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Is The Key on Royal Caribbean Worth It? We Break Down the Benefits

Royal Caribbean Cruise Advice

Emrys Thakkar

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May 16, 2026

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Is The Key on Royal Caribbean Worth It? We Break Down the Benefits

Key Aspects:

Purchasing Royal Caribbean’s The Key upgrade gives you access to several upgrades.
Upgrades make your cruise a more convenient and less hectic experience.
Evaluating The Key perks before purchasing ensures it’s worth the investment for your specific cruise.

The Key upgrade from Royal Caribbean gives you a bundle of perks for an extra fee. Whether it’s priority check-in and fast lane boarding or access to entertainment, discounts, and high-speed internet access, upgrading to The Key offers a smoother, more streamlined Royal Caribbean cruise experience from the start of your vacation to disembarkation.

What Is The Key on Royal Caribbean?

For an additional per-day fee, The Key upgrade offers priority services and bundled perks. Cruise guests must purchase the cruise for everyone in their cabin who is six years of age and older. There is a minimum purchase requirement based on sailing terms.

The program is available on all Royal Caribbean ships, including newer ships like Utopia of the Seas, but the specific amenities passengers enjoy may vary slightly by ship or itinerary.

What Perks Do You Get With The Key?

The upgrade offers Key guests a variety of rewards and perks that make the entire experience more enjoyable and convenient. However, the overall value of The Key often comes down to how you personally cruise.

For some cruisers, the convenience that comes with The Key package makes the cost worth it. If you dislike wasting time waiting in line and want to maximize your time onboard the ship, it could be worth the upgrade.

However, if you already have loyalty status perks, the benefits may feel less worth the investment. What perks do you get with The Key upgrade?

Priority Boarding and Check-In

Royal Caribbean PortMiami Terminal (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Passengers who upgrade with The Key enjoy a dedicated arrival time, allowing them faster and less stressful embarkation as part of Royal Caribbean’s boarding process.

You’re able to skip the long lines that are common at the cruise terminal and enjoy a few leisurely hours before setting sail. This upgrade is a favorite among passengers who upgrade.

Carry-on Luggage Delivery

Cruise Luggage on Royal Caribbean (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

One of the best perks of upgrading to The Key is the carry-on luggage drop-off service.

Instead of dragging your luggage with you as you board and find your room, you drop off your bags, and they are delivered to your stateroom. Personally, I love this upgrade because I find dealing with baggage during embarkation a pain.

Exclusive Welcome Lunch

Lunch on Utopia of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

The Key offers passengers an exclusive welcome lunch on embarkation day in the main dining room of the ship, along with priority reservations for select dining experiences depending on the sailing.

The upgrade allows you to skip the crowds at the buffet and enjoy a less hectic meal upon arrival. However, you can pre-arrange check-in times, which makes this perk less advantageous.

VOOM Wi-Fi Package

Access to free WI-Fi is one of the most valuable perks of The Key upgrade.

The per-day fee for Royal Caribbean’s VOOM internet packages, which Royal Caribbean claims is the fastest internet at sea, varies from ship to ship but tends to range from $20 to $30 per day per device.

Royal Caribbean recommends buying VOOM access pre-cruise to enjoy the biggest discount from onboard prices.

For many cruisers, the Wi-Fi inclusion is the tipping point when deciding if The Key upgrade is worth it. If you were planning to purchase VOOM internet anyway, or you know your cruising party will want daily internet access, the cost of The Key is reasonable.

However, if only one person or nobody in your party needs constant internet connectivity, this benefit alone may not justify the cost of The Key upgrade.

Priority Access to Onboard Entertainment

When you upgrade to The Key, you enjoy shorter waits for select onboard activities, including the FlowRider surf simulator, zip lines, access to the aqua theater, and other onboard adventures. You also get reserved seating at many onboard shows in the main theater seating section, but the reserved seats aren’t always the best. They tend to be off to the side or closer to the entrance of the theater.

The value of this perk varies based on what you like to do while cruising.

If you spend a lot of time waiting in lines for various activities and you want to save time, it’s worth it. But if you tend not to take advantage of their award-winning shows and other onboard activities, this perk shouldn’t convince you to upgrade.

Discounted Onboard Activities

If you do a lot of onboard activities, these discounts can add up quickly and offer big savings during your cruise. The Key offers:

20% off certain dining
50% off select onboard sports activities
$60 off spa services (with a minimum $250 purchase)

Priority Tendering and Disembarkation

Reducing wait times is one of the most common reasons people purchase The Key upgrade, including priority departure at the end of the cruise. This is especially helpful if you’re disembarking at one of the busier ports, like Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas (Photo Credit: Luis Ayerves Photography)

You’ll enjoy getting off the ship faster when tendering at ports and at the end of your cruise. However, port tendering is rarely used, so this isn’t as significant a benefit as it might seem at first glance.

Exclusive Departure Breakfast

Finally, purchasing The Key upgrade gives you access to an à la carte breakfast on the final morning of your cruise, featuring items similar to The Key signature menu.

This is a nice perk on your debarkation day, but it alone is rarely worth the upgrade fee unless there are other perks you’re interested in.

How Much Does The Key Cost?

Pricing varies by sailing and ship. Prices are per person (including kids six and older) per day and tend to range from $25 to $40. The Key upgrade can sell out due to limited availability, so book early.

The upgrade also isn’t available on all sailings. You can confirm if it’s an option for your cruise by checking your booking in the My Royal Cruise cruise planner tool after you book. If the upgrade is available, it will appear there for purchase.

Remember, once onboard, you’re out of luck, so purchase in advance if you want the benefits.

When It’s Worth It

So, when is The Key upgrade worth it, and how do you know it’s a smart investment for your next cruise? Consider upgrading if:

The price of The Key upgrade is close to the cost of a standard Wi-Fi package
You value convenience and want to waste as little time as possible throughout your cruise
You tend to arrive early and can maximize embarkation perks
You plan to attend shows and/or participate in activities, and you want to save money and enjoy priority access

When It’s Not Worth It

You’re less likely to think the cost of the upgrade is worth it if:

You don’t need Wi-Fi
Your cruise isn’t crowded
You already have suite perks or loyalty benefits
You won’t use most of the included features

Also, keep in mind that benefits can vary by ship and sailing. This means it’s a good idea to evaluate your specific ship’s itinerary and compare what is actually included before upgrading. There’s no sense in paying for the upgrade if the majority of the perks you’ll receive are already included in the price – or if the perks you want aren’t available on your ship.

Bar Harbor’s Cruise Ban Partially Overturned in Major Court Ruling

Port News

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May 16, 2026

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Bar Harbor’s Cruise Ban Partially Overturned in Major Court Ruling

Key Aspects:

US District Court Judge Lance Walker has overturned Bar Harbor’s daily passenger cap of 1,000 guests.
The ordinance has been deemed unconstitutional outside of July and August, which are the busiest times for tourism.
Cruise tourism has steadily decreased in Bar Harbor since the ordinance went into effect, and it could take years to return.

US District Court Judge Lance Walker is laying down the law in Bar Harbor, Maine, at least when it comes to cruise ship bans.

Since 2022, a citizen-led cruise ship ban that imposes a daily cap of 1,000 cruise ship passengers has been in place in the small coastal town, which serves as the gateway to the famous Acadia National Park.

But on May 15, 2026, Judge Walker released a 32-page order declaring that the ordinance is unconstitutional outside of July and August, which is Bar Harbor’s busy season that coincides with optimal weather for exploring the national park.

“I conclude that the ordinance’s 1,000-passenger cap is not clearly excessive in relation to its local benefits during the peak summer tourism season but is clearly excessive in relation to the shoulder seasons,” Judge Walker wrote, in part.

“Accordingly, I declare the ordinance unconstitutional and unenforceable in all months other than July and August,” he continued.

Interestingly, Cruise Hive reported that the very same Judge Walker upheld most of the ordinance in February of 2024 during an earlier stage of the ongoing legal battle.

Bar Harbor’s Town Council is expected to meet in an executive session on May 19, 2026, to review the decision, discuss next steps, and receive advice from legal counsel.

Ban Supporters Aren’t Ready to Give Up

The locals pushed for the daily cap to combat severe downtown congestion related to overtourism, protect the local environment, and preserve the quality of life for the approximately 5,300 residents.

Unsurprisingly, the proponents of the ban are not ready to give up without a fight. Local businessman Charles Sidman, who has fought to uphold the ban, issued a joint statement to Bangor Daily News with his attorney, Robert Papazian.

Bar Harbor, Maine (Photo Credit: WhiteHotRanch)

Supporters have pledged to appeal the decision, and bring the matter back to the voters if necessary.

“Bar Harbor citizens have voted twice now that we don’t just want more limited cruise disembarkations two months of the year; we want it year-round. We want our downtown back, even during the shoulder seasons,” the statement reads, in part.

The votes they are referring to are the original vote that allowed the ban to go into effect in 2022, as well as a more recent vote in 2024, where residents narrowly rejected a proposal to raise the daily limit. This decision was confirmed in a subsequent recount.

“In any event, Judge Walker’s decision will not stand…It is not practical or possible for a federal judge to micromanage cruise tourism in Bar Harbor. We will appeal and hope that the town government does too,” the statement continued.

Judge Walker, meanwhile, argued that what may be fair for the peak tourism periods may not be fair and balanced for the rest of the year.

Cruise Tourism May Make a Comeback

Because of the ban, cruise tourism has steadily decreased year over year as the cruise lines steer clear of the area for more welcoming alternatives. For example, Portland is only around 100 nautical miles away from Bar Harbor and has no passenger limitations.

According to the town of Bar Harbor, just under 50,000 cruise guests are expected to visit in 2026. This is down from an estimated 67,000 guests in 2025, and roughly 182,000 in 2024.

This decline has, unsurprisingly, led to a significant loss in revenue for local businesses involved in tourism and cruise ship tendering.

Association to Preserve and Protect Local Livelihoods (APPLL), the Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association, and other local businesses felt the ban was unconstitutional from the very beginning and filed a lawsuit against the town in 2022.

It will take time for the cruise industry to return to Bar Harbor, especially as the cruise lines plan and release itineraries years in advance. They will likely also wait to return until they are sure the legal battle has ended for good.

Cruise Hive will continue to monitor how the overturned ban may continue to affect the town, and the cruise industry, going forward.

Ceiling Panel Falls at Dining Venue on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Lissa Poirot

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May 15, 2026

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Ceiling Panel Falls at Dining Venue on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

Key Aspects:

A ceiling panel collapsed aboard Norwegian Luna during a Caribbean sailing on May 14, 2026.
The incident took place inside The Local Bar & Grill, the 24-hour eatery located on Deck 8.
The cruise line confirmed several guests were treated for minor injuries.

A dinner aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship quickly turned chaotic after a large ceiling panel suddenly fell inside one of the vessel’s dining venues, sending guests scrambling for safety during a Caribbean sailing.

The incident occurred on May 14, 2026, aboard Norwegian Luna while the ship was operating a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Miami. According to a TikTok post shared by a guest, the collapse happened inside The Local Bar & Grill while passengers were eating.

“This [was] the scariest experience my fiancé and I have had,” the passenger wrote. “We were having a meal at the Local Bar and Grill in the world’s newest cruise ship, Norwegian Luna, which first sailed last month, when the roof panels fell on us while eating.”

The guest said she instinctively ran from the complimentary 24-hour dining area located on Deck 8, while her fiancé remained behind to help other passengers trapped beneath the fallen panel.

Photos and videos circulating online appeared to show large ceiling sections collapsed across tables and seating areas inside the restaurant. Several crew members and guests could also be seen gathered around the damaged area immediately afterward.

@sail.now
Roof panels at the Local Bar and Grill on Norwegian Luna fall on top of passengers. tt: barbara
♬ original sound – Sail Now

In a statement provided to Cruise Hive, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the incident and said a limited number of guests received medical attention onboard.

“On May 14, 2026, an isolated incident involving a ceiling panel occurred in a guest area onboard. As a result, a small number of guests were evaluated and treated by the ship’s medical team for minor injuries,” the spokesperson said.

No details were released on exactly what injuries the affected passengers experienced or the number of passengers requiring medical attention. The dining area was temporarily closed for repairs and a review of what happened.

The Local Bar & Grill on Norwegian Luna (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)

The cruise line added that the safety of guests and crew is always a top priority and that company is in touch with the affected guests to assist them, although the spokesperson did not say if those passengers will be receiving any compensation for their injuries.

NCL added, “Out of an abundance of caution, the area has been temporarily closed while repairs and a review are completed. The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Our team is in touch with the affected guests to assist them.“

At the time of the incident, Norwegian Luna was nearing the end of its Caribbean itinerary that departed Miami on May 9, 2026.

The cruise included calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas and Tortola in the Virgin Islands; and NCL’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, before returning to Miami on May 16.

Ship Entered Service Just Weeks Ago

The incident comes less than two months after Norwegian Luna officially entered service, making it one of the cruise industry’s newest ships currently sailing.

The vessel is the second Prima Plus-class ship for Norwegian Cruise Line and was constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard near Venice.

At 156,000 gross tons, Norwegian Luna completed sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in late November 2025, successfully completing those trials before being delivered to the cruise line on March 5, 2026. The 3,565-passenger ship made her debut in Miami with a christening ceremony on March 27, 2026.

Injured passengers had been dining at one of the ship’s busiest dining venues, as the only place that serves food 24 hours a day. The venue features comfort food favorites like burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, and desserts, and is designed as a relaxed gathering space.

The Local Bar & Grill is part of the line’s Prima-class dining lineup and is also found onboard Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Viva, and Norwegian Prima.

The Unexpected Reason Royal Caribbean Just Switched an Alaska Homeport

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 15, 2026

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The Unexpected Reason Royal Caribbean Just Switched an Alaska Homeport

Key Aspects:

Ovation of the Seas will be using Whittier instead of Seward for debarkation and embarkation on May 22, 2026.
Port construction has made it impossible for the ship to use Seward as planned.
No additional sailings have yet been impacted, but further changes will depend on the construction’s progress.

Guests setting sail aboard Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on Friday, May 15, 2026 will enjoy their 7-night sailing but will not be ending the northbound Alaska itinerary in Seward as anticipated.

Royal Caribbean has notified guests of the change just one day before sailing, explaining that the cruise will now end in Whittier, Alaska instead.

“Due to port construction in Seward, Alaska, debarkation for your sailing will now take place in Whittier, Alaska,” the email posted by guests on Reddit confirmed.

“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the port construction. Our onboard team will share next steps during your cruise and will be available to assist to ensure your departure experience is as smooth as possible.”

Ovation of the Seas Letter (Credit: OpenLi)

Whittier is approximately 50 miles northeast of Seward and is another popular debarkation port for one-way, northbound Alaska cruises.

If guests have post-cruise tour or transfer arrangements booked through Royal Caribbean, the cruise line will make the appropriate timing adjustments automatically. Guests with private arrangements will need to contact their tour or transportation operators independently to make changes.

Next Cruise Embarkation Also Impacted

Guests on Ovation of the Seas‘ next sailing, departing on May 22, 2026, will likewise need to change their plans to meet the ship in Whittier rather than Seward for their southbound cruise.

Royal Caribbean has sent notifications to those travelers with similar information. Fortunately, those guests have a full week to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

To be clear, there are no technical problems with the 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum-class ship. The change in debarkation and embarkation port is not a result of any propulsion difficulties or any other mechanical issues.

There should be no further impact on either sailing beyond the change in debarkation and embarkation port. No ports of call or onboard experiences need adjusting at this time, and the ship is ready to welcome up to 4,905 guests on each cruise.

Similarly, there has been no notification sent yet to the next set of northbound and southbound sailings, departing Vancouver and Seward on May 29 and June 5, respectively.

It is possible that the port construction impacting operations in Seward may be complete by that time and no change will be necessary for those or other future sailings. Royal Caribbean will undoubtedly notify travelers as soon as any changes may be confirmed.

Seward is currently replacing the passenger dock in a cooperative project with the Alaska Railroad, Royal Caribbean Group, Turnagain Marine, and the Seward Company. According to the city’s official site, the project should be completed and open this spring.

What Can Impact Homeport Operations?

Changing homeports is not a common occurrence for cruise ships, but it is not unprecedented. Whenever unusual circumstances impact a homeport, it may be necessary for ships to change where they embark or debark guests.

For example, this can happen during hurricane season when a storm may threaten one homeport but another port is able to receive the ship. This could be the case if one homeport is damaged and it may be several days or weeks before it could reopen.

When the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed in March 2024, both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean temporarily relocated operations to Norfolk to keep cruises sailing from an alternative homeport.

Cruise Hive has also reported on homeport changes from flooding, berth availability, and other unusual circumstances affecting ships from different lines and in different sailing regions.

These situations can certainly be challenging for guests, but the cruise lines do offer whatever assistance they can to help keep the experience as smooth and efficient as possible.

Royal Caribbean Modifies Allure of the Seas Cruise to Drop a Full Day

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 15, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Modifies Allure of the Seas Cruise to Drop a Full Day

Key Aspects:

Allure of the Seas‘ first sailing from Port Everglades in May 2027 is being shortened by a full day.
The voyage will now be an eastern Caribbean itinerary instead of a southern Caribbean route.
The change will give the Oasis-class ship more time for turnover as she moves from Miami to Fort Lauderdale.

Itinerary changes can happen on any cruise itinerary, whether it is swapping a port of call, changing up the port order, or even cancelling a port visit. For guests booked on Allure of the Seas‘ May 1, 2027 departure, not only have two ports been changed, but the entire cruise is one day shorter and departing on a different day than originally planned.

Royal Caribbean has reached out to guests with the details of the change and their options if the new cruise doesn’t work for their travel plans.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process – which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, your May 1, 2027 Allure of the Seas sailing has been modified,” the email notification confirmed.

“Modified” may be an understatement. Now, the cruise will be departing Fort Lauderdale not on Saturday, May 1, but instead will leave Port Everglades on Sunday, May 2.

Originally, the cruise was an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary scheduled to visit Curacao and Aruba, along with Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

Now, however, the 7-night cruise is an Eastern Caribbean itinerary to St. Kitts and St. Thomas. There will still be a visit to CocoCay, but the rest of the sailing is 500 miles northeast of the original destinations.

This is not just a simple itinerary change, but a completely new sailing that may be disappointing to some guests. What is most surprising, however, is that Royal Caribbean is noting that the “sailing has been modified” but isn’t considering it a cancellation of the original cruise.

Options for Booked Guests

The up to 6,780 guests who may be booked on Allure of the Seas have three options regarding the radically changed cruise.

Royal Caribbean will automatically move all booked guests to the new cruise. The cruise fare will be adjusted to the rate for the new sailing or prorated from an 8-night to a 7-night fare, whichever is the best deal for the guest. The cruise line has confirmed it will refund any overage.

A second option is for guests to rebook on any other Royal Caribbean sailing, not necessarily on Allure of the Seas. These rebookings will be at prevailing cruise rates, and guests must still pay for any non-refundable deposit change fees.

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

If preferred, guests can also cancel their cruise vacation entirely. In this case, they will receive a full refund, including non-refundable deposits, that will be returned to the original form of payment.

Refunds may take up to two weeks to process from the cruise line. The actual time for refunds to be returned to guests may vary depending on individual financial institution policies.

Why Such a Major Change?

There has been no further information released about why this one sailing has been so dramatically changed a year in advance.

Cruise Hive has previously reported how Royal Caribbean has removed Labadee, Haiti from itineraries for all of 2026, but that decision was made following extreme violence and governmental collapse in a country with a history of such unrest.

Allure of the Seas is still scheduled to offer multiple 8-night southern Caribbean itineraries while she is homeported from Fort Lauderdale. At this time, only the first cruise from Port Everglades, the May 1 departure, is impacted.

Before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, the Oasis-class ship is homeported from Miami. Given that the two homeports are just 25 miles apart, it is not inconceivable that Allure of the Seas would end her last Miami-based cruise on the morning of May 1 as scheduled, then move north to Fort Lauderdale that afternoon to begin boarding guests for her next sailing.

Depending on the operational schedules at either homeport, however, that type of move might be too challenging to pull off effectively.

Instead, by changing the itinerary and cutting a day off her first Port Everglades sailing, Allure of the Seas will be able to offer a more relaxed experience for guests and crew members, ensuring a smooth repositioning.

Because the southern Caribbean itinerary requires more sailing to reach the ports of call on time, it may not be possible to keep the original cruise schedule without that extra night.

Fortunately, with nearly a year to plan, guests can find an alternative sailing that will work well for their vacation plans or else discover just how fun the eastern Caribbean voyage can be.

Royal Caribbean Drops Cruise in Unexpected Deployment Move for Spectrum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean News

Lissa Poirot

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May 14, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Drops Cruise in Unexpected Deployment Move for Spectrum of the Seas

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean has cancelled another scheduled sailing for Spectrum of the Seas in 2027.
The cruise line is redeploying Spectrum of the Seas for its summer 2027 season.
Guests are being offered alternative sailings from Shanghai.

Passengers planning a winter cruise to Japan aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas are now scrambling to adjust travel plans after the cruise line announced the ship will be redeployed ahead of its previously scheduled sailings.

One affected guest on the 4,246-passenger ship had been booked on a 5-night voyage departing February 14, 2027, which was scheduled to sail from Shanghai, China, to Fukuoka and Kumamoto, Japan.

Instead, the guest received an email from the cruise line on May 14, 2026, explaining that the Quantum Ultra-class ship would be repositioned as part of deployment changes tied to the Summer 2027 season.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, Spectrum of the Seas will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season.

“As a result, your 14 February 2027 sailing has been redeployed,” the cruise line shared.

Royal Caribbean apologized for the disruption but did not automatically rebook guests onto replacement sailings.

The 169,379-gross-ton Spectrum of the Seas, which first began sailing from China in 2019, was the cruise line’s first Quantum Ultra-class vessel specifically designed for the region. It regularly operates short cruises from Shanghai to Japan and South Korea.

However, the cancellation comes after months of itinerary disruptions involving Spectrum of the Seas sailing from China.

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean modified multiple Japan itineraries aboard the ship amid ongoing tensions between China and Japan, replacing several Japanese ports with destinations in South Korea.

Spectrum of the Seas Letter (Credit: Derrick Low)

At the time, impacted sailings stretched from May 2026 through April 2027, with Royal Caribbean reassigning and shortening several voyages departing from Shanghai.

Now the cruise line is at it again, offering several alternative voyages aboard the same ship, departing from Shanghai between September 2026 and June 2027.

Replacement Sailings

Royal Caribbean is offering impacted guests several replacement options aboard Spectrum of the Seas, all sailing roundtrip from Shanghai, China.

The first available alternative departs September 1, 2026, with stops in Fukuoka and Nagasaki, Japan. Another sailing departing October 11, 2026, visits Kagoshima and Okinawa, Japan.

Royal Caribbean in China (Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)

For guests still hoping to travel in February 2027, Royal Caribbean is offering a February 17 departure to Fukuoka and Busan, South Korea. Another option departing February 22 sails to Nagasaki and Kagoshima.

However, would-be passengers shared on social media that those voyages are fully booked at this time. Additional replacement sailings are also available on March 24, April 18, and June 4, 2027.

According to Royal Caribbean’s notice to guests, passengers who select a replacement cruise will be moved to a like-for-like stateroom category.

The cruise fare itself will either remain protected at the original booking rate or be reduced to the current lower fare if pricing has dropped since the original reservation was made, refunding passengers who may have already paid in full.

Taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items are excluded from the fare protection policy.

The cruise line did not offer onboard credit or additional compensation tied to the cancellation, which is typically when cruise lines change ship schedules with long lead times.

Royal Caribbean did not indicate whether additional Spectrum of the Seas sailings could be impacted as the cruise line continues finalizing deployment plans for summer 2027.

MSC Seashore Guests Get Two New Free Dining Options

MSC Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 14, 2026

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MSC Seashore Guests Get Two New Free Dining Options

Key Aspects:

Two new casual dining venues have been added to MSC Seashore: The Chicken Man and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs.
Both venues are complimentary and included with guests’ cruise fare.
The new grab-and-go venues join other specialty dining options available onboard.

MSC Cruises has introduced two new grab-and-go dining options onboard MSC Seashore. Guests will love the new additions that offer tasty chicken tenders and sandwiches, along with classic American barbecue entrees with traditional sides.

On the main pool deck (Deck 18), hungry guests will find The Chicken Man. The easy walk-up counter access offers trays of chicken tenders and fries along with chicken sandwiches. Guests can choose from a variety of sauces to customize their selection.

Nearby, a shaded seating area makes this a convenient spot for a quick snack or casual lunch while enjoy great ocean views and breezes.

The second new grab-and-go venue is Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs, now open for both breakfast and lunch. To start their day, guests can enjoy barbecue burritos, pulled pork hash, and grits and biscuits.

For lunch, the rustic counter service venue offers pulled pork, beef brisket, sausage, pork ribs, and barbecue chicken, with a selection of classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. Two access lines are organized to minimize wait times.

Guests with a sweet tooth will want to sample the banana pudding or cookie pecan butter pie (or both!) as a delicious finish.

Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs is located on Deck 8 near the ship’s aft infinity pool. Casual, shaded seating is also available nearby.

Both The Chicken Man and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs are complimentary dining venues, included with guests’ cruise fare for no extra charge.

Exact hours for the two venues have not been announced and may vary depending on the ship’s itinerary. It is not uncommon for casual dining venues to offer different service hours on port days versus sea days. Popularity, cleaning schedules, and kitchen prep time will also play a part in each venue’s opening hours.

The new venues come into service just as MSC Cruises has launched the “Dine on Your Time” option onboard MSC Seashore, which began on April 19, 2026. This new flexible dining time is for restaurant meals, however, and will not impact the operational hours of the quick-service venues.

MSC Cruises Investing in Dining

The 170,400-gross-ton MSC Seashore now offers an even wider variety of specialty dining to suit guests’ different tastes.

Guests can still enjoy the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, Butcher’s Cut, with its aged angus beef menu and curated pairings such as decadent sauces, classic sides, and elegant desserts. Also on the menu are such iconic dishes as Oysters Rockefeller, Caesar salad, and grilled salmon.

For spicier fare, Hola! Tacos and Cantina is reminiscent of Mexican street fare with blue corn tacos and nachos, tamales, chipotle carnitas, barbacoa, and, of course, homemade salsa and guacamole. Flan, dulce de leche, and customized ice cream tacos can finish off the deliciousness.

Asian inspiration reigns at both Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki, where delicate flavors are paired with expert preparation and showmanship for an immersive dining experience.

The popular Ocean Cay restaurant offers refreshing seafood from yellowfin tuna tartare and seared crab cakes to salt-crusted seabass, roasted dover sole, and other exquisite options.

MSC Seashore also features 18 different bars and lounges, ensuring all guests can toast their cruise vacation throughout every sailing.

Homeported from Port Canaveral, those sailings include 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries as well as weeklong Western Caribbean cruises. Depending on departure date and itinerary, the 4,540-guest MSC Seashore visits top destinations such as Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Cruise Ship Extends Bordeaux Stay to Dodge Rough Seas After Illness Outbreak

Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 14, 2026

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Cruise Ship Extends Bordeaux Stay to Dodge Rough Seas After Illness Outbreak

Key Aspects:

Ambition will remain in Bordeaux for an extra night due to rough weather in the Bay of Biscay.
The ship’s next port visit in Spain has been adjusted to account for the brief delay.
Illness protocols remain in effect onboard, but the ship’s itinerary will continue as planned.

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition has been cleared by French health authorities and guests are permitted to debark and explore the historically-rich city of Bordeaux, but the ship will now be remaining in port longer than originally expected.

Ambition was supposed to depart at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 following an overnight stay in the port. While the ship did arrive on time early on Wednesday morning, an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness onboard led French authorities to deny debarkation until health testing was complete.

Cruise Hive reported that the testing was finished and guests permitted to debark later in the day on Wednesday, following the loss of several hours of port visit time. This led to all of Wednesday’s tour opportunities being cancelled.

Now Ambition will remain overnight in Bordeaux until late Friday, but not entirely due to the illness outbreak.

“In the interests of guest comfort and crew wellbeing, Ambition will remain in Bordeaux overnight before continuing her sailing on a revised itinerary from tomorrow, Friday 15 May 2026,” the cruise line announced on Facebook.

“This will allow the ship to avoid forecast unsettled weather conditions in the Bay of Biscay this evening which would be less than ideal for guests and crew recovering from gastrointestinal illness while also providing valuable additional time for crew who have worked exceptionally hard in challenging circumstances over recent days.”

The Bay of Biscay is off the southwestern coast of France. As Ambition sails from Bordeaux to her next port, El Ferrol in northwestern Spain, she must completely cross the southern portion of the bay.

According to Windy.com, winds across the Bay of Biscay are forecast to be 25-30 miles per hour from the north-northwest at the time Ambition was to have been sailing toward El Ferrol on Thursday. By leaving on Friday instead, winds should slow to just 15-20 miles per hour, which will be a much smoother passage.

Time in El Ferrol Revised

The 48,200-gross-ton ship was originally planned to arrive in El Ferrol at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 and depart at 6 p.m.

On the revised schedule, the ship will now arrive at 10:30 a.m. and her visit has been extended until 8 p.m. to ensure all guests have a full day to enjoy the city and any tours or excursions planned.

Ambassador Ambition Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Skyshark Media)

At this time, there are no further changes to Ambition‘s itinerary. The ship departed Belfast on Friday, May 8 for the 14-night sailing. After El Ferrol, her remaining port visits are Gijon and Bilbao in Spain, followed by La Rochelle and Lorient in France, as she makes her way back to arrive in Belfast on Friday, May 22.

Illness Protocols Continue

Though Ambition is able to continue on her journey after the weather-related adjustment, the gastrointestinal illness outbreak remains onboard.

The Agence Regionale de Sante Nouvelle-Aquitaine has confirmed the outbreak as norovirus, but no serious cases have been reported.

Ambassador Cruise Line is continuing to provide free medical consultations onboard for any gastrointestinal illness symptoms and enhanced surface cleaning and other sanitation protocols remain in effect.

“Throughout this period, the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew has remained our highest priority,” the cruise line said. “We would like to thank guests and crew for their patience, understanding and cooperation while precautionary health and safety measures remain in place.”

Ambition can hold 1,248 guests at double occupancy, but no numbers have been confirmed about how many guests or crew members have reported illness symptoms.

Norovirus and other gastrointestinal illness outbreaks are common in many public places, including schools, restaurants, and yes, on cruise ships.

So far in 2026, four outbreaks have been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including most recently onboard Caribbean Princess with more than 100 guests and crew members exhibiting symptoms.

Carnival Warns Galveston Cruisers of Traffic Snarls Impacting Two Sailings

Carnival Cruise News

Melissa Mayntz

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May 14, 2026

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Carnival Warns Galveston Cruisers of Traffic Snarls Impacting Two Sailings

Key Aspects:

Road closures and construction at the Port of Galveston will significantly impact two Carnival ships this weekend.
Guests for both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze should be aware of traffic congestion as they head to the port.
There is no embarkation or departure change for either ship and guests must be on time to set sail on their cruises.

The Port of Galveston has been undergoing road construction and other local projects for some time, with varying impacts on cruise guests trying to reach different terminals. This weekend will be particularly challenging and Carnival Cruise Line has reached out to guests booked on Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze with details for smoothing embarkation.

Carnival Jubilee‘s Saturday, May 16 departure and Carnival Breeze‘s Monday, May 18 departure will both be impacted by traffic difficulties. Guests have received detailed emails about the roadwork now going on at the Port of Galveston.

“Construction is underway along sections of Harborside Drive (the main road by the cruise terminal),” the email said. “Consequently, there will be lane closures. Please check traffic conditions of the area on embarkation day, so you may adjust your route accordingly.”

Guests are advised that if they plan to park at the port, they should go directly to the parking rather than drop off luggage at the cruise terminal. A complimentary shuttle will be ferrying guests from the parking area to the cruise terminal.

No shuttle will be available from the Express Lot or the SMP garage. The Express Lot is adjacent to Cruise Terminal 28, while the SMP garage is just across Harborside Drive at Cruise Terminal 25.

Both Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze will be departing from Cruise Terminal 25, but Carnival Breeze is scheduled to return to Cruise Terminal 28 at the end of her 5-night sailing. Together, the two ships can welcome more than 10,000 guests at once.

The two terminals are just one-quarter mile apart. Cruise guests frequently park at either location when their ship may be using one terminal or the other.

Port of Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

If guests are being dropped off by rideshare services, taxis, or friends, they should enter the terminal from 22nd Street and exit at 23rd Street. Using any other route may cause delays due to road closures and traffic rerouting.

Signage and local authorities will be on hand to help direct cruise traffic to the appropriate location, whether for drop-offs or parking.

Both cruise ships are offering Western Caribbean itineraries. Carnival Jubilee will be setting sail on a 7-night voyage to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, while Carnival Breeze will be sailing a 5-night itinerary to Cozumel and Progreso.

No Embarkation Time Changes

Despite the convoluted traffic patterns and potential delays due to congestion and road closures, there is no change to the embarkation or departure times for either Carnival cruise ship.

The cruise line is reminding guests to stick to the terminal arrival appointment they selected when checking in for their respective sailings. This will help smooth traffic flow and minimize frustration.

Cruise Hive has previously reported that Carnival will not offer refunds or other compensation if guests are late and miss embarkation due to traffic problems. This is standard policy across all cruise lines, and guests are responsible for arriving at the cruise terminal on time, regardless of traffic delays.

Local Event May Cause More Traffic Problems

Guests heading to the Port of Galveston this weekend should also be aware that May 14-18 is “Go Topless Weekend” or “Jeep Weekend” on the Bolivar Peninsula.

While not directly at the port, the relatively informal event is just north of the Port of Galveston across the channel where cruise ships enter and leave the port. According to the County of Galveston, more than 100,000 visitors are expected for the weekend, which can add significantly to traffic concerns.

Cruise ports are regularly impacted by local events. Cruise Hive has noted impacts for music festivals, marathons and 5K races, parades, and even pirate festivals at different homeports, including Miami, Tampa, and Norfolk.