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Carnival Completes Half Moon Cay Transformation With New Pier and Amenities

Carnival Cruise News

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Jun 1, 2026

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Carnival Completes Half Moon Cay Transformation With New Pier and Amenities

Key Aspects:

RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay celebrated its major expansion on June 1, 2026, following a massive renovation.
Guests will find expanded beach facilities, new dining venues, and upgraded amenities across the island.
The project added a new pier that allows Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ships to visit.

One of the Caribbean’s most recognizable private cruise destinations just got its biggest makeover in nearly three decades.

On June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the completion of a series of upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, with a ribbon cutting that included Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

The project introduces a collection of new amenities, expanded beachfront space, and upgraded transportation infrastructure at the private Bahamian destination, which has been a fixture on Carnival itineraries for years.

Among the most significant additions is a new pier, ending one of the destination’s long-standing challenges. Until now, some guests arriving at Half Moon Cay were required to tender ashore. The new facility will allow ships to dock directly, significantly increasing the number and type of vessels able to visit the island.

The pier also opens the destination to Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Those vessels have been unable to call regularly because of tendering limitations.

Visitors will also find a broader range of beach amenities, including new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, as well as cabanas and daybeds for guests looking for a more private experience.

Several new food and beverage venues are now open as well. Orchid Beach Grill and Hibiscus Beach Grill serve buffet-style meals, while Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Sack, and Lil’ Tiki Bar offer additional places to grab drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Getting around the island has also become easier. A new tram service connects different areas of the destination, while the newly added Papaya Pathway provides a scenic walking route for guests who prefer to explore on foot.

Work has also been completed on upgrades to portions of the island’s south side, including refreshed design elements and improvements to existing food and beverage facilities.

“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination,” said Duffy.

She added, “We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters.”

The first vessel arriving to the newly completed destination was Carnival Sunrise, which docked at the pier at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, departing at 4 p.m.

Carnival Sunshine is arriving on June 2 from Norfolk, Virginia, and Carnival Dream and Carnival Pride will visit on June 3, from Miami and Baltimore, respectively.

Half Moon Cay’s Growth

The upgrades to Half Moon Cay come as cruise lines continue investing heavily in private destinations throughout the Caribbean, including Norwegian Cruise Line, which is expanding its Great Stirrup Cay destination, and Royal Caribbean, which is expanding its successful Perfect Day at CocoCay to other Caribbean destinations.

But long before private islands became a major battleground among cruise lines, Half Moon Cay was setting the standard.

The destination first opened in December 1997 after being developed by Holland America Line on Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. The island quickly earned a reputation for its wide beaches and undeveloped landscape.

Today, Half Moon Cay is shared by several brands within Carnival Corporation, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. Carnival says 22 ships from its fleet currently visit the destination, with sailings departing from homeports across the US.

More From Cruise Hive

Carnival Corporation first announced plans to enhance the destination in 2024, focusing on improvements while maintaining the natural character that made the island popular in the first place.

Half Moon Cay is part of the company’s Paradise Collection, which also includes Celebration Key, which opened on Grand Bahama in 2025, and Mahogany Bay in Honduras.

Valiant Lady Returns to Service After Major Two-Week Dry Dock

Virgin Voyages News

Calvin Musquez

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Jun 1, 2026

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Valiant Lady Returns to Service After Major Two-Week Dry Dock

Key Aspects:

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady returned to service following a two-week dry dock.
The ship received major upgrades and overhauls, including a brand new dining venue.
She went right back into service, offering Mediterranean and European itineraries through Autumn 2026.

Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady is back and better than ever following a two-week dry dock at Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard.

The 110,000 gross ton ship entered dry dock on May 9, 2026, and finished up on Memorial Day, May 25. The ship is only six years old, having originally launched in May of 2020, but Virgin Voyages clearly has no intention of letting her become outdated.

“Valiant Lady was already one of the most compelling ships at sea, but we kept asking ourselves how to make her even more worth coming back for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.

More than just a touch-up, this dry dock was a full-on refurbishment, upgrading spaces throughout the ship as well as introducing brand new venues. Cruise Hive has gotten the scoop on all of the exciting upgrades.

New retail options have been added, including onboard TAG Heuer and Pandora shops. Additionally, a ton of spaces onboard received upgrades and refreshes.

The Athletic Club on Deck 16 now features new shaded daybeds and upgraded ocean view lounge seating.

The central hub of the ship, The Roundabout, has received a facelift as well, now adorned in the ship’s signature plum color and new furniture. On the Rocks, the ship’s center bar located just below The Roundabout, has improved guests’ sight-lines by relocating a stage and adding additional seating.

Aquatic Club, Valiant Lady Dry Dock (Photo Credit: George Lozada)

Additionally, The Dock has added a windscreen and a new stage setup to remain as comfortable as possible in changing weather conditions.

In The Manor, the ship’s main late-night entertainment venue, Virgin Voyages has removed the raised platforms to open up the space to more freedom of movement on the dance floor.

Finally, to keep the party going and the drinks flowing, The Grounds Club Too, a specialty coffee shop in The Galley on Deck 15, now transforms into a full bar in the late afternoon and into the night.

But it’s not just spaces that have gotten an overhaul. Onboard entertainment has also been refreshed with new interactive shows and games to get everyone in on the fun.

New offerings include Sports Smarts in the Red Room theater, where you put your sports trivia knowledge to the test alongside your physical fitness through various challenges.

Or, if you’re more into spilling tea, you may prefer Dirty Laundry, which, according to Virgin Voyages, “turns strangers into teammates, secrets into conversation starters…”

The foodies amongst us may be more interested in some of the brand new food and drink experiences, such as Trust Your Tongue, in which you’ll rank unconventional flavor combinations.

And, speaking of food, perhaps the biggest change onboard is the addition of Ariya by Razzle Dazzle. Announced back in March 2026, Ariya is an upscale new restaurant serving modern Indian cuisine.

Ariya, Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: George Lozada)

Developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire and acclaimed Indian-American chef Maneet Chauhan, Ariya seats 220 guests, serving food inspired by dishes across India, in a setting inspired by the country’s many eclectic spice markets. The dining venue’s name is taken from the great-great-grandmother of Virgin Voyages’ founder, Sir Richard Branson.

The menu will feature Indian classics like Lamb Shank Biryani, puffed rice, and avocado chaat, as well as unique Indian-inspired cocktails.

Valiant Lady Is Already Sailing Again

Following this overhaul, Valiant Lady went right back into service, departing on her first post-dry-dock sailing on May 31, 2026. This sailing departed from Barcelona on a seven-day Spanish Isles itinerary, stopping at Palma de Mallorca, Civitavecchia, Cannes, and Ibiza before returning to Barcelona on June 6.

She continues to sail Mediterranean and European itineraries, including a 12-night “Total Eclipse of the Med” full solar eclipse Mediterranean cruise on August 10, 2026, from Barcelona, and the seven-night “Virgin Voyages Comedy Fest” sailing from Portsmouth in the UK on August 20, 2026.

In September 2026, she will reposition to New York for five to six-day Bermuda sailings and then onward to San Juan, where she will offer six to eight-night Caribbean cruises through April 2027.

If you’re looking forward to experiencing all of the upgrades and new spaces aboard Valiant Lady, there are a lot of itineraries to choose from!

Norwegian Viva Cancels San Juan Cruises Over Port Availability Issues

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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Jun 1, 2026

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Norwegian Viva Cancels San Juan Cruises Over Port Availability Issues

Passengers planning Southern Caribbean vacations aboard Norwegian Viva are facing unexpected changes after Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled a series of sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The cruise line notified guests and travel advisors on June 1, 2026, that Norwegian Viva’s 7-night departures from San Juan scheduled between January 2, 2028, and July 23, 2028, will no longer operate.

In a letter sent to booked guests, the cruise line said the move is tied to changes in the deployment schedule of the newer Prima-class vessel, which entered service in 2023. The 3,195-passenger ship will now be operating out of Port Miami in Florida in 2028.

“While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize voyages due to changing port availability. As a result of port availability, Norwegian Viva’s sailings from January 2, 2028, through July 23, 2028, have been cancelled,” the notice stated.

The cancelled voyages were part of the 142,500-gross-ton ship’s Southern Caribbean program from Puerto Rico, which offered roundtrip itineraries to destinations throughout the region. The cruise line did not provide additional details about the port availability issues.

Guests booked on the affected voyages are now being automatically removed from their reservations and offered refunds or future cruise incentives as the cruise line works to reaccommodate travelers.

Norwegian Viva in Puerto Rico (Photo Courtesy: NCL)

Following Norwegian Viva’s redeployment, the ship will operate short Bahamas cruises from Miami. Those itineraries will include calls at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, which is currently undergoing renovations and enhancements.

Alternatives, Refunds and Future Cruise Credits

Norwegian Cruise Line is providing several options for passengers impacted by the cancellations.

For guests still interested in sailing from San Juan, the company is directing passengers toward alternative Southern Caribbean itineraries aboard Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva’s sister ship in the Prima Class.

Norwegian Prima will operate similar roundtrip cruises from Puerto Rico and visit many of the same destinations originally scheduled for Norwegian Viva, providing minimal disruption to travel plans.

Its 7-night voyages will visit the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Passengers who choose not to rebook will receive a full refund automatically. The cruise line said refunds will be returned to the original form of payment used at the time of booking.

Refund processing will begin within 30 business days. Guests who paid using Future Cruise Credits will have those credits automatically reinstated to their Latitudes Rewards accounts within 10 days of the cancellation date.

In addition to refunds, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering passengers a 10 percent Future Cruise Credit that can be applied toward any published sailing through December 31, 2028. The credit becomes available beginning June 8, 2026.

The company did not announce any additional compensation beyond the refund and the Future Cruise Credit offer, as passengers have ample time to rebook a cruise without losing deposits

Hurricane Season Starts Today With Fewer Storms Expected for Cruisers

Port News

Lissa Poirot

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Jun 1, 2026

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Hurricane Season Starts Today With Fewer Storms Expected for Cruisers

As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially gets underway today, June 1, 2026, cruise passengers may be getting some welcome news. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a quieter-than-normal season, with fewer storms expected to form between now and November 30.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, released May 21, predicts a below-average season driven largely by the anticipated development of El Niño. NOAA predicts a 55 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season.

Scientists expect between eight and 14 named storms this year. Of those, three to six are expected to become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes with Category 5 storm winds reaching at least 111 miles per hour.

A typical Atlantic season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Last year, in 2025, there were 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and four major hurricanes of a Category 3 or higher.

NOAA said it has a 70 percent confidence level in its 2026 projections.

Forecasters said competing weather patterns are influencing hurricane season, with ocean temperatures expected to remain slightly above average and trade winds weaker than normal. These conditions can fuel storm development.

However, the anticipated arrival of El Niño could suppress hurricane formation. El Niño occurs when Pacific Ocean waters become unusually warm, increasing wind shear over the Atlantic and making it more difficult for storms to organize and intensify.

Still, NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said, “there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold.”

He says it is essential to review hurricane preparedness plans because, “It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”

Hurricane Season Caused Disruptions in 2025

While the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season finished with 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and four major hurricanes, several powerful systems forced cruise lines to make itinerary changes throughout the Caribbean and Atlantic.

Hurricane Erin became one of the season’s biggest disruptors in August. At least 21 ships across nine cruise lines altered itineraries as the storm strengthened in the Atlantic.

Royal Caribbean had several ships adjusting itineraries to steer clear of the storm, while Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line were all forced to adjust.

A month later, Hurricane Humberto created another wave of changes, with ships from MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line all rerouted to avoid dangerous conditions in the Atlantic. At least a dozen ships were impacted as Humberto intensified to Category 4 strength.

The season’s strongest storm, Hurricane Melissa, also forced major adjustments to Western and Eastern Caribbean ports after becoming a Category 5 hurricane in October.

For 2026, a lighter hurricane season could still result in cruises being rerouted to avoid potential storms, as well as cancellations or delays. Passengers need to be flexible and understanding when cruising during hurricane season as cruise lines will prioritize guest and crew safety.

When itinerary changes become necessary, cruise lines will communicate directly with booked passengers, providing updates as storms develop and travel plans are adjusted.

NOAA will begin potential storm names with Arthur and end with Wilfred, while also rolling out several new forecasting tools.

The National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone graphic will now include inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings, new storm surge products are being introduced for Hawaii, and data from unmanned aircraft will be incorporated into hurricane forecast models for the first time.

Carnival Guest Saves Life After Fellow Passenger Falls Off Pier

Carnival Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Jun 1, 2026

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Carnival Guest Saves Life After Fellow Passenger Falls Off Pier

Key Aspects:

A recent passenger of Carnival Jubilee saved a life after an elderly passenger fell off the pier in Costa Maya.
The guest jumped into the water and kept the elderly man afloat until both passengers could be safely pulled back onto the pier.
Because of the heroic guest’s quick actions, the fallen passenger was mostly unharmed and able to enjoy the rest of his cruise vacation.

A recent passenger of Carnival Jubilee went from being a regular cruise guest to a life-saving hero.

While visiting Costa Maya, Mexico, on May 19, 2026, one man sprang into action to rescue an elderly guest who had fallen off the pier. The guest, named Myron, jumped into the water to help a complete stranger.

Video footage shows the cruiser quickly kicking off his shoes and slipping into the water next to the 183,521-gross ton vessel without any hesitation as other guests looked on.

Crew members were seen trying to pass the fallen guest a rope to pull him to safety. But according to Myron’s wife, Amy, the elderly guest was face down in the water and close to drowning.

Myron kept the man afloat until crew members could lift them both out of the water safely, no doubt saving his life.

@amynelson2013
First one in.. How can you throw a rope in to help a man that’s face down in the water? #carnivalcruise #makethisviral #costamaya #jubilee #hero
♬ original sound – Amy018

“What he encountered was an elderly man struggling desperately in the water, face down (drowning) and on the brink of disaster. Without a moment’s hesitation, my husband leapt into the water, as no one else seemed to be taking action, including the Carnival staff,” Amy recounted in a subsequent TikTok.

“With every ounce of strength, he managed to grab hold of the elderly man, lift him onto his shoulder, and cradle him safely until assistance arrived to lift them both out of the water,” She continued.

Treatment was provided at the onboard medical center and the unidentified man was able to enjoy the rest of the cruise vacation. He disembarked at the end of the 7-night Caribbean sailing in Galveston, Texas, just like all the other passengers.

The 5,362-guest ship has continued operating 7-night Western Caribbean sailings out of Galveston as well.

Carnival Jubilee in Cozumel (Photo Credit: Jonathan C Wear)

Carnival Responds to Pier Incident

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that a man had fallen off the pier in Costa Maya, but did not publicly acknowledge Myron’s life-saving actions.

“On May 19th, while Carnival Jubilee was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico, an elderly guest fell into the water while returning to the ship on the pier,” Carnival said in a statement to Cruise Hive.

“Our security team responded immediately, and the guest was safely recovered and transported to the ship’s medical center for care. He debarked the ship in Galveston at the end of the cruise,” the cruise line continued.

But at least onboard and on social media, crew members and guests celebrated Myron for his heroism. After exiting the water, the cruiser was met with a round of applause.

According to Amy, their room steward wrote a thank you message on the mirror in their stateroom. The couple was also given keepsake pins and a free steak dinner in the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Quick Actions Avoid Tragedy

While the elderly man’s identity has not been confirmed, his daughter has commented on Amy’s TikToks to thank the couple publicly and give an update on her father’s condition.

@amynelson2013
My husband saved a man life in Costa Maya while on our 7 day cruise!! He literally took action before carnival cruise workers did.. SHARE THIS!! #carnivalcruise #costamaya #makethisviral #jubilee #hero
♬ original sound – Amy018

“Your husband is a very wonderful person! This is my father. I can’t thank him enough for his fast acting. My dad is doing very well,” the daughter commented.

“He had black eyes and cuts and bruises all over. He is 84 and cannot swim so your husband’s quick action is the reason I got to hug him again. God bless you both and thank you so much!!” she continued.

Saying that Myron saved a life also really isn’t an understatement. Someone who is drowning can suffer irreversible brain damage and die in just four to six minutes.

And less than a month ago, on May 9, 2026, an elderly woman died after falling off the pier at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private destination on Grand Bahama Island.

There is no doubt that Myron’s heroism is the reason that the man walked away from this accident relatively unscathed.

Hiker from Cruise Ship Vanishes on St. Kitts Volcano as Search Continues

Port News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jun 1, 2026

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Hiker from Cruise Ship Vanishes on St. Kitts Volcano as Search Continues

Key Aspects:

Search efforts continue in an attempt to locate Wang Zyuan on Mt. Liamuiga on St. Kitts four days after he became lost.
Wang called emergency services to report that he was lost on Wednesday, May 27, at roughly 2 p.m.
The trail to the summit of the dormant volcano is a steep and challenging one, but authorities are not giving up.

Now in its fourth day, the search continues for Wang Zyuan, last seen on the Mt. Liamuiga hiking trail on St. Kitts. The 33-year-old Wang was last seen on Wednesday, May 27, at roughly 10:30 a.m. He called emergency services himself at roughly 2 p.m. to report that he was lost in the mountains before contact was disconnected.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has confirmed the search is still ongoing for Wang. Multiple agencies have been involved, including RSCNPF officers, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Department, the Police Training School, the Forest Unit, the Red Cross, and the Ross University K9 Unit.

Search operations have been coordinated across the mountain, as Wang’s position has not been confirmed and he has not yet been located. At this time, there is no deadline to discontinue the search efforts.

“The RSCNPF and all partnering agencies remain committed to finding Mr. Wang and will continue search operations,” said the RSCNPF in a Facebook post on Sunday, May 31. “Updates will be issued as the situation develops.”

No further details have yet been released. The Chinese male national is believed to have been hiking alone without a guide, and the Mt. Liamuiga trail is a challenging one with steep sections that can have tricky or slippery footing, depending on weather conditions.

Cruise Hive previously reported on Wang’s disappearance, noting that while the cruise ship he is affiliated with was not confirmed by authorities, the only ship in Basseterre, St. Kitts on the day he went missing was Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas.

It is unknown whether Wang was a guest aboard the 78,900-gross-ton cruise ship or if he may be a crew member. Rhapsody of the Seas can welcome 2,040 guests onboard and is also home to more than 750 crew members.

Could Wang Still Be Found?

The difficulty of the trail and the isolated location makes finding Wang more challenging, but not impossible.

The mountain, actually a dormant volcano, rises 3,793 feet and is the highest peak in St. Kitts and Nevis. The 4-mile-long trail works through lush rainforest and offers incomparable wildlife sightings and stunning panoramic island views, while gaining 2,040 feet of elevation along the way.

According to AllTrails, the hike is described as “more of a jungle climb than a hike.”

“The muddy and uneven path is easy to lose, so it is highly recommended that you download your map before heading out on the trail or hire a guide. Be warned, there are numerous areas where you will need to climb steep slopes using the slippery roots of trees as a sort of makeshift ladder,” the trail description reads.

Local authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist with locating Wang to contact emergency services. The trail is a popular one, and any clues could be useful to find Wang more quickly.

“The Force thanks all volunteers, agencies, and members of the public who have supported and continue to support this effort,” the RSCNPF said.

Hiking Can Be Dangerous in Any Destination

Sadly, this is not the first time a cruise guest (or employee) has become disoriented and lost while hiking. Cruise Hive has reported on such incidents previously, including when a cruise guest from Norwegian Bliss went missing while hiking in Alaska in July 2025. That guest was later found deceased well below the ridgeline trail she had been hiking.

In September 2025, two other guests fell from another trail in Alaska, and one tragically passed away from his injuries.

Another distressing incident happened in October 2025, when an elderly woman was left behind while hiking on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef are of Australia, and was later found deceased.

It is easy for cruise guests and other tourists to overestimate their hiking abilities when faced with steep and challenging climbs that lead to spectacular views. Of course, accidents are possible regardless of any individual’s hiking ability and experience.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with Wang’s family and friends with hope that he may be found safe as soon as possible.

Carnival Issues Swimwear Dress Code Warning Ahead of Port Call

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 31, 2026

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Carnival Issues Swimwear Dress Code Warning Ahead of Port Call

Key Aspects:

Carnival is alerting guests aboard Carnival Splendor of conservative swimwear requirements in Lifou, New Caledonia.
The ship’s May 30 departure will visit the South Pacific island on Tuesday, June 2 as part of the 8-night itinerary.
It is always prudent for cruise travelers to respect local customs in any port of call, including dress codes.

New Caledonia has some spectacular beaches and the perfect beach day is a highlight of many South Pacific sailings. Guests aboard Carnival Splendor, however, are being reminded that not all swimwear is acceptable in the French Territory.

The 3,012-guest Carnival Splendor departed on her current 8-night sailing from Sydney on Saturday, May 30. Lifou, New Caledonia is the ship’s first port visit of the itinerary, planned for Tuesday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A letter from the ship’s master, Eduardo Ferrone, has been delivered to guests’ staterooms to remind travelers of the dress code and what is and isn’t permitted.

“To observe the local customs of the island, a respectful dress code is essential,” the letter explained. “Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or by a pool and should be very modest in nature. G-strings, thongs, monokinis or mankinis should not be worn (even on the beach) and topless sunbathing is also not permitted at any time.”

Casual attire is acceptable when visiting other sites on the island, such as churches and marketplaces, but should include cover-ups as needed.

This reminder comes just days after Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, reminded guests that camouflage clothing is not permitted in certain ports of call, including the Bahamas and Jamaica.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on such reminders, particularly when guests are upset at having their time ashore curtailed due to the need to change clothing before exploring a port.

Carnival Splendor Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Michelangelo DeSantis)

Dress codes aren’t unusual either on cruises or in ports of call. When visiting iconic Italian churches and religious sites, for example, such as Il Duomo in Florence or St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, appropriate conservative attire is required or guests may not be permitted to enter.

Casual vacation attire may be entirely appropriate aboard Carnival cruise ships, but specialty restaurants do occasionally have stricter dress codes and no offensive clothing is ever permitted.

What Happens If Guests Don’t Comply?

Different countries have different consequences for visitors (and residents) who violate dress codes. Fines and even imprisonment may be applicable depending on the severity of any dress code violation in different destinations.

“Outside of tourist areas, standards of dress and behaviour are conservative. Dress and behave appropriately,” the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises all visitors.

Beaches may be popular with tourists, including cruise guests, but they are still considered public areas and all local laws apply.

Carnival Cruise Line further emphasizes the need to be respectful of local customs and laws.

“As a visitor to the island, please respect the wishes of local residents,” the letter says. “Non-compliance could severely restrict or compromise our ability to keep the island as part of our future Carnival holiday itineraries.”

While guests aboard Carnival Splendor may not be fined for inappropriate attire, they could be asked to return to the ship and further visits could be cancelled if guests are disruptive to local customs.

Carnival Splendor has two visits to Lifou in June. In addition to the June 2 visit, the ship will return on Monday, June 15. Carnival Adventure also has one visit scheduled for Sunday, June 14.

Another ship, Carnival Encounter, also has a visit in July, along with both Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure.

The Australian winter season (June through September) is the off-season for South Pacific cruises, but more ships will be visiting Lifou in the summer months (December through March).

At that time, guests aboard ships from Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and other lines will need to be aware of the dress code restrictions.

Cruise Guest Shares Emotional Plea Over Stolen Door Magnets

Princess Cruises News

Catie Kovelman

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May 30, 2026

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Cruise Guest Shares Emotional Plea Over Stolen Door Magnets

Key Aspects:

Cabin door decorators continue to be plagued by other passengers who steal their magnets.
A recent victim onboard Sun Princess posted a note on their cabin door pleading for the offender to return their decorations.
Other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, have also had to impose stricter door decorating policies.

Lately, cruise lines have had to crack down on cabin door decor and guest behavior related to the displays. But once again, magnet thieves are ruining the cruise experience for their fellow guests.

Unfortunately, some inconsiderate passengers think it is funny to steal, hide, or relocate cabin door magnets as a prank. However, this can be upsetting for their owners.

Most recently, the magnet drama unfolded onboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess near the end of a 21-night Mediterranean itinerary, which disembarked in Athens, Greece, on May 30, 2026.

In a last-ditch effort in the final hours of their voyage, one guest who had fallen victim to magnet thieves left a note on their stateroom’s door begging for their decorations to be returned. It’s unclear if their plea was successful.

“Whoever it was who decided it was ok to take 2 of our magnets, please return them,” the note, which is making waves on Facebook, reads.

“They are not yours and your grandma is not proud of you for taking what does not belong to you! Do the right thing and please return them. Thank you,” the message concluded.

Sun Princess Door Notice (Photo Credit: Adam La Nubbin)

Hopefully, the guests also reported the theft to their room steward. While the cruise lines won’t always actively search for missing magnets, crew members do usually want to help and room stewards might find them while working.

Magnet Thieves Remain At Large

Princess Cruises doesn’t necessarily encourage door decorating, but the brand allows magnets that do not require adhesives for guests looking to make their home away from home extra special.

The decorations must also be family-friendly, or PG-13 at worst on the appropriateness scale, and they cannot cover the peephole for safety reasons. When guests follow the rules, decorating their doors can be a bit of harmless fun.

However, it’s not just the note-writing cruiser that has had their fun ruined by mischievous passengers. Many other victims of magnet theft sounded off on social media.

“My parents also got a couple of theirs stolen off their door on the Sun in January. Thankfully only a ChatGPT image made into a magnet but still not ok,” one cruiser stated.

“We had 4 rooms on the Sun. Some with teens, we thought it would be a good idea to mark the doors with magnets, so they recognise them. In one day they were all gone,” a past passenger recalled.

“I was on the Sun last week and had a Canadian magnet on my door. Someone turned it upside down daily and when we went to leave it was gone,” another former guest said.

Others had issues with pranksters messing with their design or relocating it to different staterooms nearby, which caused unnecessary stress on their vacations.

And while these aren’t magnets, a third segment of cruisers said that rubber ducks and small gifts left for children or as part of gift exchanges in “mailboxes” just outside of their cabin doors had also been taken.

For context, the rubber ducks would be part of the cruising ducks phenomenon, which is a game where guests hide and seek the tiny toys around the ship.

Cruise Lines Crack Down on Door Decor

Just weeks ago in mid-May, Royal Caribbean was forced to lay down the law on proper etiquette pertaining to cabin door decor onboard Symphony of the Seas due to bad behavior.

Not only did the cruise line encourage cruisers to be respectful of each others’ property, but it also asserted that it was not liable for any decorations that went missing or became damaged.

More recently, Cruise Hive reported that Disney Cruise Line is implementing stricter door decoration policies as complaints about theft continue to circulate online.

“Just got back from the Disney Dream and while the trip was great, we had door magnets stolen from ours and a family member’s stateroom doors… was a bummer because they were custom ordered and our kids were excited to be giving away other magnets as gifts,” one recent guest posted on Reddit.

Disney’s policy change, however, was more about safety and protecting its ships from damage than guest behavior. Mainly, decorations are now limited to the cabin door only and guests are forbidden from decorating walls and ceilings.

Ultimately, cruise guests who choose to decorate their doors are doing so at their own risk. One can only help that messing with magnets is a trend that will soon go out of style.

Royal Caribbean Just Made Its Travel Protection Plan Much More Worth It

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

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May 30, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Just Made Its Travel Protection Plan Much More Worth It

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean has increased the policy limits for its travel protection program.
For example, limits for emergency sickness and medical coverage have risen from $25,000 to $100,000 automatically.
The increased coverage will be automatically applied to purchased policies at no extra cost.

When it comes to travel insurance, Royal Caribbean is offering its guests more bang for their buck.

During a time of rising medical costs, travel disruptions, and severe weather events, Royal Caribbean has made the decision to increase the protection offered by its travel protection plan.

At least for guests who have already purchased policies, the added coverage is free. Typically, policies cost between $79 to $149 per person, depending on the total cost of their cruise vacation.

“You get these enhanced benefits at no additional cost. Your plan price is not changing – you’re simply getting more coverage for the journey ahead,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter to passengers, which has been circulating on social media.

The increased coverage joins additional existing perks that automatically come with Royal Caribbean Travel Protection, including 24/7 emergency assistance and trip interruption coverage.

Royal Caribbean’s policy also includes a non-insurance cancellation coverage feature, which allows cruisers to cancel their sailing for a variety of reasons and receive a full refund of their unused prepaid trip cost.

If guests cancel for a reason that is not officially covered, they may still be able to get a cruise credit worth up to 90% of their cruise fare to put toward a new sailing.

What’s Changing & Why It Matters

Specifically, the policy limits for emergency sickness and emergency medical coverage are increasing from $25,000 to $100,000 each. These benefits are meant to reimburse cruisers who become sick and require urgent treatment.

At least in the US, most standard health insurance plans will not cover medical care received while at sea or while visiting foreign ports.

Next, medical evacuation coverage has shot up from a limit of $50,000 to $500,000. This is very important, as emergency transfers via ambulance, helicopter, or other medical aircraft can cost thousands.

For example, Cruise Hive once reported on a mother of six who got stuck in the Caribbean due to a medical event. She had to start a GoFundMe to cover the medical bills and the $28,000 ambulance ride from the ship to the hospital.

Additionally, it’s not unheard of for cruise guests who are being medically evacuated to be slapped with a bill on their way out.

In 2024, for example, a couple was handed a $2,500 bill while being disembarked onto a rescue boat after one spouse suffered from seizures during a Royal Caribbean sailing.

Royal Caribbean Ships in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

The bill covered the cost of onboard medical treatment, including anticonvulsant medication, blood gas testing, and observation, among other services.

Last but not least, Royal Caribbean has increased the coverage for lost or damaged baggage and personal effects from $1,500 to $3,000.

This is a big jump, especially compared to Royal Caribbean’s standard luggage liability limits. Guests who do not invest in insurance through the cruise company (or another vendor) can usually only recoup up to $300 per person for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.

Guests Celebrate the Change

It’s hard to be mad about getting a greater benefit for the same cost, and Royal Caribbean guests were happy to see the coverage increase.

One future guest of Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Group, was looking into obtaining additional medical coverage because they felt the old version of the program was lacking. They no longer need to do this.

“I purchased the insurance they offered when I booked…I was going to get additional medical insurance. I was actually talking about it yesterday,” they shared on Reddit.

“Makes the price of the protection much easier to spend knowing I’ll be fully covered now if something big happens,” another reacted.

Royal Caribbean’s travel insurance can be added online or by calling the cruise line during or after the booking process all the way up until the final payment due date.

Though Royal Caribbean sells the policy, the benefits are administered by Aon Affinity and underwritten by Arch Insurance Company.

That said, it is also not mandatory to purchase the travel protection to cruise. Guests can shop around with other vendors or choose to sail without any insurance if they feel it is not necessary.