News

On 5th September 2024, Carnival Spirit collided with a piece of drifting ice while navigating through Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska.

The ice struck the starboard side of the ship, which has a capacity of 2,610 passengers.

Fortunately, an inspection revealed no damage to the ship’s hull, allowing it to continue its week-long Alaskan cruise without any delays.

The ship proceeded to its next stop in Skagway on 6th September.

Passengers on board experienced a brief moment of concern when the ship halted to inspect for damage. Another small boat arrived to assist with the inspection.

Thankfully, the ship was cleared to proceed. Many passengers even took photographs, turning a potentially alarming situation into a memorable part of their journey.

The unpredictable nature of Alaskan waters necessitates constant vigilance from the crew. In June 2022, the Norwegian Sun, another cruise ship, collided with an iceberg while en route to Hubbard Glacier. This incident resulted in the trip being cancelled and the ship requiring repairs.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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An anonymous report sent to Cruise Law News has alleged a significant scam involving two casino dealers, a cashier, and several guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Glory. The incident,…

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An anonymous report sent to Cruise Law News has alleged a significant scam involving two casino dealers, a cashier, and several guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Glory.

The incident, reportedly taking place over a period of three months, occurred during August 2024, with an estimated $100,000 misappropriated.

According to the crew member, the scam apparently involved two experienced male dealers from Peru who had been employed on the ship for two years.

They reportedly orchestrated a scheme with the assistance of a group of Latino guests, who frequently returned for back-to-back cruises and primarily communicated in Spanish – a language which some supervisors and other staff could not understand.

The anonymous informant claims that the scam, which took place in the ship’s casino, went unnoticed for an extended period.

The crew member suggests that Carnival’s onboard protocols have deteriorated since the pandemic, citing mass hiring and a lack of training. They state that procedural manuals, previously readily available to employees, were not accessible to new hires, creating a more disorganised environment.

The crew member detailed how the two dealers allegedly stole chips from the float by concealing them in their shirts and vests. They are also accused of manipulating payouts in roulette by passing incorrect payouts, mixing cash chips with coloured chips, and adding chips to winning numbers.

On the blackjack tables, the dealers would pay losing bets, fail to collect bets that should have been forfeited, and use house money to top up their own bets.

The report claims that these activities were conducted under the radar, with supervisors distracted by the training of new hires and insufficient oversight.

The alleged scam was uncovered when a supervisor noticed a discrepancy at a blackjack table, where a player’s bet was paid out despite holding a losing hand.

Upon reviewing surveillance footage, the casino manager reportedly identified the extent of the wrongdoing, ultimately discovering that this had been ongoing for two years over three separate contracts.

The crew member’s report suggests that poor surveillance and limited random checks contributed to the success of the scheme. The casino’s surveillance footage is only reviewed in the event of disputes, allowing the scam to go unnoticed for several months.

As a result of the investigation, several senior staff members were dismissed, including the casino manager and six supervisors.

The crew member said that while some staff faced punishment, those involved in the scam have not been held accountable, with no police complaint or recovery of the stolen money reported.

Carnival Cruise Line has yet to issue a statement regarding the specific allegations.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

“Doctor Odyssey,” a new medical drama series created by Ryan Murphy, is set to premiere on ABC this autumn. The series mixes high-stakes medical drama with the calm yet unpredictable…

Sitka, Alaska, a bustling port renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant tourism, is grappling with a significant issue that could impact cruise guests. An extended internet and mobile service…

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Sitka, Alaska, a bustling port renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant tourism, is grappling with a significant issue that could impact cruise guests.

An extended internet and mobile service outage has disrupted daily life and business operations, affecting both residents and visitors.

On 29 August 2024, at around 11:25 a.m. local time, Sitka experienced a major outage of internet and mobile services. GCI Alaska, the main internet and mobile service provider in the area, confirmed the outage shortly after it began.

The company identified the cause and began assessing the damage. The outage is expected to last for about two weeks, significantly impacting daily life and business operations in Sitka.

The problem arose from a break in an important underwater fibre optic cable located about 30 miles off the coast of Sitka. The break in the cable has severed the connection, resulting in the loss of both internet and mobile services.

Repairing such a break is very challenging. Underwater fibre optic cables are complex and require specialised equipment and skills to repair. GCI Alaska has mobilised its resources to address the issue.

The company is working with specialised teams to repair the underwater cable and restore service as quickly as possible.

Despite the outage, cruise ships can still dock at the port. However, passengers might find the environment different due to the lack of connectivity. The absence of internet and mobile services can impact many aspects of their cruise experience, from communication to obtaining information.

Passengers might face difficulties in contacting family and friends, as well as accessing online information and services. It is recommended that cruise passengers book shore excursions through the cruise line to avoid issues caused by the outage.

This ensures their plans are not disrupted by the lack of connectivity and that they can enjoy their excursions without additional stress.

Local tour providers and other businesses that rely on internet and mobile services for communication and scheduling may face significant challenges. This could lead to disruptions in their operations, affecting their ability to serve customers effectively.

In June 2023, a fibre optic cable break caused major internet and mobile service outages in Western Alaska, affecting a large area and taking up to two months for full restoration. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of remote regions to such disruptions and the challenges involved in repairing underwater cables.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

“Doctor Odyssey,” a new medical drama series created by Ryan Murphy, is set to premiere on ABC this autumn. The series mixes high-stakes medical drama with the calm yet unpredictable…

A recent study by MSC Cruises has highlighted the significant impact of children’s food preferences on family holiday plans. The research reveals that 83% of UK parents face mealtime challenges…

Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native corporation, is launching a pilot programme to bring high-speed, low-latency Starlink internet to Juneau, Alaska. This initiative will address…

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to countless guest requests and added distilled water to its pre-purchase store, allowing guests to order it before their cruise. Many guests need distilled water…

“Doctor Odyssey,” a new medical drama series created by Ryan Murphy, is set to premiere on ABC this autumn.

The series mixes high-stakes medical drama with the calm yet unpredictable life on a cruise ship, giving viewers a unique experience. Ryan Murphy has created hits like “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” and “Pose.”

The show features a great cast, including Joshua Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale, and Don Johnson. Dr Max, played by Joshua Jackson, is the new doctor on the ship.

His character is central to the series, dealing with the challenges of providing medical care in the middle of the ocean. Jackson is best known for his roles in “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Affair.”

Phillipa Soo plays a key member of the medical team. Her character’s skills and dedication are crucial as the team faces various medical crises. She gained fame for her role in the Broadway hit “Hamilton.”

The series is set on a luxury cruise ship, providing a unique and visually stunning backdrop for the medical drama. The medical team faces unique challenges, from limited resources to the isolation of being far from shore.

There’s been no mention of any real cruise ship used for filming, though. It appears to have been filmed entirely on sets.

The trailer offers glimpses of key scenes, including severe storms and life-or-death situations, building anticipation for the series.

No word yet on whether it’ll be shown elsewhere in the world, but most successful US dramas will be shown at least in the UK at some point. One to look out for!

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Sitka, Alaska, a bustling port renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant tourism, is grappling with a significant issue that could impact cruise guests. An extended internet and mobile service…

A recent study by MSC Cruises has highlighted the significant impact of children’s food preferences on family holiday plans. The research reveals that 83% of UK parents face mealtime challenges…

Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native corporation, is launching a pilot programme to bring high-speed, low-latency Starlink internet to Juneau, Alaska. This initiative will address…

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to countless guest requests and added distilled water to its pre-purchase store, allowing guests to order it before their cruise. Many guests need distilled water…

A recent study by MSC Cruises has highlighted the significant impact of children’s food preferences on family holiday plans. The research reveals that 83% of UK parents face mealtime challenges with picky eaters while on holiday.

Birmingham children are identified as the pickiest eaters in the UK, followed closely by those in Newcastle and Leicester.

When planning a family holiday, parents must consider various factors, including accommodation, activities, and often most importantly, food.

Children’s food preferences can significantly influence these decisions, making it essential for travel companies to offer diverse dining options that cater to all tastes.

You can view an interactive map with the results here

Mealtimes often turn into a negotiation process for families with picky eaters. Parents find themselves constantly trying to balance their children’s preferences with the available food options. This can lead to stressful mealtimes and can even impact the overall holiday experience.

The study reveals that 63% of parents allow their children’s food preferences to dictate their travel destinations. Parents often choose destinations that offer a variety of dining options to ensure that their children will have something to eat.

A notable 14% of parents are so concerned about limited food options that they would consider cancelling a trip. Parents want to ensure that their children will have access to food they enjoy, and if a destination does not offer suitable options, they may choose to cancel the trip altogether.

The study also found that 54% of children refuse to try new foods because they “looked weird.” Children often prefer familiar foods and may be hesitant to try something new, especially in an unfamiliar environment. Nearly 60% of children would prefer to eat pizza every day while on holiday.

MSC Cruises offers a variety of international cuisine options on their ships. This diversity ensures that there is something for everyone, including the pickiest of eaters.

From Italian to Asian cuisine, MSC Cruises provides a wide range of dining options that cater to all tastes. In addition to international cuisine, MSC Cruises provides relaxed buffet experiences.

These buffets offer a wide range of food choices, making it easier for families to find something that everyone will enjoy. The relaxed atmosphere of a buffet allows children to explore different foods at their own pace.

One of the unique shore excursions offered by MSC Cruises is a pizza-making class in Italy. This hands-on experience allows families to bond over a fun and educational activity. Children can learn how to make their own pizza, which can encourage them to try new foods.

Another exciting shore excursion is the chocolate-tasting tour in the Caribbean. This tour introduces families to new culinary experiences while satisfying their sweet tooth. Children can learn about the chocolate-making process and sample different types of chocolate.

MSC Cruises’ efforts to cater to picky eaters highlight the importance of understanding and addressing children’s food preferences. By doing so, the cruise line ensures a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience for families.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native corporation, is launching a pilot programme to bring high-speed, low-latency Starlink internet to Juneau, Alaska. This initiative will address…

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to countless guest requests and added distilled water to its pre-purchase store, allowing guests to order it before their cruise. Many guests need distilled water…

Royal Caribbean offered a fun gift to a few thousand fans this weekend, whilst also getting to showcase the speeds of the Starlink internet connection on the fleet. The cruise…

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Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native corporation, is launching a pilot programme to bring high-speed, low-latency Starlink internet to Juneau, Alaska.

This initiative will address the common issue of internet congestion during the cruise tourism season, which has been a significant complaint among locals.

The installation of Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, will begin at the Goldbelt Tram Lower Terminal and extend north on Franklin Street. The service is expected to be fully operational and will be tested in time for the Alaska 2025 summer season.

This project will provide free internet access to both locals and cruise guests, enhancing the overall connectivity experience in Juneau.

Juneau, a popular cruise destination, has long struggled with internet congestion during the peak tourism season.

The influx of visitors often overwhelms the local internet infrastructure, leading to slow and unreliable connections.

Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is designed to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world.

Unlike traditional satellite internet services that rely on a few large satellites in geostationary orbit, Starlink uses a constellation of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

This innovative approach allows for lower latency and higher speeds, making it an ideal solution for areas with limited connectivity options.

One of the standout features of this initiative is that it will provide free internet access to both locals and cruise guests.

For cruise guests, the availability of free high-speed internet will be a game-changer, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones, share their travel experiences on social media, or simply browse the web while docked in port, without needing to pay for the more costly WiFi package for the entire duration.

Locals will also benefit from the additional bandwidth, ensuring a better internet experience throughout the year. By addressing the seasonal internet congestion, this initiative will significantly improve the quality of life for the local community.

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to implement Starlink fleet-wide in 2022, setting a new standard for internet connectivity at sea.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to countless guest requests and added distilled water to its pre-purchase store, allowing guests to order it before their cruise. Many guests need distilled water…

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Carnival Cruise Line has responded to countless guest requests and added distilled water to its pre-purchase store, allowing guests to order it before their cruise.

Many guests need distilled water for medical purposes, primarily for use in CPAP machines which use the water to keep running efficiently, allowing guests to breathe easier while they sleep.

John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador, has been fielding questions about distilled water for a long time on his Facebook page.

“Finally, now available for pre-order. Thank you to the Beards for listening to me on your behalf.“

John Heald

Prior to this move, guests would have to wait until they were onboard a cruise to order distilled water, and hope that there was enough available and that delivery was timely – neither was guaranteed.

But now, guests will be able to pre-order distilled water by the gallon so that it’s ready for them when they board the ship.

The price is $5.90 per gallon, and guests can order multiple if required. No smaller quantities are available.

Carnival’s beverage policy does allow guests to bring their own distilled water onto the cruise if they wish, but it must be carried in their hand luggage along with the CPAP machine.

It’s also unclear whether the price of distilled water has increased – some previous guests have said that they used to be able to order it once onboard for $3.50 but whether that was for a gallon hasn’t been clarified.

The $5.90 price does include delivery costs.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean offered a fun gift to a few thousand fans this weekend, whilst also getting to showcase the speeds of the Starlink internet connection on the fleet. The cruise…

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Royal Caribbean offered a fun gift to a few thousand fans this weekend, whilst also getting to showcase the speeds of the Starlink internet connection on the fleet.

The cruise line decided to give guests of the Oasis of the Seas free WiFi internet access for 2 and a half hours on Saturday morning – so that any guests who wanted to buy Oasis tickets would stand a chance.

The British band Oasis announced last week that they would be reuniting after 15 years, with a world tour beginning in 2025.

Ticket demand was always going to be incredible, but the cruise line didn’t want fans who were on a cruise holiday to miss out.

Of course, they didn’t want to give free internet access to everyone – that’s a lot of lost revenue – so instead offered it to those guests onboard the aptly-named Oasis of the Seas.

The cruise line allowed guests to enjoy free WiFI from 8.30 am until 11 am on Saturday morning.

“With Oasis tour dates set to light up Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin next summer, this unique opportunity means that Royal Caribbean International guests won’t miss out on the chance of securing tickets, despite being on holiday.”

Royal Caribbean statement

It’s not clear whether anyone used it to try and buy Oasis tickets or if they were successful, but considering how thousands of people were left queuing well beyond 11 am around the world, and how many were disappointed, it would be quite the coup if any guests did secure tickets while cruising.

As long as the queues on ticketing sites didn’t cause too much stress and ruin the rest of the day on the ship, anyway!

And if you were someone who tried to get Oasis tickets and missed out, you could always go on a cruise instead during those dates, so you weren’t at home with FOMO.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has begun the rollout of its brand-new cruise app, which is aimed to make life much easier for guests onboard and those interested in booking.

The new app, simply called Norwegian Cruise Line, is already available to download on the Google Play and Apple stores, but it will only be rolled out on cruises over the next few months.

Norwegian Sky was the first cruise ship to use the new app, for its sailing that departed on 30th August 2024.

Encore, Viva, Breakaway, Jewel and Dawn will all start using the app on sailings through September, with it then rolling out to Jade, Bliss, Epic, Prima, Joy and Pride of America through October.

Escape, Spirit, Sun and Pearl will work with the app starting from November, and then finally the app will be rolled out to Norwegian Star, Norwegian Gem, and Norwegian Getaway in December.

The new app will offer a range of features, including the option to browse and book cruises just as you can through the NCL website.

Once guests have a booking, they can use the app to view their cabin and reservation details, and check-in when they are due to embark, including uploading travel documents.

It’s also where guests can browse and book shore excursions once they become available for their sailing, and the app lets Latitudes Rewards members view their points.

The app also has a live chat function, so guests who need real-time help can access it easily.

The Cruise Norwegian app will remain available to use until the rollout is complete across the fleet.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean has revealed that its new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be built and maintained with sustainable practices in order to protect the area and its native wildlife….

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Royal Caribbean has revealed that its new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be built and maintained with sustainable practices in order to protect the area and its native wildlife.

The cruise line has partnered with the environmental firm SEV Consulting Group, who will oversee the new development and continue to visit and inspect it.

It will ensure that the original construction of the 17-acre property, and its ongoing operation, aligns with environmental standards set both locally and internationally.

Examples of the work to be carried out will be protecting marine turtle nesting sites, and removing any invasive species that threaten the ecosystem.

Protecting and preserving the natural resources of Paradise Island is a key part of how the beauty and spirit of the Bahamas will shine at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Nature painted a perfect canvas on the island. That canvas was changed with time after it was abandoned over many years by previous homeowners. While there is some work to be done and process to go through, that beauty will be restored.

Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager of Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas

Work has already begun, including the demolition and removal of over 1,600 non-native plants and trees to help restore the destination’s native ecosytem – a move mandated by local environmental authorities.

The cruise line is investing in several ‘environmental pillars’ to protect the area, including a commitment to zero waste-to-landfill (including no single-use plastics), 100% renewable energy by 2030, no overwater cabanas and a best-in-class wastewater treatment process.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is due to open in summer 2025.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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