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Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Earns Perfect Score From CDC Inspection

Donna Tunney
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Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Earns Perfect Score From CDC Inspection

Key Aspects:

  • The 5,600-guest Icon of the Seas shares the title of world’s largest cruise ship with soon-to-launch sister ship Star of the Seas.
  • Icon of the Seas’ inspection by the CDC was held on June 4, 2025.
  • Adventure of the Seas also garnered a score of 100 during her June inspection.

Since the start of 2025, the cruise industry has seen nearly 20 confirmed viral outbreaks onboard ships operated by multiple cruise lines, so it’s refreshing to learn that the biggest cruise ship sailing the seas today has earned a perfect score during a recent sanitation inspection.

Royal Caribbean’s 5,600-guest Icon of the Seas, which shares the title of world’s largest cruise ship with sister ship Star of the Seas, earned the top score of 100 in its June 4, 2025, inspection by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

The inspection results play an important role in boosting and maintaining consumer confidence in the vacation product, since viral outbreaks on cruise ships are closely followed by industry and mainstream media — and cruise guests want to know that their ship excels in sanitation measures.

The ship, first in the line’s Icon class, began sailing in January 2024, and the June inspection was her third since launching. Her first two scores were high but not perfect, reaching 96 in November 2024 and 97 in April 2024.

Cruise ships that call at ports in the US are subject to two unannounced inspections each year. During the process, CDC inspectors assess a ship’s water sources, galleys and dining venues, swimming pools and hot tubs, pest control, housekeeping standards, medical centers and medical sanitation practices, and other elements.

A score of 85 or lower is considered a failing grade, and the result of all cruise ship inspections are published on the CDC website. 

Even though Icon of the Seas received the perfect score in June, there were several infractions noted in the inspection report, all minor issues. 

For example, food debris was found inside the hand-washing sink in the galley on Deck 2; a fly was observed in the pantry on Deck 14, and another outside the dishwasher area of the Windjammer Buffet on Deck 15.

Other violations involved a case of gastrointestinal illness in a crew member who did not immediately report to the medical center, and in the swimming pools, flotation devices did not have the required attached rope.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just dance)

Icon of the Seas is based year-round at PortMiami and sails alternate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. 

She was not the only Royal Caribbean ship to recently earn a perfect score of 100: Adventure of the Seas did so when she was inspected on June 3, 2025. Her previous inspection, in February 2025, garnered a score of 94.

The Voyager-class ship entered service in 2001 and accommodates 3,800 guests.

Icon of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas are the line’s only two ships to receive perfect scores in 2025. However, other high scores went to Harmony of the Seas in May 2025, when she earned 99; Oasis of the Seas in January, 98; and Voyager of the Seas in April, 99.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: A Giant Comparison

Just one Royal Caribbean ship, Symphony of the Seas, came close to a failing score in 2025, when inspectors gave her a score of 86 in February.

New-Build Star of the Seas Also Will Be Subject to Inspections

The new-build Star of the Seas has yet to undergo a CDC inspection since she has just recently left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is on her way to her first North American homeport of Port Canaveral. But she will be subject to the surprise inspections once she begins regular operations.

The 248,663-gross-ton vessel was delivered to the cruise line on July 10, 2025 during a ceremony in Turku. After arriving in Port Canaveral, the ship will operate four preview cruises for travel partners, media, and VIPs. 

The ship’s first regular sailing is set to depart on August 31, 2025. The 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary calls at CocoCay, Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will sail alternating 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Cruise ship inspections by the CDC have continued normally even though a restructuring plan that rolled out in April 2025 cut funding and staff at the federal agency. 

Its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which oversees the cruise ship inspections along with tracking and investigating outbreaks of diseases, was not impacted by the funding issues. 

Carnival Cruise Line Provides Update on Soda Switchover Dates

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Line Provides Update on Soda Switchover Dates

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival cruise ships from North American homeports will begin offering Coke products in early September.
  • Individual ships may have slightly different dates for the Pepsi-to-Coke soft drink changeover.
  • Guests can still bring aboard their preferred soft drinks, subject to the cruise line’s standard limitations.

With Coca-Cola fans eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite beverages aboard Carnival cruise ships, when can they expect to see Coke products onboard?

Since Carnival Cruise Line announced the switch to Coca-Cola in late June, cruisers have been wondering when they will no longer need to bring along their own cans of Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta Orange, and other drinks onboard.

At the time, the rollout for the beverage switch was only noted as “later this summer” but without any firm dates. Now, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has provided a quick and welcome update.

“Coca-Cola, the changeover. I’ve had over 200 of you write to me in the last three days asking me for specific dates of when we will change over from Pepsi to Coca-Cola,” Heald explained. “Once I have more news on that I will let you know.”

While Heald does not have any exact dates to share, the plan for the transition to be finished by the end of summer has not changed.

He was able to update his comments a short time later with a slightly more specific timeline on his popular Facebook page, however.

“We hope to complete the transition of the entire North American fleet to Coca-Cola products by the week after Labor Day,” he confirmed.

That would mean that by sailings departing from mid-September, Coke products should certainly be in place. To be clear, however, Heald says “we hope” for that timeline, and it is possible some ships may still be featuring Pepsi products in early September.

Furthermore, ships homeported outside of North America, including those in Australia, may not transition to Coke on the same timeline.

The exact dates when each of the individual ships in the Carnival fleet will begin offering Coke products will vary depending on when adequate supplies can be delivered according to each ship’s itinerary schedule.

Furthermore, when the remaining Pepsi beverages onboard have been substantially consumed may also impact the Coke rollout.

Coke or Pepsi – Why Does the Changeover Date Matter?

The Coke rollout date matters to guests who have such strong soda preferences that they feel inclined to bring their own onboard if their preferred products aren’t available.

Now, guests with sailings in late September and beyond who insist on Coke products don’t need to worry about the hassle of picking up 12-packs on their way to the port and toting them onboard.

Read Also: Carnival Shares Full List of Coke Products Coming to the Fleet

Instead, it is the Pepsi lovers who may want to consider those arrangements, as their favorite products will no longer be available on Carnival cruise ships.

Carnival and PepsiCo
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line

Still, the same options apply and guests may bring a limited amount of their own preferred soft drinks onboard. Carnival’s policy is outlined as follows:

“On embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk), packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest’s carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.”

For dedicated soda drinkers, this may not seem like enough for a longer cruise, but the policy does apply to every guest. For example, a family of four could bring four 12-pack cartons onboard.

Heald has also noted that soft drinks can also be brought onboard in ports of call, subject to the same 12-cans-per-person limitation.

This means that guests can replenish their supply of soft drink cans at each stop during their sailing if necessary, ensuring they don’t run out of their favorite bubbly refreshment.

Cruise Passenger’s Almost $10k Medical Bill Goes Viral

Melissa Mayntz
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Cruise Passenger’s Almost $10k Medical Bill Goes Viral

Key Aspects:

  • A guest aboard Norwegian Escape shared a nearly $10,000 itemized bill from the ship’s medical center.
  • While no information is given about why the guest was ill, the bill is stamped for emergency care.
  • All cruise guests should always check onboard statements in case of duplicate or erroneous charges.

It’s no surprise that a cruise can be an expensive vacation, depending on what add-ons, packages, or tours a traveler chooses.

What can be unexpected, however, is when a visit to the ship’s medical center racks up charges that can cost several times what the total cruise fare may have been.

A recent Norwegian Cruise Line guest shared an itemized bill from the Medical Center on Norwegian Escape, detailing just how costly it can be to seek medical treatment onboard.

The bill was shared on the popular social forum Reddit and racked up more than 1,300 comments in just a few hours.

Curiously, the original poster only added a title to the image – “Don’t get sick on a cruise ship” – but did not explain the circumstances that led to the nearly $10,000 bill.

The exact illness, whether it may have been sudden or chronic, or any other type of over-the-counter treatment was not disclosed.

To preserve privacy, identifying information on the bill was scrambled, but the charge date was listed as July 19, 2025. The costs were being settled to an onboard folio, indicating a current passenger rather than a bill sent in the mail after a cruise would have ended.

This means the charges are associated with care during Norwegian Escape‘s July 13 cruise, a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami to Roatan, Belize, Cozumel, and Great Stirrup Cay.

Only the first page of the four-page bill was displayed, but it was stamped with “EMERGENCY CARE” at the bottom. This would seem to confirm it was not an ongoing or expected medical issue.

Norwegian Escape Bill
Norwegian Escape Bill (Credit: Weak-Document638)

It is the itemized charges that have some commenters astonished, such as:

  • $199 – New patient visit (isn’t everyone a new patient on a cruise ship?)
  • $43 – Blood draw
  • $274 – SARS-CoV-2/Flue/RSV test
  • $109 – Pulse oximetry (that little clip they put on your finger)
  • $131 – IV infusions – and this was listed at least 8 times on the bill!

In total, the bill included $380.27 in various supplies, $618.59 in medications, and a whopping $8,761.00 in professional services.

Thoughts on the charges are widely varied, from outrageously ridiculous to somewhat comparable to any emergency room or hospital visit.

The idea of travel insurance quickly entered the conversation, with many experienced cruisers chiming in on how necessary it is to have an appropriate policy.

It must be noted, however, that travel insurance policies vary widely and don’t always cover what might seem to be routine charges.

Exact policy terms, circumstances of the treatment, and authorizations for procedures would all be factored in to what would or would not be covered.

Always Double Check Onboard Bills!

The most savvy piece of advice on this hefty bill, however, is from a poster who identifies themselves as a doctor and notes that there might be many duplicate charges listed.

“There were [8] separate charges for IV push/infusion. That sounds excessive for whatever you had going on. I assume you got IV fluids or something. Maybe they gave you a dose of IV antibiotics. I doubt you got [8] different IV infusions,” the commenter said.

They went on to note that some other charges also appear to be duplicates, such as an “admission doctor consult” and “admission to medical center” both of which have identical $219 charges.

Disputing duplicate charges could reduce the bill by several hundred dollars, but it is unlikely to completely eliminate all fees.

It could, however, help to better delineate the exact reason for different line item charges. This might make it easier to seek reimbursement from a travel insurance company or one’s regular health insurance, depending on coverage options.

While hopefully most cruise guests are never faced with a hefty medical center bill at the end of their cruise, the same advice is wise for reviewing one’s onboard account statements.

Accidental charges for drinks, spa products, or even tours that a guest never ordered or used do happen occasionally.

Read Also: Expert Cruiser Details How You Can Save Money During a Cruise

Once travelers have left the ship, however, most charges are considered final and will not be reversed.

Checking the account statement before debarkation can help minimize the risk of potentially expensive errors or duplicate charges. This can often be done through stateroom televisions, onboard kiosks, or by visiting the Guest Services desk and asking for a printout.

Emergency Response on Icon of the Seas Recovers Overboard Crew Member

Melissa Mayntz
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Emergency Response on Icon of the Seas Recovers Overboard Crew Member

Key Aspects:

  • An overboard was reported from Icon of the Seas at just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
  • The individual was recovered with the ship’s rescue craft in less than 30 minutes, but unfortunately passed away.
  • Icon of the Seas is currently sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary and should not be delayed.

It was a harrowing evening aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas as an overboard was reported, followed by a flurry of activity including a course change, and deployment of a rescue craft. Unfortunately, the rescue of the overboard individual was not successful.

The incident happened at roughly 7 p.m. when the “oscar” alarm was sounded over the ship’s public address system. This is an emergency code indicating an overboard situation.

The massive cruise ship immediately responded by slowing and turning back to the noted position. For the 248,663-gross ton ship, this is quite a maneuver.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson stated to Cruise Hive:

“Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share.“

At the time, Icon of the Seas was sailing northwest enjoying a day at sea. Satellite tracking data shows the ship’s course change just northeast of San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, roughly 200 miles east of Nassau.

According to guests onboard, the overboard occurred from the ship’s port side, and life preservers were dropped over the side to help assist the individual and mark the overboard location.

At the same time, portions of the ship’s outer decks were blocked off to facilitate rescue operations and to ensure no guests impeded those efforts.

The rescue craft was deployed and managed to locate the individual. Eyewitness reports indicate it was likely a crew member based on the appearance of a uniform of some sort, which was later confirmed by the cruise line’s statement.

Will Icon of the Seas Be Delayed?

Icon of the Seas has resumed course on her current 7-night sailing, which departed Miami on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The ship is on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary, having already visited St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

The next port visit is scheduled to be Perfect Day at CocoCay on Friday, July 25. The ship is back on track for that visit and it does not appear there will be any delay for her morning arrival.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

All told, the incident took less than an hour, which is a testament to the fast reactions and intense emergency training of the ship’s officers and crew to ensure the safety of everyone on the vessel.

Read Also: What Happens During a Cruise Ship Overboard Alarm?

It was similar fast actions that resulted in a successful double rescue of a young girl and her father overboard from Disney Dream in June, which also happened in the Bahamas.

Icon of the Seas‘ captain did make a follow-up announcement that the individual was recovered, but did not give any further information at that time.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of crew members and emergency response teams, successful rescues are less common than many travelers would hope.

The most recent overboard from a Royal Caribbean ship, a passenger from “The 80s Cruise” in March onboard Explorer of the Seas, was also unsuccessful and that individual was never recovered.

New Cruises Added for Carnival Panorama Out of California

Melissa Mayntz
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New Cruises Added for Carnival Panorama Out of California

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Panorama will remain homeported from Long Beach through at least April 2028.
  • More than 50 Mexican Riviera itineraries are now available for booking, including 3-8 night sailings.
  • The Vista-class ship was last updated in October 2024 and offers fun for all ages onboard, as well as new specialty dining and more.

The annual “dancing of the ships” is underway and Carnival Cruise Line is now releasing new itinerary details and bookings for the fleet.

This includes Carnival Panorama, which will continue her popular sailings from her southern California homeport.

At least into April 2028, the 133,500-gross ton ship will remain homeported from Long Beach, offering primarily 6- and 8-night Mexican Riviera sailings.

These iconic cruises offer the vibrancy of top Mexican destinations coupled with all the excitement of a Fun Ship and truly are ideal for the most relaxing getaways.

More than 50 new sailings have been confirmed with featured destinations such as the picturesque Cabo San Lucas with extended and overnight visits for more exploration time.

Ensenada is also highlighted on many itineraries, giving guests insights into unique wine country offerings as well as the history of the region and the awe-inspiring La Bufadora, one of the largest geysers in North America.

On 8-night sailings, the vessel will not only visit Cabo San Lucas but also three other key Mexican Riviera ports: La Paz, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.

At each stop, guests will have opportunities to enjoy stunning beaches, charming waterfront communities, art galleries, authentic cuisine, and more.

Find Your Perfect Cruise: Check Cruises for Carnival Panorama

Of special note is the single 3-night cruise Carnival Panorama will offer departing on Sunday, December 26, 2027 with a visit to Ensenada.

This quick getaway can be a great way to enjoy the holiday season onboard combined with the fun of a Mexican sailing.

The ship will also be offering just one 5-night cruise, departing on Tuesday, January 4, 2028. This unique itinerary includes visits to Cabo San Lucas as well as Ensenada, plus two days at sea, and would be a fantastic way to start the new year off with a fun and festive sailing.

Sailing Carnival Panorama

I have been on each of these cruise itineraries along the Mexican Riviera, and while they are fun voyages to some amazing places, there is one destination that is never mentioned on itinerary maps: the ship itself.

Carnival Panorama offers the SkyRide aerial cycling experience for guests who want a truly panoramic view of their ports of call, or guests can always gets a glimpse from thee top of the waterslides in the WaterWorks aqua park.

Read Also: When Is the Best Time to Cruise the Mexican Riviera?

Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship
Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: PJ Williams)

For quieter relaxation, adult travelers can try the exclusive, adults-only Serenity retreat on Deck 15 or get pampered at the Cloud 9 Spa on Decks 12 and 14.

Miniature golf, multiple pools, the SportSquare, high energy production shows, the Punchliner Comedy Club, and much more round out just some of the offerings onboard, along with diverse dining, multiple bars, and casual eateries to enjoy.

Carnival Panorama can welcome 4,008 guests at double occupancy or up to 5,146 travelers when fully booked. Also onboard are more than 1,400 crew members who always strive to ensure every guest has a phenomenal cruise vacation.

The Vista-class ship first joined the Carnival fleet in December 2019. Her most recent dry dock update was in October 2024, at which time she was the last in the fleet to receive the new red, white, and blue hull livery.

Also updated were her public venues, staterooms, shopping opportunities, and much more, ensuring she is fresh and exciting for everyone who sails on her for years to come, no matter which Mexican Riviera itinerary they enjoy the most.

Carnival Guest Upset Over Confiscation for Safety Reasons

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Guest Upset Over Confiscation for Safety Reasons

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival cruise guest is upset that their ceiling fan was not permitted onboard and was confiscated by security.
  • Carnival’s John Heald has explained the safety reasons for why ceiling fans are not permitted and the crew was doing their job.
  • The guest suggests that the Carnival security team should be after kids pushing elevator buttons instead of confiscating prohibited items.

Many cruise guests travel with small fans for better air circulation and cooling in sometimes cramped and stuffy staterooms. It is important to remember, however, that not all types of fans are permitted, and the cruise lines always have a reason why.

One Carnival Cruise Line guest wanted to bring a prohibited fan along on a recent sailing and was infuriated when it was confiscated. Upset at the enforcement of the rules, they reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, with their grievance.

“I was treated like a criminal by security,” the guest claimed. “They removed and took away my Bell and Howell Socket Ceiling Fan. I told him it was for medical purposes but he would not let me to keep it.”

Carnival Cruise Line has addressed the idea of ceiling fans before, and any such type of ceiling fan, even with a temporary mount that might not damage the ceiling, is not permitted.

“The reason ceiling fans are not allowed is that unlike your house the ship is moving. And if that movement happens it may dislodge the fan from the ceiling and cause it [to] fall on you causing injury,” Heald explained.

It’s unclear how the guest might have hoped to mount a socket ceiling fan, as most lights in Carnival staterooms would not have the appropriate connections.

Furthermore, the guest does not clarify what type of “medical purposes” require them to have a ceiling fan. Guests are permitted to bring along small personal travel fans less than 12 inches in diameter.

Some travel fan designs oscillate, or have adjustable bases, or can even be raised to different heights to accommodate different needs without attaching to the ceiling.

Items Hanging from Carnival Cruise Cabin Ceiling
Items Hanging from Carnival Cruise Cabin Ceiling

I myself travel with a small fan on every cruise and have never had any difficulty bringing it onboard Carnival or any other cruise line.

Other guests also responded to the “medical purposes” claim with skepticism.

“I’d like to know what medical condition requires the use of an overhead fan. I worked in the medical field for 30+ years and that’s a new one on me,” one guest commented.

This is not the first time Carnival Cruise Line has noted that ceiling fans are prohibited. In April 2024, guests jury-rigged a ceiling fan arrangement that was promptly taken down as a violation of onboard policies.

Did the Guest Overreact?

The guest goes on to rant about how the fan was confiscated and their opinion of high priorities.

“I know it was our cabin steward who ratted us out. I will not be giving our usual gratuity to her,” they said. “Security should be concentrating on kids pressing elevator buttons not my fan.”

Cabin stewards do have a duty to take note of any potentially unsafe situations or other violations of Carnival Cruise Line’s policies. This is not “ratting out” a guest, but rather enforcing the policies all guests agree to when they book a sailing.

“Security were also doing their job here by taking it down and it will be returned to you by the end of the cruise,” Heald confirmed.

To deny the steward any gratuity over this incident is, of course, the guest’s right, but it can also be seen as a very selfish and petty reaction when one has been caught breaking the rules.

Read Also: What a Cruise Ship Cabin Steward Really Does

As for the kids pressing elevator buttons? That type of naughty misbehavior certainly happens and can be frustrating, especially when lines at elevators are already long.

Onboard security does patrol corridors and elevator areas to attempt to minimize such behavior, but of course it’s all but impossible to catch.

Nevertheless, Carnival Cruise Line does have a youth curfew that can be helpful, depending on when such behavior happened. The age restrictions on board explicitly state:

“Guests 17 years of age and under who are not accompanied by an adult in their traveling party, 21 years of age or older, must be clear of all public areas by 1:00 a.m.”

Heald has often noted that kids will be kids, after all. Cruise guests should try not to let some simple pranks have such a dramatic impact on their vacation enjoyment.

Fashion Trunk Shows, Chanel Shop to Debut on Star Princess

Donna Tunney
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Fashion Trunk Shows, Chanel Shop to Debut on Star Princess

Key Aspects:

  • Star Princess will feature about 4,800 square feet of shopping opportunities.
  • Vintage handbags are among the luxury offerings guests can purchase.
  • A Caribbean-inspired boutique is planned for the new ship.

With the launch of Princess Cruises’ new-build, Star Princess, just a few months away, the line is detailing a major onboard revenue-maker: the ship’s retail shopping spaces.

Innovative experiences featuring top brands such as Chanel will debut aboard the 4,300-guest ship, which is under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and due to enter service in October 2025.

Retail spaces on the new ship will be spread across nearly 4,800 square feet on two decks, and offer a wide assortment of products and services.

Star Princess, second in the line’s celebrated Sphere class following the launch of Sun Princess in 2024, will offer a first-of-its-kind Chanel-branded beauty shop. Other luxury level experiences will feature the sale of vintage and pre-owned luxury handbags, and high-end jewelry.

While the ship will debut in the Mediterranean, she will also spend part of her inaugural year in Alaska and the Caribbean. In fact, it was the Caribbean that inspired a new retail opportunity focused solely on the destination.

A Caribbean-inspired boutique will sell locally sourced goods — everything from artwork to food, clothing, jewelry and a huge selection of souvenirs.

“Princess Cruises is committed to offering unforgettable guest experiences and partnering with Starboard will elevate our retail offering for Star Princess guests,” said Alfredo Jimenez, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Princess Cruises. 

“As our newest partner, Starboard will enable us to introduce a carefully curated shopping experience that feels holistic and true to the Princess Cruises brand, while offering something unique and memorable for each and every guest,” added Jimenez.

While Starboard is a new partner for Star Princess, the company is a name well-known across the cruise industry, as it is a major supplier and manager of retail operations for virtually every major cruise line.

“This collaboration underscores our authority as the leading curator of vacation retail experiences and we look forward to leveraging our deep expertise to create custom assortments and one-of-a-kind activations that will delight Star Princess’s guests,” said Lisa Bauer, President and CEO of Starboard.

Along with Princess Cruises, it counts among its clients Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Costa Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises, among others.

Latest Construction Photos of Star Princess
Latest Construction Photos of Star Princess (Credit: Princess Cruises)

In addition to the luxury experiences and the showcase of Caribbean goods, Star Princess’s retail spaces will come alive with fashion trunk shows and product launches by brand designers.

Many items for sale can be personalized for guests, and there will be no shortage of Princess Cruises-branded goods, such as jackets and hats, backpacks, and various customizable souvenirs.

Read Also: Should You Get a Cruise Line Drinks Package?

Said Lisa Bauer, Starboard President and CEO: “This collaboration underscores our authority as the leading curator of vacation retail experiences and we look forward to leveraging our deep expertise to create custom assortments and one-of-a-kind activations that will delight Star Princess’s guests.”

Like Sun Princess, Star Princess will feature architectural marvels such as The Sphere, the glass-enclosed piazza, and The Dome, a space that serves as a pool destination by day and entertainment venue by night.

New Ship’s Maiden Voyage to Sail From Barcelona

The 177,882-gross-ton Star Princess is slated to sail her inaugural cruise roundtrip from Barcelona on October 4, 2025. Port calls include Marseille, France; Rome, Naples, and Palermo, Italy; Cartagena, Spain; and Gibraltar, UK.

Princess Cruises just days ago unveiled a slate of new entertainment productions that will debut on the ship. One is a candlelight concert series held in The Dome.

Vacationers who book a voyage on the new ship have a choice of two inclusive packages — Premier and Plus plans, both of which offer different benefit levels including drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions.

The cruise line recently updated both plans with new benefits and perks, including higher shore excursion credits based on cruise length, among other elements.

Holland America Rolls Out Major Entertainment Overhaul

Donna Tunney
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Holland America Rolls Out Major Entertainment Overhaul

Key Aspects:

  • A classical music production called Vivace has already rolled out on several ships.
  • Local music tied to the destinations the ships are visiting will be added to onboard entertainment.
  • Staff is being expanded to include travel guides who are destination experts.

Surprise cabaret performances. New World Stage productions. Classical music interludes. These are among the new experiences that Holland America Line is rolling out across its fleet now and in the coming months.

If it sounds like a lot to keep track of, the cruise line has that covered, with a “Welcome Aboard” show at the start of each voyage that clues guests into all the entertainment experiences coming their way.

Additionally, the cruise line is overhauling its entertainment employee structure by expanding the team that organizes and leads the various performances.

There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s take a closer look at the biggest changes.

Five ships — Nieuw Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, and Nieuw Amsterdam, have already added Vivace, a string duo or trio performing classical music, and the experience will be added to other vessels.

World Stage shows will entertain guests with multiple Broadway-style productions on certain ships including “Dance!,” a choreographed show featuring the tango, Charleston, rumba and cha-cha; “Solid Gold,” a musical trip back to the 1970s; “Crossroads,” featuring country and folk music; and “Rock Britannia,” celebrating British rock.

Cabaret performances will be offered in venues such as the Crow’s Nest, Lido Pool, and Ocean Bar, while a soloist program will add local cultural experiences to voyages.

It will, for example, feature a steel pan band in the Caribbean, mariachi music in Mexico, a folk guitarist in Alaska, and a Celtic band, called Breton Thunder, on Canada/New England voyages.

(I’ve seen Breton Thunder onboard Zuiderdam on one of her Eastern Canada cruises in 2024 — it definitely delivers on lively, local culture while the ship calls at Nova Scotia ports.)

The new musical offerings will be introduced on the Holland America Line fleet through 2025.

Guests sailing on Eurodam earlier this summer were the first to experience the new show called “Welcome Aboard.” Held on the first night of the voyage, the show introduces passengers to the wide array of entertainment they can enjoy during their sailing.

Holland America Entertainment
Holland America Entertainment

Described as a high-energy preview, the welcome event will be helpful to guests as they decide which performances and productions they’d like to see during their vacation. “Welcome Aboard” will expand to more ships in 2025 and to all vessels by summer 2026.

In addition to World Stage, classical, and local culture entertainment, Holland America Line ships continue to provide live music nightly at their popular venues Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge, plus the B.B. King’s Blues Club on Pinnacle Class ships. 

Other onboard enrichment includes the line’s Up Close sessions, port call introductions, and experts such as National Park Service rangers, who provide commentary on ships that sail through Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park.

Meet the Cruise Line’s New Entertainment Team 

Most of Holland America Line’s ships are rolling out new responsibilities for their cruise directors that are geared to make them more visible to guests. 

Read Also: 11 Cruise Port Pitfalls That You Really Should Avoid

Serving as the host of each voyage, the cruise director will have an assistant cruise director and an entertainment staff. He or she will be tasked with creating a more lively onboard ambiance.

The change will be evident on about half of the fleet by early August 2025, and the new entertainment team will be on hand aboard all ships by the end of the year. 

The final additions to the staff will be a group of Travel Guides, who will provide destination lectures and personal insights into the ports of call, and an Activities Crew, which will host cooking demonstrations and tastings, and organize and lead trivia games.

Three Carnival Cruise Ships Will Sail Over 50 Alaska Itineraries in 2027

Donna Tunney
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Three Carnival Cruise Ships Will Sail Over 50 Alaska Itineraries in 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line will continue its traditional three-ship deployment to Alaska in summer 2027.
  • Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend will sail special Carnival Journeys voyages before arriving in Alaska.
  • Carnival Luminosa will operate a Transpacific Journey to the South Pacific prior to her Alaska series.

Carnival Cruise Line is looking ahead to summer 2027 in Alaska, a season that will once again see three of the brand’s ships deployed to a destination that has enjoyed remarkable demand in the last few years.

Immediately prior to their deployment to Alaska, two of the ships will operate Carnival Journeys voyages that position them in their seasonal northern homeports.

Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend, both accommodating 2,124 guests, double occupancy, will be based in Seattle, while the 2,826-guest Carnival Luminosa will homeport in San Francisco.

All of the voyages have opened for sale and provide cruisers with a choice of 50-plus itineraries to Alaska’s pristine destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, plus some calls in British Columbia.

“Cruising is truly the best way to see Alaska, which is why these itineraries remain extremely popular each year – and all-the-more reason why travelers plan Alaska cruises far in advance,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Here’s a look at each ship’s itineraries in the Great Land and the voyages that will precede them. Some cruises begin in mid-April, providing early season voyages that are typically priced lower than high-season sailings in July and August.

Shortly before her deployment to Seattle, Carnival Spirit will sail back-to-back Carnival Journeys cruises. Carnival Journeys refers to the line’s series of longer voyages calling at less-traveled ports and offering an expanded roster of onboard enrichment activities and experiences. 

In March 2027, the ship will sail a 16-day Panama Canal cruise with calls in Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica, and a 15-day voyage to Hawaii that calls at four islands.

Cruise Ship Docked in Juneau, Alaska
Cruise Ship Docked in Juneau, Alaska (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

The Hawaii cruise operates roundtrip from Seattle. Following that voyage, the ship begins her Alaska season, consisting of  7-day sailings and one 9-day sailing.

Carnival Legend will begin her Alaska season in mid-April 2027, but before that she will sail a 16-day Panama Canal cruise — also a Carnival Journeys program. The voyage includes a call at Acapulco and represents the cruise line’s first visit there in more than 15 years.

Once in Seattle, Carnival Legend will sail weeklong cruises to Alaska before operating another 16-day Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii. That sailing will visit Honolulu; Hilo; Nawiliwili; and Kahului, Hawaii; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Longer, 10-Day Cruises Are Offered From San Francisco

Carnival Luminosa will offer 10-day cruises to Alaska’s top ports from her base in San Francisco but not before operating a 23-day Transpacific Journeys voyage from Sydney, Australia, to the South Pacific and Hawaii.

Read Also: How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?

Her Alaska series will begin in early May 2027, calling at Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Also from San Francisco, the ship will offer a short series of 4-day Baja Mexico sailings.

Carnival Cruise Line’s summer 2027 deployments are slightly altered from the 2025 season, which saw Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa in Seattle, and Carnival Legend in San Francisco. 

A different deployment is planned for 2026 as well. The cruise line currently has Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit scheduled for Seattle that summer, and Carnival Luminosa in San Francisco. Carnival Legend, meanwhile, will spend summer 2026 based in Dover, England.

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