Carnival Corrects Wrong Information Being Spread About Muster Drills
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, posted a short video on his Facebook page this morning correcting wrong information being spread by YouTubers, TikTokers and some cruise news websites.
Fake news was spreading how Carnival Cruise Line was returning to the way they did muster drills before 2021. Instead of everyone going to the their muster station anytime from embarkation until sailaway at their own convenience, all guests would have to do it at the same time once again.
However, this is not true. Carnival is not going back to the way they used to do muster drills.
Heald said the following during the three minute video:
“Are returning to the old way of doing the lifeboat drill, muster station, or whatever you like to call it? The answer is no, here is the truth. Approximately every six months, we will on every ship, do a full muster. We’re required to do this within regulations from U.S. Coast Guard.”
Guests who are booked on one of the cruises that will have to do the full muster drill will receive an email before their cruise letting them know.
For every other Carnival cruise, the muster still will continue to be a self-mustering process.
You can watch the full three minute video from John Heald below as he explains everything you need to know about Carnival’s muster drills.
Carnival Sunshine’s Departure Delayed from Norfolk Due to Storm
A storm system sweeping across Virginia has delayed the departure of a Carnival Cruise Line ship on Sunday.
Carnival Sunshine’s scheduled departure from Norfolk’s cruise port has been postponed after arriving in the port on Sunday following an 8-day Eastern Caribbean voyage. The 3,000-passenger ship was originally slated to depart on a 6-day Bahamas itinerary on Sunday afternoon.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the departure has been rescheduled for 7:00 a.m. Monday. This adjustment is a direct result of a cold front currently moving across the area, bringing with it adverse weather conditions that have already impacted a large portion of the United States.
“We are monitoring a cold front which is impacting the Norfolk area,” stated Caro Ferrer, senior manager of communications for Carnival Cruise Line. “The storm is now producing strong winds and rain that require us to delay our departure.”
The decision to delay the departure was made to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. While the debarkation of previous passengers and the boarding of new passengers proceeded as scheduled on Sunday, the storm forced the cruise line to change the departure timing.
According to Carnival, one of the planned stops in the Bahamas will be canceled. While Ferrer confirmed the itinerary alteration, the specific port of call to be removed has not yet been disclosed.
Three ports of call had been on Sunshine’s itinerary for this 6-day voyage which included Nassau, Bimini, and Freeport. The ship is scheduled to arrive back in Norfolk on March 22 when an 8-day sailing will begin on the vessel.
Itineraries for cruise ships are always subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances as the safety of passengers comes first.
Carnival Sunshine has only been sailing out of Norfolk as a homeport since last month. The ship has recently been repositioned from Charleston, after the cruise line’s contract expired with the South Carolina port.
Royal Caribbean Adds New Skip-the-Line Shore Excursions
Royal Caribbean has launched “Royal Signature Excursions” in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe that are promising to be once-in-a-lifetime memories and will allow you to skip lines.
This collection of new shore excursions on Royal Caribbean cruise ships will have expert local guides and renowned service. They are designed to immerse you in local culture and include premium transportation, skip-the-line privileges and smaller groups.
Royal Signature Excursions will be available to book in the following ports:
- Caribbean: St. Thomas, St. Maarten and St. Kitts
- Alaska: Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Sitka
- Europe: Florence/Pisa, Naples, Rome, Mykonos and Santorini
Royal Caribbean gave the following description for these new experiences that you book on one of their cruise ships:
“Expert local guides and renowned service are standard on every Royal Signature Excursion, complemented with elevated benefits and amenities that range from small group sizes to premium transportation to foodie-favorite flavors.
“From dipping their toes into cliffside hot springs in Santorini to sipping crisp champagne as their catamaran glides through crystal clear Caribbean waters — this is where unforgettable begins.”
The group size varies by tour but if the excursion is a small group experience, it will be noted as such.
Right now, they are only offered in English and many of them include a meal or snack.
Royal Signature Excursions are available on a first come, first served basis and there is no waiting list.
Royal Caribbean said that they created these new shore excursions so they can showcase the best of every region that they sail to. They handpicked a select number of tours that capture the essence and unique offerings of that destination.
These new tours can be found by using the shore excursion filter and selecting “All Interest and Royal Signature Excursions. They will also be available to book on the ship at the Shore Excursions Deck.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Reveals Epicurean Expedition Chefs & Culinary Experts For 2025 European Season
Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced an impressive lineup of chefs and culinary experts for its upcoming 2025 Epicurean Expeditions. Guests exploring Europe will be immersed in each destination’s culture, cuisine, and wines aboard an intimate yacht for under 200 guests. Visiting boutiques and iconic ports across the region, culinary demonstrations and tastings onboard will be led by guest chefs and experts. Ashore, local guides will showcase farmers’ markets, sample regional cuisine, and discover the culinary culture of ports firsthand. Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions, guests will indulge in the Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7Aft Grill, a Yachtsman Cookoff challenge, culinary presentations, wine tastings, and more. Select expeditions will feature events hosted by a Taste & Traditions Expert, providing insights into cultural heritage. Culinary Experts for the 2025 season include:
Chef Paulette Mitchell
Expeditions: World Traveller: April 15, 2025
Chef Paulette Mitchell, author of 14 cookbooks, is internationally renowned for her series “The 15-Minute Gourmet.” Several of her books have received prestigious Gourmand World Media Awards. She is a culinary instructor, food and travel writer, photographer, and recipe developer for websites and various publications. Aboard our Epicurean Expedition, she will engage explorers with culinary presentations, including the Mediterranean diet as a way of life, showcasing fresh and natural ingredients sourced from local markets. Her cooking demonstrations will also highlight the regional use of herbs, spices, and distinctive flavorings in traditional Italian dishes and easy-to-prepare recipes for typical Greek cuisine that you can replicate at home.
Anna Wilamowska
Expeditions: World Navigator: April 20, 2025
Pastry Chef Anna Wilamowska is a talented French pastry chef and chocolatier and has trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and French pastry boutiques. Her passion for pastry is evident in every bite of her delectable creations. Chef Wilamowska collaborates with local artists and sculptors, adding artistic flair to her desserts. Her commitment to quality is unwavering, and she only uses the finest ingredients and caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering delicious vegan and gluten-free desserts.
Chef Ippy Aiona
Expedition: World Voyager: May 27, 2025
Chef Philip “Ippy” Aiona hails from “The Big Island” and has a heritage of Italian American and Native Hawaiian. His cuisine is deeply rooted in the traditions of his Italian heritage and Hawaiian upbringing, masterfully blending this cultural richness with playful creativity and flair for an exquisite experience from start to finish. A culinary prodigy, he graduated top of his class from Le Cordon Bleu, San Francisco, and at 23 years old, he gained national acclaim as the youngest finalist on Food Network’s “Food Network Star,” followed by a feature in Forbes Magazine’s Food & Wine “30 under 30.”
Mara Papatheodorou
Expeditions: World Navigator: June 7, July 20, 28 (President’s Cruise), 2025; World Voyager May 27, 2025, September 1, 2025
Master Foodie™ Mara Papatheodorou is a nationally established entertaining specialist. As a culinary specialist and historian, she highlights the diverse stories and connections of cuisine and culture worldwide through facts, flavors, flair and folklore. As a 12-year editor at Bon Appétit Magazine, Mara scouted and produced the “Entertaining with Style” section that highlighted how real people entertain around the world. She was the producer of their award-winning annual international Special Collector’s Editions that highlight Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Mediterranean Islands and the British Isles. She works as a Tastes & Traditions expert with food companies and Master Chefs developing recipes, menus and promotional consumer campaigns.
Chef Jeff Durham
Expeditions: World Navigator: June 7, 14, 2025
Jeff’s winemaking journey began in his family’s vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, learning the art of grape growing on their 22-acre plot. His hospitality roots grew deeper as he worked as a busboy in local valley restaurants. A true Napa Valley native, he balances their wine endeavors with community involvement, including six years serving on the Yountville Town Council. His connection to hospitality and design shines through at the Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, where he transforms family heirlooms and unique pieces into treasures throughout their wine and hospitality space. When he’s not sharing his hospitality expertise or entertaining guests, you’ll find him practicing his newest pursuit — learning the clarinet.
Attimo Winery CEO Jon Schlegel
Expedition: World Navigator: July 12, 2025; World Voyager October 11, 2025
Jon Schlegel completed his first dream of opening a restaurant by age 30 when he founded Snooze, an A.M Eatery whose motto was, “It only takes a moment to make a difference.” He then moved on to his second dream – living abroad before he turned 40. He and his family moved to Monforte d’Alba in Piemonte, Italy, in 2013 and settled on the Ginestra Hill with their own small Barolo vineyard. There, Jon worked and learned from wine-producing families with generations of experience.
Chef Luciana Berry
Expeditions: World Navigator: July 12, 20, 2025
Luciana Berry, “Top Chef Brazil 2020,” showcases the exotic flavors and ingredients that are integral to Brazilian cuisine. She is an ambassador of Brazilian cuisine and culture in UK. Mixing modern and classic cooking techniques to deliver impressive yet subtle tastes from a country which until now few other chefs have successfully exploited. Luciana travels to many countries with Brazilian Fruit Association to the biggest Fruit Shows in the world to showcase the best Brazilian tropical fruits.
Chef Bobby Marcotte
Expeditions: World Navigator: July 28, 2025 (Presidents Cruise)
Chef Bobby Marcotte is the creator of the award-winning Hop + Grind, Rise + Grind, and Barn at Merry Hill. His restaurants have appeared on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and he has competed on “Tournament of Champions” and “Fire Masters Canada.” Since becoming Executive Chef of The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery in 2013, he has led the restaurant to earn multiple accolades, including recognition as one of Food Network’s “Best Steakhouses in America.” Starting as a dishwasher at 14, he advanced to sous chef within three years and became head chef by 21.
Chef Peter Campell
Expeditions: World Navigator: July 28, 2025 (Presidents Cruise)
Chef Peter Campbell, a master pizza chef, has appeared on shows like “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.” In 2021, he launched an interactive cooking class, Pizza with Pete, to connect with pizza enthusiasts. He started Red Wagon Pizza Company in Minneapolis in 2012 as a mobile pizzeria, and opened a stand-alone restaurant in 2014. Now, Red Wagon Pizza Company ships bake-at-home pizzas nationwide, sharing his family tradition across the US.
Chef Massimo Capra
Expedition: World Navigator: September 1, 2025
Canadian celebrity Chef Massimo Capra is best known for his roles as host on his own television series “Gourmet Escapes,” judge on “Chopped Canada” and chef-host of “Restaurant Makeover” – the last two both popular on the Food Network. He is the owner of Massimo’s Italian at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel and Boccone at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, as well as his namesake restaurant, Capra’s Kitchen, in his hometown of Mississauga, Ontario. Chef Capra is the author of “One Pot Italian” and “3 Chefs: The Kitchen Men,” which received the gold Canadian Culinary Book Award in 2011.
Chef Stephan Pyles
Expedition: World Navigator: September 27, 2025
Stephan Pyles, 2-time James Beard award winner, celebrated chef and founding father of Southwestern Cuisine, shares his culinary legacy and passion for hospitality. He is a 4-time cookbook author and host of the Emmy-award winning PBS cooking series “New Tastes from Texas.” He has cooked for 6 American presidents, 7 First Ladies, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades and numerous prestigious awards, Chef Pyles brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the dining experiences aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Chef Paula Lambert
Expedition: World Navigator: September 27, 2025
Join Chef Paula Lambert, a pioneering artisanal cheesemaker and founder of Dallas Mozzarella Company, which has been crafting cheese for over 40 years. Named one of the Top 50 Cheesemakers in America by Food & Wine Magazine in 2022, her company produces over 30 artisanal cheeses. She is the author of “The Cheese Lover’s Cookbook and Guide” and “Cheese, Glorious Cheese!” Her accolades include being featured in the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America and receiving the Career Achievement Award from Mary Baldwin University. She also conducts cooking classes across the US and Europe.
Chef Plum
Expedition: World Navigator: October 22, 2025
Chef Plum is the executive producer and host of the PBS series “Restaurant Road Trip,” which has received three New England Emmy nominations. He also produces the acclaimed video series “On the Road” with Edible Magazine, highlighting the origins of food with a comedic twist. Additionally, he hosts “Plumluvfoods Live,” a popular podcast in iTunes’ top 200 food category, featuring over 300 episodes, and regularly contributes to Fox Business and Great Day CT.
Chef Christy Rost
Expedition: World Navigator: October 11, 2025
Chef Christy Rost is the nationally televised host of the cooking and lifestyle series At Home with Christy Rost on Amazon Fire, Apple TV+, Roku, and other platforms. Her one-hour holiday production A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving has been featured on PBS and CREATE TV since 2009, reaching 91 percent of U.S. households. Christy was mentored by Master Chef Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook (PBS) and her early career garnered the guidance of Julia Child. Christy has lived in Paris and her menus are influenced by her travels and conversations with farmers, vintners, distillers, and culinary artisans. Her cookbooks and TV productions are a testament to her passion for celebrating each day around the table.
For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady Prepares For Her Debut, Pulling Back The Curtain On New, Showstopping Entertainment
When Virgin Voyages’ newest Lady Ship sails into the New York harbour this September, fans and First Mates alike can expect the brand’s award-winning entertainment line-up to be, in a word – Brilliant. Shaped by First Mate (travel advisor) and Sailor feedback, the brand’s commitment to continuous innovation is showcased through Virgin Voyages’ new entertainment, introducing even more comedy, live music and immersive storytelling.
Designed to keep pace with the ship’s adventurous spirit, Brilliant Lady will debut seven electrifying, original productions and a variety of new Happenings, a move heavily influenced by the brand’s high proportion of repeat Sailors – a figure that’s up to more than 60% on some voyages. Brilliant Lady will also set the stage for day-to-night entertainment with the return of fleet favorites, all designed to complement the ship’s longer itineraries and diverse destinations. For clients seeking even greater variety in their voyages or wanting to explore the brand on a deeper level, Brilliant Lady’s new routes range from five to 16 nights. Not only can travelers explore new destinations like Bermuda’s pink shores and Alaska’s glacial fjords, but the festival-like Happenings line-up is designed to be anything but dull.
“Brilliant Lady has so much in store for our Sailors and travel advisors. The new incredible additions to our entertainment is just the first reveal in a series of imaginative experiences we’re unveiling for our fourth and final ship,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Our brand has come so far since our launch in ‘21, and we’re grateful to our travel advisor community for being such an important part of our journey. Thanks to their valuable feedback, we’re constantly challenging ourselves to raise the bar by offering more entertainment and never-before-seen experiences. Not only will Brilliant’s entertainment take us to the next level, but it will also answer the areas where we needed to grow.”
With Resilient Lady having earned the 2025 USA Today 10Best award for “Best Entertainment at Sea,” Brilliant Lady will ride this wave of success as she makes her debut this fall. Harnessing the power of the Virgin brand and Richard Branson’s heydays as a music exec, Brilliant Lady’s entertainment strategy reflects Virgin Voyages’ growth and evolution from an industry disruptor to the No. 1 cruise line in the world. Aboard Brilliant Lady, decadent supper club affairs turn into comedic whodunit murder mysteries, culminating in electric parties that glow all night.
Red Room Shows
Red Hot – A high-energy musical revue tracing Virgin’s 50-year legacy through five decades of iconic hits from Virgin Records’ musical catalogue. Featuring archival clips and inspired by the rebellious spirit of Sir Richard Branson, there is something for everyone with this jukebox.
Out of Time – A creative collaboration between Virgin Voyages and No Ceilings, this time-traveling comedy is a wild ride through history thanks to Dr. Victoria Vortex’s time machine. When things go off-track, the road back makes its way through a cavalcade of music, fashion, dazzling flappers and a few acrobatic cavemen.
The Manor Shows
Up With a Twist – Inspired by the roaring 20s is this decadent new installment of Virgin Voyages’ Supper Club Series. Sailors find themselves at Lady Valentina’s Emporium of Excess, which offers both elevated dining and high-concept characters on the menu. Alongside a live band, vintage numbers from yesteryear and summer soundtrack favorites are given a modern twist with audience members even having a say in the show’s ending.
Murder in the Manor – Heavily influenced by today’s true crime fascination and 1980s murder mystery novels, this immersive theater performance blends spectacle, spooky mystery and incredible dancing. Created by No Ceilings, this show puts Sailors front & center. They’ll be tasked with assisting the hapless investigators who seem to keep missing the most obvious clues. Together, they’ll help a plain-Jane figure out who killed her rockstar twin sister.
Duets – A showcase of soulful duets across generations and genres, this stage show features Motown, classic rock and contemporary ballads, all performed with jazz-infused arrangements.
Electric – Dive into the depths of Brilliant Lady’s immersive UV wonderland. Teeming with fluorescent accents, UV reactive ‘fits,’ neon face paint and even a jellyfish parade, this electric dance party is pure luminous joy. Of course, this epic glow party wouldn’t be complete without the Electric Slide (boogie, woogie, woogie).
Disco Reimagined – Studio 72 is getting a major upgrade in this reimagined take on a disco party. Dance breaks and circus moments take hold in a 90-minute explosion of sequins, flared pants and acrobatics so good Sailors will gasp.
Reimagined Fleet Favorites
Scarlet Night Red Room Glow Up – The night that celebrates the octopus goddess and reigns supreme above all others is getting an indoor glow-up when Brilliant Lady makes her way to Alaska’s woody shores. On nights too cool for an under-the-stars, poolside affair, the Red Room will come alive with specialized programming designed to keep the energy as high as it would be outdoors.
Duel Reality – The fleet’s acrobatic flagship returns to Brilliant Lady with its high-flying acrobatics and breathtaking aerial feats. A modern take on Romeo and Juliet, Duel Reality made history as the first cruise ship production to go from sea to land, debuting in Boston last year.
All Four Ships In The Caribbean
For the first time ever, the entire fleet is making waves with a Caribbean takeover this fall. Voyages promise visits to the world’s most popular islands and feature late stays and overnights, a cruise experience that is distinctly Virgin. All four Lady Ships will sail in the same region, equating to more choice for travelers with 28 incredible ports and 44 unique itineraries currently on sale. Longer itineraries of 10+ nights explore the hidden gems of the southern Caribbean while Virgin’s five- to eight-night mid-length voyages often include a stop at the exclusive Beach Club in Bimini, a Sailor favorite. Direct access to Miami and San Juan from major international hubs make it easier than ever for clients and Circles (groups) to set sail with Virgin, while competitive commissions on the voyage fare and bookables (and no NCFs) make it a win-win for advisors.
For more information or to book a voyage, visit www.virginvoyages.com or contact a First Mate (travel advisor).
7 Reasons to Take a Cruise on Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises is a small cruise line with two ships in their fleet. I recently took my first cruise with them, a seven-night cruise in the Arabian Gulf. You can read my first impressions of that cruise here.
Celestyal Cruises invited me with a small group of journalists so we can experience first hand what they have to offer. By the end of the week I walked away impressed, wanting to come back.
After spending seven nights on Celestyal Journey, here are my personal seven reasons to take a cruise with Celestyal Cruises.
Itineraries
Since the cruise line only has two ships in their fleet, they don’t offer a wide range of itineraries. However, they make up for it with the quality of their itineraries.
The currently offer cruises around Greece/Italy and in the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf). One of the things that I love the most is that you are in port every single day of the cruise. While they do have a sea day here and there, it is not the norm.
For their cruises in Greece, some days you get to visit two ports. You will visit one in the morning, get back on the ship for lunch, and then arrive in a second port in the afternoon.
On their four-night Iconic Greek Islands sailing, you spend one morning visiting Kusadasi, Turkey (Ephesus) and the island of Patmos in the afternoon/evening. Here’s the itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart from Athens at 1pm, arrive in Mykonos in the evening
- Day 2: Visit Kusadasi and Patmos
- Day 3: Visit Rhodes
- Day 4: Visit Heraklion and Santorini
- Day 5: Arrive back in Athens
Yes, you visit six ports on a four night cruise.
On my seven-night Desert Days sailing, we were in port every single day including two days in Dubai. Cities like Dubai really need more than one day when you’re visiting them on a cruise. I loved every single port on our cruise.
If you’re going halfway around the world to experience and see different cultures, you don’t want to spend a majority of the time on a cruise ship. With Celestyal, you’re always in port every single day so you can make the most of your time in foreign countries.
We visited Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Sir Bani Yas and Abu Dhabi. It was one of the top 10 itineraries that I’ve sailed on. They are modifying this itinerary for next season to spend more time in ports that guests love.
Celestyal offers some fantastic excursions on this itinerary.
In Dubai, we rode in a 4×4 over the sand dunes before having an incredible dinner under the stars. The next day, we went to the top of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.
On Sir Bani Yas, we took a safari through the Arabian Wildlife Park before spending the rest of the day enjoying the beach on this “private island style” port. It’s one of the most unique cruise ports I’ve ever been to and one I really want to go back and visit again.
I had several people ask me about safety and how I felt cruising in the Middle East. Throughout the entire trip, I never once felt unsafe. If anyone is on the fence about taking a cruise in this region, go for it. You won’t regret it.
And a little bonus for those who love to get their passports stamped, I racked up eight stamps and a visa sticker in the week I was there.
Crew
On the nearly 100 cruises I’ve taken in my life, the crew on Celestyal Journey was among the best I’ve ever had.
They really made you feel at home and and were so easy to connect with. Many times even as I was just walking by, I would hear a “Hey Ben” as they saw me passing. It happened all around the ship, from room stewards in the hallway to bartenders in different lounges.
The biggest surprise of the trip was when one of the girls who worked at Cafe Nation (coffee shop) got up and started to sing opera in the lounge one night. It was incredible and she had the most beautiful voice. It blew us all away.
Since the cruise line and ships are small, they really are like family.
Smaller Ships
One of the biggest benefits of smaller cruise ships is that they can visit many ports that larger vessels are unable to dock at. You tend to also get better berthing locations compared to mega ships.
Celestyal Discovery is 42,000 gross tons and Celestyal Journey is 55,000 gross tons in size.
Even though Celestyal Journey is 31 years old, you would never know it from walking around the ship. You can tell Celestyal put a lot of money into remodeling the interior of the ship.
One of the things that I really loved that I talked about in my first impressions article was the amount of public spaces the ship had.
Even though the ship was sailing at or near capacity, you couldn’t tell when you were in any of the bars or lounges. The only place that ever felt crowded was the buffet at peak times but it’s that way on pretty much every ship.
Suites
The first few days I stayed in an ocean view cabin on deck 5. I was at the very front of the ship (why I had portholes instead of a large window) and thought it was pretty spacious for standard cabin.
However, Celestyal moved me to a suite for the last four days of the cruise and it was amazing. Not only was the room large, but the balcony (photo posted earlier in this article) was huge. The balcony was bigger than some cabins I’ve had in the past.
The suite had a walk-in closet, decent size bathroom, and plenty of room to stretch out.
The bed was extremely comfortable and suites are definitely the way to go when cruising with Celestyal, although you really can’t go wrong with any cabin.
Passengers
On our cruise, there was a wide range of nationalities on board. I’m a firm believer that this helps enhance the experience when you’re cruising in other parts of the world.
Anyone who has been a reader of Cruise Fever for awhile knows that I’m a big advocate to cruise on a European cruise line when taking a cruise in Europe. This way you get the European experience and culture not only when you’re in port, but while on the ship.
This was also true on Celestyal even though English is the main language spoken on board.
Entertainment
There was a different show every single night of the cruise in the theater (Amphitheatro Show Lounge). They were similar to the 10 song and dance shows that you find on cruise ships, but they had a wider variety than I’ve ever seen.
Once night they incorporated acrobats into the production with several songs from The Greatest Showman. You could tell the guests on board really loved the shows.
There was also a nice variety of live music around the ship at night in the different lounges.
One of the biggest surprises for me is that they had a magic show one night in the lounges/bars. It was a fun time as several of the bartenders did close up magic in a non-formal setting.
It was nice to see such a wide range of entertainment for a small ship and a port intensity itinerary.
Budget Friendly Prices
Prices for cruises on Celestyal start at around $110-120 per person, per night. This includes all port fees and gratuities, drinks during meals, and essential WiFi.
When you combine all of this with the amazing itineraries that they offer, it’s hard to beat.
Celestyal Journey had a premium feel (for a 31 year old ship) but without the premium prices.
Drink prices were also extremely reasonable with cocktails starting at just seven euros.
Before the cruise, I really wasn’t sure what to expect on my upcoming voyage from Celestyal. I went in with an open mind and walked away impressed.
It was one of the top 10 itineraries I’ve taken and an overall great cruise experience.
Fincantieri Delivers Norwegian Aqua To Norwegian Cruise Line
Fincantieri has announced the successful delivery of Norwegian Aqua, the first ship in the expanded Prima Plus class, built for Norwegian Cruise Line.
With a gross tonnage of 156,300 and a length of approximately 322 meters, Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than the first two ships in the Prima class, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The ship offers guests a range of unique experiences, including the world’s first hybrid roller coaster with a water slide, the Glow Court interactive digital sports complex, and the Aqua Game Zone, a multifunctional entertainment area featuring immersive games and virtual reality. Norwegian Aqua also features the largest 360-degree outdoor promenade ever built, Ocean Boulevard.
The delivery ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and was attended by key leaders from both companies, including Fincantieri’s Chairman, Biagio Mazzotta, CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, and General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo. Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and David J. Herrera, Brand President of Norwegian Cruise Line, also participated in the ceremony.
In addition to this delivery, Fincantieri is preparing for the launching ceremony of Norwegian Aqua’s sister ship, Norwegian Luna, which will sail in Spring 2026.
This milestone highlights the ongoing collaboration between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line, reinforced by the recent announcement of a historic order for four cruise ships, marking Fincantieri’s largest-ever vessels to be built for NCL.
10 Differences for Royal Caribbean’s New Ship
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas shattered all kinds of records when it was launched and grabbed even more attention when it was first introduced to the world in early 2024. But how will the new Icon-class Star of the Seas compare, and what will be the main differences?
Star of the Seas is scheduled to enter service in late August 2025. With a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a passenger capacity of 5,610 (double capacity), the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet will have a few differences, some subtle and some very obvious.
Here are 10 changes on the upcoming ship:
1. AquaDome Show
- Icon of the Seas debuted the Aqua Action! show in its AquaDome, featuring daring dives and robotic maneuvers, all with a waterfall show and incredible acrobatics. I was able to witness this during the inaugural voyage, and it was stunning.
- Star of the Seas will retain the AquaDome but introduce an entirely new aqua show. For the name and details, we will have to wait, but Royal Caribbean hints at enhanced technology and a new storyline theme, while keeping the 55-foot waterfall and those agile robots.
2. Homeport
- Icon of the Seas sails from PortMiami from a terminal especially built for the giant ship. 7-day round-trip sailings visit Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and include a stop at the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- Star of the Seas will be based in Port Canaveral (Orlando). The ship will start with a couple 4-day sailings from the Florida port and then get into a regular rotation of 7-day cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean with visits to CocoCay as well.
3. Dining Variety
- Star of the Seas will offer an expanded variety of dining experiences compared to Icon of the Seas. While the exact number is still being finalized, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that there will be new and exciting culinary additions. Confirmed venues include favorites like Pier 7 and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with Pier 7 getting an overhaul.
- Icon of the Seas provides a robust selection of 27-28 core dining experiences, split between 14-15 complimentary options (such as Windjammer and Sorrento’s Pizza) and 13-15 specialty venues (like Chops Grille and Empire Supper Club). The broader ’40+ dining options’ figure often mentioned includes casual grab-and-go spots like Surfside Bites and Pearl Café.
4. Supper Club Theme
- Icon’s Empire Supper Club draws from the theme of 1920s New York City jazz clubs.
- Star’s Lincoln Park Supper Club takes a slightly different approach and will transport passengers to 1930s Chicago, offering a distinct retro vibe with live music and upscale dining. This provides a different, but similar experience.
5. Surfside Neighborhood
- Icon’s Surfside is a neighborhood designed for families with young children, primarily targeting ages 0-6, with Splashaway Bay and a Playscape.
- Star of the Seas will modify Surfside slightly by expanding its appeal to slightly older children, raising the target age to approximately 10. This includes “more play activations” in Splashaway Bay and the Playscape, and the Water’s Edge pool will be an expanded play area for children and parents.
6. Hot Tub Count
Star has 10 hot tubs to Icon’s 9 (both with 7 pools).
- Icon of the Seas: Originally planned hot tubs, but due to water weight concerns, some hot tub locations were removed.
- Star of the Seas: Will feature an additional hot tub, which was originally planned for Icon, located adjacent between Lime and Coconut and the Aquadome Market. Royal Caribbean has determined they have sufficient weight capacity to add this feature.
7. Deck 6 Mystery Venue
- Icon of the Seas houses the Attic comedy club on Deck 6.
- Star of the Seas might replace it with a rumored new dining venue. Some savvy cruise fans were checking out deck plans on Star of the Seas on Deck 6 and noticed a dining venue where the comedy club is located on Icon.
8. The Pearl Upgrade
- Icon of the Seas features the Pearl, a stunning architectural and lighting centerpiece that moves like it’s alive. It’s one of the first things passengers see when they walk on board Icon.
- Star of the Seas will enhance the Pearl with upgraded lighting technology. Full multicolor rings will allow for richer colors in the 3,500-tile kinetic display
9. Enhanced Kids’ Clubs and Teen Spaces:
- Icon of the Seas features Adventure Ocean and teen spaces for younger cruisers.
- Star of the Seas will provide updates to Adventure Ocean with a focus on “analog play” alongside digital activities. The thought here is that some young people wanted activities that were less screen oriented. This was based on customer feedback.
10. Chief Dog Officer
- Icon of the Seas: Has Rover, the golden retriever, as the ship’s canine mascot and is probably more popular than the captain of the ship.
- Star of the Seas: Will introduce Sailor, a new Chief Dog Officer. Sailor’s images were just recently released, and he is almost 6 months old now.
Star of the Seas Fact Sheet
What Happens When a Crew Member Gets Canned Mid-Sailing?
Getting fired from a job is never a pleasant experience. But it’s a little different for crew members on a cruise ship. While working on a luxury vessel and sailing the world on your employer’s dime sounds like a dream, the reality of being dropped by that same employer is a bit of a logistical challenge.
On a cruise ship sailing in the middle of the ocean, it’s not like you can just hop on a lifeboat and row home—not that modern lifeboats even have paddles.
You’re stuck—surrounded by water, confined to a floating city where the rules are strict, the stakes are high, and the exit strategy is anything but simple.
What happens when a crew member gets the axe mid-cruise? It’s a wild ride that most passengers never see.
To get the scoop, I dove into a Reddit thread from r/NoStupidQuestions titled “What happens if you get fired 1/3 of the way on a cruise?”—where a few ex-crew members gave firsthand experiences.
We’ll also dive into some industry insights, including a revealing blog from ShipLifeTV on the mistakes that can sink your career at sea.
Stranded On Board: The Waiting Game Begins
When the hammer drops, you don’t get to storm off and slam the door behind you. According to u/too_many_shoes14, “You get confined to quarters, and I believe they bring you your meals, but you can’t leave your cabin.” No more shifts, no more crew bar—you’re sidelined until the ship hits a port.
The same user also noted, “Now if you’ve committed a violent offense every cruise ship has holding cells”, a floating timeout until land’s in sight.
Your duties? Done. Your crew ID? Taken. You’re basically benched in a space that might be as small as 100 square feet, left to twiddle your thumbs while the ship sails on.
Depending on the itinerary, that could mean days of just waiting—waiting with the same people who used to be co-workers. Talk about awkward. Getting fired in the middle of a transatlantic sailing would probably be a worst-case scenario.
The Fireable Offenses
Cruise lines don’t look for reasons to fire someone. It’s a disruption and a hassle they’d rather avoid. After all, it means one less person to help take care of the thousands of cruise passengers on board the ship.
But there are a few offenses that can quickly get someone fired.
ShipLifeTV spells it out: “Any crew member who is caught using drugs or drinking alcohol while on duty may be disciplined or fired.” Other dealbreakers include stealing (even small items), fighting, fraternizing with passengers, or lying about qualifications—all instant tickets off the ship.
Reddit users back this up with their stories. u/Electric-Wombat confessed, “I was fired from a cruise ship. In my case they simply told me that I would have a hearing with the captain and staff captain when we got back to our home port, and they fired me that morning. I was escorted on to the plane in Miami and flown back to the UK which was my home country.”
u/chpsk8 shared, “We had a bartender get tossed off the ship for possession of weed… he was fired and removed about 5pm the same day.”
Another user echoed the sentiment of swift responses in some cases by saying, “I broke a rule on Wednesday and got the knock on Saturday morning, when they told me I didn’t have a job anymore and put me off the ship in Fort Lauderdale.”
The Exit Plan
When the ship docks, the final exit begins. u/DrPorkchopES, a self-professed current crew member, said, “Basically they just have you stop working, take you to the airport at your next port and make you pay your own way home.”
u/chpsk8 mentions that the bartender “did the walk of shame as we were pulling off the pier headed for our next destination.”
Sometimes the cruise line pays—legally, they can’t always abandon you abroad. u/OddAsparagus0007 noted, “From what I remember, they’d let you know you were fired on a port day and… they’d pay your ticket home and escort you to the airport as they’re not legally allowed to just drop you in any country.”
But it’s no farewell party—u/lastfrostymanny warned, “The Cruise line wouldn’t tell you that you’re fired until that day. So, you could be on board for another seven days or more, working without knowing if you’re fired or not. They do this, because some people in the past would cause a big scene and a lot of problems.”
The same user noted, “They will have security knock on your door at 5 am and tell you to pack up your stuff and you leave within a half an hour.”
The Human Cost
Beyond the logistics, getting fired mid-cruise hits hard. Crews are a tight bunch—living and working together for months. Being cut loose severs that bond overnight.
u/lastfrostymanny touched on this saying, “So sometimes your best friend may get fired. And you didn’t even get to say goodbye to them, and You’ll never see them again.”
The ship, though, keeps sailing on. u/FlippinPlanes said, “Security escorts them off the ship… and make sure they get on the plane,” while the rest keep the show running.
Bottom Line
Getting fired mid-cruise isn’t just a job loss. It’s a severance of friendships and tight relationships. While these firings are often necessary and warranted, it’s important for passengers to understand the rules the crew must keep and to respect those rules.
For paying passengers, it’s just another vacation. But for the crew, it’s their entire life.
Next time you’re cruising, tip your hat to the crew hustling to make sure you have an amazing getaway at sea.