Luxury Cruising Editorial

For many cruisers, staying in touch with other passengers in their group is a big deal. But gone are the days of using walkie-talkies on board (which were always a bad idea), and leaving notes on cabin doors only works part of the time.

In the past, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offered a handy in-app messaging feature. It let guests chat and even call each other without needing a full internet package – just a small, one-time fee of about $9.95 per person.

But recently, there’s been some talk and confusion. So, what’s the real story?

App Messaging with NCL

For years, NCL’s app was a popular tool to solve the communication problem. Its messaging and calling feature was a favorite of loyal NCL fans. This was great for planning dinner, shows, or shore trips without costly phone bills or needing Wi-Fi.

As one cruiser put it on Reddit, the “lack of communication ability” on some cruises has been “one of the worst things compared to RCL/CCL,” showing how much this feature is missed.

Recent Challenges and the New App

But apps change and get updated. Recently, some NCL cruisers reported that the in-app messaging was either gone, unreliable, or seemed to require buying a full internet package. This happened as NCL rolled out their new “Norwegian Cruise Line” app, replacing the older “Cruise Norwegian” app, which came with a lot of changes.

The updated app caused some confusion for those who relied on the chat feature. One person commented, “I wish it was free again, but this is at least a step in the right direction.”

Future Cruiser Says Messaging is Back

A recent post on Reddit from a cruiser planning a trip on Norwegian Viva offered a glimmer of hope. They shared receiving an “Important Information for Embarkation Day” email about a week before their trip in a post titled “Messaging is back”.

This email confirmed the one-time fee of $9.95 per person for messaging and calls within the app. This post led to comments like, “Ugh I hope it’s for all boats,” and “That would be awesome,” from the NCL community.

Another cruiser even confirmed receiving the “same notification for the Escape leaving in 3 days.”

Too Soon to Tell

While these pre-cruise messages are promising, actual reports from cruisers currently onboard tell a different story, at least for now.

Several NCL cruisers who just got off ships recently, including one that just disembarked from Viva, stated that the in-app messaging is still not working without a Wi-Fi package purchase.

Another cruiser stated, “This has been widely reported pre-cruise, but people on board have [confirmed] that it is not true. Hopefully, for those that use the service, OP is correct.”

Even more directly, someone currently sailing shared, “I’m on a ship right now and there is definitely no messaging available without buying daily or weekly Starlink packages.”

This means that while NCL’s pre-cruise communication suggests the feature is available for a one-time fee, recent firsthand experience from cruisers onboard tell a slightly different story.

So, those dry-erase boards on cabin doors might still be tempting for prank-ready cruisers, as in-app communication remains a bit of a challenge for many.

What This Means for Your Next NCL Cruise

If you’re planning an NCL cruise and want to use in-app messaging, it’s clear the situation is a bit of a mixed bag. It looks like NCL’s communication about this feature might not perfectly align with the actual onboard experience… yet.

But the email communications about this are at least promising.

In-app messaging could be a ship-by-ship issue or a temporary glitch in the rollout. Time will tell.

To confirm if in-app messaging is available and how much it costs for your specific cruise:

• Update the App: Make sure you have the very latest version of the “Norwegian Cruise Line” app on your phone before you sail. The old “Cruise Norwegian” app is no longer used. Updates often fix issues or add features.
• Check Pre-Cruise Info (but with a grain of salt): Like the recent reports, you might find details about app features in your booking emails, often sent about a week before your cruise. The original poster explained it came in an “Important Information for Embarkation Day” email. So, watch your inbox.
• Log In Closer to Your Cruise: The app itself will usually show the most up-to-date information for your specific sailing, though even this might not guarantee function without a Wi-Fi package.
• Ask Onboard Immediately: If you’re still unsure, your best bet is a quick chat with Guest Services as soon as you board. Be prepared that the feature may not work as advertised.

When MSC Cruises’ next new cruise ship debuts in 2026, it will have new features including one that is inspired by the Supertrees found at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

MSC World Asia will be the third World class cruise ship from MSC Cruises. The vessel is scheduled to debut on December 11, 2026 and initially offer cruises around the Mediterranean.

The cruise ship will offer new experiences in the World Promenade that includes the longest dry slide at sea that will be 266.7 feet long. 

The Tree of Life @ The Spiral will quickly take guests down 12 decks and will be inspired by the Supertrees in Singapore’s famous Gardens by The Bay.

Also new on MSC World Asia is a Pan-Asian specialty restaurant that will offer an elevated dining experience that focuses on cuisine from:

• Singapore
• Thailand
• Laos
• South China
• Vietnam
• Indonesia

Returning concepts to the World Promenade on MSC World Asia are Sweet Temptations, Promenade Bites, All-Stars Sports Bar, Coffee Emporium and Luxury Accessories Boutique.

The cruise ship will have more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants. Among the restaurants will be six specialty dining establishments that include Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki, and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

The MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive “ship within a ship concept”, will offer 144 luxurious suites. Amenities include keycard-only access to a dedicated lounge and restaurant, private pool, sun deck, and 24-hour butler service and concierge—all within easy reach of everything a larger ship has to offer.

Cliffhanger, a thrilling overwater swing that sits 165 feet above the ocean will also be added to MSC World Asia.

The cruise ship will have seven swimming pools and 13 hot tubs. One of the pools will be climate controlled with a retractable roof.

MSC World Asia will offer seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean that visit Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta.

In the summer of 2027, itineraries will swap the stop in Civitavecchia for Naples.

Carnival Cruise Line is completely changing their loyalty program from nights spent on board their ships to how much you spend on your cruises and on the cruise line’s branded credit card.

Carnival is moving their VIFP program over to a new Carnival Rewards program that will begin in June 2026. From now until then, Carnival cruisers will continue to earn points based on the number of nights spent on Carnival cruise ships.

However, that all changes in one year when Carnival Rewards rolls out. Carnival Rewards will have a dual-earning structure where points can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and qualifying stars will determine guests’ tier status.

Carnival cruisers will have their current VIFP status carry over until May 31, 2028 with an exception for Diamond members who will retain their status through May 31, 2032.

Carnival Stars:

• Red: Upon sign up
• Gold: 10,000 or more stars
• Platinum: 50,000 or more stars
• Diamond: 100,000 or more stars

Status will be earned over a two year period and will be retained for the following two years. If a cruiser fails to earn enough points over a two year period, they will lose their status.

Points will be earned based how much cruisers spend on their cruise fares and onboard activities (specialty dining, casino etc.).

Guests will earn three stars for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases and one star for every one casino point.

Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival Cruise Line offers including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and even toward a future cruise.

The new program will also use Carnival’s co-branded credit card with Barclays, the Carnival Rewards Mastercard. Cruisers will earn points for using the card to help them earn status faster with Carnival. More details on this part of the program will be announced at a later date.

Carnival Cruise Line will also reward points for milestone rewards. After the first 50 nights, sailed, guests will earn 5,000 points. Every 100 nights thereafter will be an additional 10,000 points.

Current cardmembers will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about the new loyalty program:

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyalty base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve.

“By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them.

“This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.”

For more details on this new program from Carnival Cruise Line, you can visit CarnivalRewards.com.

They say you can be anyone you want to be on vacation, but federal prosecutors argue one Princess cruise passenger took that advice a little too literally.

The passenger is facing serious federal charges after allegedly using stolen identity documents to board a Princess cruise ship sailing in Alaska last month. 

According to a recent news release, Enrico Ronquillo, 37, has been indicted on multiple federal charges including false impersonation of a U.S. citizen and aggravated identity theft.

The charges stem from an elaborate identity fraud scheme that took place during a May 11-14 cruise in Alaska.  Ronquillo is a Philippine national legally residing in the U.S., but prosecutors in the case say he used a fabricated ID to board the ship.

What Happened on the Ship

According to federal prosecutors, Ronquillo didn’t just use fake documents—he allegedly created an entire false identity using someone else’s personal information.

Court documents show that he used counterfeit California identification, including a driver’s license and birth certificate, to get himself listed on the ship’s passenger manifest.

But the alleged scheme went even further.

Prosecutors say Ronquillo even created a fake IRS Form W-9 using his victim’s name, signature, address, and Social Security number.

This type of identity theft shows a level of planning that has caught the attention of a few different federal agencies.

Serious Consequences

If convicted, Ronquillo faces some hefty penalties. The aggravated identity theft charges alone carry a mandatory minimum of two years in prison each, and he could face up to five additional years and $250,000 in fines for the other charges.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative targeting criminal organizations and immigration-related crimes.

The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office is leading the investigation with support from multiple agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard.

Ronquillo will appear before a federal judge in Alaska, where he’ll face these serious charges. As always, these are allegations and Ronquillo is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Do you want to stay longer in port when you take a cruise? One cruise line is making that happen with the ship staying up to two consecutive nights in port.

Azamara Cruises, one of the world’s leading destination focused cruise lines, is offering 28 double overnight port visits to cruises in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

The cruise line offers 246 exclusive nighttime excursions so cruisers can make the most of their extra time in port.

Double Overnight Visits

A sample of double over night port stops include the following:

Bermuda & Caribbean Cruise – Double overnight in Hamilton Bermuda where travelers can book a sunset cruise and sample libations prepared with the island’s national rum cocktail.

Spain Cruise: Valencia, Malaga & Seville – Double overnight in Seville, Spain where guests can treat themselves to a Flamenco Evening at the legendary Tablao El Arenal and witness the expressive and evocative artistry of this renown dance.

Southeast Asia Cruise: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City & Hong Kong – Double overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ride in an open-air Jeep, sample local culinary delights and get a feel for how the locals live and play by night.

Night Tours

Azamara Cruises has partnered with local guides to offer an evolving collection of night tours that reveal the after-hours spirit of each destination.

They include an enchanting evening at the Can Vivot palace in Palma Mallorca, a sunset stroll through the Old Town in Dubrovnik, and a nightlight adventure in Singapore.

Stories Under the Stars

This new program for cruises that are nine nights and longer invites guest onto the pool deck for an atmospheric evening of regional myths, folklore, and storytelling led by one of Azamara Cruises’ 250+ Destination Speakers.

No reservations required. Guests will walk in, settle into a cozy lounge chair with a blanket, and let the stories transport them.

This is in addition to AzAmazing Evenings that bring destinations to life through exclusive, one-of-a-kind performances.

Entertainment on a cruise ship can be somewhat subjective.  And with so much variety in what kinds of shows are offered in the onboard theater these days, some passengers wonder if it’s worth grabbing a seat.

A recent social media post asked about the shows on Disney Cruise Line ships, and the response from Disney cruisers was clear and resounding.

A Reddit user recently posed the question, “Be honest… Are the live shows worth going to?” The Disney Cruise Line community quickly responded with over 160 comments in just 24 hours.

I’ve combed through those comments to get a sense of the overall feeling about Disney’s theater experience, and for this crowd, the answer was a very clear “Yes.”

These are a few reasons Disney passengers can’t recommend the theater experience enough.

1. “They’re Broadway Productions at Sea”

This is perhaps the most common and enthusiastic response from Disney cruisers. Many were genuinely surprised by the high quality of the shows.

“For a musical theater production on a ship, I was beyond impressed,” one passenger shared, adding that “the performers were also amazing.”

Forget what you might think of typical cruise entertainment; people consistently call these shows “Broadway productions at sea.” Even those who’ve seen many shows on actual Broadway stages agree, with one saying they were “blown away by the quality” and called them “phenomenal live performances.” Beyond the talented cast, the elaborate sets, dazzling costumes, and “absolutely Broadway-level” effects make these shows a true spectacle.

2. Seeing it Live is the Only Way – Don’t Just Watch in Your Stateroom

Thinking of just putting the show on your stateroom TV? Think again, say past passengers. “The recorded shows in the stateroom do not do it justice,” one cruiser warned.

Others strongly agreed, pointing out that “watching on TV is not the same as being there in person, as the camera can’t possibly capture everything that’s going on in the theater.”

The real magic happens live, with everything from performers moving through the aisles to unexpected pyrotechnics (yes, even for shows like Aladdin!) that create an immersive experience you simply won’t get from a screen. Plus, the recorded versions often feature a different cast, so you’d miss out on seeing the actual performers on your cruise.

3. Even Non-Theater Fans Get Hooked

If you’re not usually into live musicals or plays, you’re not alone – but Disney cruisers say you might still love these.

“I am also not a live theater person, but I am a fan of Disney cinema, and I never miss the shows. They are that good,” one passenger confessed. The shows are also pretty concise, usually around an hour for the main productions. Shorter ones, like “Seas the Adventure,” are a quick 35 minutes, making them easy to fit into your cruise plans.

Many people who were initially hesitant found themselves completely drawn in. As one cruiser recalled, “Half way through the show, I turned to my wife and said, ‘I think I’m hooked. We are Disney Cruise people now.’” So, even if you’re a skeptic, prepare to be surprised.

4. Aladdin and Seas the Adventure Are Consistent Favorites

While all the shows generally get high marks, some really stand out for passengers. Aladdin is constantly mentioned as a “not to be missed” production. “Please do not skip Aladdin, it is amazingly good! And hilarious!!” one fan wrote.

“Seas the Adventure” (the Goofy show), especially on the Disney Wish, also earns high praise for its charm, parade of beloved Disney characters, and nostalgic feel. “Seas the Adventure on your first night is generally well-regarded in the community and relatively short,” a passenger advised, making it a great “test run.”

While shows like The Little Mermaid on Disney Wish are visually impressive, many cruisers suggest prioritizing Aladdin and the introductory show if your time is limited.

5. They’re a Key Part of the Disney Cruise Experience

For many, these live shows are more than just entertainment; they’re “a signature experience of DCL” and “a highlight of every sailing.”

They really boost that special “vacation mood.” The atmosphere in the theater, often with the Cruise Director sharing updates and interacting with the audience, makes it feel like a central gathering place.

For families, going to the shows often becomes an evening tradition, a perfect way to end dinner. And if you’re worried about kids getting antsy, parents often share tips like bringing popcorn to help keep younger ones engaged.

They note that even kids who don’t usually care for theater end up loving every second of it. As one cruiser simply put it, “It doesn’t feel like a Disney Cruise without the shows!”

Bottom Line

Still, the best part of cruising is that everyone onboard can enjoy the experience differently.  A cruise ship show might not be high on your priority list, but if you do happen to find yourself on a Disney cruise ship, it might be worth popping in for at least a few minutes to see what all the fuss is about.