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Norwegian Epic Rescues 67 Refugees in the Mediterranean

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic came to the aid of dozens of people in distress after spotting an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea on the night of 22nd October 2025.

Norwegian Epic rescuing refugees

The dramatic rescue took place during the early stages of the ship’s 11-night round-trip cruise to the Greek Isles and Italy, which had departed from Civitavecchia (Rome) just a day earlier.

Guests onboard said the 4,070-passenger vessel stopped suddenly after the small boat was sighted, and that the rescue operation lasted several hours.

“We had to stop in the middle of the Med and rescue 67 migrants that were in a 30-foot sailboat,” one passenger wrote on Reddit. “It took a few hours for the crew to get them onboard.”

The Norwegian Epic, which measures in at 155,873 gross tonnes, would have been sailing southeast towards Santorini, the first scheduled port of call, when the operation took place.

A Law of the Sea

Under international maritime law – specifically the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention – ships are legally and morally obliged to assist anyone in distress at sea, provided doing so does not endanger passengers or crew.

Norwegian Epic

Once safely aboard, rescued individuals are typically given food, water, medical checks and temporary shelter in a restricted area away from paying guests.

They are then handed over to local authorities at the next available port.

Although Norwegian Cruise Line has yet to issue an official statement, passengers praised the crew’s professionalism and compassion throughout the ordeal.

Port Change and Missed Call

The humanitarian diversion did have an operational consequence: the ship’s planned call to Santorini on 23rd October was cancelled.

Guests awoke to find the Epic docking at a mainland Greek port instead, where the 67 refugees were transferred to the Greek Coast Guard.

“We were supposed to hand them over in Santorini, but the authorities wanted them brought to the mainland,” the same cruiser explained. “I’m a bit disappointed to miss Santorini again, but it’s understandable.”

After completing the handover, the Norwegian Epic resumed her planned route and made her expected call at Piraeus (Athens) on 24th October, with Mykonos, Valletta, Syracuse, Salerno, Livorno, and Cannes to follow, before returning to Rome on 1st November 2025.

Not the First Rescue

It’s not the first time a cruise ship has diverted to help migrants in the Mediterranean, where small, overcrowded vessels regularly get into difficulty.

Cruise lines – particularly those operating between Italy, Greece, and Malta – have frequently participated in rescues at sea over the years, often in coordination with European coastguards.

While some passengers expressed disappointment over the missed port, most agreed that the crew did exactly what was required – putting human life above all else.

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American Cruise Passenger Deported From Italy After Gun Found in Backpack

A 77-year-old cruise passenger from the United States has been deported from Italy after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in Ravenna.

Cruise ship gun

The man, who had travelled from Tennessee with his son to join a cruise holiday, was stopped during routine screening when the terminal’s X-ray machine revealed a 6.35mm Browning semi-automatic pistol.

Authorities confirmed that the weapon was fully loaded, with a magazine inserted and one round already chambered – meaning it could have fired.

The traveller told officials that he held a valid gun licence in the United States and had simply “forgotten” that the firearm was in his bag.

Strict Firearm Laws in Italy

Italian gun laws are among the strictest in Europe, and firearm permits are rarely issued to tourists, regardless of documentation from their home country.

Bringing a weapon into the country without prior authorisation can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Old looking architecture at Ravenna
Ravenna

In this case, Italian police seized the weapon, charged the man with illegal firearm possession, and promptly deported him.

A similar incident occurred earlier this year in Japan, when a 73-year-old American passenger was arrested at Kobe Cruise Terminal for attempting to board with a handgun in his luggage.

A Costly Mistake

The passenger’s deportation meant the abrupt end of his holiday – and possibly more lasting consequences. Cruise lines strictly prohibit weapons of any kind onboard, and carrying one can lead to a lifetime ban.

Even if the guest genuinely forgot about the gun, cruise operators must assume zero tolerance for such security breaches.

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, banned two passengers for life in 2024 after they smuggled a gun onto a ship and boasted about it on social media. Earlier this year, another cruiser was arrested in Aruba while attempting to board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas with a firearm.

Even toy weapons, such as replica or Nerf-style blasters, are forbidden as they could easily cause confusion or alarm.

Security staff at ports and onboard ships are trained to treat any potential weapon as a real threat until proven otherwise.

Possible Ship Identified

Authorities have not confirmed which cruise ship the man had been due to board.

However, local reports suggest it was a vessel sailing from Ravenna to Croatia and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) – an itinerary that matches Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation, which departed on 20th October 2025.

Celebrity Constellation

That sailing is an 11-night voyage through Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy, making it the most likely match.

By contrast, Celebrity Eclipse and Mein Schiff 6 both visited Ravenna earlier in October but did not continue to Rome. The next cruise call to the port is scheduled for 5th November 2025, when Norwegian Viva arrives – hopefully under calmer circumstances.

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Triple Triumph for Royal Caribbean Group as New Ships Mark Major Milestones in France

It was a landmark day for Royal Caribbean Group, as the cruise giant celebrated three major shipbuilding milestones at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – one for Royal Caribbean International and two for Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Xcite Steel Cutting

The event saw the steel cutting for Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis-class ship, the delivery of Celebrity Xcel, and the steel cutting for Celebrity Xcite, the sixth vessel in Celebrity’s acclaimed Edge-class series.

Together, the achievements mark a powerful demonstration of the company’s continued investment in design innovation and sustainable shipbuilding across its brands.

Construction Begins on Seventh Oasis-Class Ship

Royal Caribbean officially began construction on its next Oasis-class vessel on 23rd October 2025, when the first piece of steel was cut – a symbolic first step in the creation of what will become one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Oasis 7 Steel Cutting Ceremony Royal Caribbean

The yet-to-be-named ship will debut in 2028 and continue the legacy of the record-breaking class that began with Oasis of the Seas in 2009.

Representatives from Royal Caribbean Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique attended the steel-cutting ceremony, which marked the moment the design phase moved into physical construction.

The Oasis class revolutionised modern cruising with its “neighbourhood” concept, dividing the ship into themed districts such as Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

Although few details have been revealed about the seventh ship, it is expected to build on this evolution with new experiences and sustainability features.

Over the coming years, the shipyard will assemble its massive hull blocks, install internal systems, and complete sea trials before delivery in 2028.

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Celebrity Cruises Welcomes Celebrity Xcel and Begins Building Xcite

At the same time, Royal Caribbean Group’s premium brand, Celebrity Cruises, officially took delivery of its newest Edge-class ship – Celebrity Xcel – and announced the start of construction for her sister ship, Celebrity Xcite.

The brand new Celebrity Xcel cruising through the beautiful bright orange sunset.

The 140,600-gross-ton Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in the Edge series and will accommodate up to 3,950 guests.

Like her sisters, she features Infinite Veranda staterooms, the Magic Carpet – a cantilevered platform that moves between decks – and the elegant three-deck Grand Plaza.

The ship also continues Celebrity’s push toward cleaner energy use, designed to be methanol-capable to reduce emissions.

“Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what’s possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited,”

“With Celebrity Xcel now joining the fleet and Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, we’re continuing to set new standards for excellence and innovation alongside our trusted partners at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.”

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge, ship’s captain Kyriakos Matragkas, and the vessel’s 1,600 crew members attended the handover ceremony, celebrating the completion of construction that began in June 2024.

The same day, the steel-cutting ceremony for Celebrity Xcite marked the formal start of the sixth Edge-class ship’s build, with delivery set for 2028. This ceremony also marked the reveal of the ship’s name.

A Celebration of Innovation

All of Celebrity’s Edge-class ships have been constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, beginning with Celebrity Edge in 2018. Shipyard General Manager Laurent Castaing praised the long-running collaboration, noting that “Celebrity Xcel and the entire Edge Series are the result of close teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence.”

The shipyard is also responsible for building Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, highlighting the close partnership between the French yard and Royal Caribbean Group that spans both its mainstream and premium brands.

Setting Sail Into the Future

Celebrity Xcel will debut ahead of schedule, departing Port Everglades on 9th November 2025 for a four-night preview cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, followed by her maiden five-night voyage on 18 November to Cozumel and Bimini, Bahamas.

From late 2025 through spring 2026, she will operate 7-night Caribbean itineraries, before repositioning to Barcelona in summer 2026 for Mediterranean sailings.

Her second winter season will be based in Miami from November 2026.

As for Celebrity Xcite, her design details and itineraries are yet to be announced, but she will continue the Edge-class tradition of luxury innovation when she joins the fleet in 2028 – coinciding with the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis-class giant.

Together, these three milestones underline Royal Caribbean Group’s continued dominance in shipbuilding and innovation, with both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises preparing to deliver the next generation of experiences at sea.

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Norovirus Outbreak Hits Oceania Insignia, Over 70 People Now Ill

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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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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11 Things Cruise Cabin Stewards Secretly Hate You Doing

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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Cruise ship balcony cabin with bed and sliding door, the kind of room to check when choosing Virgin Voyages cabins to avoid

11 Virgin Voyages Cabins to Avoid (and the Best Ones to Book)

The Virgin Voyages cabins to avoid are mostly a question of location, not category. Watch out for Limited View Sea Terraces, the few balconies with metal panels and no red hammock, cabins on Deck 5 and midship Deck 8 (next to the nightlife decks), and Deck 14 cabins beneath the Galley, pool and gym. For most sailors the safest choice is a midship Sea Terrace on Decks 9 to 13.

Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady are sister ships with almost the same layout, so most of this advice works on all four. Virgin lists about 1,404 cabins and suites per ship and says 86% have a Sea Terrace hammock. That leaves a small minority of rooms with quirks you’ll want to spot before you pay a deposit. Below are the cabins to avoid, the ones worth booking, and how to check a specific cabin number.

Virgin Voyages cabin types at a glance

Virgin uses its own names for standard cruise categories. These are the official size ranges from the line’s compare-cabins page. Sizes are in square feet, and Virgin notes that details vary for some cabins in each category.

Category What it is Size (sq ft) Sleeps
Insider Inside cabin, no window. Includes Solo Insider and Social Insider (up to four friends) variants 105–177 1–4
Sea View Window but no balcony, often with a window seat. Includes Solo Sea View 130–190 1–3
Sea Terrace Balcony cabin. Most have the red hammock. Variants include Central, XL and Limited View 185–225 2–4
RockStar Quarters Suites such as Brilliant, Cheeky Corner, Seriously and Sweet Aft 352–857 2–4
Mega RockStar Quarters Top suites (Fab, Gorgeous, Massive, Posh), about 15 per ship 570–2,167 2–4

Every cabin has a tablet that controls the mood lighting and lets you order room service and watch films. Insider and Sea Terrace cabins on Virgin ships are known for a bed that converts into a lounge-style sofa during the day, which makes a small room feel much bigger. Ask your agent to confirm this for the exact cabin you’re considering. Cabin numbers start with the deck number (8250 is on Deck 8). The letter at the end shows where the cabin sits, and published deck plans usually give interior cabins an “M” suffix.

11 Virgin Voyages cabins to avoid

Cabin numbers below come from published deck plans and owner-run cabin guides for the class. Layouts differ slightly between the four ships, Brilliant Lady especially, so check the number against the plan for your ship before you book.

1. Limited View Sea Terraces

Virgin openly sells Limited View Sea Terraces, where lifeboats or ship structures block part of the view. Many sit midship on Deck 8 (roughly 8230A to 8270A on published plans), right above the lifeboats. They usually cost less than a full-view Sea Terrace, so they suit people who mostly want fresh air. If watching the sea from your hammock was the whole point, skip them.

2. Sea Terraces with metal panels and no hammock

The red hammock is the reason many people book a Sea Terrace, but not every balcony has room for one. A small group of aft-facing balconies on Decks 9 to 12 have solid metal panels instead of glass. Most of them get a rattan egg chair instead of a hammock. Examples on fan-run guides include 9370, 9374, 10366, 11358 and 12342 (both A and Z sides). Virgin’s own cabin guide also says some balconies “may feature metal panels instead of glass.”

3. “Slightly smaller balcony” Sea Terraces

Some Sea Terraces are labelled as having a slightly smaller balcony, either narrower or with a smaller floor plan. Several are on Brilliant Lady, including a pair near the main lifts on Deck 8. They’re fine for a solo traveler or a short sailing. Two people who plan to spend much time outside should pick a standard or XL Sea Terrace.

4. Deck 5 cabins under the entertainment decks

Decks 6 and 7 hold no cabins. They’re the public decks, with The Manor nightclub, The Red Room theater, the casino and several bars. Deck 5 sits directly below. The Insider and Sea View cabins there are good value, but late-night bass can come through the ceiling. If you go to bed early, look higher up.

5. Midship Deck 8, above The Manor

Deck 8 is the first full cabin deck above the venues. Owner-run guides name the midship stretch around 8230 to 8270 as the area where passengers most often report music from The Manor. Virgin’s own blog says cabins near The Manor, the Aquatic Club and fitness areas can be louder at peak times.

6. Deck 14 cabins under the Galley, pool and gym

The Galley food hall, the main pool and the fitness complex are on Deck 15, so many Deck 14 cabins have one of them overhead. Common complaints are chairs scraping, carts rolling at dawn and early classes in the gym. The midship stretch roughly between 14106 and 14194 is the most often flagged.

7. Solo Insiders on Deck 8

Virgin’s Solo Insider cabins are cleverly designed for one person, but a cluster of them (around 8234M to 8260M) falls in the same midship Deck 8 noise zone. If you’re sailing alone, look for solo cabins on Decks 9 and 10. Our complete solo cruise guide has more on single supplements and solo-friendly lines.

8. Cabins near machinery: low aft and far forward

Low aft cabins sit closest to the propulsion system, so they can feel vibration, especially at speed or in rough seas. That includes some aft Sea Terraces and the lower Cheeky Corner and Sweet Aft Suites. At the other end, a handful of low forward cabins sit near the anchor chain, which is noisy on port mornings. These rooms aren’t bad, but light sleepers should know about them.

9. High forward cabins if you get seasick

Motion is felt most at the very front and on the highest decks. Forward cabins on Decks 12 to 14 have great views, including some Sea Views that look straight out over the bow. They’re also the most likely to bother anyone prone to seasickness. If that’s you, choose a cabin low and midship, where the ship moves least.

10. Cabins next to crew doors, lifts and busy corridors

Cabins next to crew service doors, lift lobbies or stairwells get more foot traffic and door noise, and early-morning housekeeping noise. Fan guides also flag the opposite problem: a few no-hammock aft cabins are a long walk from the nearest lift. Look at what’s next to and across from your cabin on the deck plan, not just the cabin itself.

11. Connecting cabins (unless you need one)

Connecting doors carry sound better than solid walls, so you may hear your neighbours’ TV or conversation. They’re ideal for friends or family travelling together. Otherwise, book a cabin without a connecting door when you can, and ask your agent or Virgin to confirm.

Empty cruise ship balcony with a glass railing overlooking calm blue ocean
A full, unobstructed sea view is what most Sea Terrace bookers want. Photo: Joaquin Carfagna on Pexels

Virgin Voyages best cabins to book

Now for the good news. These are the cabins that suit most sailors best.

  • Midship Sea Terraces on Decks 9 to 13. There are cabin decks above and below, so you’re away from the venues, the Galley and stern vibration, and close to the lifts. This is the easiest all-round choice and the main thing to look for if you’re researching Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace cabins.
  • Central and XL Sea Terraces. Central Sea Terraces are well placed by definition. XL Sea Terraces have a larger balcony, but check the number, because a few XL cabins are among those without a hammock.
  • Insiders on mid decks for value. The sofa-style bed and mood lighting make Virgin’s inside cabins feel bigger than their size suggests. If you’ll be out and about all day, an Insider on Decks 9 to 13 is hard to beat. Our guide to balcony vs inside cabins weighs up whether the upgrade is worth it.
  • RockStar Quarters if the budget allows. Virgin says RockStar suites typically cost two to three times a Sea Terrace. They come with access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private sundeck, plus dedicated RockStar Agents. Corner and aft suites have huge terraces, but the lower aft ones share the vibration caveat above.

Which ship has the trickiest cabins?

All four ships follow the same basic plan, but Brilliant Lady, the newest ship, has some Deck 8 Sea Terraces with smaller balconies and a few cabin numbers that differ from her sisters. Scarlet Lady (refurbished in 2024), Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady are closer to each other. As of late 2026, Virgin lists Miami and San Juan as the main winter homeports. Brilliant Lady also sails from New York, Los Angeles and Seattle, and Scarlet Lady has been listed with sailings from Barcelona and Portsmouth in the UK, so British sailors have the same cabin choices. Deployments change often, so check your sailing on Virgin Voyages’ official site.

Cruise passenger studying a printed ship deck plan on a table with a pen
Checking the deck above and below is the quickest way to spot a noisy cabin. Photo: Diana Smykova on Pexels

How to check a Virgin Voyages cabin before you book

  1. Find the deck plan for your exact ship. Virgin’s booking flow shows cabin locations, and fan sites list known quirks for individual cabin numbers.
  2. Look above and below. You want cabins over and under you, not the Galley, pool deck, The Manor or crew areas.
  3. Check the cabin label. “Limited View”, “Slightly Smaller Balcony” and similar labels tell you what you’re getting. If the hammock matters, look the cabin number up on a no-hammock list before you pay.
  4. Be careful with assigned-cabin fares. Virgin sometimes sells cheaper rates where you choose the category but the line picks the cabin. That’s a good deal if you sleep anywhere. If location matters, pay to choose your own cabin.
  5. Book early for midship. The best-placed cabins sell first, especially on popular sailings. Keep an eye on offers in our cruise deals for 2027 roundup.

Most Virgin cabins are comfortable, well designed and quiet. A few minutes with the deck plan helps you avoid the small number that aren’t, and helps you choose between a hammock, a bargain inside cabin or a RockStar suite.

Virgin Voyages is popular with solo guests, and it also appears in our guide to singles cruises.

FAQs

Which deck is best on Virgin Voyages?

For most sailors, midship on Decks 9 to 13. These decks have cabins above and below, so they avoid noise from the entertainment decks (6 and 7) and from the Galley, pool and gym on Deck 15, and the ship moves least in the middle.

Do all Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace cabins have hammocks?

No. Virgin says about 86% of its cabins and suites have a Sea Terrace hammock. A small number of aft-facing balconies on Decks 9 to 12 have metal panels and usually an egg chair instead.

How many cabins does a Virgin Voyages ship have?

Virgin lists 1,404 cabins and suites per ship, for up to 2,762 sailors. Most are Sea Terraces, with about 15 Mega RockStar suites per ship.

Are Virgin Voyages Insider cabins worth it?

For many people, yes. Insider cabins measure 105 to 177 sq ft, include mood lighting and a rainshower, and cost the least. Avoid Deck 5 and midship Deck 8 if you’re a light sleeper.

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

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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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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Viral Video Shows Teens Climbing Cruise Balcony

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

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

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.

Read more about me


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