Posts in category: Diplomacy

Princess Cruises is adding four new experiences on their cruises to Alaska in 2026, their largest season ever with eight cruise ships sailing to the 49th State.

Princess Cruises will sail 180 cruises to Alaska in 2026 and visit 19 different destinations in the state. New for this year are four additional signature North to Alaska experiences.

The cruise line’s North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and food, connecting guests with Alaska’s rich heritage, awe‑inspiring scenery and natural wonders through authentic offerings, educational events and engaging entertainment both onboard and ashore.

The new Signature North to Alaska Experiences for 2026 are:

• The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day
• Welcome to Alaska
• Après Sea: Elevated Post-Adventure Experience
• Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice

The Glacier Experience are scenic cruises that will offer close‑up glacier views, expert narration, Park Ranger commentary from the bridge and on deck offered on select Glacier Bay sailings, and access to VIP viewing areas.

Welcome to Alaska will be designed to help guests get the most from their experience in ways that are most meaningful to them. Offered once per voyage and hosted by the Cruise Director, guests can meet a Naturalist, enrichment presenters and learn about the North to Alaska program.

Après Sea: Elevated Post-Adventure Experience will allow guests to unwind in a chic, après-ski inspired lounge, enjoying an elevated happy hour with warm drinks and panoramic views. This will be hosted in The Dome on Star Princess.

Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice will add Alaskan flare with performances by Alaska singer-songwriters, creating an intimate setting of warmth and wonder, illuminated by live music, glowing candles and the magic of The Great Land, offered only twice per voyage.

The following eight Princess ships will offer cruises to Alaska in 2026:

• Star Princess
• Coral Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Grand Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Island Princess

John-Paul Lamb, Princess Cruises Vice President of Entertainment, said the following:

“Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture and natural beauty of Alaska in ways only Princess can deliver. From encounters with local experts and native storytellers to immersive entertainment and scenic glacier viewing, these experiences allow our guests to connect with Alaska along every step of their journey.”

Flying to the cruise port on the day of the cruise is asking for trouble. One delayed or missed flight and your entire vacation plan is out the window.

In this case, it was not only a family vacation of a lifetime and a son’s birthday celebration that were ruined, but also $30,000 in travel expenses that vanished into thin air.

Social media posts about this very issue are still way too frequent, so hopefully this story can help convince anyone who is still on the fence.

A Reddit post titled “Another reminder to never fly in on the day of your cruise” is going viral on the platform. It racked up over 800 comments in under 24 hours, and more are pouring in.   

While most are in shock that the family didn’t have travel insurance and still tried to fly to the cruise port on the day of the cruise, the family’s choice of airlines is drawing a lot of attention as well.

Where it All Went Wrong

The story centers on a family of five who booked a $7,000 suite on a Royal Caribbean ship, with a total “running cost” of $30,000 for the week. 

This total cost was calculated by the father after he said both he and his wife “cleared our calendars…for the whole week”, presumably factoring in time off work as well.

Despite the high cost involved for such a trip, they booked a 6:30 AM Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas (DFW) to Miami the morning of the 4:00 PM sailing.

Overbooked Flight

The problem began the night before when the family realized the flight was overbooked. Although they managed to check in, they were left without assigned seat numbers.

“Told my wife we had to get to the airport. Our flight was at 6:30 a.m., so we left home at 3:30 a.m. and arrived before 5 a.m.”, the post stated.

After arriving at the airport before 5:00 AM, they were met with conflicting stories from airline staff about why they couldn’t board, ranging from flight attendant shortages to weather issues.

“What I know is that the flight went to Miami, but because it was overbooked, they randomly cancelled some passengers,” the father said.

In the end, they were left standing at the gate while their ship prepared to sail without them.

“My children’s spring break and my son’s birthday have been ruined just because we booked with Spirit Airlines,” the father shared. “Royal Caribbean did not refund our money. My son is supposed to turn 9 on Wednesday; all of that is gone.”

Comments Weigh In

The cruise community on Reddit was quick to share their thoughts on the situation.  One of the most common questions was about the combination of a high-end vacation and a low-cost flight.

One comment stated, “They spent $30,000 for the week and were flying SPIRIT?!”

Others pointed out that on a DFW-to-Miami route, American Airlines has 11 daily flights, offering plenty of options to get to the cruise port if they really looked into it.

As one user put it, choosing Spirit with its limited daily service was “mistake number two.”

The Price of a Hotel Room

There was definitely a lack of sympathy in the comment section.  Many noted that a $200 hotel room in Miami would have saved a $30,000 investment if the family had planned to just arrive a day early, something we always recommend at Cruise Fever.

One person remarked that the father “tried to cut a corner to save a dime and ended up spending a hundred,” while another compared the situation to “building a mansion on a foundation of balsa wood and hope.”

Birthday Dreams

The father’s claim that his son’s birthday was “gone” was highlighted as well.  One comment joked, “Birthday is cancelled. Better luck next year, kid,” while another teased that the boy was now “stuck in 8-year-old purgatory for life.”

Refund Request

The father stated that Royal Caribbean did not refund the money, but that is not something that should be expected in this situation.  It’s the traveler’s responsibility to get to the cruise port on time.

Cruise travel insurance would have made all the difference in this case, but it really should not have been needed if the family simply made the attempt to arrive a day earlier.

Of course, in hindsight it probably seems obvious to the family now, but I can’t help but at least sympathize a little with their situation.

As much as we preach that you should arrive a day earlier, not everyone gets the memo, and some learn it the hard way.

One comment noted that travelers shouldn’t try to shame the cruise line for a refund, as “Royal Caribbean aren’t responsible for the OP not getting to the port.”

Bottom Line

The family is probably already hurting enough from missing out on what sounds like would have been an amazing cruising experience. So, not wanting to bear a dead horse, we’ll focus on what others can do to avoid this kind of situation. 

• Arrive a day early, maybe two: Even those who usually book interior cabins and fly budget airlines admitted they still account for a hotel night to be safe.
• Invest in travel insurance: For a five-figure trip, skipping insurance is a massive gamble.  Even if the cruise is a budget $1,500 trip, travel insurance helps prevent ballooning costs like medical emergencies, extra travel arrangements, etc.
• Have a Plan B: Looking into other airlines with same-day flights could have saved this entire trip.   As one comment mentioned, American Airlines offers multiple flights from Dallas to Miami on a daily basis.  And although Miami is a 20 hour drive from Dallas, if the family found out about the flight issues soon enough they could have made the grueling drive, although anyone would NEED a vacation after a drive like that.

For this family, it was a hard lesson on the logistics of cruising and arriving at the port on time.  For the rest of us, it’s yet another reminder that when the ship pulls out of port, you should make every effort possible to make sure you’re on it, even if it means springing an extra $150 or so for a nearby hotel.

Most of us avoid ads.  We hit “skip” as fast as we can, scroll past them, and do anything but sit and watch them if we can help it.

But Disney Cruise Line just released a new video ad that has not only gotten people to willingly watch it, but to also want to share it. 

Thousands of comments have been pouring into various social media platforms about the new advertisement as the video goes viral.

It looks like Disney Cruise Line’s advertising department just struck gold, and here is why.

Watch the Video Here:

A Masterclass in Emotional Storytelling

Titled “Where Magic Meets the Sea,” the 90-second spot is really a masterclass in brand storytelling. It doesn’t rely on flashy sales pitches or “book now” banners.

Instead, it leans into the quiet, fleeting moments of parenthood.

The ad follows a father and son through the decades, beginning with a toddler’s first steps on a ship deck and ending with the son, now a father himself, walking alongside his aging dad.

By the time the familiar piano notes of Pixar’s Up swell in the background, the “marketing” basically becomes a cinematic experience.  And it appears that many had the same type of reaction.

As one viewer noted in a Youtube comment: “Disney… making grown men cry.”

Breaking the “Skip” Habit

What made this video ad go viral is the sheer number of people admitting they watched it multiple times and even cried every time.

The comment sections, whether on Facebook or Youtube, have become a collective digital outlet for parents and Disney fans.

And it seems the ad is effective for those who have never even been on one of their ships.

One YouTube user shared, “I’m a 35-year-old black man with two kids who has never been on a Disney cruise and this commercial made me shed a tear.”

On Facebook, one person echoed the sentiment of many long-time cruisers: “The people that made this commercial knew exactly what a Disney family is! Now where did I put that tissue…”

Authenticity Over Advertising

The ad’s success all comes down to authenticity and relatability. It captures specific traditions that real families have practiced for years.

One mother recalled her husband taking their daughter on “5:30 am coffee walks” from the time she was two until she was thirteen.

Another father shared a sentiment that hit home for many: “I always whispered to them while they were sleeping to grow up a bit slower.”

Some viewers even suggested the ad belonged on the awards stage itself: “And the Oscar for best advertisement goes to… Disney Cruise Line.”

But it’s the relatability that really makes the ad “sing”.  One comment stated it like this:

 “So how many fellow cruisers know this is 100% true to your life!!!! I can say we’ve raised both our daughters on Disney cruiseline and they were 6yr and 4yr now with 11 cruises they are 15yr and 20yr and I want our daughters to raise there kids on Disney cruises as well, the people that made this commercial knew exactly what a Disney family is!”

More Than Just a Vacation

“Where Magic Meets the Sea” serves as a masterclass because it sells something far more valuable than a cabin on a ship: it sells memories.

It reminds us that while the ships, like the newly mentioned Treasure and Destiny, are beautiful, the real magic happens in the quiet walks between generations.

As one viewer perfectly summarized, “This video didn’t just show a cruise — it sold an experience.”

And no, this is not a sponsored post.  We get no kickbacks for even mentioning the new ad. But when an ad is this successful in the eyes of the critics on social media, you know it’s a winner.

A new residential cruise ship will launch in 2028 that will be part of a new premium cruise line created by the founder of Villa Vie Residences.

Avora Residencies has acquired the luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The ship will relaunch in January 2028 and will give cruisers another option for those who want to live at sea.

The ship will be renamed Avora Lumina and it will be a purpose-built residential ship designed for long-duration living at sea.

After launching from Lisbon, Portugal in early 2028, the ship will sail a three-year continuous cruise around the globe that will visit over 140 countries and 400 ports. The ship will remain in each port for up to five days at a time.

Prices for lifetime ownership start at $545,000 and go up to $4.2 million for the 242 residences on board. The cruise line will also offer a five-year ownership program that starts at $219,000.

This new cruise line will position itself between the high-end The World ship and the budget friendly option Villa Vie Residences.

Avora has entered into a nine-year charter with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for the ship, with a nominal purchase option.

Avora plans to preserve the operational DNA of Seven Seas Navigator wherever possible, maintaining established systems, standards, and key vendor and service relationships that have defined the vessel’s performance and reputation over decades of global service.

This approach ensures operational consistency while allowing Avora to thoughtfully curate the onboard experience for life at sea.

Ahead of its 2028 launch, Avora Lumina will undergo a full residential conversion. Planned upgrades include personalization and residential enhancements, reimagined common spaces optimized for long-term living, a dedicated business and global connectivity center designed to support extended voyages.

Residences will range from 300 to 1,173 sq. ft. and will be floating homes, not cruise cabins.

Mikael Petterson, Founder of Avora Residences, said the following:

“Residential cruising has proven its viability. Avora Lumina represents the next evolution — purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability, and a more refined residential experience.”

Kathy Villalba, Co-Founder & CEO of Avora Residences, added:

“Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption. Navigator has a soul — built through years of disciplined operations, experienced crews, and trusted relationships. We intend to honor that legacy while transforming the ship into a true long-term residential platform.”

Royal Caribbean announced that they will be creating public beach access in Cozumel that will be part of their development as they build Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

The path in the Zona Hotelera Sur will significantly improve public beach access, which has long faced challenges such as traffic conflicts, lack of signage and lighting.

The relocation will ensure greater accessibility, improved safety, and enhanced facilities.

Construction on the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will begin once all of the regulatory and environmental permits are completed. The current beach access will remain open until the new facilities are fully operational, guaranteeing uninterrupted public access during the transition.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be the third Beach Club from Royal Caribbean. The first, located in Nassau, Bahamas, opened to rave reviews this past December. The second, Royal Beach Club Santorini, will open this year.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel was first announced in March 2024 and it will be one of Royal Caribbean’s seven Ultimate Destinations.

Ari Adler Brotman, president, Royal Caribbean Mexico, said the following:

“We are excited to bring the Royal Beach Club experience to Cozumel while ensuring that beach access, a right guaranteed under Mexican law, is available to all. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating shared value by improving safety, accessibility and infrastructure for the community.”

This program is aligned with Royal Caribbean’s SEA the Future initiative which seeks to offer the best vacation experiences responsibly, sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation.

The cruise line’s commitment to supporting projects that uplift and uphold environmental preservation, economic development, and sustainability plays a vital role in ensuring that coastal destinations remain resilient, welcoming, and vibrant for generations to come. 

Carnival Cruise Line’s Texas-based ship was recently boarded by CDC health inspectors, and the 5,228-passenger vessel (at double capacity) passed with flying colors.

The cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, took to Facebook to congratulate the hard-working crew of Carnival Jubilee for scoring a perfect 100 during the surprise inspection.

In a video posted on Facebook today, Heald explained exactly how high the stakes are for these inspections. He described them as a total surprise for everyone on board.

“It’s random in the sense that we don’t know when they’re going to come,” Heald explained in his own candid way. “They just show up at the gangway and they say, ‘We’re from the United States Public Health… we’re here to inspect the ship.’”

Once the inspectors are on board, it’s a long process that covers far more than just the kitchens. As Heald noted, it’s a “proliferation” of different checks, ranging from the drinking water and swimming pools to the hot tubs and general hygiene protocols.

Crew Recognized

In all of 2025, 26 cruise ships scored a perfect 100, including Carnival Luminosa which earned the perfect score when it was inspected in May of last year.

The news for Carnival Jubilee was met with a celebration on deck. Heald shared a photo of a large group of crew members, giving special credit to the hotel director.

“To get 100 out of 100 is very, very challenging indeed,” said Heald. “If you get a 95 or 98, it’s a brilliant score. But to get 100? Wow. It is absolutely fabulous.”

Perfect Score on a Massive Ship

Earning a perfect score on a ship this size is statistically much harder than on a smaller vessel.

Carnival Jubilee typically carries about 5,228 passengers (double occupancy), but during peak sailing seasons, that number can climb as high as 6,631 guests (max capacity).

Jubilee is part of Carnival’s Excel-class ships and is 183,521 gross tons in size.  It’s the largest class ship with the cruise line.   In 2029, Carnival is scheduled to debut its “Project Ace” ships which will be even larger at 230,000 gross tons.

But for now, Jubilee’s class is the largest in the fleet.

The ship has been inspected four times now.  It’s first inspection in 2024 was a meager 91 but the crew quickly turned things around with two scores of 97 during two inspections in 2025.

With this latest score of 100 it looks like the sanitation process on board is humming along.

Carnival Ship Scores

According to recent data with the CDC’s VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program), at least 4 other Carnival ships have been inspected in 2026, and all of them scored a 96 or higher.

• Carnival Conquest: 96 on 1/2/26
• Carnival Firenze: 98 on 1/12/26
• Carnival Panorama: 99 on 1/11/26
• Carnival Venezia: 98 on 1/8/26

Often reports on the CDC website are delayed after inspections take place, so more inspections have likely taken place since the website was updated.