Silversea, Royal Caribbean Group’s ultra-luxury cruise line, is adding new loyalty levels and benefits that will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
The cruise line said that due to feedback from guests, they have created more ways to earn status, made it easier to earn recognition, and added more meaningful benefits.
Silversea’s Venetian Society will introduce a new and intuitive structure designed to recognize members earlier and celebrate more milestones as they take cruises on Silversea ships.
The program will continue to award 1 VS Day for each cruise day sailed, and starting in July, members will also be rewarded with:
1 VS Day for every day spent on Silversea Land Programs and City Stays
1 additional VS Day per cruise day for qualifying solo travelers
New Silversea’s Venetian Society Levels
The cruise line is also adding two new early journey milestones, 15 VD Days and 50 VS Days. These are designed to reward guests sooner and select tiers will will receive new benefits in addition to what they receive today:
15 VS Days: Exclusive one-time welcome offer sent to members
50 VS Days: New booking benefit of $150 shipboard credit per member available on new bookings
250 VS Days, 350 VS Days, 500 VS Days: Complimentary premium Wi-Fi and priority embarkation. This is in addition to existing benefits such as complimentary laundry and pressing, 10% booking benefit, and a complimentary cruise starting at the 350 VS Day level
Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, gave the following statement:
“Our Venetian Society members are the heart of Silversea, and this update represents a meaningful step forward in how we recognize and reward their loyalty. With new ways to earn VS Days, earlier recognition, and more rewarding benefits, we’re creating the most rewarding program in luxury cruising, benefitting both longtime members and those just beginning to build their status with us.”
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MSC Cruises has made unannounced changes to its onboard Baby Care service, replacing a previously free offering with a paid model, prompting confusion and frustration among some guests.
The cruise line has confirmed that the service has “been updated over time”, moving away from its earlier structure which included complimentary childcare sessions.
However, the lack of a clear public announcement means some passengers only discovered the change after booking, when they expected the service to remain free.
Under the previous system, parents could leave their babies with trained youth staff during two daily time slots, typically from 10am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm.
Guests were able to book one or both sessions, subject to availability, with a maximum of 15 babies allowed in the Baby Club at any one time. The service was included at no extra cost and provided parents with onboard flexibility while remaining contactable if needed.
MSC confirmed the shift in a brief statement, saying:
How The New Baby Care Service Works
According to updated information on MSC’s website, the Baby Care service now offers extended availability of up to eight hours per day, significantly more than the previous fixed time slots.
The service still allows parents to leave their child with qualified staff in the Baby Club, where babies can play in a supervised environment.
However, the key difference is that the service is no longer complimentary, with charges now applying. MSC has not publicly listed pricing details, making it difficult for guests to plan ahead or compare value.
While the increased availability may appeal to some families looking for greater flexibility, others have expressed disappointment that a once-free service is now an added cost, particularly when this was not clearly communicated at the time of booking.
Frustration Over Lack Of Communication
The biggest concern among affected cruisers appears to be the way the change has been introduced. Without a formal announcement or clear notification during the booking process, some passengers say they planned their holidays under the assumption that free childcare would still be available.
For families travelling with infants, onboard childcare can be a significant factor when choosing a cruise line.
The shift to a paid model, combined with limited transparency, risks undermining trust among those who feel the offering has effectively been downgraded.
At the same time, MSC’s move reflects a broader trend across the cruise industry, where lines continue to reassess complimentary services and introduce new revenue streams while attempting to balance guest expectations.
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Trip log, day two. At Sea. 4-Night Bahamian Fire and Sunset Soiree (Bahamian) from Miami, Florida February 5, 2026 Your Day at a Glance(The Daily Schedule) Scarlet Lady Deck Plan
Welcome back to day 2 of the Scarlet Lady trip report, where I cannot seem to find a ship location map on the stateroom tv or on the tablet, so iOS map will have to do. Today is a sea day, and we really do not have far to sail for our next port of call tomorrow so we essentially on a slow boat to Key West and spending the morning in the Straits of Florida near Cay Sal Bank.
Emily started off as she always does at the gym. After, she came back, showered and then the morning was spent working on a puzzle we found in last night in the game cabinet at The Social. The stateroom’s desk area is not very large, but it served us well with this 500 piece cat puzzle.
I took a walk, discovering the gold standard in ice machines: a Scotsman with chewable nugget ice and water on demand up in The Galley.
The Galley is a food court of sorts on deck 15 that is much different than Cabanas or Marceline Market, as it has different quick-service locations. I would say it is more along the lines of Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods, but with with much better & elevated food. Virgin Voyages calls it a Food Hall, and there are a mix of more than eight shops and food carts; each offering a unique concept including a bakery and pastry shop, a panini shop, a burger grill, a taco shack, a sushi bar with bento boxes, a noodle bar, a soup and salad stand, and an around-the-clock American diner. So far, and it still early in the sailing, we have found a lot of appealing spots to grab a bite. I am not sure 4-nights will be long enough experience everything on our growing list.
We made our way to deck 7 to get some coffee at The Grounds. They have a nice selection of pastries out in the morning, but based on our experience when there is a high demand, sailors not getting coffee are waiting a long time just to be handed a pastry which are complimentary. We like the coffee so much, we bought a bag of Virgin Voyages specialty blend beans to take home.
We met our friend over in The Social for Morning Mind Benders which turned into an entertaining activity. Initially, I figured it was just trivia, however, it is a series of brain teasers from identifying flags, figuring out sayings based on a mix of words and images and finally a word search. Teams earned points based on the order in which they correctly completed each round. It was such a fun group activity that the overall game against other teams really didn’t matter.
Afterwards we set out and walked around the ship. For a sea day, it was pleasantly quiet around the ship with plenty of places to sit back and relax without some sort of activity taking over the venue or overflowing from an adjacent space.
Maybe everyone else booked the sold out Behind the Scenes tour. Seems like I saved $200 today by not doing my homework because this sounds like a great experience.
We had a bit of an issue with the app, as it was not allowing us to reserve an activity so we headed down to Sailor Services AKA Guest Service which is tucked away on deck 5. It didn’t have a line, which was awesome and it turns out it was a rather simple glitch in the app and we were reserved, but the app was not updating to show we were booked, which is why we were getting the error each time we tried to reserve. Sailor Services also had a table with a QR code for information on the WiFi, a stack of ship deck plan map brochures and a pile of printed schedules. Now the paper is that thin low weight copy paper, but it serves the purpose of presenting basic schedule information.
On deck 7 midship, there is an area called The Roundabout with a grand spiral staircase. In that area, is a record shop where you can listen to music on a number or record players all set up with headphones. Additionally, today there was a Scarlet Lady Artist Scavenger Hunt inviting sailors to seek out 3 places onboard for a chance at a special prize. We have plans coming up soon so need to put this on the back burner for later… However, later never happened due to time and other plans.
While we still had some time I modeled by brand new medium hoodie and took my turn painting some of the mural. It’s like painting the mural at Epcot, but without the line and with paint markers instead of a paint brush.
It was now time to head to the Razzle Dazzle on deck 5 aft for brunch, which is included in the cruise fare and not an extra charge. The name is derived from the type of camouflaging pattern painted on warships during WWI and WWII in an attempt to confuse U-boats.
The daytime menu offers a largely vegetarian, contemporary American fare. The “nice” menu puts a flip on traditional dishes by offering plant-based vegetarian and vegan alternatives to classic dishes and dishes can be made “naughty” with meat add-ons or boozy shots.
The food was well seasoned and prepared. Coupling that with excellent we had an enjoyable time and we didn’t even partake in the bottomless brunch offering.
Walking near The Pizza Place, I stopped in to check out today’s special to see it was a 5 Formaggi. Too bad we just had brunch, because there was currently a very short wait for pizza.
One spot on the ship that is quite popular is Lick Me Till… Ice Cream serving up some complimentary ice cream in either cups for flavored waffle cones. This has got to be the finest included ice cream on the high seas and frankly… better than some on other cruise lines who charge an extra fee.
We spent some time outside on deck 7, where there are loungers and couches. The weather was cool, but still not bad to be outside. The captain is doing a good job at avoiding rain showers in the area and keeping us in fair weather ahead of the bad weather forecast later this evening. It is nice to have areas like this outside that are not on the pool decks to relax and enjoy some outdoor fresh air. As a family who usually cruises in inside staterooms, this is refreshing to see.
You have got to be kidding me… They have a Speed Puzzle Challenge this afternoon!!! It was so well attended, that they ran out of puzzles and encouraged late arrivals to join existing teams. The activity was simple; teams were all issued identical 300-piece puzzles and it was a race to be the first to complete. There was some tough competition and the winning team completed the puzzle in about 20 minutes. Lessons were learned and we will make sure next time we set up at a large table to make it easer to sort and work on the puzzle.
Also really impressed all the puzzle pieces were still in the boxes! This was an AMAZING activity offering!
I mentioned that The Social Club has a counter where you can get some sweet treats, but they also serve some food including a soft pretzel. Lots of options onboard for snacking, but not enough time to try everything. However, the camera did eat as this was sitting on the counter waiting for another sailor to enjoy.
Down the corridor on the same deck is Sip, a champagne lounge with a morning menu featuring coffee, libations, tea hand crafted by a barista, afternoon tea, and well as evening caviar service. There is bar seating, with the majority of the seating along the portholes and along the interior wall separated by starboard walkway on deck 7. The setup kinda reminds me of The Rose, but bigger and in a centralized location.
We contemplated indulging in afternoon tea, but time was running short ahead of our next scheduled activity, plus, we were still full from brunch. Given more time, this experience looks promising and we are adding it to the list for next time.
We made our way to The Manor around 3:15 for the 3:30 Lights, Camera, Drag! and the venue was standing room only. We eventually discovered stairs to the balcony, which was standing room only as well. We ended up finding a spot to stand and peer through the railings and over the shoulder of guests seated along the balcony railing. I was fully expecting a more adults-only risqué show, but it was for the most part subjectively family-friendly. This seems to be a popular event onboard so the lesson was learned: arrive really early if you want a seat, arrive early if you want to get a good place to stand, and anything later, plan better next time. The performer was super talented and featured lots of songs from familiar movies.
Tonight’s theme is Scarlet Night, which is best described by the following from the cruise line’s website:
What is Scarlet Night? As the sun sets over the deep and expansive sea, something red and electrifying is bubbling beneath the surface, ready to elevate your luxurious, adults-only cruise event into a spectacle more alluring and enchanting than you even thought possible. Scarlet Night is a full ship activation, complete with pop-ups, flash mobs, secret bars, karaoke, shadow performances, pool parties, and high-energy beats to keep you dancing into the starry night.
I happen to have a lot of scarlet in my wardrobe, so this is an ideal theme for me! We decided to return the photogenic entrance corridor of The Manor to take some pictures.
Status update, I am still liking The Band which comes in the standard issue scarlet and a more exclusive black primary for those staying in a RockStar Quarters (suites).
It may be Scarlet Night, but we are switching hues for dinner and heading to Pink Agave – an elevated Mexican restaurant with a design inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City. Pink Agave offers a variety of Mexican specialties, including tlayudas, memelas, sopes, tortas, esquites, tamales, and an expansive array of tequilas and mezcals.
We were seated near a large porthole table with a lovely sea view where we could see the weather starting to change.
The Pink Agave beverage menu is extensive with pages for cocktails, beer, wine, and a substantial selection of mezcals and tequilas. So many choices! The table enjoyed the Sol De Fuego Margarita.
Tonight our server took our orders separately, unlike last night where our server essentially served a wide selection for everyone to share.
The snack mix, at least that is what I think it is meant to be, was delicious, but awkward to eat with various sized bits and pieces. Do we spoon it in our hand and toss in our mouths or do we take spoonfuls and eat it like cereal from a communal bowl? Really, what is the proper method of consumption here? it was so good, that the server offered to send us with some to-go!
Overall, dinner was adequate. The flavors were not as robust as advertised, but the quality of ingredients and the preparation made up for it.
After dinner, I was drawn to the arcade, where I relived my youth for a bit.
There was a Scarlet Night featured drink named ‘High on Life’ with advertisements on all of the tables in The Social. The cocktail is made up of Ketel One Citron Vodka, Aperol, strawberry, citrus, sparkling water, and a touch of sparkle.
I been referencing the weather today more than usual and that is because we knew the was coming, the Captain even said something about it on embarkation day. This evening weather is not great and the outdoor areas of the ship were closed off due to high winds and rain. Thus, Scarlet Night festivities have been moved indoors.
By the way, did you read the second message? Up on deck 15 in The Galley are chef’s specials for those that do not have plans at one of the other onboard restaurants. What a novel idea!!!
While there are no characters to meet onboard the Scarlet Lady, Elmo did get to meet Chris at the onset of Scarlet Night, as the ship would soon transform with a red glow.
We spent the evening hanging out in Sip enjoying some drinks and conversation. I did slip away to the Draught Haus, which surprising did not have a line!
We ended the night before the party really got going and rested up for our day ashore in Key West, a port which we have not visited since the fall of 2011. Overall, it was a lovely, fun evening!
MSC Group has unveiled plans to transform part of a long-unused resort in Grand Bahama into an exclusive beach destination for its cruise passengers, marking a significant expansion of its footprint in the Bahamas.
The company confirmed that its infrastructure division, CTL Maritime, has reached an agreement with the Bahamian government to acquire and redevelop a section of the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport.
MSC Cruises’ existing Ocean Cay island
The redevelopment will see a 20-acre portion of the former Reef Village area converted into what will be known as the MSC Beach Club, catering to guests sailing with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
Construction is scheduled to begin on 12th April 2026, although this remains subject to environmental approvals and permitting.
Prime Minister Philip Davis described the deal as a pivotal step in revitalising the island’s tourism sector.
“This agreement represents a defining moment for Grand Bahamas and the future of our island,”
“The redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort has long been a national priority, and this step forward speaks to our commitment to restoring Grand Bahama as a leading tourism and investment destination.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis
Cruise Lines Expand Private Destination Strategy
The move reflects a broader industry trend, with cruise operators increasingly developing private destinations to shape the onshore experience and retain more passenger spending.
MSC’s plans follow similar recent investments across the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean introduced its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau in December 2025, offering a resort-style experience with private beaches, pools, cabanas and multiple dining venues exclusively for its guests.
Carnival Cruise Line has also strengthened its presence on Grand Bahama with the opening of Celebration Key in July 2025, a purpose-built destination designed to accommodate large numbers of cruise passengers.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line is in the midst of a significant upgrade to Great Stirrup Cay, including the addition of new piers and expanded facilities aimed at improving access and guest capacity.
Major Port Development Also Planned
The MSC Beach Club forms part of a much larger investment strategy for Grand Bahama. According to details shared by the Bahamian government, MSC Group is planning a $450 million cruise development centred on Billy Cay, a man-made island within Freeport Harbour.
Approximately $400 million of that total will be used to construct a new cruise terminal complex. Plans include multiple berths, a welcome plaza, retail outlets, restaurants and transport infrastructure to support passenger movement.
A further $50 million has been allocated to upgrade existing harbour facilities, alongside enhancements to surrounding infrastructure.
The new port is expected to function as a multi-user facility, meaning it will not be limited to MSC ships but open to other cruise lines as well. It will also feature entertainment zones, food and beverage venues, and transport hubs designed to connect visitors with attractions across the island.
CTL Maritime President Gianluca Suprani said the investment underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the region.
“This project marks the next phase of our long-term investment strategy in The Bahamas and as a family-owned company, we take a long-term view and when we commit to projects of this nature, we do so with the intention and capability to deliver, focused on creating lasting value for Bahamian communities.”
Including the new beach club, port development and ongoing enhancements to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Group’s total investment in the Bahamas is approaching $1.5 billion. The combined projects are expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs, further reinforcing the cruise sector’s role in the country’s economy.
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Most passengers never think twice about the medical center hidden on Deck 2, until they need it.
I learned that the hard way after a basketball mishap left me with a badly injured thumb. While getting treated on Deck 2, I started chatting with the ship’s doctor.
What he told me about life as a cruise ship physician was so interesting I almost forgot about my injury.
The cruise ship medical center is not typically the place you want to end up on a cruise.
He was an older man who had retired from his medical profession, but when he saw the opportunity to explore the world and get paid for it, he took it.
Cruise passengers are often very curious to know what it would be like to be a doctor on a cruise ship. After all, that’s why shows like “Doctor Odyssey” came to be so popular.
But what’s the reality of being a physician at sea?
My conversation with that retired doctor made me realize the job is nothing like the dramas on TV.
To separate fact from fiction, I looked to a recent Reddit AMA where a cruise ship doctor revealed exactly what life is like.
The physician with a background in internal medicine and critical care offered an interesting look behind the scenes.
Wishing to remain anonymous, the ship doc invited questions in his online post, saying “I’m an open book except for which cruise line I work for.”
Here’s a look at some of the questions and responses that came into the post.
Why Leave a Hospital ICU for Life at Sea?
After completing residency in internal medicine and three years as an intensivist, this doctor was looking for a lifestyle change.
“I’m one of two doctors on the ship, so we get to call the shots together,” they shared.
Many colleagues worried they’d “lose skills,” but the physician said that working on a cruise ship offers a blend of emergency medicine, urgent care, and primary care on fewer resources than a hospital.
Across the industry, cruise ship doctors typically need at least three years of post-graduate experience (often in emergency or ICU), plus certifications like ACLS, and sometimes PALS or ATLS.
Contract Time and Pay
Contracts commonly run four months on, two months off, matching the doctor’s schedule and allowing time for family or temporary contract work back home.
Pay often falls in the $8,000–$15,000 per month range, but that goes along with free room, board, travel, and amenities. In this doctor’s case, the pay is about $10,000 a month.
The Medical Setup: What Resources Are Actually on Board?
Larger ships usually have two doctors, several nurses (the doctor’s ship has four plus a paramedic), and a well-equipped infirmary.
Capabilities include lab tests like CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, basic imaging or X-rays on many vessels, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, and minor surgical supplies.
It’s not a full hospital but meets or exceeds American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines for maritime care.
But sometimes other passengers can swoop in to help as well if they have medical experience.
In one memorable case, the doctor recalled that the team needed help with a woman’s crushed pinky (from a door injury) and had the captain announce for passenger volunteers. An ortho surgeon on board was able to save the woman’s pinky and save the ship from having to reroute.
Doctors on board also handle everything from routine visits to stabilizing patients for potential medevac by helicopter or Coast Guard.
Dramatic Emergencies
Because of the lack of resources, cruise ship doctors have to be creative. The doctor shared in one story that a patient with cirrhosis arrived with severe anemia and black blood in his stool.
“We don’t carry blood products on the ship, so I had to look through medical records of the crew and luckily, someone had a compatible blood type.” The doctor performed an emergency transfusion, which likely saved the patient’s life.
Other challenges include dental emergencies (limited to pain relief, antibiotics, and referral at the next port) and rare but serious events. The doctor has seen only one suicide (an overboard incident with no recovery) during their time aboard. Ships do have basic morgue capabilities for natural deaths, which are more common among older passengers.
What About Pregnancies?
Pregnancy policies are strict for any cruise line. Most of them bar women beyond 24 weeks gestation at the end of the cruise, as there’s no NICU and medevacs are a lot more complicated.
It’s mostly honor-system based, with doctor’s notes sometimes required.
Everyday Ailments: From Seasickness to Overindulgence
Most visits are for simple things and are fairly mundane, unlike the TV show. Motion sickness is the reason for most visits, especially first-time cruisers still getting their sea legs.
Other common complaints include indigestion, GERD flares, foodborne illness from overeating or unfamiliar foods, respiratory issues, and injuries from slips or activities.
Retirees who essentially live on cruise ships more often than on land account for many patients, as they lack regular land-based care.
Alcohol-related issues and minor traumas round out the list of the most common reasons for visiting the medical center.
The Tougher Side: Assaults and Vulnerabilities
Cruise ships see occasional sexual assaults as well. The doctor noted there have been a few cases, handled primarily by a trained SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurse, with mandatory reporting to the FBI and Coast Guard regardless of victim preference.
These incidents are reported industry-wide and cruise lines treat them very seriously. While they are a fraction of medical visits, each case is treated delicately.
Perks, Lifestyle, and Is It Worth It?
The cruise ship doctor said that the biggest draw is autonomy and travel. They enjoy four months off yearly with family and can get higher paying work during the downtime.
Housing and food costs are a non-factor, and amenities are free.
Cruise ship medicine isn’t for everyone; it demands flexibility and the willingness to be “stuck” in the lower decks of a moving vessel for long periods of time.
But for this physician, it’s a refreshing mix of medicine, adventure, and work-life balance that hospitals just can’t match.
As they put it:
“A lot of my colleagues back home thought that I would ‘lose my skills’ doing this work, but it’s actually very satisfying. A mix of emergency med, urgent care, primary care. I deal with it all on less resources than I did at the hospital.”
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A cruise from the UK to Belgium, France and the Netherlands was unexpectedly disrupted on 9th April 2026 after an oil spill shut down one of Europe’s busiest shipping routes, forcing a ship to turn back shortly after departure.
Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed its vessel Ambition had to return to Antwerp after authorities suspended all traffic on the Scheldt River due to pollution caused by another ship. The vessel had begun sailing away from the Belgian port late in the evening when the closure order was issued.
The 1,200-guest ship had originally departed Portsmouth on 6th April for a six-night itinerary, already completing an overnight stop in Ijmuiden in the Netherlands before arriving in Antwerp for what was scheduled to be a short 14-hour visit.
As Ambition attempted to leave Antwerp at around 11pm local time, port officials informed the bridge of the incident and immediately halted vessel movements. The captain subsequently navigated the ship back to port with tug assistance, where it remained docked overnight.
The cruise line confirmed the vessel itself was not impacted by the oil spill but was required to stay alongside until the waterway could safely reopen.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our highest priority, and we thank our Captain and crew for their professionalism in managing the situation,” the company said, while also apologising for the disruption caused to passengers.
Guests were informed shortly after the ship’s return, with a further update issued at midday UK time on 10th April outlining changes to the sailing.
Itinerary Adjusted After Unexpected Delay
Following clearance from authorities, Ambition departed Antwerp at 4pm local time, with the earlier disruption resulting in several itinerary changes.
The ship skipped its scheduled calls to Bruges on 10th April and Honfleur on 11th April, instead sailing directly to Le Havre in France, where it arrived around midday on 11th April and remained until late evening.
Despite the disruption, the cruise is still scheduled to conclude in Portsmouth on 12th April as originally planned.
Ambassador Cruise Line has not confirmed whether compensation will be offered for the missed ports, although shore excursions are expected to have been adjusted or cancelled accordingly.
Oil Spill Triggers Closure Of Key European Waterway
The incident occurred during a refuelling operation at Deurganck Dock within the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Oil leaked while the container ship MSC Denmark VI was taking on fuel, with pollution spreading beyond the dock and into the Scheldt River.
The Scheldt is a critical maritime corridor linking the North Sea with inland Belgium and handles heavy traffic including cargo vessels, tankers and cruise ships.
Emergency teams were deployed to contain the spill and limit environmental damage, particularly given the river’s tidal nature and proximity to sensitive marshland areas. Authorities partially reopened the river by Friday afternoon, although some port sections remained restricted.
No other large cruise ships were docked in Antwerp at the time, though the port regularly hosts smaller and luxury vessels from lines including Windstar Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.
Ambition, a 48,123-gross-ton ship, is not scheduled to return to Antwerp again in 2026, continuing a programme of sailings from ports such as Portsmouth, London, Liverpool and Belfast throughout the year.
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VidantaWorld Voyages has unveiled ELEGANT, a new ultra-luxury yacht that will begin Mediterranean sailings on 11th April 2026, with the brand positioning the vessel as a more spacious, slower-paced alternative to both traditional cruise ships and smaller luxury vessels.
The new ship will operate seven-night itineraries through 2nd October 2026 before returning for another European season from May to September 2027.
According to the company, the programme will focus on region-specific voyages across the French Riviera, Spanish Coast, Azores and Portugal, Greek Islands and Adriatic Sea, and Italian Shores.
Rather than packing in a long list of ports, VidantaWorld Voyages said ELEGANT has been designed around longer stays ashore, overnight calls and late departures, giving guests more time to experience destinations after the main daytime rush has passed.
The line said this approach is intended to let passengers enjoy evening dining, local nightlife, promenades and entertainment that are often missed on more conventional itineraries.
A key part of the concept is the ship’s low guest count. Vidanta took a vessel originally designed for more than 600 passengers and reduced capacity to just 216 guests, creating what it says is a notably more open and unhurried onboard environment.
That extra room has been used to deliver larger accommodation, more expansive lounges and public areas, and a dining set-up that removes the traditional main dining room in favour of multiple venues.
The company also said ELEGANT will sail with a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, with butler service included in the highest accommodation categories.
“From the beginning, our focus has been about redefining what luxury at sea could feel like,
“By dramatically reducing guest count, elevating service to near one-to-one levels, prioritizing space and building itineraries around longer stays and late departures, we’ve created a voyage that delivers the high-end experience and flexibility today’s luxury travelers are seeking.”
Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta.
The inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart from Funchal in Madeira, with the line saying the wider product has been built for guests who care as much about the style and pace of travel as the destinations themselves.
Luxury Resort Features Carried Over To Sea
VidantaWorld Voyages is presenting ELEGANT as an extension of the wider Vidanta hospitality model, drawing on the group’s experience in luxury resorts in Mexico and applying that same resort-led approach at sea.
The vessel’s suites and staterooms have been designed with a more residential feel, with select Governor’s and Presidential Suites including an extra bathroom for third-occupancy guests or entertaining. Some top-category suites feature two full bathrooms.
Around one-third of the accommodation inventory will also come with butler service, delivered by staff trained by the British Butler Institute, according to the company.
Across the ship, guests will find a single large pool, four hot tubs, a marina deck with direct access to the sea, a spa and fitness centre, casino, and a range of lounges and social spaces intended to shift from daytime relaxation into evening entertainment.
Dining will be centred on three main dinner venues on Deck 5: Montelimar for Mediterranean cuisine, Guō for Asian fusion and Flor de Agave, a premium Mexican speciality restaurant. Other venues include cafés, snack spaces and a total of eight bars and lounges spread throughout the ship.
Entertainment will be built on a smaller-scale format than most mainstream cruise ships, with live piano, violin and jazz performances during the day and evening shows in the 168-seat Amura Lounge. The company said nights onboard will also include themed pool deck events, interactive games and DJ sets under the stars.
Wellness facilities will include the Nel Vento Spa & Beauty Salon, hair and nail services, four treatment rooms including a couples suite, a Technogym-equipped fitness centre, yoga and stretch studio, and separate saunas.
The ship’s outdoor spaces are spread across several decks, including the marina on Deck 2, a pool terrace and buffet on Deck 7, and an aft sky deck on Deck 8 with fire pits and heaters for evening use in the Mediterranean.
A New Brand’s First Big Test
ELEGANT marks the first ship for VidantaWorld Voyages and the company’s formal entry into the luxury cruise market.
The official VidantaWorld Voyages site is now marketing ELEGANT as “The Luxury Resort that Sails”, reinforcing the company’s effort to sell the product not simply as another cruise ship, but as a resort-style experience built around space, service and destination immersion.
For more information or bookings, the company is directing travellers to travel advisors or the VidantaWorld website.
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The first time I stepped off a cruise ship in Grand Turk, I was prepared for the turquoise water and inviting beaches. But I was not expecting a “welcoming committee” of wild donkeys.
On the road all the way to the lighthouse, I saw more donkeys than I ever thought I’d see within a mile of a cruise port (since I thought I would see exactly zero).
While the official travel brochures don’t exactly put these stubborn residents on the cover, they are staples of the island.
But besides the novelty of a donkey on the beach and a fun photo op, these creatures have a complicated history. And a growing list of accidents are turning them into a headache for some cruisers who get too close.
From Selfies to Lawsuits
While most donkey encounters end with nothing more than a stolen hamburger (hilarious photo here on Reddit) and a funny story for the dinner table, some have landed passengers in the courtroom.
Take, for instance, a 2024 lawsuit filed by a Florida man against Carnival Cruise Line. While visiting the Grand Turk Cruise Center (a port owned and operated by Carnival) he stopped to snap a photo with a “local.”
The donkey, evidently not feeling it, delivered a kick so powerful it shattered his kneecap, requiring multiple surgeries.
His legal argument? That the cruise line failed to warn passengers that these “cute” animals are actually feral and highly unpredictable. Who knew?
And he isn’t the only one with a bone to pick.
In March 2025, a 70-year-old cruiser reported being bitten and butted to the ground after a donkey decided it was tired of waiting for carrots.
There are even whispered “legends” of passengers losing fingertips to hungry donkeys during feeding attempts. I’m still working to verify that one.
And then you have a recent social media post about Grand Turk that warned other cruisers that there “are many wild donkeys who suddenly jump in front your car and cause accidents”.
The “Unemployed” Residents of Grand Turk
To understand why Grand Turk has so many donkeys walking around (estimates put their numbers at 300-400) you have to look at what was once their job.
These aren’t just random strays or pets that grew too big to keep at home. They are the descendants of the 1700s salt industry. Back in the day these animals were the workforce of the island, hauling salt from the inland ponds to the ships.
When the industry collapsed after WWII, the donkeys were “laid off” and left to fend for themselves.
Today, they roam the island without a job, other than entertaining cruise passengers and causing the occasional ruckus.
But with no permanent veterinarian on Grand Turk and a population that continues to grow, more people are wondering if anything should actually be done.
The Donkey Dilemma
As a cruise writer, I’ve seen my share of port safety warnings, but they usually involve pickpockets or other security issues, not livestock.
Here are some of the issues in the “Great Grand Turk Donkey Debate”:
Cultural Protection: The Turks and Caicos government views the donkeys as a cultural heritage asset. They are protected by law from cruelty, but that same law doesn’t offer to pay the medical bills of someone that gets hurt.
The Liability: Once you step outside the Cruise Center gates, you are essentially on your own. Most rental agreements for golf carts, which are the preferred way to see the 7-mile island, explicitly state that the driver is responsible for any damage, including “donkey-related collisions.”
The Silent Traffic War: Local taxi drivers have a love-hate relationship with the donkeys. While donkeys are great for tourism, they are a nightmare for traffic. On an island this small, a donkey standing in the middle of the road creates gridlock that no one wants to volunteer to clear up.
Even the famous lighthouse at Grand Turk is known to have donkeys hanging around.
Survival Guide for Facing the Stubborn Beasts
If you’re heading to Grand Turk, you don’t need to be afraid, but you do need to be smart. Here is how to keep your cruise vacation from becoming a headline:
The 3-Foot Rule: If you are close enough to see the donkey’s “smile,” you are close enough to get kicked. They have a massive blind spot directly behind them, so never approach from the rear.
The Carrot Trap: Feeding them is the fastest way to get swarmed. One donkey is cute. But six donkeys demanding snacks while you’re trapped in a golf cart…you’re just asking for it.
Respect the Right of Way: Donkeys always have it. They aren’t afraid to play a game of “chicken”.
For most cruise passengers visiting Grand Turk, donkeys will be the least of their worries. I saw dozens of them during my visit, but most of the time they were minding their own business, looking like they were just hitchhiking along the roadside, replacing thumbs for hooves.
Bottom Line
Grand Turk remains one of the most beautiful, laid-back stops in the Caribbean. Just writing this article makes me want to go back and soak in the view of that water again.
There is plenty to see outside of the cruise port area, if reading this didn’t scare you from coming across a donkey. The Grand Turk Lighthouse is probably the most famous landmark on the island and dates back to 1852.
Just remember, you will probably encounter a few donkeys along the 7-mile stretch, and the traffic in Cockburn Town may not be the only congestion you face.
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Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is changing homeports again. The cruise line quietly announced this week that the Oasis-class ship will leave Galveston, Texas, and begin sailing out of Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida, for the 2027 season.
Instead of the 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean trips many guests expected from Texas, Symphony will offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries from Florida.
This is a redeployment, not a cancelation. According to Royal Caribbean, no existing sailings are being cut.
News reports on the change state that the cruise line will contact guests and travel agents directly with details and options for anyone whose 2027 booking is affected.
Yes, Symphony is Homeporting in Miami Right Now
A lot of cruisers are scratching their heads because the ship is still sailing out of PortMiami right now.
Here’s the simple timeline to clear things up:
Right now (through late April 2026): Symphony of the Seas is homeported in Miami, Florida.
Starting May 2026: The ship moves to Galveston, Texas, where it was scheduled to stay for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027.
Starting January 2027: Instead of staying in Galveston long-term, Symphony will reposition again, this time to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida. It will offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises from there.
In short, Symphony is only in Galveston for about 8–9 months (May 2026 through early 2027) before heading back to Florida.
There’s also some current confusion because the website has not been updated yet and still shows bookings from Galveston well into 2027.
Currently, Royal Caribbean’s website does show options for sailing on Symphony of the Seas out of Port Everglades, but the dates start in August 2027 and run through February 2028.
Either they are still updating things, or the announced dates will change. We’ll keep on eye on it.
Why the Change?
Cruise lines regularly shift ships to match demand, fill new terminals, and keep things fresh for repeat guests. Royal Caribbean described the move as part of “thoughtfully evolving our deployment strategy” while still giving guests the big-ship experiences they love.
The company also said that its commitment to Galveston is still strong.
What This Means for Galveston
Galveston won’t lose Royal Caribbean’s presence. Two ships will still sail from there in 2027:
Liberty of the Seas (fresh off an amplification with new pool deck, casitas, and more) will handle shorter 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean runs.
Icon of the Seas, the first Icon-class ship to call Galveston home, will arrive in August 2027 and offer 7-night sailings.
So, Texas cruisers still get plenty of big-ship options, just on different vessels than originally planned.
If you’re booked on Symphony from Galveston in 2027:
Early 2027 sailings (January through spring) are most likely to be affected.
Royal Caribbean is reaching out with options, which often include switching to the same or similar dates on Liberty or Icon from Galveston, adjusting dates, or moving to the new Florida sailings on Symphony. We haven’t heard any solid info on this just yet.
Some guests have already reported their reservations being automatically updated to Liberty of the Seas, but we haven’t verified this.
Fan’s React
While some Cruise Fever readers were thrilled to see this update, not everyone was on board with the excitement, especially those who have already booked a cruise on the ship in 2027 and have not heard anything from the cruise line yet.
One comment on our Facebook page stated, “I specifically chose to cruise this boat out of texas in feb 2027.”
Without an official press release from the cruise line, it was more of a quiet news release on this one. Which is probably why some are even doubting if this news is true.
“They sure made a big deal about Symphony moving to Galveston just to move it back to Florida halfway through the season,” another cruise fan stated.
Bottom Line
Symphony of the Seas is not staying in Galveston as long as first anticipated, but Royal Caribbean is keeping Texas well-covered with Liberty and Icon. It’s a classic cruise-line rotation, and who really knows the exact reason for the change. If you’re booked on one of the impacted dates, stay tuned for an update from the cruise line.
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Norwegian Cruise Line currently has 20 cruise ships in its fleet. In terms of passengers carried, it is the 4th largest cruise line in the world, behind Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and MSC Cruises.
From unique hull-art that stand out at sea to new innovations onboard, Norwegian Cruise Line has never been afraid to try something new.
This is the cruise line that invented the term “Freestyle Dining” which was a unique concept at the time and has really caught on. Norwegian also introduced Go-Kart tracks to cruise ships with a Ferrari-branded two-level track found on some ships.
With a majority Norwegian’s sailings travel to the Caribbean and Bahamas, Norwegian also offers cruises to Alaska and Europe and even has a dedicated ship for sailings in Hawaii.
Future cruise ships coming to Norwegian’s fleet:
Norwegian Aura, a 172,000 GT vessel, is set to be delivered in 2027 and another Prima Plus class ship is scheduled for 2028.
It was recently reported that 5 mega-ships with a gross tonnage of 200,000 will be coming in 2030 – 2037. These vessels are expected to have a passenger capacity of 5,000.
Here is a list of every ship currently sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line. The list will be updated as new ships are added so feel free to bookmark this page for future reference.
Norwegian Luna
Norwegian Luna is a Prima Plus class ship and debuted in March 2026. It is a 156,300 gross ton vessel with a double-capacity of 3,565.
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua the first Prima Plus class ship with NCL. The cruise ship debuted in April 2025. It is 156,300 gross tons in size and will carries 3,571 guests at double occupancy.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva took her maiden voyage in August of 2023 and is the second Prima-class ship with NCL. Viva is 143,535 gross tons with a capacity of 3,215.
Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima is the 1st of 6 Prima-class cruise ships. The vessel was launched in August of 2021. With a gross tonnage of 142,500, the ship is 981 feet long and can carry 3,100 guests at double capacity.
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is the final Breakaway Plus class cruise ship from NCL. The cruise ship features a go-kart track, a 10,000 sq ft virtual reality center, a laser tag arena themed after the Lost City of Atlantis, and 29 venues for food and drinks. Take a Video Tour of Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Bliss entered service in April of 2018. It is the 3rd of the Breakaway Plus class ships and is 168,028 gross tons in size.
Norwegian Joy
Custom built for the Chinese market, Norwegian Joy debuted in March of 2017. In 2018 the ship was moved to the US for cruises to Alaska and Mexico. At 167,725 gross tons Norwegian Joy has a capacity of over 3,800 guests. See 6 cool things about Norwegian Joy. The ship was recently updated to include a new thermal suite among other features.
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Escape was the first Breakaway Class Plus ship, debuting in October of 2015. At 164,600 gross tons, Escape has a guest capacity of 4,266. See our article on top 10 reasons to sail on Norwegian Escape.
Norwegian Getaway
The second Breakaway-class ship, Norwegian Getaway debuted in February of 2014. At 145,655 gross tons, Getaway has a capacity of 3,969 guests. At the time of its launch it was the 9th largest cruise ship in the world.
Norwegian Breakaway
Debuting in April of 2013 Norwegian Breakaway was the 1st ship in “Project Breakaway”, named from a public contest. The 145,655 gross ton ship can carry 3,963 passengers at double capacity.
Norwegian Epic
Epic is the only ship in its class, although there are a few similarities in the subsequent class of Breakaway. Debuting in July of 2009, Norwegian Epic was the 3rd largest ship in the world at the time. At 155,873 gross tons, the ship can carry 4,100 passengers at double capacity. Read our review on Norwegian Epic here.
Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Gem was the last Jewel-class ship made by Norwegian. Having debuted in October of 2007, Gem is 93,530 gross tons in size and has a double capacity of 2,394.
Norwegian Pearl
Launched in October of 2006, Norwegian Pearl is the 3rd Jewel-class ship with the line. At 93,530 gross tons, Pearl has a double capacity of 2,394 guests.
Norwegian Jade
The second Jewel class ship to be built, Norwegian Jade debuted in February of 2006. However, the ship was originally built as Pride of Hawaii. Jade registers at 93,558 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,402 at double capacity.
Norwegian Jewel
The 1st of the Jewel class ships, Norwegian Jewel was launched in June of 2005. At 93,502 gross tons, the ship can carry 2,376 passengers at double capacity. See what we loved about sailing on Norwegian Jewel.
Pride of America
The only ship in its class, Norwegian’s Pride of America is registered in Hawaii and offers week-long itineraries around the islands. The ship debuted in September of 2002 and can carry 2,500 passengers. Pride of America is registered at 80,439 gross tons. Read our article on 12 reasons to sail on this ship.
Norwegian Dawn
A Dawn-class vessel, Norwegian Dawn entered service for Norwegian in June of 2002 after originally being intended to operate with Star Cruises. At 92,250 gross tons, the ship can carry 2,340 passengers at double capacity.
Norwegian Star
Also a Dawn-class vessel, Norwegian Star entered service for Norwegian in November of 2001. The ship was originally intended for Star Cruises before it was transferred to Norwegian Cruise Line. At 91,740 gross tons, Norwegian Star has a capacity of 2,348.
Norwegian Sun
A Sun-class vessel, Norwegian Sun entered service for the company in 2001. At 78,309 gross tons, the ship can carry 1,936 passengers at double capacity.
Norwegian Sky
Another Sun-class ship, Norwegian Sky was originally ordered by Costa Cruises. From 2004-2008 the ship sailed as Pride of Aloha and now Sky does short sailings to the Caribbean. Christened in 1999 as Norwegian Sky, the vessel is registered at 77,104 gross tons and has a capacity of 1,928 guests. Read our review on Norwegian Sky here.
Norwegian Spirit
The oldest ship in the fleet, Norwegian Spirit was launched in 1998 but was acquired by Norwegian in 2004. Originally the ship was built for Star Cruises and was named Superstar Leo. At 74,500 gross tons, Norwegian Star has a capacity of 1,996 passengers.
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