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Norovirus Outbreak Hits Oceania Insignia, Over 70 People Now Ill

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

A picturesque autumn cruise through Canada and New England has turned sour after dozens of passengers aboard Oceania Cruises’ Insignia fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms linked to norovirus.

Oceania Insignia

The Insignia departed Montreal on 16th October 2025 for an 11-night voyage to Boston, but by 20th October, 74 of the 637 guests and one crew member out of 391 had reported illness, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Health officials have since confirmed norovirus as the cause.

Cruise Itinerary and Response

The 30,277-gross-ton vessel is operating an autumn foliage itinerary calling at Quebec City, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Corner Brook, Sydney, Halifax, and Saint John, before visiting Portland, Maine, and concluding in Boston on 27th October.

The outbreak was reported while the ship was sailing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Once cases were detected, the crew immediately activated its outbreak prevention protocols – isolating affected guests in their cabins, increasing sanitation of public spaces, and switching dining services to crew-assisted stations to limit shared contact points.

Norovirus on a cruise ship

High-touch areas such as railings, lift buttons, and door handles are receiving enhanced cleaning, and crew are following strict hygiene procedures.

As the number of cases surpassed reporting thresholds – equivalent to 11.6% of passengers – Oceania Cruises alerted US health authorities as required.

“VSP [Vessel Sanitation Program] is remotely monitoring the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures,” the CDC confirmed in a statement.

The CDC notes that illness counts are cumulative and may fluctuate if new cases emerge before the voyage ends.

Understanding Norovirus

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, responsible for vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. It spreads rapidly in close-contact settings such as cruise ships, schools, and care facilities, where even small traces of contamination can transmit infection.

While symptoms typically last only one to three days, the virus can linger on surfaces and remains infectious even after recovery, making containment difficult in shared environments.

Passengers are urged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or after using the toilet. Alcohol-based sanitiser, the CDC warns, is less effective against norovirus.

A Challenging Year for Cruise Health

The Insignia outbreak marks the first norovirus incident of 2025 for Oceania Cruises but adds to a growing list of cases across the industry this year.

The CDC has now logged 15 confirmed norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships in 2025, plus additional cases of other gastrointestinal illnesses.

Earlier in the year, Holland America Line’s Volendam reported infections in January, followed by further monthly cases through May. Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas also faced outbreaks during the summer and early autumn.

Including unrelated incidents of E. coli, Ciguatera seafood poisoning, and three outbreaks with unconfirmed causes, 2025 has already seen 20 total cruise illness events, surpassing the 18 recorded in 2024.

Staying Safe Onboard

Health authorities recommend that guests who experience vomiting or diarrhoea immediately inform the ship’s medical team and remain in isolation to prevent spreading the virus.

Norovirus can disrupt even the most well-maintained ships, but with quick reporting and cooperation from passengers, outbreaks can often be contained before they spoil the entire voyage.

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11 Things Cruise Cabin Stewards Secretly Hate You Doing

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFirst time cruisers

I’m sure nobody goes out of their way to be a ‘bad’ cruise passenger, but there might be some of you reading this who are actually causing issues for the crew without realising it.

Especially the cabin stewards. These hard-working legends put a ton of effort into keeping your cabin at its best, and making sure you have everything you need (within reason), but some passengers don’t half make their job even more difficult.

Angry cruise cabin steward

Perhaps you’re one of them, and you don’t realise it? Here are the 11 things that cabin stewards hate that cruise passengers do without realising, so that you can adjust your behaviour onboard if you need to.

1. Hiding Room Service Trays Or Food

I understand that, once you’ve finished with your room service tray or that buffet plate you brought back to your cabin, you might want it out of sight.

I get it, dirty plates are one of the worst offenders for just making a room look cluttered and dirty.

A room service tray on a Cunard cruise ship, featuring covered plates with food, a bowl of sauce, salt and pepper shakers, and neatly arranged napkins and cutlery on a small table.

The best advice is generally to put the plate outside your door so it can be collected, but some people don’t like to do that. And so instead they might try to hide the plates temporarily, maybe behind a curtain, under the bed, or in the wardrobe.

An utterly terrible idea, because your cabin steward is not doing a deep-clean every single time they enter your room, and so there’s a good chance they’ll miss the plates if they’re hidden.

This can lead to odours and also means that, if you keep ordering more room service or bringing more plates back, you’ll end up with quite the collection that becomes harder to tidy away properly.

If you don’t want to leave the plate outside your door, make sure it’s in plain sight so it can be removed.

2. Overusing Do Not Disturb Signs

Of course, everyone needs privacy at times, but keeping the “Do Not Disturb” sign up all day can cause issues.

Disney Cruise Line Room Occupied Sign

Stewards work to very tight schedules, and if they miss their window to clean your cabin it disrupts their flow. It’s fine to use it for a little while but don’t leave it up there permanently!

In some cases, a cabin left on “Do Not Disturb” too long will even trigger a welfare check from security. That’ll be awkward if you’ve just left it there because you want a bit of peace…

If you want service later, flip the sign to “Make Up Room” when you head out, or simply let your steward know your preferred cleaning time.

3. Mixing Clean And Dirty Towels

Folding a damp towel neatly and leaving it on the floor may seem helpful, but it only creates confusion. Is it clean enough to reuse, or should it be replaced?

Cruise bathroom

To keep things clear, always put used towels in the shower or bath, and hang up anything you plan to use again.

This saves your steward wasting precious time sorting through piles of linen.

4. Bringing Your Own Toilet Paper Or Flushing Wipes

Cruise ship plumbing is sensitive and designed only for the thin paper provided onboard.

And I know it might not be as luxurious as the kind you use at home, but there’s no way around that.

A clean and well-lit bathroom with beige tiles and blue accents, featuring a sink, toilet, and a bathtub with a shower curtain. White towels hang neatly on a rack above the toilet, and various toiletries are organized on shelves and in dispensers.

Some people who’ve cruised before might even bring their own to get around the problem but trust me, you shouldn’t!

Using thick, plush toilet paper from home – or worse, flushing wet wipes – can block the system, causing problems not just in your cabin but across the deck.

Always stick to the supplies provided and bin anything that isn’t toilet paper.

5. Rearranging Furniture

Cabin furniture is carefully positioned and often secured for safety.

Moving it around, even just to “make more space”, creates hazards and extra work, as everything needs to be put back before the next guests arrive.

MSC Virtuosa Inside Cabin

In fact in some cases your steward will be under instruction to move it back immediately, and to keep moving it if you continue to shift it.

If you really want a different set-up, speak to your steward instead of dragging chairs or beds yourself.

6. Drying Wet Clothes On Furniture Or Sprinklers

It’s tempting to drape swimsuits or towels over chairs or lamps to dry, but this can cause damp smells, damage furniture, or even trigger the fire-safety system if hung on sprinklers (yes, some people apparently do this – crazy!)

drying clothes on balcony

Most cruise cabins I’ve sailed in have a retractable clothesline in the shower – use that instead. If you need more drying space, ask your steward for extra hangers.

Suggested read: 17 Extras You Can Get From Cruise Cabin Stewards (For Free!)

7. Turning The Cabin Into A Messy Dressing Room

Cabins aren’t huge, and when clothes and shoes are spread across the bed, floor, and chairs, it makes cleaning much more time-consuming.

Cruise Wardrobe

Stewards end up carefully moving items just to make the bed or vacuum. Keeping your belongings in the wardrobe or drawers helps them do their job faster and more efficiently.

8. Complaining About Things Stewards Can’t Control

Problems with air conditioning, noisy neighbours, or technical faults aren’t within a steward’s power to fix.

While they can report issues, it’s quicker and more effective to contact guest services directly.

A smiling customer service representative assists two passengers at the Guest Services Priority Line for Club Orange on a Holland America Line cruise ship, with a bouquet of orange roses on the counter.

Save your steward for cabin-specific requests like extra pillows or replacing light bulbs – they’ll appreciate it and you won’t be burdening them with extra things to remember.

Oh, and if guest services are a little slow, don’t take it out on your cabin steward. It’s not their job to just sit and take your complaints!

Read more: 19 Cruise Freebies You Can Ask For At Guest Services

9. Expecting Laundry Service Without Preparation

Leaving a pile of clothes on the bed won’t magically result in clean laundry.

Cruise lines require guests to bag their items, complete the laundry form, and specify the service required.

Explora Journeys laundry

Stewards are there to collect properly prepared laundry, not to sort through piles and guess your preferences.

Or you can always use the self-service laundry machines onboard, if you prefer. Most cruise lines have them!

Read more: How To Do Laundry on Cruise Ships: The Ultimate Guide

10. Leaving Valuables Out

Expensive jewellery, passports, and wads of cash left on display don’t just slow cleaning down – they put stewards in a difficult position.

A SentrySafe electronic safe is securely mounted in a wooden compartment inside a cruise ship stateroom. The safe features a keypad for entering a security code and an instructional label on the front. A small decorative box is placed on the shelf above the safe.

Even though theft is rare, the presence of valuables creates stress for them and risk for you. They don’t want to be accused of something they didn’t do if anything goes missing!

For everyone’s peace of mind, always use the in-cabin safe for anything important.

11. Holding Stewards Up For Long Chats

A quick “hello” or “thank you” is always welcome, but long conversations can throw a steward’s schedule completely off track.

Cabin steward

They’re often responsible for 15 to 20 cabins or perhaps more, and on some cruise lines those cabins are still serviced twice a day, so every minute counts.

If you’d like to chat, catch them at a quieter time rather than when they’re rushing with a trolley of supplies.

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Final Word

Cabin stewards work tirelessly to keep your cruise experience smooth and comfortable.

By avoiding these small but significant habits, you not only make their lives easier but also help ensure you receive the very best service in return.

A little consideration goes a long way – so next time you’re on board, be the kind of passenger your steward is secretly delighted to look after.

And if you really want to get in their good books, read my post about the ‘Things Your Cabin Steward Secretly LOVES You Doing‘ next.

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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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Seabourn Embraces “Noctourism” With After-Dark Experiences for 2026 Season

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a light on the dark – quite literally – as it embraces noctourism, the growing travel trend centred on discovering destinations after sunset.

Taipei at night

“The night has always held a special allure, and our after-dark experiences invite guests to see the world in ways that are both rare and unforgettable,

“From stargazing in the most remote corners of the globe to exclusive evenings at world treasures like Ephesus, these are the kinds of moments our guests remember most and remind them why travel is so powerful,”

Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn

The ultra-luxury line is leaning into the fascination of the night sky and the mystery of evening adventure with a carefully curated collection of new and returning After-Dark Experiences for its 2026 season.

After-Dark Highlights

Among the signature events that define Seabourn’s nocturnal offerings are:

An Evening at Ephesus – A hallmark Seabourn event, where guests enjoy a private classical concert beneath the stars in the ancient Odeon theatre.

Baining Fire Dance – A rare opportunity to witness this sacred tribal ceremony in Papua New Guinea’s Baining Mountains, traditionally performed only for significant life milestones.

Stargazing at Sea – Led by expedition experts in remote regions such as the Kimberley in Australia and the South Pacific.

Northern Lights Viewing – Guided evenings beneath the aurora borealis in Alaska, Greenland, and the Arctic.

Nighttime Shore Excursions

Seabourn’s evening excursions have also been expanded to showcase the atmosphere, wildlife, and culture of each destination in a new light. Highlights include:

  • An Evening at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Hobart, Tasmania, where guests meet nocturnal species by torchlight.
  • Night Snorkelling in Kona, Hawaii, to witness the mysterious marine life that emerges after dusk.
  • Hong Kong by Night Tram Tour, offering a glittering perspective of the city’s iconic skyline.

Dining Beneath the Stars

Culinary experiences will also take on a nocturnal twist across Seabourn’s fleet.

Earth & Ocean transforms into an elegant al fresco dining destination, inviting guests to dine under the open sky.

The Colonnade Terrace will offer nightly regionally inspired, bistro-style dinners in an outdoor setting.

Select itineraries aboard Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation feature “Dinner Under the Stars” at The Retreat, offering a romantic and exclusive dining experience.

Solis, Seabourn’s new fine dining concept, will continue to impress with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and ocean-view terrace seating on the same ships.

For those who prefer privacy, in-suite dining remains available around the clock, with the option of a full multi-course meal from The Restaurant served on guests’ private verandas.

With its latest collection of experiences, Seabourn is not just redefining luxury cruising – it’s proving that some of the most magical moments at sea happen long after the sun goes down.

The best way to book a Seabourn cruise

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Viral Video Shows Teens Climbing Cruise Balcony

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

A shocking video showing two teenagers climbing between balconies on a cruise ship has gone viral, sparking fierce debate online about passenger safety – and whether private balconies should even remain an option on cruise ships.

Teens walking on cruise balcony

The clip, posted on TikTok by user @dvandzzedsw, shows the youths balancing on the narrow railings of their stateroom balcony before inching along to the neighbouring cabin.

At one point, one teen can be seen dangling over the open ocean, gripping the underside of the balcony above him for support while wearing what appear to be flimsy sandals.

Though the ship has not been officially identified, commenters and the original poster claim it took place aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas – one of the world’s largest cruise ships.

The balcony design seen in the footage is consistent with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels.

@dvandzzedsw Repost cause the last one got taken down #cruise #wonderoftheseas ♬ original sound – dvandzzedsw

The stunt, which could easily have ended in tragedy, clearly breaches cruise safety regulations.

A single misstep could have sent one of the teens plummeting into the sea or onto a lower deck, either of which could have been fatal.

Where Were the Parents?

It’s not known whether the teens’ parents or guardians were aware of what was happening.

Like most major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean requires minors to share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over, or to be booked into a connecting cabin for proper supervision.

Carnival Cruise Line and other mainstream brands follow similar policies.

Balcony Cabin Ban Call Ridiculed

As the video continues to circulate, some online users have questioned whether cruise lines should ban balcony cabins altogether to prevent passengers from climbing railings.

However, the overwhelming majority of cruise fans have rejected that idea – arguing that irresponsible guests, not balconies, are the problem.

“Balcony cabins should always be an option. No need to ban them because of a few teenage idiots – their parents should be responsible,” one cruiser wrote.

“They should not ban balconies because of a few stupid people. Ban the stupid people for life,” another added. “That was extremely dangerous.”

A Serious Safety Breach

Climbing or sitting on balcony railings is a serious safety violation across all major cruise lines. Such behaviour can result in immediate disembarkation and even a lifetime ban from the cruise brand.

In less severe cases, the offending guests may simply lose access to their balcony, with crew removing the door handle or locking the door for the remainder of the voyage.

Security teams also have the authority to relocate guests to an interior cabin or, in extreme situations, confine them to their stateroom until the next port.

It’s unclear what, if any, consequences the teenagers in this video faced – but the incident serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous this kind of behaviour can be.

Cruise Lines Take Balcony Safety Seriously

Balcony cabins remain among the most popular stateroom options at sea, offering guests private outdoor space and ocean views.

However, cruise lines routinely remind passengers to avoid leaning or climbing on railings and to supervise children at all times.

In the end, a few seconds of reckless fun could have cost two young people their lives – a chilling example of why safety rules at sea exist for a reason.

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Search Ends After Person Goes Overboard From Norwegian Jewel

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

A search lasting more than ten hours has ended after a person went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025, during the ship’s transatlantic voyage to Miami.

Norwegian Jewel

Guests were awoken around 2 am when the captain announced a “Code Oscar” – the maritime emergency call indicating someone had fallen into the sea.

“We’ve been circling for hours now,” one passenger told media. “The captain confirmed someone had gone overboard, and the ship has been searching ever since.”

The incident occurred roughly seven hours after the ship departed Ponta Delgada in the Azores, its final European port of call.

Norwegian Jewel, which is carrying more than 2,300 guests and 1,000 crew, had set sail from Barcelona on 15th October for a 12-night repositioning cruise to the United States.

Search Efforts at Sea

Tracking data showed the 93,500-ton ship circling off the coast of Portugal for much of the day as crew coordinated with the Portuguese National Maritime Authority. However, with the vessel nearly 190 miles from land and the incident occurring in darkness, the rescue operation proved extremely challenging.

Norwegian Jewel

As daylight broke, cargo ships and aircraft joined the search, but by mid-afternoon, Norwegian Jewel had resumed her course towards Miami.

“It was incredibly sobering,” one passenger wrote online. “Everyone on board was quiet and respectful. You could feel the sadness.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether the person who went overboard was a passenger or crew member, and Norwegian Cruise Line has yet to issue an official statement.

Second Incident for Cruise Line in 2025

This is the second man overboard incident involving NCL with an unsuccessful search in just a few months.

In August 2025, a 79-year-old guest went overboard from Norwegian Star while sailing near Newfoundland and Labrador.

Despite immediate rescue efforts, the individual was not found.

In June, a passenger aboard Norwegian Epic fell into the water as the ship departed Catania, Sicily, but survived with minor injuries.

Safety at Sea

While modern cruise ships are equipped with overboard detection technology, surveillance systems, and emergency response drills, such accidents can unfold in seconds.

Industry data suggests that from 2009 to 2019, only around one in five people who fell overboard from cruise ships were rescued.

The tragedy serves as another reminder of how swiftly a cruise holiday can turn from joyful to tragic, even with robust safety procedures in place.

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2025 Hygiene & CDC Inspection Scores

by Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise News

Worried about catching ‘cruise cough’ or norovirus on your next sailing? You’re not alone – but the truth is, some cruise ships are cleaner than most five-star hotels.

I’ve scoured the latest CDC inspection reports and hygiene ratings to bring you the world’s cleanest cruise ships – the ones that shine (literally) when it comes to cleanliness and safety.

cleanest cruise ship

So grab your rubber gloves and your sense of adventure, because we’re about to explore the sparkling side of life at sea. These ships are proof that you can sail the world without a single germ getting in your way.

Where Data on Clean Ships Comes From

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) runs a Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) that helps cruise ships to prevent the spread of illness. 

As part of the VSP, every cruise ship is inspected for hygiene twice per year. The inspections are unannounced, and so thorough that they take a team of two to five inspectors between six and eight hours to complete.

The inspections look at medical facilities, drinking water, swimming pools, spas, kitchens, dining rooms, child activity centres, cabins, ventilation systems and common areas of each ship.

During an inspection, each cruise ship is scored on a 100-point scale. Any score of 85 or below is counted as a fail.

jacuzzi and pool on a cruise ship

List of the Cleanest Cruise Ships

In VSP inspections over the last year, 25 cruise ships scored a perfect 100 for cleanliness. These are shown in the table below, along with links to scores in previous inspections for those ships.

This data is accurate as of 21st October 2025. More ships may have been inspected since then. You can see the latest VSP statistics here.

Cruise Ship Cruise Line Inspection Date All VSP Scores
Utopia of the Seas Royal Caribbean International 21 July 2025 All scores
Viking Orion Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd. 12 July 2025 All scores
Ovation of the Seas Royal Caribbean International 1 July 2025 All scores
Icon of the Seas Royal Caribbean International 4 June 2025 All scores
Adventure of the Seas Royal Caribbean International 3 June 2025 All scores
National Geographic Venture Lindblad Expeditions 24 May 2025 All scores
Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Cruises 22 May 2025 All scores
Westerdam Holland America Line 18 May 2025 All scores
Oceania Vista Oceania Cruises 1 May 2025 All scores
Carnival Luminosa Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. 1 May 2025 All scores
Viking Neptune Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd. 22 April 2025 All scores
Disney Wish Disney Cruise Lines 18 April 2025 All scores
Viking Sea Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd. 31 March 2025 All scores
Disney Magic Disney Cruise Lines 2 March 2025 All scores
Valiant Lady Virgin Voyages 28 February 2025 All scores
Explora I MSC Cruise Management (UK) Ltd 9 February 2025 All scores
Disney Treasure Disney Cruise Lines 11 January 2025 All scores
Norwegian Escape Norwegian Cruise Lines 6 January 2025 All scores
Explora II MSC Cruise Management (UK) Ltd 20 December 2024 All scores
Nieuw Statendam Holland America Line 7 December 2024 All scores
Koningsdam Holland America Line 17 November 2024 All scores
Carnival Legend Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. 17 November 2024 All scores
Celebrity Apex Celebrity Cruises 11 November 2024 All scores
Mariner of the Seas Royal Caribbean International 28 October 2024 All scores
Seven Seas Grandeur Regent Seven Seas 23 October 2024 All scores

Cleaning Standards for Cruise Ships

Cruise ships, like any large public space, vary in cleanliness. However, it’s important to note that cruise ships are subject to stringent sanitation standards that are regularly monitored and enforced.

Despite these strict standards and regular inspections, outbreaks of illness can still occur on cruise ships. These are most commonly gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. Such outbreaks are usually well-publicised, but relatively rare considering the number of people who take cruises every year.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, cruise lines implemented even more stringent cleaning and sanitation procedures. These included more frequent cleaning of public areas, use of electrostatic sprayers with disinfectant, enhanced air filtration systems, and policies to encourage physical distancing and hand hygiene.

disinfecting a cruise ship

Despite this, people still catch Covid on cruise ships, which is why many crew members still opt to wear masks. I have had Covid twice, and both times I fell ill upon returning from a cruise.

How Long It Takes to Clean a Cruise Ship

Regular daily cleaning includes tasks like tidying up cabins, cleaning public areas and maintaining dining rooms. This is an ongoing process that crew members work on around the clock.

On turnaround day (when one set of passengers disembarks and a new set embarks), a deeper cleaning takes place. This typically includes more thorough cleaning of cabins, including changing linens, vacuuming and deep-cleaning bathrooms.

On turnaround day, public spaces are also cleaned more intensively. For a large cruise ship, this process typically takes several hours and involves a large team of cleaning staff.

crew member cleaning air conditioner on a cruise ship

After a cruise ship has been in service for a while, it will occasionally undergo a dry dock. This is a period of several weeks when it’s taken out of service for maintenance and deep cleaning.

During this time, everything from the engines to the carpets can be cleaned, repaired or replaced. This could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the work being done.

In the case of an outbreak of illness on board, such as norovirus, a ship will undergo an intensive disinfection process. This could take 24 to 48 hours and involves cleaning all surfaces with strong disinfectant.

deep clean following norovirus outbreak

The Bottom Line

There you have it, fellow voyagers – the cleanest cruise ships on the high seas! From gleaming decks to sparkling staterooms, these maritime marvels are setting the gold standard for the industry.

Although these ships may top the list, the vast majority of cruise ships are committed to providing a clean, healthy and safe environment for their guests. With stringent sanitation practices, regular inspections and dedicated crews working around the clock, you’re in good hands when setting sail on your dream cruise.

Whether you’re cruising on one of these squeaky-clean superstars or another vessel in the varied fleets worldwide, rest assured that your well-being is a top priority. Cruise ship cleanliness is taken very seriously, and the proof is in the pudding… or perhaps, in this case, the buffet line.

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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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Disney Dream Overboard Investigation Unveiled

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

An investigation has shed new light on the terrifying man overboard incident that took place aboard Disney Dream on 29th June 2025, when a five-year-old girl fell 50 feet from Deck 4 into the ocean – prompting her father to leap in after her.

Disney Dream Open Porthole Window

The incident occurred during a four-night Bahamas sailing, and while both the child and her father were safely rescued within an hour, questions have lingered about how such a tragic fall could have happened.

A newly released police report from Florida’s Broward County Sheriff’s Office has now clarified the circumstances surrounding the fall – and dismissed several of the early theories circulating online.

What Really Happened on Deck 4

According to the investigation, the girl’s mother had asked her daughter to pose for a photo in front of an open porthole, unaware that it was not sealed with glass or plexiglass.

There are different porthole windows on the ship. Here’s one that I sat at with my daughter, that does have the glass:

Cruise Mummy with daughter in a porthole window

Whereas the other portholes that do not have glass look like this:

But there is a crucial sign on the railings next to that window, which clearly the mother missed or chose to ignore:

Do Not Climb sign on window

“[The mother] assumed the porthole had a window or plexiglass, and she thought that [her daughter] would be caught by the glass, but instead, she kept falling,” the report explained.

Surveillance footage corroborated both parents’ statements, showing the mother leading her daughter to the porthole moments before the fall.

The father reacted instantly, alerting others to try to get help before jumping overboard to save his child.

The report confirmed that the mother continued to raise the alarm onboard, so that the crew were alerted and could begin a rescue.

Disney crew members quickly launched a man overboard response, and both were retrieved from the water within the hour.

No Criminal Charges Filed

The report confirms that while the mother’s decision was “negligent and irresponsible,” prosecutors determined it did not meet the threshold for criminal culpable negligence.

Detective Christopher Favitta, who examined the scene in person, wrote:

“Upon looking at the window myself, as a prudent person, I immediately saw that the window was open to the air and did not have a covering. This act, facilitated by [the mother], placed the child in a life-threatening situation.”

However, Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly concluded:

“While the defendant’s conduct is arguably negligent and irresponsible, it does not rise to the egregious level of conduct necessary to establish criminal culpable negligence.”

The case is now officially closed.

Disney’s Response and Crew Heroics

Disney Cruise Line has not commented on the police findings but had previously praised its crew for their swift and professional actions during the emergency.

After the rescue, both father and daughter were treated by the ship’s medical team.

The young girl suffered mild hypothermia and lactic acidosis, while her father sustained similar conditions along with two spinal fractures. Both were expected to make full recoveries.

Lessons for Cruising Families

While this case ended with a miraculous rescue, it underscores the importance of constant supervision and caution when travelling with children at sea.

Openings, railings, and deck edges can pose serious hazards – and even a momentary lapse can lead to tragedy.

Between 2009 and 2019, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recorded 212 people going overboard across all major cruise lines. Only 48 were recovered alive – a survival rate of roughly 22%.

In this instance, luck and rapid response made the difference.

But for other families, it’s a stark reminder that even seemingly harmless moments – like posing for a photo – can quickly turn dangerous on open decks.

Make sure you read any warning signs around the ship, and follow their instructions!

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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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5 Insider Tips for Booking a Family Cruise with Free Child Places

by Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsKidsMoney saving tips

Want to know the best cruise deal out there? It has to be when kids sail free. These rare offers can slash your cruise bill by hundreds – sometimes even thousands – of pounds.

Cruise lines often charge children almost the same as adults, so when a free child place pops up, it’s worth jumping on fast. I’ve managed to grab these deals several times, and in this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find them – before everyone else does.

My family

1. The 5 Cruise Lines That Offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ Deals

Not all cruise lines offer free child places, so the first step is to identify which ones do.

Cruise lines that I have seen offer this deal include:

  • P&O Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Ambassador Cruise Line

However, these offers aren’t available all the time, so you need to keep an eye out for their latest policies and deals.

Often, the kids’ sail free deals are only available on term-time cruises. This makes sense because cruise lines have no problem filling the kids’ clubs during the school holidays.

But sometimes you can find these deals on school holiday cruises as well. I’ve done this many times, and even managed to get the kids on board Britannia for free at Easter.

Here’s how I did it: How to Find Bargain School Holidays Cruises with P&O Cruises

my family on a cruise

2. How to Get a Cheap Last-Minute Deal on a Cruise

The cheapest cruises are sometimes available to book two to three months before the ship sets sail. At this point, the cruise lines know how many cabins there are left to fill. If they’re not selling as fast as they should, they drop the price. However, the keyword here is SOMETIMES…

booking a cruise

Cruising is becoming more and more popular every year. The cruise lines literally cannot build ships fast enough to accommodate the growing demand. So having empty cabins is becoming rarer, meaning that last-minute price reductions are now few and far between.

If you do want to book a last-minute cruise, you’ll need to be really flexible. It’s also worth noting that just because a cruise has a large price reduction, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap.

The cheapest cabins will likely have been sold months ago, leaving the higher grades of cabins to be reduced later. Rather than paying less for your cruise, you might instead pay the same, but get a slightly larger cabin in a better location on the ship by booking late.

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3. Cheap Last-Minute Cruises for Families

My family

Finding a last-minute cruise for a family is like finding a needle in a haystack. Why? Well, ships only have a limited number of cabins which are suitable for families.

The majority of cruise ship cabins only fit two passengers. Although the demand for cruising is growing, the family sector of the market is growing even faster. This means that many ships simply do not have enough four-berth cabins to accommodate the demand.

Another problem you might encounter is that cruise lines tend to only admit a certain number of children in each age group. This is so that they can better accommodate them in the kids’ clubs.

In school holiday periods, parents sometimes find that there is a cabin available on the cruise they want, but no space for one of their children. The ship already has the maximum number of children in that particular age group booked on board.

4. Book Your Family Cruise Early

For anyone travelling with children, I would strongly recommend booking early. And the earlier the better! Cruises generally go on sale 18 months to two years before departure, and booking then will ensure that there is availability for your family.

Plus, for popular sailings which don’t get reduced, the best prices are often available when the cruises first go on sale.

Look for Promotional Deals for Early Bookers

cruise ship free drinks

Cruise lines have promotions all the time. Sometimes it’s a lower price, but more often than not you can get extras such as free drinks, free port parking or credit to spend on board the ship.

However, these deals are only available for early bookers. Each cruise line will have different offers that change every couple of months. If you see an offer that really appeals to you, such as free all-inclusive drinks, then don’t hang around.

Suggested read: How To Get A Cruise For Free

5. Contact a Travel Agent for the Best Cruise Deals

A good travel agent will be able to help you get the best deal. I’d recommend signing up for all their email newsletters. They can email you all the details of each cruise line’s latest promotions, and also let you know when the next batch of sailings is released, which happens a few times each year.

If you’re determined to take a cruise soon, then look at what last-minute deals are available (and find out how late you can book a last-minute cruise). However, if you’re not sure when you want to cruise, then it pays to look as far ahead as you can.

Final Word

Free child places on cruises are like gold dust – but with a bit of know-how, they’re absolutely worth hunting for. Whether it’s keeping an eye on the cruise lines that regularly run kids sail free offers, booking early to grab the best cabins, or letting a good travel agent do the searching for you, there are plenty of ways to save big.

I’ve managed to cruise with my kids for free more than once, and trust me, the feeling of knowing you’ve cut your holiday cost in half makes it even sweeter when you’re sipping that first poolside cocktail.

So keep your eyes peeled, stay flexible with dates, and be ready to book fast when the right deal appears – because those free child places never hang around for long!

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones 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.

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What to Wear on a Cunard Cruise: Dress Code Guide for Every OccasionWhat to Wear on a Cunard Cruise

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsCunardPacking

Cunard cruises are famous for their timeless elegance – think grand staircases, gala evenings and that classic ocean-liner style.

With over 175 years of tradition behind them, it’s no surprise that the line has one of the most distinctive dress codes at sea.

Couple on a cruise ship

But what does that really mean for your suitcase? Can you wear jeans? How smart is “smart”?

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to wear on a Cunard cruise – from daytime outfits to gala nights – plus how to stay comfortable while still fitting perfectly with Cunard’s refined style.

Cunard’s Daytime Dress Code is Casual

During the day, Cunard passengers are free to dress casually and comfortably, including jeans, shorts and T-shirts. Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for daytime activities such as exploring the ship, attending onboard events or enjoying leisure time on deck.

wearing jeans on a Cunard cruise

However, most people on a Cunard cruise will be dressed very smartly, even in the daytime. Although you can wear casual clothing like jeans during the day, ripped or scruffy jeans aren’t the best choice.

Cunard is known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, and ripped jeans may not align with the overall ambience the cruise line seeks to maintain. The same goes for cut-off jean shorts that are very short and show a lot of flesh.

But if your jeans or denim shorts are smart, there’s no reason why you can’t wear them in the daytime.

Suggested read: 9 Things You Should Never Wear On A Cruise

people wearing jeans on a Cunard cruise

Cunard’s Evening Dress Codes Are Less Casual

Cunard has two main dress codes for evenings: Gala Evenings (also known as formal nights) and Smart Attire (also known as informal nights).

Formal Dress for Gala Evenings

On these nights, passengers are expected to dress up in more formal attire. For men, this typically means a tuxedo, dinner jacket or a dark suit with a tie. For women, this means a formal gown, cocktail dress or dressy separates. Jeans are not considered appropriate for Gala Evenings.

Gala Evening on a Cunard cruise

Smart Casual Dress for Smart Attire Nights

On Smart Attire nights, passengers can dress more casually but are still expected to maintain a sense of elegance. For men, this usually means a jacket, a collared shirt and dress trousers. Women can wear a dress, skirt or dressy trousers with a blouse.

Smart Attire on a Cunard cruise

Although jeans are not explicitly prohibited during Smart Attire evenings, it’s recommended that you choose dressier, dark-wash jeans without any rips or excessive wear. Pair them with a more formal top and shoes.

So dark jeans and a crisp shirt, or a nice top with smart shoes or heels, are absolutely fine to wear in the evenings on a Cunard cruise.

These dress codes are mainly enforced in the main dining rooms and other public areas of the ship during the evening. When dining in more casual venues or spending time in your own stateroom, you can generally wear what you like, including jeans.

people having fun on a Cunard cruise

Tips for Packing Clothes for Your Cunard Cruise

When planning your wardrobe for a Cunard cruise, consider the following tips:

  • Bring at least one formal outfit for Gala Evenings.
  • For Smart Attire nights, pack a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, such as dark jeans, blazers, dressy tops or skirts.
  • Don’t forget comfortable clothing for daytime activities and excursions.
  • Pack appropriate footwear, including dress shoes for formal nights and comfortable walking shoes for daytime activities.
  • Remember to check the weather and plan accordingly, bringing layers and appropriate outerwear for the regions you’ll be visiting.
A person in a pink sweatshirt packs a suitcase with summer essentials, including a straw bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bikini, headphones, sandals, and travel documents. The suitcase is laid open on a wooden floor with a pink fuzzy rug nearby, suggesting preparation for a sunny vacation.

Final Word

Cunard’s dress code might sound formal at first, but once you’re on board, it simply adds to the magic of the experience. Dressing up for dinner or a gala evening feels like stepping back into a golden age of cruising – and it’s all part of what makes Cunard so special.

During the day, smart casual is perfectly fine, and yes, you can wear jeans – just keep them neat and stylish. In the evenings, a little effort goes a long way, and you’ll feel right at home among fellow guests who love the occasion as much as you do.

So pack your favourite outfits, polish your shoes, and get ready to enjoy the timeless elegance that Cunard is known for. After all, half the fun of a Cunard cruise is looking the part while you’re living it.

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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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Carnival’s Mardi Gras Makes Room For More Families And Groups With New Interconnecting Rooms And Enhanced Spaces After Comprehensive Dry Dock

by Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras, recently returned to action with a variety of fresh enhancements following a comprehensive dry dock in Marseilles, France. The ship sets sail from Barcelona on a 15-day transatlantic journey back to her homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla., to resume the fun with a year-round schedule of cruises to stunning destinations in the Caribbean.

One Hundred Connecting Staterooms Added

Among the new additions are new connecting doors across 100 staterooms offering more flexibility for multi-generational families and larger groups to enjoy their vacation together. Carnival Adventures was revamped with a new layout, providing guests with a seamless excursion booking experience. 

The ship’s casino has been expanded with new slot machines for guests to enjoy, and several retail venues were refreshed, including Tag Heuer, Breitling, Pandora and Swarovski. The ship also underwent a series of changes aimed at improving accessibility, including redesigned walkways and upgraded features in both public areas and guest cabins.

Expanded Casino

“Mardi Gras was a game-changer when she debuted as our first Excel-class ship, and now she’s setting the pace again as the first in her class to complete a dry dock,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “These updates not only enhance the onboard experience for families and groups but also signal the exciting direction we’re heading in with future fleet enhancements.”

Redesigned Retail Spaces

Guests aboard Mardi Gras will enjoy a 15-day transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Port Canaveral, featuring stops in Málaga and Cádiz (Seville), Spain; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Carnival’s exclusive destination, Celebration Key. The 6,400-passenger ship will homeport in Port Canaveral year-round, where she will continue to offer seven- to nine- day itineraries visiting popular Caribbean destinations. In 2027, Mardi Gras will be the first Excel-class, and the biggest in the fleet, to offer short four- and five-day itineraries to the Caribbean.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line- Opens in new window and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com- Opens in new window, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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