Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line have announced a new identity for their shared private island destination in the Bahamas.

The island, previously known as Half Moon Cay, will now be called RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, reflecting a renewed focus on calm, peaceful experiences and a deeper connection to the island’s natural beauty.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, highlighted the vision behind the new name.

“Calling this piece of paradise RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reinforces our commitment to preserve the attributes that make the destination so appealing as we expand access and welcome more guests to the destination’s crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush landscapes.”

Christine Duffy

The rebranding is part of a larger project to upgrade the island’s facilities and expand its capacity to accommodate more visitors.

Key upgrades include two welcome plazas on the north and south sides of the island, a new beach club, enhanced dining options, and expanded lounging areas.

A tram service will also be introduced, making it easier for guests to navigate the island and access the new amenities.

These updates follow the earlier announcement in August 2024 that a new pier will be constructed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. This addition will allow Carnival’s largest ships, including the Excel-class Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, to dock directly at the island.

Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said the enhancements will add new features while preserving the island’s tranquil appeal.

“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997. The south side of the island, where Holland America has always visited, will remain the secluded paradise our guests are accustomed to and a marquee destination for almost every cruise visiting the Caribbean. The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”

Beth Bodensteiner

Both cruise lines are committed to protecting the island’s natural environment, with the new buildings designed to complement its authentic tropical charm.

What to expect from RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Renovations at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are set to begin gradually, with select features opening as early as summer 2026. All upgrades are expected to be fully completed by the end of that year.

Guests can look forward to enhanced experiences, including modernised cabanas, a vibrant beach club, and updated dining options.

While the island has always been a haven for relaxation, the addition of the tram service and expanded lounge areas will make it easier for guests to move around and find the perfect spot to unwind.

The changes are being made to cater to the growing demand for private island destinations, which have become a key selling point for many cruise itineraries.

By offering both secluded beach escapes and family-friendly activities, the cruise lines aim to appeal to a broader range of travellers.

New itineraries for 2026 and beyond

With the introduction of the pier, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will feature on a wider selection of itineraries from Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line.

The opportunity for larger Excel-class ships to visit the island is a major draw for many travellers, especially those sailing on Carnival’s newest and most innovative vessels.

The first visit to the renamed island by an Excel-class ship is scheduled for Carnival Jubilee on 23rd September 2026.

Departing from Galveston, Texas, on a 7-night Bahamas voyage, the ship will call at both Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, offering passengers the chance to experience two of Carnival’s private island destinations on the same trip.

Two days later, Carnival Celebration will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay during a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Miami. This cruise will also call at Celebration Key and Amber Cove, providing guests with multiple opportunities for exclusive, private island experiences.

On 28th September 2026, Mardi Gras will make its debut call at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as part of a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Port Canaveral. The ship will offer guests the chance to experience the tranquillity of RelaxAway alongside the energy of Carnival’s other private island, Celebration Key.

Carnival’s approach of including both destinations on the same itinerary allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds – the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of RelaxAway and the lively, activity-filled vibe of Celebration Key.

While RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is intended to be a tranquil retreat, Celebration Key offers a more energetic experience, with waterparks, pools, and adventure-filled activities. This dual approach gives Carnival’s guests the chance to balance relaxation and excitement within a single cruise.

The new vision for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay highlights Carnival and Holland America’s commitment to offering diverse and memorable experiences while preserving the unique natural beauty of the islands they visit.

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MSC Seashore passengers experienced a minor scare on the first night of their 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise as reports of smoke and electrical issues surfaced on social media.

The 170,412-gross-ton vessel, which departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 8, 2024, was en route to MSC Cruises’ private Ocean Cay resort in the Bahamas when the incident occurred.

Guests shared their experiences online, with one posting, “Elevators are shut down, some of the boat smells like smoke. Anyone else know anything?” Another passenger reported hearing two loud bangs followed by a “sizzling” sound and noticing smoke near Deck 18 Aft that smelled like an electrical fire.

Further reports from guests suggested the ship was relying on generator power, with dining rooms temporarily closed.

One passenger said, “The galley does not have complete power. The dining rooms are closed. Internet on board is spotty. Parts were shipped to Ocean Cay overnight from the Bahamas and they’re flying a part in. The crew is doing an amazing job.”

MSC Cruises confirmed that a small electrical fire had occurred but was quickly contained.

A spokesperson for the cruise line stated, “On the evening of December 8, a small electrical fire was reported in the emergency generator room on an upper deck of the ship and was swiftly extinguished, with no injuries reported.”

The cruise line assured guests that the ship’s itinerary would remain unchanged, with no impact on the remaining ports of call.

The ship is continuing its planned route, visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral on December 15.

Passengers onboard MSC Seashore have praised the crew for their professionalism and quick response. The ship, which debuted in 2021, is equipped with comprehensive fire safety measures, including advanced fire suppression systems and trained firefighting teams.

Procedures in place to deal with onboard fires

Electrical fires on cruise ships can occur for several reasons, including overheating, power surges, frayed wiring, or overloaded circuits.

The constant vibration and movement of a ship can also contribute to wear and tear on electrical systems, making regular maintenance crucial.

Unlike on land, where emergency services can arrive quickly, cruise ships must be self-sufficient when dealing with onboard fires.

Fires can spread rapidly in confined spaces, and if electrical fires affect navigation or propulsion systems, a ship’s operations can be severely impacted.

To manage such risks, modern cruise ships like MSC Seashore are equipped with extensive fire detection and suppression systems. This includes cameras, smoke and heat detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire hoses.

MSC Cruises uses a “Hi-Fog high-pressure water mist fire protection system,” which deploys a fine water mist at high velocity to suppress and extinguish fires.

This is not the first time MSC Cruises has faced an onboard fire. In June 2024, an electrical fire broke out in the laundry room of MSC Armonia as it arrived in Venice, Italy. Local firefighters were called to assist, but no injuries were reported, and the cruise itinerary continued as planned.

The quick containment of the electrical fire aboard MSC Seashore demonstrates the effectiveness of modern fire safety systems and the preparedness of trained crew members.

With no injuries reported and no changes to the itinerary, guests can look forward to the rest of their cruise to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

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The implementation of a controversial new $42 (860 pesos) per-person tax in Mexico has been postponed until July 1, 2025. The tax, originally set to take effect on January 1,…

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The implementation of a controversial new $42 (860 pesos) per-person tax in Mexico has been postponed until July 1, 2025.

The tax, originally set to take effect on January 1, 2025, is part of Mexico’s revised Federal Law of Rights (Ley Federal de Derechos), which outlines various fees for tourism and immigration services.

The delay follows strong backlash from cruise industry groups, notably the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and the Mexican Association of Cruises (AMANAC), both of which warned of serious economic fallout if the tax were enforced as planned.

Cruise industry leaders argue the tax could drive a significant drop in ship arrivals, discourage family cruise bookings, and ultimately reduce tourism income for local communities that rely on cruise-related revenue.

Michele Paige, CEO of the FCCA, thanked the Mexican government for listening to industry concerns.

“We thank the Mexican government for listening to our concerns and proposing a delay in the implementation of the tax that will fall mainly on American citizens. We look forward to the opportunity to continue meaningful dialogue around a balanced solution that protects Mexico’s communities, supports its vibrant tourism industry, and ensures the affordability of cruise travel for our guests.”

The six-month delay gives industry stakeholders more time to negotiate a compromise with the Mexican government. However, unless a new agreement is reached, cruise passengers could see the additional fee added to their holiday costs from next summer.

Background on the Cruise Passenger Tax

The $42 fee, officially known as a “non-resident” tax, was part of a broader amendment to the Federal Law of Rights, which governs fees charged by the government for a variety of services.

While the tax has existed since 1999, cruise passengers were previously exempt, as they are considered “in transit” and spend limited time ashore during port calls.

This exemption has been key to encouraging cruise lines to include Mexican ports of call in their itineraries. Without it, cruise passengers could face significant new costs — with a family of four looking at an extra $168 on top of their cruise fare, port fees, and other expenses.

The proposed tax would make Mexico one of the most expensive cruise destinations in the world, with port fees that are 213% higher than the average Caribbean port.

Given that many cruise guests already spend money ashore on excursions, dining, and shopping, industry groups argue the new fee will make Mexico less appealing and could result in a drop in passenger arrivals.

Cruise industry leaders, including the FCCA and AMANAC, voiced their concerns about the potential impact on local economies.

The FCCA estimated that a 15% reduction in cruise calls could result from the tax, as cruise lines may choose to avoid Mexican ports in favour of destinations with lower fees. Fewer ships would mean less income for local businesses, including tour operators, taxis, and retail vendors.

The Mexican Association of Cruises (AMANAC) also warned of “progressive drops in arrivals” that could hurt employment and impact the livelihoods of workers dependent on the cruise industry. They said the tax would “have a disastrous impact” on Mexico’s popular tourist destinations.

Industry figures also highlighted that Mexico was poised for significant cruise tourism growth, with over 10 million cruise passengers expected to visit in 2025.

Projects like Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club in Cozumel (set to open in 2026) and Perfect Day Mexico (near Costa Maya, opening in 2027) are examples of how cruise companies have been investing in the region. The imposition of a steep tax could hinder these developments before they even begin operating.

This surprise announcement left cruise lines with little time to adapt, leading to concerns that planned itineraries may have to be altered or cancelled.

With the six-month delay now confirmed, cruise lines, the FCCA, and AMANAC will work to negotiate a resolution that satisfies both Mexican authorities and cruise operators. Without changes, however, the fee will be implemented on 1 July 2025, and cruise guests may face higher costs for voyages that include stops in Mexico.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Just a couple of weeks after confirming the cancellation of months of cruises across five ships in the fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced another 35 cancellations for 2025/26.

These cancellations are across four of the most popular ships in the fleet – Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy.

The affected cruises were set to depart between 29th November 2025 and 11th April 2026, and have been attributed to “fleet deployments”, although no further information has been released.

Norwegian Bliss has seen 9 cruises cancelled, including cruises from Los Angeles and a highly anticipated repositioning cruise from LA to Miami.

Norwegian Breakaway has seen 10 cruises cancelled in January and February 2026, all of which would’ve been short Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral.

Norwegian Encore has lost 7 cruises, which was set to sail from Miami to LA and back. It’s suggested that Encore and Bliss may be swapping itineraries.

And finally (for now), Norwegian Joy has seen 9 cruises cancelled including a unique 23-night cruise from Port Canaveral to Seattle, although at the time of writing the ship is still set to offer Alaska cruises in May 2026, so another repositioning cruise will need to be announced.

For affected passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a full refund of their cruise fare, as well as taxes, fees, and pre-paid expenses.

Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment, though processing times may vary depending on guests’ financial institutions.

In addition to a refund, NCL is offering impacted travelers a 10% Future Cruise Credit (FCC). These credits can be used toward the cost of a future cruise and will be sent to guests on Monday, December 9, 2024. The terms and conditions of the FCC may differ depending on the ship and voyage originally booked.

This compensation mirrors NCL’s offer following the cancellation of 38 cruises on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Dawn announced earlier this year.

Understandably, passengers are disappointed. Many cruisers plan their vacations months or even years in advance, securing airfare (where possible), accommodations, and other travel arrangements.

Having cruises cancelled at short notice can lead to significant inconvenience, especially if other travel arrangements are non-refundable.

Passengers who had been looking forward to unique repositioning cruises, such as the 23-night journey on Norwegian Joy, are particularly upset. These itineraries are often seen as “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences and can be difficult to replicate.

The 10% Future Cruise Credit is appreciated by some travellers, but others feel it is not sufficient compensation, particularly since NCL announced no clear reason for the cancellations.

Similar issues arose when Norwegian cancelled 38 sailings on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Dawn just a few weeks ago, leading some travellers to question whether more cancellations are on the way.

The cruise line has a history of cancelling large numbers of cruises at once, having done so multiple times within the past 18 months.

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Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas witnessed an unexpected flood on Deck 10 of the ship during a 3-night Bahamas cruise that departed from PortMiami on December 6, 2024.

The flooding, caused by a water leak from a burst pipe, quickly became a talking point among passengers.

While water gushed from ceiling panels and overhead lights, soaking the hallway outside passenger staterooms, Royal Caribbean’s crew responded quickly.

Passengers were relocated to other staterooms, and the leak was soon contained. No injuries or major impacts on the cruise itinerary were reported, and the ship continued its scheduled stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

A viral TikTok video shared by user joshuaofrichardson showed water pouring from the ceiling, flooding hallways on Forward Deck 10.

The video, which has garnered attention online, captured water pooling outside stateroom doors, creating a chaotic scene.

In a follow-up video, the TikTok user noted that the “pipe stopped, leak being fixed, and people moved right away to other rooms.” He praised Royal Caribbean for its quick action, saying, “Royal Caribbean does things right when nature rumbles.”

Another passenger onboard commented that they were unaware of the incident and were not affected, indicating the issue was isolated to a specific section of the ship.

It’s also clear that the ship was sailing under capacity, if the guests were able to be moved to alternative cabins so easily.

Despite the unexpected leak, the ship’s itinerary remained unaffected, and the vessel continued its 3-night Bahamas sailing without delay.

Passengers continued to enjoy planned stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, before returning to Miami on December 9, 2024.

While Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the incident, passenger feedback has been largely positive. Many guests were impressed by the speed and efficiency with which the crew resolved the issue and relocated affected guests. Several passengers also noted that issues like this can happen on any ship, especially as vessels age.

The water leak may be a signal that Allure of the Seas, which debuted in 2009 as the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, is due for some much-needed maintenance.

The ship is nearing its 15th year in service and is already scheduled for an extensive refurbishment in 2025.

The dry dock renovations, part of Royal Caribbean’s “Amplified” program, were initially scheduled for 2020 but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now set to begin in mid-February 2025, the refurbishment will last nearly two months and introduce several key upgrades, including:

• New dining options: Revamped and expanded food venues and specialty dining experiences.
• Ultimate Panoramic Suites: Exclusive new suites located above the ship’s bridge, offering panoramic views.
• Ultimate Abyss Dry Slide: The popular 10-story dry slide seen on other Oasis-class ships will be added to Allure of the Seas.
• Resort-style pools: Enhanced pool spaces with updated lounge areas.
• Adventure activities: Laser tag, escape rooms, and waterslides to bring new family-friendly entertainment options.
• Adults-only spaces: More adults-only areas, offering relaxation away from the family-friendly attractions.

The 225,282-gross-ton ship will also have its pipes, plumbing, and other essential systems thoroughly inspected as part of the dry dock process. Considering the recent flood, it’s likely that maintenance teams will prioritize checks on water systems to prevent similar issues in the future.

Before heading to dry dock, Allure of the Seas will complete one last winter season in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

The ship will offer 3-, 4-, and 7-night voyages from Miami through February 10, 2025. Afterward, the ship will embark on a transatlantic repositioning voyage to Spain, arriving in Barcelona on February 22, 2025, where it will undergo the scheduled dry dock and refurbishment.

Once the dry dock is complete, Allure of the Seas will likely resume sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean or possibly offer new routes with enhanced onboard experiences.

Royal Caribbean often uses dry docks as an opportunity to refresh the ship’s branding and appeal to new markets.

While plumbing issues on cruise ships are rare, they do happen.

Pipe bursts and leaks have occurred on other ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, which experienced leaks twice in 2024, once in February and again in August.

Even the highly anticipated Ultimate World Cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas had to deal with onboard flooding early in 2024.

Shipboard leaks often occur due to pressure issues, burst water lines, or minor structural issues caused by continuous wear and tear. Cruise lines typically address these issues quickly, especially since flooding can compromise passenger comfort and safety if not resolved swiftly.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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