News

Royal Caribbean has expanded dining options at its signature Chops Grille steakhouse with the launch of a new brunch experience, giving guests another specialty dining choice across the fleet.

The new offering is being introduced on ships throughout Royal Caribbean’s line-up and adds a dedicated brunch menu alongside the restaurant’s existing options.

While the move creates another paid dining experience for passengers, the pricing has already prompted discussion among guests due to the significant premium over Chops’ traditional lunch service.

Pre-cruise pricing seen by guests has placed the brunch at approximately $48 per person, making it one of the more expensive daytime specialty dining options available onboard.

Importantly for passengers concerned about losing one of Royal Caribbean’s popular value dining choices, lunch at Chops Grille has not been removed. The cruise line continues to offer its standard lunch service on select days, with prices often sitting around $21.99 per person and frequently discounted further through pre-cruise sales.

New Menu Brings Steakhouse Twist To Brunch

The brunch menu combines traditional breakfast and brunch dishes with steakhouse-style options that reflect the Chops Grille brand.

Guests begin with a speciality beverage, with one drink included as part of the experience. Additional drinks are charged separately unless passengers have purchased a beverage package.

Bakery items are served at the table, while starters and desserts are available family style with additional servings available on request.

Menu options include dishes such as:

• Avocado toast
• Pancakes and waffles
• Steak and eggs featuring filet mignon
• Arugula and Parmigiano salad
• Mashed potatoes and sides
• Chocolate brownie desserts

The menu also includes “Hearty Bowls” and other à la carte selections, allowing guests to mix multiple dishes during the meal.

The introduction gives Royal Caribbean another dedicated brunch venue beyond its occasional Main Dining Room brunch events and the existing brunch offerings at Mason Jar on select ships.

Lunch Remains Available Despite Early Guest Concerns

When details of the new brunch first began circulating online, some passengers questioned whether Royal Caribbean planned to replace Chops Grille’s lunch service entirely.

However, current sailings indicate both products are being offered separately, with guests able to choose between the lower-priced lunch experience and the newer premium brunch alternative.

Online discussion has largely focused on value rather than the concept itself. Many guests pointed to Chops lunch as one of the stronger specialty dining bargains available onboard, particularly when pre-cruise discounts reduce pricing even further.

Others questioned whether the higher brunch cost would be difficult to justify when complimentary options such as the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet and room service remain available.

Passengers sailing with Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package have also noted that brunch is currently treated differently from lunch. While lunch can be included as part of dining packages, reports indicate the brunch experience carries an additional surcharge of around $30 once onboard.

For now, Royal Caribbean appears to be testing whether passengers are willing to pay more for an upgraded daytime dining experience, while keeping its existing lunch option in place for guests seeking a lower-cost alternative.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is preparing to welcome guests again after completing a major drydock refurbishment at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz. The Oasis-class ship left the Spanish…

Barcelona is preparing to significantly increase tourist taxes for cruise passengers visiting the city as a port of call, with local leaders accelerating plans designed to reduce the number of…

Riviera Travel has introduced a new Cruise Host role across its European river cruise fleet as part of a wider push to improve the onboard experience for guests. The new…

Passengers aboard Enchanted Princess witnessed a significant water leak in the ship’s central atrium while the vessel was docked in Santorini on 15th May 2026. Videos shared on social media…

Riviera Travel has introduced a new Cruise Host role across its European river cruise fleet as part of a wider push to improve the onboard experience for guests.

The new position has been created following guest feedback and input from the company’s travel agent partners, with a particular focus on supporting first-time river cruisers and solo travellers.

Cruise Hosts will work alongside each ship’s Cruise Director, helping to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere on board while encouraging guests to take part in relaxed social activities.

New Role Designed To Boost Onboard Experience

Riviera Travel has spent recent months recruiting and training a dedicated team for the new role, with investment made in onboarding and ongoing development.

The Cruise Hosts will lead light-touch activities such as quizzes, games and group sessions, as well as wellbeing activities including stretching and Tai Chi.

Their role is not intended to replace Riviera’s existing entertainment programme. Evening entertainment from onboard musicians and local performers will continue to form part of the river cruise experience.

Instead, Cruise Hosts will focus on helping guests feel comfortable, relaxed and connected throughout their sailing.

“Having already spent time on board Riviera Radiance on the Danube, I’ve seen first-hand how the right onboard atmosphere can elevate the overall guest experience. The introduction of our Cruise Host role reflects our ongoing focus on the small details that make a big difference. Working alongside our Cruise Directors, Cruise Hosts add an extra layer of sociability and wellbeing on board, and we’re really pleased with how the new programme has developed as we head into the new season.”

James Golding, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Riviera Travel

Agents Helped Shape The Programme

Riviera said the idea was also influenced by feedback from trade partners, such as travel agents, who highlighted that reassurance around the onboard experience is often important when selling river cruises, especially to guests travelling alone or trying river cruising for the first time.

Vicky Billing, Director of Trade, Partnerships and Loyalty UK & Ireland, said: “Our agent partners continue to tell us that reassurance around the onboard experience and opportunities for social interaction are particularly important for first-time and solo river cruise travellers. The Cruise Host role has been shaped by that valued insight, reinforcing our commitment to working closely with the trade to deliver the best possible Riviera experience for their customers.”

The company said agents have welcomed the introduction of Cruise Hosts, noting that the role gives them another way to reassure customers during booking conversations.

Riviera Travel will roll out Cruise Hosts progressively across its river fleet during the 2026 season.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Passengers aboard Enchanted Princess witnessed a significant water leak in the ship’s central atrium while the vessel was docked in Santorini on 15th May 2026. Videos shared on social media…

P&O Cruises has quietly updated drinks prices across its fleet, with guests now paying slightly more for many popular beverages on board. The changes are relatively modest and affect a…

Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on Friday, 15th May 2026 faced a last-minute change to their Alaska cruise plans after the line confirmed the sailing…

A dinner service aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was interrupted after ceiling panels suddenly collapsed inside one of the vessel’s busiest dining venues, leaving several passengers injured during a…

Passengers aboard Enchanted Princess witnessed a significant water leak in the ship’s central atrium while the vessel was docked in Santorini on 15th May 2026.

Videos shared on social media by travelwiththetylers captured water pouring heavily from the ceiling on Deck 6, with the flow eventually cascading down staircases into the lower atrium area on Deck 5. The footage showed crew members quickly responding by placing wet floor signs around the affected area and using towels to contain the spreading water.

The leak appeared substantial, with standing water visible throughout parts of the atrium. Crew were also seen using buckets to remove excess water while other staff worked to minimise disruption for guests onboard.

According to the social media posts, the issue was believed to be linked to a pipe connected to the ship’s swimming pools, which offered reassurance to passengers concerned about the source of the leak.

Despite the dramatic scenes, the incident does not appear to have caused any major operational issues for the ship, and no injuries have been reported.

Crew Praised For Rapid Response

The social media posts also highlighted the efforts of the crew, with travelwiththetylers praising staff for how quickly they cleaned and restored the area while many guests were ashore exploring Santorini.

Once the leak had been stopped, industrial driers were positioned throughout the atrium to help dry affected carpets and surfaces. Parts of the area remained cordoned off afterwards while crew carried out additional safety inspections, including checks on electrical wiring and any potential secondary damage caused by the water.

Princess Cruises has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, although the ship has continued operating its scheduled itinerary without interruption.

Leaks of this nature, while visually alarming, are generally considered manageable onboard modern cruise ships and are unlikely to impact future sailings. Unlike propulsion or engine-related technical problems, plumbing incidents can often be isolated and repaired without requiring itinerary changes or voyage cancellations.

Current Voyage Continuing As Planned

At the time of the incident, Enchanted Princess was sailing a 7-night Aegean itinerary that departed Civitavecchia on 12th May 2026.

The voyage includes calls around the Greek Isles and is scheduled to conclude on 19th May 2026.

The quick response from onboard teams appears to have prevented the leak from escalating into a more serious issue, with operations onboard continuing normally following the clean-up.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

P&O Cruises has quietly updated drinks prices across its fleet, with guests now paying slightly more for many popular beverages on board. The changes are relatively modest and affect a…

Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on Friday, 15th May 2026 faced a last-minute change to their Alaska cruise plans after the line confirmed the sailing…

A dinner service aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was interrupted after ceiling panels suddenly collapsed inside one of the vessel’s busiest dining venues, leaving several passengers injured during a…

MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday….

P&O Cruises has quietly updated drinks prices across its fleet, with guests now paying slightly more for many popular beverages on board.

The changes are relatively modest and affect a wide range of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and speciality coffees. While prices have risen, P&O Cruises still remains competitively priced compared with some rival cruise lines, particularly in the premium and luxury sectors where drinks can cost significantly more.

Among the changes, a pint of beer has increased from £5.95 to £6.50, while bottled beer and cider prices have moved from £5.55-£6.10 to between £5.80 and £6.20 depending on the brand.

Wine by the glass has also seen a small increase, now ranging from £6.90 to £10.90 compared with the previous £6.50 to £10.75 pricing.

Cocktails have increased by around 40p, now costing between £8.90 and £9.90, while mocktails now range from £4.60 to £4.90 after previously sitting at a flat £4.50 price point.

Spirits including gin, whiskey and vodka have all seen small rises, with single measures now typically priced between £4.90 and £5.40. Mixers have increased from £3.10 to £3.20.

Soft drinks have also edged up slightly, with regular servings moving from £3.00 to £3.10 and large sizes increasing from £3.70 to £3.90. Bottled water has risen from £2.35 to £2.50 for a 330ml bottle, while Red Bull now costs £4.40 instead of £4.25.

Speciality coffees have seen some of the larger percentage increases, with prices now ranging from £2.40 to £4.70 depending on the drink size and type. Tea has also increased slightly from £2.65 to £2.70.

Modest Increases Compared With Wider Cruise Industry

Cruise lines regularly review onboard pricing as operating costs continue to rise, and drink prices across the industry have generally increased in recent years.

However, P&O Cruises’ latest adjustments remain fairly restrained compared with some competitors, particularly when considering the line’s positioning in the market. Drinks on board are still viewed by many guests as reasonably affordable, especially when compared with prices on newer premium-focused cruise brands.

The update also comes just months after P&O Cruises introduced its first-ever all-inclusive package options.

The cruise line announced the packages in December 2025, offering guests bundled drinks, WiFi and speciality dining credits on cruises of five nights or longer departing from March 2026 onwards.

Guests can choose between a Classic Package priced at £49 per person per day on sailings between five and 14 nights, or a Deluxe Package at £59 per person per day for the same duration.

At the time of launch, P&O Cruises said the packages could save guests up to 32% and 34% respectively compared with purchasing the included items separately on board.

The introduction of the all-inclusive options gives passengers a more predictable way to manage onboard spending, particularly for guests who regularly purchase cocktails, coffees and premium drinks during their cruise holidays.

While the latest price rises may not dramatically impact most passengers’ onboard spending, they are likely to be welcomed as relatively measured increases at a time when many areas of the travel industry continue to see sharper price inflation.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on Friday, 15th May 2026 faced a last-minute change to their Alaska cruise plans after the line confirmed the sailing…

A dinner service aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was interrupted after ceiling panels suddenly collapsed inside one of the vessel’s busiest dining venues, leaving several passengers injured during a…

MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday….

P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers. The cruise line has not…

A dinner service aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was interrupted after ceiling panels suddenly collapsed inside one of the vessel’s busiest dining venues, leaving several passengers injured during a Caribbean voyage.

The incident happened on 14th May 2026 aboard Norwegian Luna while the ship was sailing a 7-night roundtrip itinerary from Miami. According to a passenger who shared video footage and photos on TikTok, the collapse occurred inside The Local Bar & Grill as guests were eating.

“This [was] the scariest experience my fiancé and I have had,” the passenger wrote. “We were having a meal at the Local Bar and Grill in the world’s newest cruise ship, Norwegian Luna, which first sailed last month, when the roof panels fell on us while eating.”

The guest explained that she immediately ran from the restaurant following the collapse, while her fiancé stayed behind to assist other passengers who had been caught beneath the fallen structure.

Images shared online appeared to show multiple ceiling sections collapsed across tables and seating areas, with crew members and passengers gathering around the damaged section in the aftermath.

Norwegian Cruise Line later confirmed the incident in a statement, saying a small number of guests received treatment onboard for minor injuries.

“On May 14, 2026, an isolated incident involving a ceiling panel occurred in a guest area onboard. As a result, a small number of guests were evaluated and treated by the ship’s medical team for minor injuries,” a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said.

The cruise line did not disclose how many guests required medical attention or provide details about the injuries sustained. The affected area was temporarily closed while repairs and an investigation into the incident were carried out.

NCL also stated that representatives are in contact with impacted guests and assisting them following the incident.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the area has been temporarily closed while repairs and a review are completed. The safety of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Our team is in touch with the affected guests to assist them.“

Incident Happened In One Of Ship’s Most Popular Venues

The collapse took place inside The Local Bar & Grill, a complimentary 24-hour dining venue located on Deck 8 of the ship. The restaurant is one of the most heavily used casual dining locations onboard, serving items such as burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads and desserts around the clock.

The venue is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima-class dining concept and is also featured aboard sister ships Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima.

At the time of the incident, Norwegian Luna was nearing the conclusion of its Caribbean itinerary, which departed Miami on 9th May 2026. The sailing included visits to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay before returning to Miami on 16th May.

Norwegian Luna Only Entered Service Weeks Ago

The incident comes shortly after Norwegian Luna officially entered service, making the event particularly notable given the ship’s recent debut.

The 156,000-gross-ton vessel is the second Prima Plus-class ship built for Norwegian Cruise Line by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard near Venice.

Norwegian Luna completed sea trials in the Adriatic Sea in November 2025 before being delivered to the cruise line on 5th March 2026. The ship officially entered service with a christening ceremony in Miami on 27th March 2026.

The vessel accommodates approximately 3,565 guests and represents one of the newest additions to the global cruise fleet.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday….

P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers. The cruise line has not…

A passenger has sadly died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux. While early media…

Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit are facing federal assault charges after a dispute over a priority Guest Services queue allegedly turned physical during a Bahamas cruise earlier…

Guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver on Friday, 15th May 2026 faced a last-minute change to their Alaska cruise plans after the line confirmed the sailing would now end in Whittier instead of Seward.

The cruise line notified passengers just one day before embarkation, explaining that ongoing construction work at the Seward passenger dock had forced the itinerary adjustment for the 7-night northbound sailing.

“Due to port construction in Seward, Alaska, debarkation for your sailing will now take place in Whittier, Alaska,” Royal Caribbean said in an email shared online by affected guests.

“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the port construction. Our onboard team will share next steps during your cruise and will be available to assist to ensure your departure experience is as smooth as possible.”

Whittier, located roughly 50 miles northeast of Seward, is already a commonly used turnaround port for Alaska cruise itineraries and is equipped to handle large cruise ship operations.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that guests with post-cruise transfers or land tours booked directly through the cruise line would have those arrangements adjusted automatically.

Passengers who independently arranged transport or accommodation were advised to contact their providers directly to reorganise plans.

Next Ovation Of The Seas Sailing Also Affected

The disruption also impacted the next southbound sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas, departing on 22nd May 2026.

Passengers booked on that voyage were also informed they would need to embark in Whittier rather than Seward. Unlike the previous sailing, those guests had more advance notice to adjust flights, hotels and transportation if needed.

Royal Caribbean stressed the operational change was unrelated to the ship itself. There were no propulsion issues, technical faults or mechanical concerns affecting the 168,666-gross-ton Quantum-class vessel.

At the time of the notification, no ports of call or onboard programming were expected to change, and the ship continued normal operations with capacity for up to 4,905 passengers.

The cruise line had not yet issued similar notifications for subsequent northbound and southbound Alaska sailings departing on 29th May and 5th June. That suggested construction work in Seward could be completed in time for later voyages to resume normal operations.

According to the City of Seward, the passenger dock replacement project is being carried out in partnership with Alaska Railroad, Royal Caribbean Group, Turnagain Marine and the Seward Company. Officials previously stated the upgraded facility was expected to reopen during spring 2026.

Cruise Homeport Changes Remain Rare But Not Unprecedented

While homeport changes are uncommon in the cruise industry, they do occasionally occur when ports become temporarily unavailable due to weather events, infrastructure projects or emergencies.

One of the most notable recent examples came in March 2024 following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The incident forced both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean to temporarily relocate sailings to Norfolk while Baltimore’s port access remained restricted.

Hurricane season can also force similar operational adjustments, particularly in the Caribbean and Gulf Coast regions, where cruise lines may need to shift embarkation ports at short notice to avoid storm impacts or damaged infrastructure.

For Alaska cruises, however, homeport changes are relatively unusual given the limited number of ports capable of handling large cruise ships and coordinating associated land transportation for thousands of passengers.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

A dinner service aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship was interrupted after ceiling panels suddenly collapsed inside one of the vessel’s busiest dining venues, leaving several passengers injured during a…

MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday….

P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers. The cruise line has not…

A passenger has sadly died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux. While early media…

P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers.

The cruise line has not announced a brand-new policy, but passengers sailing on recent warm-weather itineraries have noticed new fabric covers placed across loungers reminding guests not to leave them unattended for extended periods.

The move comes shortly after a German tourist successfully won compensation after complaining he was unable to secure a sun lounger during a family holiday in Greece.

According to BBC News, the traveller told a court in Hanover that he spent around 20 minutes every day searching for a free lounger during his 2024 holiday, including getting up at 6am in an attempt to secure a spot for his family.

He later sued his tour operator for failing to properly enforce rules preventing guests from reserving loungers. Judges ruled in his favour and awarded the family a refund worth €986.70, on top of an earlier €350 compensation payment already issued by the operator.

The court concluded that holiday companies should have adequate organisational measures in place to help ensure guests have fair access to sun loungers.

New Lounger Covers Spotted On P&O Ships

Passengers on P&O Cruises sailings have recently shared images online showing loungers fitted with branded covers carrying a warning message aimed at discouraging towel reserving.

The message reads: “Loungers get lonely. Please don’t reserve. If left for more than 30 minutes, belongings will be moved to the lonely lounger pick up point.”

One guest who shared the image online asked whether the move was “long overdue” or “a bit over the top”.

P&O Cruises has long operated rules discouraging guests from reserving loungers for extended periods, but the new covers appear to be a more visible reminder of those expectations onboard.

The cruise line, which mainly sails from Southampton to destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords, regularly faces the same pool deck frustrations seen at resorts across Europe during peak holiday periods.

Passengers commenting online were largely supportive of the enforcement efforts, particularly on busy sea days when finding a free lounger can become difficult.

One cruiser said: “We had our 1st cruise in December there was a group of about 7 or 8 older women who did this all the time on sea days! They were fuming when their stuff was removed, it was hilarious, so entitled!”

Another passenger added: “Long overdue. I often am looking for a lounger by the pool to have one to dry off after a swim and I can never get one in the sun.”

A guest sailing aboard P&O Cruises’ ship Britannia earlier this year also claimed the rules were actively enforced by crew members.

“This was on Britannia in January and was enforced,” they wrote. “The staff went round and put a sticker warning on after 30 minutes, then 30 minutes after that, if the sticker was still there, the towels were removed.”

Some Guests Question The 30-Minute Rule

While many passengers welcomed tougher action against reserving loungers, others questioned whether a 30-minute limit is realistic for families spending the day around the pool deck.

One guest argued that grabbing lunch, visiting the pool and queueing for drinks could easily take longer than half an hour.

“I think 30 minutes is unreasonable,” they wrote. “I am absolutely fine with an hour and think it is unfair for people to reserve sunbeds and head off for hours, but it should be ok for families to go in the pool, maybe grab a drink and queue at the snack bar.”

Another passenger suggested a one-hour allowance would be fairer, particularly for couples or families wanting to eat together without losing their loungers.

Debates around reserving sun loungers have become increasingly common on cruise ships in recent years, especially on Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries where pool decks are busiest during sea days.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

A passenger has sadly died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux. While early media…

Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit are facing federal assault charges after a dispute over a priority Guest Services queue allegedly turned physical during a Bahamas cruise earlier…

An elderly passenger sailing aboard Carnival Celebration has died following a tragic accident involving a mobility scooter at Celebration Key in The Bahamas. The incident happened at around midday on…

The final passengers have disembarked from the virus-hit expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, while health authorities confirmed three additional positive hantavirus cases linked to the deadly outbreak. The vessel departed…

MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday.

The cruise line has introduced The Chicken Man on Deck 18 and Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs on Deck 8, both offering fast-service comfort food included in guests’ cruise fares at no additional cost.

The additions arrive as MSC Cruises continues to broaden onboard dining experiences across its fleet, particularly on ships sailing from the North American market.

Located on the main pool deck, The Chicken Man offers quick-service chicken tenders, fries and chicken sandwiches from a walk-up counter conveniently positioned for passengers spending time outdoors by the pool.

Guests can customise their meals with a variety of sauces, while nearby shaded seating provides a relaxed space to enjoy lunch or a snack with ocean views.

The second new venue, Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs, has opened near the aft infinity pool on Deck 8 and serves both breakfast and lunch.

Morning menu items include barbecue burritos, pulled pork hash, biscuits and grits, while lunchtime offerings focus on traditional American barbecue favourites such as pulled pork, beef brisket, sausage, barbecue chicken and pork ribs.

Classic side dishes include baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. The venue also features two service lines intended to help reduce queues during busy periods.

Dessert options include banana pudding and cookie pecan butter pie.

Like The Chicken Man, Red Cactus BBQ & Ribs also offers nearby shaded seating for guests wanting a more casual dining atmosphere outdoors.

Hours for both venues may vary depending on itinerary and operating schedules. MSC Cruises has not confirmed exact opening times, with service expected to differ between sea days and port days.

Flexible Dining Rollout Continues On MSC Seashore

The launch of the two new eateries comes shortly after MSC Cruises introduced its “Dine on Your Time” programme aboard MSC Seashore on 19th April 2026.

The flexible dining initiative applies to main restaurant dining schedules rather than quick-service venues, allowing passengers greater freedom when choosing meal times during their cruise.

The 170,400-gross-ton vessel already features an extensive range of specialty dining venues, including Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Hola! Tacos and Cantina, Kaito Sushi Bar, Kaito Teppanyaki and the seafood-focused Ocean Cay restaurant.

Passengers aboard MSC Seashore can also choose from 18 bars and lounges throughout the ship.

Homeported from Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore operates 3- and 4-night Bahamas sailings alongside 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

Depending on the voyage selected, the 4,540-guest ship visits destinations including Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya and MSC Cruises’ private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers. The cruise line has not…

A passenger has sadly died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux. While early media…

Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit are facing federal assault charges after a dispute over a priority Guest Services queue allegedly turned physical during a Bahamas cruise earlier…

An elderly passenger sailing aboard Carnival Celebration has died following a tragic accident involving a mobility scooter at Celebration Key in The Bahamas. The incident happened at around midday on…

A passenger has died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition after a suspected norovirus outbreak affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux.

French authorities confirmed that a 90-year-old woman passed away onboard after reportedly suffering symptoms linked to norovirus, although officials have not confirmed the exact cause of death. Around 50 passengers and crew have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

Ambassador Cruise Line has since introduced enhanced cleaning and health protocols onboard the vessel, with passengers temporarily asked to remain in their cabins while testing and monitoring continues.

While outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness can occur in any shared environment, cruise lines operate extensive sanitation procedures and medical protocols designed to limit the spread of viruses such as norovirus. The illness is highly contagious and commonly spreads in hotels, hospitals, schools and other busy communal spaces, not just cruise ships.

Passengers Monitored While Ship Remains In Bordeaux

French officials said the first signs of illness were reported on 11th May 2026 while Ambition was sailing with around 1,700 passengers onboard, including British guests.

Authorities in Bordeaux are now overseeing testing and precautionary measures as health teams continue monitoring the situation. It remains unclear how long passengers may remain in the French port.

Medical experts say norovirus can spread rapidly even in environments with strong hygiene standards because only a very small amount of the virus is needed to infect others.

“Gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus are very common on cruise ships,” said Dr Lucy Hooper, co-founder of Coyne Medical.

“Norovirus is often called stomach flu, and predominantly starts with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with a fever as well.”

“You only need a tiny number of particles of the virus itself to pass it on between people,” Hooper added. “It can also go on surfaces, so you don’t need to touch an infected person to catch it.

“You could catch the virus by just touching a door handle or tongs at a food buffet, so that’s why norovirus can become such an issue in an environment like a cruise.”

Cruise Lines Continue Strict Sanitation Standards

Cruise operators continue to maintain strict sanitation procedures across their fleets, including enhanced cleaning, isolation measures and onboard medical support systems designed to respond quickly to outbreaks of illness.

Norovirus outbreaks remain relatively uncommon compared to the millions of passengers who cruise globally each year, although cases often receive significant public attention due to the close-knit nature of cruise holidays.

The incident also comes as health officials continue responding to a separate hantavirus outbreak connected to the expedition ship MV Hondius, where 11 cases, including three deaths, have been reported.

The UK Health Security Agency said 10 British nationals connected to that outbreak are being brought to the UK from St Helena and Ascension Island to complete precautionary self-isolation with access to specialist medical services.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit are facing federal assault charges after a dispute over a priority Guest Services queue allegedly turned physical during a Bahamas cruise earlier…

An elderly passenger sailing aboard Carnival Celebration has died following a tragic accident involving a mobility scooter at Celebration Key in The Bahamas. The incident happened at around midday on…

The final passengers have disembarked from the virus-hit expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, while health authorities confirmed three additional positive hantavirus cases linked to the deadly outbreak. The vessel departed…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a wave of bookings for its upcoming new ship Carnival Festivale after an apparent IT glitch over the weekend led to cruises being sold at…

The final passengers have disembarked from the virus-hit expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, while health authorities confirmed three additional positive hantavirus cases linked to the deadly outbreak.

The vessel departed Tenerife for the Netherlands on Monday after the remaining six passengers, including four Australians, one British passenger and one New Zealander, left the ship alongside several crew members.

The outbreak has now been linked to three passenger deaths during the voyage, with two of those fatalities officially confirmed as hantavirus cases.

According to the World Health Organization, nine confirmed cases connected to the ship have now been identified, with two further suspected infections under investigation.

The latest confirmed infections include an American passenger and a French national who had already returned to their home countries before testing positive. Spanish authorities also said a quarantined passenger in Madrid had provisionally tested positive on Monday.

Health officials continue to stress that the overall risk of a widespread outbreak remains low, despite concerns over the rare Andes strain of hantavirus believed to have been contracted by some passengers during the cruise’s South American itinerary.

Hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents, although the Andes strain is one of the few known variants capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

Symptoms can include fever, severe fatigue, muscle pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties.

International Repatriation Effort Continues

Large-scale repatriation operations remain ongoing for passengers and crew from more than 20 countries.

US health officials confirmed that a second American passenger repatriated from Tenerife had developed mild symptoms. Authorities said both infected passengers travelled in specialised “biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution”.

French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said a French passenger isolating in Paris had seen her condition worsen, while authorities had already traced 22 close contacts.

Two British nationals with confirmed hantavirus infections are currently receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa.

Meanwhile, 20 Filipino crew members have now arrived in the Netherlands, with the Philippine Embassy confirming they would undergo testing and quarantine procedures. Officials said a total of 38 Filipino crew members would eventually require repatriation to the Philippines.

As of Monday evening, cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said 27 people remained aboard the vessel, including 25 crew members and two medical staff.

Those still onboard include crew from the Philippines, Ukraine, Russia, Poland and the Netherlands. Ukrainian officials said their nationals would assist with sailing the ship back to the Netherlands before entering quarantine on arrival.

More than 90 passengers have already been repatriated from Tenerife over recent days.

Four Canadian passengers returned to British Columbia on Sunday after travelling via a charter flight to Quebec. Canadian authorities said the passengers would self-isolate and undergo monitoring for at least three weeks.

The US Department of Health and Human Services confirmed all 17 American citizens on a repatriation flight to Nebraska would undergo clinical assessment at a specialist medical facility. A British national residing in the United States was also onboard the flight.

Another seven American passengers had previously returned home and are currently being monitored by health authorities in their respective states.

WHO And US Officials Clash Over Response Measures

The outbreak has also triggered disagreement between international health officials and US authorities over the handling of the situation.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the United States’ decision not to fully follow WHO isolation guidance “may have risks”.

The WHO has recommended a 42-day isolation period for anyone leaving the MV Hondius.

However, acting US Centers for Disease Control director Jay Bhattacharya argued that authorities did not want to create unnecessary public alarm, stating that human-to-human transmission remained extremely rare and should not be compared to Covid-19.

Passengers leaving the ship in Tenerife were seen wearing protective gowns, surgical masks and medical caps during evacuation procedures.

Twenty British nationals repatriated to Manchester on Sunday were transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for a 72-hour isolation period. No symptoms have been reported among that group.

Spanish authorities also placed 14 Spanish passengers into mandatory quarantine at a military hospital in Madrid, while additional evacuation flights continued this week.

Another repatriation flight carrying 26 passengers and crew, including eight Dutch nationals, landed in the Netherlands on Sunday.

In a video message released by Oceanwide Expeditions, MV Hondius captain Jan Dobrogowski said the crew’s thoughts remained “with the ones that are no longer with us”.

He described the previous weeks as “extremely challenging” while thanking passengers and crew for their patience and discipline throughout the crisis.

Spanish officials also confirmed that a police officer involved in the repatriation operation died from cardiac arrest.

The outbreak began during the ship’s voyage after departing Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1st April with 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries onboard.

The first death involved an elderly Dutch passenger who died at sea on 11th April after developing symptoms consistent with hantavirus. He is believed to have been the outbreak’s initial case, although he died before testing could be completed.

His wife later disembarked on the island of St Helena before travelling to South Africa, where she died in Johannesburg on 26th April.

A German passenger later died onboard the ship on 2nd May. Both women were subsequently confirmed as hantavirus cases.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit are facing federal assault charges after a dispute over a priority Guest Services queue allegedly turned physical during a Bahamas cruise earlier…

An elderly passenger sailing aboard Carnival Celebration has died following a tragic accident involving a mobility scooter at Celebration Key in The Bahamas. The incident happened at around midday on…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a wave of bookings for its upcoming new ship Carnival Festivale after an apparent IT glitch over the weekend led to cruises being sold at…

MSC Cruises has officially entered the Alaska cruise market, with MSC Poesia departing Seattle on Monday 11th May for the line’s first-ever sailing in the region. The newly upgraded ship…