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How to Text on a Cruise Ship Without Paying a Fortune

First Time Cruisers

Emrys Thakkar

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Jul 5, 2026

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How to Text on a Cruise Ship Without Paying a Fortune

Key Aspects:

Put your phone into airplane mode before your cruise to avoid unexpected bills.
Utilize WiFi-enabled texting via apps like iMessage or WhatsApp.
Look for deals that give you free WiFi on the ship or use free WiFi while in port.

One thing that always makes me nervous when traveling internationally, including while on a cruise, is how I’m going to stay in touch with folks back home. If you’re the same, you’ve probably looked into how you might be able to text during your cruise … and then you’ve come across some eye-watering-ly expensive cruise line WiFi and texting packages.

The good news? It is possible to text for free or near-free during your cruise, without paying high prices. Here’s what you should know.

How to Text for Free During a Cruise

Rather than texting like you normally might during your cruise, in order to do so for free, you’re going to want to use a texting app or similar option that works off a WiFi connection rather than a cellular connection. Texting using cellular service can leave you with a huge bill.

If you use iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat or something similar, you can text using the ship’s or a port’s local WiFi, without relying on pricy, at-sea cellular service (more on that below).

In some cases, if you just want to text other people that you’re sailing with, such as if you’re trying to get in touch with your teen who’s at the pool while you’re in your stateroom, you can often do so through the cruise line’s app specifically.

Texting on Specific Cruise Lines

Cruise Ships in the Bahamas (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)

Wondering what you need to know about texting on the specific cruise line that you’re sailing with? Here’s a breakdown of texting options on the major cruise lines. Some allow you to text with other cruisers for free. Some require a small fee.

Texting on Norwegian Cruise Line

You can download the NCL mobile app for free. Then, when you’re on the ship, according to Redditors, you can purchase a text-specific CruiseChat Pass, which allows you to use text apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Google Messenger. You cannot send photos or audio, but it’s enough to get you by and generally costs only a few dollars per day.

Texting with the Celebrity Cruises App

If you use the Celebrity Cruises app, you can text other people on the ship totally for free. There’s no need to buy anything specific or extra. You just have to be connected to the ship’s guest WiFi. If you need more capabilities, internet plans for your devices are available.

Texting with the Carnival HUB App

You can similarly use the Carnival HUB app to text with other people on your cruise, but with one caveat. While the app itself is free to use and download, if you want to unlock the chat feature, you’ll have to pay $5 per user.

Texting with the MSC For Me App

The MSC for Me app allows you to message friends or family who are also on the ship, without any need for an internet package. However, this feature is only open to cruisers ages 16 and up.

Texting with the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Disney Cruise Line actually offers some really impressive, free texting capabilities across its entire fleet.

To start, using the Navigator app, everyone you’re cruising with can join a group chat and talk during the cruise. Then, the ships also offer complimentary WiFi that allows you to text via WhatsApp and iMessage, both with those you’re cruising with and folks back home.

However, note that this complimentary WiFi is only really suitable for texting. For sending photos or video, you’ll need a package. Still! It’s a great value and a rarity in the cruising industry.

Texting with the Royal Caribbean App

If you have the Royal Caribbean app, you can chat with other users while you’re onboard the ship, totally for free. Otherwise, if you need to use the WiFi to text people back home, you’ll have to purchase an internet package.

Texting with the MedallionNet App

Similarly, you can text other cruisers on your Princess Cruises ship by using the chat feature in the MedallionNet app. However, some cruisers have found the chat feature to be less than ideal, as it doesn’t actually give you any notifications that you’ve received new messages, requiring an extra step to stay in touch.

Some cruisers also find that they can use WiFi-based texting apps like Google Chat without paying for an internet package. Others, though, aren’t so lucky, so don’t rely on this.

Texting with the Navigator by Holland America App

The Holland America App likewise allows for messaging other travelers during your cruise, for free. That said, again, some cruisers have complained about the app’s chatting capabilities and have preferred to purchase WiFi plans in order to stay in touch not only with people back home but also with fellow cruisers, stating that WiFi packages are often discounted shortly after embarkation.

How to Get Texting for Free Through Your Cruise Line

You may’ve noticed something about many of the above options. While they may allow you “technically” to text for “free,” you often have to initially pay for WiFi or similar access in order to truly text anyone, anytime, anywhere. So how can you get that for free?

There are a few options.

Use Your Onboard Credits

If you’ve done your due diligence and hunted down the best cruise deals possible, you may’ve been able to book a cruise package that comes with some onboard credits. Use those to your advantage. While, sure, you can use them for “fun” stuff like dining or drinks, be a little more practical and use them to pay for onboard WiFi instead.

Join a Loyalty Program

Cruise line loyalty program members receive a lot of free perks. While those perks start out simple at first (maybe you get a credit for a free beverage or a discount on spa services), they accumulate the more you cruise, and you could just find yourself with free WiFi.

Look for Free WiFi Promotions When Booking

Additionally, you can specifically keep WiFi and texting in mind when booking your cruise. Many cruise lines will offer WiFi-included promotions from time to time, allowing you to book and know you’ll have WiFi-enabled texting, right from the start.

Book with a Cruise Line that Specifically Offers Complimentary WiFi

Of course, if having free WiFi is a make-or-break-it deal for you, then you may want to specifically book your cruise with one of the handful of lines that include basic WiFi in their fares.

As already mentioned, Disney Cruise Line does this, but Virgin Voyages does as well, as do some luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

Other Ways to Text for Free While on a Cruise

Cruise Passenger on Phone in Pool (Photo Credit: Jacobus Djokosetio)

If you want to go through the least amount of hassle possible when trying to text for free on a cruise, even more options exist.

For instance, often in port, if you go out onto the ship’s open decks, you can pick up local free WiFi. Of course, you can also get off the ship and go out and get WiFi in port as well. Free WiFi is often available at cruise terminals, restaurants, coffee shops, malls and more.

If I’m really trying to be frugal and convenient, I’ll sometimes opt for just texting in port versus trying to stay connected all throughout my cruise (because, honestly, sometimes that disconnection, though stressful initially, can be relaxing).

If you do wait until you get to port to text, don’t take your phone out of airplane mode, unless you have coverage in that port via your existing cellular provider. Otherwise, you’ll pay your provider’s international rates. Instead, again, always rely on WiFi.

How to Avoid Unexpected Cell Phone Bills During a Cruise

Using a Cell Phone During a Cruise (Photo Credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia)

Let’s say you do nothing at all. You don’t go out of your way to find free texting work-arounds, but you also don’t actually text or call anyone during your cruise. You could still find yourself coming home to a big cellular bill.

This is because, whether you like it or not, your cell phone is always searching for service. Once your ship heads out to sea, your cell phone is going to find specialized at-sea providers like Cellular at Sea. These providers charge a pretty penny for their service. If your phone connects and is using that service, not even to text or call but just merely to run apps in the background, you end up with a big bill.

As such, make sure that you put your phone in airplane mode before you head out on your cruise.

That said, if you do want to use one of these providers for texting or similar communication, you can lower your bill by turning off any unnecessary phone functions. For example, disable apps running in the background. Turn off automatic updates or notifications.

Can You Text During Your Cruise Through Your Existing Carrier?

Communication on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: CLS Digital Arts)

It may very well be the case that you can text during your cruise through your existing carrier. I use Verizon and have great service all over the world. Additionally, some cell service providers offer cruise-specific add-ons that can be pretty affordable and make your trip all the more convenient and easy.

Here are some of your options.

Verizon Cruise Daily Pass

Verizon’s cruise daily pass is $20 per line per day, and you’ll only pay on days that you use your phone at sea. You’ll get unlimited data (0.5 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds), unlimited talk minutes and unlimited texting.

T-Mobile

While T-Mobile doesn’t offer a specific cruise package, your existing coverage could already allow for staying connected during a cruise, depending on your current international and roaming coverage.

AT&T International Day Pass

Then, AT&T’s international day pass provides cruise ship service for $20 per day. You get unlimited talk and text, and 500 MB of data per day. You only pay on the days you use the

A British Ocean Liner Takes Center Stage as America Turns 250

Cunard News

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Jul 5, 2026

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A British Ocean Liner Takes Center Stage as America Turns 250

Key Aspects:

Queen Mary 2 was anchored in New York Harbor as part of the Sail4th 250 event to celebrate America’s independence.
The visit concluded a transatlantic crossing voyage that departed Southampton on June 26.
An international ship parade, military flyovers, and fireworks were all part of the celebrations guests onboard enjoyed.

The skies were very star-spangled over New York Harbor on the evening of July 4, 2026 as the US celebrated its 250th anniversary of independence from Great Britain, but it was a British ocean liner that was a centerpiece of the Sail4th 250 event for the country and its own cruising history.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the world’s only active ocean liner, was anchored in the harbor and offered her 2,695 guests a spectacular view of fireworks, a historic parade of more than 100 international ships, and multiple military flyby demonstrations.

The visit to New York City was part of the ship’s June 26 sailing, when the 149,215-gross ton vessel departed Southampton on a transatlantic cruise. Following her celebratory visit to New York, Queen Mary 2 will also call on Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia before concluding the sailing in the Big Apple on July 10.

It was that holiday visit to NYC that will be one of the most memorable moments of the voyage and celebrated a connection to the cruise line’s past.

“The participation of Queen Mary 2 in these festivities as the most elegant hostess for her guests made the commemoration of American independence most meaningful for our international partnerships,” said Chris O’Brien, President of Sail4th 250 New York.

“The sight of this magnificent ocean liner amidst all the pageantry and camaraderie in New York Harbor created indelible memories for a new generation of young sailors and families. She will always be welcome in our waters.”

The line first sailed into New York Harbor in December 1847 with the wooden paddle steamer Hibernia. Every year since, at least one Cunard ship has called at the Port of New York.

“Queen Mary 2 is an iconic ship, and she represents the transatlantic story itself. To have her at the heart of Sail4th 250 on such a significant day felt incredibly special, with New York as the backdrop and our guests enjoying a front-row view of the celebrations,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.

A British Cruise Line’s History with the US

On July 4, 1840, RMS Britannia set sail from Liverpool for Boston on the very first transatlantic crossing for Cunard. In every year since, for 186 consecutive years, Cunard ships have made at least one crossing between the US and the UK.

Those voyages were far different from today’s luxury cruises, however. From 1840 until 1923, roughly one in five immigrants sailed to the US aboard a Cunard ship.

In 2008 and 2011, three active Queens (Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Queen Victoria) all met in New York for stunning rendezvous, creating other momentous occasions in the line’s history.

This year has been a significant one for Queen Mary 2 and the July 4th celebrations in New York are not her first historic moments of 2026.

Cruise Hive reported in February that the ship met up with her namesake, the original Queen Mary, during a rare visit to Long Beach, California. It was the first time the two ships had been together in 20 years.

That meetup was part of Queen Mary 2‘s 108-night World Voyage, which also included the liner’s first trip through the Panama Canal.

The original Queen Mary completed 1,001 crossings during her service lifetime, many of which either originated or concluded in New York.

Cruise Guest Sues Carnival Over Dune Buggy Rollover in Dominican Republic

Carnival Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 4, 2026

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Cruise Guest Sues Carnival Over Dune Buggy Rollover in Dominican Republic

Key Aspects:

A former guest of Mardi Gras is suing Carnival Corporation after breaking her ankle during a shore excursion.
The guest was riding a dune buggy in allegedly unsafe conditions, which flipped and fell on top of her.
Her legal team claims that Carnival is negligent in how it advertised the tour and for not properly warning guests of the danger associated with the excursion.

Thanks to a new lawsuit from a former passenger, Carnival Cruise Line has found itself in the hot seat.

Karisha McClinton filed a personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida on July 3, 2026, following an accident that occurred during a shore excursion last summer.

On July 6, 2025, McClinton and her family visited Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, as part of a sailing onboard the 5,270-guest Mardi Gras.

The lawsuit explains that a dune buggy flipped and broke McClinton’s ankle during the “Waterfalls, Buggies & Monkeys” excursion.

Allegedly, the cruise guest was riding the buggy (with her 6-year-old child in the front seat) through dangerous muddy, rocky terrain when the vehicle flipped and landed on her left ankle. There was no injury to the child mentioned in the lawsuit.

The family claims that tour operators did not provide proper instructions on how to operate the buggies safely, and that there were no safety railings on the route other than a barbed wire fence.

On top of all of this, the lawsuit also claims that McClinton’s buggy had dangerously worn tires and the excursion was not properly supervised, creating the perfect circumstances for McClinton to lose control of the vehicle.

The accident resulted in McClinton’s husband needing to lift the buggy off of his wife, as no excursion staff or safety team members immediately came to offer assistance.

Local doctors wanted to rush the wife and mother into surgery, but she declined treatment and initially opted to receive medical care onboard the cruise ship.

Upon returning home to San Antonio, Texas, the guest learned that her ankle was broken in three places and that she would need surgery to fix it, with multiple screws and plates implanted.

As the excursion was sold and marketed by Carnival as a safe activity, McClinton is now suing the cruise company on grounds of negligence.

Carnival Accused of Negligence

McClinton’s legal team at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is accusing Carnival of selling and marketing the excursion as safe and vetted, without adequately disclosing that it was operated by an independent tour provider.

The family found and purchased the “Waterfalls, Buggies & Monkeys” excursion while browsing on Carnival’s website, with the activity still for sale as of the time of publication.

Carnival also received part of the profits from selling the tour, which adds to the company’s responsibility for it.

“CARNIVAL created the appearance that it was providing the excursion either directly or through agents of CARNIVAL. MCCLINTON placed trust in CARNIVAL – not some unknown entity she had never heard of before,” the lawsuit stated, in part.

Carnival Cruise Ship at Amber Cove (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

However, Carnival’s “Shore Excursion FAQs” web page does clearly state that most shore excursions are sold by the cruise line as a convenience to guests and that they are operated by independent companies.

“The majority of shore excursions, including any related transportation, are operated by local independent companies and they are solely responsible for their products, excursions, and any related transportation,” Carnival’s website states.

“Carnival is not responsible for any losses, damage, death, injuries, or claims whatsoever arising from, connected with, or related to any activities engaged in by guests while off of Carnival’s ships or tenders in any port of call,” the statement continues.

The cruise line also says that it does its best to source reputable and reliable tour operators, but is ultimately not responsible for monitoring and maintaining the outside companies and the equipment they use during shore excursions.

Did Carnival Know About an Increased Risk?

Another part of the legal argument is that Carnival should have known that the excursion was dangerous and failed to take action or to properly warn guests about the risks of participating.

The complaint attached screenshots of reviews for the tour on Carnival’s own excursion webpage, which include accounts of the buggies breaking down and experiencing gear problems.

But overall, reviews are positive. The experience currently has 4.3 stars out of 5 on Carnival’s website.

Additionally, this also isn’t the first time something like this has happened. In March, Cruise Hive reported that Norwegian Cruise Line was sued after an ATV flipped during a shore excursion.

As of the time of publication, Carnival Corporation has not responded publicly to the lawsuit.

Mardi Gras has continued to operate normally from its homeport, Port Canaveral, and the 180,800-gross ton ship routinely visits Amber Cove during its 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Holland America Line Reworks Multiple Alaska Itineraries for Zaandam

Holland America Line News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 4, 2026

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Holland America Line Reworks Multiple Alaska Itineraries for Zaandam

Key Aspects:

At least three of Zaandam’s remaining Alaska itineraries have been altered, with a high possibility that more have also been changed.
The confirmed impacted sailings include the departures on July 15, August 19, and September 16.
Holland America Line cited limitations related to operating speeds and ocean tides as the reasons behind the adjustments.

Several of Zaandam’s remaining Alaska itineraries for the 2026 season have been altered due to operating speeds and tidal constraints, impacting thousands of booked passengers.

Cruise Hive has learned of itinerary changes for the 1,837-guest ship made across multiple voyages, starting as soon as the July 15, 2026, departure and as late as the August 19 and September 16 sailings.

It’s quite possible that more voyages beyond these three have also been adjusted, and booked guests should look out for possible updates from the cruise line.

“We look forward to welcoming you on board Zaandam for your upcoming voyage. Due to operating speeds and tidal constraints, your itinerary has been adjusted,” Holland America began multiple letters, which were shared on Facebook by impacted guests.

The 61,396-gross ton ship is primarily operating identical 7-night voyages to Alaska via the famous Inside Passage, which sail round-trip out of Vancouver, Canada.

Prior to the itinerary changes, the sailings were supposed to visit Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan.

The only exception is the September 16 voyage, which is the grand finale to the 2026 season and 18-nights long to visit more destinations throughout Alaska and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.

How Are the Itineraries Changing?

In March, Cruise Hive reported that Holland America Line had removed Tracy Arm Fjord from all of Zaandam’s 2026 Alaska itineraries due to unstable geological conditions. It was replaced by Endicott Arm Fjord.

Interestingly, Holland America’s new letters state that Tracy Arm had been removed from the impacted itineraries. It’s unclear if the cruise line is reminding guests of the earlier removal or if neither fjord will be visited anymore.

The new itinerary changes vary slightly by departure date. For example, one guest booked on the July 15 sailing posted on Reddit that departure would be delayed on embarkation day, Tracy Arm (or Endicott Arm) had been removed, and the ship would arrive late in Juneau.

Looking ahead to the August 19 sailing, the changes to Tracy Arm and Juneau apply plus a port call to Ketchikan had also been shortened by one hour. However, embarkation in Vancouver remained the same.

“We will no longer conduct a service call to Tracy Arm Inlet on Friday, August 21, and we will arrive in Juneau, Alaska at 2:00 PM rather than 1:30 PM on the same date,” Holland America wrote to guests booked on the August 19 voyage.

“Additionally, we will now depart Ketchikan, Alaska, at 6:00 PM on Monday, August 24, rather than 7:00 PM as previously scheduled,” the letter continued.

Meanwhile, the 18-night sailing that is scheduled to embark on September 16 will depart from Vancouver one hour early, which means guests who are flying to the port that day should plan to arrive in Vancouver no later than 10 a.m. local time.

Zaandam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Galina Savina)

An early departure on embarkation day is not where the changes stop. The scenic cruising schedule has also been reworked. Instead of sailing through the Seymour Narrows, the Rotterdam-class cruise ship will transit the Inside Passage.

Additionally, scenic cruising of Princess Royal Island, Grenville Channel, and Great Bear Rainforest has been moved forward. Port times have been amended accordingly.

For all impacted sailings, any Holland America shore excursions will be automatically rescheduled when possible and cancelled and refunded when not.

Is Propulsion a Factor?

Beyond citing operating speeds and tidal constraints, Holland America Line has not given a more specific reason behind the itinerary changes.

That said, the cruise community will be wondering if the ship’s engines are still in need of repairs after propulsion issues threw a wrench into the June 3 and June 10 Alaska cruises.

At the same time, Alaska is also known for having some of the most extreme tidal swings in the world. The Cook Inlet, for example, can see differences of up to 40 feet between high and low tides.

While tidal changes don’t typically prevent cruise ships from completing their voyages, they require careful planning and smart timing to navigate safely and can impact docking and tendering operations.

As another example, the Seymour Narrows creates powerful tidal currents and should only be traversed during specific “slack” water periods for safety reasons.

Ultimately, there is no doubt that Holland America Line made these itinerary changes with the safety and comfort of all onboard as the brand’s top priority.

Cruise Director Reveals Patriotic Duck Hunt Across Royal Caribbean Fleet

Royal Caribbean News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jul 3, 2026

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Cruise Director Reveals Patriotic Duck Hunt Across Royal Caribbean Fleet

Key Aspects:

Royal Caribbean is hiding special patriotic-themed ducks onboard ships to celebrate the July 4th weekend and America 250.
The red-white-and-blue ducks feature the Royal Caribbean logo and flag-like patterns.
Ducks are being hidden fleetwide and are already being found aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Cruising ducks continue to be a fun phenomenon that many guests enjoy, and Royal Caribbean is bringing out a flock of fun for the July 4th weekend and the America 250 celebration of the United States declaring independence.

Popular cruise director Marc Walker aboard Utopia of the Seas shared the duck-tastic news with a photo of specially themed patriotic ducks that will be hidden for the holiday weekend.

“What the Duck? Watch out for these very special 250 Red, White and Blue Ducks that we have hidden around the ship this Weekend,” he said with hashtags #utopiaoftheseas #4thofJuly and #duckhunt.

The ducks appear to be somewhat larger than the typical rubber duck, but still of a size to be easily hidden. The blue head features Royal Caribbean’s iconic crown-and-anchor logo as well as scattered stars, while the duck’s body has red-and-white horizonal stripes. The blue wings have the Coca-Cola logo.

Overall, the duck design is reminiscent of the US flag, a very patriotic design for a patriotic holiday weekend. Walker confirmed that the ducks are to be hidden fleetwide.

American Duck (Photo Credit: Marc Walker)

Cruise Hive has reported on patriotic America 250 celebrations from other cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises’ plans for parties, themed foods, and special activities on the July 4th sailings for its US-homeported ships.

It is unclear if a grand total of 250 ducks will be hidden on Royal Caribbean ships or if there may be as many as 250 ducks on each ship joining in the red-white-and-blue fun all weekend long.

Guests Love the Idea

Reactions to the special ducks have already been very positive, with many guests hoping the flock might be hard to find so they stay around for future sailings. Already Walker’s post has more than 430 likes and dozens of comments.

“Love it!!!! We cruise in two weeks!” one guest commented.

“I’m currently searching for them!” another guest noted with a US flag emoji.

One guest has already found one of the patriotic waterfowl at the Park Cafe on Deck 8. Kelli, who is on a family cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas with her husband and 5-year-old daughter, shared the fun with Cruise Hive.

“[Looking for ducks is] something fun to do with our daughter, and we love to hide ducks too for others to find!” she said.

Royal Caribbean has thoroughly embraced the cruising ducks phenomenon. The cruise line has even created a customized duck-themed carousel for its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, which will welcome its first guests aboard on July 4, 2027 for a 7-night Mediterranean sailing from Rome.

One place that Royal Caribbean has asked guests not to hide ducks, however, is in the planters and green walls of Central Park on the Oasis and Icon class ships. Overly enthusiastic hiding and guests hunting for ducks can cause significant damage to the plants in that area. To safeguard the plants, signs are posted asking guests to keep the area as a “duck free zone.”

Other than the Fourth of July, themed ducks are always popular on cruise ships, with many guests bringing specialized ducks for Halloween, Christmas, and other holidays.

Royal Caribbean Tempts Guests To Switch Cabins on Another Oversold Sailing

Royal Caribbean News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 3, 2026

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Royal Caribbean Tempts Guests To Switch Cabins on Another Oversold Sailing

Key Aspects:

Mariner of the Seas’ July 11, 2026, sailing to the Caribbean has been overbooked.
Royal Caribbean is offering guests a full refund to downgrade from balcony and oceanview cabins to interior accommodations.
Additionally, guests would also receive a $200 onboard credit to use during the sailing.

Royal Caribbean is once again tempting guests to change their travel plans after an upcoming sailing for Mariner of the Seas was overbooked.

Throughout the summer, Royal Caribbean has been luring guests to skip overbooked Alaska sailings with free cruises and other generous perks.

But this time, the voyage in question is a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, that embarks in Galveston, Texas, on July 11, 2026.

“Ahead of our Mariner of the Seas July 11, 2026, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter, which was posted on Facebook by a booked passenger.

However, receiving this letter does not mean guests are required to volunteer (though they may want to!) or that they will be “voluntold” by Royal Caribbean. If their travel plans are set in stone, they can simply ignore the email.

Switching Cabins For Free Cruises

When these overbooked situations arise, Cruise Hive almost always sees that Royal Caribbean is luring guests to switch to pre-selected voyages that aren’t as busy or to cancel entirely in exchange for a full refund and a future cruise credit.

True to form, Royal Caribbean did ask if guests would be willing to change their cruise dates and sail onboard the 4,252-guest ship at another time or cancel for a future cruise credit. But these were options 2 and 3.

Option 1 was more unique. It asked guests to downgrade from balcony or oceanview cabins to an interior stateroom in exchange for a full refund, meaning guests would essentially be getting a free cruise and would stay on the July 11 sailing.

To sweeten the pot, guests would also be given a $200 onboard credit per stateroom as well.

“Option 1: Transfer to an Interior Stateroom and receive a full refund of the cruise fare paid, PLUS a $200 USD Onboard Credit per stateroom,” Royal Caribbean offered.

In order to maximize revenue and counteract last-minute cancellations and no-shows, it’s standard practice for cruise lines to book beyond 100% capacity.

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas — Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

Cruise experts analyze historical data to estimate how many cabins can be safely sold for each itinerary, but sometimes the numbers don’t add up in reality.

In this case, it appears that the non-interior cabins were significantly more popular than the inside options and the cruise line needed to convince some guests to change their stateroom categories to accommodate more passengers.

“I think they are overbooked on balcony and ocean view…I’m getting notifications and emails daily. I think they need rooms. I’m on the July 11 cruise as well,” one of the booked passengers posted on Facebook.

For context, Mariner of the Seas has 1,667 guest cabins, including 119 suites, 638 balcony cabins, 226 oceanview cabins, 138 promenade view cabins, and 546 inside cabins.

Guests Respond to The Offer

On social media, the cruise community has been reacting to Royal Caribbean’s offer with excitement.

Plenty of avid cruisers would be thrilled to accept a full refund and an onboard credit in exchange for changing their accommodations, with many saying they didn’t spend much time in their staterooms to begin with.

“I’d take the offer. You get to still cruise but for free! Not in the room much anyway so interior isn’t super important,” one person reacted on Facebook.

“We got this email offer too and put in for it. Don’t love an interior room but free cruise,” another impacted guest said.

With this much enthusiasm, more passengers than necessary should jump at the opportunity. It’s important to note that volunteering does not mean cruise reservations will be automatically changed.

Royal Caribbean will notify guests who are accepted for the offer in the next eight days before embarkation, and those who are not accepted will see no changes made to their reservations.

New Details Emerge as Carnival Firenze Death Investigation Closes

Carnival Cruise News

Catie Kovelman

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Jul 3, 2026

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New Details Emerge as Carnival Firenze Death Investigation Closes

Key Aspects:

A guest of Carnival Firenze fell from her private balcony onto a deck below in April.
An investigation was conducted, which determined the guest intentionally jumped.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Carnival ship has continued operating normally with no related itinerary changes.

More details behind a recent passenger death onboard Carnival Firenze have been revealed after months of investigation.

Cruise Hive previously reported that a female guest died on the morning of April 27, 2026, after falling from her stateroom balcony and landing on a deck below.

Her identity was initially kept private, but the deceased cruiser has now been publicly identified as 24-year-old Briana Miller.

At the time of the incident, the 135,156-gross ton vessel was approximately 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, California. The Venezia-class ship was in the middle of a 4-night sailing to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

As is standard when unexpected deaths occur at sea, the cruise line contacted authorities to investigate the situation. Law enforcement boarded the Carnival ship later in the day on April 27 during the vessel’s planned visit to Catalina.

In addition to cooperating with authorities, the onboard security team should have also completed its own investigation and incident report (as is policy).

Cruise Guest’s Cause of Death Revealed

About 2.5 months have passed since Miller’s death, and authorities are ready to reveal more of the details behind what happened.

On Thursday, July 2, the Los Angeles County medical examiner stated that the manner of death was suicide. The cause of death was blunt trauma.

The New York Post wrote that the woman made the decision to jump after arguing with family members who were also onboard, and the family immediately alerted crew members after she leaped.

Carnival Cruise Line initially stated that its care team was providing support for the family members who were sailing with Miller, but the cruise line has not commented publicly since the cause of death was revealed.

Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez)

Her death is sadly not the only guest suicide that Carnival has dealt with this year. On May 13, 2026, a male passenger onboard Carnival Liberty intentionally jumped off his stateroom balcony and died.

If guests feel a similar urge, Cruise Hive encourages them to confide in a loved one for help, report to the onboard medical center, and/or to call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline before making the same choice.

Carnival Firenze Continues Normal Operations

Miller’s death was Carnival Firenze’s one and only overboard death since launching in 2024. While this situation must weigh heavily on the approximately 1,424 crew members who live and work onboard, the employees have rallied to keep bringing the fun for guests.

The 4,126-guest ship has continued operating normally in the aftermath of the tragedy. No itinerary changes were reported because of the death or the subsequent investigation.

In the months that have followed, the ship has continued cruising to Mexico from Long Beach, California.

The Italian-themed vessel is operating 4-night itineraries that sail to Catalina and Ensenada (like the sailing Miller was onboard for) and 3-night voyages that only visit Ensenada.

She will continue to homeport in Long Beach until January of 2027 when she relocates to Miami to spend the winter and early spring in the Caribbean.

Ruby Princess Passengers Face Boarding Delay Due to Deep Cleaning

Princess Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jul 2, 2026

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Ruby Princess Passengers Face Boarding Delay Due to Deep Cleaning

Key Aspects:

Ruby Princess has slightly delayed embarkation for her July 2, 2026 sailing so the ship can be thoroughly disinfected.
The cleaning follows a confirmed norovirus outbreak that sickened 125 guests and crew members on the previous voyage.
No changes or delays for the ship’s departure from San Francisco or her Alaska cruise have been confirmed.

Following a confirmed outbreak of norovirus on the previous sailing, embarkation for the next voyage for Ruby Princess has been delayed to permit deep cleaning and disinfection.

The 113,561-gross-ton ship arrived back in her homeport of San Francisco on schedule on Thursday, July 2, 2026. After guests from the 20-night sailing were debarked, however, new guests were not permitted onboard right away.

“During the previous cruise, limited cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported. We proactively launched a comprehensive disinfection program developed in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the notification letter handed out at the cruise terminal explained.

“As an extra precaution, the ship will undergo additional disinfection today, Thursday, July 2, while in port in San Francisco. As a result, check-in will now begin at 12:30 PM.”

The ship’s July 2 departure is a 10-night Alaska Inside Passage sailing with visits planned for Sitka, Haines, and Ketchikan, as well as Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Scenic cruising for glacier viewing will also be a highlight of the sailing.

At this time, there is no expected delay for Ruby Princess to depart San Francisco at roughly 3 p.m. as originally scheduled. All guests must be onboard the ship no later than 2:30 p.m.

Guests are being advised that if they are “currently experiencing any symptoms of illness” they should advise a staff member when they check-in. While this may seem to be related to the norovirus outbreak, this is actually common practice for any cruise embarkation.

Ruby Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

Typically 24-72 hours before setting sail guests are asked to complete health surveys or questionnaires that may ask about any recent fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, or similar symptoms. If guests have such symptoms, they will generally be evaluated by medical staff as part of the check-in process.

Extra precautions are likely to be taken for this sailing just to ensure there is no further contamination or spread of norovirus onboard.

Is the Norovirus Outbreak Over?

Cruise Hive has previously covered the 125 gastrointestinal illness cases reported aboard Ruby Princess. Of those cases, 102 were guests and 23 were crew members. Laboratory testing confirmed norovirus as the causative agent for the outbreak.

During the impacted sailing, extra sanitation measures were taken that included discontinuing self-service at the buffet, more frequent disinfection of high-contact surfaces, and an intense deep cleaning of all staterooms during the voyage.

With guests now debarked from the ship, a thorough, deep cleaning is possible and the ship should be properly refreshed for embarking travelers.

It is possible that guests will see continued precautions during their sailing as well, with additional cleaning, modified buffet service, and more reminders for proper hand hygiene.

There have been times, however, when cruise ships have experienced back-to-back or closely related norovirus or other gastrointestinal illness outbreaks. On several recent sailings of Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird, a total of 32 guests and crew members reported norovirus.

In 2023, two consecutive sailings of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas had a combined 302 total cases among passengers and crew members.

According to the CDC, because norovirus is so easily spread through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, an ill individual might inadvertently spread the illness before they even realize they are sick or after they already feel better.

Another Setback for TUI as Air Conditioning Failure Cancels Cruise

TUI Cruises News

Melissa Mayntz

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Jul 2, 2026

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Another Setback for TUI as Air Conditioning Failure Cancels Cruise

Key Aspects:

At least one cruise for the river ship TUI Skyla is now cancelled due to broken air conditioning during Europe’s heat wave.
Guests were being flown home from Budapest, refunded their cruise fare, and offered a voucher for a future sailing.
The ship has also had problems in recent weeks with hot water production that resulted in guests cancelling their cruises.

With the weather anything but pleasant at the moment with a heat wave covering much of Europe, river cruise ships are feeling the heat. TUI River Cruises has cancelled at least one sailing aboard the adults-only river ship Skyla due to air conditioning failures.

According to the BBC, guests ready to board Skyla were put up in hotels in Budapest for two days in the hopes that repairs could be made for their cruise along the Danube River.

A total of 146 people were booked on the adults-only ship, which offers 7-night “Danube Capitals” sailings in the summer months with lengthy port visits in Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna, Austria.

Embarkation was to have been on Monday afternoon, June 29, 2026, but guests were transferred to hotels instead due to the broken air conditioning.

Ultimately, those guests were flown home two days later as the sailing was cancelled. Full refunds will also be provided, along with a £100 (roughly $133 USD) voucher for a future sailing.

“[We are] aware of a technical issue affecting the air conditioning on TUI Skyla following the extreme heat in Budapest, and we’re very sorry for the disruption this is causing to our customers’ holidays,” the cruise line said in a statement.

“Given the ongoing disruption, we took the difficult decision to curtail the cruise. Customers were flown back to the UK on 1 July.”

Engineers are working to fix the ship’s air conditioning as quickly as possible, but there is no confirmed timeline of when repairs may be complete.

On Monday in Budapest, Weather Underground reported that the high temperature reached 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) just about the time embarkation would have been underway for the river cruise ship.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service forecasts weather along the Danube to remain in the mid- to upper-80s this week.

Not the First Problem for TUI Skyla

The broken air conditioning is not the first technical issue aboard Skyla in recent weeks. Guests onboard the ship at the end of May 2026 had various issues with a lack of hot water. Eventually the hot water to staterooms was turned off completely while repairs were underway.

This meant guests were without hot water in their staterooms at least overnight, as an ordered part essential to the repairs did not meet the ship until the vessel arrived in Vienna.

TUI River Cruise (Photo Credit: paula french)

“Due to the fluctuating nature of the hot water, for your health & safety, we will turn off the hot water in your cabins. You will still be able to use the water in your cabins and hot water will remain available throughout the rest of the ship,” the cruise line notified guests at the time.

Guests on that voyage were given the option to remain onboard and continue their cruise with a 20% pro-rated refund of the impacted days along with a £200 ($267 USD) voucher for another cruise.

If guests preferred to debark and cancel the rest of that getaway, the cruise line arranged their flights back to the UK and offered the same pro-rated refund plus a full refund for the remainder of the cruise and a £100 future voucher.

Cruise Ships Can Struggle With Temperature Extremes

While cruise ships (both on the ocean and on rivers) have powerful engines that can supply all their onboard electrical needs, their power is not unlimited. In extreme cases, ships may not be able to cope with unexpected temperatures and the power drain extra air conditioning or heat can require.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on similar issues, such as during the early February cold snap that impacted much of the eastern US.

At that time, Carnival Cruise Line sent notices to booked guests about unusually cold temperatures in Norfolk, Virginia, advising that extra clothing layers would be necessary when boarding Carnival Sunshine despite “extra measures” being taken to warm the ship.