Blog Page 536

Cruise Ship Worker Wanted for Robbery Arrested in Germany

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Cruise Ship Worker Wanted for Robbery Arrested in Germany

Key Aspects:

  • A routine border exit check at the Bremerhaven cruise terminal in Germany led to the arrest of a cruise ship crew member.
  • The man was subject to two different arrest warrants by two German courts.
  • The warrants included robbery-related theft and a probation violation following an assault conviction.

A routine departure check at a German cruise terminal resulted in a passenger ship crew member being arrested by federal police.

The 26-year-old man was detained moments before he was set to board an unidentified cruise ship as an employee of the ship.

According to a statement from Bundespolizei, officers detained the man at around 2 p.m. on January 4, 2026, at the Columbus Cruise Terminal in Bremerhaven, where he had reported for a departure check.

During the routine identity check, officers ran the man’s personal details through a law enforcement database, revealing he had been wanted for several weeks by the District Court of Augsburg and the District Court of Nördlingen and was the subject of two separate arrest warrants.

One of the warrants was issued in relation to a robbery-related theft charge. A second was due to violating probation following an earlier assault conviction.

Authorities did not disclose further details about the underlying cases or when the offenses occurred.

The man was transferred to the Bremerhaven state police and was scheduled to appear before a judge on January 5.

Disney Departs Bremerhaven

This isn’t the first time German police have nabbed criminals with outstanding warrants while at port. In September 2025, two crew members working for Disney Adventure were apprehended during similar boarding checks. The men were wanted for drunk driving and fraud.

German police did not identify the cruise ship the newly detained man was attempting to board on January 4, stating only that it was scheduled to sail to the Bahamas. However, one high-profile vessel departed from Bremerhaven that day: the Disney Adventure.

Disney Adventure in Bremerhaven
Disney Adventure in Bremerhaven (Photo Credit: Eckardt)

Officially delivered to Disney Cruise Line on December 16, 2025, following construction at Meyer Werft Wismar in Germany, its Bremerhaven departure marked the beginning of a long repositioning voyage as Disney Adventure makes it way to its new homeport in Singapore.

The 208,000-gross-ton vessel – the largest in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet – is sailing a transatlantic crossing with a scheduled stop in Freeport, Bahamas, before continuing to Cape Canaveral, Florida, for a brief media sailing and a chance for American journalists to see Disney’s newest ship.

According to industry sources, the ship is expected to arrive in the Port of Canaveral late on January 14 or early January 15, 2026.

Following its Florida call and press preview sailing, Disney Adventure is expected to transition through the Panama Canal and make another preview stop in Los Angeles before crossing the Pacific en route to Asia.

Reports say Disney Adventure will stop in Tokyo before arriving at its homeport in Singapore, where it will sail from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre beginning March 10, 2026. 

Its maiden season will feature 3- and 4-night itineraries and officially kick off Disney Cruise Line’s first long-term deployment in Asia.

More From Cruise Hive

The roughly 6,700-passenger ship is expected to remain homeported in the region for at least 5 years.

TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 is also offering a transatlantic getaway to the Caribbean from Bremerhaven in January, although it doesn’t depart until January 7, 2026, and will not call in the Bahamas.

MSC Ship Arrives 10 Hours Late After Severe Weather Forces Delay

Catie Kovelman
-
0
MSC Ship Arrives 10 Hours Late After Severe Weather Forces Delay

Key Aspects:

  • MSC Sinfonia arrived in Santos around 10 hours late on January 5, 2026.
  • The ship was delayed leaving her previous port due to poor weather conditions.
  • Aside from moving back disembarkation and embarkation, no additional itinerary changes have been announced.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia finally made it to Santos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, on January 5, 2026, after an extended delay.

The 2,646-guest ship was supposed to arrive in Santos to begin the disembarkation process at approximately 9 a.m. local time.

But due to bad weather that prevented a timely departure from Itajai, Brazil, on January 4, the Liraca-class ship did not make it to Santos until around 7 p.m. – which is approximately 10 hours late.

This also means the ship didn’t even arrive until well after she was supposed to depart Santos at 5 p.m. local time, though she may still scrape by without further itinerary changes.

Why Was the Delay So Extreme?

As always, the safety of all passengers and crew onboard the 65,591-gross ton ship is the top priority for MSC Cruises.

With this in mind, a careful decision was made to hunker down in the port of Itajai to let the worst of some inclement weather pass.

Read Also: What Happens If The Cruise Ship Is In Bad Weather

Instead of setting sail at 6 p.m. local time on January 4, the MSC ship didn’t depart until around 4 a.m. on the early morning of January 5.

With 230 nautical miles between Itajai and Santos, there was simply no way for the vessel to be on time.

Even sailing at top speeds (around 20 knots), this is a distance that still takes cruise ships between 10 and 11 hours to cover by sea.

Impact to Passengers

The most obvious impact is to the guests who were due to disembark from their 7-night South America sailing in Santos, who had their post-cruise travel plans and airfare disrupted.

Typically, the cruise line will reimburse or compensate guests as a gesture of goodwill in these types of situations, although it’s unclear what MSC Cruises may have offered in this case.

MSC Sinfonia
MSC Sinfonia (Photo Credit: hbpictures)

Guests embarking on a new 7-night South American sailing may have also been inconvenienced by the extended delay.

For example, these impacted guests may have had to pay for meals on land they didn’t budget for and secure alternate transfers from their hotel to the cruise port.

The 2002-launched vessel is also operating two other 7-night itineraries simultaneously, which are based out of Itajai and Rio de Janeiro.

While these guests weren’t anticipating a travel day in Santos, they missed out on exploring the port and pre-booked shore excursions.

No Itinerary Changes Made

As of 11:30 p.m. local time on January 5, cruise tracking data shows that MSC Sinfonia is still docked in Santos, meaning her departure has already been delayed by over six hours.

But luckily for current passengers, no itinerary changes have been announced as a result of this situation.

More From Cruise Hive

She is next due in Ilhabela, Brazil, at 8 a.m. on January 6, which is approximately 40 nautical miles from her current homeport.

This is a distance that the ship can cover in as little as two hours, so she may manage to avoid any itinerary changes as long as she can head back out to sea by 6 a.m. at the absolute latest on January 6.

Carnival Navigates Two Jam-Packed Days at PortMiami With 19 Ships in Port

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Carnival Navigates Two Jam-Packed Days at PortMiami With 19 Ships in Port

Key Aspects:

  • It’s been a busy start to the year at PortMiami, Florida.
  • Carnival warned guests embarking on January 4-5 of increased congestion at the cruise port.
  • 10 ships were present on January 4, with nine more ships in the port on January 5.

As one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, it’s rarely quiet at Florida’s PortMiami.

Though it recently lost its title of busiest cruise port in the world to Port Canaveral, the bustling port still welcomes over 8.5 million guests annually. Its record for one day is a staggering 75,201 guests.

In fact, two recent days were busy enough for Carnival Cruise Line to issue an advisory about the crowds descending upon the Cruise Capital of the World.

Guests embarking on January 4 and January 5, 2026, were told to expect delays caused by possible detours and heavy traffic. Construction is also underway in and near the port, which can bring delays even without big crowds.

Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Transportation and More

“We’d like to inform you that PortMiami will be operating with a high number of ships the day of your embarkation, amidst construction in the downtown area and within the port premises. Consequently, there will be detours and heavier than normal traffic,” the cruise line advised guests on January 3.

“To ensure prompt arrival within your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment, we suggest you allow ample travel time to account for any potential delays,” the notice added.

As an additional tip, it’s always a good idea to sign up for Carnival’s text alerts to ensure you get real-time updates about your sailing and departure port.

Embarkations on January 4, 2026

Both Carnival Celebration and Carnival Magic graced PortMiami with their presence on January 4. Both vessels are currently cruising in the Eastern Caribbean, with Carnival Celebration on a 7-night sailing and Carnival Magic on a 6-night voyage.

And of course, these Fun ships were not alone. They were just two of ten ships in the port on January 4 that were all going through the same embarkation and disembarkation processes.

Assuming the Carnival vessels are operating at maximum capacity, they could bring a combined total of 11,224 guests to the cruise port – with 6,500 passengers coming for Carnival Celebration and 4,724 booked on Carnival Magic.

Carnival Cruises in Miami
Carnival Cruises in Miami (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz / Cruise Hive)

This number is per sailing, meaning up to 11,224 guests could be disembarking as 11,224 new guests are arriving to embark on the next voyage.

They were also joined by Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Jewel. Two Royal Caribbean ships, Symphony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, were also present – as was sister-brand Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond.

Next on the list of present ships is Virgin Voyages’ new Brilliant Lady and MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina. Last but not least is Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Allura, which was the smallest vessel present with a capacity for 1,200 guests.

Embarkations on January 5, 2026

Three more Carnival ships – Carnival Conquest, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Sunrise – returned to PortMiami on January 5 for another extra busy day.

Carnival Conquest is currently on a 12-night voyage to the Southern Caribbean, while the latter ships are on shorter sailings to the Western Caribbean.

All in all, nine ships were in PortMiami on January 5.

Diving back into the numbers, the Carnival ships alone could have drawn a maximum of 10,941 guests to the port per sailing.

Carnival Conquest can accommodate a maximum of 2,980 guests per voyage, Carnival Horizon can welcome up to 4,977 at maximum capacity, and Carnival Sunrise’s capacity is set at 2,984 cruisers.

Royal Caribbean also had two ships in the port, which were Freedom of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. NCL was back with Norwegian Getaway (3,969 guests), while MSC was represented through MSC Seaside.

More From Cruise Hive

Rounding out the total was Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Nautica and Explora Journeys Explora II, both of which are on the smaller side with room for under 1,000 guests onboard.

PortMiami will now get to recover with a lower number of ship calls over the next few days, with eight ships expected to arrive at the port at once on January 10 to ramp things back up.

Antigua Packs in 12,000 Cruise Passengers as Six Ships Arrive at Once

Donna Tunney
-
0
Antigua Packs in 12,000 Cruise Passengers as Six Ships Arrive at Once

Key Aspects:

  • Antigua celebrated a robust cruise day on January 4, 2026, when 12,000 guests visited.
  • The island destination is expecting its 2025 cruise arrivals number to reach 900,000.
  • A new cruise terminal in St. John’s is under construction and slated to open in summer 2026.

The new year got off to a strong start for cruise-tourism at the Antigua Cruise Port, which welcomed more than 12,000 guests in one day from ships calling at the destination.

The twin-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda, roughly 400 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, recorded its robust cruise day on January 4, 2026, when five ships called at St. John’s Harbour and one called at Falmouth Harbor.

St. John’s Harbor is located in the capital city of St. John’s and is typically the cruise terminal used by large ships. Falmouth Harbor, also referred to as English Harbor, is situated in the southeast region of Antigua and accommodates smaller ships.

Both cruise ports are managed by Global Ports Holding (GPH), a major player in port operations and management across the Caribbean and Europe.

Among the ships that called on January 4, 2026, were Ritz-Carlton’s luxury Ilma vessel, Celebrity Eclipse, Norwegian Epic, Marella Discovery 2, and Valiant Lady.

GPH noted the robust activity at its Antigua cruise ports in a social media post celebrating the good news.

“These calls are bringing significant movement and vitality to the capital and surrounding communities, supporting local businesses and the wider tourism ecosystem,” Global Ports Holding posted on Facebook.

“Antigua & Barbuda continues to build momentum in cruise tourism, with record passenger volumes contributing to economic growth and increased demand across the destination,” it added.

It Wasn’t a Record Day, But It Was Close

The high-visitor day was not a record for the island nation. On December 28, 2024, the destination counted 13,312 cruise passengers visiting from four ships.

In fact, 2024 was a great year for the island’s cruise industry, with 570 ship calls and 825,526 cruise guest arrivals. It marked a substantial increase over 2023, when 446 ship calls were made, delivering about 670,000 passengers.

Cruise Ships Docked in Antigua
Cruise Ships Docked in Antigua (Photo Credit: Antigua Cruise Port)

GPH is predicting a record number of cruise arrivals on January 23, 2026, when 17,000-plus passengers are slated to visit Antigua.

While 2025’s final cruise numbers have not yet been released, the island nation is expecting cruise guest arrivals to reach or break 900,000 for the year.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

Looking ahead to the remainder of the winter 2026 season, Antigua will host cruise ships from a slew of lines, including Virgin Voyages, Seabourn, Holland America Line, AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, among others.

Antigua to Open New Cruise Terminal in 2026

Antigua & Barbuda will be able to roll out the welcome mat to more cruise ships going forward, thanks to the construction of a new cruise terminal in St. John’s. Expected to open in summer 2026, the terminal will be located at the port’s fifth cruise berth.

The massive 1.6 million-square-foot terminal will be situated on four acres in the capital city and represents an investment of $40 million.

The facility will offer several services to cruise guests, including the Antigua Day Club, where guests can relax in a recreational area that will feature a pool, dining and bar venues, and outdoor green spaces.

More From Cruise Hive

A Bazaar will feature locally made arts, crafts, and other goods, where cruise guests can shop for souvenirs to take home.

The cruise terminal is a partnership between Antigua Cruise Port and GPH. A ground-breaking ceremony was held in February 2025.

Besides Antigua & Barbuda, GPH also manages Caribbean port operations at the Nassau Cruise Port, St. Lucia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Princess Cruises Unveils Major Expansion of Northern Europe Sailings for 2027

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Princess Cruises Unveils Major Expansion of Northern Europe Sailings for 2027

Key Aspects:

  • Princess Cruises will operate an expanded Northern Europe program in summer 2027.
  • There will be 48 voyages to 54 destinations across 18 countries from April through August.
  • Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, and Caribbean Princess will sail from multiple homeports.

As Mediterranean ports grow increasingly crowded in peak summer, more cruise itineraries are shifting north to cooler weather, quieter ports, and routes that haven’t carried the same volume of traffic.

Princess Cruises is leaning heavily into that shift for 2027, unveiling an expanded Northern Europe season that spans Iceland, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and the British Isles… with a light taste of the Med.

The cruise line’s newly announced 2027 summer season, from April through August, includes 48 voyages visiting 54 destinations across 18 countries.

Four vessels will operate from homeports in Southampton, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Reykjavik, Iceland; Helsinki, Finland; as well as Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Princess is sailing Northern Europe like never before, presenting our most comprehensive program yet,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ chief commercial officer.

“With enriched itineraries, broader destination choices, and more opportunities for guests to personalize their ideal 2027 summer getaway, this Northern Europe program is more varied, more flexible, and more inspiring than ever.”

Among the additions is a 64-day Ultimate European Journey. The voyage is designed to connect multiple Northern European regions and can be broken into shorter segments.

A 49-day Northern Europe Explorer is also part of the lineup, with both extended itineraries sailing roundtrip from Southampton or Copenhagen and including overnight stays in select ports.

Cruise Ships in Olden, Norway
Cruise Ships in Olden, Norway (Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe)

Princess Cruises said the 2027 summer season will cover six regions overall, including Northern Europe, the British Isles, the Baltics, Iceland, Scandinavia, and portions of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

The cruise line also highlighted increased access to smaller ports alongside major capitals, with itineraries that reduce sea days in favor of more frequent stops ashore.

New Itineraries Connect Northern Europe

Four Princess Cruises ships will operate the Northern Europe program in 2027: Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, and Caribbean Princess.

Regal Princess will anchor some of the most port-intensive itineraries, including extended sailings departing from Southampton and Copenhagen.

Majestic Princess and Sky Princess will operate itineraries across the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Iceland, sailing from ports including Southampton, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Reykjavik.

Caribbean Princess will support select Northern Europe and Atlantic itineraries during the season.

Read Also: Princess Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest

Princess Cruises’ 2027 program introduces several new and updated itineraries designed to link regions that have often been sailed separately, with bookings opening on January 13, 2026.

One option, for example, is an 8-night Irish Counties and Scottish Shores sailing roundtrip from Southampton, departing June 25, 2027. The itinerary includes Falmouth, England; an overnight in Cobh, Ireland; Dun Laoghaire for Dublin; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Greenock, Scotland.

The cruise line is also expanding its Norway and Iceland offerings with a 10-night Norwegian and Icelandic Fjords sailing from Copenhagen to Reykjavik on July 10, 2027. That sailing calls at Skagen, Denmark, and Kristiansand, Stavanger, Nordfjordeid, and Molde, Norway, along with Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Grundarfjordur, Iceland.

A 14-night Scandinavia and Baltic Adventure will sail from Southampton to Helsinki beginning May 15, 2027. Ports include Zeebrugge, Belgium; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Oslo and Kristiansand, Norway; Skagen, Bornholm, and Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemünde for Berlin; Gdynia, Poland; Visby, Sweden; and Tallinn, Estonia.

More From Cruise Hive

The new lineup also incorporates limited Mediterranean sailings into the broader Northern Europe season. A 15-night Mediterranean Adventurer itinerary, for instance, departs Southampton on April 30, 2027, calling at Cadiz, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Cartagena, Spain; Toulon and Corsica, France; and Livorno and Alghero, Italy.

For passengers seeking longer regional coverage, Princess Cruises will offer a 25-night British Isles and Icelandic Fjords Explorer departing June 15, 2027. The sailing runs from Reykjavik to Copenhagen, stopping at multiple Icelandic ports before continuing through Scotland, Ireland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Carnival Passenger’s Tablecloth Request Gets Clear Answer From Cruise Line

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Carnival Passenger’s Tablecloth Request Gets Clear Answer From Cruise Line

Key Aspects:

  • One Carnival guest has requested crew members launder their personal tablecloth for every dinner service.
  • John Heald has confirmed this service is not possible, even though the elderly guest is a Platinum cruiser.
  • Other guests overwhelmingly agree that Carnival should not offer such a service, which could lead to a slippery slope.

It may now be 2026 with a new year of cruising fun to look forward to, but for some Carnival Cruise Line guests, old drama is resurfacing in a new way.

One guest who wants a return of old practices in the main dining room restaurants has reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, for assistance in creating the cruise experience they wish.

“If we bring our own tablecloth to use in the main dining hall would it be too much to ask that it is laundered ready for the next evening’s supper,” the guest asked. “I am Platinum and 71 years old.”

Carnival Cruise Line eliminated tablecloths from its main dining restaurants fleetwide several years ago, citing excessive laundry and environmental conservation measures.

The change was not necessarily well-received by some loyal cruisers, but this 71-year-old’s solution is certainly a novel one.

Heald, however, did note that using and laundering a guest’s personal tablecloth would not be possible.

“I did respectfully answer that we were not able to do this,” he confirmed.

This is not the first time that tablecloths have been subject to controversial suggestions. In May 2025, another guest proposed that Carnival Cruise Line offer tablecloths for a premium fee, with guests paying $10 for the privilege of a linen-topped-table.

Likewise, that suggestion was also not well received by other Carnival cruisers.

Other Guests Agree – The Service Is Not Reasonable

Heald went on to include the tablecloth issue in a poll of unusual guest questions, asking if he might not be correct in denying this unique service.

“Yes, you were wrong, you should have said yes, this is a small thing that Carnival could do,” the poll response noted.

Out of more than 16,200 votes in just a few hours, just 2% of voters (approximately 324 voters) agree that Carnival should launder guests’ personal tablecloths to use them for every dinner service.

Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room
Carnival Cruise Ship Dining Room (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)

In the meantime, a full 33% of voters (roughly 5,346 voters) agree that “no” was the correct response and Carnival should not offer this option.

“I cannot even imagine packing and messing with a tablecloth,” one commenter noted. “I liked them when they were there, but really don’t care that they are not. And, to expect the servers and laundry crew to add this extra work is nuts.”

“I cannot believe people would want Carnival to wash a tablecloth they bring from home for their dinner,” another guest added. “The staff has enough work to do without having to worry about unnecessary things like this.”

A number of guests do miss the elegance and atmosphere of linen tablecloths, but it is not a dealbreaker for a fun cruise vacation.

Why Can’t Carnival Offer This Service?

While Heald did not go into a detailed explanation about why crew members are not able to offer this service, there would be several logistical challenges.

A guest would not know the size or shape of their assigned dining table before boarding their cruise ship, and therefore, what tablecloth would be appropriate to bring?

Would Carnival Cruise Line be liable for damage to what may be a sentimental or heirloom tablecloth if it became irreparably stained or otherwise damaged?

What would be the cost of laundering a personal tablecloth, which undoubtedly would not fit within the allotted laundry bag for a guest’s wash-and-fold laundry service?

If the guest chose to eat at the Lido Marketplace buffet for dinner one evening, or had specialty dining reservations, would they expect their tablecloth to be moved from place to place?

More From Cruise Hive

Furthermore, if Carnival Cruise Line did accommodate this type of request, where would such service stop? As another guest rightly notes, there are similar issues that could be included with such requests.

“Next thing you know you’ll be expected to wash their private sheets and comforters too and have those fresh on the bed each day. And for free!” they said.

What about personal bath towels? Or a robe? How about preferred lounge chair cushions? Where might it end?

Do tablecloths make-or-break your cruise dining experience? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Carnival Makes a Brand Switch Across Its Zero-Proof Lineup

Lissa Poirot
-
0
Carnival Makes a Brand Switch Across Its Zero-Proof Lineup

Key Aspects:

  • Carnival Cruise Line has replaced Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits with Ritual Zero Proof across its fleet.
  • The new brand is now being used in zero-proof cocktails included with the Cheers Zero Proof beverage package.
  • The cruise line is expected to announce expanded availability for the beverage package beyond first-quarter sailings.

Carnival Cruise Line has made an adjustment to its onboard beverage lineup, affecting guests who choose alcohol-free options.

The cruise line has replaced Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits with Ritual Zero Proof across its fleet, a move that directly impacts offerings under the Cheers Zero Proof beverage package.

The change was confirmed by John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s longtime brand ambassador, during a Facebook video update on January 6, 2026.

The switch means guests sailing with the Cheers Zero Proof package will now receive cocktails made with Ritual Zero Proof spirits instead of Lyre’s products.

Read Also: Should You Get a Cruise Line Drinks Package?

Heald said the swap had been finalized shortly after he previously shared information about the Cheers Zero Proof program.

“We had these Lyre’s, these are the non-alcoholic spirits we had,” Heald began. “We’ve moved from them to a new brand called Ritual non-alcoholic spirits, and those are available across the fleet now, and they are absolutely still part of the Cheers Zero Proof program.”

Carnival Cruise Line introduced the Cheers Zero Proof beverage package in late 2025 as a standalone option for guests who want access to premium non-alcoholic drinks without purchasing an alcohol-inclusive plan.

The package includes zero-proof cocktails, specialty coffees, smoothies, milkshakes, energy drinks, and other alcohol-free beverages.

Carnival Cruise Line Zero Proof Drink Package
Carnival Cruise Line Zero Proof Drink Package

Heald also said the package is moving away from Monster-branded energy drinks to Red Bull and Red Bull Sugar Free, while addressing timing around future availability of the package, noting that it is currently limited to select early-2026 sailings.

“I will hopefully have news very soon about when it will become available for purchase for the remainder past March of this year,” said Heald. “I hope to bring you that news as soon as I can, and it’s so very popular.”

New Cheers Zero Proof Package

Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers Zero Proof beverage package is now available, but only for cruises departing in the first quarter of 2026. 

The base price for the package is $29.99 per person, per day, but it must be purchased for the full length of a cruise rather than by the drink or daily. An automatic 18 percent gratuity is added to the overall cost.

The package does not apply at the cruise line’s private destinations such as Celebration Key or Princess Cays, and is intended for use onboard only.

More From Cruise Hive

New zero-proof cocktails include On the Water, made with watermelon, lychee nectar, and lemon juice; Yuzu Vice, which uses Ritual Zero Proof Tequila with guava nectar, yuzu, and lime; Captain’s Cooler, featuring Ritual Zero Proof Tequila with piña colada blend, passion fruit nectar, and club soda; and Tropic Tide, a mix of orange juice, pineapple juice, hibiscus nectar, and passion fruit.

Each of the drinks is priced at $9.75 when purchased individually if passengers do not have a Cheers Zero Proof package.

The brand swap follows Carnival Cruise Line’s recent beverage updates in recent years, including switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products in 2025.

NY Travel Agent Accused of Taking Thousands for Cruises That Didn’t Exist

Lissa Poirot
-
0
NY Travel Agent Accused of Taking Thousands for Cruises That Didn’t Exist

Key Aspects:

  • Police in Nassau County, New York, arrested a woman accused of running a travel agency scam.
  • Tavia Thomas allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars for cruises and trip that were never booked.
  • Nine people who paid nearly $36,000 for a Royal Caribbean cruise discovered their fraudulent booking on embarkation day.

A woman in East Meadow, New York, who owned and operated a Long Island travel agency, has been arrested on multiple counts of fraud and larceny, Nassau County police said on January 6, 2026.

Authorities allege she collected tens of thousands of dollars from customers for travel and event bookings, including cruises, that were never made.

Investigators identified the accused as 47-year-old Tavia Thomas, who ran Destiny Travel out of 1936 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow. Thomas was taken into custody after several victims reported they never received the travel services they paid for and were unable to recover refunds.

According to local news accounts, police detailed one of the alleged scams involving fake bookings for a Royal Caribbean cruise departing out of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Nine would-be passengers, who paid Thomas $35,753.98, arrived at port for a July 2024 cruise and were told their bookings were fraudulent and null and void.

Police also said Thomas faces three counts of grand larceny, three counts of scheme to defraud, and two additional grand larceny charges related to separate incidents.

Pool deck onboard Adventure of the Seas
Pool deck onboard Adventure of the Seas (Photo Credit: Santiago Castillo Chomel)

The fraud didn’t stop with cruises, according to investigators. Thomas allegedly accepted $5,000 from two people who believed she was booking a destination wedding at an ALG Vacations resort, while a third reported case indicates Thomas collected over $10,000 from a family planning a 75th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic.

None of the bookings were ever made. Thomas was the sole operator of Destiny Travel, and customers paid by cash, check, or electronic transfer.

Detectives are now seeking possible victims of additional fraudulent bookings to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

Online Presence Raises Questions

According to Thomas’ website, Destiny Travel NY has been serving New York City and Long Island since 2016.

The site emphasizes a team of “experienced travel agents” and claims certifications and endorsements from industry organizations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and others.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in New York
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas in New York (Photo Credit: ARK NEYMAN)

Thomas said, “I founded Destiny Travel NY to offer stress-free planning for unique and memorable destination weddings.”

One customer shared a review on Destiny Travel on TheKnot on August 19, 2024. “Tavia Thomas is a scammer and she must be stopped. My group of 80 people were set to leave to Cancun, Mexico, for our wedding 07/17/24 and Tavia called us 07/16/24 stating the vendor cancelled. Which was a compete lie.”

“She stole our money and she keeps doing this to multiple groups of people,” the review continued. “She is a liar and a thief and she must be stopped and in jail!”

More From Cruise Hive

Another review, posted in 2022, was glowing, with the author writing, “Destiny Travel was so attentive to my needs and went above and beyond with making my day come true.”

Destiny Travel is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which had rated the company with an F for failure to respond to three complaints filed against the business and the length of operation.

At press time, the BBB had acknowledged Thomas’ arrest, and Destiny Travel NY’s address is linked to UPS Store.

Legend of the Seas Guests Are Being Informed of Unexpected Cabin Changes

Catie Kovelman
-
0
Legend of the Seas Guests Are Being Informed of Unexpected Cabin Changes

Key Aspects:

  • Some staterooms have been recategorized for Legend of the Seas, which is launching this summer.
  • This means that some guests have been upgraded to new staterooms, which not everyone is happy about.
  • Those that were moved were switched from Surfside Family View Balconies to Ocean View Balconies.

With Legend of the Seas’ maiden voyage now just over six months away on July 11, 2026, Royal Caribbean is starting to iron out the nitty-gritty details for the third Icon-class ship’s inaugural season.

Part of this preparation involves checking and giving out stateroom assignments.

Like her older sisters, the 5,610-guest ship is expected to have a total of 2,805 staterooms divided across more than 20 categories – which can make sorting through cabin assignments a rather arduous task.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas Cabins and Suites Guide

In some cases, Royal Caribbean has had to recategorize staterooms that have already been booked onboard its newest addition, causing some passengers to get new cabin assignments.

“After a recent accommodations review, we’ve noticed that some staterooms, including yours, have been recategorized in our system,” Royal Caribbean notified impacted guests.

“While we know you originally booked a Surfside Family View Balcony, you’ll now receive a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean View Balcony,” the cruise line continued.

The “upgrade” will come at no additional cost to impacted guests.

How Different Are These Staterooms?

How much of an upgrade the new cabin assignments feel like will really depend on guest preference and what they are hoping to get out of their sailing.

The Surfside Family View Balconies are approximately 196 square feet and can sleep up to four guests.

Rather than overlooking the ocean, the private balconies have a view of the family-oriented Surfside Neighborhood, which features kid-friendly splash zones, restaurants, and other entertainment.

Guests were most likely switched to Standard Balcony View Cabins, which use standard doors and have a small balcony with seating provided.

Legend of the Seas Render
Legend of the Seas Render

As the name suggests, these rooms boast views of the ocean and port views while visiting the destinations on the itinerary.

Standard Ocean View Balcony cabins are usually 204 square feet, making them ever so slightly bigger than the originally booked Surfside staterooms. They also comfortably accommodate up to four guests.

Changes Met With Mixed Response

Among some passengers, these new room assignments are a welcomed change, as many felt that these accommodations would be more peaceful than staying in a family-forward area and offer better views.

“I’d much rather be in an Oceanview Balcony than the Surfside Balcony. The Surfside area can get pretty loud and that ringing bell from the carousel is enough to drive you mad after a while,” one cruiser acknowledged.

Others were upset to have their carefully laid plans changed, especially among those who strategically chose their staterooms for a reason.

Larger groups who booked multiple staterooms close to each other were also disappointed to find themselves booted from connecting staterooms, and potentially even separated on different decks.

“Me and my daughter pay extra to be on 12 deck and close to each other and they change our stateroom one in 10 deck and other in 9 deck, we pay extra to choose the rooms,” one frustrated guest said.

“Yes I got this too. I’ve contacted my TA. We have two connecting rooms and we have only had one email. So I don’t want to be in separate decks now,” another chimed in.

Guests who aren’t happy with their staterooms may call Royal Caribbean to discuss possible options.

Royal Caribbean App Temporarily Unavailable

Indeed, unsatisfied guests will need to call and speak to a customer service representative, as their Legend of the Seas booking will be temporarily unavailable on the Royal Caribbean App and online.

Booking management features will be unavailable in the app and online for approximately two weeks, meaning these capabilities should return around January 20, 2026.

“After a recent review, we’re doing some behind the scenes maintenance. Kindly note, while we conduct this update, your booking will be unavailable to access on the app and website for about two (2) weeks from today,” Royal Caribbean stated in a letter.

This letter was sent to guests booked on the new ship’s September 5, 2027, sailing to the Western Mediterranean, but it’s possible that other passengers have or will be similarly impacted.

But rest assured, cruisers’ original reservations will remain intact and unchanged unless guests call the cruise line to make changes.

1...535536537...603Page 536 of 603