Diplomacy

Cruise passengers on Celebrity Infinity are facing an unplanned extended stay in a Mediterranean port.  The cruise ship is currently stuck in the Turkish port of Kuşadası after losing power, reportedly due to a small electrical fire.

The trouble started on July 7th. While the ship was docked, a power outage put the ship into a “total blackout” for several hours. This meant no air conditioning or lights in the cabins, and even food service stopped.

Passengers described the situation, especially with the heat in Turkey. “It was a total blackout for a few hours… No power meant no communications, no power to rooms, no AC, delayed shows, delayed meals,” one passenger posted online.

But another passenger stated that people on board were handling the situation calmly: “A few people I talked to seemed pretty chill. Most are just making the most of it which I applaud. I’m blessed to be able to cruise often, but for some this is a long time coming trip/honeymoon/retirement cruise,” the passenger stated.

Letter from Celebrity

In a letter sent to guests on July 8th, Celebrity Cruises confirmed the ongoing issues.

“In light of the Captain’s recent announcement, we’d like to share an important update to your itinerary,” the letter begins. It explains that the ship is “welcoming specialists onboard to assess our current systems. This is a necessary step to help us resume our voyage safely and smoothly.”

Celebrity Infinity was supposed to leave Kuşadası on July 7th and head for Mykonos, Greece. But that didn’t happen.

The letter states, “we will remain docked in Kusadasi overnight,” and clarifies that “we will no longer be visiting Kavala, Greece.” Celebrity Cruises expressed regret, writing, “We are very sorry for any disappointment and appreciate your continued understanding,” adding that these decisions were made “with the utmost consideration for your safety and comfort, which remain our highest priorities.”

Missed Stops and Compensation

Because of this delay, Celebrity Infinity will now miss its stops in both Mykonos (though a tentative plan to visit later is reportedly in discussion) and Kavala, Greece.

To help make up for the missed ports and inconvenience, Celebrity Cruises is giving passengers refundable onboard credits. The letter details the amounts depending on the cabin category:

• Deluxe Suites: $600 USD
• Aqua Class & Concierge: $400 USD
• Balcony cabins: $300 USD
• Inside & Outside cabins: $200 USD
• Third and Fourth guests: will receive $50 USD per person.

For pre-paid shore excursions booked for Kavala, the letter states, “Our Shore Excursions team will automatically refund any pre-paid Celebrity Cruises shore excursions… to your SeaPass account.”

It also assures guests that “any remaining refundable amounts at the end of our sailing will be reimbursed to your card on file in up to 14 business days from final disembarkation.”

Despite all the setbacks, the cruise ship is still expected to arrive in Athens (Piraeus), Greece, on July 12th, where guests will disembark as planned.

Celebrity Cruises concluded their letter by saying, “We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.  While this situation remains fluid, please rest assured that we are committed to keeping you updated and making your experience an exceptional one. Stay tuned for surprise and delights for you to enjoy throughout the rest of your stay onboard.”

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, posted a video on his Facebook page this morning giving more details on their new port opening in The Bahamas next week, Celebration Key.

Celebration Key will open on July 19, 2025 when Carnival Vista visits the new port located on Grand Bahama Island. The port will be used exclusively by Carnival cruise ships and will be unlike any other that their ships currently visit.

Note: Cruise Fever will be at Celebration Key on opening day so stay tuned as we bring you everything you need to know about this new tropical paradise.

Here are the latest details that John Heald shared this morning, or you can watch the full video below if you’d like.

The walk from the ship to the heart of Celebration Key will be around 10 minutes. There will be four ADA accessible golf carts that can each take up to three guests. They will have a ramp on them for passengers who use a wheelchair.

There will also be 14 trams that seat up to 12 guests that will take guests from the ship to the main port area and back.

They will also stop at each area of Celebration Key.

However, John Heald is encouraging everyone to walk that can so those who need assistance can receive it in a timely manner.

Excursions will be available to book that include areas in Celebration Key and others on Grand Bahama Island.

While the port will be completely cashless, guests will be able to use their cruise card (Sign & Sail) or a credit card/debit card to purchase items that come at an extra charge (drinks, food, shops etc.). This includes what Heald called “The best donut shop in the world”.

There will be 14 different food trucks that will be complimentary. Guests will use their Sign & Sail card with each guests receiving one entree. There will also be numerous dining options (sit down service) that come with a surcharge.

The port will have complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas and towels for everyone, so guests will not need to bring a towel off of the ship.

Largest Employer in Freeport

In the video, Heald also emphasized Carnival’s commitment to the local Bahamian community. “Carnival Cruise Line is now the largest government employer in Freeport Bahamas,” Heald stated.

He added that “everything you’re going to see there is locally made, locally produced, and the wonderful, incredibly friendly staff under the Carnival Cruise Line management is going to be giving you an absolutely brilliant time and we are so very proud of that fact.” This focus on local sourcing and employment promises an authentic Bahamian experience for guests.

Heald concluded the video by saying that guests can bring their own pool noodle instead of renting one. Carnival cruisers recently complained about the high cost (Up to $20) that the cruise line was charging to rent them.

Wondering what to pack for a cruise?  This list consists of some of the best and most affordable items to buy and throw into your suitcase before you head to the port.

On my first cruise I packed way too much.   The giant suitcase was jam packed with things I never really needed for a cruise.

I should have removed half of what I brought and replaced it with most of things on this list.  Now, after cruising consistently for 14+ years I know better.

The items on this list are affordable products that veteran cruisers bring on just about every cruise vacation.  Most of them are $10-$15 and they solve all kinds of problems and issues that you might face while at sea.

Check out our other list of tech items to bring on a cruise for some pricier items you can pack for a cruise.

*This post contains affiliate links and we may receive compensation if you make any purchases on Amazon through them. Thank you for your support.

Here are 35 cheap cruise hacks you’ll wish you knew about sooner:

1. Magnet hooks

Cruise cabins are basically giant metal boxes.  Since the walls and ceiling are metal, they are perfect for magnets to make your life easier.

I can’t recommend this one enough.  Magnet hooks are a lifesaver in cruise ship cabins. There is never enough counter space, so magnet hooks are a great way to hang a hamper, clothing, bags, and other items. I like to use magnet hooks to hang up my hat and hoodie by the door as well.  Just don’t pack them next to your electronics.

Buy magnetic hooks on Amazon here =>

2. Magnet clips

Magnet clips are another great way to organize your cabin space.  You can use them to clip papers like the cruise planner you get in your cabin each day or maybe print outs about your excursions.  Some people use magnetic clips for cabin door decorations too, as you aren’t allowed to use tape.

Buy magnetic clips on Amazon here =>

3. Luggage tag holders

Paper luggage tags are notorious for being ripped to shreds before your suitcase can make it to your cabin door.  Plastic luggage tag holders help protect them and keep them from falling off your bags.  This can save you from a huge headache in your bag being delayed or lost, so it’s well worth the small investment.

Buy cruise luggage tag holders on Amazon here =>

4. Quick-dry travel towel

Having a towel on you that dries 10 times faster than a normal towel is pretty awesome.  On a beach day you don’t want to have to lug around a wet towel when you’re on your way back to the ship.

These small quick-dry towels are light and easy to carry and perfect for a day in port.

Buy this quick-dry towel on Amazon here =>

5. Flotation strap

If you’re worried about dropping your phone while kayaking or enjoying other water activities, a float strap will be the perfect solution.

If you have an especially heavy phone you might need to buy two wrist-straps as each one can carry about 150 grams of weight.

Buy a floating wrist-strap on Amazon here =>

6. DEET-free mosquito bracelets

On the topic of bracelets, this mosquito repellent wrist-band can be essential in certain cruise ports where those blood-sucking insects can be awful.

If you don’t want to use DEET as a mosquito-repellent, a bracelet like this is safe and effective and won’t wash off when you go for a swim.

Buy a mosquito-repellent bracelet on Amazon here =>

7. Cruise card lanyard

A cruise card lanyard is a great way to keep your cruise card close at hand and protect it from damage. Some cruisers like to wear their cruise card lanyard around their neck, so they don’t have to worry about losing it or misplacing it.

This could be helpful if you’re traveling with children as well.

Buy a cruise card lanyard on Amazon here =>

8. Collapsible straws

With some cruise lines starting to do away with plastic straws, bringing your own might be a good idea.  If you’re like me, you can’t stand the taste and texture of a cardboard straw.  Instead, you can buy a rubber straw that folds up into a container or bring a metal collapsible straw for all your trips.

Buy a set of collapsible travel straws on Amazon here =>

9. Water shoes

If you love to snorkel and will be spending time in the ocean checking out some amazing coral and colorful fish, you will want some water shoes.  Also, certain beaches have a lot of jagged and rocky coastlines that can really cut up your feet if you don’t have some protection.  Water shoes lay flat in your suitcase and will save your feet from problems later on.

Check out water shoes on Amazon here =>

10. Mesh beach bag

Another great beach day accessory,  mesh beach bag offers a convenient way to carry your beach gear without tracking sand and water all over your cruise ship cabin. It is also easy to rinse out and dry, and the see-through nature of the bag helps make sure you have everything you need at a quick glance.

Buy a mesh beach bag on Amazon here =>

11. Lip balm with sunblock

Lip balm is a must-have for any cruise passenger, as the sun and wind can dry out your lips quickly. I like to use lip balm with SPF protection to protect my lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays when on a cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean.  The sun is way more intense in these regions than most Americans are used to.

Buy SPF 30 lip balm on Amazon here =>

12. Reef safe sunscreen

You’d be surprised at how harmful some common sunscreen ingredients can be for coral reefs.  Coral can die quickly with exposure to chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that are found in many sunblock lotions.  Reef safe sunscreens are made without harmful chemicals that can damage coral.  Certain areas actually will restrict sunscreen with the aforementioned chemicals.

Buy reef-safe sunscreen on Amazon here =>

13. Collapsible water bottles

Collapsible water bottles are a great way to stay hydrated on your cruise ship. You can fill them up in your stateroom or at the water fountains and carry them with you wherever you go.

And since they are collapsible they won’t take up much room in your suitcase.

Buy this collapsible water bottle on Amazon here =>

14. Waterproof phone pouch

Many cell phones are advertised as waterproof or at least water resistant.  But in my experience using smartphones under the water to capture video of some tropical fish, always carries a risk.  I’ve had to place my phone in a bag of rice more than once after a cruise because the tiniest bit of water messed things up and wouldn’t allow it to charge properly.  Use a waterproof pouch so you don’t have to worry about it, especially if you already have a crack on your screen.

A waterproof phone case pouch is a great way to protect your phone from water damage while swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. It is also a great way to protect your phone from sand and dust

Buy a waterproof phone pouch on Amazon here =>

15. Fragrance spray

Those cruise ship cabins are on the small side, and ventilation isn’t always that great.  Don’t let unpleasant aromas from the bathroom or dirty laundry ruin the experience.  This is especially important if you are in an interior stateroom without access to some outside air.  Some fragrance spray can be a lifesaver if traveling as a family too.

Whether it’s some Febreze spray, a travel size bottle of Poo-Pourri, or both, pack some fragrance spray of your choice for a better experience.

Buy some travel fragrance spray on Amazon here =>

16. Pop-up hamper

A pop-up hamper is a great way to keep your dirty clothes organized and out of sight in your cruise ship cabin. I like to use a pop up hamper that folds up flat so that I can easily pack it in my suitcase.  Some cruisers like to use hanging mesh hampers in combination with some magnetic hooks as well.

Buy a popup hamper on Amazon here =>

17. Electronics organizer bag

An electronics organizer bag is a great way to keep your electronic devices like phones, cameras, cables, etc. organized in your cabin.  All those charging cables, USB cables, and earbuds can easily get lost in the shuffle, so keeping them all in one place both for packing and use on the ship can come in handy.

Buy an electronics organizer bag here on Amazon =>

18. Travel hangers

You can always ask your cabin steward for extra hangers, but some people like to have their own with clips and other features.  Travel hangers are lightweight and foldable hangers that are perfect for packing in your cruise ship cabin.  You can also use these for drying wet clothes when the shower clothes line is full.

Buy travel hangers on Amazon here =>

19. Towel clips set

Contrary to common belief, these aren’t for saving deck loungers, but simply to make sure your towel doesn’t fly off in the sea breeze.  Of course, you can hold your spot for a few minutes with them, but even when you’re lying on a lounger the wind can pull the towel off the chair and onto your face or the deck floor.  You can find all kinds of towel clips for your next cruise.  Towel bands are better if you are going to be on padded loungers.

See towel clips on Amazon here =>

20. Hanging toiletry bag

Those cruise ship bathrooms can be very tiny.  A toiletry bag that you can hang from one of your magnetic clips or from a towel wrack is great to have on a cruise.

It also keeps all those bathroom essentials nice and organized.

Buy a hanging toiletry bag on Amazon here =>

21. Tide-to-Go

With most laundry services on a cruise ship costing quite a bit of extra money, having a Tide-to-Go pen should be considered essential.   You can stay on top of any stains that inevitable will happen on a cruise, and this little magic pen hardly takes up any room in your bag.  You can get a two pack for around $10 and always be ready.

Buy Tide-to-Go pens on Amazon here =>

22. Wrinkle Releaser

With no irons in your cabin, getting wrinkles out of clothes is always an ordeal on a cruise ship, especially since many ships don’t have self-service laundry rooms these days.  I like to use a travel-size Downy Wrinkle Release on my clothes that I will spray right after I unpack.  This gets most of the wrinkles out so I can at least be presentable.

Buy travel size Downy Wrinkle Releaser here =>

23. Mini first aid kit

You don’t need to bring the entire medicine cabinet from back home.  But having a mini first aid kit can save you a few bucks when there are minor cuts and burns.  The medical center on a cruise ship can cost a pretty penny, so if it’s something very minor that you can take care of yourself this little kit can help.  This is especially handy if traveling with small children.

Buy this first aid kit on Amazon here =>

24. Waterproof Band-Aids/Bandages

Part of your first aid kit should be waterproof bandages, and since most of these kits don’t come with bandages like this you will have to buy them separately.  Whether you get cut while walking on some jagged rocks at the beach or develop a blister from wearing sandals all day long, a waterproof Band-Aid will stay on even when wet.  After all, no one wants to see a Band-Aid on the floor that fell off because it wasn’t waterproof.

Buy waterproof bandages on Amazon here =>

25. Hand held mini fan

At first glance, this might appear to be an unnecessary luxury, but that perspective changes quickly when you find yourself sweltering in 100-degree heat in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. On longer excursions where you can’t escape the heat for hours, a portable fan can prove ever so necessary.  And this one charges with a simple USB cable.

Buy this mini fan on Amazon here =>

26. Multi-plug power outlet (without surge protection)

Most modern cruise ships have more electrical outlets than older ships, but it never seems like enough with all the devices most cruisers bring with them.  A multi plug power strip can come in handy.  Just make sure it does NOT have a surge protector, as that is not allowed on a cruise ship because it cases problems with the ship’s electrical system.

Buy this multi plug outlet on Amazon here =>

27. Over the door shoe organizer

Some people hate these, and others love them.  There was even a time when some cruise lines banned them.  For the ultra-organized an over the door organizer can be used for shoes, clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, and all kinds of smaller items that don’t need to take up counter space.  If your cabin has plenty of drawer space at least this over the door organizer did not take up much room anyway.

Buy an over-the-door shoe organizer here =>

28. Night light (motion sensor)

For those interior cabins, the darkness of the room can make for some great sleeping conditions.  But stubbing your toe in the middle of the night because you can’t see can be avoided by having a motion sensing night light.  Just place it low enough so it doesn’t trigger when you’re rolling over.  This night light is battery powered and can be placed anywhere you’d like.

Buy this motion sensing night light here on Amazon =>

29. AirTags or SmartTags

Anyone who checks baggage when flying should have one of these trackers already. But on a cruise ship they can come in very handy.  Use AirTags or SmartTags in your baggage to make sure your luggage makes it to your room, and if it doesn’t you at least will know where it is instead of playing the guessing game and hoping you will end up with your belongings before the cruise is over.

This one costs a little more than other items on the list, but it had to be mentioned because it can save cruisers from so much frustration.

Buy AirTags on Amazon here =>
Buy SmartTags on Amazon here =>

30. Packing cubes set

A packing cubes set is a great way to organize your clothes and other belongings in your suitcase. It keeps every type of article of clothing together and makes unpacking a breeze when you finally make it to your stateroom on embarkation day.  This is key for light packing on a cruise.

Buy packing cubes on Amazon here =>

31. Passport holder wallet

A passport holder wallet is a great way to keep your passport, cards, and a little cash all protected while you are traveling.  This helps keep all of the essentials together.  I recommend getting one with RFID blocking as well, especially if you will be traveling with your passport on you off the ship.

Buy a passport holder wallet here =>

32. Bonine

Bonine is an over-the-counter medication that can be used to prevent motion sickness. You can buy the chewable tablets and be prepared for any rough seas on your cruise.  It’s supposed to make most people less drowsy than Dramamine but your experience may differ.

Buy Bonine on Amazon here =>

33. Sea-Band

For those who want a drug-free approach to handling seasickness, a company called Sea-Band has created a wristband for natural relief.  It may not work for everyone, but if it works for you then you may not have to take any Bonine or Dramamine to take care of any nausea you are experiencing.

Buy Sea-Band wristbands on Amazon here =>

34. Ginger candy

Ginger is another natural remedy for motion sickness. Ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, and it is safe for most people to consume. Ginger candies are a convenient and easy way to take ginger for motion sickness, and they can be found at most drugstores and grocery stores.

Buy Gin-Gins ginger candy on Amazon here =>

35. Aloe

Never underestimate how badly you will need some aloe after you have also underestimated how badly you were cooking under that tropical sun.  Sure, you can just buy this in the shop on the cruise ship, but it will cost you a pretty penny and you will be so desperate to get some relief from your skin burning you probably won’t even hesitate.  Bring a small bottle of it instead.

Buy aloe soothing gel on Amazon here =>

What items do you like to bring on every cruise?  Does this list give you any ides for other very affordable essentials that would be must-haves on your next cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

I recently had the opportunity to spend several nights at Holland America Line’s Denali Lodge in Alaska. The lodge is located just outside of Denali National Park and is part of their cruisetours in the 49th State.

I have previously been on several cruises to Alaska but have never stayed in a cruise line lodge. When Holland America Line invited me to visit their Denali Lodge, I was excited to see and experience what their cruisetours were all about.

For those who aren’t familiar with Holland America’s cruisetours, they are extra days on land that can be added to select cruises to Alaska. You can add on anywhere from two to 10 days to their seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise. These are the one-way cruises between Vancouver and Whittier.

The cruisetours can be done before or after the week-long cruise, but I think I personally prefer to do it after the cruise.

The cruisetours include the train ride up to Denali, the Tundra Wilderness Tour, and a stay at the Denali Lodge, located one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park.

Here is my experience staying at the lodge (post-cruise), what I loved, and reasons why you should consider a cruisetour to Alaska.

Train

The cruisetour starts with a 10 hour train ride on the McKinney Explorer from Whittier, Alaska, where the cruise ends, to Denali.

It’s a two-story train with assigned seating up top and a restaurant and small lounge area on the bottom deck. There is also area where you can go outside to get some great photos or just some fresh air.

In the photo below, you can see the small lounge area and the part of the railroad car where you can go outside.

Lodge

Holland America Line’s Denali Lodge is located right next to the Nenana River and next door to Princess Cruises’ Wilderness Lodge. My first thought after arriving at the lodge was “I could stay here for a week”.

I stayed in the Cottonwoods building facing the river and I absolutely loved it. My first morning there, I stepped outside and saw a moose and her baby grazing beside the river. You never know what wildlife you will see here.

The buildings are spread out over 60 acres, but they have shuttles that will take you around the property so you don’t have to walk. There are 28 different buildings that you can stay in, 11 up top by the Main Lodge and 17 down below by the river. I was told that the older 11 buildings up top are being torn down and replaced.

My favorite part of the entire property was Denali Square, it is the main social hub of the lodge. There are two dining options here, several shops that include an Artist in Residence, firepits and live music at night.

The two dining options at Denali Square are Karsten’s Public House and the Music of Denali. The Music of Denali is a family-style dinner show with a fun musical about the history of Denali. I really enjoyed dining at both.

There is also a walking trail along the river that I spent time on each morning while sipping on my coffee. It was a great way to kick off each day that I was there.

Denali National Park

One of the best features of Holland America’s Denali Lodge is that it’s only a mile away from Denali National Park. You can walk to it or take the free shuttle that runs every 30 minutes. I walked the first day and took the shuttle the second.

I spent several days at the park, hiking trails and just enjoying the beauty of Alaska. 

Horsehead Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails to hike and it was gorgeous. It’s a trail that I would definitely hike again on my next visit.

Excursions

Holland America Line includes a free excursion for everyone staying three or more days at the lodge. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a bus ride that explores the beauty of the national park and the wildlife that lives there.

There are also a good variety of excursions that you can book while you are staying at the lodge so you can experience more of Alaska. I booked the Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter tour and it was one of the most incredible tours I’ve done on a cruise/land tour.

The ride to the glacier gave us incredible views of the mountains and wildlife. We saw a herd of 150 caribou on the ride to the glacier and along with a waterfall.

We landed on the Yanert Glacier and spent 20-25 minutes walking around on it before heading back.

The tour is a bit pricey but I highly recommend it. It’s an experience you’ll talk about for years.

Why Stay in a Lodge?

My favorite part of staying at the Denali Lodge was that you aren’t confined to short days in port like you are while on the cruise portion of the trip. You get more time to explore Alaska and I also found it more relaxing.

You don’t have to worry about rushing and getting back to the ship before it leaves. If you’re out hiking in Denali and want to stop and enjoy the views for as long as you want, you can. The sun didn’t set until after midnight when I was there so you really can make the most of each day.

I also loved sitting by one of the many firepits at night, having a drink, and talking to other travelers.

The cruisetours offered by Holland America Line range from nine- to 18-days in length, including the cruise. This gives you the flexibility to book the right amount of time in Alaska that you want.

After taking this trip, I honestly believe this is the best way to see Alaska. You can visit glaciers and ports on the cruise and then get more of an in-depth look at Alaska on the land portion of the trip. You get the best of both worlds.

Cruise lines are offering special deals on cruises for the 4th of July weekend that include cruise deposits lowered to just $1, free drink packages, up to $1,000 off cruises and more.

Here is a rundown of what nine different cruise lines ire offering for the 4th of July weekend.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freedom Sale is live and they have all cruises up to $1,000 off. Also included is free open bar, specialty dining, WiFi and more. View Best Prices on NCL

Holland America Line is offering a Sea to Shining Sea offer that has cruise fares up to 40% off and prepaid Crew Appreciation (free prepaid stateroom daily gratuities). This deal is good on cruises from the fall of 2025 through the summer of 2026. View Best Prices on Holland America Line

Princess Cruises has lowered cruise deposits to just $1 with cruise fares starting at $599 per person. Also included in their 4th of July deal are free room upgrades and 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin sail free. View Best Prices on Princess

Celebrity Cruises is offering 75% off the second guest in cabin and up to $400 in instant savings. Sailings to the Caribbean have an added $100 in bonus savings. View Best Prices on Celebrity

Carnival Cruise Line’s Stars, Stripes, Sun & Savings event is going on right now that offers up to $100 in onboard credit, 2-for-1 deposits, up to 40% off cruises, and you can book two additional cabins with the same savings. This is good on Carnival cruises through April 2027. View Best Deals on Carnival

Royal Caribbean is offering up to $850 off cruises with the 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin cruising for free. They also have up to 40% off WiFi, beverage packages, shore excursions, and more. View Best Prices on Royal Caribbean

MSC Cruises’ 4th of July Sale has up to 40% off cruises and kids cruise for free. This deal is good on cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. View Best Prices on MSC

Virgin Voyages, the adults only cruise line, is offering free drinks and 70% off the second guests in stateroom. View Best Prices on Virgin

The Margaritaville at Sea cruise line has 50% off all cruise ships and itineraries, 3rd and 4th guests sail free on select sailings, and 20% off their Ultimate Beverage Chill package.  Seven-night cruises start at low as $69 per person, per day.

For complete terms and details of each cruise line’s 4th of July sale, contact your preferred travel professional or visit the cruise line’s website.

In a story that almost broke the internet over the weekend, rumors quickly spread like wildfire. The dramatic events of a father jumping off a cruise ship to save his daughter that had just fallen into the water prompted all kinds of comments from the cruise community.

After all, this story was unique in so many ways and pulled at the heart strings of any parent.

But one major claim about the story, widely circulated on social media, has been officially debunked by authorities.

Initial reports came from other passengers on the ship and eyewitness accounts from crew members.

Social media rumors added even more confusion, incorrectly claiming that a father placed his 5-year-old daughter on the ship’s railing for a family picture before she fell overboard on Disney Dream.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has now confirmed that their investigation, including a review of ship security video, shows the girl was not put on the railing by her father for a picture.

What Really Happened

Instead, the Sheriff’s Office stated that the young girl lost her balance while sitting on a railing and fell backward through a porthole.

This new information changes the narrative entirely, moving it from potential negligence to a parent’s immediate and heroic response in what must have been a terrifying moment.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, on Deck 4 of the Disney Dream, while the ship was in international waters between The Bahamas and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

One passenger reported speaking with a crew member who witnessed the event and indicated the girl was climbing near the railing while her parents were nearby, possibly playing shuffleboard.

While the Sheriff’s Office has not shed further light on the exact design of the railing that allowed access, their investigation confirmed the girl’s fall. Security footage from the ship corroborated the statements from the family and cruise ship staff.

A Father’s Heroic Act

The dramatic events began when the young girl went overboard, falling an estimated 45 feet. Her mother immediately alerted her husband, the 37-year-old father, who had not seen the incident unfold. Without hesitation, he jumped into the ocean after his daughter.

Reports indicate he spent approximately 20 minutes treading water, working tirelessly to keep his daughter’s head above water until rescue teams could reach them.

“After the girl’s mother alerted her husband, who didn’t see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter. BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship,” the Sheriff’s office wrote in a statement.

Successful Rescue

Both father and daughter were rescued by the quick-acting Disney Dream crew, who launched a rescue boat and deployed life preservers.

The father was later transported to a hospital for an unspecified injury following the ordeal. The successful rescue of both passengers is a rare and remarkable outcome in overboard incidents.

A Disney Cruise Line spokesperson stated, “The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water. We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

A TikTok video showed the girl wrapped in a towel and being held by a rescuer while the father was seen completely out of breath due to the ordeal.

Rumors Spread Fast

This story really highlights how in an age of rapid information, sometimes that information isn’t as reliable as we would hope. Initial, false reports caused a lot of public confusion and unfairly cast the father in a negative light.

Rumors can spread quickly, and unfortunately, they often spread faster when they paint someone in a more negative light.

For the family’s continued privacy, authorities are not releasing their names or further details of the father’s injury.

Holland America Line and Sony have announced a new partnership for the 2025 Alaskan cruise season.

Through this collaboration with Holland America Line and Sony, guests are encouraged to enter their photography in an “Alaska Through Your Lens” photo sweepstakes.

Grand prize winners will receive a cruise for two to Alaska on a Holland America Line ship, a Sony Alpha 7R V camera, 70-200 mm F2.8 G Master II Lens, and 24-70 mm F2.8 G Master II lens.

Entering the contest is easy. All you have to do is visit https://alphauniverse.com/AlphaHALCruise-sweepstakes or you can enter on social media by using the hashtags #AlphaHALcruise and #Sweepstakes on your photos.

Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line, gave the following statement:

“For more than 75 years, Holland America Line has been bringing guests to the unparalleled wildlife and breathtaking glaciers that are the natural beauty of Alaska. “Our collaboration with Sony helps capture Alaska through the lens of our guest and creates experiences too good to hurry through.”

Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics, added:

“At Sony, we believe in the power of photography to not just capture, but to evoke the deep emotions of our world — this is the essence of our Kando mission.

“Through our collaboration with Holland America Line, we offer guests the chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, towering glaciers and majestic wildlife.

“With our cutting-edge technology, we hope they’ll capture those awe-inspiring moments that stir the soul, sharing the beauty of the Last Frontier in ways that connect deeply with their emotions.”

While this sweepstakes is new, this is not the first time that these two companies have partnered together. Sony recently hosted an interactive pop-up photography class during a seven-night cruise to Alaska last month.

The class allowed guests on Zaandam to sharpen their photography skills and gets hands-on practice with some of Sony’s state-of-the-art equipment.