4th Largest Cruise Ship Moves to Miami for Short Cruises to The Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the fourth largest cruise ship in the world, has moved to the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami.
Wonder of the Seas will depart today from Miami on a four-night cruise to The Bahamas. The ship arrived in Miami this morning after repositioning from Port Canaveral.
The cruise ship will offer short cruises for the first time ever by sailing three-day weekend cruises and four-day week sailings during the week.
The three-day cruises will depart every Friday and visit Nassau and CocoCay. The four-night Monday sailings will visit the same ports but add in one sea day.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas and the most popular cruise port that they visit. (View Prices on Cruises on Wonder of the Seas)
Wonder of the Seas has more than 15 dining options and 10 bars. It also has four pools and an adults-only Solarium.
Entertainment on Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas is scheduled homeport in Miami through at least April 2027.
Wonder of Seas, the fifth Oasis class ship, was the largest in the world when she debuted in March 2022. Since then, Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas have surpassed the ship in size.
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Disney’s Most Epic Ship Yet? These 9 Features Make Disney Destiny Unmissable!
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, is packed with surprises – and it’s shaping up to be the most exciting ship yet!
From jaw-dropping entertainment to brand-new dining experiences, the Destiny promises to take Disney cruising to the next level.
The newest ship for Disney Cruise Line is set to launch in November. Yet I was lucky enough to get a preview tour of Disney Destiny from the shipyard where she is under construction!
Even without the finishing touches, it was clear this will be a game-changer for Disney at sea.
There are nine new features already making waves among cruise fans – plus a few returning favourites you’ll be glad to see again.
The best part? The most magical reveal might not be what you’re expecting…
1. Heroes and Villains Theming
Disney Destiny isn’t shy about showing off its “Heroes and Villains” side – it’s built right into the ship’s bones. Step into the Grand Hall and you’ll be greeted by T’Challa, the Black Panther, captured in a stunning bronze statue.
Look closer and you’ll spot silver detailing, a nod to the vibranium woven into his suit, and purple lighting that flickers like it’s powering him up for his next mission. Above it all hangs a dazzling chandelier inspired by the meteorite that brought vibranium to Wakanda.
The whole space is a bit of a chameleon. Clever 360-degree lighting can flip the mood from bright and triumphant when a hero’s in the spotlight, to shadowy and dramatic when a villain takes over.
Speaking of heroes, check the ship’s stern and you’ll find Spider-Man – the first Marvel character ever to get that honour on a Disney cruise ship. He’s joined by a squad of Spider-Bots, some wearing cruise-ready gear like snorkel masks and life rings.
Even your stateroom keeps the theme going. Instead of a regular headboard, you’ll get giant pieces of custom art showing famous Disney and Pixar characters in moments of light and dark – from a Fantasia-inspired scene in the concierge suites to Hercules, Mulan, and Merida in other rooms.
Of course, the “villains” half of the theme isn’t just for show. Loki, Dr. Facilier, and Maleficent will be making appearances around the ship, keeping everyone on their toes.
2. Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King
Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King isn’t just dinner – it’s a full-on stage show with a side of Jollof rice.
Exclusive to Disney Destiny, this is the first musical dining experience of its kind at sea, retelling Simba’s journey from cub to king right at your table. A live cast of singers and musicians bring the Lion King soundtrack to life, while you tuck into a menu bursting with African-inspired flavours.
The setting is pure magic. Windows look out onto a savanna that shifts from sunrise to sunset, while a soundscape of earthy drums and lilting flutes makes it feel like you’ve stepped straight into the Pride Lands.
Even the table settings, cast costumes, and fun little touches – like an Ed the hyena sipper and Timon popcorn bucket – are packed with personality.
The menu is a mix of traditional African dishes and clever twists on Disney Cruise Line favourites.
Starters might include Peri-Peri Shrimp with creamy Gouda pap or a Cape Malay shrimp curry with basmati rice and butter roti.
Mains range from Swahili coconut-tamarind red snapper to Nala’s roasted pork tenderloin, while desserts like pineapple upside-down cake with rooibos mousse or warm chocolate malva pudding make a sweet finale.
Even the drinks get in on the theme, from the mango-and-rum “Can You Feel the Rum Tonight?” to the kid-friendly, jelly-filled “Slimy Yet Satisfying.”
There are playful details hidden everywhere, so keep your eyes open. You might spot carved characters in the walls or silhouettes that light up mid-show.
And if you’re lucky enough to sail on a five-night (or more) itinerary, you’ll get to see it all again with a second themed menu.
3. Edna Á La Mode Sweets
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the world’s most fabulous superhero fashion designer swapped perfecting masks for perfecting mousses, Edna À La Mode Sweets is your answer – dahling.
On Disney Destiny, Edna Mode has repurposed her high-tech lab into a dessert-lover’s dream, complete with futuristic sewing machines now reimagined as sweet-making contraptions.
Inspired by the Auntie Edna short film, the whole space is sprinkled with Pixar charm, from her fashion sketches and mini suit displays for Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, to a mischievous Rocky the raccoon peeking out from a bin, hoping for a cookie.
You’ll want your camera ready, because there’s even a sculpture of Edna and Jack-Jack mid–cookie recipe chaos, perfect for striking your best superhero pose.
And the treats? Absolutely incredible. Expect handmade gelato, gourmet popsicles, chocolate bark, and – of course – an endless supply of Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums.
The Incredibles cupcakes are works of art: purple velvet with white chocolate mousse, double chocolate fudge with a truffle centre, orange–almond with raspberry mousse, and more.
It’s playful, over-the-top, and completely delicious – exactly what you’d expect from Edna.
4. Hercules on Stage
Get ready to go from zero to hero in record time – Disney Hercules is making its stage debut exclusively on the Disney Destiny.
This all-new theatrical spectacular takes the larger-than-life characters, comedy, and music from the beloved animated film and gives them a fresh, contemporary twist.
The Muses will lead you through the story in their signature, sass-filled style, blending gospel and pop influences with stunning visuals and projection effects that make the stage feel truly epic.
Fans of the original movie will spot all the iconic songs, but there’s also a treat for Disney deep-cuts lovers: “Shooting Star,” a heartfelt ballad written for the film but never used, will finally take the spotlight for the first time.
Visually, the show mixes modern flair with Grecian elegance. Sleek staircases frame the stage for smooth scene changes, while pillars and a gazebo keep that ancient-myth vibe alive.
Costumes range from runway-worthy gods and goddesses in towering headpieces and dramatic drapes to Grecian townsfolk with just a hint of catwalk swagger.
And then there’s the puppetry. If you’ve seen Disney The Tale of Moana on the Disney Treasure, you’ll know how jaw-dropping Disney’s puppets can be.
This time, they’re going bigger – with Hercules battling a massive hydra, plus appearances from the titans, all brought to life with new technology that’s never been used in the Walt Disney Theatre before.
It’s bold, funny, a little bit glamorous, and completely larger than life – just like Hercules himself.
5. New Character Interactions
On Disney Destiny, the heroes and villains aren’t just on stage or in the décor – they’re walking the decks with you. You’ll be able to meet, greet, and snap photos with an all-star line-up from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel.
That could mean a mischievous chat with Loki, a sly smile from Cruella de Vil, a run-in with Dr. Facilier, or even a regal wave from Maleficent.
On the heroic side, Black Panther and Spider-Man are both ready for action, along with Hero Minnie in her brand-new, ship-exclusive outfit.
These encounters aren’t just quick photo ops either – they’re a chance to get playful banter, autographs, and those spontaneous moments Disney fans treasure.
Whether you’re team hero, team villain, or a bit of both, keep your camera handy – you never know who’s going to round the corner.
6. AquaMouse – Sing a Silly Song
AquaMouse is back! Disney Cruise Line’s signature water coaster – a 760-foot-long, splash-happy thrill ride that winds high above the upper decks – is returning on Disney Destiny with a brand-new story: Sing a Silly Song.
This time, Mickey and Minnie are leading you up the ominous Villain Mountain, where familiar Disney foes lurk around every bend. The Evil Queen, Scar, Chernabog, and other legendary troublemakers make their appearances, but things never stay scary for long.
With a sprinkle of pixie dust and an irresistibly silly sing-along, each villainous encounter takes a hilariously unexpected turn.
You’ll sing along to animated scenes that swing from menacing to ridiculous in seconds, before diving into the real thrills – twists, turns, ocean views you can only get from the ship’s upper decks, and those signature AquaMouse splashes.
Suggested read: Disney Cruise Water Slides Guide
Complete with custom music by Emmy-winner Christopher Willis and lyricist Elyse Willis, plus lighting and special effects, Sing a Silly Song turns a showdown with Disney’s most fearsome villains into pure, laugh-out-loud fun.
7. De Vil’s
De Vil’s is Disney Destiny’s most wickedly stylish lounge for adults only, inspired by the one and only Cruella de Vil. Just steps from the Grand Hall, this glamorous hideaway oozes Hollywood Regency style, bold black-and-white décor, and just the right amount of over-the-top drama.
The centrepiece? A spotted piano that sets the mood with sultry live tunes while you sip something decadent.
The drink menu is as daring as its namesake. Try The Fashionista – strawberry and banana–infused tequila with a fruity kick – or go alcohol-free with the Fearless Sir Galahad, a sweet-and-spicy sip that holds its own.
If you’re feeling peckish, the strawberry shortcake popcorn is the perfect indulgence.
And yes, Cruella herself may drop by, because of course she would. Just be prepared – she’s been known to rope guests into a little musical mischief.
8. The Sanctum
Step through the portal into The Sanctum, another adults-only lounge and this time inspired by Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered straight into the Sorcerer Supreme’s New York lair.
Designers have taken cues from the film’s Chamber of Relics, adding suspended spell books, arcane symbols, and magical Easter eggs tucked into the décor.
The menu is just as enchanting. Cocktails like the smoky, theatrical Vapors of Valtorr or the visually mind-bending Circle of the Cosmos (yes, the glass is meant to be upside down) turn every order into a mini magic trick.
There’s also a full lineup of spirits, wines, and coffee drinks for less mystical moments.
With its moody lighting, intricate details, and interactive touches, The Sanctum is part bar, part immersive experience – and entirely the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after your first spell is cast.
9. Cask & Cannon
If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a pirate, Cask & Cannon is where you’ll want to drop anchor.
This eclectic pub is inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Disney Parks, with every corner crammed full of “liberated” treasures supposedly pilfered by rogues from across the seven seas.
The vibe is part adventure, part cosy hideaway – it’s the perfect spot to swap tall tales with your shipmates.
On the menu you’ll find light bites, hearty snacks, and a drinks list that would make Jack Sparrow proud. There’s vintage rum, “bootlegged” brews crafted just for Cask & Cannon, and yes, some are served straight from the barrel for that extra swashbuckling flair.
Between the clink of glasses and the cheer (or jeer) of live sports on the big screens, it’s the kind of place where the night can run away with you – in true pirate style.
Returning Favourites
That’s the best of the new features that we know about so far, but what about some returning favourites from other cruise ships in the Disney fleet? Well, there are plenty…
Worlds of Marvel: Groot Remix
Worlds of Marvel returns with an exciting Guardians of the Galaxy storyline starring Rocket and Baby Groot, just as on Disney Treasure.
This lively dining experience blends MCU-inspired dishes with interactive fun, from trivia and on-screen activities to a soundtrack worthy of Star-Lord’s playlist.
Things take a turn when Groot decides to hijack the party for Rocket, leading to plenty of laughs – and maybe a few surprises with dessert.
1923
Named for the year The Walt Disney Studios opened, 1923 is an elegant nod to Disney’s golden age.
Surrounded by storyboards, sketches, and props featuring classic heroes and villains, guests enjoy refined California-inspired cuisine in a setting that feels like a walk through animation history.
Frozen, a Musical Spectacular & Disney Seas The Adventure
Two fan-favourite stage shows return to keep the magic going after the sun sets.
Frozen, A Musical Spectacular brings Arendelle to life with dazzling performances of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends, while Disney Seas the Adventure takes Goofy – and a cast of Disney and Pixar favourites – on a high-spirited voyage through uncharted waters.
Hero Zone
Part sports court, part playground, part game floor – Hero Zone is where families can unleash their inner Supers. Tackle physical challenges, compete in friendly games, catch a movie, or just burn off some energy in this action-packed recreation space.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor
Step into a ghostly drawing room where the spirits are as lively as the cocktails.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor channels the eerie charm of the classic attraction, complete with a portrait gallery, phantom characters (old favourites and new seafaring souls), and a backstory involving a vanished sea captain and his mysterious fiancée.
Keep an eye out – clues to their fate are hidden in plain sight.
Kids Clubs
Young cruisers are spoiled for choice on Disney Destiny.
Fairytale Hall lets budding royals meet Disney Princesses, paint floating lanterns at Rapunzel’s Art Studio, act out stories in Belle’s Library, and even conjure ice magic at Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus.
Marvel Super Hero Academy trains the next generation of heroes, with Spider-Man, Black Panther, Ant-Man, The Wasp, and more guiding kids through missions to stop MCU villains.
In Star Wars: Cargo Bay, recruits team up with Chewbacca and Rey to help the Resistance while wrangling critters like Porgs, Loth-Cats, and even a Dianoga.
There’s also the hands-on Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck play space, “it’s a small world” nursery for little ones, and teen havens Edge and Vibe – each packed with age-appropriate fun.
Final Word
With so many new features, returning favourites, and hidden details to discover, Disney Destiny is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ships Disney Cruise Line has ever launched.
And this is just a taste – there’s still plenty more magic to come when she makes her debut in November 2025.
Cruises are already on sale, with itineraries ranging from 3 to 7 nights out of Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a week-long adventure, this is one maiden season you won’t want to miss.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Celebrity Names World’s Best Female Chef as Godmother of Newest Ship
Celebrity Cruises has named the acclaimed Brazilian chef Janaína Torres as the godmother of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel.
Torres, who was recently honored as the Best Female Chef in the World 2024 by World’s 50 Best, is the first Brazilian chef to be appointed to this role for a major cruise line.
Quality food and dining seem to be a real focus for the cruise line, and choosing Torres for this role is more than a traditional ceremony. It is a move that links the new ship’s focus on destination-inspired food with Torres’s globally recognized cuisine.
According to a press release from the cruise line, her work is celebrated for its revolutionary “no-waste approach to cooking that blends heritage with purpose“.
We’re proud to welcome Chef Janaína Torres as the Godmother of Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel! Named Best Female Chef in the World 2024, Janaína brings a heritage-driven culinary vision that aligns perfectly with Celebrity’s commitment to culture and innovation. pic.twitter.com/HX1Ipap9Bb
— Royal Caribbean Group (@NewsfromRCgroup) August 25, 2025
Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in the Edge Class, is designed to have a strong focus on culinary experiences that “erase the line between ship and shore“. This same focal point is at the heart of a new venue called The Bazaar, which promises to connect guests with the local culture and food of the places they visit.
Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, mentioned this connection, saying,
“We are honoured for Chef Janaína Torres, a trailblazer in the culinary industry, to be Godmother of Celebrity Xcel… Janaína shares our commitment to celebrating and sharing global culture through elevated culinary experiences, connecting diners with culture through unique food experiences“.
Torres herself agreed, saying, “I’ve always believed that fine dining should be accessible, not intimidating. Food brings us together, connecting us through new flavours, traditions, and shared memories“.
The official naming ceremony will take place on November 16 in Fort Lauderdale, and Cruise Fever will be present to report on the ship and the events.
Following the christening, Celebrity Xcel will begin its first season with seven-night trips from Port Everglades, alternating between destinations in The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands, and a separate route to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.
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6,700-Passenger Ship Experiences Engine Failure Off Coast of Italy
A major technical failure aboard MSC World Europa left the cruise ship adrift for hours before its propulsion system was “partially restored,” allowing it to limp into Naples on Monday.
The ship, which has a max capacity of 6,762 passengers, experienced the breakdown off the coast of Ponza. The incident prompted a swift emergency response from the Italian Coast Guard.
The Breakdown
According to news reports and social media reports, MSC World Europa experienced a technical problem that brought it to a standstill. A passenger on board said the engines had been off since as early as 5:30 a.m., nearly two hours before the official report was made to the Coast Guard.
While the vessel’s generators kept all on-board services running, including pools and restaurants, the ship was unable to move under its own power.
The Italian Coast Guard, which was quickly on the scene with patrol boats and a helicopter, confirmed the ship had reported an “electrical problem with the engines.”
Built at a cost of over €1 billion ($1.16 billion USD), the World Europa is the first ship in the MSC fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a greener fuel designed to reduce emissions.
The ship was launched in December 2022 as the first World-class ship with the cruise line.
What’s Next for the Cruise
After its engines were partially restored by the on-board technical crew, the ship was expected to reach Naples around 9 p.m. local time, well behind its scheduled arrival time.
News outlets have reported that two tugboats from the ports of Gioia Tauro and Naples assisted in bringing the vessel to Naples.
This delay has impacted thousands of passengers planning to disembark or begin their trip in Naples.
MSC Cruises will be conducting a “thorough technical check” once the ship is in port. The company added that, “barring any further problems,” the ship will set sail on Tuesday morning for its next scheduled stop in Messina.
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What Do Seasoned Cruisers Do with All Those Old Cruise Cards?
We recently asked our readers what they do with their collection of cruise cards after a cruise is over. The responses were varied and interesting, so we decided to make a list of the many intriguing ideas that came from avid cruisers.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
As you may know, most cruise lines give you a card to use throughout the cruise. It’s used to open your cabin, make purchases on board, and for identification when at a port of call and coming back onto the ship.
After the cruise this card becomes a keepsake for you to do whatever you would like with it. However, not all cruise line use cards now.
Princess Cruises provides an Ocean Medallion instead of a cruise card. The adults-only Virgin Voyages has a bracelet that you use instead of a card.
Cruise cards and wearables can really add up for regular cruisers who hit the open seas on a monthly basis.
This article will detail some of the most common uses of these collectible pieces of plastic, along with some creative uses that took us by surprise.
Why save cruise cards in the first place?
For many cruisers saving their old cruise cards is a great way to remember all the wonderful trips they’ve taken around the world. It’s also a conversational piece and opens the door to some bragging rights.
After taking a lot of cruises they can all run together in your mind, so saving these cards and sifting through them now and then will trigger memories that can help brighten those days when you’re still on land.
Every cruise card represents a certain itinerary, cruise ship, destination, and group of friends. Sure, you can toss them in the trash, and I’ve done this a few times but now wish I would have saved every single one of them to add to my stack.
So, what do cruisers do with all those old cruise cards?
Here’s what our readers said.
Save and Stack Them
Whether they are stacked in a box or somewhere on a desk, some cruisers love to just pile them up. They serve as a source of amazing memories at sea, as well as a bragging right as the pile gets higher and higher.
Use Them as Bookmarks
I’ve done this a few times with my old cruise cards. They make great bookmarks, but I will admit I get distracted with old cruise memories while reading a book sometimes.
Sure, they are a tad thick for a bookmark, but you can bring an old card on your next cruise and curl up with a good book on your balcony. The sounds of the ocean really do help provide a natural white noise to engross yourself into a great novel.
Scrapbook Them
Scrapbooking old cruise cards is another popular choice. You can add some photos of your cruise along with the cruise cards so you can remember exactly where your ship went and what you did on that particular trip. This makes for a great coffee table book or conversation piece as well.
Frame Them
Just make sure you have enough room in the frame for more cruise cards if you decide to frame them. This is the ultimate bragging rights power move, but it can also be a source of inspiration for an office.
Anytime you’re frustrated at work and just need a getaway you can at least look up at the frame and remember all those great cruises you took and start planning your next one. Use a frame with a hinge and easy access so you can keep adding to your collection.
Make Some Coasters
I’m not exactly sure how cruisers are making their cruise cards into coasters, but this was mentioned a few times in the replies. I suppose they can be cut and joined with other cards to make some unique coasters, but it would be hard for me to cut them up, personally.
Refrigerator Magnets
Even though Princess Cruises has switched from cruise cards to medallions, their cruisers have found uses for these as well. The Princess Medallions are magnetic, so you can just use them as fridge magnets as soon as you get home from your cruise.
The magnetic aspect of these medallions is not very strong so you can’t use them to hold pictures and papers on the fridge, but as they will stick to most metal surfaces you can get creative with how you display them.
Make a Table Top
If you have enough cruise cards you can cover the entire surface of a table with them and add a protective coating. This is another great conversation piece and allows you to see all of your cruises in one glance.
Christmas Ornaments
Hanging cruise cards from a Christmas tree is a popular choice for regular cruisers. You can add some festive borders or even punch some holes in them to add some lights.
Enjoying a tree decked out in cruise cards will definitely cause some “Cruise Fever” so you might have the urge to book a cruise right after you finish decorating.
Bring Them on Next Cruise
Some cruisers stated they like to bring their old cruise cards on their next cruise and use it in the card slot so they don’t have to keep taking out their current card. Just make sure you don’t leave the card in the slot with the lights on when you leave if you do this.
We also heard from some saying they bring their old cruise cards on cruises so they can decorate the room with them and remember all the great cruises they already had.
Throw Them in a Junk Drawer
For the less organized among us who still are a little sentimental the junk drawer is the collection spot of choice. But if you cruise a lot this drawer will start to get very cluttered, so you might as well do one of the above or the response below if this is you.
Trash Them
There were still a few responses saying they simply throw the cards away. I mentioned earlier that I did this a couple times and regret not having those cards now. Admittedly, I didn’t know I would be cruising this much and would want a physical way to reminisce about all of those cruises.
Note: This article was updated in August 2025.
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Star of the Seas MEGA Ship Tour | Exploring Royal Caribbean’s $2 Billion Dollar Cruise Ship
Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship. At a cost of $2 billion dollars, Star of the Seas is the World’s Largest Cruise Ship. Join me for a guided walking tour of the Star of the Stars. Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFivW2VWJtGfvrMreyjNbw/join CONNECT Exclusive and Extra content […]
Carnival Panorama Hit By Sudden Storm Causing Sudden Tilt
Guests aboard Carnival Panorama endured a frightening moment on Wednesday evening when the ship unexpectedly listed after running into a severe storm in the Gulf of California.
The 4,008-passenger ship was sailing between Mazatlán and La Paz on an 8-night Mexican Riviera voyage from Long Beach, California, when the incident occurred at roughly 8:15 p.m., just as the second dinner seating was getting underway.
Passengers reported a sudden tilt that lasted about 30 seconds, accompanied by heavy rain and wind gusts estimated at 60 mph. The ship’s captain quickly altered course to steer clear of the worst of the storm.
Minor Damage and Injuries Reported
The sharp list caused broken glass in dining venues and bars, tipped-over displays in retail shops, and water leaks that flooded parts of the lobby and some elevator banks.
Several lifts were put out of service, though they have since undergone repairs.
Pool water also sloshed out, partially draining the pools and spas. Crew members moved quickly to clear debris and restore order, with one of the evening shows stopped mid-performance as a safety precaution.
@queens_roost We just finished our appetizer… we got stuck in the eye of tonight’s #gulfofcalifornia huge tropical storm. It was wild and absolutley gorgous! Between Mazatlan and La Paz There were medics called so I hope everyone is ok. @Carnival Panorama @carnival #cruise #travel #storm #weather ♬ original sound – Queens Roost
Carnival confirmed that nine guests visited the onboard medical centre. All are in stable condition, though two were referred to hospital care once the ship arrived in La Paz.
Ship Continues Voyage
Despite the unsettling experience, the ship remains fully operational aside from a few elevators still under repair.
Carnival Panorama continued her sailing without significant delay, keeping to her scheduled call in La Paz on Thursday, 21st August followed by Cabo San Lucas on 22nd August, before returning to Long Beach on Sunday, 24th August.
The 133,500-gross-ton ship is homeported from California year-round, offering Mexican Riviera sailings at least through 2027.
Why Sudden Storms Still Surprise Ships
Some guests questioned how such a powerful storm could catch the ship off guard, given the close monitoring of Hurricane Erin in the Atlantic.
But the incident highlights how quickly localised storms can develop in the Gulf of California.
Unlike large hurricanes that can be tracked for days, fast-forming thunderstorms may appear with little warning. Factors such as wind angle, the ship’s course, and storm intensity can cause short but sharp lists that feel dramatic onboard.
These events rarely last long and dissipate quickly. Cruise ships are also designed with stabilisers, advanced navigation, and reinforced structures to withstand conditions far rougher than this.
Crews are trained extensively in emergency response, and all Carnival vessels remain in constant contact with the line’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami for weather updates.
Still, as this incident shows, sudden squalls can impact even the most prepared ships.
A similar episode occurred in November 2024 aboard Explorer of the Seas during a transatlantic crossing, reminding travellers that rough seas can happen in almost any part of the world.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Cruise Photo Sparks Outrage After Child Stands Perilously Close to Balcony Edge
A family’s recent cruise could have ended in tragedy after a young child was photographed standing on a table dangerously close to the edge of their private balcony.
The image is going viral across social media. From the angle it shows, if the child had slipped, many believe that they were close enough to have toppled overboard.
The ship has not been identified, though some have reported that the ship’s balcony walls and style make it look to be a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, likely in the Breakaway or Breakaway Plus classes.
What is most concerning is that the child was not being properly supervised – an adult is visible in the photo, apparently taking a picture rather than intervening.
Shock From the Cruise Community
Reactions online have been swift, with parents and seasoned cruisers expressing disbelief.
Many have shared that they would never allow their child to go near the balcony without the parents being fully present and involved.
And others have said that nobody would ever fall off a cruise ship if sensible behaviours were followed.
Many suggested that if children want to climb, safer onboard alternatives like kids’ clubs and supervised play areas exist.
Serious Risk of Falling Overboard
Though the photo seems to have been taken while the ship was docked, the danger was very real. Balcony falls can have catastrophic consequences, with survival rates at sea estimated at only 17-25%.
If the ship’s security team had observed the stunt, the family could have faced disciplinary action ranging from warnings and confinement to loss of balcony privileges.
Cruise lines do have the authority to remove balcony door handles to prevent repeat incidents.
Recent Balcony Tragedy Avoided
The controversy comes just weeks after a genuine near-tragedy onboard Disney Dream on 29th June 2025.
A young girl climbed a railing on Deck 4 while her parents played shuffleboard and fell overboard.
Her father leapt in after her, and both were rescued by the ship’s emergency craft around 20 minutes later.
It’s Not Just Children at Risk on Cruise Ship Balconies
While much of the focus is often on keeping kids safe near railings, recent events prove that adults can be just as careless.
A viral video from Icon of the Seas showed a passenger falling from the edge of the ship’s Hideaway Pool – an infinity pool located aft on Deck 15.
The clip, just a few seconds long, captured the guest balancing on the pool’s railing before tumbling over.
@neco_sparta A person fell into the sea from the #IconoftheSeas Royal Caribbean’s largest #cruiseship ♬ original sound – neco_sparta
At first, it appeared to be a catastrophic fall, but the individual landed on a restricted maintenance walkway protected by a secondary glass barrier, not in the ocean.
Crew quickly assisted the guest out of the area and, fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses suggested the person may have been attempting a stunt, possibly under the influence of alcohol, though no drink was visible in the video.
This design quirk – a service deck directly beneath the pool – likely prevented a far more serious outcome.
However, the incident highlights that risky behaviour near railings can have tragic consequences. Past accidents on other Royal Caribbean ships have involved teens falling multiple decks after climbing balcony railings, with fatal results.
Cruise lines stress that guests must exercise personal responsibility at all times. Climbing or sitting on railings can lead not only to injury or death but also to serious consequences from the cruise line, including confinement, fines, or lifetime bans.
The latest balcony photo serves as a stark reminder that even momentary lapses in judgment can put lives at risk.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Cruise Line Turning Used Ship Parts Into Souvenirs
Holland America Line is recycling carpet from their cruise ships and turning it into souvenir coasters that you can buy while on a cruise.
The cruise line partnered with the Danish carpet manufacturer Dansk Wilton for the coaster. They are the first recycled carpet product ever offered for sale in the cruise industry.
The company has made 12,000 coasters from the carpet on three Holland America ships: Oosterdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.
They will be available for purchase on all Holland America Line ships by the end of October 2025.
They are made using Dansk Wilton’s innovative ReBond material — the same upcycled textile used in Holland America Line’s architectural signage — and demonstrate how circular design can transform waste into special, functional products.
The coasters are part of Dansk’s pioneering Re:Shape initiative, a sustainability-focused design program aimed at finding ways to transform and reuse carpet waste.
In addition to coasters, future plans for the project include using Holland America Line carpet waste to create notebooks, postcards, “do not disturb” door signs, artwork and other items that will be sold on board.
My Nguyen, director of interior design at Holland America Line, gave the following statement:
“This project reflects our ongoing journey toward more sustainable practices. These coasters are a tangible example of how discarded resources can be given a second life in the very environment they came from. We are proud to be the first in the industry to partner with Dansk and innovate carpet waste into beautiful usable products that our guests can enjoy.”
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