A bride’s bachelorette party turned sour after she was caught smuggling alcohol onboard during her Carnival sailing.
She posted a TikTok about her bad behavior during the voyage, leading onboard security to confront her – although this would still be a punishable offense even if it had been caught after disembarkation.
By the time the TikToker returned home, she had received a lifetime ban from the cruise line.
The bride-to-be, who goes by Maddie on her TikTok page (@madisonwest2000), used feminine hygiene products as a disguise to smuggle the alcohol onboard the unspecified Carnival ship.
And if this wasn’t bad enough, she posted about her “crime” on TikTok during the cruise, showing herself pouring the alcohol out of a wrapper and into her drink.
Several of her viewers tagged Carnival Cruise Line, and it wasn’t long before members of the security team came knocking on her cabin door.
During Maddie’s interaction with the security team, which was partially filmed, more of the wrappers filled with alcohol were found in her stateroom’s mini fridge.
Replying to @Queen Of The Hill He made me change my written statement from “brought” to “smuggled”. Again this was on me and I accept my punishment. They were so weird about me recording, I’m pretty sure that’s my right but I didn’t want to make it worse.
“He made me change my written statement from ‘brought’ to ‘smuggled’. Again this was on me and I accept my punishment,”Maddie captioned the TikTok.
“They were so weird about me recording, I’m pretty sure that’s my right but I didn’t want to make it worse,” she added.
The contraband surely would have been confiscated, and Maddie received an email informing her of the lifetime ban by the time she returned home.
Some said that Maddie’s mistake was posting her TikTok during her cruise, but it’s important to note that Carnival can levy this punishment even after disembarkation.
Aside from a single 750-ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne in carry-on luggage, guests are forbidden from bringing their own alcohol onboard Carnival cruise ships.
As all the major cruise lines do, Carnival sees breaking this rule as a major offense because it could put other passengers or crew members in danger.
“All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of the exceptions referenced above are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided,”Carnival’s policy states.
First, bringing unauthorized alcohol onboard limits the cruise line’s ability to accurately monitor alcohol consumption, and excessive drinking can lead to safety concerns.
Additionally, guests who are up-to-no-good could potentially spike their smuggled refreshments with something that could be dangerous to other passengers they choose to share it with – although this does not appear to be the case here.
On a different note, smuggling alcohol takes away from the revenue earned by purchasing the Cheers! Drink Package or by buying drinks a la carte from the ship’s bars.
Maddie did take responsibility for her actions, which is admirable, but the damage is likely done.
Even so, she did implore Carnival to reconsider. The cruise line is particularly important to her because she met her future husband on a Carnival sailing.
“Me and my husband actually met on a Carnival cruise so Carnival means a lot to us. So it kinda sucks that I got banned. So, I take it all back. Just let me back on, please,”she implored in another TikTok video.
Maddie found no sympathy in the comments section, with other cruise fans saying she got what she deserved.
A daughter became worried when she lost contact with her parents for several days after they embarked on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
In an effort to confirm their safety, the daughter made a post on the Facebook page for the voyage asking if anyone could confirm their whereabouts.
Fellow cruise guests not only confirmed her parents were safe, but continued to look out for them for the remainder of the 7-night Bahamas voyage.
Something that never ceases to impress me about the cruise community is the unwavering kindness of the people within it.
It’s this very kindness that helped one woman confirm her elderly parents’ safety and then made their 7-night Bahamas voyage extra special.
Jessica Cohn, a 42-year-old from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, loves to go on cruises with her family.
But when her parents, 76-year-old Carol Silverberg and 78-year-old Sol Silverberg embarked on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas on August 31, 2025, their daughter was not able to join them due to scheduling conflicts.
However, the parents promised that they would keep in touch during the voyage and Cohn showed them how to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi to help them stay connected.
But by three days into the sailing, Cohn was very worried because she hadn’t heard a peep from her vacationing parents.
By this point, the Oasis-class vessel would have begun calling on destinations like Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas), and Port Canaveral, Florida – where they should have had access to cell service and/or Wi-Fi.
When Jessica Cohn lost contact with her elderly parents on a Caribbean cruise, she turned to social media for help, igniting a heartwarming wave of support from strangers who not only reassured her but also connected with her parents, transforming worry into community. pic.twitter.com/MW3Y0Wv3Gq
“After three days, I hadn’t heard from them, despite my mom promising to write to let me know they were safely on board,”Cohn told PEOPLE.
“I got very worried, so I joined a Facebook group specific to their sailing and posted a photo of them, asking for anyone who saw them to please message me,” she said.
It wasn’t long before Cohn had confirmed that her parents were safe and well, essentially turning them into onboard celebrities in the process.
An Overwhelming Response
Within an hour, several people from the up to 5,518 passengers onboard sprang into action to reassure Cohn that her parents were doing just fine.
She received multiple responses in the Facebook group, as well as a photo of the happy couple smiling on the ship.
“Within an hour, I not only had a photo of them smiling on the ship, taken by a kind passenger, but replies from several people assuring me they were fine,” Cohn shared.
Later that day, a concierge onboard graciously allowed Carol Silverberg to call her daughter and personally confirm that everything was ok.
The couple, whom Cohn had said weren’t exactly known for being technologically savvy, were simply having trouble connecting to the internet.
But even after confirming that the Silverbergs were okay, several passengers went above and beyond the line of duty to continue to keep tabs on the couple throughout the remainder of the sailing, sending Cohn updates along the way.
Another couple even befriended Cohn’s parents after recognizing the duo and joined them for a meal, which the family says made them feel like celebrities.
“In these times where many people feel so disconnected, I genuinely felt I had a community on board that ship linking me to my parents, and it was truly uplifting,” Cohn added.
Cohn’s decision to search for her parents via Facebook was ingenious, and the response renews my faith in humanity.
In the event you ever need to contact a loved one on a cruise ship and cannot reach them directly, the cruise lines do also provide emergency numbers and sometimes ship-specific contact numbers.
These can be found by going to the cruise lines’ websites or by calling their customer service departments.
Three different cruise ships have confirmed itinerary changes due to Hurricane Priscilla in the eastern Pacific, now impacting Mexican Riviera itineraries.
Carnival Panorama, Navigator of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas are all adjusting port visits and sailing routes as needed to avoid the Category 1 storm.
Additional itinerary updates will be added to this list as they are confirmed.
All eyes may be on the Caribbean from June through November as the Atlantic hurricane season takes cruising by storm, but guests sailing West Coast itineraries are having multiple storm impacts this year as well.
Hurricane Priscilla is causing several itinerary changes. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Category 1 storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour and is located 485 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas.
Moving at just three miles per hour, Priscilla’s track is predicted to head north-northwest with swells and heavy surf and rip currents impacting Baja and Cabo San Lucas by Monday, October 6.
Hurricane Priscilla
Carnival Panorama Itinerary Change
Due to the storm’s track taking it near Cabo San Lucas, Carnival Panorama‘s Sunday, October 5, 2025 departure is radically different than the originally planned itinerary.
The 6-night itinerary included an overnight visit in Cabo San Lucas from Tuesday to Wednesday, October 7-8 (though Carnival ships don’t actually stay anchored at the tender port overnight, but return for the second day). Now, that port visit is not possible.
“Carnival Panorama’s Captain, Salvatore Mangraviti, and our Fleet Operations Center have been actively monitoring [Hurricane] Priscilla, which has formed in the eastern Pacific and is currently moving in a northwesterly direction,”Carnival Cruise Line alerted booked guests the day before embarkation.
Carnival Panorama in Mexico (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
“The forecasted track takes the storm in the direction of Cabo San Lucas, and it is likely the port will be closed. This is forcing a change of our planned itinerary.”
Now, the ship will enjoy fun days at sea on both Monday and Tuesday, with a visit to Catalina Island from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8.
Carnival Panorama‘s planned call to Ensenada on Friday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. has been expanded as well. Now, the ship will visit the northern Mexico port from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, and will return for a second full day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
“We know you were looking forward to experiencing Cabo and are sorry for this weather-related change, but we also know you will agree that safety takes priority,”the email explained.
Any tours for Cabo San Lucas booked through Carnival Cruise Line are being automatically cancelled and refunded to guests’ onboard accounts.
Excursions for Catalina Island and Ensenada are available to book through the Carnival Hub app or onboard at the Carnival Adventures and Guest Services desks on Deck 3 (Lobby Deck) in the Panorama Atrium.
Navigator of the Seas Itinerary Change
Navigator of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas is likewise impacted by Hurricane Pricilla. The ship’s October 3, 2025 departure was to have been a 7-night Mexican Riviera itinerary with visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.
Because of the storm, however, the ship is unable to safely cross the mouth of the Gulf of California that separates the Baja peninsula from mainland Mexico.
Instead, Navigator of the Seas has cancelled the visits to both Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, and the ship will head north for extra days at sea and a replacement visit to Ensenada.
Quantum of the Seas Itinerary Change
Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Igor Grochev)
Quantum of the Seas‘ October 6, 2025 departure is also cancelling the planned visit to Cabo San Lucas. The 6-night itinerary will now have two visits to Ensenada instead.
The first visit was already part of the original itinerary for Tuesday, October 7, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. That visit is now being extended to 5 p.m. to give guests a bit more time ashore.
The visit to Cabo San Lucas for Thursday, October 9, however, is no longer possible. Quantum of the Seas will return to Ensenada for a second visit on Friday, October 10.
All pre-paid shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Cabo San Lucas are being refunded as onboard credit to guests’ accounts. Amounts remaining at the end of the cruise will be refunded to the card on file after debarkation.
Note: Further updates on impacted ships will be added as they are confirmed. Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with everyone in the path of the storm with hopes for safe, smooth sailings!
Star Princess has officially entered service and departed on Saturday, October 4 for her maiden voyage, an 11-night Western Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona.
The second Sphere-class ship is now offering limited departures from Barcelona before heading to Fort Lauderdale for her first winter in the Caribbean.
Guests onboard will be able to enjoy more than 30 bars and restaurants, exclusive entertainment options, and the largest casino in the Princess Cruises fleet.
A star is born in the Princess Cruises fleet as Star Princess, the second Sphere-class ship, has set sail from Barcelona on her maiden voyage.
Following a two-month delay and the cancellation of nine earlier sailings, the ship has now departed for the 11-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Saturday, October 4, 2025, officially beginning what will hopefully be many years of stellar service.
“Star Princess shines brightly as one the largest and most spectacular ships we’ve ever built, and we proudly welcome excited guests on her inaugural voyage,”said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises.
“From leading the newbuild team at the Monfalcone shipyard to watching our amazing crew now guiding her on her maiden voyage with our very first guests, this journey is a true honor for me and our dedicated crew,”added the ship’s master, Captain Gennaro Arma.
This inaugural sailing has visits planned to Marseille, Rome, Naples, Palermo, Cartagena, and Gibraltar before arriving back in Barcelona on Wednesday, October 15. Along the way, guests onboard will have plenty of time to experience all the brand new ship has to offer.
Following this first voyage, Star Princess is offering two more departures from Barcelona. The October 15 sailing is a 7-night cruise visiting Mediterranean voyage to Malaga, Gibraltar, Cartagena, and Marseille.
The October 22, 2025 sailing is of particular interest, as it will be the new ship’s first transatlantic cruise as she moves from Europe to her homeport in Fort Lauderdale. That 14-night one-way sailing includes visits to Palma de Mallorca, Gibraltar, and the Azores before the ship turns her bow toward Florida.
From Port Everglades, Star Princess will offer Caribbean sailings with both Western and Eastern routes, including visits to the Bahamas and Mexico. Guests can easily combine back-to-back cruises for more immersive vacations.
In April 2026, the ship will offer another amazing first with her April 13 departure, a 20-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle. This will be the ship’s first transit of the famed Panama Canal and will include stops in Aruba, Panama, the Mexican Riviera, and southern California.
From Seattle, Star Princess will spend the summer offering 7-night Inside Passage itineraries to explore Alaska, before returning to Fort Lauderdale in October 2026.
“We wish our Star Princess captain, senior officers, and crew much success – may her voyages be safe, her sunsets unforgettable, and may she shine, as her name promises, in the sky and on the seas,”said Antorcha.
The next memorable step for the new ship will be her official christening. The ceremony will be in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, November 6, 2025, before she debuts her Caribbean itineraries.
A Star Princess Is Born
Just delivered to Princess Cruises on September 26, 2025, the new ship is certainly ready to shine with something for each of the 4,300 guests aboard. The crew of more than 1,500 international members stands ready to ensure everyone truly feels like a star.
“We warmly invite guests to come aboard our new Star Princess to experience the extraordinary and well-loved service Princess is known for,”said Arma.
The 177,800-gross-ton ship offers 30 different bars and dining venues, including the wildly popular Love by Britto specialty dining and an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub.
The signature Piazza with its extraordinary glass sphere is the go-to spot for panoramic views at the heart of the ship. Guests can also take on the challenge of the pickleball court, immerse themselves in the candlelit atmosphere of live music under the Dome, or try their luck at the biggest casino on any Princess Cruises ship.
Just don’t miss the exclusive entertainment, including Spellbound by Magic Castle and the two new production shows, Meridian and Illuminate. Both productions showcase phenomenal effects and music with talented casts and breathtaking scenes.
It’s time to get going with Cruise Hive’s weekly news recap that keeps you up to date on major industry developments as well as unique cruise stories from across the globe.
Today’s edition includes coverage of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings unveiling a loyalty-match program across its three brands, a cruiser having to pay a hefty fee for bringing a huge amount of cash into Canada, and a well-known Hollywood couple being chosen as godparents to Princess Cruises’ Star Princess.
Get your daily cruise news fix by signing up for Cruise Hive’s Daily Update, delivered to your inbox each morning.
NCL Adds Fee for Ordering Multiple Entrees
Norwegian Prima Class Dining Room (Photo Credit: Melissa Herzog)
Guests opting for a meal in the main dining rooms aboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships will have to fork over $5 for each additional entree they order.
The new charge, which was quietly added to menus recently, is likely intended to discourage food waste and to prevent “travel influencers” from ordering multiple entrees just to take photos of them.
There continues to be no charge for ordering one entree. Also, there is unlikely to be any additional charge if an entree is sent back to the kitchen, for instance, because it is overcooked or undercooked.
Other cruise lines also charge for multiple entrees. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, allows guests to order up to two entrees but then adds a $5 fee for each additional entree.
And most cruise lines will add an up-charge for premium items, such as lobster or caviar, served in complimentary main dining rooms. These charges are typically clearly shown on menus.
The policy change followed an earlier decision by Norwegian Cruise Line to begin charging a $10 per person fee to those who make a reservation in a specialty restaurant but then don’t show up.
Norwegian to Honor Loyalty Tiers Across Brands
Norwegian Cruise Brands Loyalty
Starting with cruises departing on and after October 15, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will match guests’ loyalty tier status across its three cruise brands.
The new Loyalty Status Honoring Program matches status levels for members of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Club, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Society.
The three brands combined operate 34 ships, and the idea behind the loyalty match is to encourage guests to sail on more than one brand. Norwegian Cruise Line is considered a mass market brand, while Oceania is a premium line, and Regent offers an ultra-luxury experience.
The cross-brand loyalty matches are not automatic, as guests must request the match at least 10 days before each cruise. For each request, guests’ loyalty levels will be honored at each brand’s nearest corresponding tier.
The move follows a similar tactic by Royal Caribbean Group, which recently unveiled a loyalty match program for its three brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.
Cruise Ship Rescues Refugees From Raft Near Cuba
Enchantment of the Seas Rescue (Photo Credits: Jeffrey Walker)
Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas was sailing an alternative route between Mexico and Cuba due to poor weather in the Bahamas, and the revised itinerary proved to be a lucky break for a group of refugees stranded on a raft.
On September 28, 2025, the ship was sailing from Tampa to Mexico for port calls at Costa Maya and Cozumel when she encountered the unstable raft with eight or nine people onboard. It was just after sunset, and the refugees used lights to signal the cruise ship for assistance.
The 2,252-guest Enchantment of the Seas immediately launched a lifeboat and brought the refugees onboard, where they received medical care and food. Appropriate authorities were notified, including the Mexican Coast Guard.
It is not unusual for refugees to be located in boats and other watercraft in the waters near Cuba, and under maritime law, ships that come upon them are required to assist.
There was no effect on the cruise itinerary, and Enchantment of the Seas proceeded as planned. The original itinerary was to be a 5-night Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay cruise, but storms swirling near the Bahamas in the western Atlantic caused the voyage to be altered.
Cruiser Makes Expensive Mistake in Canada
Cruise Ships Docked in Saint John, New Brunswick (Photo Credit: Doug McLean)
The failure by a cruise guest to disclose that he was carrying a large amount of cash into Canada left him $1,000 in the red.
That was the penalty the traveler paid for not declaring he was bringing about $23,000 into the country during his Canada/New England cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess.
The guest, who hailed from India and has not been identified, should have revealed the cash upon arrival at Saint John, New Brunswick, on September 3, 2025. Canada has no limit on the amount travelers can bring into the country — they simply have to declare anything over $10,000 Canadian.
The money was discovered by officials of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), who had boarded the ship as part of their routine customs process. Agents seized the funds, and the guest was required to pay the $1,000 fine in order to get the money back.
CBSA posted the action on social media, with a cautionary warning to others that such sums of cash must be disclosed upon entry into Canada.
The US has the same disclosure limit, of $10,000 USD. There was no indication that the cruise guest ran into similar trouble in any US port during his sailing.
Hollywood Celebrity Couple to Name Star Princess
Star Princess Godparents
A-list Hollywood celebrity Matthew McConaughey is known for his superb acting talent and his philanthropy toward children’s health and education programs, and he will soon add another achievement as godparent, with his wife Camila, to Princess Cruises’ new Star Princess.
The cruise line chose the couple for their “signature warmth and spirit.” They are also the founders of their own company, Pantalones Organic Tequila, which is part of Princess’ Love Line Premium Liquors collection, sold on the line’s ships.
The christening ceremony is set for November 6, 2025 at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the new-build’s US homeport. More details about the festive event are yet to come.
The 4,300-guest ship, second in the line’s Sphere class after Sun Princess, will make her debut in Barcelona on October 4, 2025, when she sails her inaugural cruise from the Spanish city.
The ship will sail a second cruise from Barcelona before operating her transatlantic crossing to Florida. After the christening event, the ship will sail a 3-night cruise to Princess Cays, Bahamas, and then begin operating 7- and 14-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings through mid-April 2026.
Star Princess will deploy to Seattle in April 2026 and sail Alaska cruises during the summer season.
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces a Big Homeport Swap
Norwegian Joy Departing Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
The Norwegian Cruise Line ships now homeporting in Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida — Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Dawn, respectively, are swapping deployments starting in November 2026.
It means that Norwegian Dawn will sail from Jacksonville, on the East Coast, and Norwegian Gem will operate from Tampa, on the Gulf Coast. There is not much difference between the two ships except that Norwegian Dawn is slightly smaller in terms of double occupancy capacity.
The cruise line has not disclosed a reason for the swapped deployments.
All previously published cruises on both ships, from November 2026 to spring 2027, are cancelled, and booked guests have been notified. New itineraries are expected soon.
The line also revealed that, due to port availability, several sailings in late 2026 aboard Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Joy also are being cancelled.
In 2026, Norwegian Getaway’s November 16, 20, and 25, and December 14 and 18 cruises are cancelled, as are Norwegian Joy’s December 18, 21, 24, and 28 voyages.
Guests on the cancelled sailings are being offered future cruise credits, as the line hopes to garner as many rebookings as possible.
Shutdown Has Limited Effect on Cruise Vacationers
Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Santiago Castillo Chomel)
Travelers preparing for their cruise vacations can expect little impact on their plans resulting from the US government shutdown, since federal airport and cruise port employees continue to work, albeit on an unpaid basis.
This includes TSA agents, FAA staff, including air traffic controllers, and Customs and Border Control agents, who are all considered essential workers and must report to their posts as scheduled.
The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, forced the closure of some federally operated attractions, such as national parks and museums, frequently visited on port calls. This will affect some shore excursions, including, for example, to the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John.
The biggest challenge for cruisers is likely coming from possible delays in airport security lines and customs processing at air and cruise ports. With hiring and training programs paused, staffing shortages could affect some operations.
Cruisers should continue to arrive at their departure airport two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours for international flights. However, to avoid any serious delay, it’s always a good idea for cruisers to arrive in their departure port city the day before their ship sails.
More Cruise Headlines
Here are even more top stories from Cruise Hive in the past week: Carnival Cruise Line will move Carnival Venezia from New York to Miami in 2027; the dreaded norovirus stomach bug impacted a Royal Caribbean cruise sailing from San Diego; and a storm with high winds caused an MSC Cruises’ ship to ditch a port call in Norway.
Also, Royal Caribbean unveiled the Bahamian-vibe tender boats it will use to transport guests to its new beach club in Nassau, and Marella Cruises has lost out on a plan to have two new-builds join its fleet.
The 4,132-guest ship, which is operating multiple 7-night Mediterranean itineraries simultaneously, was supposed to call on Cannes on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
However, the Seaside-class vessel will now proceed straight to the following port of call, which is in Genoa, Italy, to hunker down until the worst of the wind passes.
The ship was originally supposed to arrive in Genoa on October 6 at 8:00 a.m. local time, but will now arrive in the port at approximately 5:30 p.m. on October 5.
“We regret to inform you that we have to change our itinerary due to adverse weather conditions. Rough seas and strong winds are expected in Cannes on Sunday, October 5, the day of our stopover, which could impact our ability to enter the port and maneuver safely,”reads a translated letter from MSC Cruises.
“In the interest of our safety, we have decided to cancel our stopover. Instead, we will moor in Genoa, which offers adequate shelter against the expected winds,” the update continued.
🔎 Prudence ce week-end, un temps perturbé revient sur l'Hexagone :
🌧️ Samedi, pluies et rafales de 120 km/h attendus le long des côtes de la Manche
⚠️ Fort coup de vent en Corse la nuit de samedi à dimanche (150 km/h possible).
According to Meteo France, which is the official French meteorological administration, the winds are coming from a high pressure system heading toward the Azores, a low pressure system dubbed Storm Amy that is approaching Scotland, and far reaching remnants of the now-dissipated Hurricane Imelda.
Much of France is currently under a Moderate Wind Warning, or a Yellow Alert, which means the winds could cause minor to moderate damage.
The port call to Barcelona, Spain, on October 4, 2025, will still go ahead as planned.
Impact on Disembarkation
While October 5, 2025, was not meant to be an embarkation day for new passengers, some of the current guests were supposed to conclude their sailings in Cannes, France.
These guests will now have to disembark in Genoa, Italy, on the evening of October 5. They will then be transported to Cannes via bus.
Cannes is around 141 miles from Genoa and the drive takes approximately three hours.
MSC Seaview (Photo Credit: Wayleebird)
“Because of this situation, you will have to disembark in Genoa on Sunday evening,” MSC Cruises stated.
To help you get to your final destination, we have set up a free bus service between the port of Genoa and the Cannes cruise terminal.”
This obviously will put some in a bind, as these passengers likely would have made travel arrangements with the expectation of disembarking in Cannes on the morning of October 5.
This means airport transfers, flights, trains and other related plans will likely need to be rearranged.
Impacted guests will most likely need to book hotels and push back their flights home to the following day.
It’s unclear if MSC Cruises is providing any compensation for this inconvenience, but many cruise lines will reimburse non-refundable travel expenses due to a cancellation.
For disembarking passengers and those staying onboard, any shore excursions booked through MSC Cruises for Cannes should be automatically cancelled and refunded.
Back-to-back cruises are simply two or more consecutive cruises. They are voyages booked on the same ship one after the other, with the main benefits being a more extended vacation, less hassle, and lower overall costs than separate trips.
A back-to-back cruise, which you’ll often see listed as a B2B cruise, is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: two or more cruise trips that run one right after the other on the same ship.
They differ from consecutive cruises, as the booking must be on the same ship, and it must be booked in a way that allows you to stay on that ship without having to pack up and depart.
In some cases, you can even book a B2B cruise that will allow you to keep the same cabin or suite, which I can tell you makes the entire cruising experience so much easier.
Carnival Cruise Ship in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: byvalet)
B2B cruises also differ from single long itinerary cruises, which a cruise line will view as a single trip. With a true B2B cruise, you book separate reservations for each leg, but stay on the same ship.
I should also mention that side-to-side cruises differ from B2B cruises, as they involve switching between different ships that dock in the same port.
For example, a side-to-side trip could have you board a Royal Caribbean ship, then take a second trip on a ship owned by Carnival. This is more complicated than just staying on a single ship.
I know, this all sounds pretty finicky, but it matters a lot when it comes to logistics and how you book your trip. With a B2B cruise, you stay on a single ship, so there is only really one embarkation day and a single debarkation day, even though you’ve technically booked two trips.
Why Take a Back-to-Back Cruise?
Any regular back-to-back cruisers will tell you that there are tons of practical reasons to book these types of vacations. The following are just some of the main advantages I’ve noticed when booking a B2B cruise:
Save on Airfare
For many people, the money you save on flights can be one of the main advantages of a B2B cruise.
Some people may think booking two separate low-cost cruises from completely different departure points will be cheaper than a back-to-back cruise, but then you have to spend money on multiple flights.
Plane Going Over Port Everglades (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)
Let’s say you’ve booked two separate cruises. The first departs from Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port and the second from PortMiami. You’d have to spend time and money getting to two separate ports, while a B2B cruise has a single departure point, so you only have to fly to one location.
You could also book a back-to-back cruise that departs from a location you’re interested in exploring, such as Europe. Booking a back-to-back cruise with stops in different European cities on its first and second legs allows you to see numerous cities for less than booking flights to visit them separately.
Same Stateroom Convenience
Some cruise lines that offer B2B cruises will even allow guests to stay in the same staterooms for both legs of their vacation. This means you don’t have to pack and move to a new spot, so you keep all of your luggage and belongings in place.
MSC World America Balcony Stateroom (Credit: Calvin Musquez / Cruise HIve)
Beyond avoiding the hassle of re-packing and unpacking, you also get to enjoy the convenience of staying in one familiar place. By day 2 or 3 of a cruise, I usually have a good grasp of the fastest routes from anywhere on the ship to my room, so it’s nice to enjoy that for longer.
You Can See More Destinations
If you combine two different itineraries on the same ship, you have the opportunity to see a greater number of destinations from the convenience of one ship.
Brilliance of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: Eric Glenn)
For example, a single ship may visit ports in the Eastern Caribbean during the first voyage, then switch to the islands of the Western Caribbean for the next. Not having to switch ships but still getting to enjoy this flexibility can be hugely appealing for some cruisers.
More Days at Sea for Less Money
While this isn’t a guarantee, I often find that back-to-back cruises end up costing less per day than booking two separate cruises.
As mentioned above, you save money on travel expenses and airfare, but it’s also possible to get discounts on these types of trips, especially during the shoulder seasons.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Just dance)
You can also build up more onboard credits and loyalty perks by booking two trips with the same cruise line on the same ship. You’ll be able to apply the perks and points you earn with your first cruise to your second, even though you’re staying on the same trip.
The ultimate example of these types of B2B savings is an Australian couple who booked 51 back-to-back cruises because it worked out to be cheaper than living in a retirement home!
How Do Back-to-Back Cruises Work?
Back-to-back cruises may seem more complicated than a standard cruise, but they’re actually pretty straightforward.
Since they’re treated as two separate voyages by the cruise lines, passengers must participate in something called “changeover day”, which is sometimes called debarkation day.
This occurs when the first cruise has concluded, and all passengers, including those who have booked a B2B cruise, must participate in a formal disembarkation before they can re-board the ship.
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive
During this time, you’ll exit the ship and be guided through the terminal. You must again clear customs, so you’ll want to have your relevant identification and ticket handy. This is required to verify your identity and confirm that you have valid proof of booking for the second cruise.
Once you’re able to re-board the ship, you will be required to complete another muster drill. It may seem odd to repeat a safety drill you completed before setting off on your first cruise, but maritime law requires it for all guests on every voyage.
B2B Cruise Stateroom Arrangements
If you have arranged to keep the same room on your second voyage, you will almost certainly be allowed to keep your luggage and belongings in your room. This is by far the easiest option, but it’s not always available.
If keeping the same cabin or suite was not an option due to availability, you will need to move to a new stateroom. In most cases, the crew will be able to help you with your luggage so you don’t have to worry about lugging it around the ship yourself.
I’d recommend contacting guest services towards the end of your first cruise if you require assistance moving rooms.
Meals, Drinks and Onboard Purchases
Even if you can’t keep the same accommodations, the transition from one cruise to the next can feel remarkably seamless when you stay on the same ship. While policies differ, even upgrades like your beverage package can be extended to cover your second trip.
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Buffet (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
Again, ask guest services about carrying over any packages or upgrades you have made. They may even be able to bill you for all onboard purchases at the end of your last cruise, rather than you having to settle your bill beforehand.
Personally, I find it so satisfying already being familiar with all of the dining options and amenities. Unlike most of the other passengers who are boarding the ship for the first time and are unsure what to do, you can book all the onboard activities you haven’t yet had the chance to enjoy.
Do I Get a Discount for Booking Back-to-Back Cruises?
To be honest, cruise lines rarely offer an automatic discount for back-to-back sailings. Instead of getting reduced rates on your fares, the savings are mostly indirect.
I already mentioned the savings on airfare and other travel expenses, but you can also save money on hotels before and after you cruise.
I regularly book a hotel stay for the night before a cruise to avoid being late, so only having to book one hotel stay, instead of two nights for completely separate cruises, can add to your overall savings.
Cruise Ships Docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
You can also save money once you’re actually on the ship. Nearly every cruise line offers its own loyalty program, complete with various money-saving perks for guests who travel with them.
Booking back-to-back cruises through a single cruise line doubles the points and onboard perks you earn. Since you’re technically booking two separate cruises, you can also apply the points and cruise credits you earned during the first voyage to the second.
While it’s not a guarantee, I’ve found that booking a B2B cruise is often cheaper than booking a single lengthy trip. You’ll have to shop around a bit, but if you book two consecutive 3-day cruises, it could end up being cheaper than a single 6-day cruise.
Tips for Finding B2B Cruise Deals
Just like any other type of cruise, you can also save money on B2B cruises by paying attention to sales and cruising outside of the busy season.
If you can, I always recommend booking during Wave Season. Most cruise lines offer significant discounts from the end of the winter holiday season to the end of March, including B2B cruises.
Repositioning Cruises
You could also try to book a repositioning cruise for the first leg of your trip, as these tend to be a bit cheaper. As always, booking your cruises during a shoulder season can help you reduce your per-day cruise costs.
You also have to remember that certain cruise lines are cheaper than others. Whether it’s a single fare or a back-to-back cruise, you’re almost always going to save money if you go with one of the more budget-friendly cruise lines.
Why B2B Cruises Are Worth It
At the end of the day, back-to-back cruises aren’t for everyone, but they can be a fantastic way to stretch your time at sea while also cutting expenses. They also involve far less stress when it comes to packing and the logistics of getting to and from your cruise ship.
They’re ideal for retirees and long-haul travelers, as well as digital nomads. With that said, they can be an excellent option for anyone seeking a longer cruise experience without the hassle of switching ships.
Aft of Two Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Whether you’re a solo adult or a family traveling with kids, being able to settle into a daily routine and enjoy the convenience of staying on a single ship can make your cruise even more relaxing.
After taking plenty of back-to-back cruises myself, I can tell you it’s one of the best cruise hacks out there. With the right planning, you get a longer vacation, more lounge time, less stress, and fewer travel days and expenses.
On top of all of that, you get to double down on the loyalty rewards, which can help you save on your next vacation!
A recent cruise guest has shared how scammers are becoming increasingly common at the Port of Long Beach, and hopes Carnival Cruise Line will offer assistance.
While traffic in and out of the port area is not in the cruise line’s control, Carnival is going to try and work with port authorities to see if the problem can be addressed.
Transportation scams such as fake drivers and dramatically inflated pricing are not uncommon at many popular cruise homeports.
Debarkation day can be confusing and nerve-wracking as thousands of guests try to find their luggage, keep their party together, and make their way onward after leaving the cruise ship. When this involves getting a taxi or ride share, it can be even more confusing, especially when scams get involved.
This is exactly the situation happening more and more at the Port of Long Beach, Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular California homeport. One guest has reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, to see if Carnival can offer any assistance.
“I am writing to express my uncomfortable displeasure with the debarkation process at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal due to the overwhelming number of individuals attempting to scam guests under the guise of offering Uber or transportation services,”the guest explained.
“The situation was unnerving, to the point that a security guard intervened and cautioned us not to engage with these individuals, warning that their intent was fraudulent. This type of activity left a negative impression at the very end of what was otherwise an enjoyable cruise.”
The guest did not disclose which Carnival ship they sailed on or when. At the moment, three ships are offering sailings from the southern California homeport: Carnival Firenze, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Radiance.
All three ships offer Baja and Mexican Riviera itineraries ranging from 3-8 nights, depending on ship and sailing date. Carnival Radiance also offers 14-night Hawaii sailings on select departure dates.
Regardless of the ship, destinations, or cruise length, however, the original poster notes that encountering fraud and scams minutes after debarking the ship can be unsettling.
“Incidents like this do not reflect the safe, welcoming environment we have come to expect from Carnival,”they said.“Whether by partnering with port authorities, increasing official guidance for passengers, or strengthening security presence, I believe steps can and should be taken to protect your guests from being targeted.”
Heald is not unsympathetic to the guest’s concerns. The cruise line does not actually have anything to do with traffic in and out of the port, however, whether drivers are offering legitimate transportation options or hoping to scam passengers.
Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship Docked in Long Beach
“I absolutely understand. I just want to mention it we do not control the traffic into the port, although that is port security and the port authority,”he noted.“I will share this now with my colleagues and ask them to speak with our friends at the port authority.”
There may not be much Carnival Cruise Line could do to crack down on scams. At least drawing attention to the practice with signage at the cruise terminal or notices in the Fun Times newsletter or debarkation information onboard could be helpful.
Parking Problems at Long Beach
The ongoing parking issues and lack of on-site parking at Long Beach may be contributing to the rise of transportation scams.
This opens up opportunities for scammers to seemingly offer faster, cheaper deals for guests, especially if they aren’t familiar with ride share services but are just wanting to head home after their cruise vacation.
Transportation scams aren’t limited to Long Beach, either. Cruise guests at Port Canaveral, more than 2,200 miles away, have also been targeted by scammers.
Frequent cruisers have shared similar scams in Seattle and other cruise homeports and ports of call as well.
Savvy guests should always confirm their travel arrangements. Being familiar with how different transportation options work, including ride shares, taxi services, and cruise line shuttles, can help guests avoid becoming victims of potentially dangerous and expensive scams.
One Carnival guest is so upset at the idea that the cruise line is banning power strips and chargers that they would consider cancelling their cruise just days before departure.
Fortunately, this is only a rumor and there has been no change to Carnival Cruise Line’s prohibited items policy. Power strips and chargers without surge protectors are permitted.
Carnival regularly deals with a wide variety of ridiculous rumors circulating through social media via unconfirmed sources.
It is no surprise that social media is filled with misinformation, false claims, rumors, and downright lies. Carnival Cruise Line has dealt with more than its share of such troublesome details, but the brand ambassador, John Heald, is quick to debunk ridiculous claims.
The latest rumor sailing further than a world cruise concerns power strips and charging cables. Frequent cruisers are well aware that plugs and outlets are at a premium in cruise ship cabins.
With so many people dependent on cell phones, tablets, e-readers, and laptops, having enough space to charge those devices can be a challenge.
One anxiously angry cruise guest has reached out to Heald about the latest rumor and is adamant about their opinion on the issue.
“Very infrequently do I get as angry as I am today,”the guest began.“Carnival Cruise Line have banned us from bringing on power strips and chargers. Really?!! There has been no warning. I would not have known this if I had not seen an Instagram video.”
The guest is so infuriated that, despite being just days from setting sail on Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk, Virginia, they claim to be “angry enough to cancel this cruise and take the hit.”
Over a power strip? Seriously? Even the most expensive power strips cost far less than a cruise vacation, particularly a 6-8 night getaway like Carnival Sunshine is offering. No number of devices or outlets for charging them would be worth that reaction.
“Why doesn’t Carnival do like [another cruise line] are doing and provide a standardized power strip in each stateroom that is acceptable to the cruise line with 4 charge units and USB outlets. We have 4 devices that needed charging each night. This is farcical,”the guest concludes.
It should be noted that all cruise ships offer a “standardized power strip” in each stateroom. They’re called outlets, and they’re next to the vanity/desk mirror, on the nightstands, or on table-mounted or low sconce light fixtures.
Older, less updated ships may have fewer outlets, that’s true, but USB ports and additional outlets are often added while ships are in dry dock for maintenance and refreshment.
Heald does respond to the guest, noting the Carnival Cruise Line has not changed its power strip policy.
“Please calm down as this lady has provided you with the wrong information, no shock there,”he said.“You can bring a power strip. We have not changed our rules and providing it does not have a surge protector and is in excellent working condition then pop it into your carry on and bring it on board.”
Cabin on Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Carnival’s policy on power strips and extension cords is clearly noted on the Prohibited Items List. In fact, they are listed under the “Exemptions and other considerations” subheading as follows:
“Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned on debarkation morning.”
If a cord were to be frayed, cracked, or obviously damaged, it would be confiscated, but otherwise, guests can bring power strips and extension cords with them.
More Rumors Carnival Has Debunked
The “banning” of power strips is a recurrent rumor Carnival Cruise Line has to deal with, but it is far from the only one. One of the most persistent rumors the cruise line has debunked in recent months is the idea that all guests on all departures and itineraries will be required to have valid passports.
Fortunately, guests can always reach out to John Heald for clarification of what is or isn’t just a rumor, if they are unable to find confirmation on Carnival’s website.
