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New Gameshow Launching on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

Melissa Mayntz
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New Gameshow Launching on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

Key Aspects:

  • The Price is Right Gameshow is now debuting onboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas.
  • A small entry fee is required to play and participating audience members can win prizes as well.
  • On every sailing, guests will have the chance to win a new car as the biggest prize onboard.

Guests onboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas will have an amazing opportunity for prizewinning fame as the Price is Right Gameshow will now be played onboard every sailing.

The new entertainment option has been in rehearsals for some time, but is actually ready to debut one sailing sooner than expected.

The announcement comes from the ship’s cruise director, Marc Walker, who will be hosting the wildly popular game show. He shared the news on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 while the ship is enjoying a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“We’ve been in secret rehearsals this week and I’m pumped to let you know that one cruise early we are bringing you the Price is Right Gameshow where you have a chance to win a new car!” Walker confirmed. “It starts tomorrow on [Utopia of the Seas] and will be every cruise from now on.”

Walker has been dropping hints about the new gameshow in the past few days, including a “COME ON DOWN!” post at the ship’s Rock Climbing Wall aft on Deck 7, which he labeled “Hmmmm. Misleading photo.”

The announcement is exciting, as the gameshow is a popular one that offers audience guests the chance to join in the fun.

While there is no cost to watch the show as part of the audience, guests who want a chance to win must scan a QR code to play along on their phones. Different fees offer different levels of play during the show.

Read Also: Is 3 Nights Enough Time Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas?

Just like the television game show, which (fun fact!) has run for nearly 1,000 episodes, different prizes are highlighted and guests must guess the retail value.

Contestants are then selected by how close they are (without going over!) to the actual price, as well as how quickly they submit their guesses.

The Price is Right on Star of the Seas
The Price is Right on Star of the Seas (Cruise Director Mitch)

Different familiar games are played on stage, including spinning a virtual Big Wheel. Guests can win prizes such as onboard credit, casino credit, and yes, even a new car!

The car is not awarded on every sailing, but just the excitement of the opportunity has guests packing the theater.

Reservations are not required for The Price is Right, but eager guests should arrive early to be sure and find seats, as the show fills up quickly.

Worth Reading: Cruise Passenger Wins Huge Upgrade in Onboard Bingo Game, Goes Viral

Utopia of the Seas is not the only Royal Caribbean ship to feature the popular game show, as The Price is Right is also a crowd-pleaser onboard Star of the Seas.

If the success continues, the game show may be rolled out to more ships, but at the moment, the cruise line has not announced or confirmed any such plans.

More Game Shows on Cruise Ships

The Price is Right is one of the most popular television game shows of all time, but it is not the only familiar game show offered onboard cruise ships.

Family Feud is another wildly popular option, with cruise guests teaming up to create “families” to compete in guessing top answers to silly questions before striking out.

Many different cruise lines also offer Deal or No Deal game show events, with individual guests seeking to beat the banker and win monetary prizes, while audience members can play along for their own prizes.

Wheel of Fortune and Press Your Luck are other game shows that have occasionally been onboard cruise ships as well.

More From Cruise Hive

Of course, cruise ships also have their own classic game options, with everything from simple trivia contests to the iconic “Love and Marriage” shows. Aboard Royal Caribbean ships, the “Crazy Quest” is a wildly popular if-you-know-you-know adults-only game show.

Have you joined in game shows onboard cruise ships? Share your gameplay on the Cruise Hive boards!

Disney Cruise Ship Continues to Skip Jamaica Following Hurricane

Catie Kovelman
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Disney Cruise Ship Continues to Skip Jamaica Following Hurricane

Key Aspects:

  • Disney Treasure will once again skip its call to Falmouth, Jamaica, during its November 29 sailing.
  • Falmouth experienced significant damage from Hurricane Melissa and is not yet ready to receive cruise guests.
  • Ocho Rios, however, resumed cruise operations earlier this week.

Disney Cruise Line is giving Jamaica the time and space it needs to recover after Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc on the Caribbean country at the end of October.

Guests embarking on Disney Treasure on November 29, 2025, have been informed that the planned call to Falmouth, Jamaica, on December 3, 2025, will no longer be possible due to the damage left behind by the intense category 5 storm.

The sailing in question is a 7-night “Very Merrytime” cruise to the Western Caribbean that also calls to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

“Due to the impacts of Hurricane Melissa on the island of Jamaica and the ongoing recovery efforts, we will be replacing our stop in Falmouth on Wednesday with a day at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Thursday,” Disney cruise line notified guests.

This means that Wednesday, December 3, will now be a sea day. Thursday, December 4, will be spent at Disney’s newest private destination on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

No other port calls on the itinerary have been impacted as of the time of publication.

Read Also: Falmouth, Jamaica Cruise Port: Piers, Getting Around and More

Interestingly, this also would have been Disney Treasure’s third call to Falmouth since Hurricane Melissa struck.

Disney already cancelled the Wish-class ship’s visit for November 5, 2025, which would have been just about a week after the destructive storm’s arrival.

Presumably, this means that the visit scheduled for November 19, 2025, has also been cancelled, although this has not yet been publicly confirmed by the cruise line.

Cruise Operations Restarting for Jamaica

Jamaica officially restarted cruise operations on November 11, 2025, with the arrival of Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam and MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina in Ocho Rios.

This is not only an important step in meeting the island nation’s goal of resuming all tourism operations on or before December 15, 2025, but also in kickstarting the local economy.

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship
Disney Treasure Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: MartinLueke)

However, this will be a slow and steady process, as not all of Jamaica’s five cruise ports are ready to receive guests at this point.

Ocho Rios is currently further along in its recovery efforts and is better equipped to welcome cruisers.

After receiving two cruise ships on November 11, Ocho Rios also welcomed Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Sunrise on November 12.

“This morning, the Carnival Sunrise called at the Port of Ocho Rios. It marks the second day of the restart of cruise shipping operations at the facility, after a 20-months closure due to damage to the berth,” the Port Authority of Jamaica shared on social media.

“The restart of cruise shipping activities is a critical step towards the general economic renewal of the town and recovery efforts post Hurricane Melissa,” the Port Authority added.

More From Cruise Hive

More ships from Carnival, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Holland America Line, and AIDA Cruises are all supposed to call on Ocho Rios before the end of the month.

In the coming weeks, hopefully recovery efforts and repairs will progress to the point that ports like Falmouth will also be able to resume cruise operations.

Royal Caribbean Announces Cruises From Four US Ports With Nine Ships

Lissa Poirot
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Royal Caribbean Announces Cruises From Four US Ports With Nine Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean’s 2027-28 deployment will feature nine ships sailing from Galveston, Los Angeles, Cape Liberty, and Baltimore.
  • The season introduces expanded access to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada with new and returning ships.
  • The deployment also highlights the growing collection of exclusive destinations.

Royal Caribbean is charting a new course for 2027 and 2028, announcing a wide range of sailings that will connect US ports with destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada.

The itineraries, now open for early booking to Crown & Anchor Society members ahead of the November 13, 2025, public release, include voyages from Galveston, Los Angeles, Cape Liberty in New Jersey, and Baltimore.

The cruise line’s 2027-28 schedule will feature nine ships offering itineraries lasting from 4 to 12 nights, with departures beginning in April 2027. 

These voyages include stops at Royal Caribbean’s private and exclusive destinations, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas, which opens in December 2025, and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, which opens in 2026.

The deployment includes nine ships sailing from three US regions. Texas departures will highlight Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, while California itineraries will feature the Mexican Riviera and the Baja Peninsula.

From the Northeast, passengers can choose sailings to Bermuda, the Bahamas, and ports throughout New England and Atlantic Canada.

Expanded Royal Caribbean Sailings

Royal Caribbean’s 2027-28 schedule expands operations from Galveston, Texas; Los Angeles; Bayonne, New Jersey; and Baltimore.

From Texas, the cruise line will strengthen its presence in Galveston starting in April 2027. Liberty of the Seas will return following a major 2026 upgrade, operating 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean sailings that call on Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.

Joining her will be Symphony of the Seas, homeporting in Texas for the first time with 4- to 8-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Symphony of the Seas in the Bahamas
Symphony of the Seas in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

In August 2027, Icon of the Seas will reposition from Miami to Galveston to launch alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, including stops at CocoCay, Roatan, and Cozumel, where the new Royal Beach Club Cozumel is set to open in 2026. 

On the West Coast, Ovation of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas will sail from Los Angeles. Ovation of the Seas will run short 3- and 4-night getaways to Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island, beginning in spring 2027.

Navigator of the Seas will continue her 7-night Mexican Riviera schedule, cruising to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada for week-long Pacific itineraries roundtrip from L.A.

In the Northeast, three ships will operate from Cape Liberty. Beginning May 2027, Oasis of the Seas will sail 7-night roundtrip voyages to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, while Odyssey of the Seas will offer 7- to 12-night itineraries to Southern Caribbean destinations starting November 2027.

Those journeys will visit Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Castries, St. Lucia.

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Independence of the Seas will also operate 4- to 9-night cruises from Cape Liberty to Bermuda, Canada, New England, and the Eastern Caribbean, calling at Halifax, Portland, Grand Turk, and Willemstad.

From Baltimore, Vision of the Seas will offer 5- and 9-night summer sailings to Bimini and Bermuda, followed by fall cruises to Halifax and St. John, New Brunswick.

MSC Cruises Places Order For Two More World-Class Mega Ships

Donna Tunney
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MSC Cruises Places Order For Two More World-Class Mega Ships

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Cruises placed a €3.5 billion order to build two more World-class ships.
  • The vessels will debut in 2030 and 2031 and are currently referred to as World Class 7 and 8.
  • Two other World-class ships marked construction milestones at their French shipyard. 

MSC Cruises is making another major investment in its future, to the tune of €3.5 billion ($4 billion USD), with the order of two more World-class ships.

The cruise line and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France confirmed the order of the ships, temporarily called World Class 7 and 8, on November 12, 2025. The two vessels are slated to launch in 2030 and 2031, respectively, bringing the MSC Cruises’ fleet to 29 ships.

Construction of the World Class 7 and 8 ships is scheduled to begin in 2029.

MSC Cruises has two World-class ships already operating — MSC World Europa (2022) and MSC World America (2025). Two more are under construction at the French shipyard, MSC World Asia, due to launch in 2026, and MSC World Atlantic, set to debut in 2027.

Two additional vessels, World Class 5 and 6, were ordered in May 2025 and will enter service in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

The cruise line’s World-class ships are the largest in the industry, next to Royal Caribbean’s Icon class. MSC Cruises’ World-class vessels are nearly 216,000-gross tons, while Icon class ships are just under 249,000-gross tons.

The World-class ships each accommodate 6,700 guests with all berths occupied, plus around 2,100 crew members. The expansion of the class means that when all eight ships are operating simultaneously, they will together host more than 53,000 passengers. 

World-class ships also share a key environmental component: They are all powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emits significantly less CO2 than traditional maritime fuels.

Read Also: MSC World America vs Icon of the Seas – A Giant Comparison!

The announcement of the new two-ship order was made while MSC Cruises celebrated major construction milestones for MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic.

MSC World Asia was floated out from her construction bay, as her hull touched water for the first time, while a traditional maritime coin ceremony, or keel laying, was held for MSC World Atlantic, with a good luck coin being welded to the interior of her hull.

MSC World America Float Out
MSC World America Float Out

“Today is a very proud day for MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, as we celebrate important milestones for our future – the float out of MSC World Asia, the coin ceremony for MSC World Atlantic, and the order of two new ships,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division. 

“The World Class platform is symbolic of our aim to set new standards for the future of cruising. These are some of the most energy-efficient ships in the world, demonstrating our commitment to the use of LNG and ensuring we are always ready for future renewable fuels,” added Vago.

With the new ship orders, MSC Cruises has so far invested €10.5 billion ($12 billion USD) in the World-class series of ships.

Next World-Class Ship to Debut in Late 2026

The next MSC World-class ship to launch will be MSC World Asia, which is scheduled to sail her inaugural voyage on December 4, 2026. Although she is named for Asia, the ship will debut in the Western Mediterranean and sail multiple 7-night itineraries through October 2027.

Bookings for MSC World Asia are open for sale, and guests have a choice of embarkation ports, including Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Valletta, Malta; and Genoa and Rome, Italy.

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Her maiden voyage will sail roundtrip from Barcelona and call at Marseille, France, Genoa and Rome, Italy, Messina, Sicily, and Valletta, Malta.

When MSC World Atlantic enters service in 2027, she will be based in the US, at Port Canaveral, and sail Caribbean voyages during the 2027-28 winter season.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas to Homeport in Texas Starting 2027

Melissa Mayntz
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Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas to Homeport in Texas Starting 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Bookings have opened for Icon of the Seas from Galveston beginning in August 2027 with 6-8-night itineraries.
  • This will be the first time an Icon-class ship homeports from the Lone Star State.
  • For eight months, all three Icon-class ships will homeport from Florida before Icon of the Seas heads to Texas.

Cruise options and guest capacities in Texas are growing by leaps and bounds as more and more ships homeport from the Lone Star State. Now, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the most iconic ship of all will soon sail from Galveston, as Icon of the Seas will change homeports.

Since her debut in January 2024, Icon of the Seas has called the Sunshine State home, but the sun is setting on her time sailing from PortMiami.

On Saturday, August 7, 2027, Icon of the Seas will bid a fond farewell to Florida as she departs on a 9-night repositioning sailing that will take her to Texas. Along the way, the ship will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Curacao, and Aruba before arriving at her new homeport on August 16.

Undoubtedly, that arrival will be treated with appropriate fanfare as befits a ship sailing into a new homeport. This will also be Icon of the Seas‘ first-ever visit to Texas, so a plaque exchange ceremony and other special events are sure to be on that day’s schedule.

Later that day, Icon of the Seas will welcome her first Galveston guests aboard for a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary with calls to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel. That maiden voyage from Texas is sure to be equally packed with special events, swag, and treats.

From Texas, the 248,700-gross-ton cruise ship will be offering 6-, 7-, and 8-night itineraries. While the 7-night options are very familiar itineraries for ships based from Texas, the 6-night sailings also visit the same three ports of call (Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel), but with one less day at sea.

Read Also: How Back-to-Back Cruises Work (And Save You Money!)

Icon of the Seas‘ 8-night cruises will sail a bit further, also visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas with four total days at sea.

At the moment, there are just six of those 8-night sailings scheduled, departing Texas on August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23, and November 6, all in 2027.

These longer cruises are sure to be wildly popular with eager guests, as they offer a more unique port than what many travelers are familiar with for Texas sailings. Prices for the longer cruises start at just $1,202 per person for an interior stateroom, making them a spectacular value.

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

With Icon of the Seas moving to Texas, Galveston is securing its place as a top homeport with many outstanding options for cruisers.

Just days ago, Cruise Terminal 16 opened in Galveston, welcoming MSC Seascape as the first MSC Cruises’ ship to homeport from the Lone Star State.

In 2026, Galveston expects 445 ship calls that will bring nearly two million cruise guests to the port. This will have a fantastic economic impact on the community and will highlight Texas as a truly amazing homeport.

What Will Replace Icon of the Seas in Florida?

That Icon of the Seas will be leaving Miami isn’t a surprise. Ever since it was announced that the third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, would be homeporting from Fort Lauderdale after her premier in the Mediterranean, it was inevitable that one of the Icon-class ships would leave the Sunshine State.

The second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is currently homeported from Port Canaveral with no plans to leave the central Florida homeport at least through April 2028.

With Port Everglades and PortMiami only 30 miles apart, it makes sense that two Icon-class ships might not be homeported so close together.

More From Cruise Hive

Legend of the Seas will first sail from Fort Lauderdale on November 11, 2026. This means that through the busy winter Caribbean season and into the summer of 2027, all three Icon-class ships will call Florida home, until Icon of the Seas departs in August 2027.

What an opportunity for Royal Caribbean to arrange the most iconic ship meetup of all time with all three sister ships! Or even better, for an eager cruiser to arrange side-to-side-to-side sailings on all three ships. Let’s get planning!

Royal Caribbean Entices Guests to Adjust Thanksgiving Sailing

Catie Kovelman
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Royal Caribbean Entices Guests to Adjust Thanksgiving Sailing

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean is checking to see if guests have flexible travel plans for Allure of the Seas’ upcoming Thanksgiving cruise.
  • The first offer to entice guests was an opportunity to switch to an interior cabin in exchange for a full refund.
  • The second opportunity would have guests cancel their voyage in exchange for a full refund and a 50% future cruise credit.

Allure of the Seas’ upcoming Thanksgiving sailing appears to have gotten a little too busy – which means Royal Caribbean is back with another incredible offer for guests who are willing to be flexible.

The Oasis-class cruise ship is set to embark on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 22, 2025.

These dates encompass the Thanksgiving holiday, when many kids are on fall recess and adults take time off work, which makes this sailing particularly popular.

Unsurprisingly, it appears to have been oversold, causing Royal Caribbean to ask if some guests would be willing to change their plans in exchange for perks.

“Ahead of our Allure of the Seas November 22, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements,” a letter from the cruise line began.

The first option guests were given was to stay on the sailing and relocate to an interior stateroom.

In exchange, their cruise fare would be fully refunded, meaning they would essentially get a free sailing in exchange for downgrading their stateroom category.

“We’ll move you to one of our cozy interior staterooms and Royal Caribbean will fully refund your current booking, including any non-refundable deposits,” Royal Caribbean wrote.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Amenities You Should Pre-Book

The second option that guests were given was to cancel their sailing in exchange for a full refund and a future cruise credit valued at 50% of their cruise fare to use toward a new booking.

The 50% cruise credit is applicable to voyages departing on or before November 22, 2026, on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Additionally, the cruise line would reimburse guests for non-refundable travel expenses, such as airfare and hotel bookings, that are incurred as a result of the last-minute change.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)

Guests who would like to take advantage of these offers must submit their interest and current booking details to Royal Caribbean via a survey attached to the email by November 17, 2025.

Those who are selected to take advantage of the offers will be notified by November 18, 2025. Not everyone who volunteers will be approved.

Are These Good Deals?

Personally, I would be happy to take Royal Caribbean up on one of these almost too-good-to-be-true offers.

As an avid cruiser, I know how expensive sailings can be and I’m always looking for opportunities to save money – especially if it means I can then book more cruises!

Many cruisers also agreed that they would happily take an interior cabin in exchange for a free cruise, especially because that means they don’t have to change their travel dates.

“Shooooooot I would respond SO FAST with option 1 haha. Free cruise yes!!” one person exclaimed on Reddit.

“Man a free cruise with a big budget for drink package and spa sessions, easy choice for me, but I’m the type that only goes to my room to change and sleep,” another agreed.

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That said, guests that do not want to change their cabin categories or cancel their sailings are not required to do so. Responding to these offers is voluntary.

“If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as “Read”, and gear up for your upcoming adventure,” Royal Caribbean reassured impacted passengers.

Typically, enough cruisers will jump at these offers that the sailing will no longer be overbooked and it will be business as usual onboard.

Jamaica Welcomes First Cruise Guests Since Hurricane Melissa

Catie Kovelman
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Jamaica Welcomes First Cruise Guests Since Hurricane Melissa

Key Aspects:

  • Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam became the first cruise ship to bring guests back to Jamaica since Hurricane Melissa.
  • MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina called later in the same day, and Carnival Cruise Line has also announced plans to return soon.
  • This is a good sign that Jamaica’s recovery efforts are going well and that the Caribbean country will be able to fully reopen by its goal date of December 15.

Jamaica has officially welcomed its first cruise guests after being ravaged by Hurricane Melissa at the end of October, marking an important milestone in the island nation’s recovery efforts.

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, at 8 a.m. local time on the morning of Tuesday, November 11, 2025, making this the first ship to call since the Category 5 storm decimated the country.

The stop was included as part of a 14-night Caribbean sailing that embarked in Miami, Florida, on November 1, 2025.

“We are honored to return to Ocho Rios and deeply grateful for the collaboration with the port, local community and tour operators,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.

“The decision was made with care and respect, knowing that tourism is vital to Jamaica’s recovery and future. Our guests are excited to bring much-needed support to the local economy,” Bodensteiner added.

Read Also: Jamaica Cruise Ports: Full List and Overview

The lead ship of Holland America’s Vista class is capable of carrying 1,988 guests, all of which bring a much needed economic boost. Jamaica’s economy relies heavily on tourism.

Additionally, the 2002-launched ship brought 1,700 boxes that were packed to the brim with relief supplies, such as food, water, bedding, clothing, and mattresses.

The donations were dropped off Reynold’s Pier before passengers were permitted to disembark for the day at the Turtle Bay Pier.

“On behalf of the people of St. Ann, and also representing Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett today, I want to sincerely thank Holland America Line for this incredibly timely donation of 20 pallets of food items and water to our tourism corridor,” said Hon. Matthew Samuda, Member of Parliament of Northeast St. Ann, Jamaica.

“It also sends a clear message: cruise partners aren’t just coming to enjoy Jamaica, they are standing with us in recovery. Every ship that returns to Ocho Rios strengthens jobs, protects livelihoods and helps our community bounce back stronger, and we value this kind of real, practical partnership.”

Adding to the cruise line’s generosity, dozens of Holland America Line volunteers participated in a beach cleanup in Seville, near Ocho Rios, during the port call.

And later this week, guests and crew will take part in the On Deck for a Cause 5K Walk to continue raising money to support the Hurricane Melissa relief fund.

More Ships Begin to Return

Jamaica has set a goal to resume all tourism operations by December 15, 2025.

With this goal now just over a month away, more cruise lines have begun to plan their returns to the Caribbean nation.

In fact, two hours after Zuiderdam arrived in Ocho Rios, MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina docked in the port.

Carnival Horizon Supplies for Jamaica
Carnival Horizon Supplies for Jamaica

The call was included as part of a 14-night Caribbean sailing that embarked in Miami, Florida, on November 6, 2025.

Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line has also announced that Carnival Paradise will be the first ship in its fleet to return to Jamaica. 

The Fantasy-class cruise ship will call on Ocho Rios on November 13 as part of a 6-night Western Caribbean sailing that embarked in Tampa, Florida, on November 10, 2025.

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She was originally supposed to visit Jamaica’s Montego Bay that day – which is the country’s second largest cruise port – but Ocho Rios is further along in its recovery efforts and more equipped to welcome guests.

Over the past couple weeks, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have also been stopping at Jamaica to drop off donations and supplies to aid in recovery efforts without including the destination as a standard port call.

Increased Laundry Price Spotted on Royal Caribbean Ships

Melissa Mayntz
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Increased Laundry Price Spotted on Royal Caribbean Ships

Key Aspects:

  • Royal Caribbean has increased the price of wash and fold laundry services onboard its ships.
  • The $5 increase is the first price hike for the service in at least five years.
  • The change was implemented from Monday, November 10, 2025, but online pre-cruise specials are still possible.

Laundry can be a controversial subject for cruise travelers. Some guests enjoy using onboard laundry rooms or valet services in order to pack less or travel home without dirty clothes, while others prefer not to have strangers handling their clothing and potentially damaging delicate fabrics.

What all guests can agree on, however, is the frustration of increasing costs for various onboard services. On Royal Caribbean ships, that will now include a higher price for laundry.

Guests onboard Oasis of the Seas have noticed an increase in the popular “Wash and Fold Laundry Special” for cleaning up one’s laundry before heading for home. Some guests have also spotted the new price on the Odyssey of the Seas.

As of Monday, November 10, 2025, the cost for a bag of laundry is now $39.99. This is $5 higher than the previous price of $34.99, a 14% increase.

The Wash and Fold service price applies to whatever items guests are able to place securely in the provided bag. While these paper bags are not generously sized, they can still hold small and easily washed items.

“Fit as many socks, shorts, t-shirts, swimwear and pajamas as you can into the bag provided and leave it for your stateroom attendant,” the special offer explains.

Guests are asked to provide an itemized list of the included clothing to be sure there are no mix-ups or missing items. The laundry is returned, cleaned, and folded within 24 hours.

Anyone interested in the service should note that “laundry is not responsible for color alteration or faults in the material.” Because of this disclaimer, guests should reconsider using the service for delicate items such as eveningwear or anything with embellishments, lace, or easily snagged fabrics.

Items that do not fit in the wash and fold bag or that require special treatment, such as dry cleaning or steaming, are priced individually. Those prices range from $2 for socks or a t-shirt to as high as $15 for an evening gown.

Those prices, however, may also be increasing as all laundry services are adjusted.

New Laundry Price
New Laundry Price (Photo Credit: Allexus White)

It should be noted that there are no self-service laundry rooms onboard Royal Caribbean ships. The cruise line cites “safety concerns” and notes that in-room irons are also not available.

Read Also: Hand Washing Clothes on Cruise Ships – The Ultimate Guide

Furthermore, guests may not bring aboard any steamers or irons onboard to perform their own in-stateroom laundering, as they are prohibited items and will be confiscated.

Why the Price Increase Now?

As of this writing, the lower price is still listed in the cruise line’s laundry FAQ, but this may simply mean the website hasn’t yet been updated for the very recent change. Another possibility is that the higher cost may be a test aboard limited ships or sailings before being changed fleetwide.

Prices of all services and packages are always subject to change. This laundry charge has been the same for years; however, the $34.99 price per bag dates back to at least mid-2020.

With the rising costs of detergent and labor, not to mention the increasing popularity of laundry services, it’s not surprising that this price increase has now been implemented.

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Royal Caribbean guests interested in the very best laundry deal (who still don’t want to take dirty laundry home from a cruise vacation) should keep an eye on pre-cruise sales. Occasionally, laundry services can be discounted 30-40% with limited-time prepaid wash and fold specials.

Of course, one can always take their dirty clothes home again to do laundry themselves, but where are the vacation vibes in that?

Celebrity Cruises Unveils 2027-28 Itineraries Covering 131 Destinations

Lissa Poirot
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Celebrity Cruises Unveils 2027-28 Itineraries Covering 131 Destinations

Key Aspects:

  • Celebrity Cruises is significantly expanding its global footprint, offering sailings to 131 destinations in 42 countries in 2027-2028.
  • The deployment features new and extended experiences, including 123 longer port stays of over 10 hours.
  • Eight ships will operate from four Florida homeports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa.

Celebrity Cruises, which recently debuted its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, with a preview cruise on November 9, 2025, is amping up its presence with more destinations, more countries, and more US homeports scheduled for the 2027-2028 season.

The cruise line just revealed its next deployment, which will cover 131 destinations in 42 countries, including Celebrity Xcel returning to the Caribbean for a third season and Celebrity Solstice operating a second Asian season following a refurbishment.

“Guests can discover something new in every corner of the world, as Celebrity Cruises unveils its 2027 and 2028 itineraries in the Caribbean, Asia, and South America,” the company stated.

Caribbean sailings went on sale today, November 11, 2025, with Asia and South America bookings opening December 10, 2025.

The itineraries feature several firsts for the line, including Celebrity Cruises’ first dedicated Grand Turk itineraries and four transits through the Panama Canal aboard Celebrity Ascent.

In the Caribbean, eight Celebrity Cruises ships will operate from four Florida ports — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa — with Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Xcel, and Celebrity Reflection taking passengers on year-round journeys as short as 3 nights and extending up to 14 nights.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium will sail to 49 destinations across seven countries in Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. 

The company also highlighted 123 chances in Asia to remain in port more than 10 hours, so passengers have extended time to explore cities, with overnight stays scheduled in Bangkok, Bali, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Phuket.

Celebrity Cruises will operate two ships in Asia in 2027-28.
Celebrity Cruises will operate two ships in Asia in 2027-28. (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)

In South America, Celebrity Equinox will sail 14-night itineraries to 17 destinations across seven countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The routes will offer access to landmarks like the Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn, and Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The season will run from November 27 through February 2028.

Wider Reach From Florida

The upcoming 2027-28 lineup marks one of Celebrity Cruises’ largest deployments from Florida, with eight ships connecting guests to 65 Caribbean destinations.

From Miami, Celebrity Beyond will operate year-round 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with stops in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean Group’s private island in the Bahamas.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay: Full Guide

Celebrity Xcel will also sail from South Florida for its third Caribbean season, offering alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean routes with calls at Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts.

Celebrity Cruises 2027-28 Deployment: Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises 2027-28 Deployment: Celebrity Xcel (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)

From Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Ascent will sail 10- to 14-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, including four Panama Canal transits and calls in Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

The refurnished Celebrity Silhouette will also be in Fort Lauderdale, offering 6- and 8-night sailings that include Jamaica, Mexico, and the ABC Islands, while Celebrity Eclipse journeys with a range of 9- to 12-night sailings.

More From Cruise Hive

Leading the charge from the Orlando area will be Celebrity Apex, with 7 7-night itineraries to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, including Key West, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman.

On the Gulf Coast, Celebrity Constellation will depart from Tampa on 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries that include Key West, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, Mexico.

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