Blog Page 91

Royal Caribbean Ship to Host Motorcycle-Theme Cruise in 2026

Donna Tunney
-
0
Royal Caribbean Ship to Host Motorcycle-Theme Cruise in 2026

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas will host the 2026 High Seas Rally motorcycle theme cruise.
  • The 7-night voyage will sail from PortMiami in November 2026 and call at three destinations.
  • The cruise raises money for the High Seas Dialysis Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The 2026 High Seas Rally, a themed cruise for motorcycle enthusiasts, will be held aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class Allure of the Seas, organizer Entertainment Cruise Productions has announced.

The 7-night “Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day” cruise sets sail from PortMiami on November 1, 2026, and features calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Basseterre, St. Kitts.

The High Seas Rally cruise attracts motorcycle riders from across the US. With capacity for 5,500 guests in double occupancy, Allure of the Seas — second in the Oasis class following the pioneering Oasis of the Seas — has an abundance of space.

But the sailing is not a full-ship charter; it is open for sale with a per-person base cruise fare starting at $927.

“For those who live for the ride, High Seas Rally 2026 is more than a cruise. It’s a weeklong celebration of freedom, friendship and full-throttle fun for those who live loud and ride proud,” states Entertainment Cruise Productions.

The production company stages several themed voyages each year, including a Star Trek cruise, the Ultimate 80s Cruise, and the 90s Cruise, among others.

Read Also: Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruise: Which Will I Prefer?

While the port calls on the 2026 itinerary and a wide variety of onboard activities offered on Allure of the Seas are sure to keep guests entertained, the High Seas Rally voyages serve another purpose, as fundraisers for important causes.

Various raffles, auctions, and games organized for the motorcycle group raise funds for two charities: the High Seas Dialysis Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. In fact, since their inception in 2003, the theme cruises have raised close to $3.75 million for these causes.

World’s Only Motorcycle Rally on a Cruise Ship
World’s Only Motorcycle Rally on a Cruise Ship (Photos: High Seas Rally)

Allure of the Seas features five swimming pools and nine hot tubs, 20-plus dining venues, and nearly 20 bars and lounges.

With her seven neighborhoods — Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and Youth Zone, there is something for everyone.

Live Music, Custom Bike Builder to Join Voyage

Entertainment aboard Allure of the Seas ranges from a comedy club and karaoke to ice skating shows and Aqua Theater productions.

However, the High Seas Rally also provides its own entertainment in the form of live music by Steel Rod, the theme cruise’s own party band, plus the Black Smoke Sinners, Kevin Hamel, and the Retro DJ Travis Bell.

Also onboard will be Xavier Muriel of Providence Cycle Worx, a custom motorcycle builder. Indeed, all High Seas Rally cruisers will be entered to win one of Muriel’s custom-made bikes.

More From Cruise Hive

The organizer’s cruise package covers the base fare, port fees and taxes, crew gratuities, a deluxe beverage package, and a WiFi plan, with inside cabin prices starting at $2,910 per person, for new High Seas Rally cruisers. Those who have cruised on a previous theme voyage pay $2,660 per person.

Ironically, the 2025 High Seas Rally cruise is currently underway. The 7-night voyage is aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander, which departed on November 2, 2025 from Tampa. The Western Caribbean cruise will call at Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, and Belize City, Belize.

Cruise Line Issues Cautionary Disease Notice to Current and Past Guests

Donna Tunney
-
0
Cruise Line Issues Cautionary Disease Notice to Current and Past Guests

Key Aspects:

  • Guests sailing on Norwegian Epic, as well as those who recently sailed, are being warned that a former passenger has contracted Legionnaires’ disease.
  • As a safety precaution, current and former guests are advised to promptly notify medical professionals if any symptoms of the disease emerge.
  • The cruise line is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is investigating the case.

In a November 4, 2025 alert to guests, Norwegian Cruise Line disclosed a warning that no cruiser wants to hear: You might be at risk for Legionnaires’ disease.

The notice was sent to passengers aboard the 4,100-guest Norwegian Epic on the fourth day of their 12-night Mediterranean voyage from Rome to Lisbon. The alert was also dispatched to guests who recently sailed on the ship.

The cruise line informed guests it had learned that two people who recently sailed on the ship were found to have contracted Legionnaires’ disease. It is unknown, the notice states, whether the travelers became infected through Norwegian Epic’s water sources or some other source.

The cruise line is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is investigating the case.

Read Also: 14 Cruise Etiquette Rules You Need to Know About

The bacteria that causes the disease is Legionella, a type of pneumonia that is spread through water droplets that form on the fixtures of hot tubs, showers, misters, and fountains, among other items.

The CDC’s Legionnaires guidelines indicate that symptoms usually emerge from two to 14 days following exposure to the bacteria. 

“On the rare occasion that any past guests receive such a diagnosis, we work with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support their investigation efforts as part of their standard operating procedures,” states Norwegian Cruise Line’s notice to guests.

Like other forms of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease can cause fever, headache, coughing, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.

The notice to Norwegian Epic passengers advises them to notify the ship’s medical staff if any symptoms appear. The alert was apparently also sent to guests who have recently sailed on the ship.

“If you have already disembarked and develop symptoms within 14 days of your cruise, seek medical attention right away, and share this letter with your doctor, so that they know to test you for Legionnaires’ disease and prescribe appropriate antibiotics, if needed,” the Norwegian Cruise Line warning states.

Legionnaires’ disease was initially identified nearly 50 years ago at an American Legion convention in Pennsylvania. That outbreak, in 1976, was found to have emerged from the air conditioning system in the hotel that hosted the convention.

Disease Warnings Impact Multiple Cruise Lines

Legionnaires’ disease has previously caused concern to cruise ship guests. In February 2023, passengers booked to sail on Norwegian Prima received a warning letter similar to the one Norwegian Epic guests received.

It stated that two guests who had sailed on the ship in late 2022 had been diagnosed with the disease after their arrival home. It was not determined that the ill travelers had been exposed to the bacteria on the cruise ship.

Norwegian Epic Deck
Norwegian Epic Deck (Photo Credit: hbpictures)

Similar situations have been reported on other cruise lines, too, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

In May 2025, Royal Caribbean issued an alert to guests sailing aboard Symphony of the Seas and those who had recently sailed on the ship, after it was learned that a former passenger had come down with Legionella. Again, the source of the illness was not determined.

More From Cruise Hive

Norwegian Epic’s next voyage is a 10-night transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to San Juan, Puerto Rico, departing on November 13, 2025. The ship will be based in San Juan through mid-April 2026, operating a series of 7-night Caribbean cruises.

In April 2026, she will return to the Western Mediterranean for the spring and summer seasons, sailing voyages between Rome and Barcelona.

Norwegian Cruise Line Relaunches Free at Sea Ahead of Black Friday Blowout

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Norwegian Cruise Line Relaunches Free at Sea Ahead of Black Friday Blowout

Key Aspects:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line has reintroduced its popular Free at Sea program, replacing the More at Sea promotion.
  • Free at Sea is now available on all future sailings and can save guests thousands in add-on deals.
  • Guests have the option to remove parts of the offer for an even better deal for their budget and preferences.

Just in time for the hottest cruise sales of the year, with Black Friday just three weeks away, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the return of their popular “Free at Sea” promotion. The guest-favorite package bundles popular add-ons for significant savings on any sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line ended the popular Free at Sea offer in October 2024, replacing it with “More at Sea” and updated options. Comparing the More at Sea offer to the reintroduction of the Free at Sea offer it seems the two are fairly identical, but More has been renamed to Free.

Free at Sea is now available for any future Norwegian Cruise Line voyage, of any length, on any ship, and from any departure homeport. The bundled amenities add up to more than $2,000 in savings for an average 7-night cruise, including:

  • Unlimited open bar with premium spirits and 100+ cocktail choices
  • 150 minutes of high-speed internet powered by Starlink for every guest
  • Three specialty dining meal credits for the first and second guests
  • $50 of shore excursion credits at every port on tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line

Worth Reading: Cruise Lines Rolling Out Labor Day Sales With Fare Cuts, Credits, and More

On select sailings, the package also includes free third and fourth guests, which can be an incredible savings for families and groups. This is a great incentive for guests to be planning for 2026 cruise vacations and beyond just when deals are at their best.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday sale is 50% off all cruises, the line’s best sale of the year. The savings apply to all sailings, in every region and on every ship.

More at Sea & Free at Sea Comparison
More at Sea & Free at Sea Comparison

The exact details of the Free at Sea package do vary based on cruise length. For example, the three included specialty meals is valid for 7- and 8-night cruises. On shorter sailings, guests will only be credited for 1-2 meals, while on longer sailings, they will receive four specialty dining meals.

Read Also: The Different Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Classes

Nevertheless, the savings can add up significantly for budget-minded travelers, no matter what length of cruise they prefer.

Whether “More” or “Free” naming can be a strong advertising tactic and helps enhance the clarity of package offerings. Regardless of the name, however, savvy guests should always review a package’s terms and conditions to ensure it is the very best value for their vacation plans.

Is Free at Sea Always the Best Deal?

Guests should note that Free at Sea isn’t necessarily 100% “free” depending on their preferences. While the offer can be a valuable and worthwhile one for many guests, it isn’t always the best deal.

If you don’t enjoy many drinks or aren’t interested in specialty dining, it may be a better deal to reject the Free at Sea offer.

For a 7-night Caribbean cruise from Miami on the upcoming Norwegian Luna in mid-July 2026, for example, a balcony stateroom for two guests costs $4,457 with the Free at Sea offer.

Norwegian Luna Render
Norwegian Luna Render

Guests do have the discretion to remove the unlimited open bar and specialty dining offers, however, which changes the price to $3,938. This is a difference of $519 on the total cost of the cruise. “Free at Sea” is not actually “free” because guests are still responsible for the gratuities with both of those options.

For the unlimited open bar, those gratuities are $28.50 per person, per day. For the specialty dining, gratuities are $20 per person, per meal.

More From Cruise Hive

If a guest only has 1-2 drinks per day or may not drink soda or alcohol at all and enjoys the included dining options rather than specialty dining, removing the offer can be an even better savings.

The Wi-Fi minutes and the shore excursion credits are still included at no cost, so guests still get those savings even if they remove the drink package and specialty dining options.

Carnival Conquers Funnel Fire Safety Onboard With New Installation

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Carnival Conquers Funnel Fire Safety Onboard With New Installation

Key Aspects:

  • A cruiser spotted crew members installing a new funnel fire suppression system on a recent sailing onboard Carnival Conquest.
  • The high-powered hoses were installed after Carnival Freedom experienced two separate funnel fires in two years.
  • It’s unclear when or if these extra fire safety measures will make their way onto additional Carnival ships, but an eventual fleet-wide rollout wouldn’t be surprising.

Fires are one of the most dangerous emergencies that can occur on a cruise ship because of the potential for catastrophic system failures and because it can be difficult to escape fast-spreading flames in a confined space.

Though fires at sea are rare, the cruise lines take precautions such as training a dedicated onboard firefighting team and using fire-resistant materials as much as possible.

Carnival Cruise Line, however, is taking fire safety a step further.

A recent guest of Carnival Conquest noticed that a new funnel fire suppression system was installed and tested during their sailing.

The fire system, which is essentially a solid red hose, was installed on the outer deck railings on both the port and starboard sides of the ship facing the funnel. It was also cordoned off for guest safety.

“Just got off Conquest yesterday, and wanted to share an interesting photo of a device that was recently installed on the ship to combat a funnel fire (like what happened to Freedom),” the cruiser shared on Reddit.

The poster is referencing an unusual event in March of 2024, during which Carnival Freedom’s exhaust funnel caught fire after being struck by lightning.

New Fire Suppression Installation
New Fire Suppression Installation (Credit: michaelthruman)

“From what I was told, the Conquest is the first ship in the fleet to be fitted with an extreme volume/pressure fire hose device. They installed 2 of these (one on each side), and were doing late-night testing of them during my cruise,” the passenger continued.

“I guess during the Freedom incidents, the fire hoses that were used didn’t have the water pressure to shoot water high enough to reach the flames. Well, these bad boys can!”

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

Carnival Conquest has not experienced any fires of its own, making it an interesting choice to give this ship the new fire safety tools first.

Carnival has not yet commented publicly about the introduction of the superior hoses, and it’s unclear when or if they will be installed onboard additional ships. That said, a fleet-wide rollout seems likely.

Learning From Past Fires

Assuming the cruiser who shared the news is correct, it’s nice to see Carnival learning from past events in order to be better prepared in the unlikely event of another fire in the future.

With Carnival Freedom’s whale-tail fire still fresh in recent memory, it only makes sense that the cruise line would take action to be better prepared for a funnel fire in the future.

The damage from the 2024 fire was so bad that the Freedom-class flagship had to cancel her next two sailings.

But while the odds of getting hit by lightning twice are approximately one in 9 million, fires can also break out for other reasons, such as fuel leaks, hot spots, or engine room failures.

Carnival Freedom Fire
Carnival Freedom Fire (Photo Credits: Heath Barnes & Randalyn Rogers)

The 2,980-guest ship’s funnel also caught fire in 2022 while the vessel was docked in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos (not due to lightning) – and two fires in two years is not a good look.

In addition to these new, stronger hoses, all Carnival ships would also be equipped with other fire hoses and plenty of fire extinguishers.

In addition, every ship has a sprinkler system running through all passenger and crew areas, and thousands of smoke detectors.

Per the cruise line’s website, a standard Carnival ship has approximately 3,500 smoke detectors. If smoke or flames are detected, an alarm will sound on the ship’s bridge, which is monitored 24/7.

More From Cruise Hive

All fire safety practices meet the standards set by organizations like the International Maritime Organization and the US Coast Guard, and ships are subject to quarterly safety inspections.

Safety is and always has been the top priority for Carnival Cruise Line, and this newest project is another reflection of just how true that is.

Cruisers Debate if Virgin Voyages Allows Speakers – and if They Should

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Cruisers Debate if Virgin Voyages Allows Speakers – and if They Should

Key Aspects:

  • A future guest inquired if Virgin Voyages allows portable speakers, as the cruiser would like to bring one on an upcoming sailing.
  • As of the time of publication, portable speakers are not on the cruise line’s prohibited items list.
  • But because inconsiderate cruisers can hinder the experience with their speakers, some wonder if speakers should really be allowed.

There is no shortage of music and things to listen to on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship, but some guests still prefer to listen to their own content.

As the cruise lines all have different rules about allowing or not allowing portable speakers, a puzzled future passenger took to Reddit to find out if they could bring their speaker on an upcoming sailing.

The passenger-to-be is sailing with a large group, and wanted to enjoy their own tunes during beachfront hang-outs in port or in their own private cruise cabin.

“We’re sailing with a large group (about 50 of us), and I’d love to bring it to the beach when we’re in port (not on an excursion) so we can have our own little hang-out with music,” the guest posted.

“The speaker is on the large end of “portable” — it’s a JBL Boombox 3 WiFi. I can bring a smaller speaker…but this question is specifically about a larger portable speaker. Will I have a problem bringing it onboard?”

Read Also: The 13 Worst Types of People You’ll Meet on Every Cruise

As the peanut gallery sounded off in the comments section, other cruisers were quick to reassure the poster that they had no issues sailing on the adults-only cruise line with their portable speakers.

“Yes u can bring one. I’ve brought a Bose to play in room and in hot tub at night, never a problem,” a former guest shared.

“You shouldn’t have an issue. We brought ours to listen to music in our cabin and no one said anything,” another chimed in.

As of November 4, 2025, Virgin Voyages’ prohibited items list does not include speakers at all, which indicates that the electronic device would be permitted onboard.

However, this list can change at any time, and it’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line for the most updated information or to inquire about specific items or brands.

Should Portable Speakers Be Allowed?

While Virgin Voyages allows speakers, not all cruise guests are convinced that this is the right policy.

Many have had their fill of inconsiderate passengers who blast their music late at night in cruise cabins with thin walls or who take away from the ambiance in public spaces.

Others also feel that it is disrespectful to interrupt live musicians or DJs who may be performing.

That said, this guest clearly knew the stigma associated with speakers and promised to be respectful of their fellow cruisers.

Travel Bluetooth Speaker
Travel Bluetooth Speaker (Photo Credit: Virojt Changyencham)

“Now before you chastise me — we will not be bringing it into any common areas on the ship, and it would only be played at a respectful volume in our cabin (if at all, since we will mostly be out and about),” the future guest promised.

Always one to stand out, Virgin Voyages also goes against the other mainstream cruise brands that have cracked down on portable and Bluetooth speakers.

Carnival Cruise Line was the first to ban Bluetooth speakers in November of 2024, citing disturbances to other passengers and safety reasons as the cause.

Notably, a blasting speaker might prevent guests from hearing important announcements, which is especially critical in the unlikely event of an emergency.

More From Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean came next. While the family-friendly cruise line has not officially banned Bluetooth speakers from its ships, the devices are banned from Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Even on a Virgin Voyages ship where speakers are allowed, I could definitely see a world in which inconsiderate guests are admonished or have their devices confiscated if they become too much of a nuisance.

Star of the Seas Makes Unexpected Diversion to Disembark Ailing Guest

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Star of the Seas Makes Unexpected Diversion to Disembark Ailing Guest

Key Aspects:

  • Star of the Seas made an unplanned visit to Nassau to medically evacuate an ailing passenger.
  • The unidentified guest was transferred to shore on a stretcher via one of the mega-ship’s many lifeboats.
  • Despite going off course and causing an hours-long delay, the emergency evacuation has not resulted in any itinerary changes.

Star of the Seas had a rather exciting, but also unfortunate, start to her current voyage.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship altered course to disembark an ailing passenger on the night of November 3, 2025.

After departing from Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas – which was the first port call on the mega-ship’s current 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary – the ship made a beeline to Nassau, Bahamas, to transfer the sick guest.

Nassau was not on the itinerary, but is only around 50 nautical miles from CocoCay. With a maximum speed of 25 knots per hour, Star of the Seas can cover this distance in just about two hours.

Once the 5,610-ship arrived off the coast of Nassau, crew members put the unidentified guest on a stretcher and loaded them into a lifeboat, which was used to bring them ashore.

And while this might not be as dramatic as an airlift rescue, this transfer was just as impressive and equally as important for making sure the passenger received proper care timely.

“There was an announcement about a medical emergency that the ship’s medical center couldn’t care for, so they were going to do a boat transfer of the patient to Nassau. They used a lifeboat – we saw them loading it back onto the ship from our balcony,” a current guest shared on Reddit.

“Yes, we had to stop off shore in Nassau on our way to St. Thomas to do a boat transfer for a passenger with a medical issue,” another passenger confirmed.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the situation, but things seem to be back on course after a smooth evacuation.

No Impact to the Itinerary

CocoCay was only the first port call on an exciting Eastern Caribbean itinerary, which embarked in Port Canaveral, Florida, on November 2, 2025.

While the ailing guest did not get to experience much of the sailing, the remaining guests onboard the world’s largest cruise ship will still get to enjoy the itinerary as planned.

Star of the Seas Departing Meyer Turku Shipyard
Star of the Seas Departing Meyer Turku Shipyard

“Now we are moving pretty fast because that was a multi hour delay. I feel the ship moving a lot more than I have the rest of the cruise,” a current guest stated after the evacuation.

“They said they hope to make up the time but will let us know if there are any changes to the itinerary,” another passenger verified.

Read Also: What You Should Know About Cruise Port Cancellations

The next port of call on the itinerary is at St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, on November 5, 2025.

Though the surprise disembarkation created an hours-long delay, the Icon-class ship still has all of November 4 (a planned sea day) and until 12:30 p.m. on November 5 to make up the lost time.

Cruise tracking data shows that the 248,663-gross ton vessel has indeed made good time.

More From Cruise Hive

As of the time of publication, she is cruising at speeds of 23 knots per hour and is off the coast of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This is only around 122 nautical miles from her next destination.

After visiting St. Thomas, the young ship will call at Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on November 6.

She will then return to Port Canaveral on November 9 for the standard disembarkation process.

Port Everglades Issues Alert for Busy Cruise Homeport Day

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Port Everglades Issues Alert for Busy Cruise Homeport Day

Key Aspects:

  • Seven cruise ships will be in Port Everglades on Friday, November 7, and traffic congestion is expected.
  • Embarking guests should plan extra time to reach their designated cruise terminal.
  • The port will be welcoming three new ships this month: Celebrity Xcel, Star Princess, and Disney Destiny.

Guests looking forward to setting sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 7, 2025 will want to plan extra time to and from the cruise terminals that day. The growing port will be hosting seven cruise ships, making traffic, parking, and terminal operations more congested than usual.

The cruise port has placed a notice on its official website to alert upcoming guests who may be checking for parking information or other details ahead of their embarkation.

“Cruise guests, port users and tenants can expect increased traffic congestion throughout the port on Friday, November 7, due to seven cruise ships in port,” the notice reads. “Motorists should allow for additional drive time.”

Travelers are urged to use all three of the cruise port entrances to facilitate traffic flow. Those entrances are as follows:

  • SE 17th St. and Eisenhower Blvd. – Adjacent to the Broward County Convention Center and closest to Terminal 2
  • US 1/Federal Ave. and Spangler Blvd. – Also called SR 84, south of Terminal 2 between berths 7 and 9
  • I-595 and McIntosh Rd. – Just north of the airport and at the south end of the port closest to Terminal 26

Savvy guests should map their routes accordingly to be sure they use the entrance closest to their designated cruise terminal. This will help minimize congestion and frustration and ensure that guests are able to arrive in a timely fashion.

Nevertheless, it is still a wise precaution to add extra time for the anticipated drive to the cruise port, just in case of additional traffic snarls, blocked roads, or accidents. This is also true if using ride share services, taxis, or shuttles to the port.

The seven ships visiting Port Everglades on Friday represent four cruise lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises.

Princess Cruises’ Island Princess and Caribbean Princess are both offering longer 14- and 10-night Caribbean sailings, respectively. Island Princess‘ November 7 departure is a unique “Circle Caribbean” voyage that is the ship’s first departure of the season from her south Florida homeport.

Star Princess, in the meantime, will be departing on her maiden Caribbean voyage, a 3-night weekend cruise to Princess Cays. This exciting sailing will follow the November 6 christening of the second Sphere-class ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas are also setting sail on 3-night cruises on Friday. Liberty of the Seas will be visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, while Radiance of the Seas will be spending time in Bimini and Nassau.

Aerial View of Port Everglades
Aerial View of Port Everglades (Photo Credit: Todamo)

Holland America Line’s Rotterdam will begin a 9-night southern Caribbean “ABC” cruise on Friday with visits to Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba (okay, reverse ABC), as well as RelaxAway Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, before the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 16.

Celebrity Xcel, while she will be in port during the busy day, is not quite welcoming guests as yet. The new ship will begin a preview sailing on Sunday, November 9, but is still taking on crew members and supplies in preparation for her official debut in the coming days. Her naming ceremony will be on November 16.

Busy Day for a Busy Port

Port Everglades has just released fantastic figures for the year’s cruising, having welcomed more than 4.7 million guests during Fiscal Year 2025 (from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025).

“Cruising is more popular than ever, and the cruise lines are exceeding guest expectations every time a new ship comes into the marketplace,” said Joseph Morris, Port Everglades CEO and Port Director.

Read Also: Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port – Piers, Amenities, and Getting Around

Port Everglades Car Rental
Port Everglades Car Rental (Photo Credit: Angela N Perryman)

The port is poised to welcome three new homeporting ships in the coming weeks. In addition to Celebrity Xcel and Star Princess who are already in position to begin sailing, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny will also be homeporting from Port Everglades beginning November 20.

More From Cruise Hive

Disney Destiny has already arrived in Florida but is currently at Port Canaveral, taking on supplies and cast members in preparation for her maiden voyage. She is scheduled to be named on Monday, November 10, a final step before officially setting sail with guests the next week.

While this month is certainly busy for Port Everglades, the port has no plans on slowing down. Next November will be especially momentous as Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, will begin homeporting from Fort Lauderdale, bringing even more options to eager cruise guests.

Royal Caribbean Deploys Five Ships From Florida for 2027 Caribbean Season

Donna Tunney
-
0
Royal Caribbean Deploys Five Ships From Florida for 2027 Caribbean Season

Key Aspects:

    When it comes to island hopping in the tropics, Royal Caribbean offers a ship and an itinerary to suit virtually every vacationer in 2027.

    The cruise line announced it will deploy five ships to three Florida ports starting in April 2027, tempting guests with 2-night getaways to 7- and 8-night voyages that feature not only multiple Caribbean islands but also private shoreside destinations. 

    Bookings are open for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members and will open to the general public on November 5, 2025.

    Guests can choose from a slew of departures at three Florida ports: PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Tampa Bay.

    The showstopper of the season could well be Star of the Seas, the line’s newest ship that launched in August 2025 and is scheduled to sail year-round 7-night voyages from Port Canaveral.

    Star of the Seas, which accommodates 5,600 guests in double occupancy and 7,600 with all berths occupied, will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

    The Icon-class ship will return to Samaná, Dominican Republic, with new shore excursion adventures, and call at Royal Beach Club Cozumel, due to open in 2026.

    The smaller Radiance of the Seas, a Radiance-class ship that accommodates just 2,500 guests, will homeport at Tampa and offer itineraries of varying lengths.

    Sailing to the Western Caribbean, the ship will offer 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-night voyages, most or all of which are expected to feature Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

    Oasis-Class Ships to Sail From Two Ports

    Yet another Oasis-class ship, Wonder of the Seas, will sail the Caribbean from her base at PortMiami, the cruise capital of the world and the busiest in terms of cruise guest transits.

    Read Also: What Are the Different Oasis-Class Cruise Ships?

    The 5,734-guest ship will offer a choice of 3- and 4-night getaways to the Bahamas, calling at —  you guessed it, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

    Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
    Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

    At Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will be just one of three ships based at the Central Florida port, with Utopia of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas also offering a variety of voyages.

    Utopia of the Seas, a 5,668-guest ship that entered service in 2024, will aim to attract cruisers looking for weekend getaway sailings.

    The ship will sail 3- and 4-night cruises that call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the popular private island in the Bahamas, and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, set to open in December 2025 in Nassau.

    Harmony of the Seas will bring guests to Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island as well, but will also call at other destinations on 7-night cruises.

    More From Cruise Hive

    Islands featured on her itineraries include St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Jamaica.

    While all of Royal Caribbean’s 2027 Caribbean cruises offer exciting port calls, the ships also feature some of the industry’s most popular onboard activities, such as water-based thrill rides, aquatic and mainstage entertainment productions, themed neighborhoods, and dozens of dining and lounge venues.

    Carnival Reveals Holiday Feast at Sea for Thanksgiving 2025

    Melissa Mayntz
    -
    0
    Carnival Reveals Holiday Feast at Sea for Thanksgiving 2025

    Key Aspects:

    • Carnival Cruise Line is offering classic favorites with elevated flair for the 2025 Thanksgiving Dinner menu.
    • Vegetarian options are also available, as well as favorite Steakhouse Selection menu items.
    • Holiday menu items are also on the Lido Marketplace buffet, along with turkey carving stations.

    More than any other holiday, Thanksgiving is all about food. While different families have their own favorites, classic fall flavors like turkey, pumpkin, vegetables, and apples are all common choices for a Thanksgiving meal.

    Carnival Cruise Line’s special Thanksgiving menus for 2025 do not disappoint and hit all the most popular tastes while giving guests even more elevated options to enjoy for their holiday meal.

    To whet the appetite, guests in the Main Dining Room restaurants across the Carnival fleet can begin with warm baked brie with a spiced pear, cranberry, fig, and pecan crumble; deviled eggs with candied bacon and a ham, pea, and potato salad; or smoked ham and split pea soup.

    Classic favorites are also available. This includes wild mushroom soup in a buttery puff pastry crust, a beef tenderloin tartare with horseradish cream, and a crab cake with lobster creole sauce.

    For lighter fare, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, and “holiday salad” with cherry tomatoes, peaches, pickles, and orange herb dressing are available as appetizers.

    Moving on to the main course, guests may be hard pressed to choose between these mouth-watering options:

    • Roasted tom turkey with stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, gravy, and cranberry relish
    • Maple-glazed pork tenderloin served with apple compote, brussels sprouts, and sweet potato gratin
    • Seared duck breast with cherry port sauce alongside red cabbage, fingerling potatoes, and asparagus
    • Roasted lamb duo of loin and chaps with a potato rosette, carrot puree, and rosemary reduction
    • Beer-braised beef short ribs served with a mac and cheese croquette garnished with pomegranate
    • Blue cheese-crusted filet mignon with black truffle jus, mustard potatoes, and roasted vegetables
    • Salmon wellington and spinach with tarragon cream sauce in a baked puff pastry enhanced with dill

    Guests who prefer vegetarian dishes will be able to enjoy spinach and ricotta ravioli with a pumpkin and tomato cream sauce, a hearty lentil and vegetable pie with tomato brioche, or the flavors of India with a paneer tikka with fragrant spices and biryani rice.

    The classic Steakhouse Selection entrees will still be available on the Thanksgiving dinner menu, including the surf and turf combo of grilled filet mignon and lobster tail, a New York strip steak, and more. An extra fee does apply for these choices.

    Carnival's Dining Room Thanksgiving Menu
    Carnival’s Dining Room Thanksgiving Menu

    The crowning glory of a holiday meal (at least for guests with a sweet tooth) is dessert, and Carnival’s Thanksgiving menus certainly deliver.

    The swirled pumpkin pie cheesecake with spiced crisp and the caramel apple cobbler with butter pecan ice cream are sure to be top choices, but guests can also indulge in the seasonal taste of the maple pot de creme with caramelized pecans.

    Classic favorites, including the warm chocolate melting cake, fresh tropical fruit, the iconic cheese plate, and a selection of ice cream and sherbet, are also available. It’s a holiday, try more than one dessert!

    Buffet Also Offering Holiday Fare

    Carnival guests don’t have to eat in the Main Dining Room to enjoy top holiday treats. While the presentation will be less elaborate and there may not be as many options available, guests who prefer the casual vibe of the Lido Marketplace buffet won’t be missing out.

    Carved tom turkey and all the fixins will be on offer at the buffet, along with beer-braised short ribs, salmon wellington, maple-glazed ham, striploin steak, and more.

    Read Also: Christmas on a Cruise Ship – What to Expect

    The buffet does have a special difference that guests won’t find in the Main Dining Room, one that can matter a great deal to diners who like their turkey a certain way – or more specifically, who like a certain part of the turkey.

    Carnival's Buffet Thanksgiving Menu
    Carnival’s Buffet Thanksgiving Menu

    “Do they carve the meat at your table? If not why not?” one guest who will be on Mardi Gras for Thanksgiving asked John Heald. “Can anyone tell me how this works. Can you request the leg?”

    Turkey legs can be a hotly contested delicacy for diners, but every turkey does, unfortunately, only offer two of these treats. With thousands of guests onboard every Carnival ship, who gets the legs?

    “The meat is not carved at your dinner table in the dining room although it is carved on Lido at the buffet,” Heald confirmed.

    More From Cruise Hive

    He does suggest asking the dining room server for a turkey leg if preferred and they will try to fulfill the request, but it may not be possible to give everyone the exact cut they wish.

    Nevertheless, with so many delicious options available, every guest is sure to find a way to stuff themselves with a wide menu of tasty treats to celebrate the season. What would you choose?

    1...909192...598Page 91 of 598