Margaritaville at Seas is bringing back its popular Sail the Haunted Seas this fall, which includes new Halloween celebrations the cruise line has never before offered.
Margaritaville at Sea is offering special haunted cruises for Halloween in 2026.
Starting on September 15, 2026, and running through November 1, 2026, select sailings on both cruise ships in Margaritaville at Seas’ fleet will turn into the ultimate Halloween celebration.
Haunted venue takeovers, themed entertainment, seasonal cocktails and menus, costume contests, and family-friendly fun will create an immersive experience from the moment guests step onboard their cruise.
New for 2026, Sail the Haunted Seas introduces the interactive Ghostly Game Show, a spirited Halloween Bar Crawl, and themed guest entertainers on select sailings, giving returning guests even more reasons to come back while creating new ways for families, friends, and couples to embrace the Halloween spirit.
Sail the Haunted Seas with Margaritaville at Sea
Along with the new experiences, here is a list of the different activities that will be offered on these “haunted” cruises:
White Hot Neon Nightmares (adults-only glow party)
Monster Bash Family Disco
Trick-or-Treat Trail
Spooktacular Murder Mystery Game Show
Costume Parade & Contest
Halloween Trivia and Name That Tune
Halloween-themed craft activities for kids and adults
Seasonal food and beverage offerings
Haunted venue takeovers throughout the ship
White Hot Neon Nightmares is the cruise line’s signature glow party. Guests will be able to dance into the night with eerie beats, creepy cocktails, and glowing face paint. Costumes are encouraged for this unique party.
Children will be able to trick-or-treat around the ships, going from venue to venue.
A Halloween bar crawl and Ghostly Game Show will also take place. Cruise trivia will have a new twist as it becomes Trick-or-Trivia. The coffee shop on board will serve pumpkin-spiced potions and chilling cold brews.
For more information on Margaritaville’s Sail the Haunted Seas, you can visit their website.
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For any fan of Carnival Cruise Line just looking for an excuse to book a cruise, this article is for you. I just went over the data for bookings with Carnival and found the absolute lowest fares on a per day basis.
Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Breeze in Galveston, Texas (Cruise Fever)
I’m always on the hunt for a good deal on a cruise. So, analyzing data like this is kind of a hobby of mine. After writing about the 10 cheapest Royal Caribbean deals on a per day basis, I thought I’d dive into Carnival’s pricing and show the results here.
Below will show you every ship in the Carnival fleet (and one yet to come) and the cheapest sailing available for that ship. I ordered the ships from cheapest to most expensive.
These cost-per-day and per-person prices include fees and gratuities, and a total cabin price (all inside cabins) will be listed as well.
As they are listed by cost per day, keep in mind that these may not be the rock-bottom lowest prices associated with shorter sailings, but they do offer the most value when you consider the time spent on the ship.
Remember that these are the prices listed as of August 13, 2026, and the numbers could look different for you depending on all kinds of factors.
Let’s dig in!
Carnival Sunrise ($61 Per Day)
Departure Date: November 14, 2026
Itinerary: 5-day sailing from PortMiami
Ports of call: Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key
Per person, per day cost: $61
Total cabin price for two people: $614.
Carnival Firenze ($63 Per Day)
Departure Date: December 14, 2026
Itinerary: 4-day sailing from Los Angeles
Ports of call: Catalina Island, Ensenada (Mexico)
Per person, per day cost: $63
Total cabin price for two people: $504
Carnival Conquest ($64 Per Day)
Departure Date: October 19, 2026
Itinerary: 4-day sailing from PortMiami
Ports of call: Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key
Per person, per day cost: $64
Total cabin price for two people: $512
Carnival Radiance ($67 Per Day)
Departure Date: September 8, 2026
Itinerary: 4-day sailing from Los Angeles
Ports of call: Catalina Island, Ensenada (Mexico)
Per person, per day cost: $67
Total cabin price for two people: $536
Carnival Panorama ($67 Per Day)
Departure Date: November 29, 2026
Itinerary: 6-day sailing from Los Angeles
Ports of call: Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada
Per person, per day cost: $67
Total cabin price for two people: $804
Carnival Spirit ($67 Per Day)
Departure Date: October 8, 2026
Itinerary: 16-day from Seattle to Mobile
Ports of call: Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Panama Canal Transit, Cartegena (Columbia)
Per person, per day cost: $67
Total cabin price for two people: $2,158
Carnival Paradise ($71 Per Day)
Departure Date: September 28, 2026
Itinerary: 6-day from Tampa
Ports of call: Celebration Key, Princess Cays, Nassau
Per person, per day cost: $71
Total cabin price for two people: $848
Carnival Magic ($71 Per Day)
Departure Date: August 30, 2026
Itinerary: 6-day from PortMiami
Ports of call: Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Nassau
Royal Caribbean has issued a deployment update for 2027-2028 for four cruise ships that will sail to Asia and the Pacific. The cruise line said that it wanted to expand opportunities for its guests to visit bucket-list destinations, so it has made a few changes.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is expanding its Asia-Pacific cruises in 2027-2028 that will depart from ports in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.
Quick Overview
For 2027-2028, the following three Royal Caribbean cruise ships will sail from Australia:
Newly amplified Ovation of the Seas from Brisbane
Anthem of the Seas from Sydney
Voyager of the Seas from both Brisbane and Sydney
Voyager of the Seas will sail a season in Australia before heading to Asia to offer cruises from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Navigator of the Seas’ inaugural season in Singapore will be extended through October 2027. The cruise ship will sail cruises to Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.
Singapore Cruise Centre. Photo: Cruise Fever
Deployment Adjustments
The cruise line has made adjustments to its 2027-2028 deployment. Beginning in November 2027, Ovation of the Seas will offer three- to eight-night cruises from Brisbane.
Voyager of the Seas will sail from Brisbane from October through December 2027, offering two- to 11-night cruises. From January through April 2028, the ship will move to Asia, sailing from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Voyager of the Seas will sail a five-night cruise from Singapore to Tokyo and seven four- to five-night cruises from Hong Kong.
Beginning in late February 2028, the sailings on Voyager of the Seas will coincide with Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season.
Navigator of the Seas will remain in Singapore for an extended season and will now offer a full year of cruises that starts in October 2026 and runs through October 2027. The ship will offer year-round three- to five-night cruises to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. An immersive 12-night cruise will travel from Tokyo to Singapore.
On the West Coast, Ovation of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas will homeport in Los Angeles during the summer of 2027 and winter 2027-2028. Both ships will visit ports in California and the Mexican Riviera.
Bookings will open for the new Navigator of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas cruises on August 18, 2026. Sailings on Voyager of the Seas will open on August 25, 2026.
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You might assume vaping rules are more relaxed than smoking on a cruise ship. But that’s not always the case.
Some cruise lines treat vapes exactly the same as cigarettes, while others have their own rules that can catch passengers out. Get it wrong, and you could end up with your vape confiscated or even face penalties onboard.
Before you pack your vape, there are a few important things every cruiser should know. Are the rules really as strict as you think?
You Can Bring a Vape With You
You can bring a nicotine vape onto most cruise ships, but it’s generally treated the same as a cigarette. That means you can only use it in designated smoking areas. Vaping in your cabin or on your balcony is prohibited on almost every major cruise line.
However, you can’t bring THC or marijuana products onboard, including weed vapes, edibles or oils. Many cruise lines also ban CBD products, even if they’re legal where you live.
Even though marijuana has been legalized in many countries and US states, the major cruise lines still have strict zero-tolerance policies. This also applies to medical marijuana, so if you rely on it, you’ll need to speak to your doctor before you travel about suitable alternatives for your time at sea.
Bringing prohibited drugs onto a cruise ship can have serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances, they may be confiscated, you could be denied boarding or removed from the ship, and in some destinations you could even face legal action.
Cruise lines take these rules very seriously. All luggage is screened before boarding, and if security finds banned substances, you shouldn’t expect any leniency.
You can’t vape in your stateroom or on your private balcony. Cruise lines generally treat vaping the same as smoking, so it’s only permitted in designated smoking areas.
Exactly where you can vape varies by cruise line and ship. Some only allow smoking and vaping in a few outdoor areas, while others also have indoor smoking lounges or designated casino sections.
On many ships, smoking and vaping are allowed in parts of the casino while you’re playing slot machines, although table games are often smoke-free because you’re sitting much closer to other guests.
Smoking areas are usually easy to spot thanks to the ashtrays, but if you’re unsure, Guest Services can point you in the right direction.
Some vapers argue that vapour is less intrusive than cigarette smoke, especially as many use e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking. However, cruise lines generally apply the same rules to both in order to minimise the impact on other passengers.
Costa Cruises used to be one of the few exceptions, allowing smoking and vaping on private balconies. However, that policy has now changed, and vaping is now only permitted in the ship’s designated smoking areas. You may still find older information on parts of Costa’s website saying otherwise, but its current contractual terms make the updated rule clear.
Cruise Line’s Individual Policies on Vaping
Here’s a quick look at the vaping policies of some of the world’s biggest cruise lines. They’re broadly similar but it’s worth reading the policy for your chosen cruise line:
Carnival Cruise Line Vape Policy
Carnival Cruise Line treats vaping and e-cigarettes in the same way as traditional cigarettes. They can only be used in designated smoking areas, and vaping is strictly prohibited in cabins and on private balconies.
Guests caught vaping in their cabin or on their balcony face a $500 charge per violation. Serious or repeated breaches may also result in everyone staying in the cabin being removed from the ship without a refund.
Weed vapes, marijuana and CBD products are completely prohibited, even if they have been prescribed for medical use. Carnival follows US federal law, so these items are banned onboard, in cruise terminals, during transfers, on shore excursions and at private islands.
Royal Caribbean Vape Policy
Royal Caribbean only allows electronic cigarettes and vape pens to be used in designated smoking areas onboard. They aren’t permitted in staterooms, on private balconies or in any other indoor public area. Guests who smoke or vape in their cabin or on their balcony will be charged a $250 cleaning fee and may face further action under the cruise line’s Guest Conduct Policy.
Princess Cruises only allows e-cigarettes and vapes to be used in designated smoking areas. These generally include a section of the open deck, and on some ships may also include a cigar lounge or part of the nightclub.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all staterooms and on private balconies. Guests who break this rule will be charged a $250 fine for each occurrence, which is added to their onboard account.
The casino is also non-smoking, except for designated slot machines where guests may smoke or vape while actively playing. You can find full details in Princess Cruises’ smoking policy.
NCL Vape Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line treats vaping and e-cigarettes the same as traditional cigarettes. They can only be used in designated smoking areas, which include selected indoor and outdoor locations depending on the ship.
Smoking or vaping in your stateroom or on your balcony is prohibited. Guests who break this rule will be charged a $250 cleaning fee, and may also have to pay for any damage caused to furniture, carpets, towels or other furnishings.
You can find the designated smoking areas for every ship in NCL’s smoking policy.
Disney Vape Policy
Disney Cruise Line only allows e-cigarettes and vapes to be used in designated smoking areas. These are more limited than on many other cruise lines, and on some ships certain smoking areas are only available between 6 pm and 6 am.
Guests who smoke or vape in their stateroom or on their verandah will be charged a $250 stateroom recovery fee to cover the cost of deep cleaning.
If you’re sailing on Disney Adventure, be aware that vapes and e-cigarettes are completely prohibited because the ship sails from Singapore, where they are illegal.
On almost every cruise line, vaping is treated the same as smoking a traditional cigarette. That means you won’t be able to vape in your cabin or on your balcony, and you’ll need to stick to the ship’s designated smoking areas instead.
If you’re used to taking a quick puff whenever you fancy it, that might take a little getting used to. But it’s not worth breaking the rules. Depending on the cruise line, you could be hit with a hefty fine, charged for extra cleaning or even removed from the ship.
The good news is that as long as you know the rules before you sail, bringing your vape onboard shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure you only use it where it’s allowed, and you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises.
You can spend months planning a cruise and still get caught out within minutes of stepping off the ship.
The thing is, cruise passengers are an easy audience for scammers to spot. Sometimes, at least. Think about it – thousands of visitors arrive at once, most are unfamiliar with the local area, and everyone’s trying to make the most of a limited few hours ashore.
Add in busy terminals, language barriers and the usual holiday excitement, and it’s no surprise that some ports have become hotspots for tourist scams.
Don’t panic – most cruises pass without a single issue, and millions of people explore ports every year without problems. But a little awareness goes a long way…
1. Fake Taxi Drivers And Inflated Fares
This is probably the most common cruise port scam of all, and it happens everywhere from Miami to Barcelona.
Some drivers target cruise passengers specifically because they know travellers are unfamiliar with local fares and often in a hurry to get to the port, airport or a major attraction. The scam varies slightly too – some drivers might refuse to use the meter or claim it’s broken. Others take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare, since they think you’re clueless about where you’re going.
There have also been reports of fake rideshare drivers approaching passengers outside terminals pretending to be official Uber or Lyft drivers. Once luggage is in the car, the fare suddenly jumps – and arguments become difficult when your bags are locked in the boot.
Even legitimate taxis can try their luck. Some passengers have discovered extra zeros added to card machines or “tourist pricing” applied once they realise you’ve arrived from a cruise ship.
Official taxi ranks are always the safest option. If you’re using rideshare apps, only get into the exact vehicle listed in the app and verify the registration plate before you throw your suitcases in the back.
It’s also worth researching typical fares in advance. Knowing roughly what a journey should cost makes it much easier to spot when something feels off.
And if you’re worried? Look for someone who works at the port and they’ll be able to give you a hand.
Independent shore excursions can be fantastic. In many ports, local operators offer smaller groups, lower prices and more personal experiences than cruise line tours.
But not every excursion company is as reliable as it appears online.
Some passengers have arrived to find overcrowded minibuses, attractions swapped for souvenir stops, or surprise “dock fees” added at the last minute. Others have booked tours that looked professional online, only to discover they were heavily subcontracted once they arrived.
One of the biggest risks is booking with people standing near the pier offering tours on the spot. Genuine local operators do exist, but scammers know cruise passengers are tempted by last-minute deals.
The biggest red flag is pressure. If someone insists you must book immediately because “the last seats are going”, it’s usually better to walk away.
Before sailing, spend a little time checking recent reviews on independent sites and cruise forums. Reliable operators tend to have consistent feedback from multiple cruisers over a long period, rather than a handful of glowing reviews posted within weeks of each other.
And if you’re booking independently, always keep an eye on return times. The ship won’t wait for late passengers unless the excursion was booked through the cruise line.
I’d always recommend Shore Excursions Group – tons of 5* reviews, a very generous return-to-ship guarantee and they’re very careful about the tour operators they work with.
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3. “Free Gift” And Resort Pass Traps
If someone in a cruise port starts offering free bracelets, free drinks, free beach access or a free spa treatment, there’s usually a catch somewhere. And yes, I know that might sound obviously, but people can forget this when they’re cruising – they’re giddy about being on holiday.
These scams are especially common in Caribbean ports where representatives stand near the terminal promising luxury resort access or VIP beach clubs at “no cost”. What they don’t mention upfront is the lengthy timeshare presentation or aggressive sales pitch attached to the offer.
Other versions are simpler but just as awkward. Someone places a bracelet on your wrist, hands you a “gift”, or starts a friendly demonstration before demanding payment afterwards. The idea is to create social pressure and make tourists feel uncomfortable walking away.
Many people will accept something politely before realising they’ve accidentally started a sales interaction they never wanted.
The easiest rule is also the simplest: avoid accepting unsolicited freebies from strangers in busy tourist areas. A firm “no” is all that’s needed.
If you genuinely want a resort day pass, book through a reputable operator or directly with the resort itself rather than someone approaching you outside the port gates.
4. Skincare And Beauty Product Scams
This is one of the cruise world’s most talked-about scams, particularly in parts of the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Passengers are lured into luxury-looking skincare shops with free samples and demonstrations promising dramatic results in minutes.
Once inside, the atmosphere can become surprisingly intense. Staff move quickly from friendly demonstrations to high-pressure sales tactics, often steering customers towards eye-wateringly expensive creams, serums or beauty devices.
Some travellers later realise they agreed to spend hundreds – or even thousands – far more quickly than they intended. Others claim the amount charged to their card was significantly higher than expected.
These shops often rely on creating urgency and flattery at the same time. You’ll hear phrases like “today only”, “special cruise guest pricing” or “this product usually sells for much more”.
The products themselves aren’t always fake, but the prices can be wildly inflated compared with what similar items cost elsewhere.
If you do buy anything, check the amount carefully before paying and never feel pressured into making a quick decision. Any genuine luxury brand should still be there tomorrow.
Also, a quick word of warning – this isn’t just a port-side scam. On rare occasions, people have talked about similar things happening in an onboard spa on a ship.
If that ever does happen, just go straight to Guest Services and let them know.
5. Public Transport And Ticket Scams
Not every scam involves someone directly stealing from you. Some rely on confusion instead.
Cruise passengers using public transport for the first time in a foreign city can easily get caught out by unfamiliar systems, especially in busy European ports.
One well-known example involves ticket validation machines. In some cities, buying the ticket isn’t enough – you also need to validate it onboard or at the station before travel begins. Tourists who miss that step can face hefty fines from inspectors.
There have also been reports of broken validation machines, conflicting instructions from drivers and unofficial “helpers” giving misleading advice.
Most of the time, these situations are legitimate misunderstandings rather than organised scams, so don’t instantly assume the worst. Still, tourists often feel targeted because locals seem to avoid the same penalties.
A little preparation helps enormously here. Download official transport apps where possible, check how validation systems work before travelling and keep hold of tickets until the journey is fully complete.
And if someone approaches offering to “help” buy tickets from a machine, be cautious before handing over cash or cards.
6. Pickpocket And Distraction Scams
Crowded cruise ports are ideal environments for pickpockets.
Busy shuttle buses, packed tourist streets and popular attractions create exactly the sort of distractions opportunistic thieves look for. And many scams rely less on stealth and more on confusion.
One common tactic is the distraction approach – someone spills something near you, asks you to sign a petition, tries to sell souvenirs aggressively or starts an argument nearby while another person targets bags, wallets or phones.
Another version involves overly helpful strangers offering to give you a hand with luggage on steep streets or station steps.
Mediterranean ports are particularly known for pickpocketing hotspots, especially around major landmarks and public transport hubs, but it can happen anywhere tourists gather in large numbers.
That said, there’s no need to become paranoid. Most visits ashore are completely uneventful.
Simple precautions make a huge difference:
keep valuables zipped away
avoid carrying large amounts of cash
don’t leave phones loose on café tables
stay especially aware in crowded areas
The easier target is usually the distracted one.
7. Fake WiFi Networks And QR Codes
Many cruise passengers search for free WiFi almost immediately after leaving the ship, especially if roaming charges are expensive. Scammers know this and sometimes create fake networks with names designed to look official, such as “Port_Free_WiFi” or “Cruise Terminal Guest”.
Once connected, travellers may unknowingly enter passwords, payment details or personal information into fake login pages.
QR code scams are also becoming more common. Fraudsters place fake QR code stickers over genuine signs, directing users to cloned payment pages or malicious websites.
These scams can be surprisingly convincing because people naturally trust signage inside ports, cafés and tourist areas.
Using mobile data is generally safer than public WiFi where possible. If you do connect to public networks, avoid logging into banking apps or entering payment details.
And before scanning any QR code, take a second to check whether the sticker looks tampered with or oddly placed over another sign.
8. Fake Visa, ETA And Cruise Booking Websites
As more countries introduce electronic travel authorisations and online visa systems, fake websites have exploded alongside them.
Some sites charge huge “processing fees” for applications that should cost far less. Others are outright phishing scams designed to collect passport details and card information.
Cruise passengers can be particularly vulnerable because visa requirements vary by itinerary, and many travellers are rushing to complete forms shortly before departure.
Fake cruise booking websites and phishing emails are also becoming more sophisticated. Some cloned cruise line pages look almost identical to the real thing, especially on mobile devices.
One common tactic involves emails claiming there’s a problem with your booking or payment, urging you to click a link immediately to avoid cancellation.
The safest approach is always to access cruise bookings and visa applications directly through official websites rather than links sent by email or social media adverts.
If a site looks rushed, contains spelling mistakes or promises “guaranteed approval”, that’s usually a major warning sign.
Cruise passengers often need quick access to local currency, especially in ports where smaller shops and taxis don’t accept cards.
The bad news? Exchange booths in tourist areas don’t always offer fair deals.
Some advertise “zero commission” while building huge markups into the exchange rate itself. Others rely on confusion around unfamiliar currencies, particularly when travellers are tired or rushing back towards the ship.
ATM scams are another issue in busy tourist areas. Card skimmers, hidden cameras and distraction tactics still exist in some destinations, particularly around standalone cash machines.
One of the most common tricks isn’t technically a scam at all, but it still catches plenty of travellers out – dynamic currency conversion. That’s when a card machine asks whether you’d prefer to pay in your home currency instead of the local one.
It sounds helpful, but the exchange rate is usually much worse.
As a general rule, bank-operated ATMs inside banks are safer than standalone machines in tourist hotspots, and paying in local currency almost always gives a better rate.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Even careful travellers can get caught out occasionally, so don’t panic if something feels wrong after the fact.
If money has been taken from your card unexpectedly, contact your bank immediately and freeze the card if necessary. Take screenshots, photographs and copies of receipts wherever possible, especially if you need to make an insurance claim later.
For serious incidents in port, report the issue to local police and let the ship’s guest services or security team know once you’re back onboard. Cruise lines can’t investigate every dispute ashore, but they may be able to advise on local reporting procedures.
Most importantly, don’t let one bad experience overshadow an otherwise brilliant holiday.
A little caution in busy tourist areas is usually all it takes to avoid the vast majority of these scams altogether.
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Final Word
Cruise scams make headlines because they’re frustrating, memorable and often happen when people least expect them. But they’re still the exception rather than the rule.
The vast majority of cruise passengers never experience anything more serious than an overpriced taxi or an overly pushy salesperson ashore. A bit of awareness – and a healthy scepticism towards anything that seems too good to be true – is usually enough to avoid the most common problems.
Cruising remains one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to see the world. Knowing what to watch out for simply means you can spend less time dealing with hassle in port and more time enjoying the holiday you actually paid for.
A group of passengers aboard MSC Divina became the focus of an investigation in Italy after an unauthorized announcement was broadcast over the cruise ship’s public-address system, falsely suggesting the vessel was experiencing an emergency.
The incident occurred while MSC Divina was sailing from Marmaris, Turkey, toward Naples, Italy, on July 30, according to multiple reports citing Italian authorities. The message was reportedly heard in public areas on two passenger decks and claimed that the captain had lost control of the ship and that the vessel was adrift.
That was not the case.
MSC Cruises subsequently confirmed that an unauthorized announcement had been made over the ship’s PA system. The cruise line stressed that none of the vessel’s systems — including its computer systems — had been hacked or compromised and that the safe operation of MSC Divina was never affected.
Passengers who heard the message reportedly contacted Italian maritime authorities. When MSC Divina arrived in Naples, authorities boarded the ship as part of the investigation after the captain filed a formal complaint.
Reports from Italian media and subsequent coverage say investigators traced the unauthorized announcements to six Italian passengers. The passengers were removed from the vessel and referred to authorities over allegations that included unauthorized access and causing public alarm.
Some reports have described the six as having been arrested or charged. Cruise Addicts has not independently confirmed their precise legal status with Italian authorities, so those descriptions should be treated cautiously until official confirmation is available.
MSC Cruises said the situation was resolved quickly. The captain later addressed passengers to clarify that the earlier message was unauthorized and unrelated to the ship’s actual operation, while the cruise line said changes were put in place to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The episode highlights an unusual shipboard-security issue. Cruise ships rely on public-address systems to deliver routine information as well as critical instructions during real emergencies, meaning unauthorized use can create confusion even when the vessel itself is operating normally.
For travelers, the most important point is that MSC says MSC Divina was never in danger and its navigation and technical systems remained unaffected.
MSC Divina is a Fantasia-class ship that entered service in 2012 and continues to sail a variety of Mediterranean and international itineraries.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has announced the senior officer team that will lead Seven Seas Prestige™, the inaugural vessel in Regent’s first new ship class in a decade, into service ahead of her highly anticipated debut this December. Led by Captain Luksa Kristovic, the seven senior officers bring more than 150 combined years of maritime and hospitality expertise, years of experience working together across The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®, and a shared commitment to shaping every detail of the guest experience.
Together, they are helping bring Seven Seas Prestige to life while guiding the 630 crew members who will deliver Regent’s renowned Heartfelt Hospitality™ to guests on board. “Seven Seas Prestige represents Regent’s next chapter in our relentless Pursuit of Perfection, and we are proud to place her in the hands of a team with the experience and passion to bring that promise to life,” said Wesley D’Silva, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Captain Kristovic and his fellow officers embody the standards of excellence, care and attention to detail that define the Regent experience. We could not be more confident in this team as they lead Seven Seas Prestige into service and set a new standard of ultra-luxury cruising.”
To mark the announcement, Captain Kristovic filmed a special message from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, updating guests on the ship’s progress and reflecting on what it means to command the newest vessel in the fleet. Captain Kristovic’s video can be viewed here.
“It is an immense honor to be named Captain of Seven Seas Prestige and lead such an exceptional team as we prepare to introduce Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years,” said Captain Luksa Kristovic, Master of Seven Seas Prestige. “From her all-new suite categories and beautifully designed public spaces to new dining experiences that will further elevate life on board, Seven Seas Prestige represents an exciting new era for Regent.”
At 76,550 gross tons, with just 411 suites and 630 dedicated crew members, Seven Seas Prestige will offer one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Forty percent larger than previous Regent ships yet accommodating only 10 percent more guests, Seven Seas Prestige will deliver truly Unrivaled Space at Sea®. Each successive Prestige-class vessel will build upon the hallmark design innovations and elevated guest experiences, ensuring Regent’s position at the forefront of all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruising.
Introducing Seven Seas Prestige’s Senior Officer Team
Captain Luksa Kristovic
Captain Kristovic’s love of the sea began as a boy growing up in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a seafarer’s city that has long welcomed cruise ships to its shores, an early influence that would shape the course of his career. After completing his Master’s in Maritime Navigation and Business in 1999, he joined his first ship as a cadet on a bulk carrier before moving into the cruise industry in 2003 and discovering his true calling, becoming a Captain in 2013, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. He now resides with his family in São Paulo, Brazil, where he enjoys biking and swimming.
General Manager, Stéphane Carriou
General Manager StéphaneCarriou was born near St. Malo, France, and trained at one of the country’s top-ranked culinary schools for hotel management. At 24, encouraged to pursue a career at sea, he embarked on what would become the majority of his professional life afloat. Stéphane joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2017, where he helped to launch Seven Seas Splendor® and Seven Seas Grandeur® as Food & Beverage Director before being promoted to General Manager. Away from the ship, he enjoys motorcycling and long-distance swimming, and takes great pride in working alongside his crew to exceed guest expectations at every turn.
Chief Engineer Germain Bouvet
Chief Engineer Bouvet has spent more than 26 years with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. He trained at the École Nationale Supérieure Maritime in Nantes, France, earning a dual qualification as both Captain and Chief Engineer, a foundation that gave him equal command of navigation and marine engineering. Before joining Regent, he worked as a Principal Surveyor with Bureau Veritas in Saint-Nazaire, where in 1999 he became closely involved in the construction of Seven Seas Mariner®. Over the following two decades, he has served as Chief Engineer across the fleet and now oversees the technical construction of Seven Seas Prestige at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, a rare privilege he is experiencing for the second time in his career. He lives on the French Riviera, just outside Monaco, with his wife and son.
Senior Executive Chef Michael Meyepa
Chef Michael Meyepa’s career began with Sun International Hotels across the Comoros Islands, The Palace Hotel and Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. In 2002, he moved to life at sea aboard The World of ResidenSea, the world’s largest residential cruise ship, rising to Executive Chef in 2006. For Chef Meyepa, cuisine is defined by integrity: whatever the dish, it should be prepared with determination and passion to achieve the very best result. He is excited to lead the culinary team aboard Seven Seas Prestige as the ship enters a new chapter for the brand.
Staff Captain Alexander Tiniakov
Staff Captain Alexander Tiniakov discovered his passion for the sea at age six when his father, a Chief Engineer, brought the family aboard the cruise ship where he worked and introduced him to the navigational bridge. A graduate of Odessa National Maritime Academy, he began his career aboard ferries before joining Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2011 as a Deck Cadet aboard Seven Seas Navigator®. Since then, he has held a variety of bridge and leadership positions, contributed to the launch teams of Seven Seas Explorer® and Seven Seas Splendor®, and was promoted to Staff Captain in 2021. Most recently serving aboard Seven Seas Grandeur®, he now joins the team preparing Seven Seas Prestige for her debut. Alexander resides in Alanya, Türkiye, with his wife and daughter and looks forward to welcoming guests aboard Regent’s newest ship.
Born in Ottawa and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Dru Pavlov studied theatre at the University of British Columbia, where he won Best Director at the Vancouver One-Act Play Festival and served as president and on-air host of the university’s radio station, CiTR FM. He began his cruising career as a DJ in 1999 and was promoted to Cruise Director in 2002. Since then, Dru has sailed on 28 ships across all seven continents, a career at sea that also introduced him to his wife, Melanie. He joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises in February 2022 and has since become known for creating memorable moments for guests through his warmth, energy and natural stage presence. Dru recently relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he’s now trying to convince Melanie that they should buy a boat of their own.
Food and Beverage Director Alin Aricescu
Food and Beverage Director Alin Aricescu hails from the harbor city of Constanța, Romania, where his career at sea began in 2001, and a deep passion for hospitality soon followed. He joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2010 as a Head Waiter, drawn by the line’s reputation for ultra-luxury cruising, and has brought unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail to every role since. Alin regards food and beverage service as the heart of the Regent experience, and with the debut of Seven Seas Prestige, he is focused on leading his team to new heights of quality, consistency and genuine hospitality.
For more information about Seven Seas Prestige or to book a voyage, please visitRSSC.com/Ships/Seven_Seas_Prestige, call 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-473-4368) or contact a professional travel advisor.
Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever solar eclipse cruise gave guests a front-row seat to a rare celestial event from the open waters. The 11-day Carnival Journeys voyage aboard Carnival Legend departed Aug. 9 from Dover, England, and is taking guests to destinations in Spain, Portugal, Belgium and France, with the eclipse serving as the sailing’s signature moment while the ship was at sea.
First-Ever Solar Eclipse Cruise
On Aug. 12, guests gathered on deck to safely watch the moon pass in front of the sun as the ship sailed through the path of totality, placing guests directly beneath the eclipse’s shadow for a rare view of the total solar eclipse.
Carnival provided special eclipse viewing glasses for all guests. The celebration included special eclipse programming, while themed entertainment, beverage offerings and other activities continue throughout the voyage.
The special sailing reflects the continued evolution of Carnival Journeys, Carnival Cruise Line’s collection of longer, immersive itineraries designed to give guests more time to explore unique destinations and enjoy special experiences at sea.
Looking ahead, Carnival will offer three solar eclipse cruises in 2027, including a unique 16-day Carnival Journeys sailing aboard Carnival Firenze that combines unforgettable destinations and places guests in prime position to witness an annular solar eclipse on Feb. 6. Departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina on Feb. 2, the voyage will continue to Rio de Janeiro and Maceio in Brazil, Grenada, Martinique and St. Maarten.
Carnival Sunshine departs Barcelona, Spain, on July 25 for a 10-day Mediterranean voyage positioned for the Aug. 2 eclipse. Lastly, Carnival Miracle departs Dover, England, on July 29 for an 11-day Carnival Journeys sailing featuring a dedicated day at sea for eclipse viewing.
To book your next sailing or explore upcoming Carnival Journeys voyages, contact your favorite travel advisor or visit carnival.com/journeys.
Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for its 2028 summer cruises that include port calls making up almost 80% of the days on cruises.
NCL has also added 175 overnight port stays and late departures, giving guests more time in port than ever before.
Norwegian Pearl at PortMiami. Photo: Cruise Fever
This new season will feature over 450 cruises on 20 Norwegian cruise ships sailing from 25 homeports and calling on nearly 150 unique destinations.
The cruises will range from three to 14-days and leave from homeports that include Miami, Seattle, Rome, and London.
Overnight and late-night departures will take place in 53 ports, including Santorini, Greece; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; and Juneau, Alaska.
Norwegian Joy in Puerta, Plata, Dominican Republic. Photo: Cruise Fever
Cruises that visit NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, will give guests the opportunity to experience Great Tides Waterpark. This waterpark will have 19 waterslides, including the industry’s first dueling Master Blaster slides. Adults will be able to relax at the exclusive Vice Shore Club while children can enjoy dedicated experiences built just for them.
Highlights of NCL’s 2028 Summer Season
Norwegian Aqua will spend her first full summer season offering three- and four-night cruises to The Bahamas from the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami.
Norwegian Aura, one of the cruise line’s newest ships, will sail seven-day cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean.
Norwegian Prima will return to Galveston, Texas, and offer week-long cruises to the Western Caribbean.
Norwegian Luna will give NCL cruisers the option of taking a longer sailing with a special 10-day repositioning voyage from Miami to New York.
Norwegian Escape will be based in Port Canaveral, offering seven-day cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Norwegian Jewel will offer one of its most diverse European seasons to date. On a 12-day sailing to the Canary Islands from Barcelona, the ship will visit Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The ship will sail seven- to 10-day cruises that visit London (Southampton), England, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Helsinki, as well as five roundtrip sailings from Copenhagen.
Norwegian Getaway will also offer cruises to Europe where guests can sail to the land of the Midnight Sun on sailings between London and Reykjavik, Iceland.
Norwegian Viva will offer fewer sea days and more time in port on nine-, 10-, and 12-day cruises between Rome and Venice, and Barcelona and Istanbul. Itinerary highlights include overnight stays in Istanbul and late departures in Santorini and Mykonos, Greece, as well as Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy.
Norwegian Pearl will return to offering week-long cruises to the Greek Isles.
Norwegian Epic will also sail to the Greek Isles but on longer nine- to 12-day itineraries.
Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Bliss will all sail to Alaska during the summer of 2028. Ships will leave every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Seattle’s Pier 66. Glacier sightings will be featured on every single sailing. Guests will also be able to extend their vacation through NCL Cruisetours, which include iconic inland experiences such as Denali National Park and the historic Alaska Railroad.
Norwegian Cruise Line will return to the City of Brotherly Love for the fifth straight season. Norwegian Gem will sail seven-night cruises to Bermuda that feature overnight visits at Royal Naval Dockyard.
Norwegian Luna will offer five- and seven-night cruises from New York City.
Norwegian Breakaway will once again offer cruises from Boston and sail week-long cruises to New England and Canada.
Norwegian Spirit will sail from Sydney, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Hawaii, offering some of NCL’s most diverse itineraries. Ports visited on these cruises include New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and Apia.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement:
“It’s never too early to start planning your next vacation. With the Summer 2028 voyages now on sale, guests can take advantage of a greater selection of destination-rich itineraries with almost 80% of voyages spent in port, more choice of preferred staterooms, and exceptional value.
“From Northern Europe and Alaska to the Bahamas and South Pacific, this season brings together some of our most exciting voyages yet, with more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the destinations they visit.”
Norwegian Cruise Line is currently offering 50% off all cruises and up to $750 in stateroom credit on select sailings. The stateroom credit can be used once guests are on a ship.
This current promotion is combinable with Free at Sea, which includes free drinks, shore excursions, WiFi, and more. This sale ends on August 18, 2026.
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While on a 7-day Western Mediterranean sailing out of Civitavecchia on July 31, MSC Musica’s crew spotted a stranded vessel just 16 miles from the Port of Ibiza.
The MSC Cruises vessel was on its way to the Spanish Island when just before 11:30 AM visual contact was made and a rescue operation was put into effect.
According to recent reports from an Italian news outlet, eight men from North Africa were in the small boat, which had a non-functioning single outboard motor.
The stranded vessel also had no sails, no secondary propulsion, and there was very little of anything else in the boat in terms of supplies.
To get the stranded men onto the 92,409 gross ton cruise ship, a lifeboat was lowered. First Mate Roberto de Girolamo was in charge of the rescue effort which brought the men onto the lifeboat which was then raised up onto the ship.
Because the rescue was relatively close to the cruise ship’s next intended port of call and the men were brought onto the ship fairly quickly, the passengers on board faced no significant delays. There were no reports of canceled shore excursions or delays in the docking schedule.
According to a statement sent from MSC Cruises to USA Today, “the individuals were transferred directly from the ship’s tender to the care of a Spanish coast guard vessel.”
Under international maritime law (SOLAS), the master of a vessel is required to help assist in a distress at sea, even if it leads to delays or cancellations of ports.
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