Diplomacy

A recent update to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico has caught the attention of many cruise travelers. On August 12, 2025, the advisory was updated to a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for the country as a whole.

But what does this mean for the ports on your cruise itinerary?

Understanding the New Advisory

The main takeaway is that not all of Mexico falls into the same category. The advisory provides a different risk level for each state, and this is what matters most to a cruiser.

The overall warning is for “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping,” with the advisory stating, “The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.”

This means U.S. citizens are advised to follow the same rules as government employees.

It’s important to remember that cruise lines are lazer-focused on safety and will not bring passengers to destinations they believe are unsafe. In fact, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are even expanding their presence in Mexico, with projects like Perfect Day Mexico and Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

This kind of major investment suggests that cruise lines have confidence in the security of these key destinations.

Detailed Look at Cruise Ports and Their Advisories

The good news is that most major cruise ports are in states with lower risk levels than some of the country’s inland areas.

Over 9 million cruisers visited Mexico in 2024, according to recent data. Upwards of 10 million guests are expected in 2025.

Here is a more detailed look at the advisories for some of the most popular cruise stops.

Cozumel & Costa Maya (Quintana Roo)

These popular Caribbean ports are in the state of Quintana Roo, which has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory.

The advisory mentions a risk of violent crime, including shootings between rival gangs that have injured and killed innocent bystanders. However, the advisory also states that the tourism industry is well-regulated in these areas, and local authorities work to protect visitors. When visiting Cozumel or Costa Maya, it is recommended to stick to well-known tourist areas and exercise more caution in downtown areas, especially after dark.

Progreso (Yucatan)

This port is a great example of the difference in risk levels across Mexico. Progreso is in the state of Yucatan, which has the lowest possible advisory of Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This means travelers should take the same basic safety steps they would anywhere else in the world.  So, no problem here.

Cabo San Lucas (Baja California Sur)

This favorite Pacific coast destination is in the state of Baja California Sur, which is also at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The advisory is similar to that for Quintana Roo, focusing on general crime concerns.

Local officials in the Cabo area have been trying to increase security, including adding more security personnel and surveillance, to protect the tourism industry.   After all, a loss of tourism means less revenue for the state.

Ensenada (Baja California)

This port is in the state of Baja California, which has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. The advisory mentions violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping, especially in non-tourist areas.

The advisory states that “travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.”   The good news is that there are no additional travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in the following areas:  Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito.

Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco)

This port is in the state of Jalisco, which is also at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The advisory for Jalisco is more serious, warning of violent crime and a potential risk from gangs. For this reason, cruise lines and travel experts often suggest that cruisers in Puerto Vallarta participate in organized shore excursions, as they offer a more structured and secure way to explore the area.

Manzanillo, Mazatlán, and Acapulco (Various States)

These ports are in states with the highest risk level, Level 4: Do Not Travel. Manzanillo is in the state of Colima, Mazatlán is in Sinaloa, and Acapulco is in Guerrero. The advisory for these areas is very serious, with Acapulco’s state of Guerrero specifically noting a risk of violence from “terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.”

This is the most severe warning, and it means the U.S. government has very little ability to help its citizens in an emergency there. Due to this high risk level, cruise lines may modify their itineraries or advise passengers to exercise extreme caution if they visit these ports.  In regards to Manzanillo the advisory states, “Travel only to the central tourist and port areas of Manzanillo. Primary tourist areas include the historic city center and Malecon, the hotel zone, the Peninsula Santiago or Las Hadas area, and the Club Santiago Peninsula area.”

Bottom Line

Pay attention to any updates from your cruise line as your cruise date gets closer.  Sticking with shore excursions through the cruise line will help ensure your safety in addition to helping the cruise line keep in touch with tour operators.  A recurring theme in this report focuses on those “off the beaten path” areas.  In most cases the bustling touristy areas are still safe as local authorities work hard to keep that tourism money coming in.

This past week, I had the opportunity to be one of the first to step on board Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas.

It was not a traditional sailing, Royal Caribbean invited me on board for a first look at this new ship ahead of its debut.  We sailed from Ponce, Puerto Rico to Port Canaveral at around 10% capacity.

I tell you that because it will help you understand as you read this article. If you hardly see anyone else in the photos, this is why.

Since the ship was two weeks away from its inaugural cruise, they were still putting the finishing touches on shows and entertainment.

After spending three days on Star of the Seas, here are my first impressions of this newest ship from Royal Caribbean.

Back to the Future The Musical

Back to the Future is one of my favorite movie trilogies of all time. Star of the Seas is the first cruise ship to feature Back to the Future The Musical.

They gave us a 20 minute preview of this new show and I sat right in the front row. All I can say is, WOW! Yes, there’s a DeLorean and it’s hand down one of the top shows I’ve seen on a cruise.

I’m not going to give away any spoilers and there was a no photo or video policy during our preview.

Those who know me know that I am not big on watching cruise shows, they just don’t personally interest me much. However, I would line up early to see Back to the Future on Star of the Seas, it was like I was right on the movie set.

The actor who played George McFly was absolutely incredible, he was a carbon copy of Crispin Glover in the trilogy.

Royal Caribbean also raised the bar for their ice skating show Sol in Absolute Zero. The acrobatic moves they incorporated at the end of the show had the crowd going wild.

Ship

You can take a photo tour of Star of the Seas below that we posted to our Cruise Fever Facebook page.

Since Star of the Seas is a sister ship to Icon of the Seas, they are very much alike. Royal Caribbean made a few changes but there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken.

Artwork around the ship is different and The AquaDome Market food court has new options that include a new Thai eatery.

Lincoln Park Supper Club has a 1930’s Chicago theme instead of a 1920s New York theme.

On the pool deck, the swings are gone and there’s now more loungers for cruisers to soak up the sun.

It’s such a great class of ship that there wasn’t a need to change much.

Surfside is such an awesome area for families and it has everything they need. They can stay here the entire day since it was a waterpark for kids, pools, several dining options and an arcade.

There really is something for everyone onboard Star of the Seas.

Crew

The crew on Star of the Seas delivered the same great service that Royal Caribbean always offers. One of the crew members remembered my name the day we were at CocoCay.

From my room steward to our waiter at Coastal Kitchen, I can’t say enough good things about them.

Cabin

I stayed in an Infinite Balcony stateroom on deck 9. This was my first time staying in one on Royal Caribbean (I have stayed in them on their sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises).

The more I stay in one of these cabins, the more I like them. I love the extra room you get because the “balcony” is now part of your cabin.

You also get the best view from your cabin since you have a floor to ceiling window with no obstructions. There is a curtain you can close to block out light and make the balcony area a separate space.

There was also a pretty roomy shower and plenty of power outlets.

Star of the Seas is currently offering a few shakedown cruises and will depart on its inaugural voyage on August 16, 2025. A shakedown cruise is a non-revenue voyage where Royal Caribbean invites travel agents, media, friends & family etc. so they can work out the kinks before paying passengers board.

The cruise ship will sail a few short cruises from Port Canaveral before launching into year-round, seven-night sailings from Port Canaveral. You can see itineraries and prices for cruises on the ship here.

The ship will also be christened on August 20 in Port Canaveral. I will be onboard for the christening ceremony so stay tuned as I bring you more on this newest ship from Royal Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that their next new ship, Carnival Festivale, will have a WaterWorks Ultra waterpark with six slides.

Carnival Festivale will sail from Port Canaveral starting in May 2027. Today, Carnival Cruise Line announced the first new details on the ship.

Sunsation Point

Carnival Festivale will be the first Excel class ship without a roller coaster. Carnival is building their largest waterpark ever and the most family-friendly waterpark at sea.

Sunsation Point will span decks 16-18 and be anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra. It will have six waterslides including two innovative family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides.

Sunsation Point, as Carnival previously announced, will introduce the first nighttime WaterWorks operations. Activating the multi-deck zone with vibrant illumination and a live DJ, water park hours will be extended on special evenings for guests of all ages to enjoy more fun together.

Decks 17 and 18 take entertainment and adventure to the next level. Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines retro charm with modern arcade games. The Scenic Overlook, a bar with breathtaking aft sunset views, TVs for sports, and outdoor games.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the following about this new ship:

“Music is the universal language that brings families and friends together, and Carnival Festivale will amplify that unique connection. The experiences we’ll deliver will appeal to every generation. Everyone – no matter their age or interest – will find their rhythm on this ship.”

Studio 724

Studio 724 is a first-of-its-kind celebration of the creative music-making process. Through interactive experiences powered by technology, the vibrant zone reacts in real time to sound with synchronized lights and animations to capture the creative energy of mixing, recording, and listening to music, inviting guests to become part of the musical journey rather than simply observe it.

On Carnival Festivale, Alchemy Bar will offer an enhanced experience, with its own dedicated space adjacent to the atrium, and features an expanded lounge with a stage for live music performances. Already a celebration of music fleetwide, Carnival Festivale’s Piano Bar 88 will be right at home on Deck 6 as well.

At Mix Bar on Deck 7, guests can enjoy creatively named cocktails like the Synth and Hi-Fi, or craft their own unique drink by layering flavor “tracks” beneath a turntable-themed bar.

The Festival

The Festival on Deck 8 captures the authentic social atmosphere and energy of outdoor music festivals in a cruise ship setting.

In this zone, guests will find Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, which anchors the space with specialty coffee creations and festival-inspired cocktails. Dynamic lighting and music shift the venue from an energetic daytime vibe to a mellow nighttime ambiance. Pizza Palooza delivers fresh pizzas, which Carnival guests know and love fleetwide as a quick bite that’s perfect for sharing among friends. Rhythm & Rolls Deli rounds out the casual dining options with gourmet sandwiches.

Carnival Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70 percent more than on the first three Excel-class vessels.

The ship’s primary cruise schedule will offer a comprehensive selection of six- and eight-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises. Itineraries feature destinations such as Amber Cove; San Juan; St. Thomas; St. Maarten; as well as the award-winning RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. All Carnival Festivale sailings will offer a visit to Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest exclusive destination on Grand Bahama.

Southern Caribbean sailings will also include the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

More than 50 cruises on Carnival Festivale are now open for bookings.

No one takes a cruise and purposely misses the ship, and yet it happens all too often.  As someone who likes to be back on the ship with plenty of time to spare, it’s hard for me to understand the mindset of a cruise guest who pushes the envelope and cuts it as close as possible.

A recent social media post highlighted just what regular cruisers think of the “no-shows”.  We all understand emergencies happen, and not being able to return back to the ship on time can happen to anyone.  But in most cases, it’s the obvious things that people fail to remember.

A cruise passenger on a Royal Caribbean ship in Jamaica took to Facebook to ask for help.  The post stated, “Help!!! I just got internet access. I missed the ship. What should I do?”

Then a reddit cruise community picked up the post, and with over 185 comments to the post, they didn’t hold back on what they thought of the situation.

One user even said, “”The first thing I’d be doing would not be asking for help on Facebook, goodness.”

According to one comment on our Facebook page the passenger had “one too many” and ended up falling asleep on the beach.

Read more: How to never get left behind on a cruise

The “Tough Love” From Other Cruisers

After reading through the comments, it was fairly obvious that many had little sympathy for the situation.  Most offered a reality check to the stranded passenger who was left behind after sailing on Oasis of the Seas.

Their reactions highlighted the core rules of cruising.

• The Planners: This group of cruisers expressed their disbelief that someone could miss the ship. As one Reddit user put it, “I still don’t understand how people can miss getting back on the boat. I mean I get how, just personally I could never. Too paranoid.“
• The “Rules”: For others, the issue was a clear violation of a fundamental cruising rule. Another user offered a simple mantra: “Rule 1: Don’t miss the boat Rule 2: Don’t fall off the boat. It’s that simple.”

 The Voice of Experience

Seasoned cruisers chimed in with practical, and also blunt, advice based on their own experiences and knowledge of cruising.

• The Logistics: Some commenters detailed the next steps for the passenger, focusing on the procedures the cruise line follows. They pointed out that the crew would likely remove some of the passenger’s belongings and passport, leaving them with the port agent. As one explained, “Their stuff was probably removed from the ship and their passport is with RCCLs agent there. They will need to fly to next port of call or home…. On their own dime.”  Others mentioned that only the passport and medications would be left with a port agent.
• The Passport: The importance of having travel documents was mentioned over and over again. Commenters stressed the difficulty of international travel without a valid passport.  And this is another reason why in most international ports you should just take it with you.  One user mentioned a scene they witnessed in Bermuda: “They were very dismayed to see their luggage on the pier and they ran over to speak with our ship’s crew who just directed them to the port agent.“

The passenger is responsible for any and all costs to meet up at the next port or fly home, depending on the situation.  These last minute travel plans can be very expensive, which is another reason we recommend having cruise travel insurance.

“It Could Happen to Anyone”

While the majority of responses leaned towards holding the passenger accountable, a few comments offered a more understanding perspective.  They admitted that sometimes stuff just happens that you never could plan for in a million years.

One user recalled, “I almost missed the boat a couple months ago coming back from a beach excursion because there was a double homicide on the route that had traffic backed up for miles.”

Another agreed, saying, “On our way back to the cruise port there was a major accident that shut down the road in both directions. We barely made it back to the ship on time. Just saying that some might be late for things they can’t control.”

The Bottom Line

Being on time is a big deal when it comes to cruising.  You might be late for everything back home, but you don’t want to carry that same mindset into your next vacation at sea.

As one user aptly put it, “Jamaica is the last place I‘d want to be left.”

While unforeseen events can happen, the primary responsibility lies with the passenger to be back on board before the scheduled departure time. The cruise community, it seems, has little patience for those who miss the ship, especially when it’s completely preventable in most situations.

When you think of a high-profile celebrity like Michael Bublé, you might imagine a luxurious private yacht or an exclusive, secluded resort. But the Canadian music icon recently proved that even the biggest stars can enjoy a classic family vacation at sea.

And a recent social media post revealed just what Bublé thought about the experience.

Although most of us are probably wondering how a high-profile celebrity can “blend in” and not be overcome by awe-struck cruisers who recognize the singer, Bublé was candid in his reflection of his recent cruise on the Disney cruise ship.

Bublé took to Instagram and his 4.2 million followers to rave about his family’s unforgettable Alaskan sailing on Disney Wonder, departing from his hometown of Vancouver.

The “Unreal” Cruise Was Not an Ad

Bublé, his wife Luisana Lopilato, and their four children sailed on the Disney Wonder, a cruise he described as “unreal.” In a series of Instagram posts, the singer clarified that his glowing review was not a paid promotion, but simply the result of an experience that far exceeded his expectations.

While not an ad, this is the best kind of publicity a company can get, when a high-profile celebrity endorses a product just because they love it.

“Every part of the experience exceeded our expectations,” Bublé wrote,  “I’m not exaggerating when I say, the staff, the food, and all of our fellow passengers totally rocked. If you ever have the opportunity to go with your family I highly recommend it. (Hilariously this is definitely not an Ad but it sure does sound like one reading this back) I just genuinely loved everything about it so much I had to give props where they were due. We’re already trying to figure out how to get back on that boat again!”

So, we’ll let it slide that he called the ship a boat, but you have to admit it’s hilarious that he even considered that people would think it was an ad.  And a quick look at the comments show that he was right in his assumption.

Bublé also shared photos of the family posing with beloved Disney characters, whale watching, and enjoying the ship.

My family and I just went on a Disney cruise to Alaska and it was unreal!! Every part of the experience exceeded our expectations. I’m not exaggerating when I say, the staff, the food, and all of our fellow passengers totally rocked ❤️. If you ever have the opportunity to go with… pic.twitter.com/cw9P2fCZVa

— Michael Bublé (@MichaelBuble) July 29, 2025

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder, which has been part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet since 1999, is a popular choice for family vacations. The ship’s Alaskan itineraries depart from Vancouver’s Canada Place cruise ship terminal, making it a convenient option for many North American travelers.

The ship will be moving to Australia in October for what will be the last season Down Under, according to recent reports from the cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line has released their first short cruises on their largest class of ships, the Excel class.

Mardi Gras, Carnival’s first Excel class ship, will sail four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral starting on May 22, 2027.

The four-day cruises will visit Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The five-night sailings will add a port stop in Nassau.  These newly announced cruises are now open for bookings.

The debut of shorter cruises on Mardi Gras will coincide with Carnival Festivale joining the fleet and sailing from Port Canaveral.

In addition, Carnival announced that Carnival Celebration will continue to sail from PortMiami, the Cruise Capital of the World, through at least April 2028.

Cruises to the Eastern Caribbean on Carnival Celebration will visit a variety of ports including Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Nassau.

Sailings to the Western Caribbean on Carnival Celebration will visit Celebration Key, Cozumel and Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay).

Carnival is in the middle of releasing their deployment schedule for 2027-2028. They stated that a variety of cruise options will be unveiled over the coming months.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about these new cruises:

“With a new Excel class ship on its way to Port Canaveral in 2027, we’re excited to offer more ways to experience these fabulous ships our guests love, with new shorter itineraries on Mardi Gras for the first time.

“Mardi Gras introduced a number of new entertainment and dining options along with the first roller coaster at sea, so it’s fitting that this ship will take on another first for us as the largest-ever to sail short cruises.

“This will give our guests more variety as they choose their next family vacation – whether that’s a short getaway on Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral or a week-long sailing on her beautiful sister Carnival Celebration from Miami.”

Carnival Cruise Line has two more Excel class ships under construction/on order. Carnival Festivale will join the fleet in the spring of 2027 with Carnival Tropicale joining a year later in 2028.

Disney Cruise Line currently has six cruise ships in their fleet, offering magical vacations to the most popular destinations on earth including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska.

The cruise line has several new ships on the way. Disney Destiny, a Wish-class ship, is set to debut in November 2025, sailing from Florida. Disney Adventure, a much larger Global-class ship, will also arrive in December 2025, and will be homeported in Singapore.

Disney also have a new class of ships on order that will be smaller and just over 100,000 gross tons in size.

Here is a list of every Disney cruise ship from newest to oldest.  This list will be updated as Disney expands their fleet over the next few years.

Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure is the second of the Wish-class vessels. It entered service in 2024 and is 144,000 gross tons and can carry up to 4,000 passengers. The Grand Hall is inspired by the story of Aladdin and the golden palace of Agrabah. The stern characters are Peter Pan and Captain Hook. The ship’s maiden voyage was in December 2024.

Disney Wish

Disney Wish is the first of a new class of three vessels.  Disney Wish entered service in 2022 and is the largest ship in Disney’s fleet at 144,000 gross tons.  The ship can carry 4,000 passengers in a little over 1,250 cabins. The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Captain Minnie, Cinderella, and Rapunzel and Pascal.

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy is the second Dream class ship from Disney Cruise Line and entered service in 2012.  The 129,690 gross ton cruise ship can carry up to 4,000 guests. The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Sorcerer Mickey, Mademoiselle Minnie, Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse.

Disney Dream

Disney Dream was the first Dream class ship and entered service in 2011. It was the cruise ship to feature an aqua coaster on the top deck.  It is 129,960 gross tons in size and carries up to 4,000 passengers.  The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Captain Mickey, Admiral Donald, and Sorcerer Mickey.

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder entered service in 1999 as the second ship in Disney’s fleet. The 84,000 gross tons ship carries up to 2,700 passengers in 875 staterooms. The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Steamboat Willie, Ariel, Donald and Nephews.

Disney Magic

Disney Magic was Disney Cruise Line’s very first cruise ship.  The vessel entered service in 1998 and the 84,000 gross ton ship carries up to 2,700 guests.  The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Sorcerer Mickey, Helmsman Mickey, and Goofy.

Disney’s Future

Disney Cruise Line currently has six more cruise ships that will be added to their fleet over the next few years. Two of the cruise ships will be sister ships to Disney Wish. Disney Destiny will debut in 2025 and a currently unnamed vessel in 2027.

Also in in 2025, Disney Cruise Line will be adding their largest cruise ship to their fleet.  The cruise line purchased the massive 208,000 gross ton Global Dream that was 70% completed after the parent company went bankrupt. They are converting it over to Disney Adventure and the ship will sail three- and four-night cruises from Singapore.

Also on order is a new class of smaller cruise ships. Disney has three 105,000 gross ton ships on order that will debut in 2029, 2030 and 2031.

After months of speculation, Disney Cruise Line has officially confirmed it’s leaving the Australian and New Zealand markets after the 2025-2026 cruise season. The decision comes after three seasons of sailing Down Under.

In an announcement on social media for the brand’s Australian and New Zealand side of operations, Disney Cruise Line posted a picture with the caption, “A fond farewell for now.  Join us this last season in Australia and New Zealand.”

While many fans expressed their disappointment or need to book a cruise before the ship leaves the region, some expressed optimism in the cruise line’s return.

“What sad news to wake up to! It’s not goodbye it’s see ya real soon. I have my fingers crossed for a new ship in the future,” said one Disney fan.

The Ship and Its New Home

The ship currently scheduled to sail out of Syndey and Melbourne later this year, Disney Wonder, will be redeployed after its final sailing in Australia in February 2026.

While an official new home port has not been announced by Disney, it’s widely expected that Disney Wonder will return to North America, though no official word has been given yet.

However, the schedule for summer 2026 includes sailings to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada.  The furthest out a cruise can be booked on Disney Wonder is a September 21, 2026 sailing out of Vancouver.

With the launch of its newest and largest ship slotted for later in 2025, Disney Adventure, the cruise line’s focus is shifting to the Asia-Pacific region. This new vessel, which can carry 6,000 passengers and 2,111 crew, will be homeported in Singapore, offering year-round cruises.

The maiden voyage for Disney Adventure is scheduled for December 15, 2026 and will be a 3-day sailing from Singapore with no port stops.

Other Recent Cruise Changes in Australia

The Australian cruise market is facing all kinds of changes recently, with P&O Cruises Australia recently being absorbed by its parent company, Carnival Corporation.

The popular Australian brand, which had a long history in the region, officially ceased its own operations in early 2025. Its two remaining ships, the former Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, were rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

They continue to offer cruises from their new homeports of Sydney and Brisbane, now sailing under the new brand.