It was their first cruise–a gift from their son, and now the fallout from the medical evacuation is a crippling expense the widow is trying to deal with.
Carnival Luminosa
While taking a cruise is an amazing experience that people often enjoy in a celebration of a birthday or anniversary, the truth is that tragedy can strike at any time. No one wants to think about it, but this story is a reminder to always have cruise travel insurance.
What was meant to be a celebration – a first-ever cruise for a Brisbane couple marking their 50th wedding anniversary – has turned into a heartbreaking situation, leaving a wife grieving the sudden loss of her husband and staring down a huge bill.
According to Australian news reports, Glenn and Beverley Stein set sail from Brisbane, Australia on March 30th aboard Carnival Luminosa. This 4-night trip to Whitsundays, a beautiful group of islands off the Queensland coast, was a gift from their son. The son stated it was a gift of appreciation for the parents who were always putting others first.
Their daughter-in-law, Sarah Stein, stated on a fundraising website how Glenn was “like a kid at Christmas,” his excitement very real as they began what they hoped would be a memorable trip of a lifetime.
However, three days into their sailing, as Carnival Luminosa made its return trip to Brisbane, tragedy struck. Glenn suffered a serious medical emergency on Tuesday, April 2nd. Despite the immediate care provided by the onboard medical team, his condition quickly worsened.
An emergency helicopter evacuation to Bundaberg Hospital was needed. Sadly, Glenn passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.
“The shock and heartbreak of losing Glenn so suddenly has left an unfillable void in our family,” Sarah Stein shared.
Adding to the heartache now is the immense bill Beverley is facing. After all, medical evacuations from cruise ships are not cheap and often cost tens of thousands of dollars.
This expense is compounded by the costs associated with funeral arrangements, and the transportation of Glenn’s body back to Brisbane as well.
“Bev has always been proud and self-reliant, but this heartbreaking situation is more than anyone should have to bear alone,” her daughter-in-law stated.
I should note that even with travel insurance, this would still be a sad and tragic story. And with hundreds of thousands of people on cruise ships at any given time, this is a reality the industry faces.
While no insurance policy can ever replace a loved one, it can at least take away one of the hardships associated with a loss at sea
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Carnival Cruise Line has officially unveiled the names of its two newest Excel-class cruise ships, set to debut in 2027 and 2028.
The announcement was made during a pre-Seatrade Cruise Global event aboard Carnival Celebration in Miami, Florida, on 6th April 2025.
Carnival President Christine Duffy, celebrating her 10th anniversary at the helm of the world’s most fun-focused cruise brand, shared the exciting news with an audience of cruise industry insiders and media.
“We are very excited today to announce that our fourth Excel ship is coming in 2027,” said Duffy. “We’re continuing with our naming convention, showing the respect that we have for those original Carnival Cruise Line ships. It’s being named Carnival Festivale.”
The fifth Excel-class ship, due to set sail in 2028, will be named Carnival Tropicale – another nostalgic nod to the early days of the brand.
Both names harken back to Carnival’s pioneering fleet, with MS Festivale and MS Tropicale being two of the original ships in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Notably, MS Tropicale was the cruise line’s first-ever purpose-built ship, and the first to sport the now-iconic whale-tail funnel.
The upcoming 180,000-gross-ton sister ships will be constructed by renowned shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.
Like their Excel-class predecessors, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, the two new builds will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) as part of Carnival’s ongoing sustainability commitment.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships represent a bold evolution of the fleet, blending high-capacity, next-generation technology with innovative guest experiences.
Duffy revealed that Carnival Festivale will have a distinct music theme, with musical tributes integrated throughout the ship’s design and entertainment offerings.
She also confirmed the vessel will homeport at Port Canaveral, Florida.
The repositioning of Mardi Gras, which currently sails from Port Canaveral, was also confirmed.
The ground-breaking ship will shift to shorter itineraries, offering cruises to the line’s private Bahamian destinations – Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay.
Sunsation Point to replace BOLT Coaster
In a surprise announcement, Carnival Cruise Line also revealed that the famed BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first rollercoaster at sea, will not feature on the new Excel-class ships.
Instead, it will be replaced with an expanded outdoor activity complex named Sunsation Point.
“Sunsation Point is going to be over-the-top with activities and fun for families and people of all ages,” Duffy explained.
Spanning three decks, Sunsation Point will integrate WaterWorks Ultra – the largest waterpark in Carnival’s fleet – boasting four new waterslides, a family raft ride, splash zones, and water dump buckets.
It will also include mini golf, a ropes course, and a new arcade and games zone.
The shift away from the BOLT rollercoaster comes as the line prioritises broader entertainment features and water attractions that cater to families and younger guests.
“We sail more families and more kids than any other cruise line,” Duffy emphasised, adding that Sunsation Point will also feature evening entertainment on select nights, making it a versatile space for both day and night activities.
Carnival Cruise Line continues to evolve and build on its 50-plus year legacy of “fun ships” with a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
The revival of historic names like Festivale and Tropicale offers a heartfelt tribute to the cruise line’s roots, while state-of-the-art design and entertainment ensure a modern and memorable guest experience.
With an expanding fleet, next-generation ships, and exciting destination developments such as Celebration Key, Carnival’s vision for the future remains focused on fun, family, and unforgettable memories at sea.
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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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Building on a period of expansive growth, Carnival Cruise Line is outlining its strategic plans over the next five years with the introduction of its “Innovation Itinerary,” focused on three pillars: sailing the most fun fleet at sea; creating compelling experiences and destinations; and building more Carnival loyalists. The line’s President Christine Duffy provided details on new ships, deployment, fleet enhancements and exclusive destinations at a media briefing today aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami.
Innovation Itinerary Unveiled
Carnival Cruise Line’s President Christine Duffy reveals the line’s Innovation Itinerary at a media event on April 6th, 2025.
“Since our inception in 1972, we have defined and led the modern cruise industry and our plans for the next five years and beyond are no different,” said Duffy. “The excitement and energy continue at Carnival! Having just integrated two ships into the Carnival fleet in Australia, we now stand at 29 ships, the largest global fleet in our history. Looking ahead, we have the opening of Celebration Key this July, followed by our expansion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2026; the delivery of our fourth and fifth Excel ships in 2027 and 2028; and then the introduction of three ships in our new platform, Project Ace, beginning in 2029, plus fleet enhancements and new investments at some of our existing destinations. We are poised to continue our leadership position as both America’s Cruise Line and the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line.”
More New Ships
At the event, Duffy revealed that the fourth ship in Carnival’s award-winning Excel class ships will be named Carnival Festivale, continuing the tradition of giving these ships the names of the first Carnival ships that popularized cruise vacations for so many Americans.
Debuting in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida. Reservation and itinerary details will be released this summer. In the meantime, those who want to be the first know can be notified by signing up here.
Carnival Festivale will keep in the Carnival tradition of bringing innovation and fun with each new ship and will debut three brand new zones; two of which on Decks 6, 7, and 8 will celebrate music with new music-themed venues and immersive experiences, representing the ways in which music brings people together. One zone is inspired by the process of creating music, using cutting-edge media, interactive moments, immersive sound and transformative lighting to activate it throughout the cruise, while the other zone on deck 8 symbolizes the energetic vibes of outdoor music performances.
Carnival sails more families than any other cruise line, welcoming one million children per year; and to better serve those families, Carnival Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70% more than on the first three Excel ships. The expansion of the interconnecting rooms is in lieu of the Family Harbor staterooms on the existing Excel ships. Carnival Festivale will also introduce a dedicated space for Carnival’s Turtles program which is for children six months to two years, and more experiences for them on the open decks. Overall spaces for Carnival’s youth programs will also be enhanced to support additional programming.
Carnival Festivale will also feature a new outdoor zone on the top three decks, named Sunsation Point, that is a vibrant and exhilarating family fun zone that promises endless entertainment and unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. On Deck 18, a main feature of Sunsation Point is Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the most family friendly water park at sea and the ultimate destination for splashy excitement. This new area will replace BOLT, the Ultimate Seacoaster that is the top deck feature on the existing Excel ships.
The expansive water park will feature six exhilarating slides, four of which are new to Carnival, including two family raft slides and, in the spirit of catering to all ages, slides that allow guests as little as three feet tall! Two different splash pads offer endless aquatic playtime with kids’ slides and spray toys, while dedicated baby splash areas that will let even the littlest cruisers get in on the fun. The treehouse inspired elevated adventure trail and toddler areas provide dry play activities with plenty of shaded seating nearby. A sports court, ropes course and jogging track along with a new miniature golf course, outdoor games and themed arcade spaces are also included in this zone.
In a first for Carnival, they will open Waterworks at night and activate multi-deck zones for guests of all ages to enjoy together in the evening at Sunsation Point aboard the new Carnival Festivale. (Photo by Carnival Cruise Lines)
In the evening, Sunsation Point bursts with vibrant illumination and the fun continues into the night with special evening events that have extended water park hours, in addition to a DJ and other activities. This is a first for Carnival to open Waterworks at night and activate multi deck zones for guests of all ages to enjoy together in the evening.
There will be new dining options since this ship will be sailing from Port Canaveral alongside Mardi Gras. Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse is working closely with the Food and Beverage team to develop new concepts, including a new dining outlet that will replace ChiBang! But guests don’t have to worry as fan favorites Guy’s Burger Joint, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and Big Chicken are a few of the staples that will continue. More details on dining options will be available in the coming months.
Duffy also revealed that the line’s fifth Excel class ship will be Carnival Tropicale, one of the original names of early Carnival ships. The homeport and open for sale date will be unveiled well ahead of the scheduled delivery of the ship in spring 2028. Carnival Tropicale will also include many of the new features on Carnival Festivale, as well as some new concepts and theming.
Project Ace Will Bring Three 230,000 GT Ships
Looking further ahead, Carnival’s exclusive new ship platform, currently called Project Ace, includes three ships at 230,000 gross tons each being built by Fincantieri that will be delivered in 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively. With over 3,000 guest staterooms, the new ships will be the largest in the Carnival Corporation global fleet and will be able to deliver fun to more guests than any ship in the world when carrying almost 8,000 guests at full capacity.
“These ships clearly represent the next generation of Fun ships. They will be experiences unto themselves, and, partnered with itineraries that call in part on our exclusive destinations, will provide amazing cruise vacations for guests,” said Duffy. “This class will introduce new dining outlets, entertainment, and re-imagined outer deck amenities. Our New Build team is in the midst of designing these vessels, so stay tuned for more as we get closer to delivery.”
Mardi Gras Will Offer Short Cruises
“As new ships are introduced, this will allow us to upgrade capacity and hardware in key markets, with a particular focus on short cruises,” explained Duffy. “With short cruises on Mardi Gras, our guests who may not have the time to take a weeklong vacation can experience all the amazing features of our Excel class.”
When Carnival Festivale is delivered in spring 2027 and begins sailing from Port Canaveral, Mardi Gras will move to offering short cruises from the same homeport.
Carnival has always been a leader in offering short cruises which appeal to first-time cruisers and families with more limited vacation time. Carnival offers short cruises from all of its homeports in the U.S. and Australia, with the exceptions of Baltimore and Seattle.
Duffy also reiterated Carnival’s commitment to serving the line’s secondary markets which are an important part of its portfolio as America’s Cruise Line by continuing to be an accessible vacation for 50 percent of the U.S. population that is within a five-hour drive of a Carnival cruise.
As part of this commitment, Carnival will return to year-round operations in Mobile, Alabama beginning in spring 2027. Carnival previously sailed year-round from Mobile and currently sails seasonally. In addition, Carnival is exploring moving a larger Conquest class ship to Baltimore in 2027 that can accommodate about 1,000 more guests than Carnival Pride, the Spirit class ship currently deployed from Baltimore.
Guest Experience:
Since first introducing Fun Ship 2.0 in 2011, Carnival has continually sought to enhance the guest experience on its ships. In order to continue to innovate, Carnival will be evolving the guest experience on its existing ships by making strategic enhancements. Changes will include décor modernization, new dining, beverage and entertainment experiences that will draw from features and concepts that will be introduced on its new ships. More details will be revealed as dry dock and enhancement plans are finalized.
Destinations:
It’s not just ships that are part of the Innovation Itinerary, it’s also about exclusive destinations. Carnival Corporation already has the largest collection of cruise destinations across the Caribbean and Mexico that are utilized by many of its corporate brands. Carnival Cruise Line, as the largest year-round operator in these regions, is the line that frequents these destinations the most. Given this, the destinations are being enhanced and will be marketed as the new Paradise Collection by Carnival and include:
The first exclusive destination that has been designed for Carnival guests, Celebration Key is a game-changer, opening in July. It offers guests the ultimate day in paradise. Twenty Carnival ships from 10 U.S. homeports on more than 1,400 sailings are already open for sale and will make visits to Celebration Key through 2027, with more to come.
The line recently announced the expansion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, which has been consistently rated as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. The addition of a pier that can support Excel class and Project Ace ships will allow Carnival to bring its largest ships to this beautiful destination. The expansion is focused on unlocking more of the beach paradise Carnival guests love, making sure to preserve the pristine beach and lush, natural beauty of this island paradise. The destination’s enhancements will begin to be completed by summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year.
Coming in 2026, Mahogany Bay, Carnival’s destination in Roatan, Honduras, will be renamed Isla Tropicale and expanded to include a pool with a swim up bar and cabanas. Future enhancements will also include an expanded beach and a beach club.
Coming in 2026, Mahogany Bay, Carnival’s destination in Roatan, Honduras, will be renamed Isla Tropicale and expanded to include a pool with a swim up bar and cabanas. Future enhancements will also include an expanded beach and a beach club. (Photo by Carnival Cruise Line)
Loyalty:
Duffy rounded out the event by confirming that Carnival will be enhancing its existing loyalty program, the details of which are expected to be announced this summer, with enhancements taking effect in 2026.
“Carnival has an incredibly loyal and passionate fan base who are advocates for our brand, our crew and the amazing vacations we deliver. We’ve had our existing VIFP loyalty recognition program in place since 2012 and as our fleet and business has grown, so has the VIFP program,” she said. “As we continue to grow, we are modifying the program to unlock greater value and engagement for our loyal guests.”
Duffy said updates will be announced this summer, giving guests and travel advisors plenty of time to learn about the changes.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Carnival Cruise Line recently revealed a ton of new information about what’s ahead for the cruise line: new ships, new deployments, and an all-new waterpark at sea–the largest for the company.
Cruise Fever attended a press event aboard Carnival Celebration in Miami today, during which Carnival unveiled some bold plans for the family-oriented cruise line and its lineup of ships.
Among the announcements were the names of their fourth and fifth Excel-class ships—Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale—set to debut in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
While these will be Excel-class ships, there will be one very noticeable change from previous builds: no more BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
Instead, Carnival is introducing something entirely new: Sunsation Point, a new area with a massive, family-focused waterpark that will be the biggest the cruise line has ever had on a cruise ship.
Family Cruising at the Focus of the 3-Deck Water Park
In a candid discussion between Carnival’s beloved Brand Ambassador John Heald and President Christine Duffy, the conversation focused on the new water park.
When Heald asked, “What’s happening instead of BOLT? What have we got?” Duffy explained a few things about the new addition that caught my attention.
“So, we’re replacing BOLT on these two sister ships with something we’re calling Sunsation Point,” Duffy explained. “This will be three outdoor decks where we continue to have our main, you know, mini golf, the ropes course—all the things that people like on the outdoor decks—but an expansion of what we’re going to call WaterWorks Ultra.”
This isn’t just any water park. Duffy emphasized that Sunsation Point will house “the largest WaterWorks that we will have at Carnival,” featuring four brand-new slides and a family rafting experience that promises to thrill guests of all ages.
“We’ve added four new slides. We also have family rafting!” she stated. “So, this is really leaning into the fact that we sail more families, more kids, than any other cruise line. Sunsation Point is just going to be over the top with activities and fun for families and people of all ages.”
More Than Just a Water Park
What sets Sunsation Point apart isn’t just how big it is—it’s the way Carnival is changing “the rules” about water parks. Beyond the slides and water features, the area will include a dedicated arcade and games zone, separate from the ship’s main arcade, offering even more entertainment options.
But the real magic happens after dark. Yes, the waterpark will even be open at night!
“We’re actually going to have special arcade and games that are separate from our regular arcade on the ship,” Duffy shared. “And then, [the] really exciting thing—and it looks amazing, the pictures that I’ve seen—is that this will be open on certain evenings during the cruise, with entertainment in these areas. So, people will be able to use WaterWorks at night, the pool will be open, and there’ll be special entertainment on select evenings.”
Colorful lights illuminating the waterpark, families splashing under the stars, and live entertainment creating a festive vibe–it’s a bold change from the typical daytime-only waterpark model, and it’s clear Duffy is thrilled about the future plans for these new ships.
“I can see how excited you are,” Heald told Duffy during the interview.
A Perfect Fit for Carnival’s Family-First Philosophy
Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale are doubling down on family-focused cruising. Carnival Festivale, set to homeport in Port Canaveral starting in 2027, will feature 1,000 connecting cabins—70% more than the current Excel-class ships in service—making it easier than ever for families to travel together.
Looking Ahead
Sunsation Point is just one part of Carnival’s future plans. Alongside the Excel-class ships, the cruise line teased Project Ace—a new class of 230,000-gross-ton ships debuting in 2029—and major additions to destinations like the newly renamed Isla Tropicale Roatan (formerly Mahogany Bay).
But for families eagerly awaiting their next Carnival adventure, Sunsation Point promises to be a welcome addition the to many choices in Carnival’s fleet.
As Christine Duffy put it during the press event, “The excitement and energy continue at Carnival!” With Sunsation Point already making headlines, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale are getting Carnival fans excited and may win over some new cruisers as well.
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Carnival Cruise Line held a press event today on Carnival Celebration in Miami where they announced the names of new cruise ships, future deployment plans, first details on a new class of ships, and the renaming of one of their ports in the Caribbean.
The Excel class from Carnival Cruise Line
Here is a look at all of the announcements made today by Carnival Cruise Line. Note, we will be adding renderings of all the changes later this evening so stay tuned for that.
New Ship Names
Carnival announced the names of their 4th and 5th Excel class ships that will debut in 2027 and 2028. The ships will be named Carnival Festivale will Carnival Tropicale.
The cruise line also announced that even though they will be Excel class ships, they will not have BOLT, the world’s first cruise ship roller coaster, on the top deck.
Instead, Carnival is building a massive waterpark that will be the most “family friendly waterpark at sea”. It will also be open at night on several nights of the cruise with colorful lights.
Carnival Festivale will homeport in Port Canaveral with the homeport of Carnival Tropicale being announced at a later time.
Carnival Festivale will have 1,000 connecting cabins, 70% more than the class has now.
Project Ace
Project Ace will be a new class of Carnival cruise ships that will be in the area of 230,000 gross tons each, the largest ever build by the cruise line. They will carry 8,000 guests with the first one debuting in 2029. Following ships will debut in 2031 and 2033.
Carnival Cruise Line said that they will have more details on this new class at a later date.
Mahogany Bay – Isla Tropicale Roatan
Mahogany Bay, Carnival’s private port in Roatan, will see several changes. A new pool will be built that has a swim up bar.
In addition to a Beach Club that will also be added, Carnival is changing the name of the port later this year to Isla Tropicale Roatan.
Carnival Paradise Collection
Carnival Paradise Collection will be three ports that Carnival is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into to make them the ultimate paradise.
The three ports that make up this collection are Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key, and Isla Tropicale Roatan.
Deployment Changes
When Carnival Festivale debuts in 2027, the cruise line will take Mardi Gras and use the ship for short cruises. Mardi Gras will sail three- and four-night cruises to The Bahamas with a stop in Celebration Key. This will mark the first time that an Excel class ship has offered shorter sailings.
Carnival also announced that they will once again start sailing year-round from Mobile, Alabama as their fleet grows.
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With the first quarter of 2025 behind us, we decided to take a look at all the cruise ship inspections conducted by the CDC this year. We analyzed all 48 inspection scores across 16 cruise lines and found an average score for each cruise line.
Average cruise line inspection scores for Q1 of 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts routine surprise inspections of cruise ships arriving at U.S. ports as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
These inspections look over a range of hygiene and sanitation practices. This article summarizes the results of these inspections conducted from January 1, 2025, to the current date, categorized by cruise line, highlighting average scores, perfect scores, and those ships that narrowly met the passing threshold of 86.
There have been recent reports that the CDC may stop inspecting cruise ships after an apparent lack of resources, but we will wait until there’s more information on that for confirmation.
Cruise Line Average CDC Scores in Q1:
Below is a breakdown of the inspection results by cruise line, ordered by average score (highest to lowest), including the number of inspections conducted and the average score for each line. This is only for inspections that took place in 2025.
Keep in mind that some cruise lines had multiple inspections while others with smaller fleets may have had only one or two, impacting the average scores.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean have had the most ship inspections by far this year.
Cruise Line
Number of Insp.
Avg. Score
Perfect 100s
86-90 Scores
Explora Journeys
1
100
1 (Explora I)
0
Disney Cruise Line
3
98.7
2 (Magic, Treasure)
0
Virgin Voyages
3
98.7
1 (Valiant Lady)
0
Norwegian Cruise Line
2
98.5
1 (Escape)
0
Margaritaville at Sea
2
98
0
0
Holland America Line
2
98
1 (Nieuw Amsterdam)
0
MSC Cruises
1
97
0
0
Saga
1
96
0
0
Carnival Cruise Line
9
95.6
3 (Freedom, Glory, Sunrise)
0
Silversea
2
95.5
0
0
Princess Cruises
6
95.3
0
0
Cunard Line
2
95
0
0
Royal Caribbean
8
94.5
0
2 (Symphony of the Seas – 86, Utopia of the Seas – 90)
Celebrity Cruises
3
94
0
0
Ritz-Carlton Yacht C.
2
93.5
0
1 (Ilma – 93)
Azamara Cruises
1
91
0
1 (Onward – 91)
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Explora Journeys
Ships Inspected: 1
Average Score: 100
Score: Explora I (100)
Notes: A single inspection earned a perfect 100, placing Explora Journeys at the top, though it’s a small sample size no doubt.
Disney Cruise Line
Ships Inspected: 3
Average Score: 98.7
Scores: Disney Dream (96), Disney Magic (100), Disney Treasure (100)
Notes: Two perfect 100s and a lowest score of 96 secure a strong second place.
Virgin Voyages
Ships Inspected: 3
Average Score: 98.7
Scores: Resilient Lady (98), Scarlet Lady (98), Valiant Lady (100)
Notes: Tied with Disney at 98.7, thanks to Valiant Lady’s perfect 100.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships Inspected: 2
Average Score: 98.5
Scores: Norwegian Escape (100), Norwegian Prima (97)
Notes: Norwegian Escape’s perfect 100 helped get a near-top-tier average.
Scores: Adventure of the Seas (94), Brilliance of the Seas (95), Liberty of the Seas (99), Oasis of the Seas (98), Serenade of the Seas (97), Symphony of the Seas (86), Utopia of the Seas (90), Wonder of the Seas (97)
Notes: Liberty of the Seas (99) excels, but Symphony of the Seas (86) and Utopia of the Seas (90) pull the average down.
Notes: Celebrity Reflection’s 98 contrasts with two 92s.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ships Inspected: 2
Average Score: 93.5
Scores: Evrima (94), Ilma (93)
Notes: Decent but not standout.
Azamara Cruises
Ships Inspected: 1
Average Score: 91
Score: Azamara Onward (91)
Notes: The lowest average, though still safely passing.
Perfect Scores: The Elite
Five ships achieved a perfect 100:
Explora I (Explora Journeys) – February 9, 2025
Disney Magic (Disney Cruise Lines) – March 2, 2025
Disney Treasure (Disney Cruise Lines) – January 11, 2025
Norwegian Escape (Norwegian Cruise Lines) – January 6, 2025
Valiant Lady (Virgin Voyages) – February 28, 2025
Barely Passed: Ships on Thin Ice
Two ships scored fairly low while still passing the 85 threshold:
Symphony of the Seas scored an 86 (February 9, 2025). This was just one point above a failing score.
Utopia of the Seas scored a 90 (February 14, 2025)
Royal Caribbean got a lot of unwanted attention after Symphony of the Seas scored the lowest mark of any cruise ship in the first quarter of 2025. There were 44 violations, including unreported vomiting and diarrhea among young cruisers, poor lighting in galleys, plumbing leaks, broken handwashing stations, and improper food storage, while Utopia of the Seas scored a 90, underperforming relative to the cruise line’s standards.
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A man who is famous in the world of cruises for being one of the most experienced cruise passengers in the world has revealed fascinating details of his life in an interview.
Mario Salcedo is particularly well known by fans of Royal Caribbean cruises, as he has spend the past 25 years essentially living on the cruise line’s fleet.
Salcedo – affectionately known as ‘Super Mario’ – has opened up on his life spent aboard cruising, after recently reaching his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean.
And unusually, he said that his most memorable cruise wasn’t a long itinerary or a super-relaxing voyage, but a rare cruise to nowhere caused by a hurricane.
Salcedo explained that he was onboard Enchantment of the Seas in 2017 when it was repurposed to evacuate Royal Caribbean’s shoreside employees and their families, embarking on a ‘four-day cruise to nowhere’ to ensure their safety away from the storm’s path.
“I believe the ship carried nearly 3,000 employees and families as she sailed out of Miami and out of harm’s way for a four-day cruise to nowhere. I may have been the only real guest onboard...
“That sailing gave me the unique opportunity to meet, chat, and socialise with many shoreside employees. It was a new and truly unforgettable experience,“
‘Super Mario’ also shared an odd side effect of his life at sea – he no longer has ‘land legs.’
I’ve lost my land legs. I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line. I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land.
The condition – formally known as mal de débarquement syndrome – is actually quite common among those who spend extended periods aboard ships.
Salcedo spends around $101,000 (roughly £81,000) annually on his cruises, preferring a balcony cabin.
His cruising lifestyle is funded by his investment management work. On occasion, the crew of certain ships have even gone as far as to set up a designated ‘Super Mario’s Office’ area on deck, complete with cordoned-off tables and chairs, marked with signs bearing his nickname.
Salcedo’s milestone 1,000th voyage was aboard the Explorer of the Seas, a ship capable of hosting 3,286 passengers.
It was a remarkable 11-night journey, departing from Miami to Panama and the southern Caribbean.
Despite reaching such an extraordinary milestone, Salcedo remains remarkably laid-back about his life at sea.
After years working in the business world and travelling for international clients, Salcedo found a more fulfilling lifestyle at sea. His first cruise in 1997 hooked him, and after trying a few different lines, he settled on Royal Caribbean for their preferred ships.
He has been living aboard their vessels almost continuously since 2000, only taking a few days ashore each year, with a brief break during the Covid-19 pandemic.
His daily routine consists of working for about five hours, followed by leisure time. “It’s zero stress,” Salcedo explained. “The best lifestyle I can find.”
Follow in Super Mario’s footsteps
Living on a cruise ship might sound like a dream come true, offering the chance to travel the world while enjoying all the perks of luxury living.
If it’s something you’d be interested in, there are a number of ways you can do it:
1. Booking back-to-back (-to-back…) cruises
One of the more accessible ways to live at sea is by booking a series of short cruises with mainstream cruise lines, back-to-back.
While this gives you flexibility in choosing itineraries, it comes with logistical challenges. For example, it’s essential to book well in advance, as popular cabins can fill up quickly, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to keep the same room across multiple sailings.
You may also need to move cabins between voyages or, in some cases, switch ships entirely. This lifestyle requires a lot of planning, and it can be stressful ensuring you always have a spot reserved.
2. World cruises
If you’re looking for a more immersive long-term experience, world cruises are an excellent choice.
These typically last several months, with some itineraries covering up to six months. However, they are not back-to-back, so once a world cruise concludes, you’d need to book another journey.
These cruises offer the convenience of staying aboard for extended periods and are often all-inclusive, but the costs can be high. While world cruises may suit those who prefer a structured schedule, the financial outlay may not be feasible for everyone.
For those seeking a truly permanent solution, residential cruise ships are designed for long-term living.
Unlike traditional cruise lines, these ships offer cabins for purchase or long-term lease, allowing you to live at sea year-round without worrying about booking new cruises constantly.
The World and Villa Vie Odyssey are two options currently sailing. These ships are aimed primarily at retirees or those looking for a lifestyle change, and they operate much like a floating community. But anyone is welcome to purchase a cabin.
There are also other newer residential ships in the pipeline, although some of these are still in the development stage.
The cost of purchasing a residence can vary, and as well as the outright purchase price there will also be annual fees for maintenance and services on top.
If you’re seeking to live on a cruise ship without the substantial costs of owning a cabin, working on board might be the most practical solution.
Crew members receive accommodation and meals as part of their employment package, making it a cost-effective way to experience life at sea.
However, working on a cruise ship comes with its own challenges, as you’ll need to work long hours with few days off. It’s far from the leisurely lifestyle most people envision when thinking about living on a cruise ship, but it could be a viable option for those willing to trade work for accommodation and meals.
While living on a cruise ship full-time is an exciting prospect for some, it requires careful planning and consideration of the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes.
Whether opting for back-to-back cruises, booking a world cruise, or investing in a residential ship, the dream of life at sea is becoming increasingly attainable for those who are willing to embrace the unique challenges it brings. And Super Mario is living proof.
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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.
Icon of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world when she launched in January 2024, and in 2025 she’s joined by sister ship Star of the Seas.
These two cruise behemoths are absolutely packed with incredible features – but how do you know which to pick?
Icon and Star aren’t identical – so let’s take a look at how they compare.
Size
The final size of Star of the Seas hasn’t been confirmed yet, but she’s described as having a gross tonnage of 250,800 and will carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy along with 2,350 crew. At maximum capacity – with every family room full – she’ll host 7,600 passengers.
Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 248,663 according to official fact lists, but all the way up to her launch she was advertised as having a gross tonnage of 250,800.
How Icon fares next to Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship
So it’ll be interesting to see if Star of the Seas is actually bigger, or if her official GT measurement will come down once she launches.
Essentially, the ships are the same size, with 20 decks in total (18 accessible to the public) and measuring 1,196 feet (364 metres) long.
Star of the Seas might measure slightly bigger when she does launch as Royal Caribbean has often liked to find the extra couple of inches or couple of hundred gross tons of space so that each new ship can be the “biggest”.
Royal Caribbean have said that the size of Star of the Seas isn’t the focus and so it may be that she is exactly the same size as Icon. We’ll see.
Both Icon and the Seas and Star of the Seas are split into different ‘Neighborhoods’, which are areas of the ship with certain theming and designed for different uses.
The Neighborhoods on the ships are the same, and they include:
The Aqua Dome – offering a large space for relaxed food and drinks during the day, and vibrant AquaTheater performances at night
Chill Island – as the name suggests, this relaxing space features swimming pools and bars just perfect for relaxing
Thrill Island – home to the waterslides, the surf simulator, a ropes course and sports facilities
The Hideaway – an adults-only space with infinity pool, dedicated bar and whirlpools
Surfside – a family-friendly area with tailored dining options, family staterooms, a splash park and more
Royal Promenade – and indoor space where you’ll be able to enjoy restaurants, shops and the huge ice rink (for guests to use, and with live skating shows too)
Central Park – an actual park with thousands of real plants, along with shops, bars and restaurants
The Suite Neighborhood – the exclusive part of the ship where the suites are housed, as well as a private sundeck and restaurant for suite guests only.
Despite the ships having the same Neighborhoods, one of them is getting an overhaul, and that’s Surfside.
On Icon of the Seas, Surfside aimed primarily at 0-6 year olds, but on Star of the Seas that’ll change so that kids up to 10 years old can fully enjoy the space.
This means that Splashaway Bay and Playscape, the splash park and play area, will get some new features aimed at older kids, while Water’s Edge will be incorporated more into the family-friendly spaces.
On Icon of the Seas, Water’s Edge was meant to be more of a space for parents, but the cruise line has seen families using it as more of an extension of the kids’ areas, and so is leaning into that for Star.
There are other smaller tweaks in the Neighborhoods too and more could be announced – things like The Pearl in the Royal Promenade which will get more dynamic lighting options.
Broadly, though, the ships have a very similar experience.
Staterooms and suites
When it comes to accommodation, both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas offer a broad range of staterooms and suites to suit different budgets and preferences. The layout and categories remain largely the same, with options including:
Interior Staterooms – the most affordable option, these cabins have no windows
Ocean View Staterooms – slightly larger rooms with windoes that look out to sea
Balcony Staterooms – including those facing Surfside or Central Park, and those with an ocean-facing balcony
Infinite Ocean View Balconies – a newer design where the balcony seamlessly integrates into the room, similar to a floor-to-ceiling window that opens partially.
Suites – including Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Owner’s Suites, and the top-tier Royal Loft Suites, each offering increasing levels of luxury and exclusive access to suite-only areas.
The core offering remains consistent, but there are a couple of notable changes for Star of the Seas.
We know that Royal Caribbean is going to test facial recognition stateroom doors on Star of the Seas.
This was an idea the cruise line had in play just before everything shut down in 2020, but it will be implemented in a small capacity on Star of the Seas.
The cruise line has confirmed it’s a pilot scheme and that only some staterooms will offer this – but it’ll be cool if it all works!
The other significant update is to the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the extravagant three-story suite designed for large families looking for the ultimate cruise experience.
The Ultimate Family Townhouse debuted on Icon of the Seas as the most expensive suite at sea, featuring an in-suite slide, a dedicated movie-viewing room, a karaoke machine, and a private “backyard” with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a white picket fence leading directly to Surfside.
For Star of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is getting a refresh. While specific details haven’t been shared, the cruise line has confirmed that the suite will get an “uplift” with a “new look,” based on guest feedback from Icon of the Seas.
Restaurants
Once again, the majority of dining venues across both ships will remain unchanged and guests on both ships can enjoy a huge variety of casual and formal options.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the Lincoln Park Supper Club. This is a sequel to the Empire Supper Club, shifting the focus from its original glitzy New York theme to a Chicago-inspired experience.
The concept remains the same – an intimate fine dining venue with a themed menu and live music, but it’ll now be influenced by Chicago’s rich culinary and cultural scene.
Royal Caribbean is also looking to improve Aquadome Market for Star of the Seas, already one of the most well-received complimentary dining options on Icon of the Seas. Located within the AquaDome Neighborhood, the market currently features five food stands offering a variety of options, from chicken pita wraps to bacon mac and cheese.
While the fundamentals will remain unchanged, the cruise line has said it will be testing ways to refine and enhance the offerings for Star of the Seas and future ships. Exciting!
And the other major dining change is the overhaul of Pier 7. This venue, located in the Surfside Neighborhood, currently serves California-inspired cuisine and offers a kids-eat-free program.
While many guests have left positive reviews, Royal Caribbean sees it as a flexible space and is planning a new offering, or at least some significant changes.
The final decision on Pier 7’s replacement has not yet been announced, as the cruise line continues to test different ideas. But I doubt it’ll be something radically different in terms of cost, even if the cuisine completely changes.
Bars, lounges, activities & entertainment
Icon of the Seas has a great variety of bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink and relax, and so far the cruise line hasn’t announced any major changes to those.
So, guests on both ships can take their pick from popular bar spaces such as:
The Lime and Coconut bars
Swim & Tonic, the largest swim-up bar at sea
Schooner Bar – a classical musical-themed bar
Trellis Bar – a chilled spot in Central Park perfect for champagne
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Plus loads, loads more!
Activities onboard are very similar too, including surf simulators, rock climbing, ice skating, karaoke, the casino, mini golf, the ropes course… the list feels endless!
One change, which may seem minor but it’ll have a big impact, is the addition of one more hot tub on the outdoor deck near the AquaDome Market.
It was originally intended for Icon of the Seas but was removed from plans due to concerns over the water weight of the ship – but they found that Icon’s so far within acceptable margins that it can be reinstated for Star of the Seas. Even one extra hot tub will help during busy days when pool space is at a premium.
The biggest changes for activities will come in the redesigned Surfside as already covered, and in bigger changes to the kids clubs onboard.
The cruise line has said that nothing’s being removed compared to Icon, but Star will have more ‘analog play’ toys, instead of the heavy reliance on video games and other digital entertainment.
The teen spaces will get a revamp, with more of a focus on spaces just to meet up before the older kids can explore the ship and feel more like adults, so there’ll be a focus on more activities in different parts of the ship.
And of course, the entertainment onboard will be different too. The full schedule for Star of the Seas hasn’t been announced but we know that, instead of The Wizard of Oz which you’ll find on Icon, guests will be able to enjoy Back to the Future: The Musical – that was a popular announcement!
Ultimately, you’ll have a hard time managing to tick off even half of the activities and entertainment on each ship during your cruise – there’s just so much.
What a shame that it just means you’ll need to book another one…
Itineraries
In terms of the itineraries being offered by both ships, they are almost identical. Both are sailing 7-night cruises to both the eastern and western parts of the Caribbean, with tips to the private resorts of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.
The key difference is the departure ports, with Icon sailing from Miami and Star sailing from Port Canaveral.
That matters, because Royal Caribbean wants to position Star of the Seas as a sort of alternative option to the theme parks close to Port Canaveral – a rival for Universal and Disney, essentially.
And even if it’s not clashing, it’s an option to capitalise on the family holidays in the region, with people having the chance to spend a week ashore at the big parks either before or after they cruise.
Is there a winner?
There’s no way that you can definitively say that either Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas is better than the other because they are probably 95% the same ship.
And with the differences, it’s often subjective. If you’re travelling with younger kids under 6 then they might prefer Surfside on Icon, while families with kids aged 7-10 may love the newer one on Star.
You’ll have a very similar experience onboard both ships, so just see which dates and itineraries work best for you – unless you’re someone who absolutely must see either Wizard of Oz or Back to the Future when you’re onboard!
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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.
Two cruise influencers have revealed how much they spend on average while living on a residential cruise ship.
Angela and Steve are living onboard Villa Vie Odyssey and are documenting their cruise experiences on their YouTube channel, MidLife Cruising.
They’ve been discussing the costs of their unique lifestyle, from daily expenses in port to larger excursions, and breaking it all down for their followers.
Their January budget sheds light on the real costs of this lifestyle, offering valuable insight for anyone dreaming of sailing the world full-time.
Breaking down the costs
Angela and Steve meticulously tracked their spending throughout January while cruising through South America, visiting ports in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Their total expenditure for the month, including excursions, meals, and daily essentials, came to $1,940.97.
However, once they excluded the cost of a major trip to Machu Picchu, their monthly spend on day-to-day living was $1,388.71.
This amount covered everything from food and shopping to excursions and souvenirs. Notably, they spent some days at sea without spending a penny, which helped keep costs down.
Excursions and activities
One of the biggest expenses for the couple was excursions. For instance, they took a boat tour in Peru for just $40, an incredibly budget-friendly way to see wildlife, including penguins and sea lions.
However, their largest excursion, a 20-hour tour of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, set them back $360 for the two of them. While expensive, they deemed it well worth the money for the breathtaking scenery and unique experiences.
Food and shopping
One of the fun aspects of cruising full-time is dining out in different countries. They often grabbed local pastries, coffee, and small meals while in port. In Ushuaia, Argentina, they visited a popular local bakery for $22.76, which included churros and alfajores.
Their grocery shopping expenses were minimal since meals on the ship are included in their maintenance fees.
However, they did pick up snacks, toiletries, and other essentials, such as toothpaste (which they noted was surprisingly expensive in Argentina).
Unexpected costs
One category of expenses that some may not consider is cash withdrawals and transaction fees.
Fortunately, Angela and Steve use a Charles Schwab account, which refunds ATM fees at the end of each month. In January, they received $22.53 in refunded fees, helping to offset some of their costs.
Tipping is another consideration.
While gratuities are included in their monthly maintenance fee, the couple still provides additional tips to their favourite crew members, estimating that they spend $100 per month in discretionary gratuities.
Overall monthly cost
In total, excluding all of the costs of their major trip to Machu Picchu, their cost of living on the ship for January was $1,388.71.
If they factor in their mobile phone plan, which costs $46.24 per month, their grand total rises to $1,462.40.
This means they spent roughly $47.60 per day living on a cruise ship, which, when compared to land-based living expenses, is quite reasonable.
Of course, this amount does not include their monthly maintenance fee, which varies depending on the type of cabin.
Prices on the Villa Vie Odyssey range from $2,500 per month for a single person in an inside cabin to $11,000 for a suite. And that’s after they have paid for the room itself.
As early investors, Angela and Steve secured a lower rate, though their exact figures remain undisclosed due to an NDA they signed.
Future plans and more adventures
Their journey is far from over! In the coming months, they have big trips planned, including a visit to the famous Iguazu Falls, spanning both Argentina and Brazil.
Additionally, they will be venturing into the Amazon before making a short trip back to Nicaragua to check on their home.
For those curious about what it’s like to live full-time on a cruise ship, Angela and Steve continue to document their experiences on their YouTube channel, MidLife Cruising.
They plan to track their expenses again in the coming months to give their viewers even more insight into the costs of this unique lifestyle.
Want to follow along on their adventure? Be sure to check out their channel for regular updates on life at sea, budgeting tips, and travel inspiration!
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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.
MSC Group’s Cruise Division officially inaugurated the new MSC Barcelona Cruise Terminal on the first call of EXPLORA II at the new terminal – the second ship from the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand Explora Journeys.
Dignitaries who attended the commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony included Jose Antonio Santano Clavero, the Spanish government’s State Secretary for Transport and Sustainable Mobility; Central Government Delegate Carlos Prieto; Fourth Deputy Mayor for the Area of Economy, Tax, Economic Promotion, and Tourism, Jordi Valls; Albert Dalmau, Minister of the Presidency of the Government of Catalonia; and Jose Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona along with Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group; Gianluca Suprani SVP Global Port Development, MSC Cruises; and Anna Nash, Global President, Explora Journeys.
New MSC Barcelona Terminal
“Barcelona has been a strategic partner for MSC Group for more than four decades and for MSC Cruises for more than 25 years, and our commitment is unwavering. The new terminal is not just an investment in modern port infrastructure but demonstrates that we are aligned with the city’s strategy for a more balanced and sustainable model of tourism, all whilst bringing positive economic benefits to the region. We look forward to this new chapter with the Port of Barcelona as our guests from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys enjoy the benefits of this modern, innovative, and sustainable cruise facility.” said Pierfrancesco Vago.
The landmark terminal was designed by the renowned Catalonian architecture firm Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura. This avant-garde building provides continuity with the cruise experience. From the moment passengers arrive, they set out on a seamless journey that reflects the elegance, comfort, and service they will find on board.
The retail area, the spacious waiting lounge with generous seating, and the exclusive VIP lounge for our premium and luxury guests create an elevated pre-boarding experience with privileged views. Outside, ceramic cladding pays tribute to Barcelona’s rich Gaudi-inspired artistic history with a color inspired by the sea.
Carefully designed with a strong focus on environmental features and energy efficiency, the terminal incorporates energy-saving technologies and sustainable materials. This includes solar panels and optimized natural light to minimize the need for artificial lighting, along with a rainwater collection system to supply water for toilets and landscaped areas to reduce water usage. The terminal has achieved Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Shore-to-ship power connectivity will be available in 2027 when docked ships can switch off their engines, connect to the local power grid, and eliminate emissions in port.
This Summer, Five Ships Will Use New Terminal
This summer, MSC Cruises will have a choice of five ships offering embarkation in Barcelona – MSC World Europa, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Magnifica, and MSC Orchestra as part of their sailings in the Mediterranean Sea. Luxury ship EXPLORA II will regularly call in summer with Barcelona as one of her main homeports.
Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA II will sail through the enchanting waters of the Western Mediterranean this summer, offering a series of immersive journeys that begin or end in the vibrant city of Barcelona. From the sun-kissed shores of Sardinia to the colorful harbors of the French Riviera and the storied coastlines of Italy, each itinerary blends relaxed luxury with rich cultural discovery. On board, guests enjoy refined European elegance, ocean-inspired wellness, and curated experiences designed to deepen their connection to the sea and each destination.
