P&O Cruises has quietly updated drinks prices across its fleet, with guests now paying slightly more for many popular beverages on board.
The changes are relatively modest and affect a wide range of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and speciality coffees. While prices have risen, P&O Cruises still remains competitively priced compared with some rival cruise lines, particularly in the premium and luxury sectors where drinks can cost significantly more.
Among the changes, a pint of beer has increased from £5.95 to £6.50, while bottled beer and cider prices have moved from £5.55-£6.10 to between £5.80 and £6.20 depending on the brand.
Wine by the glass has also seen a small increase, now ranging from £6.90 to £10.90 compared with the previous £6.50 to £10.75 pricing.
Cocktails have increased by around 40p, now costing between £8.90 and £9.90, while mocktails now range from £4.60 to £4.90 after previously sitting at a flat £4.50 price point.
Spirits including gin, whiskey and vodka have all seen small rises, with single measures now typically priced between £4.90 and £5.40. Mixers have increased from £3.10 to £3.20.
Soft drinks have also edged up slightly, with regular servings moving from £3.00 to £3.10 and large sizes increasing from £3.70 to £3.90. Bottled water has risen from £2.35 to £2.50 for a 330ml bottle, while Red Bull now costs £4.40 instead of £4.25.
Speciality coffees have seen some of the larger percentage increases, with prices now ranging from £2.40 to £4.70 depending on the drink size and type. Tea has also increased slightly from £2.65 to £2.70.
Modest Increases Compared With Wider Cruise Industry
Cruise lines regularly review onboard pricing as operating costs continue to rise, and drink prices across the industry have generally increased in recent years.
However, P&O Cruises’ latest adjustments remain fairly restrained compared with some competitors, particularly when considering the line’s positioning in the market. Drinks on board are still viewed by many guests as reasonably affordable, especially when compared with prices on newer premium-focused cruise brands.
The update also comes just months after P&O Cruises introduced its first-ever all-inclusive package options.
The cruise line announced the packages in December 2025, offering guests bundled drinks, WiFi and speciality dining credits on cruises of five nights or longer departing from March 2026 onwards.
Guests can choose between a Classic Package priced at £49 per person per day on sailings between five and 14 nights, or a Deluxe Package at £59 per person per day for the same duration.
At the time of launch, P&O Cruises said the packages could save guests up to 32% and 34% respectively compared with purchasing the included items separately on board.
The introduction of the all-inclusive options gives passengers a more predictable way to manage onboard spending, particularly for guests who regularly purchase cocktails, coffees and premium drinks during their cruise holidays.
While the latest price rises may not dramatically impact most passengers’ onboard spending, they are likely to be welcomed as relatively measured increases at a time when many areas of the travel industry continue to see sharper price inflation.
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A dinner service aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was interrupted after ceiling panels suddenly collapsed inside one of the vessel’s busiest dining venues, leaving several passengers injured during a Caribbean voyage.
The incident happened on 14th May 2026 aboard Norwegian Luna while the ship was sailing a 7-night roundtrip itinerary from Miami. According to a passenger who shared video footage and photos on TikTok, the collapse occurred inside The Local Bar & Grill as guests were eating.
“This [was] the scariest experience my fiancé and I have had,” the passenger wrote. “We were having a meal at the Local Bar and Grill in the world’s newest cruise ship, Norwegian Luna, which first sailed last month, when the roof panels fell on us while eating.”
The guest explained that she immediately ran from the restaurant following the collapse, while her fiancé stayed behind to assist other passengers who had been caught beneath the fallen structure.
Images shared online appeared to show multiple ceiling sections collapsed across tables and seating areas, with crew members and passengers gathering around the damaged section in the aftermath.
Norwegian Cruise Line later confirmed the incident in a statement, saying a small number of guests received treatment onboard for minor injuries.
“On May 14, 2026, an isolated incident involving a ceiling panel occurred in a guest area onboard. As a result, a small number of guests were evaluated and treated by the ship’s medical team for minor injuries,” a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said.
The cruise line did not disclose how many guests required medical attention or provide details about the injuries sustained. The affected area was temporarily closed while repairs and an investigation into the incident were carried out.
NCL also stated that representatives are in contact with impacted guests and assisting them following the incident.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the area has been temporarily closed while repairs and a review are completed. The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Our team is in touch with the affected guests to assist them.“
Incident Happened In One Of Ship’s Most Popular Venues
The collapse took place inside The Local Bar & Grill, a complimentary 24-hour dining venue located on Deck 8 of the ship. The restaurant is one of the most heavily used casual dining locations onboard, serving items such as burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads and desserts around the clock.
The venue is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima-class dining concept and is also featured aboard sister ships Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima.
At the time of the incident, Norwegian Luna was nearing the conclusion of its Caribbean itinerary, which departed Miami on 9th May 2026. The sailing included visits to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay before returning to Miami on 16th May.
Norwegian Luna Only Entered Service Weeks Ago
The incident comes shortly after Norwegian Luna officially entered service, making the event particularly notable given the ship’s recent debut.
The 156,000-gross-ton vessel is the second Prima Plus-class ship built for Norwegian Cruise Line by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard near Venice.
Norwegian Luna completed sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in November 2025 before being delivered to the cruise line on 5th March 2026. The ship officially entered service with a christening ceremony in Miami on 27th March 2026.
The vessel accommodates approximately 3,565 guests and represents one of the newest additions to the global cruise fleet.
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Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on Friday, 15th May 2026 faced a last-minute change to their Alaska cruise plans after the line confirmed the sailing would now end in Whittier instead of Seward.
The cruise line notified passengers just one day before embarkation, explaining that ongoing construction work at the Seward passenger dock had forced the itinerary adjustment for the 7-night northbound sailing.
“Due to port construction in Seward, Alaska, debarkation for your sailing will now take place in Whittier, Alaska,” Royal Caribbean said in an email shared online by affected guests.
“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the port construction. Our onboard team will share next steps during your cruise and will be available to assist to ensure your departure experience is as smooth as possible.”
Whittier, located roughly 50 miles northeast of Seward, is already a commonly used turnaround port for Alaska cruise itineraries and is equipped to handle large cruise ship operations.
Royal Caribbean confirmed that guests with post-cruise transfers or land tours booked directly through the cruise line would have those arrangements adjusted automatically.
Passengers who independently arranged transport or accommodation were advised to contact their providers directly to reorganise plans.
Next Ovation Of The Seas Sailing Also Affected
The disruption also impacted the next southbound sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas, departing on 22nd May 2026.
Passengers booked on that voyage were also informed they would need to embark in Whittier rather than Seward. Unlike the previous sailing, those guests had more advance notice to adjust flights, hotels and transportation if needed.
Royal Caribbean stressed the operational change was unrelated to the ship itself. There were no propulsion issues, technical faults or mechanical concerns affecting the 168,666-gross-ton Quantum-class vessel.
At the time of the notification, no ports of call or onboard programming were expected to change, and the ship continued normal operations with capacity for up to 4,905 passengers.
The cruise line had not yet issued similar notifications for subsequent northbound and southbound Alaska sailings departing on 29th May and 5th June. That suggested construction work in Seward could be completed in time for later voyages to resume normal operations.
According to the City of Seward, the passenger dock replacement project is being carried out in partnership with Alaska Railroad, Royal Caribbean Group, Turnagain Marine and the Seward Company. Officials previously stated the upgraded facility was expected to reopen during spring 2026.
Cruise Homeport Changes Remain Rare But Not Unprecedented
While homeport changes are uncommon in the cruise industry, they do occasionally occur when ports become temporarily unavailable due to weather events, infrastructure projects or emergencies.
One of the most notable recent examples came in March 2024 following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The incident forced both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean to temporarily relocate sailings to Norfolk while Baltimore’s port access remained restricted.
Hurricane season can also force similar operational adjustments, particularly in the Caribbean and Gulf Coast regions, where cruise lines may need to shift embarkation ports at short notice to avoid storm impacts or damaged infrastructure.
For Alaska cruises, however, homeport changes are relatively unusual given the limited number of ports capable of handling large cruise ships and coordinating associated land transportation for thousands of passengers.
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P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers.
The cruise line has not announced a brand-new policy, but passengers sailing on recent warm-weather itineraries have noticed new fabric covers placed across loungers reminding guests not to leave them unattended for extended periods.
The move comes shortly after a German tourist successfully won compensation after complaining he was unable to secure a sun lounger during a family holiday in Greece.
According to BBC News, the traveller told a court in Hanover that he spent around 20 minutes every day searching for a free lounger during his 2024 holiday, including getting up at 6am in an attempt to secure a spot for his family.
He later sued his tour operator for failing to properly enforce rules preventing guests from reserving loungers. Judges ruled in his favour and awarded the family a refund worth €986.70, on top of an earlier €350 compensation payment already issued by the operator.
The court concluded that holiday companies should have adequate organisational measures in place to help ensure guests have fair access to sun loungers.
New Lounger Covers Spotted On P&O Ships
Passengers on P&O Cruises sailings have recently shared images online showing loungers fitted with branded covers carrying a warning message aimed at discouraging towel reserving.
The message reads: “Loungers get lonely. Please don’t reserve. If left for more than 30 minutes, belongings will be moved to the lonely lounger pick up point.”
One guest who shared the image online asked whether the move was “long overdue” or “a bit over the top”.
P&O Cruises has long operated rules discouraging guests from reserving loungers for extended periods, but the new covers appear to be a more visible reminder of those expectations onboard.
I spotted this sign on one of my P&O cruises
The cruise line, which mainly sails from Southampton to destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords, regularly faces the same pool deck frustrations seen at resorts across Europe during peak holiday periods.
Passengers commenting online were largely supportive of the enforcement efforts, particularly on busy sea days when finding a free lounger can become difficult.
One cruiser said: “We had our 1st cruise in December there was a group of about 7 or 8 older women who did this all the time on sea days! They were fuming when their stuff was removed, it was hilarious, so entitled!”
Another passenger added: “Long overdue. I often am looking for a lounger by the pool to have one to dry off after a swim and I can never get one in the sun.”
A guest sailing aboard P&O Cruises’ ship Britannia earlier this year also claimed the rules were actively enforced by crew members.
“This was on Britannia in January and was enforced,” they wrote. “The staff went round and put a sticker warning on after 30 minutes, then 30 minutes after that, if the sticker was still there, the towels were removed.”
Some Guests Question The 30-Minute Rule
While many passengers welcomed tougher action against reserving loungers, others questioned whether a 30-minute limit is realistic for families spending the day around the pool deck.
One guest argued that grabbing lunch, visiting the pool and queueing for drinks could easily take longer than half an hour.
“I think 30 minutes is unreasonable,” they wrote. “I am absolutely fine with an hour and think it is unfair for people to reserve sunbeds and head off for hours, but it should be ok for families to go in the pool, maybe grab a drink and queue at the snack bar.”
Another passenger suggested a one-hour allowance would be fairer, particularly for couples or families wanting to eat together without losing their loungers.
Debates around reserving sun loungers have become increasingly common on cruise ships in recent years, especially on Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries where pool decks are busiest during sea days.
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MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday.
The cruise line has introduced The Chicken Man on Deck 18 and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs on Deck 8, both offering fast-service comfort food included in guests’ cruise fares at no additional cost.
The additions arrive as MSC Cruises continues to broaden onboard dining experiences across its fleet, particularly on ships sailing from the North American market.
Located on the main pool deck, The Chicken Man offers quick-service chicken tenders, fries and chicken sandwiches from a walk-up counter conveniently positioned for passengers spending time outdoors by the pool.
Guests can customise their meals with a variety of sauces, while nearby shaded seating provides a relaxed space to enjoy lunch or a snack with ocean views.
The second new venue, Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs, has opened near the aft infinity pool on Deck 8 and serves both breakfast and lunch.
Morning menu items include barbecue burritos, pulled pork hash, biscuits and grits, while lunchtime offerings focus on traditional American barbecue favourites such as pulled pork, beef brisket, sausage, barbecue chicken and pork ribs.
Classic side dishes include baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. The venue also features two service lines intended to help reduce queues during busy periods.
Dessert options include banana pudding and cookie pecan butter pie.
Like The Chicken Man, Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs also offers nearby shaded seating for guests wanting a more casual dining atmosphere outdoors.
Hours for both venues may vary depending on itinerary and operating schedules. MSC Cruises has not confirmed exact opening times, with service expected to differ between sea days and port days.
Flexible Dining Rollout Continues On MSC Seashore
The launch of the two new eateries comes shortly after MSC Cruises introduced its “Dine on Your Time” programme aboard MSC Seashore on 19th April 2026.
The flexible dining initiative applies to main restaurant dining schedules rather than quick-service venues, allowing passengers greater freedom when choosing meal times during their cruise.
The 170,400-gross-ton vessel already features an extensive range of specialty dining venues, including Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos and Cantina, Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki and the seafood-focused Ocean Cay restaurant.
Passengers aboard MSC Seashore can also choose from 18 bars and lounges throughout the ship.
Homeported from Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore operates 3- and 4-night Bahamas sailings alongside 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries.
Depending on the voyage selected, the 4,540-guest ship visits destinations including Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya and MSC Cruises’ private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
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The fastest way to start an argument in a cruise Facebook group is to mention gratuities. Someone will always say they remove them if the service is bad, and plenty of people will agree.
I’ve never done that. Not once.
That probably sounds stubborn, or even a bit soft on cruise lines. But it’s not about defending the companies at all. It’s about who actually gets hurt when those charges come off your bill.
Most people don’t realise where that money really goes, or how many people rely on it who never step foot into a dining room or a cabin corridor.
Once you understand that side of cruising, the whole “just remove the gratuities” solution starts to look very different.
What Cruise Gratuities Actually Are
On most cruise lines, gratuities are a daily charge added to your onboard account. They’re sometimes called service charges, which already tells you a lot about how they’re meant to function.
An leaflet breaking down gratuities. (Prices increased slightly since)
They aren’t just a tip for your waiter or your cabin steward. On most mainstream lines, they’re pooled and shared across a much wider group of crew.
That includes ‘other hotel services’, which may be people you never see – laundry workers, cleaners, galley workers, assistant waiters, bar back staff, and those working long shifts below deck to keep the ship running smoothly.
The exact amount varies by cruise line, but it’s usually a fixed daily figure per person. Some lines let you remove or adjust it. Others build it into the fare from the start, so you don’t see it as a separate charge at all.
The key point is this: in practice, gratuities are part of how crew are paid. They’re not a little bonus on top in the way many people imagine. For many roles, that daily charge forms a significant portion of expected earnings.
That doesn’t make the system perfect. It does mean it exists for a reason – and it supports far more people than just the person who brings your drinks at dinner.
Why People Remove Gratuities
I can understand why people do it.
Cruises aren’t cheap, and nobody likes paying extra when something has gone wrong. When you’ve saved for months – sometimes years – for a holiday, expectations are high.
Very occasionally, service does fall short. You might wait ages for drinks. Your cabin might not be cleaned to the usual standard. Mistakes might keep happening in the dining room.
But it’s important to say this clearly: that’s the exception, not the rule.
On the vast majority of cruises, the service is outstanding. Crew members are known for remembering names, dietary preferences, favourite drinks, and small personal details that make people feel genuinely cared for. That reputation doesn’t exist by accident.
When problems do happen, they tend to stand out precisely because they’re unusual.
And when they do happen, it’s normal to feel frustrated. It’s also normal to want some kind of financial acknowledgement that the experience wasn’t what you paid for.
There’s also the argument that tips should be earned. If the service is bad, why should you still pay?
Add in the fact that gratuities are often presented as “optional,” and it can feel like removing them is simply using the system as intended.
None of that makes someone unreasonable. It just means they’re reacting to a disappointing experience in the most obvious way the ship presents to them.
Who Actually Loses Out When You Remove Them
This is the part many people don’t fully realise until they look into it more closely. Removing gratuities almost never affects only the person who gave poor service.
On many ships, gratuities are shared across departments. That means your decision impacts people who may have done an excellent job all week – and who may never have interacted with you directly.
The person washing your sheets
The crew member scrubbing public toilets at 2am
The galley team prepping hundreds of meals while you sleep
The assistant server quietly topping up water glasses all evening
They’re part of that pool.
Those crew members have no control over whether your waiter was slow, whether a section was short-staffed that day, or whether a system broke down at peak time. They still rely on that money.
For many crew, gratuities aren’t pocket money. They’re a meaningful part of take-home pay. Removing them can mean a real loss, not just a symbolic one.
So while it might feel like you’re sending a message about poor service, the reality is that the message lands on a lot of people who did nothing wrong.
Why Bad Service Is Rarely Just One Person’s Fault
Cruise ships are intense places to work.
Contracts are long. Days are longer. Time off is limited. Crew members may work seven days a week for months at a time.
Staffing levels can change mid-season. People get moved between roles. New hires are constantly being trained. Ships sail full. Turnaround days are tight. Technology fails. Supply deliveries run late.
All of that affects service.
Sometimes what looks like indifference is actually exhaustion. Sometimes it’s inexperience. Sometimes it’s a temporary staffing gap. Sometimes it’s simply that the system is under pressure that day.
That doesn’t mean you should accept poor service without complaint. It does mean that punishing the entire gratuities pool is a very blunt tool for a very specific problem.
Most of the time, the issue is bigger than one crew member – and smaller than the whole team deserves to suffer for.
What I Do Instead When Service Is Bad
If something isn’t right, I deal with it while I’m still on board.
That gives the ship a chance to fix it. And more often than not, they do.
If your bathroom isn’t clean – tell your cabin steward, they will clean it again. If you food is cold – tell your waiter – they will bring you some more.
If that doesn’t work, a quiet word with a supervisor or a visit to guest services often sorts things out faster than people expect. Cruise lines care deeply about onboard satisfaction scores, and they’re usually keen to put problems right before they escalate.
I also make a point of recognising good service at the same time. Two things can be true. One department might be under pressure, while another is delivering something exceptional.
If something is serious or keeps happening, escalate it properly. That creates a record. It gives management something concrete to respond to.
None of that requires taking money away from people who may have had nothing to do with the problem.
“But Shouldn’t Tips Be Earned?”
This is probably the most common – and most understandable – argument.
On land, in many countries, tips are a direct response to the service you personally receive. You reward or withhold based on that individual interaction.
Cruising doesn’t really operate like that anymore, even if the language still suggests it does.
The system functions much more like a service charge than a traditional discretionary tip. In reality, most of us are paying part of the crew’s wages through that daily amount, whether we like the wording or not.
That’s not me defending the structure. It’s simply acknowledging how it works.
Opting out doesn’t reform the pay model. It doesn’t push cruise lines to redesign compensation structures. It just shifts the financial impact onto crew members who are least able to absorb it.
If gratuities were rolled into the fare and the word “tip” disappeared, very little would change in practice. The money would still need to come from somewhere.
So for me, this is less about “earning” a tip and more about recognising how the industry has structured pay – and who carries the consequences when passengers opt out.
When It’s Fair to Escalate or Complain
Not all problems are minor. And not all of them should be handled with a polite shrug.
If there are hygiene issues, safety concerns, repeated service failures, or anything that genuinely affects your cruise, that absolutely deserves escalation.
Guest services and onboard management are the right channels. They can investigate, log issues, review staffing, and take corrective action in a way your onboard account simply can’t.
Formal complaints – both on board and after the cruise – are also far more powerful than silent financial protests.
Cruise lines respond to documented trends far more than they respond to one passenger quietly removing gratuities at the end of a sailing.
Holding companies accountable matters. But taking pooled income away from crew members who may not even know there’s a problem is a very indirect way of trying to do that.
Removing Gratuities and Tipping Cash Instead Isn’t a Solution
Some people argue that they don’t really avoid tipping. They just remove the automatic gratuities and hand cash directly to the crew members who looked after them.
And honestly, if you want to give extra cash tips to people who gave exceptional service, I think that’s a lovely thing to do.
But replacing the pooled gratuities with cash tips isn’t quite as fair as it sounds.
The problem is that cash almost always goes to the visible crew members. Your waiter. Your bartender. Your cabin steward.
It usually doesn’t go to:
The laundry crew washing thousands of sheets
The galley staff preparing food behind the scenes
The cleaners working overnight in public areas
The assistant staff quietly helping service run smoothly
The crew members you never actually meet
When you remove the automatic gratuities, you’re not removing money from “the cruise line.” You’re changing who receives it.
The people who are already most visible and most likely to receive extra cash often end up doing fine. The quieter behind-the-scenes crew can lose out.
That’s why I see cash tipping as something extra, not something that should replace the shared gratuity system.
If someone gives amazing service, I’ll absolutely hand over extra cash. But I’ll still leave the daily gratuities in place because I know they support a much wider team.
And honestly, one of the best things you can do for exceptional crew members isn’t financial at all.
Fill in the comment cards. Mention names in post-cruise surveys. Tell guest services when somebody went above and beyond.
Cruise lines take that feedback incredibly seriously. Positive mentions can help crew members get bonuses, better contracts, promotions, and preferred assignments in future.
That kind of recognition can have a much longer-lasting impact than a few extra dollars slipped into a handshake at the end of the cruise.
The Bigger Picture
Every cruise relies on thousands of people doing unglamorous, exhausting work behind the scenes. Most of them will never be thanked directly by passengers.
Gratuities, for all their flaws, are one of the ways that work is recognised and paid for. Removing them changes real pay packets, not just abstract numbers on a screen.
I’d much rather challenge poor service through complaints, feedback, and pressure on the cruise line than through a system that mostly hits the wrong people.
That doesn’t mean accepting bad experiences. It means being precise about where responsibility actually sits.
For me, keeping gratuities in place isn’t about blind loyalty to cruise lines. It’s about fairness.
It’s about aiming consequences at systems – not at the lowest-paid people working within them.
And that’s why, no matter how bad the service is, I wouldn’t remove them.
Trip log, day four. Bimini, The Bahamas. 4-Night Bahamian Fire and Sunset Soiree (Bahamian) from Miami, Florida February 7, 2026 Your Day at a Glance(The Daily Schedule) Scarlet Lady Deck Plan
Our final full day on the Scarlett lady. I woke up, looked outside; weather looks great. However… the wind seems to be an issue today. Emily headed off to the gym as usual.
Today, we are visiting in Bimini in the Bahamas, which is roughly due east of Fort Lauderdale kissing the southern edge of the Florida Straits.
This is one of those regular port of call for Virgin Voyages when sailing in the region and this serves as the cruise line’s quasi exclusive private offering. Bimini Beach Club, owned by Resorts World Bimini, is exclusive to sailors on days when a Virgin Voyages ship is in port.
We headed ashore a little after 8:00 a.m, boarding the tram to Bimini Beach Club which is about a 10-15 minute trip.
While the weather looks great in the photos, it was windy, and with the combination of air and water temperature resulted in a non-beach day for us. We wouldn’t have even been able to remove our sweatshirts.
It was however, a great morning for a Bahamian island walk.
The beach club is a nice little area that’s included in the price of the cruise and feels more like a cruise line’s private destination than an all-inclusive beach resort day pass offering across the Bahamas and Caribbean.
There is a beach with an abundance of loungers, a centrally located pool, two eating areas, rentable cabanas, and an area reserved for Rockstar level guests (who have an exclusive area).
Given the weather conditions and early morning arrival, there were plenty of available places to sit and enjoy the day. I’d be interested in hearing how it is around 11 o’clock in the middle of the summer.
As I mentioned, there are cabanas you can rent for the day, including a unique AirStream campsite area, which looked awesome.
Beach Eats had a promising menu. Guess what was on a few of the tables… It is NOT an isolated issue in The Bahamas.
After we had made our way around the beach club, we decided to head out. We hadn’t planned to spend the day ashore, as the weather didn’t seem conducive to water activities. However, considering the different time of year, with warmer water and air temperatures, this place feels like a promising spot to spend a sunny day.
We boarded the tram and headed back to the Fishermen’s Village tram stop. This is a popular spot if you’re looking to rent a golf cart to explore other parts of Bimini. It was amusing how many golf cart vendors were vying for customers, trying to undercut each other or offer “nicer” carts. Smart consumers can leverage the competitive nature of the vendors and likely get a great deal on a golf cart, provided they’re willing to negotiate.
As for the Fisherman’s Village located on the opposite side of the island as the beach club, it resulted in nearly no wind. It was actually gorgeous stroll along the marina.
There were a few spots open, but overall it was a quiet spot with very little foot traffic. There was an open air restaurant and bar that would be a good spot on a rainy day, and a few gift shops, but no really port shopping that you’d encounter at nearly any other port of call. In a way, it was refreshing not seeing the typical stores that overtake port shopping areas selling nearly identical items.
The Bimini Beach Club is the big draw for Sailors, and likely a close second, the casino.
Ultimately, today was going to be, a day to experience more of the onboard offerings, that we haven’t been able to check out previously in the cruise.
We got back on board a little before lunchtime, so we headed out to The Galley (deck 15 aft). Aside from me grabbing a bagel for breakfast the other day, we have not experienced the area for lunch or dinner service. Yes, this area is open for dinner!
One of the things that really caught my eye was the abundance of quick grab and go boxed offerings from salads and charcuterie, to sandwiches and dessert. Emily used the QR code to place an order for a glass of rose wine, and within about 10 minutes, it was brought right over to our table!
As for the other areas in The Galley, the food is a mix of quick service and made to order stations. On the surface it kinda gives vibes of Cabanas or Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods, but it is not a self-service buffet aside from the grab and go offerings.
Emily & I had salads, then I headed over to try the panini station. Both of which were winners. We grabbed a few desserts and just had a bit or so of each item.
Although the outside temperature was climbing and the wind died down, there was more we wanted to experience onboard. We grabbed our books from the stateroom and headed to The Dock (deck 7, aft) – an open lounge area overlooking the stern.
We spent a few hours here talking, reading and enjoying a some of the different spritzes on the menu.
Between the Dockhouse and The Dock, there was a selection of light bites, and more grab and go containers from The Galley and in the Pizza Place. We did not try any, but here are some of the offerings.
Speaking of the Pizza Place, it was now or never to try a fresh pizza. Even with a light crowd, there was a solid 20-minute wait after I ordered. This is not a high volume or quick bite offering, but the pizza, for the most part was good. The margarita pizza was a winner, and while the special of the day (chicken pesto) had high potential, it was prepared with too much olive oil resulting in a soupy mess.
It’d be great if they just offered a slice, even cold in a grab and go container or just stack a few boxes up in a window. That pizza from the hallway was still good, so why not make it an official grab and go offering? Aside from the lack of instant gratification, credit to them for individually made to order pizzas for each guest.
Right outside the pizza shop is the ice cream shop, and even when there is a modest line, it moves pretty fast, ’cause it’s simple process. Ice cream served in a cup or cone, and the best part no transaction necessary as it is included in the cruise fare. Frankly, it was absolutely delicious. This could be dangerous on longer cruises. We don’t ever partake in the ‘all you can eat’ soft serve on other cruise lines, but could see ourselves grabbing some of this quality ice cream on longer sailings (which we have coming up at the end of January).
One thing we did, just because we had the Blue Extras (loyalty level) benefit, was that we sent off a bag of laundry, which was a free loyalty perk. The Scarlet Lady does NOT have a self-service laundry so if you are packing light, your only option is to send it off. The bag is pretty big comparatively. The service did require that we document everything you put in the bag for accountability. Once it was ready, we used the stateroom tablet to request a pickup and we went on with our day.
They folded everything and the clothes were clean and fresh. Now, for $55 out of pocket for a bag of laundry is steep, but given the lack of a self service option your other option is to pack more clothes. However, Disney is a rare bird in the industry with the self service launderettes. As a loyalty perk, it’s awesome! We will definitely be using this in the future!
We also finished our stateroom puzzle (there were several missing pieces) and returned it to The Social Club.
This afternoon, a Nintendo Switch was setup on one of The Social Club’s TVs with a good guest turnout.
Before dinner, we stopped in at On the Rocks (deck 6, midship) for drinks. The band was just starting to setup and in the evening there is live music in an area with a lot of space to spread out.
Tonight, we were heading back to Lucky Lotus (Razzle Dazzle deck 5, aft). In the evening, Razzle Dazzle becomes a Scarlet Lady exclusive known as Lucky Lotus – offering an evening in the East as a modern Chinese eatery.
Unfortunately, the lighting was not conducive for photography. So, please accept my apologies for the terrible photos, but.. It is what it is in this case.
Overall, the food was indeed flavorful as advertised and a nice venue change from brunch at Razzle Dazzle.
Tonight’s big event was Rock-ehokie, featuring a 90’s-ish setlist. It was more of a live concert with the karaoke coming in the form of the sing along with the lyrics scrolling scrolling on the large screens behind the stage. We loved this. I would say this was our favorite offering of the voyage. Who knew the lyrics to Nirvana’s “Nevermind?”
And afterwards, we called it a night at the very late hour of 9 o’clock so that we could pack up most of our luggage.
Scarlet Lady Trip Log Day 5: 4-Night Bahamian Virgin Voyages Cruise – Bimini – February 8, 2026
Trip log, day five. Debarkation Day in Miami. 4-Night Bahamian Fire and Sunset Soiree (Bahamian) from Miami, Florida February 8, 2026
Our final hours onboard started with a lovely view of the Miami skyline, and easily the most picturesque ports in Florida. It’s worth stepping outside early in the morning to take in the view.
If you remember on Embarkation Day, check-in wasn’t until the afternoon for all guests, which allows a later debarkation time on the final morning. The gangway opens early, but you have until around 10:30 to leave the ship.
Depending on how you choose to enjoy your cruise, this affords a less rushed final night which I never enjoy, not because the cruise is coming to an end, but the looming final packing up and debarkation process a conga line with fellow passengers. With a later all ashore time, this created a perfect window of time early in the morning for a casual disembarkation experience.
You are not required to, but there was an option to recycle the Band. We opted to keep ours and just removed the portion with the RFID and kept the bracelet. I’m not really a bracelet wearing guy, but, you know, it’s a nice little nautical look which currently looks cool on my desk.
While we were not in a rush to get off, it was Super Bowl Sunday, and we did book the Brightline for the 9 o’clock hour departure back to Orlando.
Ultimately, we debarked a little after 7:30, and let me tell you, it was the perfect time as there were very few others leaving around this time compared to when we’ve queued up in a long line for express walk off. This morning, it was almost like a ghost ship, even outside at waiting for our rideshare it was quiet in the pickup area.
I did not do any research on the cruise line or the ship prior to boarding and this was intentional. When heading out on a new ship or cruise line, I prefer to go in without any preconceived expectations and figure it out as I go. I can do this because my wife, on the other hand, does the research and planning. For example, she took care of the dining reservations. If we do anything in port, she usually plans that as well. The main reason I choose to do it this way is to compare and contrast what I know from past cruises, which allows me to have a more in the moment impression of the experience.
Before we get into the cost, I want to point out that in October 2025, the gratuity policy changed to a daily per sailor line item on your folio which can also be pre-paid. Below is the FAQ on the current policy:
Are there additional tips for purchases on board?
Nope — once your service gratuity is covered, that’s it.
We keep things refreshingly simple: there’s no need to tip for drinks, dining, or spa treatments during your voyage. Your service gratuity supports the entire Crew, so you can focus on enjoying every moment — without reaching for your wallet after every order.
It’s all part of our promise to make your holiday feel effortlessly inclusive.
What is Virgin Voyages’ service gratuities policy?
Starting October 7, 2025, To support our incredible Crew — the ones who deliver unforgettable memories from morning lattes to laundry service — we automatically apply a daily service gratuity of $22 USD per Sailor to your onboard folio.
Prefer to take care of it in advance? Pre-pay before the voyage begins and pay just $20 USD per night.
No need to tip on board — ever.
Unlike other cruise lines, we don’t add extra gratuities to drinks, spa services, or dining experiences during your voyage. That daily service gratuity is all you’ll ever be asked to contribute — and it supports the entire Crew who bring the Virgin Voyages magic to life.
Regarding the cost of this cruise, we initially booked an Insider stateroom, but later upgraded to a Sea Terrace. We paid $1354 ($169pp per night), and the rate was basically what DCL calls an IGT rate – it was non-refundable, allowed no changes, etc, then, Emily put in a bid which was accepted for an upgrade to Sea Terrace for $205 total. That brings the cost of the 4-night cruise $1559 for 2 adults, which breaks down to $195 per person per day. This included all dining, gratuities and internet for both of us.
There’s no really direct comparable sailing, as Disney Cruise Line does not sail from PortMiami. However, it is fair to compare to sailings at nearby Port Everglades. For example, the closest sail dats would be the February 2nd Disney Dream or the February 5th Disney Destiny 4-Night Bahamian cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Below is a table showing the 2 Disney Cruise sailings with the Scarlet Lady sailing with price we booked and the upgrade price for a verandah compared to opening day pricing for 2 adults aboard the respective Dream and Destiny 4-night Bahamian Cruises.
The Destiny would have been a closer itinerary comparison with a port of call and a private destination while the comparable in price option on the Dream but that was only going to Nassau, but did have Florida Resident Rates for Inside and Verandah that were actually about the same per person per day (although does not include gratuities or internet). Now, the really difference on this cruise is the stop in Key West which Disney pulled from their itineraries following the local referendum that was later preempted by the State of Florida.
Ultimately, I think it was money well spent as we had an enjoyable experience with Virgin Voyages on the Scarlet Lady.
Since we’ve started to branch out, we’ve sailed on Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, and now Virgin Voyages – all of which have been documented in trip reports. Each have been unique with a mix of comparable and different experiments from Disney Cruise Line. Travel experiences from the destination to the food are pretty much 100% subjective in nature, we all like what we like. What works for us may not work for you and I am not in any way saying one is better than the other. My goal here is to share my experience with you and if these non-DCL trip reports are not in your wheelhouse, I totally understand. I will say sailing on other lines, I have a new perspective from across the cruise industry and there are many areas where I feel Disney can do better – first and foremost the food, followed closely by itinerary diversity within established regions especially for someone like myself that sails to go places, not the ship as a destination. And who can forget, price?
Overall, I was really impressed with our experience on Scarlet Lady and left with a high opinion of Virgin Voyages brand. I don’t know how much of my satisfaction has to do with the origin story of the line which was molded by the expertise of former Disney Cruise Line leaders, or if it was just a result of sailing on a new to me ship with a totally different set of offerings geared to adults. There were numerous dining options available, but unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to try them all. While there were what you’d consider main restaurants to choose from each night, there were also other options available just as lite bites or stations in The Galley. Literally my biggest gripe is the silliest thing, the speed at which it takes to grab a slice of pizza, but this is negated by the fact that I can grab a box of charcuterie.
Anyway, I enjoyed nearly every aspect of our four-night cruise, and I am I’m eager to go back on a longer voyage… Our friend and traveling buddy also has a daughter the same age as ours, and initially we were not sure if this cruise would be the right vibe for them. Welp, we booked another Virgin Voyages cruise, and we are planning on booking a 3rd and we will be taking our college age daughter on that one, as we both felt bad sharing our experience with her knowing she would have had a blast. Yes, the same kid who grew up with Disney Cruise Line and is also a Pearl Castaway Club member.
Would it work for a family? Absolutely not – because it’s not designed for children. However, for a family with young adult children, this is something worth considering. For our family dynamic, the Scarlet Lady offers the activities and events (yes, I know we did 2 puzzles on this cruise, but that is not uncommon for our family – remember the time we went to the MEGA in Cozumel to buy puzzles because we were bored onboard the Disney Treasure that cost us almost $10K for the 7n sailing) that have been lacking for our family as we tend to hang out with our daughter rather than only seeing her at dinner each night. The Scarlet Lady also offers plenty of public space to relax and unwind without the venue being taken over as an event space for an activity. There are outside and inside areas alike dedicated for this purpose. Please note, this is not necessarily criticism of one particular cruise line; venues are a premium onboard and every space needs to be utilized, I get that. However, there is becoming less and less public space dedicated to what cruising used to offer… relaxation. I will say, they had a variety of activities offered and many were well attended. It was refreshing to attend things that weren’t just trivia – the puzzle challenge was an absolute blast.
Although my sample size here is four nights, I think there’s a unique case here that Virgin Voyages is setting itself apart from the industry in a unique way. Maybe we were fortunate and the brochure/marketing matched the reality. If so, that is impressive if this is the standard experience. Anyway, Emily and I are looking forward to trying out a longer sailing on an itinerary that isn’t even offered by Disney Cruise Line, and another in the future with our daughter that is……
I hope you enjoyed this trip report and I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have!
A passenger has died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition after a suspected norovirus outbreak affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux.
French authorities confirmed that a 90-year-old woman passed away onboard after reportedly suffering symptoms linked to norovirus, although officials have not confirmed the exact cause of death. Around 50 passengers and crew have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.
Ambassador Cruise Line has since introduced enhanced cleaning and health protocols onboard the vessel, with passengers temporarily asked to remain in their cabins while testing and monitoring continues.
While outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness can occur in any shared environment, cruise lines operate extensive sanitation procedures and medical protocols designed to limit the spread of viruses such as norovirus. The illness is highly contagious and commonly spreads in hotels, hospitals, schools and other busy communal spaces, not just cruise ships.
Passengers Monitored While Ship Remains In Bordeaux
French officials said the first signs of illness were reported on 11th May 2026 while Ambition was sailing with around 1,700 passengers onboard, including British guests.
Authorities in Bordeaux are now overseeing testing and precautionary measures as health teams continue monitoring the situation. It remains unclear how long passengers may remain in the French port.
Medical experts say norovirus can spread rapidly even in environments with strong hygiene standards because only a very small amount of the virus is needed to infect others.
“Gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus are very common on cruise ships,” said Dr Lucy Hooper, co-founder of Coyne Medical.
“Norovirus is often called stomach flu, and predominantly starts with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with a fever as well.”
“You only need a tiny number of particles of the virus itself to pass it on between people,” Hooper added. “It can also go on surfaces, so you don’t need to touch an infected person to catch it.
“You could catch the virus by just touching a door handle or tongs at a food buffet, so that’s why norovirus can become such an issue in an environment like a cruise.”
Cruise Lines Continue Strict Sanitation Standards
Cruise operators continue to maintain strict sanitation procedures across their fleets, including enhanced cleaning, isolation measures and onboard medical support systems designed to respond quickly to outbreaks of illness.
Norovirus outbreaks remain relatively uncommon compared to the millions of passengers who cruise globally each year, although cases often receive significant public attention due to the close-knit nature of cruise holidays.
The incident also comes as health officials continue responding to a separate hantavirus outbreak connected to the expedition ship MV Hondius, where 11 cases, including three deaths, have been reported.
The UK Health Security Agency said 10 British nationals connected to that outbreak are being brought to the UK from St Helena and Ascension Island to complete precautionary self-isolation with access to specialist medical services.
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Yes, you can usually get a table for two on a cruise, but it is rarely automatic. The easiest routes are to choose a flexible dining option (Freedom, Anytime, My Time or Freestyle) and ask for two at the door each evening, or to request a table for two at booking and confirm it with the maître d’ on embarkation day. On a few lines, mainly Disney and some fixed-sitting fares, sharing is built in, so it pays to know the rules before you book.
Below we cover why shared tables exist, fixed vs flexible dining, each major line’s policy and a step-by-step plan. Policies change, so always check the current terms for your sailing.
Why cruise ships seat strangers together
Cruise table sharing is not about making you awkward; it is about logistics. A main dining room may need to feed well over a thousand people in two or three sittings, and large round tables for six, eight or ten use floor space far more efficiently than lots of small tables. Fixed sittings also let the galley plan exactly how many covers to cook for at 6pm and 8pm, and they let the same waiters look after the same guests all week.
There is a social tradition too: many long-standing British lines still treat the shared table as part of the experience, so tables for two are genuinely limited on some ships.
Fixed vs flexible dining: the choice that decides who you sit with
Which of these you pick affects table sharing more than anything else.
Fixed (traditional) dining
You are given a set time, typically an early sitting around 6pm and a later one around 8pm to 8.30pm, plus a table number that stays the same for the whole cruise. You keep the same waiters and, on a shared table, the same companions every night. P&O Cruises calls this Club Dining, Celebrity calls it Select Dining Early or Late, and Holland America calls it pre-set dining.
If you choose fixed dining and want privacy, you must request a table for two in advance. Requests are usually “subject to availability”, and late requests are often waitlisted.
Flexible (anytime) dining
You turn up within opening hours, or book a time, and are seated as tables free up. The big advantage for couples is that you can ask for a table for two every single evening. The trade-offs are possible queues at peak times, a different waiter most nights and, on some lines, prepaid gratuities or limited places.
A table for two by the window is the most requested seat in many main dining rooms. Photo: Nadin Sh on Pexels
Cruise line table-sharing policies compared
Here is how the main lines handle main dining room seating at the time of writing. Speciality restaurants will normally seat you as a couple on any line.
Cruise line
Fixed option
Flexible option
Chance of a table for two
P&O Cruises
Club Dining: same table, time and companions nightly
Freedom Dining: turn up when you please
Good with Freedom; request in advance for Club
Cunard
Britannia early or late sitting
Britannia open dining via a virtual queue in the app
Limited in Britannia; Britannia Club and Grills have a dedicated table all voyage
Fred. Olsen
6pm or 8pm sitting on Borealis, Bolette and Balmoral
Varies by fare and ship
Freedom fares can request two, four, six or eight; Saver fares are allocated
Princess
Set the same time and venue each night
Dine My Way bookings or walk-ups
Reasonable; book through the MedallionClass app and ask for two
Celebrity
Select Dining Early or Late
Select Dining Anytime (limited places)
Good with Anytime; Early/Late shares are common
Royal Caribbean
Traditional early, main or late seating
My Time Dining, roughly 6pm to 9.30pm
Good with My Time; prepaid gratuities required
Norwegian (NCL)
None
Freestyle: no fixed times or assigned seats
Good; ask the host each night
MSC Cruises
Assigned seating at a fixed time for the voyage
Dine on Your Time on selected ships; My Choice for Aurea guests
Hardest of the big lines; small tables are scarce
Holland America
Classic pre-set dining, around 5pm or 7.30pm
Flexible open dining, around 5pm to 9pm
Fair; table size is on request only for pre-set
Disney Cruise Line
Rotational dining with a fixed table and time
None in the main restaurants
Request only; small parties may be combined
Virgin Voyages
None
20+ eateries, no main dining room
Very good; no fixed seating at all
P&O Cruises
P&O is the clearest example for British cruisers. Club Dining means you share a table each night at the same time with a group of fellow guests, while Freedom Dining lets you arrive whenever you like during opening hours. You can change your preference in My P&O Cruises after booking, and Freedom Dining is the safer bet for couples. For a wider look at how P&O’s food and dining compare with a close rival, see our P&O Cruises vs Princess Cruises comparison.
Cunard
In the Britannia restaurant you can choose an early or late sitting, reserve a table at selected times, or join an open dining virtual queue in the My Voyage app that alerts you when a table is ready. Tables for two are in high demand. Guests in Britannia Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill accommodation have their own table for the whole voyage and simply arrive during opening hours, which is the most reliable way to dine privately on a Cunard Queen.
Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen makes the fare type matter. On a Freedom fare you can choose your restaurant and dining time, subject to availability, and request a table for two, four, six or eight. On a Saver fare your restaurant, time and table size are assigned automatically, although at the time of writing you can pay a small nightly fee to pick your dining time.
Princess and Celebrity
Princess uses Dine My Way through the MedallionClass app, so you can book the same time and venue every night or vary it, and add a note about seating preferences in your profile. Celebrity offers Select Dining Early or Late with the same tablemates and waiters, or Select Dining Anytime, which has a limited number of places and tends to go to those who book early. Edge-class ships have four complimentary main restaurants that Anytime guests can choose between.
Royal Caribbean and NCL
Royal Caribbean’s My Time Dining lets you reserve a time, roughly between 6pm and 9.30pm, through the app or Cruise Planner, but you must prepay gratuities. Norwegian has no fixed times or pre-assigned seats at all under Freestyle Dining, so asking for two at the door is normal.
MSC Cruises
Most MSC guests have assigned seating at a fixed time for the voyage. Dine on Your Time is offered only on selected ships, and Aurea Experience guests get My Choice Dining at any time during opening hours. Small tables are relatively scarce in many MSC dining rooms, so couples should put in a request early and speak to the maître d’ on day one.
Holland America
Holland America offers classic pre-set dining at set times or flexible open dining across the evening. With pre-set dining you can ask your travel adviser for a seating time, a table size and specific companions before you sail; the maître d’ assigns the final table, and size is on request only. Open dining makes a table for two easier to get.
Disney rotational dining
Disney works differently. Your party keeps the same table number, the same servers and the same early or late time, while the restaurant changes each night. Disney may combine small to medium-sized parties at one table, so a couple can find themselves with another family. You can ask to be seated alone, but it is a request rather than a guarantee.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin has no main dining room and no traditional buffet. Instead there are more than 20 eateries included in the fare, with reservations recommended for the sit-down restaurants at peak times and walk-ins welcome. Because there is no fixed seating, table sharing simply is not part of the system.
A table for two is easiest to get with flexible dining or a request made well before you sail. Photo: Jep Gambardella on Pexels
How to request a table for two on a cruise: step by step
Pick the right dining option when you book. If privacy matters more than routine, choose flexible dining. If you love the same waiter every night, choose fixed dining but add a table-for-two request straight away.
Check your fare type. Cheaper fares on some lines, such as Fred. Olsen’s Saver fare or Cunard’s Late Saver fares, allocate your dining automatically. A higher fare can buy you the right to choose.
Put the request in writing. Add it in your online booking account or ask your travel agent to note it.
Look at your table assignment on embarkation day. It may appear in the app, on your cruise card or on a card in your cabin.
Visit the maître d’ early. Many ships hold a dining desk session on the first afternoon. Go before the first sitting, be polite and ask whether a table for two is available, even if it is at a different time. Our guide to the costly first-day cruise mistakes to avoid covers this and other embarkation-day jobs.
Be flexible on time. Tables for two at 6pm often go first. Asking for the later sitting, or an off-peak slot on flexible dining, can open up options.
Use the other venues. Speciality restaurants, the buffet and casual eateries will almost always seat you as two.
Remember that a shared table is not permanent. If your companions are not a good match, the maître d’ can usually move you quietly after the first night,.
Why sharing a table can be a good thing, especially for solo travellers
Before you rule out sharing completely, it is worth weighing the upside. A shared table gives you instant company and people to swap port tips with.
For solo cruisers in particular, a shared table removes the question of where to sit and who to talk to. Fixed dining on a shared table is one of the simplest ways to meet people. Our complete solo cruise guide has more on finding company on board, from single-cabin fares to social events.
Couples on flexible dining can also ask to join a shared table on nights when they fancy meeting new people.
A quick tip most guides miss: think about the seating plan
Even a table for two is not always private: small tables are often lined up along a wall with narrow gaps, so you may be closer to the next couple than on a round table for six. If you want genuine quiet, ask for a window table, a corner table or a later sitting when the room is less busy.
Solo travellers who would like company at dinner may prefer hosted singles cruises, where shared tables are part of the plan.
Usually, yes, but it is not guaranteed. Choose flexible dining and ask at the door each night, or request a table for two at booking and confirm with the maître d’ on embarkation day.
Do you have to sit with strangers on a cruise?
No. On most lines you only share if you choose fixed dining and do not request a smaller table. Flexible dining, speciality restaurants and the buffet let you dine as a couple. Disney is the main exception, as it may combine small parties.
What is the difference between Club Dining and Freedom Dining on P&O?
Club Dining gives you the same table, time and companions every night. Freedom Dining lets you turn up whenever you like during opening hours, which makes a table for two easier to get.
Can I change my dining table once on board?
In most cases, yes. Speak to the maître d’ or head server, ideally on the first day. They can often move you to a different table or sitting, subject to availability.
Which cruise lines have no assigned seating?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Dining has no fixed times or pre-assigned seats, and Virgin Voyages has no main dining room or fixed seating. Most other lines offer a flexible option alongside fixed sittings.
The final passengers have disembarked from the virus-hit expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, while health authorities confirmed three additional positive hantavirus cases linked to the deadly outbreak.
The vessel departed Tenerife for the Netherlands on Monday after the remaining six passengers, including four Australians, one British passenger and one New Zealander, left the ship alongside several crew members.
The outbreak has now been linked to three passenger deaths during the voyage, with two of those fatalities officially confirmed as hantavirus cases.
According to the World Health Organization, nine confirmed cases connected to the ship have now been identified, with two further suspected infections under investigation.
The latest confirmed infections include an American passenger and a French national who had already returned to their home countries before testing positive. Spanish authorities also said a quarantined passenger in Madrid had provisionally tested positive on Monday.
Health officials continue to stress that the overall risk of a widespread outbreak remains low, despite concerns over the rare Andes strain of hantavirus believed to have been contracted by some passengers during the cruise’s South American itinerary.
Hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents, although the Andes strain is one of the few known variants capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms can include fever, severe fatigue, muscle pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties.
International Repatriation Effort Continues
Large-scale repatriation operations remain ongoing for passengers and crew from more than 20 countries.
US health officials confirmed that a second American passenger repatriated from Tenerife had developed mild symptoms. Authorities said both infected passengers travelled in specialised “biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution”.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said a French passenger isolating in Paris had seen her condition worsen, while authorities had already traced 22 close contacts.
Two British nationals with confirmed hantavirus infections are currently receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa.
Meanwhile, 20 Filipino crew members have now arrived in the Netherlands, with the Philippine Embassy confirming they would undergo testing and quarantine procedures. Officials said a total of 38 Filipino crew members would eventually require repatriation to the Philippines.
As of Monday evening, cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said 27 people remained aboard the vessel, including 25 crew members and two medical staff.
Those still onboard include crew from the Philippines, Ukraine, Russia, Poland and the Netherlands. Ukrainian officials said their nationals would assist with sailing the ship back to the Netherlands before entering quarantine on arrival.
More than 90 passengers have already been repatriated from Tenerife over recent days.
Four Canadian passengers returned to British Columbia on Sunday after travelling via a charter flight to Quebec. Canadian authorities said the passengers would self-isolate and undergo monitoring for at least three weeks.
The US Department of Health and Human Services confirmed all 17 American citizens on a repatriation flight to Nebraska would undergo clinical assessment at a specialist medical facility. A British national residing in the United States was also onboard the flight.
Another seven American passengers had previously returned home and are currently being monitored by health authorities in their respective states.
WHO And US Officials Clash Over Response Measures
The outbreak has also triggered disagreement between international health officials and US authorities over the handling of the situation.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the United States’ decision not to fully follow WHO isolation guidance “may have risks”.
The WHO has recommended a 42-day isolation period for anyone leaving the MV Hondius.
However, acting US Centers for Disease Control director Jay Bhattacharya argued that authorities did not want to create unnecessary public alarm, stating that human-to-human transmission remained extremely rare and should not be compared to Covid-19.
Passengers leaving the ship in Tenerife were seen wearing protective gowns, surgical masks and medical caps during evacuation procedures.
Twenty British nationals repatriated to Manchester on Sunday were transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for a 72-hour isolation period. No symptoms have been reported among that group.
Spanish authorities also placed 14 Spanish passengers into mandatory quarantine at a military hospital in Madrid, while additional evacuation flights continued this week.
Another repatriation flight carrying 26 passengers and crew, including eight Dutch nationals, landed in the Netherlands on Sunday.
In a video message released by Oceanwide Expeditions, MV Hondius captain Jan Dobrogowski said the crew’s thoughts remained “with the ones that are no longer with us”.
He described the previous weeks as “extremely challenging” while thanking passengers and crew for their patience and discipline throughout the crisis.
Spanish officials also confirmed that a police officer involved in the repatriation operation died from cardiac arrest.
The outbreak began during the ship’s voyage after departing Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1st April with 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries onboard.
The first death involved an elderly Dutch passenger who died at sea on 11th April after developing symptoms consistent with hantavirus. He is believed to have been the outbreak’s initial case, although he died before testing could be completed.
His wife later disembarked on the island of St Helena before travelling to South Africa, where she died in Johannesburg on 26th April.
A German passenger later died onboard the ship on 2nd May. Both women were subsequently confirmed as hantavirus cases.
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