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Brilliant Lady Is Set to Razzle Dazzle with New Dining Experience

Virgin Voyages doesn’t shy away from the razzle-dazzle, and its new Brilliant Lady, debuting in September 2025, will be no exception.

The cruise line just announced a new restaurant concept that will be introduced when it brings its fourth and final 110,000-gross-ton ship to its fleet.

Following the introduction of the beloved Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, a Chinese-inspired eatery aboard the newly refreshed Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages is bringing Spain to Brilliant Lady with Rojo by Razzle Dazzle.

The new concept will feature fare designed by renowned Chefs Justin Severino and Nate Hobart, four-time James Beard Foundation award nominees and co-chefs at the popular Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, charcutier Morcilla.

With a passion for Spanish gastronomy, the menu will feature sharable dishes inspired by their acclaimed stateside creations, including the duos’ most-loved dishes like Oxtail Montadito. The fave combines braised oxtail with caramelized onion and mahón cheese on a crispy crostini.

Levi Mezick, director of Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Program Development, said of the new dining concept, “Spanish cuisine and the communal dining traditions complement our commitment to authentic yet innovative experiences for our Sailors.”

He added, “Virgin Voyages set out to be a disruptor from day one, and our culinary program – with Michelin-chef designed menus and boundary-pushing creativity – was always central to the mission.”

Day-to-Night Dining Across Four US Ports

While Virgin Voyages’ entire fleet of 2,700-passenger vessels closely resemble each other, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle’s culinary experience is being designed to serve as a relaxed brunch setting by day and then transform into a lively dining spectacle by night.

Daytime offerings will include Spanish-American brunch items such as jamon croquettes alongside acai bowls and frittatas.

As evening falls, the atmosphere will shift into a more elegant dining scene enriched with a menu of pintxos, tapas, and platos grandes, drawing inspiration from across Spain’s diverse culinary regions.

Virgin Voyages, which is seeing its bookings skyrocket, also collaborated with Onada Consulting from Barcelona to ensure that the cocktail offerings are as authentic as the food.

The drinks menu will be influenced by iconic bars from Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian, featuring artisanal vermouths and sangrias. The wine list will also feature several Spanish wines, including Riojas and Albarinos.

Rojo by Razzle Dazzle
Rojo by Razzle Dazzle (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)

To accompany the new concept, the space will also give Razzle Dazzle a different look from its predecessor. Rich wooden accents and deep reddish-orange tones will complement the communal dining space.

Guests will be introduced to Rojo by Razzle Dazzle when the ship completes its construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

Set to be delivered to the cruise line owned by Sir Richard Branson, Brilliant Lady will be the fleet’s first ship catering specifically to the North American market.

It will operate from four homeports, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, and will be Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship to venture into Alaskan waters in 2026.

Read Also: I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages

Passengers sailing on Brilliant Lady will find itineraries ranging from 5 to 14 nights, beginning with its New York City launch that will take guests to the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda, and the coast of South Carolina at Charleston.

Fall sailings will take the ship to New England and Canada before Brilliant Lady heads to Miami for a winter season in the Caribbean, where the ship will offer 17 itineraries lasting 7 to 12 nights.

Following that season, Brilliant Lady will travel through the Panama Canal and head to Southern California for a spring season. By May 2026, the vessel will arrive in Seattle to explore the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Hurricane Season Forecast Suggests Higher Chances of Cruise Disruption

Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science has released its preliminary forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

While hurricane season does not officially begin until June 1, these early predictions offer some insights into what to expect as winds speed up through the busy summer cruising months.

In broadest strokes, the forecast report calls for above-normal activity, albeit somewhat lower than the 2024 seasonal predictions. This year, a total of 17 named storms with nine hurricanes and four major storms (Category 3 or higher) are anticipated.

In April 2024, 23 named storms with 11 hurricanes and five major storms were predicted. The season concluded on November 30, 2024, with a total of 18 storms, 11 hurricanes, and 3 of them classified as majors.

Before the report discusses the finer details of the 2025 predictions, it does have one statement that must be made absolutely clear.

“Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them,” the report notes.

Nearly 40 years of past data from various storm tracking and modeling resources are used to create the seasonal predictions.

This year, a weak La Nina will likely keep the early part of hurricane season fairly neutral, but warmer than typical ocean surfaces in the eastern and central Atlantic mean storms can form and strengthen quickly.

It is important to note, however, that predictions are only that – predictions – and models occasional fail to predict already dynamic and uncertain conditions.

“Everyone should realize that it is impossible to precisely predict this season’s hurricane activity in early April,” the report explains. “We issue these forecasts to satisfy the curiosity of the public and the bring attention to the hurricane problem.”

Typically, early season storms tend to be weaker, with the strongest storms forming in late summer and early fall when the ocean waters are warmest.

The peak of hurricane season activity in Florida – and the Sunshine State’s six cruise ship homeports – is in early September. Dangerous storms, however, can and do occur at any time during the season, or even outside its official June 1 through November 30 dates.

What an Active Hurricane Season Means for Cruising

Regardless of the seasonal predictions, hurricanes can have a dramatic impact on cruise travel. From closing homeports to changing itineraries to delaying or cancelling sailings, even one storm can affect oceangoing vacations.

But where will this year’s storms most likely hit? Further analysis of historical data and current conditions does offer some insights.

The probability of a major Category 3+ hurricane striking anywhere along the continental US coastline is believed to be 51%, while the east coast and Florida peninsula probability is 26%. The probability of a major strike along the Gulf Coast to Galveston and Brownsville is 33%.

Cruise Ships Hurricane
Cruise Ships Hurricane (Photo Credit: Tiffany Marie Green)

All three of these probabilities are above historical averages from 1880-2020, which are 43%, 21%, and 27%, respectively.

In the Caribbean, there is a 56% probability for at least one major hurricane track, compared to a historical average of 47%.

Read Also: How a Hurricane Could Affect Your Cruise

Of course, a hurricane does not need to be a major storm to have a significant and even catastrophic impact on an island nation, private cruise destination, or port of call.

Damage to docks, excessive debris accumulation in a harbor, or disruptions to local power supplies and services can all make it impossible for a cruise ship to visit a destination even after a smaller storm may have passed.

All cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions as well as storm development and potential tracks, adjusting their operations as necessary. The safety of guests, crew members, and port communities is always the top priority.

Cruise travelers with sailings booked during hurricane season should always be flexible with their travel plans and expectations, and be prepared for possible changes and less-than-smooth seas.

Island Swap for Royal Caribbean Ship Due to Berthing Conflict

Guests sailing an outstanding “Discover the Canaries” itinerary aboard Independence of the Seas won’t actually be visiting both Canary Islands destinations they’d planned to see on their vacation.

Due to scheduling conflicts in Gran Canaria, the cruise line has reached out to notify booked guests of a simple itinerary change and a swap to a different island for the May 12, 2025 departure, a 12-night sailing.

“Before your European vacation begins, we wanted to inform you about some changes to our itinerary,” the notification explained. “Due to a berthing conflict in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, we’ll now enjoy a visit to the captivating and serene island of Lanzarote, Canary Islands, instead.”

The two islands are roughly 115 miles apart, with Lanzarote being the easternmost of the Canary Islands.

No further details of the “berthing conflict” have been disclosed. It is curious, however, that on May 18, the day Independence of the Seas was to have visited, no other ships are currently scheduled for Gran Canaria.

Worth Reading: Two Independence of the Seas Cruises Affected by Maintenance Delays

It is possible that some of the scheduling is still fluctuating, or that dock repairs or maintenance have made it necessary for the cruise port to adjust its availability. These types of itinerary changes often have a knock-on effect that may impact several ships and different ports.

While in Lanzarote from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Independence of the Seas will be joined by P&O Cruises’ Ventura, unless further scheduling changes are made for other cruise lines.

The full day’s visit will give guests plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous natural beauty of the island and its volcanic landscape. Vineyard tours, camel rides, and other great tour options will be made available.

In the meantime, any pre-paid shore tours purchased through Royal Caribbean for Gran Canaria will be automatically cancelled and refunded; guests do not need to take any action. If travelers have booked independent tours, however, they will need to contact their tour operators for options.

At this time, there are no further changes to the overall itinerary. Independence of the Seas will depart Southampton, UK on Monday, May 12 and spend the first day at sea.

Bilbao will be the first port visit on Wednesday, May 14, followed by another sea day before visiting Lisbon on Friday, May 16. Yet another day at sea will bring the ship to Lanzarote on Sunday, May 18, followed by Tenerife and Madeira on Monday and Tuesday.

Guests will enjoy another day at sea en route to La Coruna for a visit on Thursday, May 22, and a final day at sea will bring the ship back to Southampton on Saturday, May 24.

European Sailings Aboard Independence of the Seas

This impacted sailing is Independence of the Seas‘ first European sailing of the season, following her transatlantic cruise that will depart Miami, Florida on April 28 and arrive in Southampton on May 12.

The ship will remain homeported in Southampton through mid-October, offering a diverse mix of both short and long sailings.

Shorter cruises include 2-, 3-, and 5-night itineraries to ports such as Zeebrugge, Hamburg, and Rotterdam, depending on the sailing date.

Independence of the Seas Cruise Ship at CocoCay
Independence of the Seas Cruise Ship at CocoCay (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks – Is It Worth Upgrading?

Of special interest will be both the 7-night Norwegian fjords cruises, as northern itineraries are always a popular summer option for cool breezes and stunning scenery.

Additionally, itineraries for Spain, Portugal, and northern cities range from 8 to 9 nights and include visits to iconic destinations such as Oslo, Copenhagen, Cadiz, Vigo, Paris, and more.

Independence of the Seas is offering a westbound transatlantic cruise from Southampton back to Miami departing on October 16, with visits to Spain, Portugal, the Azores, and Nassau along the way.

Once back in the Sunshine State, the ship will offer alternating Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean sailings, nearly all of which visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, through mid-April 2026.

The 155,889-gross ton ship, the youngest of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom class, can welcome 3,634 guests at double occupancy, or up to 4,375 travelers when fully booked.

It’s Official: MSC Group Inaugurates New Cruise Terminal

Bienvenido a Barcelona! Welcome to Barcelona from MSC Group, which has officially opened its new cruise terminal in the Spanish city.

The occasion was celebrated during the maiden port call of Explora II, the newest ship operated by Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand owned by MSC Group.

MSC Group’s new terminal will be used as a homeport by Explora II on some itineraries and by five MSC Cruises’ ships that will embark guests on various Mediterranean cruises in 2025.

These include MSC World Europa, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Magnifica, and MSC Orchestra

The terminal was awarded Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification thanks to its focus on environmental protection and sustainability.

With energy efficiency a hallmark of its design, the facility uses solar panels and natural light to reduce power usage and has a rainwater collection system to lower the demand for water.

Ongoing work will result in shore power connectivity in 2027, enabling docked ships to turn off their engines and hook into the local power grid, thereby cutting harmful emissions. More than 60% of MSC Cruises’ fleet already has shore power capability.

The terminal also has the capability for liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations, as more ships are being fitted to use the greener fuel alternative. 

A slew of Spanish governmental officials joined MSC Group executives at the inauguration ceremony and ribbon-cutting on April 3, 2025, including Spain’s State Secretary for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Jose Antonio Santano Clavero.

Other high-ranking government officials included Albert Dalmau, minister of the presidency of the Government of Catalonia; and Jose Alberto Carbonell, president of the Port of Barcelona.

Said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division:The new terminal is not just an investment in modern port infrastructure but demonstrates that we are aligned with the city’s strategy for a more balanced and sustainable model of tourism, all whilst bringing positive economic benefits to the region.

Opening Ceremony of MSC Barcelona Terminal
Opening Ceremony of MSC Barcelona Terminal

We look forward to this new chapter with the Port of Barcelona as our guests from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys enjoy the benefits that this modern, innovative and sustainable cruise facility brings,said Vago.

Read Also: What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Families?

The executive noted that the port of Barcelona is a 40-year partner of MSC Group, which also operates a large cargo business, and a 25-year partner of MSC Cruises.

Terminal Offers VIP Lounge for Luxury Cruisers

Designed by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, a Catalan firm, the terminal’s exterior is a nod to visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, while inside, cruise passengers will find multiple areas geared to make their transit through the port seamless.

The terminal has a retail space plus a waiting area with plentiful seating. A VIP lounge for premium and luxury guests provides an exclusive pre-boarding process.

The official inauguration of the new cruise terminal followed its opening in mid-February 2025, when MSC Fantasia became the first MSC Cruises’ ship to disembark guests at the port.

Barcelona is the largest port in the Mediterranean, welcoming 3.6 million cruise passengers in 2024. It is among some European cities that have taken steps to limit the impact of cruise-tourism on local infrastructure and lifestyle.

In Barcelona, just seven cruise ships at a time can call at the destination, and in October 2023, the city banned cruise ships from docking at the World Trade Center area and Muelle Barcelona Norte.

The move was intended to cut emissions in the city center area.

New Residential Cruise Brand Reveals Second Ship From Norwegian

The ultra-luxury residential cruise brand Crescent Seas, newly introduced to the industry just weeks ago, already is expanding the scope of its business by announcing it will add a second ship to its operations.

Oceania Cruises’ 700-guest Insignia will join the Crescent Seas fleet in late 2027 following an extravagant $50 million renovation. Once completed, the ship will offer 290 luxury residences costing between $650,000 and $10 million apiece.

The stem-to-stern overhaul will completely transform the ship, which entered service in 1998. Insignia was built as an R-class ship for Renaissance Cruises and operates under the Oceania brand as a Regatta-class vessel.

Oceania Cruises bought Insignia in 2004, and briefly leased the ship to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises from 2012 to 2014. As a Crescent Seas ship, Insignia will offer wealthy guests plenty of high-end services such as private butlers and gourmet cuisine.

Crescent Seas announced in early March that it would begin operating Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator in December 2026. Like Insignia, the 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator will undergo a $50 million upgrade and offer 210 residences at prices ranging from $750,000 to $8 million each.

Eventually, Crescent Seas plans to assemble a five-ship fleet offering luxury residential accommodations and global itineraries that will feature up to five days in each port visited.

“Imagine traveling the world without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. With our ownership model, families can share once-in-a-lifetime experiences seamlessly,” said Marisa Galbut, president of Crescent Seas.

“Forget the hassle of planning vacations—embrace the freedom of remote work while exploring the world from your own residence at sea,” added Galbut.

Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are both owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which has a past link to Crescent Seas: Russell W. Galbut, founder and chairman of Crescent Seas, is a former chairman of NCLH.

Neither NCLH nor Crescent Seas has revealed the financial terms of the agreements. They also have not confirmed whether Insignia and Seven Seas Navigator are lease deals or acquisitions. However, the arrangements are said to be part of a bigger, $230 million agreement between the two companies.

Crescent Seas The Navigator Rendering
The Navigator (Credit: Bespoke Luxury Marketing, Crescent Seas)

It is also unclear whether the names of the ships will change once the handovers and renovations are complete. But one aspect of the onboard experience will remain the same; both ships will continue to be staffed by The Apollo Group, which currently manages the ships’ hospitality operations.

Crescent Seas has competition in the residential cruise space. Among the most well-known is the Villa Vie Residences line, whose Villa Vie Odyssey sails continuous around-the-world cruises every 3.5 years and offers a variety of cabin purchase options.

However, Villa Vie Residences does not provide the level of ultra-luxury that Crescent Seas seeks to attain.

New Ships to Replace Vessels Headed to Crescent Seas

Meanwhile, at NCLH, Insignia and Seven Seas Navigator won’t be missed for long, since the company has new ships on order for both its Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.

Read Also: How Much Does It Cost to Live On a Cruise Ship?

As part of a huge new-build construction order and fleet expansion plan detailed in 2024, Oceania Cruises will receive two new 86,000-gross ton ships, each with capacity for 1,450 guests. The vessels are due to enter service in 2027 and 2029.

At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, two slightly smaller ships — at 77,000-gross tons and accommodating 850 guests, were ordered for delivery in 2026 and 2029.

The parent company also ordered four ships for Norwegian Cruise Line. Each of the 200,000-gross tons ships will have capacity for up to 5,000 guests and are expected to join the fleet in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Characters Revealed for Disney Adventure Stern Sculpture

The debut of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Adventure, may not be until December, but excitement is continuing to build for the new Global class vessel, the largest ever in Disney’s fleet.

Now, the cruise line has revealed a fun tradition for the ship, announcing the stern sculpture characters that add a bit of whimsy and fun to every Disney cruise ship.

“Each of our ships features signature Disney characters on the back of the ship, known as the stern. For the first time ever, Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse will grace the Disney Adventure’s stern as they bring the magic of a Disney Cruise vacation to Asia for the first time!” announced Disney Cruise Line via social media.

Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie will both be poised on the ship, balanced on an anchor. Captain Mickey is holding a paint can while Captain Minnie wields a paintbrush to complete the details of the ship’s name on the stern.

Both characters will, appropriately enough, be sporting their officer’s attire, with Captain Mickey in nautical blue and Captain Minnie wearing red.

Worth Reading: ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Moana’-Inspired Themes Revealed for Disney Adventure

Disney Cruise Line has characters on the stern of every ship, each one unique and adding to the magical experience guests have come to expect from their Disney sailings.

The tradition began with Goofy at the stern of Disney Magic (1998), while Donald Duck and Huey are the stern characters for Disney Wonder (1999).

When Disney Dream (2011) debuted, Sorcerer Mickey and his magical brooms appeared on the stern, while Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse are the characters bringing up the rear on Disney Fantasy (2012).

The two newest Disney ships already in service, Disney Wish (2022) and Disney Treasure (2024), each feature other iconic duos – Rapunzel and Pascal as well as Peter Pan and Captain Hook, respectively.

When Disney Destiny officially joins the fleet in November, Spider-Man and the Spiderbots will be the characters for that heavily Marvel-themed vessel.

Sailing Adventures Aboard Disney Adventure

Bookings are now open for Disney Adventure. The ship will be homeporting from Singapore, offering primarily 3- and 4-night sailings, though two of her first cruises are 5-night voyages right over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Unlike most cruises, however, Disney Adventure will not offer any ports of call for her sailings. These cruises to nowhere will strictly focus on the onboard experience, giving guests every possible moment to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

And Disney Adventure is offering a lot! The 208,000-gross ton ship includes theming after some of the company’s most popular films, including “Moana” and “Toy Story” as well as “The Little Mermaid,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Finding Nemo,” “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and more.

Disney Adventure Cruise Ship
Disney Adventure Cruise Ship

Seven overall regions of the ship will each offer distinctive vibes, all while immersing guests in Disney magic.

For example, Discovery Reef will provide a (virtual) underwater experience for guests, with vibrant coral reef decor as well as spectacular glass canopies to simulate sunlight filtering through the water. Various dining options inspired by “Finding Nemo” and other aquatic characters will have delicious treats for all travelers.

Thrill-seeking guests will also enjoy outstanding adrenaline rushes aboard Disney Adventure with the longest rollercoaster at sea, as well as other thrill rides on the upper deck in the Marvel Landing adventure zone.

Of course, the ship will also have classic cruise ship activities, including pools, lounges, big screen movies, an arcade, iconic Disney makeovers, quieter relaxation spaces, and much more.

With so many adventures ready for guests of all ages, Disney Adventure is sure to debut with great fanfare for everyone setting sail for the most magically adventurous cruise vacation.

Carnival Cruiser Slammed for Accidentally Skipping Elevator Line

A recent Carnival Cruise Line passenger is not getting the support they were expecting online after sharing their mistake of skipping the elevator line.

This cruiser took to Reddit to share their experience, seeking some advice to see if they were in the wrong or not.

“On a recent cruise, someone got very pissed off at me and my family because we walked into the elevator area, and an elevator opened right next to us,” the poster shared.

Additionally, they wanted to know if it was common or not for there to be a line for the embarkation deck elevators.

The passenger and their family did not see an obvious line and had not previously seen any others while on the ship — there were simply a few people waiting in the lobby.

They also added, “As we got on, a couple with some kids in strollers got very aggressive with us, telling us there was a line.”

Unfortunately, the upset passengers who thought the family was cutting the line decided to yell and be aggressive.

The situation quickly escalated when the couple started threatening to become physically violent. The poster said that they would have been happy to wait in line, but there was no clear line to get in.

Commenters were quick to defend the upset couple who felt like the poster was skipping the line, but did not condone their aggressive actions.

“I get why you got on, but if you see a bunch of people standing by the elevator bank and waiting, they were clearly there first. How they handled it was not ok though,” replied one person.

“If they were there first, you should’ve let them have it. However they should not have cursed and gotten aggressive with y’all,” added another.

The poster replied to comments, explaining that they held the door open after realizing their mistake and let the couple on first. While attempting to apologize, the couple cussed out the poster’s family.

Understandably, any passenger could have made this mistake if there was no clear line. However, another guest being aggressive and making threats should have been reported to the crew.

Carnival Cruise Line’s code of conduct states, “disruptive behavior is not tolerated and any guest whose conduct affects the comfort, enjoyment, safety or well-being of other guests or crew.”

Elevators on Carnival Cruise Ship
Elevators on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

If the incident had been reported to the crew, the couple and their children could have been fined and even removed from the ship.

Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

The passenger who posted about the incident did also say in the future, they will take the stairs to avoid being yelled at again.

Truly, this is not the best resolution for this situation, as a simple mistake should not dissuade passengers from using the elevators on the ship. After all, who wants to walk even more after an excursion?

What is Good Elevator Etiquette on Cruises?

Good elevator etiquette has unfortunately become an all too common topic among cruisers. Bigger modern ships have been facing issues with congestion, and sometimes guests get impatient.

This was the case recently when a passenger on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas was slamming the door-close button to try to get to a dinner reservation on time.

Elevators can be some of the busiest parts of cruise ships, but guests may become antsy when waiting for too long or are in a rush.

Still, this does not warrant disrespectful behavior toward other guests, which as also mentioned can be a violation of the code of conduct.

Instead of rushing, give yourself extra time to get to where you need to, and let fellow passengers on and off as needed. Of course, the poster above did not know about the line and did apologize.

While the situation was not handled well, we do hope this passenger feels comfortable using cruise ship elevators again soon! Besides, what’s a vacation without a little less walking?

MSC Cruises Breaks World Record at Sea With LEGO Ships

Did you know that there are approximately 6,670 world records that include LEGOs? Now you know!

MSC Cruises just became one of those record holders by assembling the longest line of LEGO ships ever recorded.

While underway from Saint-Nazaire, France, to Miami, Florida, the crew on the all-new MSC World America set the ship’s first world record and the cruise line’s 40th.

In total, 1,391 LEGO ships were constructed and connected, making a line spanning 291 feet.

To put into perspective just how long this is, this display went all the way from the ship’s World Galleria on Deck 6 from aft to forward. In simpler terms, that is almost as long as a football field!

With the efforts of over 1,000 crew involved, the mini LEGO ships took an average of five minutes to complete. While this event only lasted under two hours, the collective time spent building by the crew was a staggering 116 hours.

Also involved was MSC World America Captain Master Dino Sagani and a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator to make sure the record was properly recorded.

The previous record was held by a shipping company in 2016 when they built a 12,035-meter-long LEGO ship, but this was only one single ship.

The new record is unique, as it is the first time a continuously connected group of LEGO ships has ever been constructed at such a large scale.

Starting in 2024, MSC Cruises announced plans to roll out their new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS entertainment program to their entire fleet — 16 will have it by May, and the rest by the end of 2025.

MSC World America LEGO Record
MSC World America LEGO Record

Matteo Mancini, the Family Entertainment Development Director for MSC Cruises, also commented on the unique collaboration between the cruise line and LEGO, sharing that there is more in store for passengers than they might think.

“On MSC World America we will offer three weekly, multigenerational and unmissable entertainment experiences with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ™,” Mancini shared, adding, “we will have the first LEGO® Parade and LEGO® Game Show in the cruise industry.”

Clearly, with so many records already being set it promises to be an exciting year for guests and crew!

Building New Experiences for Passengers

MSC Cruises and LEGO started their partnership in October 2014, but they are now working to expand their offering more than ever to bring exciting new opportunities to passengers.

The two companies have already worked on enhancing the onboard kids and teen clubs by integrating LEGO-themed decorations and activities.

Read Also: MSC Cruises Expands Kids and Family Programs

With the opportunity to collaborate even further on the newest ship in the fleet, there will now be LEGO parades once every cruise as well as a special game show for the children’s programs hosted by the mascots Doremi and Sailor.

LEGO Record on MSC World America
LEGO Record on MSC World America

Additionally, MSC Cruises revealed that its newest ship will include a LEGO Family Zone, where families can build for free at any time during the cruise!

These new offerings will all be debuting on the 6,762 passenger MSC World America, which is set to take its inaugural voyage on April 12, 2025.

Before that on April 9, 2025, the ship will have its official naming ceremony, and will hold a quick 3-day cruise for members of the media and press.

As this collaboration has expanded, it has given life to the cruise line’s mission of being extremely family-friendly. These changes were quite literally inspired by feedback given by the younger audience, proving their voice does matter!

Worried that you are going to miss out? Do not worry, LEGO activities are currently available at some level on all of MSC Cruises ships.

Just make sure to wear some shoes so you do not step on them!

Carnival Answers Condiment Quandary – Where to Get Them?

Fries (or chips if you’re British) are a ubiquitous side dish for fast casual food, whether they’re alongside burgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, or chicken tenders. But what condiment provides the best topping for your fries?

Inquiring Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassadors want to know.

John Heald’s inquiry follows a recent guest aboard Carnival Dream (homeported year-round from Galveston, Texas) and how upset they were that their preferred fry topping was not as available as they would have preferred.

“Mayonnaise is the #1 thing us Texans [like] to put on French Fries but y’all hide it away like gold dust,” the guest colorfully described. “There should be a pot of Duke’s mayo on every table at the Dream’s buffet. There’s not. Why!”

Duke’s Mayonnaise is the third-largest brand of mayonnaise in the US. In comparison to other brands, it has no added sugar and uses more egg yolks as well as apple cider vinegar, giving it a tangier taste than many people expect. Invented in 1917, it has quite a fan following, especially in southern states.

Mayonnaise may not be the first thing all cruise travelers reach for when they are about to enjoy a plate of fries, but for those who do want the tangy topping, Heald clarified where mayo is available onboard.

“There is mayo available on the buffet line, at the serving areas for the Deli and Guy’s Burgers, and you can always ask the crew if you need help,” he noted.

Worth Reading: Carnival Cruise Line Has Disappointing Answer for Hopeful Guests

Heald goes on to ask about top toppings, sharing his own assumptions about the king of condiments (and a very bad pun).

“I thought ketchup was the number one condiment but Hell Man – what do I know,” he said. “Complete the blank – I put … on my fries.”

More than 3,100 commenters have chimed in with surprising results.

While ketchup is definitely a front-runner in the unofficial survey, Carnival cruise guests have some interesting choices for what they will use for dips or toppings on fries.

Spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, sour cream, hot sauce, ranch dressing, steak sauce, and even truffle or garlic aioli all have their proponents, along with classics such as chili, cheese, barbecue sauce, and malt vinegar.

Carnival Cruise Ship Lido Buffet
Carnival Cruise Ship Lido Buffet (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

More Texans have also joined in with their thoughts on the best fry condiments in the Lone Star State.

“Everyone knows most Texans want salsa on their French fries,” one commenter noted (but without a lot of agreement from others).

Many others note that they’re from Texas and have never seen anyone use mayonnaise on their fries, nor would they try the taste combination themselves.

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

My own preference for the most flavorful fries? Salt. Too much salt, but I’m on vacation. I will not, however, agree with the person who insists that ice cream is a perfect French fry topping or anyone who thinks fries should be dipped in milkshakes.

The Great Ketchup Debate

Surprisingly, this is not the first time that condiments have been of great concern for Carnival cruisers.

In November 2024, when Carnival Cruise Line announced an expanded late-night snack menu, one concerned guest questioned Heald about the availability of ketchup.

“Will these bottles be on every table or do we have to scavenge for them like we do our Platinum freebies?” the guest asked, referencing the fact that VIFP loyalty gifts must be picked up and are no longer delivered to guests’ staterooms.

Furthermore, the guest went on to note that catsup was not acceptable and that ketchup is the only reasonable option.

To be clear, Carnival Cruise Line serves Heinz ketchup. While the brand may matter to some discerning guests, the spelling should not – both ketchup and catsup are simply different spellings for the same condiment.