anyone had any luck?“

Another guest onboard also posted on Facebook, “Norwegian LUNA is having ENGINE ISSUES and running at half speed. Great Stirrup Cay stop tomorrow is canceled and we will head back to Miami so they can fix the engine.“

A photo also shows the starboard Azipod at the aft of the ship running at reduced output, posted on Reddit by an onboard guest. The passenger also said the captain announced the issue and the cancellation of Great Stirrup Cay.

A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson stated to Cruise Hive, “The safety and security of our guests and crew is a top priority. We recently learned of a technical issue that requires us to operate the ship at a reduced speed. While this does not impact the safety of the vessel, we had to adjust the original itinerary.“

Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship
Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)

The 156,000 gross ton Prima Plus class cruise ship is completing a seven-night sailing that has already made calls to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic on October 19, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands on October 20, and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands on October 21.

The vessel has cancelled its final port of call at Great Stirrup Cay on October 23. This means the ship is limping back to its homeport in Miami. At this time, it’s unclear what repairs are needed or how the next voyage, departing Miami on October 24, could be affected.

NCL also stated to Cruise Hive, “While we try to maintain ports of call as scheduled, at times modifications are made to accommodate certain circumstances. As such, the ship will no longer visit Great Stirrup Cay on October 23, 2026, and will instead spend an extra day at sea. We will advise impacted guests of any further updates as they become available. We appreciate our guests for their patience and understanding during this time and look forward to continuing to deliver an immersive cruise experience.“

Norwegian Luna is the newest ship in the fleet, having only entered service in March 2026. The 3,565-passenger ship is the sister ship to Norwegian Aqua and the second in the Prima Plus class.

Princess Cruises Bringing Sanctuary Collection to Five More Ships in 2027

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Cruises Bringing Sanctuary Collection to Five More Ships in 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises is rolling out the Sanctuary Collection to five additional ships in 2027: Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess, and Sky Princess.
  • The offering is part of a multi-year, fleetwide modernization project to enhance guest experiences with more elevated options.
  • There has not yet been any announcement about whether more ships will also receive Sanctuary Collection upgrades, which are already available on Sun Princess and Star Princess.

Princess Cruises is bringing the exclusive resort-style Sanctuary Collection to some of the favorite ships in the fleet, with plans to expand the offering to Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess, and Sky Princess.

The cruise line announced on Thursday, October 22, 2026 that the Sanctuary Collection, first introduced aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, will be expanded as the first phase of a multi-year fleet modernization project with a focus on guest experiences and elevated options.

“The Sanctuary Collection has quickly become one of the most distinctive and desirable ways to experience Princess,” said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises president.

“Expanding Sanctuary Collection across five additional Royal Class ships allows more guests to enjoy the privacy, personalized service and premium amenities they would expect from an intimate luxury resort, while still having the destinations, entertainment and choices of a Princess cruise just steps away.”

The Sanctuary Collection will be available on each of the ships from different dates as work is completed to convert spaces to the exclusive experience. For each vessel, the first sailings with Sanctuary Collection availability are as follows:

  • Royal Princess: January 4, 2027 departure from Sydney, Australia (12-night roundtrip Fiji sailing)
  • Regal Princess: April 17, 2027 departure from Fort Lauderdale, Florida (13-night one-way transatlantic cruise to Southampton)
  • Discovery Princess: April 24, 2027 departure from Los Angeles, California (7-night roundtrip Mexican Riviera cruise)
  • Sky Princess: May 29, 2027 departure from Southampton, UK (14-night roundtrip Baltic voyage)
  • Enchanted Princess: June 12, 2027 departure from Civitavecchia, Italy (7-night Mediterranean and Adriatic sailing)

Bookings for the Sanctuary Collection on Royal Princess are now available. For the other four ships, bookings will be on sale from November 5 (Regal Princess), December 4 (Discovery Princess), December 10 (Sky Princess), and December 17 (Enchanted Princess).

Any guests who have already booked Royal Princess with a stateroom in the Reserve Collection will be automatically upgraded to the Sanctuary Collection experience at no additional cost, but without the Princess Premier package that will be included with new bookings.

The Sanctuary Sign on Star Princess
The Sanctuary Sign on Star Princess (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)

The cruise line has not yet confirmed whether any existing bookings for the other four ships will be similarly changed to the Sanctuary Collection as applicable.

Princess Cruises has not said whether dry docks will be needed as the Sanctuary Collection is implemented. It is possible that any refurbishment work could be done during voyages leading up to the availability dates. This could mean certain spaces may be unavailable to guests onboard until the work is complete.

What Is the Sanctuary Collection?

Princess Cruises describes the Sanctuary Collection as “serenity at sea” with elevated offerings for a more exclusive experience.

The Sanctuary Collection is a curated package that starts with luxury accommodations for select suites and other staterooms, including newly constructed oceanview staterooms as the collection expands across the five ships. Depending on the ship, select mini-suites and balconies are also part of the collection.

For those guests in Sanctuary Suites, a dedicated concierge will be available to help coordinate onboard experiences such as dining and entertainment, and suite guests will also have access to the exclusive Suite Lounge for relaxing and refreshments.

For all Sanctuary Collection guests, regardless of stateroom type, benefits include the private Sanctuary Club with lounge areas and personalized service, a dedicated pool, and upgraded lounge chairs. Shaded cabanas are available for an additional fee, and food and beverage service can be delivered poolside. Live music is occasionally featured in the Sanctuary Club.

More From Cruise Hive

All Sanctuary Collection guests will also be able to dine in the Sanctuary Restaurant with destination-inspired menus.

As part of new bookings for the Sanctuary Collection once sales open on individual ships, the Princess Premier package will be included with unlimited premium beverages, specialty dining, high-speed WiFi access, gratuities, complimentary room service, and other amenities.

After French Unrest, Storm Austen Now Costs P&O Cruises Ship Its Last Port

Melissa Mayntz
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After French Unrest, Storm Austen Now Costs P&O Cruises Ship Its Last Port

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises’ Iona has cancelled her visit to Bilbao-Getxo on Thursday, October 22, due to Storm Austen.
  • The ship is spending the day at sea instead and will find sheltered waters near Brixham to wait out the rough weather.
  • There is no change to Iona‘s expected return to Southampton on Saturday, October 24.

Guests onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona have had multiple changes to the current cruise itinerary, first due to unrest in France and now due to Storm Austen.

Through onboard announcements and a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the ship’s captain confirmed that Iona will be unable to visit her last port on the 7-night cruise that departed Southampton on Saturday, October 17.

“As per my earlier announcement, I am sorry to have to update you on a further change to our itinerary due to Storm Austen,” Captain Andrew Foote wrote. “Having considered the conditions ahead, we have made the decision to cancel our call to Getxo and return to Southampton.”

Earlier on the weeklong sailing, Iona skipped a planned visit to Le Havre (Paris) on Sunday, October 18 due to civil unrest in France, and modified the subsequent calls to Vigo and A Coruña.

The visit to Bilbao-Getxo was to have been on Thursday, October 22. Instead, Iona will now spend Thursday at sea, and AIS tracking confirms the ship is now en route to Southampton rather than docked at the Spanish port.

“As we make our way through the Bay of Biscay, we expect conditions to be uncomfortable at times,” the captain cautioned guests. “Once we are through the Bay, we intend to head towards the Brixham area, where we can seek more sheltered conditions before continuing our journey to Southampton.”

Iona was able to cross the Bay of Biscay overnight from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning. According to Windy.com, winds across the Bay of Biscay at that time ranged from 20-30 miles per hour. On Friday, when the 184,089-gross ton Iona will be sheltering near Brixham, winds through the English Channel are expected to be 40-50 miles per hour.

Brixham is located on the southern coast of Devon, approximately 120 nautical miles (sailing distance) from Southampton. There is no indication that the ship will actually visit Brixham as a port, only that Iona will be in the more sheltered area to wait out Storm Austen before moving on to Southampton.

P&O Iona Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Edwin Muller Photography / Shutterstock

The Associated British Ports schedule for Southampton shows Iona scheduled to arrive at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 24. This means there is no change for the ship’s return to her UK homeport.

Iona is now the fourth ship to have confirmed changes related to Storm Austen. Cruise Hive has already reported on early arrivals into Southampton for P&O Cruises’ Arvia as well as MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa, all due to the inclement weather.

How Are Guests Coping With Weather Conditions?

Guests currently onboard Iona have been discussing the rough conditions on a Facebook group for the sailing, with mixed reactions.

“How’s everyone coping so far?” one guest asked, adding a cruise ship and nauseated face emojis.

Some guests enjoy the motion, while others are not so pleased at feeling more of the ocean than they prefer.

“Best part of cruising for me,” one guest commented, while another noted, “Hoping the movement eases up a wee bit soon.”

Several guests have reported staying in their staterooms because they feel ill, and others had trouble sleeping because of the excessive motion through the Bay of Biscay.

According to the Met Office, Friday, October 23 is likely to be the roughest day of winds for Storm Austen.

“A spell of very strong northwesterly winds is likely on Friday morning,” the Amber wind warning from 10 a.m. on Thursday notes. “There is a good chance that gusts of 60-70 mph will develop widely for a time with perhaps some gusts around 80 mph for exposed headlands. Very strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. Remaining windy for the rest of Friday but winds will gradually ease.”

A more widespread Yellow wind warning for Friday specifies gusts of 50-70 miles per hour, with the strongest winds along coastal areas in southern England and Wales, easing during Friday afternoon.

Storm Austen Forces Three Cruise Ships Into Southampton Early

Melissa Mayntz
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Storm Austen Forces Three Cruise Ships Into Southampton Early

Key Aspects:

  • P&O Cruises’ Arvia and MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa will all arrive in Southampton, UK, earlier than planned due to Storm Austen.
  • The three ships will all arrive late Thursday evening, October 22, instead of on Friday and, in the case of MSC Virtuosa, Saturday, as originally planned.
  • Alerts have already been issued for the southern UK and coastal areas for strong wind gusts up to 50-70 miles per hour on Friday, October 23.

Thousands of cruise guests on three ships have now had their itineraries altered as they head for Southampton, UK ahead of Storm Austen.

P&O Cruises’ Arvia as well as MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa have all adjusted their routes and arrivals for Southampton to stay ahead of the storm’s worst impact.

The Associated British Ports schedule for Southampton confirms the early arrivals for the three vessels, which are now expected into Southampton late Thursday evening, October 22, 2026. MSC Virtuosa and Arvia will both arrive at approximately 7 p.m., while MSC Preziosa will arrive at approximately 9:30 p.m. Exact times are subject to weather conditions, port traffic, and local pilot availability.

Originally, Arvia and MSC Preziosa were scheduled to arrive on Friday morning, October 23, while MSC Virtuosa was not due into Southampton until Saturday morning, October 24.

The 5,282-guest Arvia is concluding a 13-night Mediterranean sailing that departed Southampton on Saturday, October 10, while the 3,959-guest MSC Preziosa is finishing a Northern Europe route with various departure points, including Southampton. MSC Virtuosa is due to conclude a 5-night Northern Europe sailing that left Southampton on Monday, October 19.

MSC Cruises has also sent an alert to guests booked on MSC Preziosa that the ship will also be departing early, noting that guests must arrive at the City Cruise Terminal no later than 2 p.m. According to the original itinerary, the ship wasn’t planned to depart until 8 p.m., but will now depart at 6 p.m. instead on Friday, October 23.

Guests booked on any of the three ships should stay in close contact with their cruise line for further details as official confirmations are made.

Arvia is set to begin a 14-night transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Barbados, while MSC Preziosa and MSC Virtuosa will both be sailing Northern Europe itineraries. No itinerary changes are yet confirmed for those sailings and any adjustments will depend on the storm’s impact.

Storm Austen Update

The Met Office (the national weather service of the UK) has issued multiple warnings for Friday, October 23 related to Storm Austen.

“Storm Austen is expected to bring a spell of impactful weather to parts of the UK from Thursday night and through Friday. While there remains some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, there is increasing confidence in the potential for disruptive winds across parts of southwest England,” said Chris Bulmer, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, on Wednesday.

“Winds gusts could potentially reach 60-70 mph for a time, and these strong winds will be combined with spells of heavy rain. People in affected areas should keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings as the event develops.”

Friday is an Amber Warning from 3-10 a.m. with wind gusts expected up to 60-70 miles per hour, while some exposed headlands may experience gusts up to 80 mph. The warning area stretches across the southwestern UK from Hartland to Cornwall to Plymouth.

A Yellow Warning for wind from midnight to 2 p.m. on Friday extends much further across the southern UK, with wind gusts expected to reach 50-60 mph, while coastal areas could see gusts of 70 mph or higher.

The UK is not the only sailing region impacted by severe storms recently.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas completely altered her October 18 departure from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to sail for Canada instead of Florida and the Bahamas, while Vision of the Seas changed course to Canada instead of Bermuda for her October 17 departure from Baltimore, Maryland. Both ships are avoiding rough weather off the eastern U.S. coast that has become Subtropical Storm Josephine.

Meanwhile, on the Pacific Coast of the U.S., Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady has had four consecutive voyages altered due to tropical weather, including Hurricanes Polo, Rachel, and Trudy, as well as Tropical Storm Simon.

Royal Caribbean Says No Gratuity Change After Slip and Fake Letter

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Says No Gratuity Change After Slip and Fake Letter

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has acknowledged a temporary error on its FAQ that listed gratuities incorrectly but has confirmed there is no gratuity change at this time.
  • The gratuities FAQ has been updated to clarify that guests are able to adjust the 18% automatic gratuity added to drinks and specialty dining if they wish.
  • A fake press release claiming guests can no longer adjust daily gratuities while onboard their Royal Caribbean sailing has also been debunked by the current FAQ.

Royal Caribbean has sparked immediate concern among guests for what has turned out to be a simple error on its website that seemed to indicate a gratuity increase for drinks and specialty dining.

The cruise line’s service gratuity policy FAQ was recently updated, and for a short period, indicated a 20% automatic gratuity for beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service, and minibar purchases, as well as a 20% automatic gratuity for spa and salon services.

While the 20% gratuity rate for spa and salon services is accurate, the beverage and dining gratuity rate actually remains at 18% with no increase.

Cruise Hive reached out to Royal Caribbean for confirmation of the error and received a statement acknowledging the mix-up.

“We recently identified an error in an FAQ that incorrectly stated gratuity information. To clarify, there has been no change to our gratuity rates. Gratuities for beverages and dining remain at 18% as previously communicated,” the cruise line said. “The FAQ has been corrected, and we apologize for any confusion this error may have caused.”

What has changed on the FAQ, however, is guests’ ability to adjust those automatic gratuities if they wish. In addition to some slight rewording, an entirely new line has been added to the FAQ, noting that:

“These gratuities are optional and may be adjusted or removed at the guest’s sole discretion.”

While guests have always been able to adjust or remove the daily gratuities added to their onboard SeaPass accounts, it was not clear previously whether the percentages added to drinks and dining could be adjusted as well. Now, the cruise line has provided that clarification.

More Gratuity Rumors Circulating

An even bigger rumor has also been circulating about Royal Caribbean gratuities: that guests will no longer be able to remove the daily automatic gratuities once they board their ship.

A seemingly authentic press release has been posted to social media and quickly spread, claiming the change.

“Effective immediately, daily gratitude (gratuity) charges added to guest accounts can no longer be removed or adjusted at Guest Services desks while onboard,” the notice reads. “This change applies to all Royal Caribbean International sailings departing on or after October 19, 2026.”

The message goes on to explain that guests previously could remove or modify charges, but that will no longer be permitted.

“Under the updated policy, these charges are now non-removable once applied to the guest account,” the notice states.

Fake Royal Caribbean Gratuities Letter
Fake Royal Caribbean Gratuities Letter

Where the message gets muddy is that it explains guests can still prepay gratuities prior to sailing or “make alternative arrangements through the Royal Caribbean app or website before embarkation” but does not describe what those alternative arrangements may be.

Even more peculiar is that the message goes on to note, “this change does not affect the ability of guests to provide additional discretionary tips for exceptional service, which remain welcome and appreciated by the crew.”

Read Also: How Much Should You Tip Crew Members?

Well, who wouldn’t welcome and appreciate an extra tip? Nevertheless, the “release” is a bogus one. While the message is free of the typos and poor grammar that often give fake notices away, and it even lists media contact information for the cruise line, one big clue is right at the top.

The message opens with the Royal Caribbean International trademarked logo. The only problem is that the cruise line retired that logo in September 2024, when it dropped “International” and introduced a modernized design with a brighter blue and a standalone crown and anchor with a slightly adjusted shape.

While it would be understandable for some overlapping use between old and new logos shortly after such a switch, there is no reason the old logo would be on a press release that was supposedly published more than two years later.

More From Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean’s gratuities FAQ still boldly states, right at the top, “Gratuities are optional. Guests may adjust or remove them entirely at their sole discretion, as described below.”

The description then later notes that, “Guests may modify or remove any gratuity by visiting the Guest Relations desk onboard at any time prior to the morning of disembarkation,” clearly debunking this false press release.

MSC World Atlantic to Debut Grand Hamptons Villa With Private Cinema

Calvin Musquez
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MSC World Atlantic to Debut Grand Hamptons Villa With Private Cinema

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises has unveiled the Grand Hamptons Villa, a two-story luxury family accommodation debuting aboard MSC World Atlantic in November 2027.
  • The more than 2,475-square-foot villa accommodates up to eight guests and features a private cinema, kids’ suite, climbing tower, secret door, and oceanfront terrace.
  • This exclusive accommodation also includes MSC Yacht Club benefits, including 24-hour butler and concierge services.

Just over a year before MSC World Atlantic is set to debut from Port Canaveral, MSC Cruises has revealed concepts for a brand new family accommodation onboard. The two-story Grand Hamptons Villa will come in at over 2,475 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and features several unique and surprising elements.

Massive family suites are nothing new on cruises, as Cruise Hive has previously covered. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian Cruise Line have all introduced their own luxury accommodations catered to families in the past.

However, up until now, MSC Cruises has never had the same sort of large-scale suites designed specifically for family entertainment. The closest offerings previously were the Yacht Club Executive and Family Suites found on the cruise line’s Fantasia Class ships.

The Grand Hamptons Villa will change that picture. The concept, inspired by the Hamptons in New York, features large, luxurious spaces for up to eight guests, designed with the whole family in mind, including kids.

“As a family-owned company, we understand what makes a great family holiday and the importance of creating accommodations that enable families to make the most of their time together while enjoying the space and flexibility they need,” said MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato.

MSC World Atlantic Grand Hamptons Villa
MSC World Atlantic Grand Hamptons Villa

The villa was designed in partnership with Storyland Studios, a California-based design firm, primarily working in the theme park and interactive experience industries. The company has previously done design work for Knott’s Berry Farm, LEGOLAND, Disney, and Warner Bros., among others.

Standout features of the new space include a double-height living room, a dedicated entertainment loft, and a primary suite with its own private balcony featuring an outdoor shower. The entertainment loft offers a private movie theater lounge, while an oceanfront terrace will have a hot tub and deck games. 

Other Family Amenities

In the living area, The Grand Hamptons Villa will have a private library for quiet reading. An interactive play area to keep kids entertained will be accessible via a climbing tower from the living area.

A mysterious feature for this play space was teased by the cruise line, referred to as a “secret door”. No details were provided about this door by the cruise line, besides that it will reveal “daily surprises”.

The living area also includes a dining area, kitchenette, and bar. Meanwhile, in the entertainment loft, guests will find a digital gaming table and a LEGO wall. 

MSC World Atlantic Grand Hamptons Villa
MSC World Atlantic Grand Hamptons Villa

Additionally, a double cabin, separate twin bedroom, and a dedicated kids’ suite will round out the sleeping arrangements. The kids’ suite will have custom bunk beds, individual televisions, and a private bathroom.

Guests booking the villa will receive access to Yacht Club benefits. These include 24-hour butler and concierge services, access to Yacht Club exclusive areas, a dedicated cleaning team, the Premium Extra Drinks package, a Fun Pass, and unlimited specialty dining and Wi-Fi. 

MSC World Atlantic Debuts in 2027

The villa will be available exclusively on MSC World Atlantic when it debuts next year, and bookings are currently available. The 6,758-guest ship is currently undergoing interior, public-space, and technical work at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard after touching water for the first time in September 2026.

MSC World Atlantic, the fourth ship in MSC’s World Class, is scheduled to debut from Port Canaveral on November 13, 2027. It will sail a 7-night maiden voyage from the Florida port, visiting Nassau, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, Mexico.

From there, it will offer year-round 7- and 14-night Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral. Those offerings are currently slated to continue until at least summer 2028.

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