Diplomacy

A Carnival cruise ship will host the first Annual Spanglish Party Cruise during a three night cruise from Port Canaveral visits The Bahamas.

The Spanglish Party Cruise will depart from Port Canaveral on October 24, 2025 and visit Carnival Cruise Line’s new port, Celebration Key, and have one sea day.

Spanglish Entertainment, the company behind the cruise, is calling it the “ultimate party cruise”. They listed the following description on their website of this unique cruise:

“Get ready to set sail on our First Annual Spanglish Party Cruise, where you can dance the night away under the stars, enjoy live entertainment, and make memories that will last a lifetime. With stunning views, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Don’t worry if you can’t dance, we have complimentary salsa classes by Elizabeth, Salsa Mingle.”

The cruise will feature an all-star lineup of salsa artists and free style artists. Also joining the cruise will be Rolling Quartz from South Korea, Pedro Bull, Nas T Boyz and Paquito Acosta.

The cruise will feature the following activities and entertainment:

• Meet and greet with all artists
• Daily salsa classes by Elizabeth @ Salsamingle
• DJ’s Benny Bee and Oscar P
• Live concerts
• One showcase performance

Prices for the Spanglish Party Cruise start at $729 per person for an inside cabin and go up to $909 for a room with a balcony.

This is not a full ship charter. If you want to participate in the Spanglish Party Cruise activities, you will need to book the cruise through Spanglish Entertainment and not directly through Carnival or a travel agent.

Alida Hernandez, Executive Producer and Editor-in-Chief of Spanglish Entertainment Magazine, gave the following statement about the cruise:

“As you board the Carnival Glory, you’re stepping into a realm where melodies become memories, and rhythms are the heartbeat of the moment.

“From the acoustic sounds of percussion to the dance beat of Freestyle and the thunderous roar of rock-n-roll, every note is a brushstroke on the canvas of your experience.”

For more information on the first Annual Spanglish Party Cruise, you can visit their website here.

A cruise passenger was recently charged $82 for what should have been a $17 taxi ride from Greece’s Piraeus port, warning other travelers about a common issue and opening a discussion about port taxi drivers.

No one wants to get ripped off, especially on vacation–on a cruise of all things.  But if you want to explore a port of call on your own, it’s important to listen to stories like this so you know what to look out for.

The cruise traveler in this case shared their experience on the subreddit GreeceTravel after discovering the massive overcharge on their credit card statement. What started as a simple 30-minute ride in southern Athens turned into an expensive lesson about safety in using public transportation in a post titled “Another taxi ripoff”.

“Just got off a cruise ship and took one of the taxis lined up at Piraeus port,” the traveler explained. “The driver didn’t speak any English and tried to get me to pay in cash. He gave me a receipt that said $17.10 I pointed to the sign in back.”

The non-English-speaking driver began pointing to his phone and card reader, eventually showing the passenger that he was charging an additional 11 euros per bag for three bags. The cruise traveler stated they didn’t have any cash, so the driver processed the card payment and acted friendly afterward, even shaking hands.

“I checked my card account later and he had charged $82.14 usd,” the passenger wrote. “I’ve already emailed the taxi authority and informed my bank not to pay him.”

This Traveler Is Not Alone

This isn’t an isolated incident. Other travelers shared similar experiences in the comments:

“We were also ripped off… The driver demanded extra money for extra luggage even though it all fitted in the taxi no problems. Cost me an extra €25 in cash.”

One smart traveler avoided trouble by asking questions upfront, which is what we recommend all cruisers do when taking public transportation:

“We arrived at the cruise terminal 2 weeks ago and walked up to the taxi line. As he was putting bags in, we asked if he was going to use the meter etc. He threw our bags out and refused to take us. Ordered an uber that arrived 2 minutes later. I knew we dodged a bullet,” one user stated.

The Honest Reality

The original poster admitted that they were aware of schemes like this but also stated why they fell for it.

“Yes, I’m aware of all the ways to avoid getting scammed by taxis, I just want to have faith and trust in my fellow human beings. Lesson learned.”

One blunt commenter lacked any sympathy when stating, “disembarks cruise ship, walks straight into tourist trap/scam, posts cautionary anecdote, claims to have known better.”

Other Alternatives

Use Apps: Many travelers recommend Uber or FreeNow. “Used Uber when I was in Athens. I didn’t have to deal with tomfoolery. I just order and pay a set price that I found agreeable.”

Public Transit: For light travelers, buses and metro are cheap options. One local provided detailed directions: “you can get there by metro from Piraeus port, or by buses: no 040, express line X80… getting off in Syggrou-Fix stop, then taking the subway one stop or a taxi for about 5 euros.”

Negotiate First: “Arrange everything with the driver beforehand, meaning before taking the taxi,” advised one experienced traveler.

If You Get Scammed

• Document everything (photos of receipts, meter readings, taxi numbers)
• Contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge
• Report to local taxi authorities

Bottom Line

Even experienced travelers can fall victim to these scams. Tour guides are warning travelers too. One commenter shared: “My tour guide encouraged me to avoid those taxis, for just this reason. He told me it’s commonplace for the taxi drivers to give you one price at the outset and then charge more on arrival.”

The best defense is asking questions upfront and being willing to walk away from any taxi whose driver won’t agree to clear pricing or use the meter. 

You can also just trust your gut, but when on a cruise, how reliable is that?

Read More: Travel Scams I’ve Encountered After Taking Over 75 Cruises

Viking, the world’s leading and largest river cruise line, has announced that they will begin offering cruises in India in 2027.

The cruises will take place on Viking Brahmaputra, a brand new 80 passenger cruise ship that is designed specifically to sail on the Brahmaputra River.

The ship is currently under construction and will sail its first cruise in 2027. It will have 40 staterooms, all with a view.

Viking Brahmaputra will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India.

In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The 15-day trip will operate roundtrip from Delhi and have hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The river cruise portion of the trip will be eight days on the Brahmaputra River.

The trip will include 13 complimentary tours and guests will be able to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sites include the Taj Mahal, the Palace of Winds and the streets of Old Delhi.

While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati’s temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, gave the following statement:

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India. India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries.

“In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

Viking’s new Wonders of India sailings are now open for bookings. From now through the end of the month, the cruise line is offering savings up to $5,000 per couple for North American travelers with cruise deposits priced at just $25. Airfare for this cruise starts at $999 per person.

Additional pre and post land extensions are also available that range from two- to five-nights in length.

Royal Caribbean has added a new ground-breaking ship to its fleet, as Star of the Seas has been delivered to the cruise line, in an official “handing-over-of-the-keys” ceremony. 

Built in Meyer Turku in Finland, this is the second Icon-class ship to be ordered by Royal Caribbean, with at least three more coming in the next few years.   

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley formally accepted Star of the Seas at the delivery ceremony in the Finnish shipyard.

The ship is scheduled for departure from the yard in mid-July. It will then begin year-round cruises from its Port Canaveral, Florida, homeport in August 2025, with Diana Ross set to christen the vessel later that month.

“The completion of Star of the Seas is another significant step in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward a completely new type of vacation experiences,” stated Jason Liberty. “We are proud to bring this new generation vacation experience to life at Meyer Turku shipyard together with our esteemed partners.”

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, pointed out the success of the build and the great relationship the two companies have shared:

“Star of the Seas is already the second cruise ship of the world’s most advanced Icon class to be built at our shipyard. In good cooperation with the customer and our network companies, we were able to draw on the lessons learned during the prototype ship building process, and Star was completed in record time and with high quality.”

The ship is about 250,800 gross tons and with a capacity for 5,610 passengers (and a maximum of 7,600 guests).  And interestingly enough, according to the Meyer Turku CEO, “Star of the Seas is the largest single industrial product ever built in Finland”.

Like its sister ship, Icon of the Seas, the Star of the Seas is primarily powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a cleaner-burning fuel.  The ship has onboard waste-to-energy systems, and AI tools to minimize food waste, all helping the company to reach the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

A Few Highlights of Star of the Seas

• Category 6 Waterpark: The largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides including the Frightening Bolt (tallest waterslide at sea) and the Pressure Drop (first open free-fall slide).
• Surfside Neighborhood: A dedicated stay-all-day neighborhood for families, offering a sprawling aquapark, a pool for adults, and a variety of family-friendly dining options.
• Seven Pools: From the largest pool at sea, Royal Bay, to the adults-only Cloud 17 and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar, there’s a pool for every mood and preference.
• Crown’s Edge: A unique fusion of a skywalk, ropes course, and thrill ride that dangles guests high above the ocean.
• AquaDome: A stunning architectural marvel housing a vibrant entertainment venue with awe-inspiring shows.
• Over 40 Dining and Beverage Options: A diverse culinary landscape catering to every palate, from casual bites to elevated specialty restaurants.
• Innovative Staterooms: Offering spacious accommodations, including Surfside family suites and panoramic ocean-view balconies, providing comfort and stunning views.
• The Star of the Seas also incorporates popular Royal Caribbean attractions like the FlowRider surf simulator.

The third ship in the Icon class, Legend of the Seas, is already under construction and expected to be floated out later this summer.

Read more: 10 Biggest Differences Between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas

A first-time cruise experience all went horribly wrong for a mother/daughter duo, and it was all before the ship ever left the port.  One very important detail was missing, and it was actually the travel agent that missed it.

An exciting cruise to the Norwegian Fjords turned to disappointment for 87-year-old Ruby Poole and her daughter Wendy Tucker.

As reported by the Hereford Times, they were denied boarding their P&O Britannia cruise at the last minute due to an important booking error. Their story is a reminder of why double-checking every detail, especially for disabled cruisers, is so important.

The Missed Detail

Ruby, who uses a wheelchair, had been wanting to take a cruise for a long time.  Her husband, who passed away four years ago, was afraid of the water. 

This cruise, her very first, was meant to be a special mother-daughter experience. They booked through a travel agent and specifically requested an accessible cabin and assisted boarding.

They thought—as most would—that everything was taken care of.

However, when they arrived in Southampton, England, despite their luggage already being on the ship, they were turned away.

The reason? The travel agent had failed to select the assisted boarding option when booking. P&O staff explained they didn’t have enough safety chairs for passengers needing assistance who weren’t properly noted on the manifest.

While P&O staff were praised for their handling of a difficult situation, Ruby and Wendy were left without a long-awaited cruise vacation.

The £2,400 cost of the trip, roughly $3,000 USD, was refunded.  Hays Travel has since apologized and offered compensation, but the experience really puts the spotlight on an important lesson for disabled cruisers.

Important Steps

When booking a cruise, especially if you have specific needs, attention to detail is your best friend.

First, be very specific about your needs. If you use a wheelchair, require an accessible cabin, or have dietary restrictions, make sure these are explicitly noted during the booking process.

Don’t assume anything will be remembered if it’s not written down.

Once you receive your booking confirmation, review every single detail thoroughly. This isn’t just about checking names and dates. Look for confirmation of any special requests or accommodations you made, especially any codes or indicators for assisted boarding or accessibility.

This was the exact detail that went missing for Ruby and Wendy.

If something looks unclear or a detail you requested isn’t present, contact your travel agent or the cruise line immediately to clarify.

While cruise travel agents can be helpful, booking directly with the cruise line does give you more control and direct communication regarding specific needs.   It just a bigger hassle than just shooting over a message to your travel agent.

If you do use an agent, consider cross-referencing your booking details with the cruise line’s website to make sure everything looks right.  

Hopefully, Ruby and Wendy will be able to book another cruise in the near future, but their story might just save someone else from facing the same disappointment.

Celebrity Cruises has announced four new spaces that will debut on their next new cruise ship debuting this fall, Celebrity Xcel.

Celebrity Cruises is reimaging the pool deck, adding a new adults-oriented lounge that will be open 24/7, expanding the spa with a new outdoor deck, and debuting a Celebrity Flagship Store.

Celebrity Pool Club

The Celebrity Pool Club will feature a new pool valet offering poolside chilled towels, card games, sunscreen and storage for personal items.

On the last sea day on every cruise to the Caribbean, Celebrity Pool Club will transform into the Poolest Day Ever. There will be island vibes with live music and DJ-spun favorites. Pop-up show and pool-friendly games will also take place.

When the sun goes down, the new Shine the Night poolside party will kick off with food and drinks.

Attic at the Club

Attic at the Club is an adults-oriented lounge that will be open 24/7. It will have retro games like Pac-Man, NBA Showtime, Golden Tee and more.

This area will also have pool, darts, foosball and shuffleboard. There will be a private space that guests can rent out for karaoke, golf simulation games and more.

Celebrity Flagship Store

The first Celebrity Flagship Store will be a unique retail experience that doubles as an interactive exhibit.

Guests will be able to engage with Celebrity Cruises on interactive screens with trivia questions and insider facts or through historical artifacts and vintage collectibles.

A wide range of customizable items can be engraved, embroidered or printed, such as water bottles, cocktail kits, keychains, caps, and robes. Plus, Celebrity Flagship will stock one-of-a-kind Celebrity products only available on Celebrity Xcel.

Vitamin D Deck

The Vitamin D Deck will be a new outdoor area that’s part of The Spa and will be an exclusive area for only Thermal Suite guests.

Celebrity Cruises is also adding their first Hydra Room in The Spa, the newest of eight therapeutic experiences in the Thermal Suite. This revitalizing experience features a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs that offer soothing benefits for muscle relaxation. 

The Spa on Celebrity Xcel will offer more than 120 different treatments and therapies.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, gave the following statement:

“Celebrity Xcel will set sail with seven new elevated experiences that invite guests to escape their daily routine and make memories that will last a lifetime. With so much innovation at every turn, the journey will be just as fun as the destinations themselves.”

Celebrity Xcel will debut in November 2025 offering week-long cruises to the Caribbean from Port Everglades. In the spring of 2026, the ship will reposition to Europe for sailings int he Mediterranean.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, one of the best ultra-luxury cruise lines in the world, opened for bookings cruises on their next new ship, Seven Seas Prestige.

The cruise line had their biggest new bookings day ever on June 25, 2025 when sailings opened for reservations on Seven Seas Prestige. The day exceeded their previous high new ship bookings day (Seven Seas Splendor) by 26%.

In addition, the $25,000 per night Skyview Regent Suite sold out just under 50% of its inaugural season the very first day it opened for bookings. This is the best performance of a top tier product in Regent’s history on opening day.

The 8,794 sq. ft. Skyview Regent Suite will be the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history.

Regent Seven Seas Prestige is currently under construction by Fincantieri and it will be delivered to the cruise line in late 2026. It’s also the first new ship class for Regent in 10 years.

The ship will be 77,000 gross tons in size, 40% larger than the cruise line’s previous ships. Even though the ship will be 40% larger, it will only accommodate 10% more guests.

The vessel will carry up to 822 guests and 630 crew members.

Every cabin on the suite will be a suite with a balcony spanning 12 different categories, giving guests more options that ever.

The following will be included in all cruise fares on Seven Seas Prestige:

Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, gave the following statement about the record bookings:

“I’m absolutely thrilled, but not surprised, by the phenomenal results that Seven Seas Prestige has produced – we knew that luxury travelers were extremely eager to reserve their suite on this incredible ship.

“Seven Seas Prestige promises to begin a new legacy for the entire ultra-luxury cruise sector, and we cannot wait until she joins the fleet in December 2026.

“I’d like to thank our valued guests and Travel Partners, as well as Regent’s highly talented and professional teams around the world who all contributed to this fantastic achievement.”

The inaugural season on Seven Seas Prestige will cover 13 cruises in Europe and the Caribbean.