John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts. Since 1999 it has been a leading destination for cruise travelers and self professed Cruise Addicts looking for the latest news, ship reviews and travel tips.
We just visited Carnival’s new Celebration Key in Grand Bahama! Before you go, there’s a lot you need to know about Carnval’s new exclusive island destination! In today’s video I’m sharing my first impressions & answering your questions, so you can plan & make the most of your time on Celebration Key!
If you’re planning a cruise with a stop in Carnival cruises Celebration Key, this is the latest Carnival cruise news. You’ll learn what is included & what is not included, how the included free food works on the island, as well as answers to questions like, is Celebration Key accessible & are there enough lounge chairs.
This video will help you plan your day in port, whether you want to have an all inclusive afteroon at Pearl Cove Beach Club or a family fun day at the splash park or waterslides. You’ll even find out how to go to Celebration Key on a budget, as it is definitely possible if you like.
Since we were among the first guests onboard, I also share my honest thoughts & review of this new cruise line destination. If you’re heading to Celebration Key, Grand Bahama, or have been recently please let me know your thoughts & tips.
*Travel agency I recommend – MEI Travel (no fee): http://bookmeicruise.com/lifewellcruised
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic
MORE FROM LIFE WELL CRUISED
Thank you for watching Let’s Go! Travel Tips and joining us as we talk about cruising to such destinations as Alaska and the Caribbean, but also to more distant and exotic locations in Europe, including the Mediterranean, the Baltic, British Isles, Norway and beyond. We share the latest Cruise News Today and Cruise Travel Tips. […]
Disney Cruise Line guests are raising concerns over worsening beach erosion at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, with some warning that the conditions outside certain premium cabanas may now pose a safety risk.
Lookout Cay officially opened in summer 2024 as Disney’s second private island destination.
While the Bahamian retreat offers a stunning mix of relaxation and entertainment, several guests visiting in July 2025 noted that erosion along the shoreline near the Mabrika Cove Cabanas has created a hazardous drop-off just beyond their rental’s back stairs.
“You could see the beach wash away while swimming in front of it… There was no way we could have stayed and swam there safely.”
A guest who rented Cabana 21
While Disney Cruise Line had roped off some staircases due to the changing conditions, the guest shared photos and video showing a steep drop from their cabana deck down to uneven, jagged rocks – not the soft sand typically expected.
“When we got to the deck, we were shocked to see all the huge rocks in front,” they explained. “They were not smooth, and they varied greatly in depth, so you had to walk very carefully and slowly or you would end up accidentally falling into a hole or crack.”
The situation reportedly worsened when guests attempted to swim.
“The waves and current were so strong that we kept getting pushed back into the rocks,” they added. “The adults could barely stop themselves, and the kids were straight up being thrown into the rocks.”
While it has been known that the cabanas closest to the end of the Mabrika Cove area – particularly 16 through 21 – are rockier, multiple guests say the erosion appears to be accelerating.
Travellers who visited the cabanas just two months earlier reported that the beach looked vastly different at that time.
The sudden change has left recent guests calling for caution and recommending that others consider different cabana options until the area can be stabilised.
“I would not recommend booking a Mabrika Cove Cabana outside of cabanas 1 through 5,” said the same guest, who visited Lookout Cay on July 17.
They also suggested that adults sailing without children might prefer one of the six cabanas at the Serenity Bay adults-only beach instead.
Disney Cruise Line is widely regarded as one of the most safety-conscious cruise brands in the industry.
It’s unlikely the company would continue renting out the affected cabanas if there were an imminent danger to guests – though temporary measures such as roping off stairs may not go far enough for some travellers.
It’s also likely that longer-term fixes are already being evaluated, such as installing erosion barriers, sea walls, or planting native vegetation to stabilize the shoreline.
In the meantime, all 20 Mabrika Cove Cabanas remain available for rent, and they remain among the most in-demand amenities on Lookout Cay.
All of the Mabrika Cove Cabanas are fully furnished and designed to offer a luxurious beach day, complete with shaded seating, beverages, plush towels, a mini-fridge, power outlets, and even a smart tablet for ordering food and drinks.
Cabanas 3–19 are standard cabanas for up to 10 guests and start at just under $1,000 for six guests.
Cabanas 1, 2, 20, and 21 are larger Grand Cabanas for up to 16 guests and start at $1,375 for up to 10 guests.
Additional guests can be added to either type for $56 per person, up to the cabana’s capacity.
Until conditions improve, travellers booking cabanas at Mabrika Cove may want to double-check which number they’re reserving and stay aware of the changing shoreline.
Don’t miss the latest Disney Cruise Line offers…
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.
Guests aboard the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey are set to enjoy an all-new ocean experience starting in late 2025, thanks to a first-of-its-kind floating platform developed exclusively for…
Princess Cruises has announced refreshed versions of its popular Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages, adding new perks for voyages departing from 2026. The changes, which include enhanced dining benefits…
A problem with the engines on Celebrity Beyond has led to the ship cancelling a cruise just hours before it was due to set sail. The decision comes after further…
A booked passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise has taken to social media to ask for advice after being denied boarding due to being in possession of a gun. The…
Guests aboard the residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey are set to enjoy an all-new ocean experience starting in late 2025, thanks to a first-of-its-kind floating platform developed exclusively for the vessel.
The ship will deploy the “Customized Floating Oasis” while visiting some of the world’s most exotic ports in the South Pacific, including the Maldives and Seychelles.
Created in partnership with AquaBanas, the platform will serve as a versatile Floating Marine and Recreation Hub, offering a space for sunbathing, water sports, and even tendering assistance in remote locations.
“With our global itinerary, we often visit breathtaking destinations that require tendering to reach shore… Our residents are seeking more than just a place to live – they want experiences.”
Mikael Petterson, Chairman of Villa Vie Residences
The inflatable platform can be deployed from either side of the 24,300-gross ton Villa Vie Odyssey and will include shaded loungers, a cutout for an in-ocean pool, and docking points for kayaks and jet skis.
It may also be used to support disembarkation in ports without tender infrastructure.
The innovation is a major step for AquaBanas, a company already known for its inflatable platforms at destinations such as Half Moon Cay and the newly opened Celebration Key in the Bahamas.
“This oasis will redefine how people enjoy the adventures and luxuries of ocean living,”
AquaBanas CEO Mark Anastasia
While AquaBanas platforms typically come at a steep rental fee – $499.99 per day for up to eight guests at Celebration Key – it’s not yet clear if Villa Vie Odyssey guests will be charged to use the new onboard feature.
With a guest capacity of 929, access may be limited and weather-dependent, but the floating hub adds a luxurious and practical perk for the ship’s long-term residents sailing the Continual World Cruise.
The new platform also reflects a broader trend in cruise innovation.
AquaBanas’ catalogue already includes floating daybeds, party islands, and even full-sized pickleball courts.
If this partnership proves successful, Villa Vie could eventually add additional features – maybe even a floating pickleball court at sea.
Since launching in October 2024 after multiple delays, Villa Vie Odyssey has sought to define a new way of life at sea, blending comfort, exploration, and community.
With the addition of the AquaBanas platform, the ship is taking that lifestyle one step closer to the ocean itself.
Don’t miss these offers…
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.
Princess Cruises has announced refreshed versions of its popular Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages, adding new perks for voyages departing from 2026. The changes, which include enhanced dining benefits…
A problem with the engines on Celebrity Beyond has led to the ship cancelling a cruise just hours before it was due to set sail. The decision comes after further…
A booked passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise has taken to social media to ask for advice after being denied boarding due to being in possession of a gun. The…
Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Adventure will be the first vessel…
Machu Picchu is a bucket-list destination high up in the Peruvian Andes for adventurers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. With the Inca ruins’ UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s no wonder that there are many tour operators out there to let everyone enjoy the remnants of the once mighty Inca Empire.
But with so many tour options available, how do you pick the right one for your travel style? Whether you’re a luxury seeker, a budget backpacker, or a thrill-chasing trekker of the Andes mountains, this guide will help you find the perfect Machu Picchu experience.
Before booking a tour, ask yourself:
Your answers will shape the best tour choice for you.
For instance, there are available companies that offer Machu Picchu tours from Cusco that are convenient, worth it, enjoyable, and a perfect fit for your travel preferences. Do check them out.
If you want to experience Machu Picchu and the Inca highlands in style, opt for high-end tour operators that include:
Your exquisite tastes have room in your next Machu Picchu.
You don’t need deep pockets to explore Machu Picchu. Here’s how to do it economically:
Your best tour pick? A small-group budget tour with basic lodging and train tickets included.
If you live for adrenaline, Machu Picchu has legendary hikes:
The most famous route is the classic Inca trail. It requires permits and advanced bookings. This four-day trip covers the Sun Gate sunrise arrival.
The Salkantay Trak has tougher, higher altitude, stunning views. It’s less crowded and has more diverse landscapes.
The Lares Trek offers cultural immersion with Andean villages. It has fewer tourists and more authentic interactions.
The Inca jungle trek offers biking, hiking, and ziplining. It’s freat for thrill-seekers.
Only got a day or two? You can still experience Machu Picchu without missing out.
Your first option is a one-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Your trip consists an early train to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour (all taking place on the same day). This is best for those with tight schedules.
Your other option is a two-day tour with an overnight stay. It has a more relaxed pace, which includes a night in Aguas Calientes.
If you love learning, choose a tour that dives into Machu Picchu’s past:
Recommended best tour pick: a multi-day Sacred Valley plus Machu Picchu tour with cultural stops.
Traveling alone? Machu Picchu is safe, but group tours help with logistics and meeting people.
Small-group tours are more personal than big bus groups. On the other hand, some operators cater to solo women travelers. Finally, hostel-organized tours are great for meeting fellow backpackers.
Bringing kids? Choose tours that are:
Your best tour pick? A private family tour with a customizable itinerary.
No matter your style, follow these tips for a hassle-free Machu Picchu trip:
Ready? Your Inca adventure begins now.
Machu Picchu isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. Whether you’re a luxury lover, a budget backpacker, or a hiking tours junkie, there’s a tour tailored just for you.
Now that you know your options, it’s time to pick—and start counting down to the trip of a lifetime.
Princess Cruises has announced refreshed versions of its popular Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages, adding new perks for voyages departing from 2026.
The changes, which include enhanced dining benefits and shore excursion credits, aim to provide better value and more flexibility for guests while phasing out less-utilised offerings.
Pre-cruise pricing for the updated packages remains the same as before if you’re a UK guest – £75 per person per day for the Princess Premier Package and £50 per person per day for the Princess Plus Package.
For guests sailing aboard Sphere-class ships Sun Princess and Star Princess, the pricing will be slightly higher at £80 and £55 per person per day, respectively.
This isn’t the same for US guests though. Their prices are increasing regardless of which ship you’re sailing on.
For most ships in the fleet, the Plus prices are rising by $5 per night to $65, while the Premier prices are rising by $10 to $100 per night.
Again, the Sphere-class ships will have slightly higher prices – $70 for Plus, and $105 for Premier.
The updated Premier Package now includes a shore excursion credit, based on voyage length:
This new benefit joins a suite of existing perks such as the unlimited Premier Beverage Package, unlimited casual and specialty dining, four-device WiFi, daily crew appreciation, room service and OceanNow delivery fee waivers, unlimited professional digital photos, and reserved theatre seating.
The Plus Package, meanwhile, has been enhanced with two additional casual dining meals per voyage, bringing the total to four.
Other included benefits remain unchanged: the Plus Beverage Package, single-device WiFi, room service and OceanNow fee waivers, and daily crew appreciation.
To accommodate the new additions, Princess Cruises has removed a handful of lower-usage features from both packages. These include:
The cruise line says the decision to update the packages was “guest-inspired,” responding to evolving preferences and feedback from passengers.
Princess Cruises emphasised that these package changes continue to offer significant value over purchasing individual elements separately. For travellers who routinely dine out, use WiFi, and enjoy onboard beverages, the bundled packages can result in substantial savings.
These updates come as cruise lines across the industry, including within Carnival Corporation (Princess’s parent company), review and refine their guest perks to remain competitive and responsive to traveller expectations.
Princess Cruises has not announced any changes to current or 2025 sailings, so these new package benefits will apply only to bookings departing from 2026 onwards.
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
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.
A problem with the engines on Celebrity Beyond has led to the ship cancelling a cruise just hours before it was due to set sail. The decision comes after further…
A booked passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise has taken to social media to ask for advice after being denied boarding due to being in possession of a gun. The…
Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Adventure will be the first vessel…
As controversy over Carnival Cruise Line’s overhaul of its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program continues to stir strong reactions, company president Christine Duffy is stepping in to address…
Here we go with another full of cruise news from Cruise Hive, including technical issues for the Celebrity Beyond, shark concerns at Celebration Key, Norwegian Aqua skips a call on a beautiful day, Holland America issues a safety alert, and Celebration Key opens.
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Cruise Hive was founded in 2008 by Emrys Thakkar, a former crew member and someone who has a massive passion for cruise ships. He has grown Cruise Hive into what it is today, a leading independent publisher covering the latest cruise news, advice, and more!
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A booked passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise has taken to social media to ask for advice after being denied boarding due to being in possession of a gun.
The passenger took to Facebook pleading for help on how to join their Wonder of the Seas cruise, sharing the story of how they had been refused permission to board by the ship’s Head of Security.
The guest explained how they had rushed to the port and into security, and placed their fanny pack onto the scanner tray.
It was only as the fanny pack made its way through the scanner that the guest then remembered they had been carrying their licensed concealed weapon.
According to the guest, the security officer simply said “Too late” while smirking, and then escorted the guest to a room for an interview with a sheriff deputy.
They ran a background check and verified that the guest was the owner of the firearm and had a concealed carry license, at which point the sheriff deputy advised the guest to return to their car and lock the gun away.
However, the ship’s Head of Security then stepped in and told the guest they wouldn’t be allowed to board the ship, which according to the guest left both themself and the sheriff deputy “shocked”.
The guest complained that this was a family cruise with a travelling party of 16 that had been planned for over a year. But they were told they would not be joining their family onboard.
Hoping to find a solution, the guest took to a Royal Caribbean Facebook group to ask for advice on the possibility of flying out to join the cruise at the first port of call.
Understandably, most cruisers weren’t in a position to offer the advice that the gun owner was looking for. Only the cruise line would’ve been able to advise on the possibility of joining the cruise later – an outcome that was extremely unlikely.
Responses to the post were generally quite negative, despite the request from the poster for no negativity.
Several questioned how they weren’t aware of their gun in their fanny pack, considering the weight of a weapon.
And others made the point that responsible gun ownership meant always being aware of where your concealed weapon is – forgetting they were carrying it was a serious issue.
Unsurprisingly, it seems like the post was taken down from the group relatively quickly, although not before being screenshotted and shared across other groups.
Royal Caribbean has strict policies regarding what guests are allowed to bring onboard, and firearms are strictly prohibited under any circumstances, regardless of licensing.
The cruise line’s list of banned items includes all forms of weapons, including firearms, ammunition, imitation weapons, and even certain types of knives and scissors.
Other prohibited items include drones, flammable liquids, hoverboards, and any appliances with open flames, such as candles or hot plates. Irons, extension cords without surge protection, and baby monitors are also not permitted.
The line has these restrictions in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew.
Items that are confiscated during the security screening process are typically held until the end of the cruise – or in more serious cases, such as with firearms, local authorities may become involved.
Guests are advised to review Royal Caribbean’s full list of prohibited items before travelling, as failing to comply can result in denied boarding, without any compensation.
For this particular passenger, the consequences of a simple oversight proved significant, with their cruise holiday ending before it had even begun.
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
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.
A problem with the engines on Celebrity Beyond has led to the ship cancelling a cruise just hours before it was due to set sail. The decision comes after further…
Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Adventure will be the first vessel…
As controversy over Carnival Cruise Line’s overhaul of its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program continues to stir strong reactions, company president Christine Duffy is stepping in to address…
In an age where AI can write headlines faster than a journalist can fact-check them, the public is increasingly at risk of being misled by fake or sensationalised news stories…
A problem with the engines on Celebrity Beyond has led to the ship cancelling a cruise just hours before it was due to set sail.
The decision comes after further assessments revealed that the ship’s technical problems will take longer to repair than originally anticipated.
Originally, the cruise line had informed guests that the sailing would be delayed by one day.
Celebrity Beyond is currently experiencing a mechanical issue that has impacted its ability to reach standard cruising speeds.
Although repairs began immediately following the prior sailing, the cruise line has determined that the ship will not be ready in time for its scheduled departure from Miami.
In a follow-up letter sent to impacted passengers, Celebrity Cruises stated:
“Dear Guest,
“We want to share an important update regarding your upcoming sailing on Celebrity Beyond. As we shared yesterday, during our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue that affected its speed.
“While our teams have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs.
“After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the July 20, 2025 sailing.
“We sincerely apologize for this unexpected change and the disruption this causes to your travel plans. We know we can’t give you your vacation time back, however, we do remain committed to making this right.”
Guests booked on the now-cancelled sailing will receive a full refund of all cruise fare payments, including non-refundable deposits.
In addition, each guest will be issued a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to 100% of the original fare, which will be sent via email within the next two weeks.
For guests who had used a previous FCC to pay for the cruise, that credit will be automatically reinstated to their accounts.
Refunds will be processed automatically and should appear within 14 days.
If guests booked air travel through Celebrity Cruises’ Air2Sea program, the cruise line will handle flight adjustments directly.
Guests who arranged flights on their own will be reimbursed up to $200 for domestic flights and $400 for international changes.
An additional one-night hotel stay reimbursement of up to $250 is also being offered.
Guests must email receipts to [email protected], including their name, booking number, sail date, and contact information.
The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Beyond was set to sail from Miami with scheduled calls in Nassau (Bahamas), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Celebrity Beyond, part of the innovative Edge-class series, is one of the fleet’s most modern ships and a guest favourite for its upscale design and immersive experiences.
The ship’s unexpected mechanical issues have come as a disappointment to travellers who had eagerly awaited their journey.
Despite the cancellation, Celebrity Cruises thanked guests for their patience and understanding and emphasised their desire to welcome them onboard in the future.
Don’t miss the latest Celebrity Cruises offers…
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.
A booked passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise has taken to social media to ask for advice after being denied boarding due to being in possession of a gun. The…
Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Adventure will be the first vessel…
As controversy over Carnival Cruise Line’s overhaul of its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program continues to stir strong reactions, company president Christine Duffy is stepping in to address…
In an age where AI can write headlines faster than a journalist can fact-check them, the public is increasingly at risk of being misled by fake or sensationalised news stories…
