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Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Zero-Proof Drink Package

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Zero-Proof Drink Package

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new zero-proof drink package that includes most non-alcoholic drinks.
  • The package is now available for purchase, but will only begin service with cruises from September 15, 2025.
  • Pre-cruise pricing is $29.99 per person, per day or $34.99 if purchased onboard.

Carnival Cruise Line has finally introduced a new drink package guests have been asking about for years: a zero-proof, non-alcoholic package.

The new CHEERS! Zero Proof package is a mid-level package that bridges the gap between the Bottomless Bubbles soda and juice program and the cruise line’s full CHEERS! all-inclusive alcoholic drink package.

“CHEERS! Zero Proof is a direct response to what we’ve heard from our guests who want a comprehensive non-alcoholic drink package when they cruise,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president.

“It’s a perfect fit for guests interested in an alternative to our traditional CHEERS! package with additional variety compared to our Bottomless Bubbles soda package.”

The new package bundles together a wider range of alcohol-free beverages for a great value, with prices starting at $29.99 (USD) per person, per day. An 18% automatic gratuity is also added to all beverage packages, including the new non-alcoholic option.

This is the pre-purchase price. Onboard pricing will be $34.99 per person, per day, and guests will only be able to purchase the package on the first or second day of their sailing.

Pricing for Australian cruises is $39.99 (AUD) for pre-cruise purchases or $44.99 when purchased onboard the ship.

The package is now available for booking but will only be available on Carnival ships for sailings departing from September 15, 2025 and onward.

With the new non-alcoholic package, guests can enjoy all the following drinks:

  • Sodas (now Coca-Cola products!)
  • Juices
  • Bottled water, both still and sparkling
  • Coconut water
  • Premium coffee
  • Premium tea
  • Mocktails (zero-proof cocktails)
  • Alcohol-free beer
  • Alcohol-free sparkling wine
  • Non-alcoholic frozen drinks
  • Smoothes
  • Milkshakes
  • Bottled protein shakes
  • Energy drinks

No alcoholic drinks are included in the package, nor are any beverages (of any kind) that are sold in souvenir glasses. Similarly, beverages offered at the gangway, such as bottled water for shore tours, are not included.

Room service drinks, mini-bars, and any drinks at private parties or events are likewise excluded from the zero-proof package.

An interesting note is that a 21-and-up age restriction is still in place for zero-proof cocktails, alcohol-free sparkling wine, and alcohol-free beer, even though those drinks do not contain alcohol. Otherwise, guests of any age can order any of the other included drinks as part of the package.

As with Carnival Cruise Line’s other drink packages, sharing is not permitted and the package is only available onboard Carnival ships.

“CHEERS!, Cheers! Zero Proof and Bubbles beverage packages do not extend to any destinations we visit, including exclusive destinations such as Celebration Key, as they are designed for use on board our ships,” the package’s website explains.

A Drink Package Guests Want!

Carnival guests have been asking for exactly this type of intermediate package for years. Up to this point, the answer has generally been that the cruise line had no plans for a non-alcoholic package because it would be too challenging to find savings to pass on to guests.

“I get asked all the time is when is Carnival going to give us a upgraded Bottomless Bubbles program?,” John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, explained. “And that day’s today! Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, one and all, to Zero Proof!”

There is undoubtedly cheering for the new Cheers! variation, but there are also questions. Heald used a live video on his Facebook page to address some immediate questions guests have.

Carnival Zero Proof Drink Package
Carnival Zero Proof Drink Package

The most pertinent question is whether every guest in a stateroom must purchase the program. This restriction applies to the fully alcoholic CHEERS! program, but not the new non-alcoholic package.

“If you want to buy the Zero proof program, you can just buy it. It doesn’t mean everybody in the cabin has to buy it,” Heald confirmed. “It’s an individual decision.”

Heald also mentioned that the price of the program may increase in the near future and urged interested guests to book the package right away if they are interested.

Price adjustments are not unusual when new packages are introduced. If the program proves immensely popular, it is entirely possible it will be increased above the initial $29.99 per person, per day fee.

Read Also: What is the Carnival CHEERS! Package?

Heald also briefly answered other questions. The new program is unlimited and there is no cap on how many non-alcoholic drinks guests can order onboard with the zero-proof package.

Furthermore, the soda and juice Bottomless Bubbles package is not being discontinued. The new package is simply another option guests can choose to suit their own beverage preferences.

If guests wish, they can still bring their own preferred sodas onboard, subject to the usual restriction of one case of 12 cans per person.

Royal Caribbean Ship Responds to Distress Call in Greece

Catie Kovelman
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Royal Caribbean Ship Responds to Distress Call in Greece

Key Aspects: 

  • Voyager of the Seas responded to a distress call from refugees while sailing in Greece, which is now the third cruise ship rescue to unfold in a very short time period.

For the third time in just 24 hours, a cruise ship has come to the rescue for smaller crafts in distress.

In this very short time period, Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam already rendered aid to two sailors on a sinking boat off the US East Coast.

Just hours later, news broke that Resorts World Cruises’ Genting Dream rescued a stranded boater while sailing in the Strait of Malacca.

This time, the action unfolded in the Aegean Sea onboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas during the late-night hours of September 3, 2025, and into the early morning of September 4, 2025.

A group of refugees on a crowded raft had launched a distress signal, which the Voyager-class flagship responded to.

According to cruise ship tracking data, the 3,602-guest ship temporarily paused between Amorgos Island and Donoussa Island in Greece shortly after midnight to assess the situation.

However, it appears that the crew members did not need to render aid after all, as first responders from the Hellenic Coast Guard arrived soon after the cruise ship to handle the situation.

Voyager o the Seas Rescue Assist
Voyager o the Seas Rescue Assist (Credit: Cold_Count1986)

“From the announcement of the distress signal they found them pretty quick and within an hour the Greek Coast Guard responded and handled,” a current passenger reported.

“I didn’t see any of the crew get into the water – they only positioned on the deck to respond if needed,” they continued.

Trained crew members from the approximately 1,200-person crew would have been supervising the distressed vessel closely, and would have intervened if the refugees could not have safely waited for Greek authorities.

Voyager of the Seas Resumes Itinerary

While the cruise ships have a duty to rescue people in distress at sea if no other ships are around to do so, this time the crew just needed to make sure the refugees stayed safe until help arrived.

According to the current guest, the coast guard rescued all of the refugees and their raft was left behind.

“Boat was deflated by the coast guard and abandoned at sea. All refugees are safely aboard the coast guard ship and it moved away,” the guest said.

“They put their hands up as the coast guard approached. The raft carried two coast guard tender ships worth of people,” they observed.

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: DLeng)

Read Also: Secret Codes on Cruise Ships Only Crew Members Know!

Thanks to the quick response from both the Royal Caribbean ship and the coast guard, the rescue only caused a minor delay. No significant impact to the itinerary is expected.

For context, the vessel is currently in the middle of a 7-night one-way sailing from Athens, Greece, to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, that embarked on September 1, 2025.

“I’m assuming we will make up the lost time and arrive in Santorini on time. Impressive with the response time of the coast guard, and the crew who got the ships ready to deploy if needed,” the guest added.

The cruise ship arrived in Santorini as expected just a few hours after the rescue on the morning of September 4.

After Santorini, Voyager of the Seas will call on Messina (Sicily) and Salerno in Italy before disembarking on September 8.

Princess Ship to Offer Non-Smoking Casino Due to Ongoing Work

Melissa Mayntz
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Princess Ship to Offer Non-Smoking Casino Due to Ongoing Work

Key Aspects:

  • The casino will be fully non-smoking for the September 6, 2025 departure of Enchanted Princess.
  • The temporary policy change is due to work being done on the casino ventilation system.
  • Other designated smoking areas will still be available onboard and no other cruises are expected to be impacted.

The level of smoke in a cruise ship casino compared to whether or not there is a non-smoking section onboard can be very controversial among cruise guests.

Now, guests on one particular sailing of Enchanted Princess have learned that their cruise will have a completely non-smoking casino during their vacation.

The impacted cruise is the ship’s September 6, 2025 departure, a 7-night Canada and New England itinerary. From New York, the ship will visit Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Halifax, Nova Scotia before returning to the Big Apple on Saturday, September 13.

Guests were notified of the non-smoking casino restriction just days before departure.

“Due to essential work being carried out on the ventilation systems within the casino, we would like to inform you that the casino will be non-smoking for the duration of the September 6, 2025 sailing,” the notification read.

The Princess Casino on Enchanted Princess is located on Deck 6, forward of the atrium and retail shopping. The casino itself is normally non-smoking, though a designated area of slot machines is used as a smoking section. For the September 6 sailing, that smoking section will not be available.

Reactions have been fairly positive to the news, with some guests ecstatic at the adjustment.

“We’re sailing on the 13th. I really hope the casino is still non-smoking when we get on,” one guest noted. “If it is I will happily give them my money!”

“Former smoker here, this is great!” another guest replied.

There is no indication whether or not additional sailings may also have a completely non-smoking casino.

To be clear, the entire ship is not non-smoking, even for this one sailing. Only the casino space will be non-smoking while the ventilation system is undergoing maintenance.

Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess

Guests must abide by Princess Cruises’ smoking policy, which is found on the cruise line’s onboard experience FAQ website.

Designated smoking areas will still be available, including clearly labeled portions of the open decks. Smoking is not permitted in any guest staterooms or on balconies, in any show lounges, or in restaurants and other food service areas.

If guests violate the smoking policy, they are subject to a $250 (USD) fine for each occurrence. Fines will be automatically added to guests’ onboard accounts.

Smoking Changes Over the Years

In years past, large smoking casinos have been the norm on cruise ships. As smoking trends in society have shifted, however, more cruise lines are implementing non-smoking casino sections or fully non-smoking casinos.

Other smoking areas onboard, such as cigar lounges and nightclubs, have largely been eliminated, though each cruise line has their own individual policies and designated smoking areas.

A cause of concern among non-smokers, however, is how some non-smoking areas are actually adjacent to smoking sections. This can lead to a lot of airflow interchange, with smoke easily drifting into areas designated as non-smoking.

Read Also: Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship? What to Know

The use of stronger air filters and improved ventilation has helped improve air circulation and reduce smoke in unwanted areas.

In 1998, Carnival Cruise Line introduced Carnival Paradise as the world’s first fully non-smoking ship, but that policy was discontinued in late 2003. More than 20 years ago, Carnival Paradise was ahead of her time.

Can more fully non-smoking ships be in the works for the future?

Carnival Reminds Guests About Restrictions for All Drones

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Reminds Guests About Restrictions for All Drones

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival guest is upset that they aren’t permitted to use a drone during their Mediterranean vacation.
  • Drones are permitted onboard but may only be used in port, subject to local laws and restrictions.
  • Many ports are secure facilities and drones are not permitted without special authorization.

Many cruisers love to take photos to capture all the amazing moments of their vacation. Shooting from the best angles, capturing that one-of-a-kind selfie, or staging the best panoramic shot can all be great ways to showcase a memorable cruise.

Not all photography is permitted, however. No matter what credentials or training a person may have, some photography restrictions are universally applied.

One Carnival Cruise Line guest has reached out to the line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, with their frustrations.

“Your FAQs say that drones and can only be used in port? Really?” the guest asked.

“I am a professional licensed drone captain. I wanted to get some footage of the Miracle when the ship is in the Med. I will be willing to share this professional footage with Carnival. Drone flyers are many and should be taken seriously. How about some courtesy Heald?”

While the guest does not identify the exact sailing they will be on, Carnival Miracle is currently homeported from Civitavecchia (Rome), offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries to ports in Greece, Turkey, and Italy through early November.

The fact that “drone captain” is not an official title makes this guest’s claim a bit suspect. The actual title from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would be “certificated remote pilot.”

Nevertheless, they are correct that Carnival’s prohibited items list does specifically note that drones can only be used in port.

“Drone(s) are allowed, but must be held in the custody of the Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for PORT USE ONLY,” the policy explains.

Furthermore, guests are responsible for obeying all local laws should they choose to fly a drone in a foreign country.

“It is the responsibility of the guest to check the local laws of each port as Carnival will not be responsible for confiscated items by foreign governments,” the policy reads.

Heald acknowledged the guest’s concerns but reiterated the restrictions and how they apply to everyone.

“This is a good time for me to remind everyone that [drones] are not allowed on board for obvious safety reasons,” he said.

If flown improperly, a drone could cause injuries to other guests or even damage to the ship. Furthermore, if a drone were to crash overboard, it would be classified as ocean litter and the cruise line (and guest) could be subject to substantial fines.

“[Drones] will be collected by the security team. They will be returned to you in each port. However, you really must check with each ports rules about drone flying over their land,” Heald explained.

Because cruise ports are often secure facilities, it can be illegal to fly drones in those areas. Unfortunately, this means that close fly-bys of the ship for those awesome aerial photos and videos just aren’t possible.

The original poster’s offer to “share this professional footage with Carnival” is hardly an enticement for the cruise line to bend those rules. All cruise lines have their own media teams with far better equipment and training than hobbyists can manage.

Drone During Travel
Drone During Travel (Photo Credit: Lucigerma)

Furthermore, cruise lines can and do seek special permits from ports to use drones and other equipment as needed for authorized filming and photo shoots.

Finally, the idea that the guest is requesting “How about some courtesy Heald?” isn’t exactly a courteous way to address the cruise line’s brand ambassador or ask for such special treatment.

Do Many Guests Bring Drones on Cruises?

Heald has followed up on the drone issue as part of a poll on his Facebook page. He’s simply asked if guests bring drones when they set sail, and the answers don’t measure up to the guests claim that “drone flyers are many.”

In less than an hour, more than 18,300 votes were cast, yet just 1% of respondents (fewer than 185 guests) do bring drones onboard.

More From Cruise Hive

In the meantime, more than 5,300 guests confirm “I do not bring a drone with me when I cruise.”

Personally, a drone is not something that ever features on my cruise packing list. Even if it did, there are many things I might use on a daily basis that I just don’t bring along on cruises.

Kitchen knives, the toaster, fabric shears, my wi-fi router, portable speakers, and candles: they are all on Carnival’s prohibited items list, and they all stay home.

New Celebrity River Ships to Feature Magic Edge Dining and Expanded Decks

Donna Tunney
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New Celebrity River Ships to Feature Magic Edge Dining and Expanded Decks

Key Aspects:

  • Celebrity River Cruises unveiled design details of its first two ships, along with their names: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker.
  • In a concept borrowed from Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet venue, the new river ships will feature Magic Edge, a cantilevered dining platform.
  • The river brand will offer 33 7-night voyages along the Rhine and Danube rivers starting in 2027.

Celebrity River Cruises, an offshoot of premium line Celebrity Cruises, has revealed several pioneering aspects of ship design and onboard amenities that promise to enhance the river cruise vacation experience.

The new river brand, which Celebrity Cruises announced in January 2025, also disclosed the names of the first two ships in a planned 10-ship fleet: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, both set to debut in 2027

Slated to sail the Rhine and Danube rivers, the ships will break new ground by providing all-day dining, a service not found on other river lines, and eight restaurants and bars — a novel concept since other river lines typically have one main dining room and lounge, and perhaps a special Chef’s Table venue.

Celebrity Cruises River Ship Aft
Celebrity Cruises River Ship Aft

And in what is likely to emerge as a particularly impressive venue, the river brand disclosed that its ships will feature Magic Edge, a cantilevered dining space that floats above the water. It is a nod to the popular Magic Carpet multi-function venue found onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ocean-going ships.

In fact, when Celebrity Cruises announced the creation of its river cruise unit, officials promised that some of the river ship designs would expand on Edge-class elements.

“Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. 

Let’s take a closer look at the concepts that will be introduced onboard Celebrity’s river ships.

Celebrity Cruises River Ship Lounge
Celebrity Cruises River Ship Lounge

First, the ships’ designs feature open decks, which will offer much more open space and open water views than other river vessels, since virtually all river ships have just one open deck — the top deck.

Dining choices will include the Magic Edge venue, where culinary choices will reflect the destinations where the ships are sailing. Bars and lounges borrowed from the ocean-going fleet will include Martini Bar, Sunset Bar, and Café Al Bacio.

Also, a top-deck bar and grille eatery will enable guests to dine al fresco while enjoying scenic river views. The top decks also will have a recreational element, in the form of an infinity-edge plunge pool.

Several unique design aspects of the ships’ staterooms were revealed. All cabins will feature king-size beds in five categories.

Guests booking suites will have use of an on-demand butler, called Butler Chat, along with priority booking for shore excursions, and free laundry service once per cruise, among other perks.

Top Suite to Offer Separate Living Space, Skylight

Accommodation choices include the spacious Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, with separate living and bedrooms, and a ceiling window that provides natural light. Vista Balcony Suites and Balcony cabins offer private outdoor spaces, while River View staterooms provide natural light but without balconies.

Read Also: River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise: What’s the Difference?

Guests in all categories will enjoy stocked mini bars included in the cruise fare.

Celebrity Cruises River Ship Balcony Cabin
Celebrity Cruises River Ship Balcony Cabin

Celebrity River Cruises will offer 33 7-night voyages on the Rhine and Danube rivers, and shore excursions will tempt guests to sign up for experiences such as private wine tastings in Austria and visits to thermal baths in Budapest, for instance.

Pre- and post-cruise land stays will also be offered. While specific itineraries have not yet been disclosed or opened for sale, the river cruise brand is currently accepting $500 deposits, starting on September 3, 2025, which provide guests with Priority Booking Access once the 2027 itineraries open for sale.

The refundable deposits, announced by the river line on August 19, 2025, will be converted into bookings by guests once cruises open for sale in 2026. Anyone who makes a deposit will get the first look at the ships’ itineraries and be able to book before sales open to the general public.

Cruise Line Holds Ship in Port Overnight for Safety

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Line Holds Ship in Port Overnight for Safety

Key Aspects:

  • Ambassador Cruise Line is holding Ambition in port at Stavanger overnight due to rough weather.
  • The planned visit to Kristiansand, Norway on Thursday, September 4 will not be possible.
  • This is the second port change for the ship’s current 11-night Norway sailing.

It can be disappointing when a cruise ship can’t make its planned itinerary due to rough weather, but safety is always a cruise line’s top priority. It doesn’t matter how big or small either the cruise line or the individual ship may be, safety comes first.

This is the case with Ambassador Cruise Line’s ship Ambition. The cruise line only has three ships and Ambition is the smallest of the fleet at just 48,123 gross tons with a guest capacity of 1,727 when fully booked.

Nevertheless, the cruise line has kept a close eye on developing weather for Ambition‘s current itinerary. The 11-night “Summertime Fjords” voyage departed Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

While the ship has enjoyed various Norwegian port visits already, the next-to-last destination, Kristiansand, will not be possible.

“As a result of the forecasted weather, we have taken the decision for Ambition to cancel the scheduled call to Kristiansand tomorrow, Thursday 4th September as these weather conditions exceed our safety parameters,” the cruise line explained.

The decision comes after consulting not only weather forecasts, but also port authorities in Kristiansand. Localized swells from 13-20 feet are expected on Thursday, along with wind gusts that could reach as high as 60 miles per hour.

Worth Reading: Cruise Line Alerts Passengers Over Safety Concerns at Mediterranean Port

These conditions make it impossible for the cruise ship to dock, as the motion from swells would disrupt the gangway and make it unsafe for use.

“Ambition will now remain in Stavanger overnight to allow us to avoid the worst of the weather, and the revised departure time is now scheduled for 06:00 tomorrow [Thursday] morning,” the cruise line notified guests on Wednesday.

“We do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause however the safety and comfort our guests and crew are always our top priority and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Ambassador Cruise Line Ambition Cruise Ship
Ambassador Cruise Line Ambition Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Sail Away Media)

The ship’s planned visit to Oslo, Norway is not impacted. Ambition will visit the Norwegian capital city from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 5. A day at sea will follow on Saturday, and the ship will return to Newcastle Upon Tyne on Sunday, September 7 for debarkation.

While guests are understandably disappointed in the port cancellation, the general consensus is that safety should always be most important.

Missing Kristiansand comes after the ship already missed the stop in Geiranger, Norway that had been planned for Saturday, August 30.

That port cancellation was due to a minor operational issue. Instead, the ship was able to visit Andalsnes, another fjord port in western Norway, giving guests an alternative as opposed to another day at sea.

Poor Weather Is More Than Hurricanes

From June through November, most cruisers focus their attention on the Caribbean for hurricane-related port changes and itinerary adjustments.

Read Also: Cruising During Hurricane Season – What You Must Know!

While these are certainly frequent when a storm forms, rough weather in northern Europe can extend from Iceland to the UK to Scandinavia.

This can encompass dozens of cruise ports, all of which might be impacted by swells, strong winds, and other poor conditions that make docking unsafe.

In fact, Ambition has had significant weather-related changes at different times of the year. In November 2024, the ship also missed Kristiansand due to foul weather in the North Sea.

Later that same month, Storm Bert was so severe that the ship had to remain docked at her then homeport, Port of Tilbury, for an entire cruise. Guests were onboard and enjoyed the ship’s amenities, but it was not possible to set sail at all.

Holland America Line Ship Rescues Sailors From Sinking Boat

Catie Kovelman
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Holland America Line Ship Rescues Sailors From Sinking Boat

Key Aspects:

  • Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam allegedly came to the aid of two sailors in distress under the direction of the US Coast Guard.
  • The cruise ship kept the two sailors safe, who had to abandon a sinking craft, until they could be handed over to Coast Guard officials.
  • The good deed has not negatively impacted the itineraries for either of the two Canada-bound sailings that are being operated simultaneously.

While guests always look forward to excitement on a cruise vacation, a heroic rescue at sea is usually not the type of excitement they’re expecting.

Nevertheless, this is how Zuiderdam’s current sailing to New England and Canada began on August 30, 2025.

Just a few hours after setting sail from Boston, Massachusetts, at 6:30 P.M. EDT, the Holland America Line ship was allegedly summoned by the US Coast Guard to respond to a sinking boat that had two sailors onboard.

Holland America Line stated to Cruise Hive:

“On August 30, 2025, Zuiderdam responded to a request from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston to assist a sailing vessel in distress. Zuiderdam altered course and reached the vessel, safely bringing two passengers onboard. The individuals were subsequently transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard without incident. Zuiderdam resumed its voyage, arriving at the next scheduled port of call in Portland, Maine, with no delay or operational impact.“

The 81,769-gross ton vessel was sailing north toward Portland, Maine, and was located off the US East Coast when the rescue operation began.

“I am currently on the Zuiderdam, Boston to Quebec, 8/30-9/6. On Aug 30, at 10pm, our ship rescued two people who were stranded on a sailboat. We had left Boston at 6:30pm, heading north,” one of the up to 1,988 guests onboard reported.

“It seems a sailboat was sinking and the two passengers sent out a distress signal. The coast guard requested our ship to assist in the rescue since we were the nearest in vicinity to the poor distraught souls lost at sea,” another passenger recounted.

The Vista-class cruise ship was likely able to respond to the scene more quickly than first responders from the US Coast Guard, and in these types of situations, time is of the essence.

Cruise ships have both a moral and legal obligation through Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to come to the aid of people in distress unless it would cause serious danger to its crew or passengers.

Mission Accomplished

Thankfully, the two sailors onboard were successfully rescued – boats can be replaced, but people cannot.

Crew members onboard provided the two unidentified refugees with food, water, and any necessary medical care until the US Coast Guard could catch up to retrieve the unidentified people.

“As a result of many intercom messages we learned that through the diligent work of our intrepid captain and his crew, the passengers of the sailboat were rescued and remained on the Holland America Zuiderdam until the arrival of the Coast Guard,” a guest confirmed.

Holland America Line's Zuiderdam
Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)

This is in line with the standard protocol for when people are rescued at sea. Refugees are given the care and treatment they need until they can be safely handed over to the proper authorities or disembarked at a future port of call.

The newcomers are not allowed to mingle with paying passengers and are kept under the watchful eye of the onboard security team for safety reasons.

Read Also: Can a Rogue Wave Sink a Cruise Ship?

Additionally, no significant impact to the itinerary has been reported.

While cruise ship tracking data shows that the ship paused to presumably allow the Coast Guard to catch up, she did not significantly go off course and was not delayed for long.

The first port call of the itinerary, which was on Portland, Maine, on August 31, went off without a hitch.

It likely helped that the distance from Boston to Portland is only around 120 nautical miles, which a cruise ship can cover in around five to six hours.

The rest of the 7-night one-way sailing to Quebec, and the 14-night round-trip sailing out of Boston that is being operated simultaneously, has so far been business as usual.

New Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship Debuts in New York City

Catie Kovelman
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New Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship Debuts in New York City

Key Aspects: 

  • Virgin Voyages’ brand new cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, made her debut in New York on September 2, 2025. 
  • The ship was greeted by Founder Sir Richard Branson and celebrated by a touching performance from a Pub Choir. 
  • Brilliant Lady will embark on her “MerMaiden” voyage from New York on September 5, 2025, with three more “MerMaiden” voyages still to come to celebrate the ship’s future arrivals in Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

The moment that Virgin Voyages fans have been waiting for is finally here. The brand new Brilliant Lady has officially arrived in New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal for the very first time on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 

Though the fourth Lady ship was originally slated for a 2023 debut, she faced significant delays due to unexpected construction, supply chain, and staffing challenges – meaning this momentous occasion has really been a long-time coming. 

Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson was waiting to personally greet the new-build, which carried more than 1,200 crew members and 1,200 Sailors (Virgin’s term for guests). 

The people onboard formed a Pub Choir to sing Queen’s classic hit, “Don’t Stop Me Now” as the young ship sailed into the port. The group was led by Astrid Jorgensen, who founded the Pub Choir musical act.

Their song, paired with the stunning New York horizon and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, reportedly gave onlookers goosebumps, and even moved some to tears. 

“Today, we completed our fleet and celebrated a moment that will leave a legacy far beyond our ships,” Branson stated. 

“What makes Virgin Voyages so intangibly special is our people. As we entered New York, with our crew and sailors singing as one, it was truly brilliant,” the founder continued. 

This occasion was particularly special, as it marked a full circle moment for the young adults-only cruise line. 

Just about four years ago in fall of 2021, Richard Branson was in New York to welcome Scarlet Lady, the very first ship in the fleet, as her career began. 

An Ongoing Celebration

On September 5, 2025, Brilliant Lady will embark on her “MerMaiden” voyage from New York, which will be a 5-night sailing to Bermuda. 

However, the celebration really started in England before the 2,770-guest ship arrived in New York, and the fun will be continuing with three more “MerMaiden” voyages.

The 110,000-gross ton vessel has already made an appearance in Portsmouth, UK, on August 18, 2025, making this the only port in the world to have been called upon by all four Lady ships. 

She then began her “MerMaiden” Transatlantic crossing to New York on August 21. 

Read Also: Virgin Voyages Is Booming: CEO Shares the Secrets Behind the Surge

As Brilliant Lady will take Virgin Voyages to brand new destinations around the world, more “MerMaiden voyages” will be hosted from her future homeports to celebrate.

Brilliant Lady in NYC
Brilliant Lady in NYC (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

“Brilliant Lady is the embodiment of everything Virgin Voyages stands for,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ Chief Executive Officer.

“Like her sister ships, she creates an atmosphere that is joyous, welcoming, and above all, transformative,” he added.

After embracing the Fall colors in New England and Canada, the new-build will head to Miami, from where she will operate an 8-night “MerMaiden” cruise to Philipsburg, Tortola, and Bimini Island on October 17, 2025.

She will enjoy the winter cruising the Caribbean, before becoming the first ship in the fleet to homeport in Los Angeles, California, starting in 2026. 

Her LA-based “MerMaiden” voyage will embark on April 7, 2026, and will be a 5-night cruise to Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. 

Later in the spring of 2026, Brilliant Lady will bring the Virgin Voyages experience to Alaska for the first time. 

As this is also something to be celebrated, a final “MerMaiden” voyage will be operated from Seattle, Washington, on May 21, 2026. 

The 7-night inaugural Alaska sailing will visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.

While the cruise line always aims to create an unforgettable experience onboard, these special “MerMaiden” sailings will take things to the next level with exclusive tastings, surprise performances, big giveaways, and limited-edition souvenirs. 

Royal Caribbean Cracks Down on Specialty Dining No-Shows With Extra Fee

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean Cracks Down on Specialty Dining No-Shows With Extra Fee

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has announced new fees for no-shows at specialty dining restaurants across the fleet.
  • The exact cost of the fees or the terms and conditions for no-shows have not yet been detailed.
  • The new policy is an effort to ensure more guests have the opportunity to enjoy these unique dining experiences.

Extra charges and fees can be very frustrating for cruise guests, especially since cruise vacations are often touted as all-inclusive or nearly so.

Royal Caribbean is now adding a new fee for specialty dining, however, that guests will actually like and appreciate. This will be a charge for guests who book a reservation at one of the exclusive restaurants, only to not show up for the meal.

“We will be implementing charges for no-shows at specialty dining reservations across the fleet,” the cruise line informed travel agents. “Our goal is to preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options.”

Experienced “Loyal to Royal” guests are well aware of how quickly reservations for specialty dining can fill up.

This is especially true for holiday sailings or formal nights on different sailings, when many guests enjoy a more elegant dining experience.

The cruise line hopes that the new no-show fee will ensure guests don’t take advantage of reservations only to not bother with actually attending at their reserved time.

“By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience,” the notice read.

As yet, there is no confirmation about how much the fee may be. It is possible such a fee will be on top of the existing specialty dining charge, making a no-show a very expensive non-meal indeed, with no refund plus a no-show fee.

Another option might be that the fee could be a significant percentage of the specialty dining cost. For example, a no-show fee could easily be calculated at 50% of the dining charge.

Before this change, Royal Caribbean’s FAQ notes that cancellations for specialty restaurants must be made at least four days before embarkation for a full refund, or once onboard the ship, again for a full refund.

Only if cancellations are less than 24 hours before the reservation is there any fee, which is a minimum $10 (USD).

Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas
Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas

There are two exceptions to the new fee, however. Guests who have an “existing Dining Package” are exempt from the fee, as are those booked in Star Class suites.

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The language of this preliminary notification is unclear whether or not new dining package purchases will be exempt from the no-show fee. It is possible the exemption is temporary and only applies to booked guests who have already made their purchases.

As for guests booked in Star Class suites having the exemption to the fee as well, that could be an understandable perk for that type of elevated accommodation.

Are Dining No-Shows a Problem?

It may seem that no-shows aren’t that big of a deal. After all, with thousands of guests onboard, wouldn’t it be easy to fill in any vacant reservations?

Many guests, however, don’t want to wait until the literal last minute to know what type of dining experience they may have. Doing so might mean no specialty dining options at all if there are no cancellations or no-shows for their preferred restaurant on any given night.

When guests no-show for a reservation, the dining staff’s rhythm may be disrupted and it may not be possible to fill in those vacancies.

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Furthermore, some dining experiences include show-like presentations, such as the live music at the Lincoln Park Supper Club aboard Star of the Seas or the hibachi skills demonstrated at Izumi. These venues have very specific timing and it may be impossible to fill in seats if guests don’t arrive for their reservations.

Finally, it’s simply inconsiderate for a guest to book a reservation but simply not show up for it. While plans can change due, it’s only courteous to be sure and cancel a reservation appropriately rather than just brush it off.

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