Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests booked on sailings visiting Panama about updated travel requirements and whether or not all passengers must carry passports. – Read More
MSC Cruises Enhances MSC Voyagers Club Loyalty Program And Introduces New Blue Diamond Tier
MSC Cruises is rolling out updates to its loyalty program, the MSC Voyagers Club, to make cruising with the line even more rewarding. Click here to view the updated Benefits Grid that outlines perks by tier.
New Blue Diamond Tier
The company is introducing a new loyalty tier for its most devoted guests—MSC Voyagers Club Blue Diamond. The new tier sits above the existing levels (Classic, Silver, Gold, and Diamond) and unlocks a range of exclusive benefits, including:
- Flexible check-in times with priority embarkation and dedicated luggage drop-off service via the MSC Yacht Club check-in desk
- My Choice dining, allowing guests to dine anytime within the main restaurant’s hours of service
- A free Browse Wi-Fi package for one device per member
- Free shuttle bus tickets in selected ports
- Meet and greet with the ship’s captain or officer
- Priority embarkation and priority access to tender boats in port
These benefits supplement the existing Diamond tier membership benefits, and should a cabin upgrade be available, both Diamond and Blue Diamond members will be given the highest priority.
The Blue Diamond tier is only attainable by sailing with MSC Cruises and not via alternative routes such as the MSC Voyagers Club Status Match Program. It truly rewards the line’s most loyal guests.
Another new benefit for all MSC Voyagers Club levels is the validity of their membership, which has been extended from three to five years. This means guests have more time to move through the membership tiers to access more benefits, only needing to cruise once every five years to retain their membership.
MSC Voyagers Club Loyalty Program
It’s now even easier to become an MSC Voyagers Club member. Anyone can sign up, even without a current booking, giving immediate access to the MSC Voyagers Selection departures and discounts of up to 20%. This unlocks new savings opportunities for anyone planning a vacation, whether searching for a quick Caribbean cruise getaway, a bucket-list Mediterranean cruise vacation, or one of the company’s new Alaska cruises.
Plus, U.S. residents booking through U.S. reservation channels are automatically enrolled, making it even easier to begin earning status in the program.
The refresh also sees enhanced benefits across all levels of the loyalty program. Learn more about MSC Voyagers Club benefits.
Celebrity Cruises Black Friday Early Access
Celebrity Cruises is offering Black Friday savings all month long. From Friday, November 8, through Monday, December 9, guests can save up to 75% on the second guest in their stateroom.
Black Friday Early Access
The world has never looked better with this exclusive offer, applicable for sailings departing from November 8, 2024, through May 10, 2027. With 287 destinations to explore on elevated Celebrity Cruises sailings to all seven continents, guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean, experience an unparalleled journey through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, escape to the Caribbean with more Edge Series ships sailing the region than ever before, or be among the first to experience Celebrity’s latest ship Celebrity Xcel, launching in November 2025.
This offer does not apply to Galapagos sailings, including 9-night and longer, or Alaska Cruisetours on Celebrity Summit departing May 09, 2025, through Sept. 05, 2025. It is subject to availability. Visit celebritycruises.com or call your trusted travel agent to take advantage of this offer.
Passengers Share Scary Situation Aboard Royal Caribbean Ship Hit By Bad Weather
CBS News Miami’s Ted Scouten spoke to passengers aboard the Explorer of the Seas who experienced rough conditions while sailing in Spain. The 12-day one-way cruise ends in Port Miami.
Royal Caribbean Cancels Spectrum of the Seas Cruise Due to Technical Difficulties
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas has encountered technical difficulties, leading to the cancellation of its cruise scheduled for 9th November 2024.
The ship, based in Shanghai, was set to embark on a 4-night journey with stops in Jeju, South Korea, and Nagasaki, Japan.
Passengers affected by this cancellation have been notified and offered compensation for the inconvenience.
As well as a 100% refund of the cruise fare and any associated fees, including any packages purchased, guests will be given a 50% future cruise credit to use against another sailing, provided it’s booked within the next 12 months.
Guests will also be reimbursed up to $200 US for domestic travel fees and $400 for international travel, for anything non-refundable. Guests will need to provide receipts for these claims.
The technical issues emerged during the ship’s current 7-night cruise, which included visits to Kyoto and Yokohama.
Consequently, the Spectrum of the Seas is delayed in returning to Shanghai, as it remains docked at Yokohama Daikoku Pier for necessary repairs. The cruise line has expressed regret for the disruption, acknowledging the effort passengers put into planning their trips.
“Unfortunately, due to a technical concern on our current sailing, we will be delaying our return to Shanghai (Baoshan), China. As a result, we will need to cancel our sailing altogether.
“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news.”
Notification sent to booked guests
It hasn’t been a week of smooth sailing for Royal Caribbean, as another ship in the fleet has suffered a short-term itinerary adjustment.
Explorer of the Seas was crossing the Atlantic when she was hit by an unexpected wave caused by a squall, meaning the subsequent Caribbean cruise has been shortened by 30%.
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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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Royal Caribbean Resumes Labadee Visits With Limited Shore Excursions Amid Safety Concerns
While Royal Caribbean has now resumed sailings to its private resort of Labvadee on the island of Haiti, it hasn’t given the destination a full vote of confidence – shore excursion options have been limited.
The cruise line marked its return with the arrival of the Adventure of the Seas on 8th October 2024.
Despite the celebratory return, Royal Caribbean has limited the number of available shore excursions, reflecting a cautious approach to the ongoing situation in Haiti.
While the island itself is considered relatively safe, excursions extending beyond the immediate vicinity of the cruise port have been curtailed.
While many of the excursions are listed on the website and can be booked through the app, some guests have since been contacted to notify them that their booked excursions were cancelled.
As we return to visiting Labadee, we’re phasing the rollout of some of our tours and temporarily adjusting our tour offerings. As a result, we’ve cancelled your excursion and issued a full refund to your original form of payment,”
Letter sent to a guest by Royal Caribbean
Labadee, a private island destination managed by Royal Caribbean, is located on the northern coast of Haiti.
Known for its stunning landscapes and exclusive amenities, Labadee is a key highlight in Royal Caribbean’s cruise itineraries. The island offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, attracting a diverse range of passengers seeking a memorable Caribbean experience.
In early 2024, Royal Caribbean suspended visits to Labadee due to escalating safety concerns in Haiti. A significant prison break, involving inmates convicted of serious crimes, along with increasing gang violence and civil unrest, prompted the cruise line to prioritise the safety of its passengers and crew.
Initially, the company cancelled select shore excursions, but the severity of the situation led to a complete suspension of visits by 14th March 2024. This hiatus lasted several months, impacting Royal Caribbean’s operations and its passengers’ travel plans.
The return to Labadee was marked by the arrival of the Adventure of the Seas, signalling a cautious yet optimistic step forward for Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has implemented comprehensive safety measures to ensure the well-being of its guests, including enhanced security protocols and close monitoring of the situation in Haiti.
Labadee is generally regarded as safer than other Haitian destinations, thanks to Royal Caribbean’s vigilant monitoring and operational control.
Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean may adjust its excursion offerings as the situation in Haiti evolves. The cruise line remains committed to providing memorable experiences while prioritising safety.
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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.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas has encountered technical difficulties, leading to the cancellation of its cruise scheduled for 9th November 2024. The ship, based in Shanghai, was set to…
On 7th November 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas was unexpectedly hit by a sudden squall, resulting in hurricane-force winds that caused a massive wave, resulting in the ship…
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Princess Cruises Cancels Third Regal Princess Sailing Due to Power Issues
Princess Cruises has announced the cancellation of the 10th November 2024 sailing of the Regal Princess, despite reassurances from the cruise line that repair work would be complete in time.
This marks the third consecutive cancellation, following the 27th October and 3rd November sailings.
The cancellations are attributed to ongoing technical difficulties with the ship’s power generators. While one generator issue was initially resolved, a subsequent failure in another generator has required further repairs to ensure the vessel’s safety and operational readiness.
The affected itinerary was a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Galveston, Texas, with planned stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan.
These cancellations have disrupted the travel plans of many passengers. The Western Caribbean cruise, known for its mix of relaxation and adventure, was a popular choice among travellers.
Passengers have expressed disappointment, especially after receiving prior assurances that the voyage would proceed as scheduled. Princess Cruises has communicated its regret over the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the technical problems promptly.
Previously, the Regal Princess encountered issues during a transatlantic cruise from Southampton, UK, to Texas, including a minor engine room fire and subsequent power outages.
Guests will be given a full refund, as well as a 50% future cruise credit to redeem against another booking as a gesture of goodwill.
This is a marked increase from the 25% FCC offered to guests on the two prior cancelled sailings. It’s not clear whether this improved offer has been extended to those guests too.
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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.
Explorer Of The Seas Hit By Sudden Wave Causing Dramatic Tilt
On 7th November 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas was unexpectedly hit by a sudden squall, resulting in hurricane-force winds that caused a massive wave, resulting in the ship tilting dramatically.
The sudden tilt caused chaos onboard, as loose items were sent flying. As a result, at least one person was injured and the ship had to turn back to the Canary Islands to drop them off, before it could resume its transatlantic voyage.
Guests were asked to return to their cabins after the incident for three hours, so that a full ship count of passengers and crew could be taken.
You can see the tilt of the ship here, as guests slide along the floor:
The squall, characterised by a sudden gust of intense wind or a localised storm, struck the ship with little warning. Passengers described scenes of disarray, with items flying across dining areas and individuals sliding across corridors.
Explorer of the Seas is engineered to withstand rough conditions, featuring design elements that enhance its stability and safety. The crew’s training and preparedness for such events were crucial in managing the situation.
Several cruisers onboard the ship have posted updates to social media, unanimously praising the crew for their communication and quick action.
These guests shared their thoughts plus some photos of the damage:
It’s now anticipated that the ship will complete her transatlantic cruise on 17th November, reaching Miami three days later than originally scheduled.
Once that’s confirmed it will likely have a knock-on effect on the 10-day Caribbean cruise set for 14th November.
While it can’t be embedded, this video on Facebook shows more of the damage.
If the ship is damaged (and there are rumours of stabiliser damage) then repairs may be needed, although for now it sounds like the ship has managed to escape without significant issue.
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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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Crystal Cruises Orders A Third Luxury Ship, To Be Built At Fincantieri
Crystal Cruises has confirmed the order of a third luxury ocean ship from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, set to enhance the company’s renowned fleet.
This new vessel, which will accommodate 690 passengers at double occupancy and measure 61,800 gross tons, will continue Crystal’s tradition of high-end design and unique guest experiences.
The ship’s design will mirror her sister ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, featuring a promenade that wraps around the entire perimeter, offering panoramic ocean views.
The ship’s interiors will be crafted by acclaimed architectural firms, promising refined décor, luxurious materials, and top-notch craftsmanship.
For food lovers, the new ship will bring an impressive range of dining options, including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, and Beefbar, the creation of renowned restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi.
The ship’s culinary offerings will also feature dishes crafted in collaboration with famed Italian chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo.
Additionally, Crystal’s exclusive onboard entertainment will include Casino de Monte-Carlo, launching this month on Crystal Symphony and in December on Crystal Serenity.
The ship will offer all-suite accommodation with private verandas, including suites specifically designed for solo travellers. With one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise industry, guests can expect personalised service and a comfortable, spacious experience.
“Exercising this option and agreeing to build a third ship together showcases the trust and partnership between my family and Fincantieri, dating back to Sitmar Cruises and evolving through Silversea to our present vision with Crystal”
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group
The announcement of this new ship comes two years after A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal Cruises, marking a period of growth and fleet expansion under its leadership.
The delivery of the third Crystal ship is currently tentatively set for 2032.
About Crystal Cruises
With over 30 years of history, Crystal Cruises is a leader in luxury voyages.
Since its acquisition by A&K Travel Group in 2022, Crystal has entered a new era, reimagining its service to blend sophistication with innovation at sea.
The company’s two flagship vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, feature spacious, beautifully crafted suites, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, and award-winning entertainment.
Crystal Cruises sets itself apart with exclusive shore excursions and partnerships with Abercrombie & Kent, providing travellers with unique access to cultural experiences worldwide.
Dining on board is a highlight, with Umi Uma, the only Nobu dining experience at sea, showcasing Michelin-star cuisine. With a focus on impeccable service and timeless elegance, Crystal continues to set the standard for luxury travel.
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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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Electric Sunsets Returns Plus Marella Announces Brand-New Themed Cruise
Marella Cruises has announced the return of its popular “Electric Sunsets” themed cruise, this time with a fresh 90s vs 00s theme, set for November 2025.
The UK-based cruise line, part of TUI, also revealed plans for a brand-new “Country Rhythms” cruise in February 2026. Both themed cruises will be available for booking from 14 November 2024.
In its fifth year, Electric Sunsets is introducing the new 90s vs 00s theme, offering a unique music showdown at sea.
Guests can look forward to performances by top acts including B*Witched, The Honeyz, and DJ SASH!, alongside Ibiza in Symphony, a 10-piece orchestra. Additional artists will be announced in 2025.
This three-night adult-only cruise, tailored to fans of 90s and 2000s music, will take place aboard Marella Voyager from 1 to 4 November 2025. Departing from Palma, the journey includes stops in Valencia and Cartagena, ending in Malaga.
In February 2026, Marella will launch its first-ever country music cruise, “Country Rhythms,” featuring “The Dolly Show,” the UK’s top Dolly Parton impersonator.
Country music enthusiasts can expect themed entertainment such as line dancing classes, a new production show, and a best-dressed competition.
“We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of our themed cruises for 2025 and 2026. We are especially excited to be revealing our first ever country themed cruise, ‘Country Rhythms’ alongside Electric Sunsets, which has become synonymous with our cruise line.
“Thanks to our recent market research, we believe these tailored themed cruises connected to country music and 90s/00s will encourage those who are new to cruising to consider Marella Cruises for their future holidays. These themed cruises will also offer returning customers a refreshing alternative to our regular Mediterranean sailings, adding a unique experience to their journey.”
Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Marella Cruises
The Country Rhythms cruise will offer two adult-only sailings aboard Marella Explorer 2.
The first, a four-night cruise, departs on 5 February 2026 from Malaga, with stops in Gibraltar, Arrecife, and ending in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
The second, a five-night cruise, will cover the same route but conclude in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
With these exciting itineraries, Marella Cruises aims to attract a new wave of guests looking for unique themed cruise experiences.
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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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