Key Aspects: For the first time ever, two MSC Group ships connected to shore power in Valletta, Malta, on consecutive days. The milestone was celebrated with an event attended by Valletta government officials.  MSC Group continues to push forward on its journey towards a future of sustainable cruising. When government officials gather, it’s usually not a good sign. However, … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Virgin Voyages celebrated Brilliant Lady’s inaugural call on Miami, Florida, with a star-studded event. As part of the celebration, guests got to explore the new ship’s exclusive offerings and watch the world premier of “Red Hot,” a “rockumentary-style” spectacular. Brilliant Lady is currently on her Miami MerMaiden voyage to the Caribbean, which is where she will be based … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Carnival Sunshine is delayed returning from her Bermuda sailing due to high winds and rough waves. While the ship will still arrive in Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, October 18, she will most likely dock in the afternoon rather than the early morning. This will delay embarkation for the ship’s next sailing, but no itinerary changes have yet been confirmed and guests will be … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Norwegian Cruise Line is no longer delivering the Freestyle Daily newsletter to passenger cabins every evening. Instead, cruise guests are being encouraged to get their information digitally on the NCL app or from their stateroom TVs. Guests who do want a paper copy can pick one up from the guest services desk onboard or request a copy from their cabin steward. As the … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Is 35 minutes late just too late to be seated at an assigned dining time? Carnival Cruise Line is now cracking down on late guests. If guests do not arrive for their assigned dining time within a reasonable margin, they will be directed to the Lido buffet instead. Experienced guests agree and note they have had many frustrating experiences with late dining companions that … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Luxury cruise brand Silversea has announced some of its scheduled cruises for summer 2027 and winter 2027-28, featuring several new deployments and unique itineraries. The cruise line will, for the first time, deploy a ship to Japan for a summer season, and has revealed three new Grand Voyages for three different ships. All bookings on the newly detailed cruises will open … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Carnival’s Mardi Gras returned from a major dry dock in France with 100 new connecting cabins, sparking frustration among guests who say they weren’t notified their staterooms had changed. Passengers are voicing concerns over privacy, noise, and lack of communication from the cruise line. Brand Ambassador John Heald confirmed deck plans are being … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Eagle-eyed guests have spotted a broken tile in the Pearl onboard Icon of the Seas. This is something that has happened before, and it likely does not pose a safety risk. But after several instances with glass shattering on multiple ships, some are wondering if this latest breakage is a sign that Royal Caribbean is using lower-quality materials. As all the cruise lines … [Read more...]

Key Aspects:  Princess Cruises has just released its 2027-2028 West Coast Season, which is jam-packed with 69 different sailings. The itineraries sail to popular destinations in Mexico, Hawaii, and California from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Eight ships will be deployed to the region, including the newly debuted Star Princess. Princess Cruises just released its … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Removing gratuities is one of the most controversial topics among cruisers, but John Heald is asking if guests think the ability to remove gratuities should end. Poll results show a lot of support for not letting people remove gratuities from their accounts, but comments support individual flexibility. Many guests argue about whether it is a service fee or other charge … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth made history with its first-ever arrival at PortMiami on October 16, 2025. The milestone event launches a two-season Caribbean schedule featuring itineraries across the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Port officials presented a ceremonial plaque to Cunard’s captain and officers. For the first time in its storied 185-year history, Cunard … [Read more...]

Key Aspects: Mardi Gras emerged from a one-month dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France on October 16, 2025. One hundred staterooms were modified with new connecting doors to provide more offerings for families and groups. Renovations also included accessibility improvements, retail refurbishments, and a casino expansion. It’s party time once again on Carnival Cruise … [Read more...]