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Cruisers Charged Hundreds for Shore Excursion They Didn’t Take

Catie Kovelman
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Cruisers Charged Hundreds for Shore Excursion They Didn’t Take

A simple miscommunication resulted in a couple being charged $800 for a shore excursion they never even participated in. 

In January of 2025, a cruise guest, named Gabriele, and their partner embarked on a Holland America Line sailing to Baja California (Mexico). As part of their voyage, they hoped to partake in a popular whale watching shore excursion.

This activity costs $400 per person – and despite the high price tag – already had a waiting list by the time the couple was looking to reserve their spot.

They joined the list and remained hopeful that they would receive word of spots opening up – and were told they would be given three days to authorize the final purchase if that happened.

“Holland America confirmed our spot on the waiting list and told us that if spots opened up, it would notify us by email ‘on how to complete the purchase,’ giving us 72 hours to do so,” Gabriele told “The New York Times.”

But as the sailing approached, Gabriele and her partner had heard nothing from the Carnival-owned cruise line and chose to book their own whale watching adventure through a private vendor instead.

Now, imagine the couple’s surprise when they discovered an $800 charge on their credit card and found a note on their stateroom door telling them that they had indeed been added to the excursion soon after embarking.

By this point, it was likely too late for the cruisers to cancel their other excursion and get their money back – so this was no longer welcomed news. Unfortunately, the shore excursions desk was not available to assist urgently.

Worth Reading: Cruise Line Accidentally Charges Couple Almost $100K for Dinner

“We went immediately, but the desk was closed. We returned the next morning, only to be told we had apparently missed a 48-hour post-purchase deadline to cancel,” Gabriele explained.

“But the notice did not mention any deadline — and more outrageously, we had never agreed to the purchase in the first place! Appealing to the manager did not help, nor did a 53-minute call to guest relations after the cruise,” the cruiser continued.

The couple assumed this would be a simple fix with the cruise line – especially because the couple either didn’t see or receive the notification that spots opened up on the excursion – but the guest services team initially refused to refund the $800.

A Change In Policy

This charge was understandably quite frustrating – especially because the couple never actually authorized the payment in the end and did try to reach out for help from the crew members sooner than they were able to receive it.

As the couple was unsuccessful on their own, “The New York Times” reached out to Holland America Line on their behalf – and was able to secure a full refund for the couple.

“This was our error, and we apologize for the mistake,” Jeanine Takala, a cruise line spokeswoman, told the outlet.

Per Takala, the protocol for notifying guests of new information changes once onboard – with communication happening through the Navigator App and physical letters in staterooms instead of emails.

Holland America Cruise Ship
Holland America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: lenic)

However, the couple was unaware of this – and only Gabriele’s partner used the app while onboard. If they received a notification, they didn’t see it or didn’t understand what it was.

Read Also: 10 Worst Cruise Fails You Can Prepare For

Additionally, Takala added that Holland America Line has also implemented a new policy for wait-listed shore excursions as of May 17, 2025 – which is important for all future guests to be aware of.

Instead of having up to 72 hours to respond to offers to join wait-listed shore excursions, guests may have only 24 hours to decide if they still want to join.

“As of this week, when excursion spots open up after the ship has set sail, wait-listed passengers will be notified and given a short period (often 24 hours, depending on when the excursion is scheduled) in which to accept the spot, or they lose it and won’t be charged,” Takala wrote in a subsequent email to the news outlet.

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But even with switching to a shorter response time, guests still have the right to refuse or authorize the purchase – which is a key step that got skipped here.

The normal default should be that cruisers who don’t provide an affirmative response within the set time period are then skipped and the opportunity is given to the next party on the waitlist – which is true of the new policy.

Carnival Cruise Guest Challenges Toilet Policy Over Wet Wipes

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Cruise Guest Challenges Toilet Policy Over Wet Wipes

Toilets may not be a completely polite issue for common discussion, but they’re becoming more and more of a top topic for Carnival cruisers.

Despite the cruise line’s recent admonition against flushing wet wipes, some travelers continue to believe Carnival is being deliberately deceptive about why these items aren’t actually flushable.

One disgruntled guest, convinced about insider expertise that countermands Carnival’s claims, reached out to John Heald with entitled demands and their own – completely unrelated – experiences.

“Wet wipes are what many of us use John! Where do we put them?” the guest asked. “Why doesn’t Carnival provide those scented disposable bags that are used for diapers or dog poop so we can put the used ones in them for the cleaners to take away?”

Why doesn’t Carnival provide something for convenience that guests can pack themselves? Shouldn’t the cruise line offer each guest’s brand of coffee, sunscreen for skin protection, or slippers for stateroom use?

We already talked about that one – with the same answer, that the cruise line doesn’t provide slippers. And they certainly aren’t going to provide “scented disposable bags” for travelers who might use them.

Granted, putting used wet wipes in a bag rather than flushing them is an improvement, and sanitary product disposal bags are provided in every stateroom. If guests run out of bags, they can request more from their cabin attendant, no problem.

Scented products? That’s not going to happen (I don’t even use scented bags for my dog), especially when it could just lead to more entitled complaints from guests who don’t like that particular scent or who are sensitive to different perfumes and aromas.

The guest goes on to provide “evidence” to Heald that wet wipes are, in fact, safe and ideal for cruise ship use. They referenced a message board thread with a similar discussion.

“The author is … a marine engineer. He clearly says that wet wipes break down almost immediately and will not clog the ship’s toilet systems,” the guest claims. “The same as they do in my Newell Coach RV. Is this just a way to hide the fact that Carnival buys the cheapest toilet tissue they can?”

Carnival Cruise Line Toilet Issue
Carnival Cruise Line Toilet Issue (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin & cherry-hai)

Never mind the fact that anyone can say anything on the internet with no need to provide proof of experience, training, or other expert credentials.

There is no knowing if the individual cited actually is a marine engineer as claimed, nor what their exact field of expertise within that broad category might be.

Unless they were a cruise ship engineer with plumbing expertise, and specifically from Carnival Cruise Line, their experience doesn’t much matter to the cruise line’s technical requirements with respect to toilet paper.

Is Carnival Just Being Cheap About Toilet Paper?

It’s hard to believe conversations have come to this, but indeed, could Carnival Cruise Line be attempting to save pennies on toilet paper?

Heald responded to the claim with his characteristic blunt wit, leaving no doubt about what he thinks of such claims, and rightfully so.

“Firstly let me say that I had to ask Uncle Google what a Newell Coach RV was and secondly and most importantly let me say this,” Heald began. “Despite what this … link you included may say, I respectfully need to mention that the author does not know his ship … of in this case…shi*.”

Read Also: How Do Cruise Ships Get Fresh Water?

Heald goes on to firmly and without room for debate, close the discussion on such a very base topic.

“If you flush wet wipes down the toilet then it will block your toilet and the toilets in the [adjacent] cabin section too, sometimes 20 plus,” he confirmed. “Please do not flush anything down the toilet except the paper we provide. The end.”

There is signage posted in every stateroom bathroom, as well as the public restrooms onboard, reminding guests not to flush inappropriate items.

Anyone who has been on the receiving end of a blocked cruise ship toilet will undoubtedly agree – that’s enough of this, well, you know.

Toddler Dies Unexpectedly During Mediterranean Cruise

Catie Kovelman
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Toddler Dies Unexpectedly During Mediterranean Cruise

It’s never pleasant to hear of the rare instances when a guest or crew member passes away at sea, but the news just feels so much worse when the deceased is a young child.

But unfortunately, this tragedy unfolded onboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Toscana, when a two-year-old boy tragically passed away during a 7-night Western Mediterranean voyage.

The large 6,554-guest cruise ship, which is operating multiple Mediterranean itineraries simultaneously, was en route from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, to Savona, Italy, when the child unfortunately died.

Based on cruise tracking data, this means that the death took place sometime between the evening of May 17, 2025, and the morning of May 18, 2025.

Per Italian news outlets like “Notizie,” the toddler suddenly collapsed while enjoying the voyage with his parents. Despite immediate intervention from the qualified onboard medical team, the child could not be revived – even after hours of trying.

It’s unclear if crew members had attempted to coordinate a medical evacuation for the child, but no rescue aircrafts rendezvoused with the cruise ship.

Cruise ships are also equipped with the tools necessary for resuscitation, including defibrillators (AEDs), cardiac monitors, and oxygen – so the healthcare staff would have been well equipped in their efforts to stabilize the young cruiser.

Unfortunately, early reports suggest that the boy likely succumbed to a pre-existing heart condition – which he had surgery for in the past.

His parents shared that their son had appeared healthy and energetic throughout the cruise and in the time surrounding the trip, which had given them false hope that their child was on the mend. He was even mid-play when he collapsed.

In order to protect their privacy, the family has not been identified beyond the child’s age – and that they are Chinese but reside in France.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts and condolences are with the family as they mourn their unimaginable loss.

What Happens Next?

For the grieving parents, their vacation has understandably come to an end, and the 1,678 crew members onboard have surely been doing their best to offer support.

The parents were given a private place to stay by their son’s side until the 185,010-gross ton Costa Toscana arrived in Savona at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time on May 18, 2025.

Upon arrival in the port, authorities boarded the ship to interview the grieving parents, the medical team, and other witnesses. As harsh as it may sound, investigations are standard protocol following a death at sea.

Costa Toscana Cruise Ship
Costa Toscana Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: GEORGE STAMATIS)

The child’s body was also removed from the ship while in the port, and will be repatriated to France – where he will be laid to rest.

There were no diversions or delays as a result of the sad incident, and the itineraries of the current simultaneous Mediterranean voyages have not been impacted.

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

This news also comes on the same day that Princess Cruises shared that one of their own died mid-voyage.

Indeed, Captain Michele Bartolomei sadly died mid-voyage onboard Diamond Princess On May 19, 2025. He also passed suddenly following an unexpected medical event while the ship was visiting Keelung, Taiwan, for an overnight call.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died onboard Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency,” Princess Cruises shared in a letter to passengers.

The beloved captain had spent a lifetime on ships, and was approaching his 30th anniversary working for the Carnival-owned cruise line. He will surely be missed by many on land and at sea.

Carnival Guest Wants Trays Back But Not Everyone Agrees

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Guest Wants Trays Back But Not Everyone Agrees

The all-you-can-eat buffet is a staple venue aboard many large cruise ships, but do the dishes match up with guests’ appetites and serving preferences?

Some guests might prefer a one-and-done trip with a larger plate, while others are more inclined to nibble and might return to the serving lines several times to sample different treats. One Carnival Cruise Line guest, however, is convinced that bigger dishes are the best – and essential – for all guests.

The disgruntled (and presumably hungry) guest reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, with their request, though it was more of a demand, for more spacious dishes.

“Trays!! Where are the trays!!!” the guest exclaimed. “Even our [local buffet restaurant] has trays to use for the salad bar. We need trays which will, John, be unanimously welcomed.”

Will, first of all, the idea of “unanimously welcomed” would by definition mean that every single person agrees. This is therefore another of those guests who claims to know everyone’s mind and preferences, but without any petition or data to back up their assertion.

“I think the big plates are fine,” Heald responded with just as much bluntness as the guest expressed their thoughts.

To be clear, the guest did not offer any explanation for why, exactly, trays would be preferred. This doesn’t take much imagination and it is true that many guests would appreciate trays. In fact, Heald himself understands some of the best reasoning for wanting trays, even though there is another solution.

“Trays are useful for some perhaps who have walking challenges. Remember to always ask any of the crew members working on Lido if you need help carrying something back to your table,” he suggests.

I do happen to remember when, years ago, Carnival Cruise Line did have trays available for guests. In truth, there was some convenience to it, because a dinner plate, small dessert plate, silverware, condiments, and drink cup could all be put on the same tray to be carried at once.

Trays have long since vanished from the Lido Marketplace buffet, however. Now, guests use regular dinner plates to serve themselves however much or little they wish.

Depending on how an individual guest may fill their plate, there may still be room for plenty of food choices, but it can be challenging to balance everything in one trip.

Why Not Have Trays?

Still, there are reasons why the cruise line may have discontinued trays. First and foremost, the hundreds of trays would simply be more dishes that would need to be appropriately washed and sanitized after every use, along with all the regular plates, cups, bowls, and silverware.

Piles of trays would take up valuable real estate in serving areas, as well as on already crowded tables.

Some other guests responded to the discussion noting that larger trays could contribute to food waste with travelers perhaps overestimating their appetite based on the surface availability of a larger tray.

Lido Buffet on Carnival Splendor
Lido Buffet on Carnival Splendor (Photo Credit: Carnival)

Of course, trays can be helpful for those guests who may have mobility concerns, when multiple trips to the buffet with smaller plates might be challenging.

As Heald noted, however, there are always crew members ready and willing to help any guest with difficulties.

“I use a wheelchair and have always been greeted by at least one crew member on Lido offering assistance to not only carry my plate, but assist with selections as well,” one guest described. “They are most accommodating.”

Other guests note that trays are very useful for families with young children, or to avoid multiple trips to the buffet to complete a meal – which can make the already long serving lines even longer.

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

Multiple guests even note that because trays permit one person to carry all their food – plus drink, silverware, etc. – at once, it is easier to avoid having one’s plate of food prematurely cleaned up by enthusiastic crew members if you have to go back for a second trip.

Of course, some frequent Carnival cruisers, especially solo travelers, have an easy solution – they pack along a tray of their own. As these items are not prohibited by the cruise line, it might be something to add to the packing list!

Carnival Cruises into Summer with Two Million Guests and New Destination

Skyler Wolpert
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Carnival Cruises into Summer with Two Million Guests and New Destination

With the summer cruising season beginning soon, Carnival Cruise Line is expecting its busiest season to date. During this time, its ships will make 1,200 stops at 100 destinations.

The cruise line is gearing up for the busy season with impressive stats and, of course, the much-anticipated opening of its new private destination, Celebration Key.

“Summer is the busiest time for travel and Carnival Cruise Line is poised for one of our largest summer cruise schedules ever,” shared Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Duffy also shared that a significant amount of the American population is within a 5-hour drive of one of the 13 homeports available in the United States, making access to cruising easier than ever.

Also, with most entertainment, activities, and meals included in the cost of the cruise, these experiences have a value that other land-based vacations just cannot compete with.

It is estimated that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 29 Carnival Cruise Line-operated vessels will sail 2,000,000 guests.

On Memorial Day Weekend alone, 23 of the ships will embark on cruises from 10 US-based homeports, such as a 4-night round-trip itinerary on Carnival Glory out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas.

Also estimated by Carnival is the $635,000,000 impact on the local economies generated in the US homeports by passengers before and after their cruises.

Currently, there is a three-vessel Alaska deployment, which will embark 100,000 passengers — Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit will be sailing out of Seattle, and Carnival Legend out of San Francisco.

The European summer series has already begun, as Carnival Miracle will be making its way to multiple destinations in 17 countries.

Currently, this ship is on a 12-night round-trip itinerary out of Dover, England, and is stopping in Ireland, Iceland, and Scotland before disembarking on May 30, 2025.

Carnival Cruise Departing Miami
Carnival Cruise Departing Miami (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

Throughout the summer, guests will be served 2.8 million burgers fleetwide at Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, eat 2.4 million slices of pizza, and enjoy 13 million servings of ice cream.

Given that Carnival Cruise Line has more access to US Homeports than any other cruise line, its ships sailing from these ports will make over 1,000 stops in destinations across 15 countries.

In an effort to improve guest experiences, Carnival is working on implementing a new ticketless platform for shore excursions at its most-visited destinations.

With tons of summer offerings to choose from, this sailing season will be an exciting one — and it comes with a new private-ish island!

Grand Opening of Celebration Key on the Horizon

Also coming this summer season is Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest private destination, which is having its grand opening on July 19, 2025.

Popular brand ambassador John Heald recently announced that he would be joining the cruise line’s president Christine Duffy on the inaugural cruise to the destination onboard the 3,900 passenger Carnival Vista.

“This summer is set to be especially memorable as we open Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, our game-changing destination that will deliver the ultimate day in paradise for our guests,” Duffy shared in a recent statement.

Celebration Key, Bahamas
Celebration Key, Bahamas

From the time of the grand opening to Labor Day weekend, Celebration Key will welcome 15 Carnival ships coming from eight homeports for a total of 80 individual visits.

Read Also: What to Expect When You Go on a Carnival Cruise

Celebration Key joins a growing list of private destinations owned by Carnival, which also includes Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk in Turks & Caicos, Isla Tropicale in Honduras, Puerta Maya in Mexico, as well as Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in the Bahamas.

Celebration Key spans 65 acres on Grand Bahama and is home to the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. 

Families can enjoy themselves at this destination, as it features kid-friendly areas including the Guppy Grotto and Suncastle Slide. 

There is also an adults-only spot called Calypso Lagoon, which offers a mix of relaxing at the pool or partying with a DJ playing island beats. 

Last but not least, guests can experience complimentary dining at Island Eats, which will feature some Bahamian specialties along with fresh seafood and beyond.  

With the grand opening happening in just two months, Celebration Key will likely become a year-round port of call across multiple Carnival ships that frequently visit the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Begins Sea Trials

Lissa Poirot
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Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas Begins Sea Trials

Royal Caribbean’s next mega ship has officially hit the water for testing.

Star of the Seas, the second vessel in the cruise line’s new Icon Class, began sea trials this week after departing the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on May 19, 2025.

The trials mark one of the final milestones before the ship’s debut later this summer and was shared by the shipyard on its social media.

“Star of the Seas departed our shipyard early Monday morning to begin her sea trials,” Meyer Turku posted. “We wish her and her crew sunny skies and smooth sailing!”

The trials will last several days and are designed to evaluate key ship systems, including navigation, propulsion, and onboard safety under real-life sea conditions.

At the start of May, Royal Caribbean’s Senior Director of Product Development, Jennifer Goswami, had reported the ship was 96 percent complete.

Royal Caribbean engineers and crew members began arriving at the shipyard on May 13 and are now onboard to test the vessel’s performance.

After successful completion of the sea trials, Star of the Seas is expected to return to port later this week for final outfitting.

Sea trials for Star of the Seas
Star of the Seas began sea trials (Photo Credit: Mediascope Productions)

Construction of the new vessel began with a steel-cutting ceremony at the shipyard on February 15, 2023, followed by the keel-laying 10 months later. At that time, coins were placed under the keel to bring the ship good luck and protection at sea. 

The ship was successfully floated out in October 2024.

Once back at the shipyard, crew members will begin a deep clean and stock supplies as final touches are added to décor, interior furnishings, dining venues, and entertainment systems.

A formal delivery ceremony in which Meyer Turku hands over the ship to Royal Caribbean will be the final phase in Star of the Seas construction.

Preparing for August Debut

The 248,663-gross-ton Star of the Seas, which can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double capacity and 2,350 crew members, is the second Icon Class ship after Icon of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas debuted in January 2024 to provide Caribbean cruises from PortMiami. 

Upon delivery, Star of the Seas will sail to Port Canaveral, Florida, where its 7-night inaugural voyage is scheduled for August 31, 2025.

While that journey will take guests to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, Meyer Turku’s speedy construction means an earlier delivery than expected.

As a result, Royal Caribbean is hosting three preview sailings on August 20, 23, and 27 to introduce industry insiders to the vessel before her maiden voyage.

Star of the Seas will provide Eastern and Western Caribbean options from Port Canaveral ,with each sailing calling in Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian destination, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

A second location, Perfect Day Mexico, is also under construction, but when it opens in the fall of 2027, passengers sailing to Mexico on Star of the Seas can expect a call.

It is very likely the ship will also spend time at Royal Caribbean’s soon-to-come Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, after it opens in December 2025, along with the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico in 2026.

MSC Cruises Adding Two More World Class Ships to Its Fleet

Lissa Poirot
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MSC Cruises Adding Two More World Class Ships to Its Fleet

Just last month, MSC Cruises was delighting guests and the cruise industry with the big debut of MSC World America in Miami, Florida

Yet, the cruise line held onto a little secret, so as not to distract from the hoopla of bringing its biggest ship – 216,638 gross tons – to the world’s busiest port.

But today, May 19, 2025, the secret is out! MSC Cruises will be adding two more World Class ships to its fleet.

The announcement made in Paris revealed the cruise line has ordered two more ships with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique, bringing the total number of vessels in the World Class series to six.

The ships are currently referred to as World Class V and VI and are expected to be delivered in 2029 and 2030.

“The confirmation of the order for the two new World Class ships marks a new milestone in our remarkable shipbuilding trajectory in France and the continuation of our long-term industrial plan,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.

“This milestone underlines our commitment to build some of the highest performing ships in the world, creating a legacy of excellence and innovation in collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, our long-term partners for more than 20 years,” he continued.

MSC Cruises orders new ships
From left to right: Pierfrancesco Vago, Marc Ferracci, Laurent-Castaing (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)

The new ships will join MSC World Europa, which debuted in 2022 during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a floating hotel, and MSC World America, which began offering Caribbean cruises from Miami following her April 9, 2025, christening at the cruise line’s new terminal in PortMiami.

MSC Cruises will bring an Asian flair to its third World Class ship, MSC World Asia, when it debuts in the Mediterranean in December 2026.

It will be followed by MSC World Atlantic, which will sail to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral in Florida beginning in February 2027.

Next-Gen Ships

While the new order is still contingent on financing agreements, MSC Cruises is showing it means business as it actively works to build new ships to compete with other mega cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.

MSC World America, for instance, has a look and feel similar to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Class ships and is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Spanning 22 passenger decks, the vessel can accommodate up to 6,762 passengers.

MSC World America at Shipyard
MSC World America at Shipyard (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

Each World-class ship has been and will continue to be constructed with liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, along with advanced waste management systems, shore power connectivity, and a hull designed to minimize resistance to utilize less fuel.

Read Also: Here’s What I Thought After Three Days on MSC World America

Although more specifics on the new ships will be revealed in months to come, the World Class vessels are being designed to offer passengers an array of activities, amenities, dining, and entertainment tailored to all ages.

Each vessel offers more than 30 food and beverage destinations, multiple categories of stateroom options, and seven distinct districts to promote relaxation, entertainment, family activities, and more.

MSC World Europa is currently enjoying a summer season in the Mediterranean with homeports in Italy, Malta, France, and Spain, while MSC World America is sailing 7-night journeys to Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations from Miami.

MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic remain under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Diamond Princess Captain Passes Suddenly During Voyage

Lissa Poirot
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0
Diamond Princess Captain Passes Suddenly During Voyage

Passengers sailing on Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess heard a distressing call in the wee hours of the night, May 19, 2025.

A medical emergency call rang through the ship’s loudspeaker at 2:30 a.m. local time, according to one passenger aboard.

It turns out the emergency was for one of Princess Cruises’ own: Captain Michele Bartolomei.

The esteemed captain, who was approaching his 30-year anniversary with the cruise line, was unable to be rescued and passed suddenly.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died onboard Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency,” Princess Cruises shared in a letter to passengers sailing in Taiwan.

A second announcement was also made over the ship’s loudspeaker in the morning before passengers disembarked for their excursions.

“As we stood with our fellow cruise planners waiting to disembark for out tour, another announcement came over the ship’s PA system, this time, delivering heartbreaking news,” wrote one guest.

“We stood in stunned silence, mouths agape, as the weight of the moment settled over us,” he continued.

The announcement was made as guests were enjoying an overnight call in Keelung, Taiwan, which would not have warranted at-sea assistance from the Taiwanese coast guard.

The ship departed Yokohama, Japan, on May 16, 2025, for a 9-night cruise that will continue to Ishigaki and Naha, Japan, before returning to port on May 25, 2025.

Diamond Princess’ Staff Captain Salvatore Macera, who has been with Princess Cruises since 2000, is now at the helm.

“Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority,” Princess Cruises stated. 

“Our highly experienced and professional bridge team is fully capable and will ensure the remainder of our journey continues as planned.”

A Lifetime at Sea

Captain Bartolomei, who resided in British Colombia, Canada, joined Princess Cruises in August 1995 after working as a member of the crew on a gas tank and as a cadet on a coal cargo ship. He attended a nautical school in La Spezia, Italy.

A self-described passionate fisherman, Captain Bartolomei kept his own fishing boat in the Pacific Northwest and spent 18 seasons cruising Alaska’s Inner Passage from Vancouver or Seattle.

Enjoying his time sailing in Asia and Australia, Captain Bartolomei had recently joined Captain Mario Consentino of Crown Princess for a unique photo op celebrating Princess Cruises’ Australian adventures earlier this year.

Princess Cruise Ship's Captains Meet for Coffee
Discover Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei (left) and Crown Princess Captain Mario Consentino (right) meet for coffee in Sydney. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)

Captain Macera called Bartolomei “a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew.”

“Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them,” Princess Cruises said.

“We also stand in support of the entire Diamond Princess crew and all employees across our company who had the honor of working alongside him.”

Current and former passengers also shared their condolences to his family and crew on social media, including photos with the captain who died doing what he loved at the age of 52.

His death is nearly a year to the day Captain James MacDonald of Royal Caribbean passed away while mastering Harmony of the Seas’ Caribbean cruise, also leaving passengers, crew, and loved ones in shock.

Cruise Hive extends sincere condolences to Captain Bartolomei’s family and friends, as well as the crew aboard Diamond Princess and the entire Princess Cruises fleet.

Oversold Royal Caribbean Sailing Tempts Guests to Change Plans

Catie Kovelman
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Oversold Royal Caribbean Sailing Tempts Guests to Change Plans

With just days to go before Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas is due to embark on a sailing to Bermuda on May 24, 2025, it’s a bit late in the game to be changing travel plans. 

But with the 5-night cruise overbooked, the cruise line is making some hard-to-refuse offers to passengers who are willing to cancel or switch to a different sailing. 

“Ahead of our Liberty of the Seas, May 24, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel plans. If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as “Read”, and gear up for your upcoming adventure,” Royal Caribbean wrote to booked guests. 

“If your travel plans are flexible, you may be able to take advantage of our special offer,” the enticing message continued. 

The first option is for guests to transfer to a different, pre-selected 2025 voyage – which includes 9-night sailings to Bermuda onboard Liberty of the Seas and 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay onboard Symphony of the Seas. 

All of the selected cruises set sail from Cape Liberty Bayonne in New Jersey – which is where the overbooked voyage is based. 

In appreciation of guests’ flexibility, they will receive a 100% refund for their original sailing and the transfer will come at no additional cost – so they would essentially be getting a free, longer cruise. 

In addition to the cruise fare, guests who choose this option will also be reimbursed for any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses, such as airfare and hotel stays. 

The second option is to cancel outright for a 100% refund and 100% future cruise credit to book an alternate Royal Caribbean sailing that embarks on or before May 24, 2026. 

Once again, any additional non-refundable travel expenses will be refunded as part of this offer. 

Why Does This Keep Happening?

While guests aren’t usually impacted by overbooking, the practice is common in the cruise industry – as it allows cruise lines to maximize their occupancy and revenue even when some passengers cancel or “no show” at the last minute. 

But for sailings that take place during peak season – such as around spring and summer break – or with particularly exciting itineraries, there might be more demand than the brand was expecting. 

Thankfully, enough guests usually take the cruise line up on their offers so that the passengers who remain onboard can still enjoy their vacation as they normally would.

Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship Docked in Bermuda
Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship Docked in Bermuda (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)

Royal Caribbean fans may also be feeling a bit of déjà vu right about now – as this is not the first time this year that the cruise line has had to appeal to guests on oversold voyages.

It happened first for Allure of the Seas’ April 24, 2025, voyage – which was a 7-night Western Mediterranean sailing that was based in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

Guests were again given the option to switch to a different sailing and receive a full refund or to cancel and receive a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

But in this case, guests in balcony cabins were also given an additional option to downgrade their stateroom category to sail in an interior stateroom – which would again result in a 100% refund.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Amenities You Should Pre-Book

Even more recently, Allure of the Seas’ May 15, 2025, cruise from Rome found itself overbooked – and guests were given the same three options as the Oasis-class vessel’s previous packed sailing.

They could downgrade from a balcony cabin to an interior stateroom (this time for a full refund and a $200 onboard credit!), switch to a different sailing and receive a full refund, or cancel their cruise to receive a refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

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