Just five months after opening, Carnival’s Celebration Key welcomed its one-millionth guest.
The guest and his family received a special complimentary package to mark the occasion.
An expansion that could double the number of calls to Celebration Key is set to open in 2026.
On July 19, 2025, Carnival Vista brought 4,800 guests on the inaugural visit to the brand new Celebration Key.
The grand opening was a hit, with guests in attendance remarking upon the beauty and excitement of the island.
Five months later, on December 18th, Carnival Vista returned to the private destination on a 6-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral.
Amongst the guests onboard was Andrew Sexton of Knoxville Tennessee, who was sailing with his wife, three daughters, and extended family on their first ever cruise.
Unbeknownst to Sexton, he was about to mark a major milestone for Celebration Key: he was the one-millionth visitor. As he disembarked with his family, he was greeted with an unexpected, but fitting celebration.
Celebration Key One-Millionth Guest Milestone
A Junkanoo band played, Carnival crew danced, and Sexton’s daughters were fitted with special sashes. Even Santa Claus showed up to get in on the fun.
Cruise Director, MarQ Anthony, personally met with the family to congratulate them on the special milestone.
Commemorating the event, the Sexton family was given a special package, which included a private cabana as well as free food and beverages for the day. Not bad for your first cruise.
Celebration Key’s Huge Success, and More to Come
Since opening, Celebration Key has been a major benefit not only to Carnival Cruise Line and the guests who enjoy it, but to the locals as well.
20 ships currently call upon the destination from 10 U.S. homeports, including PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Jacksonville. To date, Celebration Key is the largest development project ever undertaken by Carnival Corporation, and the locals are reaping the benefits.
It has created more than 1,000 jobs for local Bahamian residents and partnered with 58 locally-owned companies.
“Both local residents who have benefited from the job creation and our guests have embraced Celebration Key from the very first day, and this milestone underscores an exciting chapter for us in The Bahamas,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Construction of the destination also relied upon 96% local Bahamian labor, and that benefit continues with the ongoing construction of the phase 2 expansion.
This expansion is estimated to cost $100 million and is set to open in 2026. The project will feature an additional expanded pier that would allow up to four ships to dock at once.
With double the visitations, including from the fleet’s largest Excel-class vessels, Celebration Key is full steam ahead on course to blow past its current one-million mark.
In fact, by 2028, Carnival Cruise Line expects four-million passengers to have visited Celebration Key, four times the recent milestone.
One wonders what sort of package the four-millionth guest will get.
At least three sailings for Freedom of the Seas have been cancelled for the second half of 2026.
Royal Caribbean explained that the cancellations were related to a redeployment.
Impacted guests were given three options to move or cancel their reservation.
Thousands of Royal Caribbean guests received emails with some of the worst possible news a cruiser can get: Their sailings won’t be going ahead as planned.
Due to a redeployment, Freedom of the Seas will no longer be able to operate several Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.
“Due to a change in itinerary planning, and after exploring all our options, our October 26, 2026, Freedom of the Seas sailing has been redeployed,”Royal Caribbean wrote in one of its notification letters.
“The time and effort you took to plan your cruise is important to us, and we apologize for the inconvenience,” the cruise line continued.
Royal Caribbean did not elaborate on what the new deployment specifically entails, but currently, the cruise line’s website and cruise tracking data have the 3,634-guest ship homeporting in Miami through at least April of 2027.
More likely than not, itineraries have been adjusted based on factors like port availability and/or to better align with demand from the cruising community.
Which Sailings are Impacted?
So far, it has been publicly confirmed that the 5-night Western Caribbean cruises that were scheduled to embark in Miami, Florida, on September 14, 2026, and October 26, 2026, have been impacted.
“My sailing also got cancelled Sept 14-19th from Miami. Just got an email today. Not happy,” one of the impacted passengers confirmed.
These sailings would have visited Cozumel, Mexico – the future home of Royal Beach Club Cozumel, which is opening in 2026 – and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Freedom of the Seas (Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock)
Next, the 4-night Bahamas sailing that would have set sail on September 10 has also been scrapped.
“Anyone else get an email today about their fall sailing being cancelled,”another impacted guest inquired.
“We were set to depart Sept 10 for our 10 year anniversary and had splurged on several ‘extras’ to treat ourselves. Now we have to rebook and likely won’t get the great early bird deals we had,” they lamented.
This short-but-sweet 4-night sailing would have called at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. These are the voyages that have been publicly cancelled, but it’s possible that more sailings have been or will be impacted.
Guests booked on the Freedom-class ship should keep an eye out for potential adjustments.
What Options Do Guests Have Now?
Of course, Royal Caribbean isn’t just leaving guests high and dry. The cruise line is offering three different options to make things right.
“Every aspect of your time with us should be enjoyable, so we’ve put together some alternative objects that we hope will work for you and those in your party,” Royal Caribbean stated.
The first option is to switch to a different October 2026 itinerary onboard Freedom of the Seas, at least for those who were on the cancelled October 26 sailing. Some guests from other nixed cruises report being offered voyages in August, too.
The three sailings, which depart from Miami on October 3, October 17, and October 31, are all 5-night sailings that will call to CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti, which is Royal Caribbean’s private resort.
The cruise line will waive any non-refundable deposit change fees, but guests will be responsible for any differences in pricing if the new voyage is more expensive.
Last but not least, guests are also allowed to cancel their booking with no penalty. They will receive a full refund for any paid portion of the cruise, including any non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities.
Royal Caribbean sells a $100,000 Royal Chalice onboard its Icon-class ships.
The purchase also comes with an automatic lifetime Deluxe Beverage Package.
A crafty cruiser 3D printed a much more affordable replica of the famous Royal Bling cup.
If you had a spare $100,000 laying around, what would you do with it?
For some cruise guests, the dream is to purchase Royal Caribbean’s Royal Chalice, or “Royal Bling Cup” as it’s often called.
But as most people do not just have that kind of cash at their disposal, one crafty cruise fan made his own replica of the pricey souvenir and shared the model with all who would like to do the same.
Using a 3D printer, the cruiser made a much more affordable replica of the Royal Chalice.
It’s not plated with solid gold and encrusted in genuine diamonds like the real deal, but the end result is still quite convincing.
The store, which is thus far exclusive to the Icon-class ships, also sells other Royal Caribbean branded jewelry and keepsakes.
The cup is now also sold in the Royal Bling store onboard the new Star of the Seas, which just debuted this summer.
It’s unclear at this time if the next Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, will also bring forth the next rendition of the Royal Bling Cup.
Lifetime Benefit Included
As an added bonus to help with the sticker shock, guests who choose to buy the Royal Chalice will also receive a lifetime Deluxe Beverage package.
This means that they automatically get to enjoy Royal Caribbean’s top-tier beverage package, which comes with unlimited drinks (including alcohol) onboard and at the brand’s private destinations, on all of their future sailings.
With enough time at sea, this perk might even turn the cup into a cost savings…eventually.
The Deluxe Beverage Package usually costs anywhere from $56 to $120 per person, per day.
This means that a guest would break even from a beverage package cost perspective after somewhere between 833 to 1,785 cruise days.
Has Anyone Ever Bought the Cup?
A few months after the Bling cup was unveiled onboard Icon of the Seas, an unidentified male guest did purchase it and was seen walking around the world’s largest cruise ship with it.
But what was most shocking to guests was that he was using the chalice as an actual cup rather than protecting it like a crown jewel.
“I’m currently on Icon and noticed the Royal Bling Cup at a cabana on Coco Cay and went to speak to the guy who was very friendly and mentioned what he intends to do with it after the cruise. It was a shock to see it being used as an actual CUP,” one witness shared at the time.
They also posted a picture of the bling cup being used on the beach, complete with its own straw and filled to the brim with a refreshing drink.
“To me the big deal isn’t that someone is rich/stupid enough to buy it. The big deal is that he is leaving a $100k cup sitting on a table at a beach,” another shocked cruise fan reacted.
According to the guest who spoke to the cup’s lucky owner, the purchaser intended to auction it off for charity after his cruise.
But for the majority, the cup is simply above their pay grade. Many have said that they would rather invest their money in something more practical, such as a new house, a new car, or perhaps booking more cruises.
MSC Magnifica will sail MSC Cruises’ world voyage in 2028.
The 115-night cruise will call at 40-plus ports in 29 countries.
New port destinations and multiple overnights in port are featured.
Imagine walking among the famous Moai statues on Easter Island or exploring the archaeological sites of Arica, Chile, also called the City of Eternal Spring. Cruisers can do both, and lots more, on MSC Cruises’ 2028 World Cruise.
The cruise line has opened bookings for the 115-night world voyage, which will be operated by MSC Magnifica and sail roundtrip from Barcelona on January 7, 2028. While officially beginning in the Spanish city, three other embarkation ports are offered, in Rome and Genoa, Italy, and Marseille, France, on January 4, 5, and 6, respectively.
Guests will visit more than 40 destinations in 29 countries, and enjoy immersive, overnight stays in seven ports.
The 2028 world voyage will be the fourth consecutive operated by the 2,550-guest, Musica-class ship. In January 2025, she sailed a 116-night cruise, in 2026, the ship offers a 131-night voyage, and in 2027, a 132-night cruise.
Here’s a Closer Look at the 2028 Itinerary
Sailing from the Mediterranean ports, MSC Magnifica will explore destinations across that region, plus the Caribbean, South Pacific, and onward from there to Asia and the Middle East.
Besides Easter Island and Arica, Chile, other destinations that are new to the MSC Cruises’ world voyage are Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Nuku’alofa , Tonga; Manta, Ecuador; Callao, Peru; Chan May, Vietnam; and Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Each of the new port calls features exotic cultural experiences, notable historic sites, architectural gems, and pristine beaches, among other attractions.
115-Night World Cruise Itinerary
In Manta, Ecuador, for instance, guests can experience the region’s maritime history and explore Montecristi, the destination where the famous Panama hat was created. And in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, excursions are offered to Angkor Wat, the Hindu-Buddhist temple complex built in the 12th century.
MSC Magnifica’s itinerary includes a transit of the Panama Canal following two calls in the Caribbean, then south along South America’s western coast before heading west to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
The ship will make several calls in Southeast Asia and continue on to the Middle East via Mumbai, India. Planned calls in the Middle East, which could be altered given the ongoing tensions there, include Dubai, UAE, Muscat, Oman, and Aqaba, Jordan.
A transit of the Suez Canal is also on the itinerary, although cruise ships have been avoiding the area in recent years.
MSC Yacht Club Experience Offered in 2027
MSC Magnifica is in the process of receiving a major update — the addition of the line’s private luxury area, MSC Yacht Club. The exclusive enclave offers dedicated dining and lounge venues, a pool deck, butler and concierge services, and other high-end perks.
The full yacht club experience will debut on the ship in summer 2026, so the first world cruise that will feature the option is the 2027 sailing. In 2028, guests will have that choice, too.
However, even guests who book staterooms outside the luxury area will receive several valuable benefits during the world cruise. The cruise fare will include 15 shore excursions, a Dine & Drink beverage package, and a 30% discount on laundry services.
Carnival Cruise Line does not permit guests to decorate stateroom doors with light strands.
Unfortunately, the policy is not enforced consistently and many guests use lights anyway.
Not all guests appreciate door decorations but proper materials are not prohibited.
Many cruise guests enjoy decorating their stateroom doors, whether to simply celebrate their vacation, to note a special occasion, or to make their room easier to find in a long corridor of similar doors.
During the holidays, door decorations can be even more elaborate, but Carnival Cruise Line does not permit one very common festive accent: holiday lights.
“Our cabin had the battery lights on around our doorway REMOVED. I was told by the cabin cleaner that they are not allowed. I asked to speak to THE HOTEL MANAGER but have not had a RESPONSE,”the irate guest explained.
While Heald does not reveal which ship the guests are sailing on, the policy is the same fleetwide.
“Yes, that is correct, we do not allow them on the doors or in the cabins for safety reasons,”he explained.“You can of course decorate the doors for Christmas and bring a small tree for your room, both of which I think is wonderful to see people do.”
Holiday lights are not explicitly listed on Carnival Cruise Line’s prohibited items list, though some items could be interpreted as including holiday lights.
“Electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element” and “lasers and laser pointers” are both prohibited. Depending on the design of different holiday light strands, they could certainly generate heat or function as lasers or beacons.
“No string lights of any kind are allowed,”the policy says.
There is no detailed explanation for the restriction, but there are very few manufacturing regulations on light strands. The gauge of wire, power sources, and insulation can vary, and it is possible that such strands could present a fire hazard depending on how they are hung, attached, or powered.
Cruise lines take the risk of fire very seriously and these items will not receive any exemptions, even during the festive season when they are very popular as decorations.
Unfortunately, it is clear that not all Carnival crew members actively enforce the restriction on holiday lights. Multiple guests commented that they use small light strands, even posting photos of their illuminated stateroom doors, and the decorations were not removed.
Are Door Decorations Out of Control?
Not all cruise guests enjoy or appreciate holiday door decorations. Another guest also contacted Heald with their displeasure because they disagreed with others’ festive spirit.
“Why does Carnival allow [passengers] to decorate their doors at xmas with tacky decorations that people feel everyone else wants to see. It’s really getting out of hand,”the guest explained.
“People used to limit themselves to something small on their door but now we see stuff strewn along the hallways on the walls and over the door frame. It is a selfish act.”
Cruise Cabin Door Decorations (Photo Credits: Catie Kovelman & KellyGman)
It’s true that some guests get very festive indeed, creating entire scenes or arches all around their door or into the hallway. This is common when guests may be traveling together in adjacent staterooms and combine their door decorations into a coordinated display.
Carnival’s door decoration policy does theoretically limit the placement of such decorations.
“Decorations may only be placed on the stateroom door and not the surrounding frame, walls, or railings,”the policy reads.
Multiple guests also show that this is not strictly enforced, sharing photos of elaborate setups with extra signs, stockings, magnets, garland, and more on the walls near their doors.
Most Guests Don’t Mind Decorations
Heald goes on to ask whether guests enjoy seeing holiday door decorations or not, or if they feel the decorations ought to be banned entirely.
The majority of guests either happily decorate their own doors, enjoy others’ decorations, or at least don’t mind how others choose to enjoy their vacation.
“It’s not for me, but I’m happy for others who enjoy it. Who am I to rain on other people’s parade?”one guest said.“Here’s a thought… if you don’t want to see others enjoying a bit of festive cheer, perhaps don’t cruise during the festive season.”
One guest suggests that Carnival Cruise Line offer clear guidelines for holiday door decorations.
“Would a battery-powered 6-foot-tall Santa skeleton with battery-powered red eyes and a motion sensor moving waving hand be allowed on the door?”they asked.
Perhaps that might be just a bit more festive spirit than most cruise guests would enjoy!
The “Love Boat” is a popular TV series from the late 1970s that put cruising on the map, and helped to establish Princess Cruises as one of the most popular brands in the industry.
At the center of the story was none other than Cruise Director Julie McCoy, played by the famous Cynthia Lauren Tewes, who is loved both for her endless charm and for showing what it really means to be a cruise director.
So, who is Julie McCoy and the incredible actress behind her character?
Julie McCoy, played by Cynthia Lauren Tewes, became famous for being “your cruise director” on “The Love Boat.”
As real cruise directors do today, her character was in charge of making sure fictional cruise guests had a great time onboard, organizing activities, and helping with their romantic and personal challenges.
Her character was known for her charm and for being consistently bright and enthusiastic, especially with her opening “good morning!” messages to new passengers.
She is also remembered for her own drama-filled romantic storylines, such as her romance with Gopher Smith and her doomed engagement to Dr. Tony Selkirk (played by Anthony Andrews).
Her wedding to Dr. Selkirk was celebrated in a famous two-part episode called “The Expedition / Julie’s Wedding.”
Fast Facts About Cynthia Lauren Tewes
The actress has a strong relationship with Princess Cruises, and is one of the godparents for Regal Princess.
Why is Cynthia Lauren Tewes so Famous?
Portraying Julie McCoy is really what propelled Tewes into stardom, though she has also appeared in dozens of other movies, series, and even video games.
Tewes earned a prestigious Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role on “The Love Boat” in 1982, which helped solidify her standing as a respected Hollywood star.
Lauren Tewes (Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins)
On a more personal level, Tewes is also known for her battle with cocaine addiction, which led to her replacement on “The Love Boat” in 1984.
She later overcame her addiction, restoring her public image to one of success and inspiration.
She did get to reprise the role she made famous as a guest in a “Love Boat” episode in 1985, and was back as the beloved cruise director in the television films in the 1986-87 season.
Where is Tewes Today?
Born in 1953 in Trafford, Pennsylvania, Tewes is currently 72-years-old.
Though her career has slowed down a bit now that she is in her golden years, Tewes is still active between her endeavors in Hollywood and making public appearances.
She most recently appeared in a movie called “Potato Dreams of America” in 2021 and as a podcast guest on an episode of “Hollywood and Beyond with Steven Brittingham” in 2025.
An Ongoing Relationship with Princess Cruises
Speaking of public appearances, Tewes has continued to maintain a strong relationship with Princess Cruises as both the series and the brand celebrate exciting milestones over the years.
The partnership has lasted for decades, going back to when Tewes reunited with her fellow cast members in 1997 for the naming ceremony and christening of Dawn Princessin Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
MacLeod, Grandy, Lange, Koppel, and Whelan were also present for the occasion, which was the first time the cast had reunited in more than a decade.
In 2014, Tewes joined her co-stars once again to become the godparents of Regal Princess, which was formally named on November 5, 2014, in Fincantieri, Italy.
The Love Boat Cast (Photo Credit: Joe Seer)
Tewes joined her cast members in smashing 50 champagne bottles in a simultaneous celebration of the new ship’s debut and Princess Cruises’ 50th anniversary.
In 2018, the actress was also present as Princess Cruises and the original cast of the “The Love Boat” were presented with a Hollywood Walk of Fame honorary star plaque in recognition of their contributions to the history of television and support for the preservation of the Walk of Fame.
Most recently, Tewes joined several of her cast members for a “Love Boat Celebration” sailing out of Galveston, Texas, in November 2025.
Cindy Tewes and Charo join The Love Boat-themed cruise. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
The themed, 7-night voyage embarked on Regal Princess on November 16, 2025, and called to Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
Princess Cruises has offered “Love Boat” sailings before that feature the cast, including in 2024, so it’s quite possible that there will be future opportunities to meet “your cruise director” onboard as well.
What is “The Love Boat?”
The “Love Boat” is a comedy-drama series that first premiered on ABC on September 24, 1977, and ran until May 24, 1986.
The series also got four TV movie installments – one of which aired after the series ended – and four additional specials.
It also got a spin-off series in 1998, titled “Love Boat: The Next Wave” that lasted for two seasons on the UPN network.
Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises
The show was oriented around the ship’s captain, Merrill Stubing (played by Gavin MacLeod), key crew members (including Julie McCoy, Your Cruise Director), and the guests as they embarked on romantic, humorous, and dramatic escapades.
Other familiar faces included Bernie Kopell (ship doctor Adam “Doc” Bricker), Jill Whelan (the captain’s daughter, Vicki Stubing), Fred Grandy (Purser Burl “Gopher” Smith), and Ted Lange (ship bartender).
Why Does “The Love Boat” Matter?
The “Love Boat” series has been viewed by millions of fans and was one of the highest-rated prime-time television shows in the US during its heyday.
It is currently in worldwide syndication and has been translated into 29 different languages so that viewers around the world can continue to enjoy it today.
And not only is the show very beloved, but it helped to put cruising on the map and made Princess Cruises a household name.
In honor of how the brand got its start, Princess cruise ships are all referred to as “the love boats” and the ship horn plays the iconic “Love Boat” theme song.
The show was set onboard a fictional ship called MS Pacific Princess, and was primarily filmed on Princess Cruises’ original Pacific Princess and Island Princess.
The pilot, however, was shot on the original Sun Princess in Mexico, as was the spin-off series in 1998.
Other Princess ships occasionally got to cameo as the show introduced viewers at home to cruise destinations around the world, such as Australia, China, and Greece.
Did you miss any of the big cruise news stories this week? No worries, Cruise Hive has you covered with our weekly recap. Some of the top developments we covered this week included the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, a four-ship order from MSC Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line detailing its 2026 adult-only cruises.
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Guest Rants About Lack of Netflix on Carnival Ship
Some cruisers unplug during their holiday-at-sea and spend time outdoors in nature rather than watching a screen, like a TV, phone or iPad. But not everyone.
One Carnival Cruise Line guest who is booked to sail on Carnival Panorama’s holiday voyage to the Mexican Riviera is angry that he won’t be able to watch the final episodes of the Netflix hit “Stranger Things,” since the ship doesn’t offer access to that network.
The 8-night cruise begins on December 20 and continues to December 28, 2025. The next four episodes of season five will debut on Christmas Day, and the two-hour series finale will be shown on New Year’s Eve.
Carnival Cabin and Netflix (Credits: Tigarto & Cruise Hive)
The guest reached out to cruise line brand ambassador John Heald on his Facebook page, fuming about the situation and claiming that the line was ruining Christmas.
Heald had a good answer: While the ship does not provide access to Netflix, the guest can buy a Premium Internet plan just for Christmas Day and stream the show on their phone or iPad. Or, he noted, the cruiser can wait until he returns home to view the episodes.
MSC Cruises Orders Ships For New Frontier Class
MSC Cruises isn’t letting any grass grow under its feet. The cruise line, which currently has several World-class ships in the construction pipeline, announced it has ordered four more ships that will form another class, called New Frontier.
All of the new-builds will be constructed by Meyer Werft in Germany. The announcement came on December 15, 2025 at an event in Berlin.
The order includes options for two additional ships, bringing the total of the new class to as many as six.
Under Construction MSC Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar / Cruise Hive)
The new ships will be roughly 180,000 gross tons — not as large as the World-class vessels, which are around 216,000 gross tons. The New Frontier ships will have capacity for about 5,400 guests, about the same as Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class, for comparison’s sake.
MSC Cruises noted that the new class will feature next-generation environmental technologies, helping the line reach its net-zero 2050 commitment. The new-builds will begin to enter service in 2030.
Disney Adventure Officially Joins Disney Fleet
It’s the largest ship in the fleet and now it has been delivered to Disney Cruise Line. We’re talking about Disney Adventure, of course, which will operate roundtrip from Singapore for at least the next five years.
Set to begin sailing in March 2026, the ship can accommodate up to 6,700 guests at full capacity. Her deployment to Singapore represents the cruise line’s first major commitment to the Asia market.
Apparently, the cruise line believes there are scores of Disney fans in and around Singapore, since all of the 3- and 4-night getaway voyages are cruises to nowhere — the ship is the star of the show.
Disney Adventure Cruise Ship
Disney Adventure offers seven themed areas: Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Wayfinder Bay, Town Square, Marvel Landing, and Toy Story Place. The ship has 20-plus dining venues and lounges, and a wide range of cabin categories.
Set to deploy to the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Disney Adventure began life as Global Dream, a ship ordered by Dream Cruises before its parent firm, Genting Hong Kong, failed in 2022.
Disney Cruise Line bought the partially built vessel and completed her construction at a Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.
Carnival Cruise Line Details More Adult-Only Sailings
Carnival Cruise Line’s adult-only cruises, which were introduced in mid-2025, apparently are a big hit. The line has revealed details for 2026 SEA voyages — Sailings Exclusively for Adults, that include some transatlantic repositioning cruises.
These are ideal for the SEA experience, since transatlantics don’t typically attract many families with kids anyway. But there are others, too.
For instance, Carnival Paradise will sail a SEA voyage from Tampa, Florida, on April 13, 2026, with calls to Key West, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Montego Bay, and Grand Cayman.
Carnival Dream Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: NAN728)
The transatlantic crossings are Carnival Dream’s cruise leaving from Galveston on February 16, 2026, and Carnival Glory’s March 10, 2026 cruise from Port Canaveral. Both are 15-night sailings that conclude in Barcelona.
All of the 2026 SEA cruises are expected to be in high demand. Guests can sign up for email alerts as new voyages are added to the line-up. SEA cruises are offered to passengers aged 21 and older.
Ship Leaves Port a Day Late Due to IT Glitch
Departure day for Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Firenze on December 15, 2025, turned out to be a frustrating one for guests and crew, thanks to a massive computer meltdown that caused the ship to remain in port for a full day.
It happened as guests were embarking the ship at Long Beach, California, for a 6-night Mexican Riviera cruise. Somehow, the technology glitch caused all booking information and other key data to be temporarily lost.
Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez)
The IT problem eventually was fixed, and Carnival Firenze, one of the line’s two Fun Italian-Style ships, finally left port around 1:30 p.m. on December 16, 2025. The delay caused the itinerary to be revised, with the cancellation of a port call at Ensenada.
The 4,232-guest ship was to call there after spending an overnight at Cabo San Lucas. In the end, the ship only visited Cabo for the overnight call, then returned to Long Beach. Each stateroom received a $100 onboard credit to ease guests’ disappointment.
Some guests criticized the line in social media posts, but some commenters noted that they weren’t missing much in Ensenada anyway.
First Royal Beach Club Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
As promised, Royal Caribbean Group held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on December 13, 2025, and will begin to welcome cruise guests to the Bahamas destination on December 23, 2025.
More than 100 local government officials, Royal Caribbean Group representatives, and other VIPs attended the event. Construction began in April 2024, with input and collaboration with Bahamian artists and other local people.
Royal Beach Club Ribbon Cutting (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean)
The 17-acre exclusive destination just minutes from the Port of Nassau offers a shoreside experience featuring two beaches, three restaurants, multiple pools, a massive swim-up bar, private cabanas, and live music entertainment.
It will, however, cost you, as admission for kids and adults is not included in the cruise fare. Day passes start at about $170 per adult and rise to $250-plus, based on the amenities the guest chooses. Daybeds and cabana rentals cost extra.
Children under age 3 pay no admission.
Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will call at Nassau on opening day, so passengers on those ships will be the first to officially visit the destination.
‘Flying Scotsman’ Returning to Cruise Industry
Back in August 2024, Chris “The Flying Scotsman” Williams announced his retirement from Carnival Cruise Line, where he served as a cruise director and then a fleet cruise director. Plenty of folks were sad to hear he was leaving, since he was a longtime favorite onboard various ships.
But now, he’s coming back — not as a cruise director but as a musical entertainer. Williams recently began mentioning his plans on his YouTube channel and Facebook page, saying that, while he loves spending more time with his family, he is now a fly-on entertainer for various cruise lines, including Carnival.
Former Cruise Director Return (Credits: Darryl Brooks & Chris Williams)
He will, for instance, join Carnival Legend’s cruises in June and August, as the ship sails in Europe. He is definitely booked for June 7 to 10 and August 9 to 13, 2026, and there may be more performances coming.
Williams is not limiting himself to Carnival Cruise Line ships. He will also perform on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral in January 2026, and will appear on Ambassador Cruise Lines as well.
So, welcome back to “The Flying Scotsman!”
More Cruise Headlines
OK, you’re all caught up with the top stories, but let’s keep going with even more cruise news, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva launching cruises from Galveston, Texas, Royal Caribbean Group joining a redevelopment plan for a St. Thomas cruise port, and MSC Cruises’ unveiling its 2028 World Cruise.
Disney Destiny has received an itinerary change for her upcoming Christmas cruise.
No port calls will be skipped, but a visit to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has been moved due to weather.
Guests will now get to spend Christmas Day at DCL’s newest private island instead of at sea.
Hurricane season may be over, but that doesn’t mean that the Bahamas can’t experience poor weather.
Unfortunately, some inclement weather will impact Disney Destiny’s very first Christmas at sea.
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship will be embarking on a 5-night sailing to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, on December 21, 2025.
But due to the weather forecast, the itinerary has been adjusted.
“We have been closely monitoring an approaching weather system that will present challenging wind and sea conditions in The Bahamas early this coming week,” Disney Cruise Line wrote to booked guests.
Although cruise ships like the newest Wish-class vessel are perfectly capable of handling rough seas, docking can become difficult or impossible in windy conditions.
It’s also safer and more comfortable for all onboard to stay where the skies are blue and seas are calm.
How Did the Itinerary Change?
Thankfully, the up to 4,000 guests booked on this holiday cruise won’t be skipping any ports. They will simply be delaying the second and final port call for their sailing.
The itinerary only calls to Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas, which are Castaway Cay and the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Originally, the Disney ship would have visited Castaway Cay on Monday, December 22, and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Tuesday, December 23.
Disney Destiny Arrives in Port Canaveral
But because of the weather, Tuesday will become a sea day and the 144,000-gross ton ship will call to Disney Lookout Cay on Christmas Day instead – and what a way to celebrate the holiday!
“Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions, we have revised the itinerary and will visit Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Thursday, instead of Tuesday as originally scheduled,”Disney confirmed.
The 25th was originally supposed to be a sea day, which means the call to Castaway Cay can be left untouched and there are no other ports to impact.
Should Guests be Worried About the Weather?
While phrasing like “strong winds and adverse sea conditions” can sound scary, guests and crew members will be perfectly safe onboard.
Not only is the young ship equipped to handle rough seas, but the captain and his bridge team are constantly tracking weather patterns to chart the smoothest possible course.
Additionally, Disney is likely shifting the itinerary out of an abundance of caution.
This is not an out-of-season hurricane, and the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) does not even have any reports of minor storm activity on its website for this time period.
Local weather reports for South Eleuthera – where Disney Lookout Cay is located – do call for evening rain showers on the night of December 22 and winds of up to 30 miles per hour the following morning.
These winds would be strong enough to make docking risky, but ultimately pose no real danger to a large vessel at sea.
Assuming the forecast stays the same, guests can expect low winds and partly cloudy skies when they finally arrive at the private destination on Christmas morning.
Pleas are rapidly spreading across social media for any information about a guest missing from AIDAluna as her family and friends seek to find her. The female guest is a Chinese citizen last seen on Friday, December 12, 2025, when the ship was visiting Marseille, France.
The woman, Qin Dong, boarded AIDAluna on December 10 in Palma de Mallorca for a 5-night Mediterranean cruise visiting Marseille, Palamos, and Barcelona. The ship returned to Palma de Mallorca on Monday, December 15, but Dong was no longer aboard.
Cruise officials have confirmed that she did board the ship in Palma de Mallorca shortly before noon, and never officially disembarked from the ship thereafter.
Thursday, December 11 was a day at sea, and the 69,200-gross-ton ship arrived in Marseille at roughly 8 a.m. on Friday, December 12.
Onboard records indicate that Dong did not officially disembark the ship in Marseille, but friends were texting her at nearly 8 p.m., two hours after the ship departed Marseille.
“Mrs. Dong has not officially disembarked from the ship since 10 December, as verified,”AIDA Cruises confirmed.
Therefore, Dong was not left behind in the popular French Riviera port, but appears to have gone missing while onboard the ship that evening.
No Overboard Alert Noted
Onboard records have indicated that Dong only had a single drink charged to her account while onboard AIDAluna, and that was simply an orange juice and not an alcoholic beverage.
It is unknown whether or not Dong may have gone overboard the vessel, but there are no reports of any emergency alerts or search operations.
Friends and family members have been using social media to try and locate Dong and seek out any additional information of her whereabouts, whether anyone saw or interacted with her in any way, particularly near the Marseille port area.
“Even the smallest clue or memory could be crucial!”the social media pleas have read.
Missing AIDAluna Cruise Passenger
Three nations are now involved in the case. French authorities have been alerted because Dong went missing while in France, Chinese authorities have been notified because of her citizenship, and German authorities have begun a case because AIDA Cruises is a German cruise line and Dong was living in Germany.
While Dong does have a Chinese passport, she is a German resident and was cruising solo aboard AIDAluna.
There has been no reported delay or adjustment to AIDAluna‘s itinerary and the ship continued on as planned. The Sphinx-class ship can welcome 2,100 guests per sailing and is also home to approximately 600 crew members.
AIDAluna is currently homeported from Palma de Mallorca, offering itineraries through the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, depending on departure date.
Recent Missing Guests Not Actually Missing
Dong is not the first woman to have vanished from a cruise ship in recent months.
In November 2025, Amy Evans disappeared while on a shore tour in St. Maarten from Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, while in September 2025, Jessica Collins disappeared in Bonaire while cruising aboard Carnival Horizon.
Both women failed to return to the ship after debarking, but were later located. No foul play appears to have been involved in either case, but the women did not wish to be contacted. Their reasons for departing their respective ships without notice have not been disclosed.
While there are some similarities to these other recent cases without emergency overboard operations, there is one crucial difference.
For both Evans and Collins, no family members or friends appeared to come forward immediately or urgently seeking to find them, whereas there is a strong search effort to locate Dong.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with those worried family members and friends and hopes that Dong is safely located.
