Starboard, the company reimagining retail for the world’s leading vacation brands, is partnering with Carnival Cruise Line and Diageo to introduce a limited-edition Bulleit Bourbon as part of their celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year. The single-barrel bourbon will be available exclusively in retail stores on 14 Carnival ships this summer.
The limited-edition Bulleit Bourbon is from a barrel that was personally selected by Lisa Bauer, President and CEO of Starboard, and Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, in January at Starboard’s Unleash the Potential Summit, where Duffy was a special guest speaker. Diageo is the parent company of Bulleit Bourbon.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Carnival and Diageo on the launch of this limited-edition Bulleit Bourbon, which Christine and I were able to taste and select in person together earlier this year,” said Lisa Bauer, President and CEO of Starboard. “We know that personalized, immersive experiences such as premium spirits tastings hold great appeal for Carnival guests, and we’ll continue to pioneer these kinds of exclusive retail offerings that help make every voyage unforgettable.”
The limited-edition Bulleit Bourbon offers bright fruit notes layered with crisp floral elegance on the nose and features delicate spice on the palate with a refined, silky mouthfeel, finishing with a softer spice profile balanced by a smooth, rounded body.
“Carnival is always elevating the guest experience, and as America’s cruise line, we’re excited to partner with Starboard to bring this exclusive Bulleit Bourbon to shops on 14 of our ships,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “Bulleit’s known for its great flavor and craftsmanship, and this special single-barrel pick gives our guests another fun, memorable way to enjoy their time at sea.”
For the first time ever, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam will call the Mediterranean home for a dedicated fall season in 2027. Now open for booking, the series of five cruises will take guests across both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, showcasing iconic ports, rich history, and vibrant cultures during one of the region’s most enjoyable times of year.
The 10- and 11-day voyages call at a mix of standout destinations, from Lisbon and Naples to Kotor, Rhodes and Alexandria. Select itineraries include scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Sailings can also be combined into longer itineraries, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the Mediterranean. The season concludes with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.
Rome, Italy (Credit: Holland America Line)
“We know how much our guests love sailing on Rotterdam, and the Mediterranean is always in high demand,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning for Holland America Line. “There’s something really special about seeing the flagship sailing in iconic ports like Bilbao, Naples and Rhodes for the first time, and it’s a moment we’re excited to share with our guests.”
In addition to Holland America Line’s premium onboard experience, guests can explore the Mediterranean through shore excursions in each port, from visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus from Kusadasi in Turkey to touring Italy’s Pompeii from Naples or wandering Montenegro’s medieval streets of Kotor’s Old Town. Options range from guided city tours to more immersive experiences that connect guests to the destinations in a meaningful way.
Expanding fall and winter Mediterranean programming
The addition of Rotterdam builds on Holland America Line’s commitment to European cruising and broader Mediterranean presence for fall 2027 through winter 2028, with more than 20 sailings available across Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Oosterdam, and Zuiderdam.
Itineraries are designed to offer more time ashore, with a mix of marquee ports and less-visited destinations alongside extended stays that allow for deeper exploration. The season reflects continued demand for Europe beyond the traditional summer months, with guests seeking more time in port and a wider range of ways to experience the region.
Itinerary highlights
Athens, Greece (Credit: Holland America Line)
Oct. 17, 2027; 10-day Around the Iberian Peninsula: Spain & Portugal; Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to Barcelona, Spain Calls at Portsmouth, England; Le Verdon-sur-Mer (Bordeaux), France; Bilbao, Cartagena and Valencia, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.
Oct. 27, 2027; 11-day Mediterranean Splendor: Spain, Italy & Greece; Barcelona to Athens, Greece Calls at Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Marseille, France; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples (Pompeii), Italy; Corfu, Greece; and Kotor.
Nov. 7, 2027; 10-day Greek Isles: Istanbul Overnight with Mykonos & Rhodes; roundtrip Athens Calls at Mykonos andand Rhodes, Greece; and Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul (overnight), Turkey.
Nov. 17, 2027; 11-day Greek Isles: Egypt & The Holy Land; roundtrip Athens Calls at Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt; Limassol, Cyprus; Antalya and Kusadasi, Turkey; Rhodes; and an overnight in Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel.
Nov. 28, 2027; 10-day Mediterranean Splendor: Italy with Rome Evening Stay; Athens to Barcelona Calls at Kotor; Valletta, Malta; Messina, Sicily; Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), with scenic cruising in the Strait of Messina and past the Stromboli volcano.
Dec. 8, 2027, 14-day Cultural Crossing with Spain and Morocco, Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Calls at Valencia, Alicante, and Málaga, Spain; and Tangier, Morocco.
For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
A few smart purchases before your cruise can save you money, hassle and cabin frustration once you’re onboard. Some of the best cruise travel gadgets and accessories are heavily discounted right now, but only for a limited time.
These are the Amazon Prime Day deals I’d be looking at before they disappear.
I’ve tried to pick out products that you can order on either side of the pond but some items in the sale aren’t available to be shipped to the UK. I’ve flagged where that’s the case.
1. Cruise Essentials Kit
If you’re new to cruising and don’t want to spend hours researching what to pack, a cruise essentials kit like this can be a surprisingly good starting point. It bundles together several of the accessories that experienced cruisers often recommend, including luggage tag holders, lanyards, towel clips and waterproof phone pouches.
Buying everything separately can quickly add up, so these kits can offer decent value if you’re starting from scratch. It also makes a great gift for someone taking their first cruise.
2. Towel Bands
A windy sea day can quickly turn your neatly arranged sun lounger into a mess, with towels slipping, bunching up or ending up on the deck. These stretchy towel bands keep everything securely in place and take up hardly any room in your suitcase.
I used to use towel clips, but they’re unneccesarily bulky and these are so much easier to pop in your bag!
The bright colours make it easier to spot your chair too, which can save a lot of wandering around the pool deck looking for where you left your towel.
3. Cruise Lanyards
On most cruises, your cabin card is your room key, onboard payment method and ID all rolled into one. You’ll be pulling it out dozens of times a day, whether you’re unlocking your cabin door, ordering a drink or heading on and off the ship.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll lose it multiple times per day!
A retractable lanyard keeps it close at hand without having to dig through pockets or bags every few minutes. It’s also super handy if you spend time in swimsuits and coverups with no pockets, as it saves stuffing your cruise card down your bra, which apparently, is frowned upon.
Cruise luggage tags are often just folded pieces of paper, and they often get torn off or damaged before your suitcase reaches your cabin – expecially if you’re flying or if its raining.
These waterproof holders keep your tags protected and securely attached throughout the journey. They’re inexpensive, reusable and one of those little cruise accessories that you’ll use on every sailing for years to come.
Also worth noting – these are the wide ones so they work for every cruise line. Some others are narrow so if your cruise line gives you wide tags, they won’t fit.
5. Magnetic Hooks
If you’ve never cruised with magnetic hooks before, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Most cruise cabin walls and ceilings are metal, which means these little hooks instantly create extra storage space for hats, lanyards, swimwear, bags and all those bits and pieces that otherwise end up cluttering every surface.
Cruise cabins are cleverly designed, but they’re rarely generous when it comes to storage. A few magnetic hooks can make the room feel far more organised, especially if you’re travelling as a family and sharing one cabin between several people.
6. Waterproof Phone Case
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, heading to a water park or taking a beach excursion, there are plenty of times on a cruise when your phone is never far from water. A waterproof pouch gives you peace of mind while still letting you take photos, check messages and keep your essentials close at hand.
I particularly like the extra storage pocket on this one, which is handy for cash, cards or your cabin keycard. It’s one of those things that you might not need every day, but when you do need it, you’ll be very glad you packed it.
7. Beach Bag
If you’ve ever tried carrying towels, sunscreen, water bottles, books and everyone’s random bits and pieces to the pool deck, you’ll know how quickly things get out of hand. A large mesh beach bag like this keeps everything together in one place while making it easy to find what you need without digging through a bottomless tote.
The mesh design is perfect for cruises because wet swimwear and towels can dry more easily, and any sand from beach excursions tends to fall straight through rather than coming back onboard with you. It folds down flat when you’re packing too, so it takes up very little suitcase space for something you’ll probably use every day of your holiday.
8. Waterproof Bum Bag/Fanny Pack
If you’re heading ashore for a beach day, water park or boat trip, keeping your valuables safe can be a real headache. This waterproof pouch is large enough to hold much more than just your phone, giving you somewhere secure for your cash, cards, passport, cabin key and other essentials while you’re out exploring.
I particularly like that it can be worn in different ways, making it feel more like a practical day bag than just a waterproof case. It’s the kind of thing you might only use on a few days of your cruise, but those are often the days when protecting your valuables matters most.
9. Cruise Magnets
Cruise cabin doors all look remarkably similar after a long day onboard, which is why so many experienced cruisers decorate theirs. A set of magnets like these makes your cabin much easier to spot and adds a bit of personality at the same time.
There are loads of different designs available, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, family reunion, retirement, graduation or just getting excited about your holiday. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to make your cabin feel a little more special and avoid those awkward moments when you accidentally try to open somebody else’s door.
10. Foldable Travel Pillow
Whether you’re flying to join your cruise or facing a long journey home afterwards, a good neck pillow can make a huge difference. Trying to sleep upright on a plane is difficult enough without waking up every few minutes with a stiff neck and aching shoulders.
I like that this set also includes an eye mask and ear plugs, turning it into a complete travel sleep kit. If you’re booking a fly cruise, this is one of those purchases that can improve the holiday before you’ve even stepped onboard the ship.
11. Travel Pill Organiser
If you take regular medication, keeping it organised while travelling can save a lot of stress. A compact pill organiser like this helps you keep everything in one place, making it much easier to keep track of what you’ve taken and what you still need throughout your trip.
It’s also handy for vitamins, supplements or any over-the-counter meds you want to take with you, like simple painkillers or seasickness tablets. Small enough to slip into a handbag, backpack or cabin safe, it’s one of those practical travel items that you probably won’t think much about – until the day you really need it.
12. Water Shoes
A comfortable pair of pool shoes is one of those cruise essentials that many people forget until they’re already onboard. They’re perfect for walking around the pool deck, heading to the buffet for a quick snack or popping into the gym, spa or public showers without having to put on trainers every time.
They’re also ideal for beach days and water-based shore excursions where you want something that dries quickly and protects your feet. Lightweight, easy to pack and surprisingly versatile, these are the sort of shoes that often end up being worn every single day of a cruise.
13. Matching Hawaiian Outfits
Matching cruise outfits definitely aren’t for everyone, but if they make you smile, that’s all that really matters. Cruise holidays are one of the few times when people happily lean into a bit of fun, whether that’s matching Hawaiian shirts, coordinated tropical prints or themed outfits for sailaway parties and sea days.
They also make for some fantastic holiday photos that you’ll look back on for years. If you’ve ever secretly wanted to try matching outfits but never had the right occasion, a cruise might just be the perfect excuse.
14. Casual Jumpsuit
Cruise holidays are all about packing outfits that look good without taking up half your suitcase, and that’s where a jumpsuit can really earn its place. Easy to throw on, comfortable in warm weather and versatile enough for everything from a casual lunch to an evening drink, it’s one of those pieces that works harder than most items in your wardrobe.
And yes, it has pockets – which always feels like a bonus. If you’re trying to pack lighter without sacrificing outfit options, a jumpsuit like this can replace several separate items while still looking effortlessly put together.
Cruise Prime Day Bargains With US-Shipping Only
15. Travel Hangers
Cruise cabins usually come with some hangers, but in my experience there’s never quite enough if you’re trying to dry swimwear, organise outfits for the week or share a cabin with several people. Usually you can ask your cabin steward for more, but maybe you feel awkward about it, or you want even more than they can find.
These foldable travel hangers weigh next to nothing and take up hardly any room in your luggage. They’re particularly useful for drying swimsuits, cover-ups and other items that you don’t want to throw straight into a drawer. They’re one of those simple travel accessories that can make life onboard a little bit easier without adding any noticeable weight to your suitcase.
16. Suitcase Organiser & Hanger
If you love being organised when you travel, this might be one of the most useful products on the list. Instead of unpacking everything into drawers when you board, you can simply lift the organiser out of your suitcase and hang it up, giving you instant access to your clothes and accessories.
It’s particularly handy in cruise cabins where storage space can be limited and shared between several people. Knowing exactly where everything is from day one can save a surprising amount of time and help keep your cabin looking tidy throughout the cruise.
17. Luggage Straps
Anyone who’s tried juggling a suitcase, hand luggage, a backpack and a coffee through an airport will understand the appeal of this. These simple straps allow you to secure smaller bags to your main suitcase, making it much easier to move around without constantly readjusting everything.
They’re particularly useful for fly cruises, where you’re often navigating airports, transfers and cruise terminals all in the same day. It’s a small travel accessory, but anything that makes getting from home to the ship a little less stressful gets my vote.
18. Tide Stain Remover Pen
Cruises and buffets are wonderful. White clothing and buffets, on the other hand, can sometimes be a risky combination. Whether it’s a splash of coffee at breakfast, a drip of sauce at lunch or a cocktail mishap before dinner, stains have an annoying habit of appearing at the worst possible moment.
So, a stain remover pen is worth packing. It’s tiny, takes up virtually no space and can help save an outfit before a stain has a chance to properly set in. Hopefully you won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be very glad it’s in your bag.
Final Word
Amazon Prime Day can be a great opportunity to save money on cruise essentials, but try not to get too carried away buying things you’ll never actually use! My advice is simple: focus on products that solve a real problem, make your holiday easier or are things you’d planned to buy anyway.
A few of the items on this list have become regular fixtures in my cruise suitcase, while others are the sort of things I wish I’d discovered sooner. If you spot a good deal on something you’ll genuinely use, Prime Day can be one of the cheapest times of the year to stock up before your next cruise.
Six American cruise passengers arrested following a violent disturbance at Nassau Cruise Port earlier this month have now been ordered to pay more than $52,000 in fines and compensation after pleading guilty to a series of criminal charges.
The latest development comes days after the high-profile altercation that began inside Nassau Cruise Port and later escalated at a nearby police station, leaving several officers injured and causing significant property damage.
According to reporting from The Tribune, six visitors from Colorado admitted to the offences in court after authorities completed their investigation into the incident.
The defendants were identified as Jaeyln Duran, 19, Andrew Tapia, 21, Daniella Duran, 22, Irvin Castro, 26, Gabriella Aguilar, 27, and Jose Duran, 50.
Together, the group faced charges including assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, using obscene language, causing dangerous harm, and damaging property.
The incident unfolded shortly after 4:45 p.m. on 8th June 2026, during one of the busiest periods of the day at Nassau Cruise Port as thousands of cruise passengers were returning to their ships before departure.
Authorities have not disclosed what sparked the initial confrontation, and it remains unclear whether the fight stemmed from an earlier disagreement before the group arrived at the terminal.
Court Hands Down Thousands In Fines
All six defendants pleaded guilty and told the court they had been intoxicated during both the altercation at the cruise port and the subsequent confrontation with police.
After being taken into custody and transported to the Tourism Police Station, located near the cruise port, the situation reportedly deteriorated further.
Police said members of the group resisted officers, attempted to flee custody, damaged property and shattered a glass door at the station. During the struggle, one officer suffered a dislocated shoulder while several others sustained less serious injuries.
The court imposed a range of financial penalties on the defendants, with some also given prison terms as alternatives should the fines not be paid.
Daniella Duran received the largest penalty, with fines totalling $16,600 or one year in prison. She was also ordered to pay $2,625 in compensation to two officers for injuries and damage caused during the incident.
Gabriella Aguilar and Jaeyln Duran were each fined $11,600 or six months in prison and ordered to pay an additional $125 each in compensation.
Irvin Castro was fined $2,800 or six months in prison and ordered to pay $2,500 in compensation to an injured officer.
Andrew Tapia received fines totalling $4,600 or one year in prison, while Jose Duran was fined $150 or one month in prison.
In total, the court imposed $47,350 in fines, with a further $5,375 awarded as compensation to injured officers. Combined, the penalties amount to $52,725.
Cruise Line Consequences Could Still Follow
Officials have not confirmed which cruise ship the group had been travelling aboard before the incident.
On the day of the altercation, Nassau was hosting six cruise ships: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy, and Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess.
While the court proceedings have concluded, the passengers could still face repercussions from the cruise line involved.
Major cruise operators reserve the right to ban guests involved in violent incidents, revoke loyalty programme benefits, or deny future bookings. Cruise contracts also make clear that passengers are responsible for complying with local laws while ashore.
The Nassau case was separate from another widely reported fight that occurred days later at Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Authorities have not indicated whether arrests were made in that incident.
Despite Nassau welcoming tens of thousands of cruise passengers every week, serious incidents involving visitors remain relatively uncommon. The Bahamas’ capital continues to rank among the busiest cruise destinations in the Caribbean, regularly receiving multiple large ships on the same day.
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A social media post allegedly written by a passenger aboard Sun Princess has sparked a lively debate among cruise travellers after the guest reportedly called for compensation when the ship ran out of Diet Coke partway through a sailing.
The complaint, which has been widely shared across cruise-focused Facebook groups and forums, appears to have originated from a passenger on a 14-night Mediterranean cruise aboard one of Princess Cruises’ newest ships.
According to screenshots circulating online, the guest claimed that by the fifth day of the voyage Diet Coke was no longer available anywhere onboard, including bars, restaurants and through room service.
The passenger suggested the shortage significantly impacted their holiday experience, arguing that compensation should be considered after the ship reportedly exhausted its supply of the popular soft drink.
While the original post could not be independently verified and may since have been removed, screenshots shared online have fuelled widespread discussion among cruise fans about what level of compensation, if any, should be offered when specific products become unavailable during a sailing.
Debate Divides Cruise Passengers
Reaction across social media has been mixed.
Some travellers argued that guests who purchase beverage packages have a reasonable expectation that advertised drinks will remain available throughout their cruise. Several commenters noted that premium drink packages can cost hundreds of pounds over the course of a voyage, making it understandable that passengers could be disappointed if a preferred drink suddenly disappears.
Others felt the reported complaint was excessive, particularly as alternative soft drinks were allegedly still available onboard, including regular Coca-Cola and Coke Zero.
One commenter suggested that while a partial refund of a drinks package might be worth discussing in some circumstances, requesting reimbursement for an entire cruise holiday because of a single unavailable beverage would be difficult to justify.
Others pointed out that shortages are not uncommon on longer voyages, especially when ships spend extended periods at sea or encounter supply chain disruptions that affect restocking opportunities.
Princess Cruises has not publicly commented on the social media claims. This shouldn’t be taken as an indication that the incident didn’t happen though – cruise lines rarely comment publicly on issues such as this.
Supply Shortages Can Happen At Sea
Although modern cruise ships carry vast quantities of food and beverages, occasional shortages are not unheard of.
Ships must estimate demand before departure and rely on scheduled provisioning stops throughout an itinerary. Unexpected popularity of a particular item, supplier issues or logistical challenges can occasionally result in products running out before a voyage ends.
Cruise lines generally include provisions within their passenger contracts allowing for substitutions and changes to onboard products and services when circumstances require. These clauses typically give operators flexibility if specific food, beverage or retail items become unavailable during a sailing.
The incident has also reignited broader discussions among cruise passengers about beverage packages and onboard drink offerings. In recent years, some cruise lines have adjusted their soft drink programmes, introduced more fountain-based options and altered package inclusions, prompting debate over whether drink packages still offer the same value they once did.
Whether the alleged Sun Princess complaint was serious or tongue-in-cheek, the story has clearly struck a nerve among cruise travellers, highlighting how strongly passengers can feel about the products and perks they expect to find waiting for them onboard.
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Carnival Cruise Line has reopened reservations for four adults-only SEA Cruises aboard Carnival Firenze.
Anyone aged 21 and over can book the previously invitation-only sailings departing from Long Beach, California, in autumn 2026.
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald announced the news to his Facebook followers on 17th June 2026.
He revealed that the highly sought-after cruises – which were previously available primarily to casino players by invitation – are now accessible to the general public.
Heald himself plans to sail on the first departure, hosting events throughout the voyage.
The SEA cruises have historically been among Carnival’s most difficult sailings to book, typically reserved as exclusive perks for the cruise line’s casino players.
This limited availability made the adults-only experiences largely inaccessible to average Carnival guests.
The shift to public booking represents a significant change in strategy, opening up these premium experiences to all adult cruisers.
Guests must be at least 21 years old to sail, and bookings must be completed by 30th June 2026.
The adults-only format is designed to offer a distinctly different atmosphere from traditional Carnival cruises, which typically cater to families and guests of all ages.
Four Autumn 2026 Departures From Long Beach
All four SEA cruise departures will operate from Long Beach, California, aboard Carnival Firenze, one of the newest ships in the Carnival fleet.
The sailings span October and November 2026, ranging from seven to 14 days in length. The first voyage departs 12th October 2026 on a seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary.
This sailing, which will feature Heald as a guest host, calls at Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada before returning to Long Beach.
A more extensive 14-day cruise follows on 19 October 2026, visiting six Mexican ports. The itinerary includes Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Acapulco, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada.
November Sailings Round Out The Programme
The third SEA cruise departs 2nd November 2026 on an 11-day voyage calling at Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada.
This mid-length sailing offers a balance between the shorter week-long cruises and the extended two-week voyage.
The final adults-only sailing leaves Long Beach on 13th November 2026 for a seven-day itinerary. Ports of call include La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada, Mexico.
All four sailings focus exclusively on Mexican Riviera destinations, offering autumn travellers a chance to explore Pacific Coast ports without children onboard.
Enhanced Programming And Casino-Focused Activities
Beyond the adults-only passenger requirement, the SEA cruises will feature special programming designed to differentiate them from standard Carnival sailings.
An enhanced dining room menu will be available, offering elevated culinary options not typically found on regular voyages.
Dedicated entertainment tailored to adult passengers will be scheduled throughout each sailing. Casino-focused activities will also feature prominently, reflecting the cruises’ origins as casino player perks.
These special touches are intended to create a more refined, adult-oriented cruise experience whilst maintaining Carnival’s signature fun atmosphere.
John Heald’s Upcoming Sailing Schedule
Heald announced he will be sailing on several Carnival ships in the coming months beyond the October SEA cruise.
On 25 July 2026, he plans to board Carnival Vista sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
That family-friendly voyage will visit Caribbean destinations including the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The sailing will also call at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private destination in the Bahamas.
In August, Heald hinted he may join Carnival Legend’s special eclipse sailing from Dover, England, on 9 August 2026.
The 11-day voyage will be positioned at sea during the total solar eclipse on 12 August, offering passengers a unique viewing opportunity.
Additional Appearances And Live Events
The popular brand ambassador also revealed plans to visit ships in Galveston, Texas, in August 2026, though specific dates and vessels were not announced.
Heald promised to share his complete sailing schedule soon so interested passengers can join him on various voyages.
In July, Heald will host a special live streaming event on Facebook from Trieste, Italy. The event will likely provide additional details about his upcoming appearances and sailing plans.
Heald’s presence on cruises has become a draw for many Carnival passengers, who appreciate the opportunity to meet the brand ambassador and participate in his hosted events and activities.
What This Means For Carnival Passengers
The opening of SEA cruise bookings to the general public represents a rare opportunity for adults seeking a child-free cruise experience on Carnival.
Previously, these sailings were virtually impossible to book without casino player status.
Passengers interested in the adults-only sailings should act quickly, as the 30 June 2026 booking deadline approaches.
Given the limited number of departures and the previous exclusivity of these cruises, cabins are expected to sell rapidly.
The Mexican Riviera itineraries offer convenient West Coast embarkation and a variety of popular ports, making the SEA cruises attractive options for California-based cruisers and those seeking autumn getaways without children onboard.
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Join Cruise Addicts founder John Shallo and Viking expert Michael Consoli, World Leader in Viking Sales, for a special live discussion covering the latest Viking cruise offers, exclusive savings, and exciting new itineraries now available for booking.
Whether you’re considering your first Viking voyage or planning your next adventure, this episode will help you navigate the newest opportunities across Viking’s river, ocean, expedition, and Mississippi River cruises.
What We’ll Cover:
✅ New Viking Special Offers and Promotions
✅ Featured Ocean, River & Expedition Itineraries
✅ Booking Strategies and Best Values
✅ What’s New from Viking Cruises
✅ Insider Tips from Michael Consoli
✅ Q&A
Michael will share expert insights on current promotions, itinerary highlights, and how travelers can maximize value when booking a Viking cruise.
📍 Hosted by John Shallo, Founder of Cruise Addicts
🎙️ Featuring Michael Consoli, World Leader in Viking Sales
If you’re thinking about a Viking cruise in 2026, 2027, or beyond, you won’t want to miss this informative discussion.
Carnival Cruise Line has officially canceled a 16-day repositioning cruise on Carnival Splendor that was set to sail right after the ship’s upcoming dry dock.
The cancellation of the 2-week sailing has some wondering if the cruise line is planning on making bigger changes to the ship or perhaps the vessel just requires more thorough maintenance than originally thought.
The scrapped voyage, which was scheduled to depart from Singapore for Sydney on September 1, 2027, was removed from the schedule following changes to the vessel’s planned shipyard maintenance.
Impacted guests and travel advisors were notified of the cancellation on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
While it’s never fun to receive a cancellation notice for an upcoming cruise, changes like this are fairly common, especially when a cruise is well over a year out.
After looking closely at the timeline for the ship’s itinerary and dry dock, it might explain why Carnival made this decision.
Dry Dock Timeline
The notification letter sent out by Carnival specifically mentions a “change in the dry dock schedule for Carnival Splendor in August 2027.”
While we still don’t have exact details as to what changes will be made during this dry dock, the timeline between the dry dock and 16-day sailing was pretty tight.
Before this change, this was the schedule of operations for the 18-year-old ship:
July 31 to August 15, 2027: A 15-day cruise carrying passengers north from Sydney up to Singapore.
August 15 to August 31, 2027: The ship enters a Singapore shipyard completely empty for routine dry dock maintenance.
September 1, 2027: The Canceled Cruise. The ship welcomes passengers back on board in Singapore to start the 16-day sailing back home to Sydney.
Because the canceled cruise was scheduled to depart the literal day after the dry dock was supposed to finish, even a small hiccup would have been a problem.
Why the Change?
It’s possible the shipyard simply let Carnival know that they needed to extend the timeline for the dry dock or that the ship requires a little extra TLC.
Carnival Splendor was built in 2008, meaning she will be turning 19 years old in 2027.
Under international maritime regulations, specifically the Safety of Life at Sea agreement, cruise ships are legally required to undergo out-of-water structural and mechanical inspections twice every five years. Carnival Splendor had her last major dry dock in August 2024.
If the shipyard needs 20 or 25 days instead of 15 to take care of some heavy engineering overhauls, like servicing propulsion pods or thrusters, the September 1 cruise becomes questionable.
And no one wants a last-minute cruise cancellation, so this year in advance decision is the best alternative.
These pushbacks in the dry dock timeline can also be affected by another ship in dry dock scheduled before Carnival Splendor. Any delays in those ships pushes back the entire maintenance window.
What Carnival Is Offering Impacted Guests
These cancellations don’t come without attractive alternatives. Carnival is giving impacted cruisers two different options, which must be selected by July 3, 2026:
Option 1 (The Transfer): Guests can change their booking to a comparable sailing in a similar cabin category. Carnival will protect the original cruise fare, meaning if prices have gone up since you booked, you won’t pay the difference. To sweeten the deal, they are throwing in an onboard credit of $50 AUD per person, capped at $100 AUD per stateroom.
Option 2 (The Full Refund): If you just want your money back, you do not need to take any action. After July 3, 2026, Carnival will automatically process a full refund of the cruise fare and any pre-purchased packages, like Wi-Fi, beverages, or shore excursions, back to the original form of payment.
In the notification Carnival stated to impacted guests, “We apologise for this disappointing news, but we have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun. Our team is ready to discuss options and rebook you on another voyage right away.”
This is the second major scheduling changeup for Carnival Splendor in the 2027 season. An October 2027 sailing was also canceled due to a full-ship private charter.
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Today’s scheduled arrival of 9:00 a.m. was delayed by about an hour due to headwinds yesterday and overnight. We have a third-party excursion booked for today, so this will be interesting. The morning started with a bit of an internet issue. There was a hiccup in the system that prevented me from activating a device on my account. I was able to log in to the portal but was unable to activate the device to use the internet package. Thankfully, the internet support desk opened early, and the representative on duty quickly disconnected the hanging session from the server, and I did not encounter any additional problems the rest of the week onboard! While I was sitting near the internet support desk in the corner by Starbucks, I noticed a laser printer. The Norwegian Prima offers complimentary self-service laser printing! There have been more than a handful of times when I wish I could have printed something out while on a cruise. While I did not have a need this trip, I found this to be an awesome offering.
While Emily was off to the gym, I enjoyed some time looking out at the water while enjoying my morning Americano and conversation with friends while offloading some video files from a memory card. The Starbucks area can get busy, but the early mornings the nearby seating area is a great place to hangout.
Our excursion is set to meet as soon as the ship docks and the first part of the trip includes a hike. Therefore, I am foregoing my intermittent fasting schedule and grabbing a light breakfast from the Surfside Cafe buffet.
We were still 30 minutes away from Puerto Plata when we spotted the Carnival Cruise Line Mardi Gras docked at Amber Cove, a nearby port for Carnival Corporation ships – we spent a day there in 2023, which you can read about here.
You could say we were a bit antsy to go ashore since we booked an excursion with a third party. As a result, we were prepared to go as soon as the ship was cleared.
We patiently waited while enjoying the view of Fort San Felipe Puerto Plata, a historic 16th-century Spanish fortress designed to protect the northern coast of the Dominican Republic from pirates.
Disney Cruise Line will be calling on Puerto Plata later this year with 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises on the Disney Dream and Disney Destiny from Fort Lauderdale. Originally, the Disney Magic was scheduled for a visit during a repositioning cruise in 2021, but we all know what happened around that time. I hope this is a start of some itinerary diversification with new ports of call added to familiar destinations.
We ended up being around an hour late and thus behind schedule for our independent tour with we booked through Viator. With the delayed arrival, that meant more folks were ready to go ashore resulting in a growing line extending out of the casino and up the stairs to debark. The crew did a great job establishing and maintaining a line and once the ship was cleared it started to move.
Norwegian has a special access line to go ashore for their Haven (concierge) and suite guests. Now, this is a great perk that I am shocked Disney does not extend to add value to their concierge-level guests other than the final morning. There is even a dedicated Haven and suite guest gangway!
As we were tapping our Freestyle cards to get off the ship, our tour van driver called. Thankfully, I was still connected to the ship service with WiFi calling enabled and working. The driver was not all that thrilled about our delay and told us to hurry as they “needed to leave.” I didn’t think they were going to wait for us even though Emily contacted them earlier this morning to let them know the ship was going to be late. We still had to traverse the entire Tiano Bay cruise port from the ship to the exit past the taxi stand to meet our tour operator.
This morning is a prime example of an issue you might encounter by booking a 3rd-party excursion. When traveling, there are a lot of situations where you are not in control, booking with a cruise line typically ensures flexibility for delayed arrival or other changes in time. However, when booking independently, flexibility is the discretion of the tour operator. We are well aware that we can only control the controllables and that the timing of events is often outside of our control. During times like this, we focus on doing what we need to do and hope for the best. We put ourselves in position to go ashore and familiarized ourselves with the route.
It was a solid 15-minute walk from the ship through the port area to the exit where 3rd party tour operators are located. We made it to the area and Isabelle spotted the tour operator sign. We were 45-minutes late, but they waited!!!
We booked the AMBER COVE-TAINO BAY 7 Damajagua Waterfalls + Locale Food directly with Viator, a site we’ve had good experience with in the past. We boarded the van with another couple: 5 guests, plus a driver, photographer, and a guide. Nice ratio for a private tour. As quickly as we were settled, we set out on our adventure. Our driver hit the road heading to the first of 3 stops, the Damajagua Waterfalls, which was about a 35-minute drive.
Puerto Plata Roadside Market
Along the way, our guide pointed out some areas of interest and shared facts about the Dominican Republic.
We were instructed to be prepared to exit the van and be ready to hike and get in the water as soon as we reached the Damajagua Waterfalls parking lot. It was strongly recommended we did not take non-waterproof cameras, phones and even recommended leaving smart watches in the van to avoid accidental breaks from the rock walls we would encounter. They even recommended not taking sunglasses as we would be under a canopy most of the time. All great suggestions, but I opted to wear an older pair of prescription sunglasses with a tether so that I could see. In hindsight, I wish I did not have them as I was overly concerned in a few spots about losing them.
We parked, and exited the van like the A-Team on a mission. Our tour guide escorted us to the area where she gave us fresh bottles of water, and we picked up lifejackets and helmets and passed us off to our trail guide. After a safety briefing, we began our accent up the mountain.
The water level was low, so all 7 waterfalls were not as waterfall-y, and there were fewer natural waterslides and jumps to experience.
The first part of the walk was getting from the parking area to the actual trails and waterfalls. When we crossed the river it was abundantly clear the water was low.
Before reaching our first waterfall water slide experience, our trail guide went over some safety tips.
The hike was a workout and the water was eye opening cold, but the area was gorgeous. I can only imagine what the tributaries and falls look like during the rainy season.
As we reached the end of the hike, we found ourselves at the top of the final waterfall. The first of the two jumps was the tallest and frankly, coolest looking, we encountered today.
The second part of the decent was a shorter jump but the lead up was a little more treacherous from wet rocks along with another slide.
Stairs, Jump, and Waterfall Slide (L-R)
However, after getting beat up by the rocks on a previously water slide and a growing concern about losing my Rx sunglasses, we skipped out on the final jumps and took the stairs, which were an adventure in their own right. I should have just passed off my glasses to someone walking down and jumped; it would have been a lot less effort.
This concluded the water portion of the hike, and we proceeded to hike back to the parking lot. The trail guides kept telling us the sections of the hike would take about 15 minutes when in reality they were referring to minutes in Dominican time – which looking back this means we were on time meeting our tour guide this morning.
I highly recommend the Seven Damajagua Waterfalls experience, but with an important caveat: it’s a physically demanding adventure that isn’t ideal for all ages or fitness levels. The trek involves hiking up and down steep, rocky terrain while frequently stepping in and out of water on loose stones. We saw several visitors who were clearly unprepared for the physical challenge. We did great and were thankful that we were in physical condition to do so, as this was a fantastic area to experience.
If you decide to go, wear sturdy water shoes with excellent traction and a secure fit. Proper footwear makes a big difference on this excursion. Emily & I wore Keens, which we originally purchased years ago to climb Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica. I had reservations with the shoes following that excursion as small rocks constantly getting in all the gaps in the sandals. They have been solid for casual beach walks, but stepping up the intensity of the walk, I need to find some more supportive footwear. Alternatively, I would have sacrificed a pair of boots or older tennis shoes for the support. That being said, Isabelle did the hike in Crocs and they served her just fine.
There’s really no comparison between the Seven Damajagua Waterfalls and Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica. Dunn’s River is a relatively modest hike in the falls, while Damajagua is a true endurance challenge. The experience starts with a 30–45 minute (often longer with group stops) steep, muddy uphill hike through the jungle to reach the top. From there, you’ll spend a lot of the trek mentally focused on finding stable footing on loose, slippery rocks — with some sections quite steep and slippery — before taking each step. Our guide was very good at taking group breaks for those that needed a breather before continuing.
We had a great time, but I’ll admit I’m getting a bit too old for intense adventures this far from home – I love an adventure, but I am not trying to injury myself or the family on vacation.
One final tip for the falls is to bring extra cash to tip the local trail guides who follow along to help keep everyone safe. These guides work directly at the falls and are not employed by your cruise line or independent tour operator.
After returning our helmets and lifejackets, we had a few minutes to use the changing rooms and bathroom facilities before loading back in to the van and heading out to our next stop, lunch.
Part of the excursion was lunch at a local restaurant called, Topice Gourmet.
Inside, we were treated to a little buffet with local flavors. Dishes included white rice with red bean sauce, fried plantains, red sauce pasta, fried chicken, grilled pork, and Dominican salads. Oh, and freshly cut avocados, which were the size of softballs. I love eating locally when visiting ports, as it adds to the overall experience of the destination. The lunch offerings hit the spot after a morning hike, and more importantly, the buffet items were well seasoned, prepared well, and delicious. The avocado might have been the best one any of us have every had!
Oh! We are batting 1000 right now with cats per port of call.
During the brief lunch stop, we learned the other couple on our tour was staying locally and were really nice about this morning’s delay. We expressed our gratitude, and they were just enjoying the day without any time constraints. I guess they have been here long enough to have a grasp on Dominican time.
Our third stop, La Casa Del Guia, a short drive from the restaurant. The portion of our day was described as a tour of the chocolate factory, with mini-tour around the cacao plantation with tastings. We saw the chocolate production area off to the side, but our guide focused on the flora and fauna around the plantation along with the tobacco drying and cigar rolling.
The plantain was flush with plants producing the raw materials for coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and cigars. The massive mango tree was impressive, and it created a nice canopy to combat the Caribbean sun.
Mango TreeCoffee PlantNoni FruitPineappleTobacco LeafCacao Pod
There was a pen with guinea pigs and another with turtles. Off in the distance was a monkey enclosure, which is part of another tour experience.
Under a pavilion, were were shown tobacco leaves hanging to dry and two fellas rolling cigars.
As with all tourist experiences across the globe, there is a gift shop at the end. Inside there was a selection of Dominican wares, jewelry, chocolate, coffee, cigars, and some locally produced alcohol. The dark chocolate was some of the best I’ve had and how could it be bad, it was essentially a mix of compressed sugar and ground cocoa powder. Mamajuana, a Dominican spiced alcoholic beverage made by soaking a combination of tree bark, herbs, and leaves in a blend of rum, red wine, and honey. The sample was interesting, kinda the first time you try Malört – we opted to take a picture rather than purchase a bottle. Cigar and coffee samples were also available.
Bag CoffeeCoffee BeansMamajuana
Our tour guide did ask us after lunch when we needed to be back on board the ship and assured us we’d be back to Taino Bay with enough time to spare. Around 2 o’clock, we returned boarded the van and headed back to the port.
The drive back was about the same time as it took to get to the falls this morning, leaving us with less than 90 minutes to browse the port area, or so we thought…
Taino Bay Port is a destination in its own right. There are restaurants, shops, and water amenities available to cruise passengers. By this time of day, it was rather quiet with very few cruise passengers remaining. We walked around checking out the various water features, including an incredible-looking lazy river and another spot with over-water hammocks. The walk back to the pier brought us back through the duty-free store, which was also quiet. I was a little surprised, even with the cloud cover, that so many people were back onboard already.
There wasn’t enough time to really do anything at Taino Bay Port other than pick up a Christmas ornament, so we headed back to the ship. While we didn’t experience anything at the port, I could definitely see myself hanging out around the pools, floating around the lazy river, and enjoying a nice lunch at one of the restaurants along with a cold beverage from one of the bars. We are going to Amber Cove and talked about taking a taxi back over to here, but looking at the Taino Bay Port website, the area is reserved for cruise passengers docked at the port, which totally makes sense.
As we boarded the ship, we discovered why it was so quiet around the port. The all-aboard time was 3:30 p.m., not 4:00 p.m. Looking at the app, they list the “departure” time in the itinerary summary area and the all-aboard time in the digital Freestyle Daily. As much as I dislike using cruise line apps, I errored today and looked in the wrong place on the app. Thankfully, we were back at the port on time and we made it back onboard with 18 minutes to spare. The actual all-aboard time was posted on the digital signage around the ship, so I messed up when I looked in the one spot of the app that displayed the departure time.
As it turns out, we would have been okay as our departure was delayed a couple of hours due to the direction the wind was blowing, which made it unsafe to leave at our originally scheduled time.
Tonight’s dinner is at Los Lobos, Norwegian Prima’s contemporary Mexican specialty restaurant, and offers an option for al fresco dining on Ocean Boulevard.
The Los Lobos menu features traditional flavors with a modern twist.
The chips and salsa arrived at the table seconds after we were seated, as is customary at most Mexican restaurants until they decide to expand, raise prices, and start charging for them. Speaking of avocados, I didn’t think the avocados at lunch could be topped, but the table-side guacamole was incredible.
Guacamole Fresco en MolcajeteGuacamole Fresco en Molcajete
We all felt the dinner at Los Lobos was fresh and well seasoned.
Burrito RojaCamarones PicantesCarne Asada a la YucatecaCoctel MixtoQueso Fundido
The bar was set high by this point, but the desserts were somewhat of a letdown. Don’t get me wrong, they were fine, but not something I’d go out of the way to get again.
ChurrosTarteleta MayaPastel del Tres Leches
Following dinner, we took the puzzle up the Observation Lounge where we worked on the puzzle and chatted with friends.
Upon retiring to the room for the night after an adventurous day ashore, I took a closer look at the QR code on the vanity mirror. The QR code opens to a stateroom directory with links to FAQs, wi-fi package and cellular information, as well as menus. In fact, the website is not exclusive to the ship’s intranet, you can browse it from anywhere at https://view.ceros.com/ncl/directory/p/1.
Tomorrow, we are headed to the US Virgin Islands, one of favorite Caribbean destinations. For now, please enjoy the following full day timelapse from the Dominican Republic.
Carnival Cruise Line is offering a special deal on their Kids & Teens Value Package if you book by July 5, 2026.
Carnival’s limited time offer is good on cruises in 2026 for guests who are three to 17 years old. The package for kids includes everything from WiFi to the soda package and starts at just $25 per day.
So what’s included in Carnival Cruise Line’s Kids and Teens Package? It includes the Bottomless Bubbles Drink Package, Arcade Token Package, and a Social WiFi plan.
In addition, kids will receive the following after they board the ship:
Free Carnival Cruise Line Lanyard, delivered to their stateroom
Free Bottomless Bubbles Souvenir Cup, delivered to their stateroom
50% off Bulk Candy at Cherry On Top
The Bottomless Bubbles Package offers all you can drink Coca-Cola products and juice for the full length of the cruise.
Smoothies, specialty coffees and other beverages are not included in this offer.
The Kids and Teens Package must be purchased for the entire cruise, and not just for one or two days.
The package must be purchased prior to the cruise and is not available once you are on the ship.
For complete details and conditions of this special offer from Carnival Cruise Line, you can visit their website at Carnival.com.
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