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Virgin Voyages has moved swiftly to reassure guests that its relaxed approach to onboard attire remains firmly in place, following criticism aimed at Norwegian Cruise Line over new dress code restrictions in certain speciality restaurants.

In a light-hearted email to guests, the adults-only cruise line made clear that formal crackdowns on clothing choices are not on the agenda.

Poking fun at the idea of stricter policies, the brand said: “Despite extensive internal discussion, we have been unable to ban open-toed footwear from our restaurants. We have also failed on Hoodies – so they remain. Attempts to prohibit baseball caps have also failed.”

The message underlined the company’s commitment to maintaining its laid-back, come-as-you-are ethos. Virgin Voyages has long differentiated itself from more traditional operators by encouraging self-expression rather than enforcing lengthy lists of wardrobe rules.

Relaxed Approach Written Into Policy

The cruise line’s official guidance reflects that philosophy.

On its website, Virgin Voyages states: “We always want all of our Sailors to feel comfortable. We encourage you to wear more than a bathing suit if you go to a restaurant, and to kindly wear footwear when you’re inside the ship. Your style is your style. Dress Up. Dress Down. Just Dress.”

Rather than detailing prohibited items, the company simply asks that attire remains considerate of fellow guests. It also notes that for specific themed events where bolder fashion choices may be encouraged, “those bold looks stay within those specific spaces.”

The line’s popular PJ Party is one example where guests often embrace more daring outfits. While such ensembles are welcomed during the event itself, passengers are expected to change into more conventional attire when heading elsewhere around the ship.

Scarlet Night, another signature event, sees many guests dressed head to toe in red. However, participation in the theme is entirely optional.

Some passengers opt for full formalwear in shades of crimson, while others choose subtle touches such as a red T-shirt or even red socks. As the company puts it plainly: “There are no dress code rules here!”

Industry Contrast As Norwegian Tightens Rules

The reaffirmation of Virgin Voyages’ stance comes as Norwegian Cruise Line introduces tighter clothing requirements in selected speciality dining venues. The line will no longer permit items including hoodies, flip-flops and shorts in those restaurants, a move that has sparked frustration among some loyal guests (but agreement from others).

Norwegian Cruise Line has traditionally marketed itself as the “freestyle” cruise operator, promoting flexibility and fewer formalities. For some passengers, the updated dining rules appear at odds with that long-standing branding.

Stricter dress codes can also present practical challenges. Travellers flying to embarkation ports often aim to pack light, and adding outfits suitable for a single evening meal can quickly take up valuable luggage space.

When swimwear, casual resort clothing, shore excursion gear, sleepwear, themed outfits and coordinating shoes are all factored in, suitcase capacity can become a concern.

By contrast, Virgin Voyages appears content to lean into its more relaxed identity, reinforcing the message that personal style is part of the holiday experience rather than something to regulate.

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Several Carnival Cruise Line customers say their casino-based cruise offers have abruptly disappeared, with the company so far giving no clear public explanation for the change.

In recent weeks, multiple frequent cruisers have posted on social media claiming that long-standing casino promotions – including complimentary cabins and heavily discounted sailings – were removed from their accounts overnight.

In some cases, passengers say they went from receiving dozens of offers to none at all. High-profile cruise influencers Professor Melissa and Cruise With Jenn are two of the affected names.

One cruiser said they had previously won a significant jackpot on board and had “always had really great casino offers”, only to see those promotions vanish earlier this year.

After contacting Carnival, they were told their offers were “accurate” and were directed to contact the company’s collections department over an alleged outstanding balance – something the passenger strongly disputes.

Casino Cruise Offers Explained

On many large cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC, onboard casinos operate loyalty programmes similar to those found in land-based casinos. Passengers earn points based on how much they wager and how long they play, whether on slot machines or table games.

Rather than focusing purely on how much a player wins or loses, casinos track metrics such as “coin-in” (the total amount wagered) and “theoretical loss” – an estimate of how much the casino expects a player to lose over time based on the games they play.

The higher a player’s theoretical value to the casino, the more generous the rewards tend to be.

Those rewards can include free drinks, dining credits, cabin upgrades and, for higher-value players, complimentary or heavily discounted cruises. While these trips are often described as “free”, passengers still usually have to pay taxes, port fees and gratuities, and any extras such as drinks packages or WiFi.

The business logic is simple: cruise lines are willing to subsidise a cabin for someone who is likely to spend significant time – and money – in the ship’s casino on a future sailing.

No Reason For Removal

Several of the social media posts stress that their level of gambling activity has not fallen, and that they have not cancelled cruises or broken any known rules. Affected cruisers have said that they still receive strong casino offers from rival cruise lines, sometimes through “status match” schemes that mirror offers from competitors.

A few have speculated that social media activity or criticism of the brand could be a factor, though there is no evidence to support this, and Carnival has not suggested this is the case.

More generally, the cruise industry has tightened casino rewards in recent years as demand for cruises has surged and ships have been sailing fuller.

Thresholds for earning complimentary cabins have risen across several lines, and some perks that were once common are now reserved for only the highest-spending players. However, that does not explain why some customers appear to have lost all offers at once rather than seeing them gradually reduced.

Carnival Yet To Respond

At the time of writing, Carnival Cruise Line has not issued a public statement addressing the reports or explaining what criteria might trigger the removal of casino offers from individual accounts.

For the affected passengers, the impact is significant. Many say casino offers are the main reason they cruise as often as they do, and some have already said they plan to switch their bookings to rival lines that are still extending complimentary sailings.

As Professor Melissa put it: while nobody is “entitled” to a free cruise. But the sudden and unexplained disappearance of long-running offers is “perplexing”, in the words of Cruise With Jenn – and, for now, remains a mystery.

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A passenger has launched legal action against Carnival Cruise Line after allegedly suffering serious injuries on a waterslide aboard Carnival Sunshine, claiming crew continued operating the attraction despite unsafe conditions.

Savannah Ward, from Virginia, filed suit against the cruise line on Thursday 19th February 2026 in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The claim relates to an incident that took place nearly a year earlier, on 20th March 2025, while she was sailing on a six night Bahamas itinerary.

The 104,000 gross ton Carnival Sunshine had departed from Norfolk, Virginia on 16th March and was on the next to last full day of the voyage when the incident occurred. The ship remains homeported in Norfolk.

According to court documents, Ward “rode on a water slide aboard the vessel that was open to passengers for their enjoyment, and she was injured when she reached the bottom and her feet collided with a wall at the bottom of the slide.”

The lawsuit states that the injury occurred in the final runout section of the slide, an area designed to slow riders as they reach the end. Typically, several inches of water are maintained in this section to cushion guests and provide enough resistance to bring them safely to a stop.

However, Ward alleges that the minimum water level was not properly maintained at the time of her ride. Despite this, two crew members are said to have continued dispatching passengers down the slide.

As a result of the collision, Ward reportedly suffered a broken right foot and a sprained left ankle. The complaint claims the injuries have led to permanent loss of mobility, reduced range of motion and strength, as well as ongoing chronic pain.

Questions Over Slide Operations

It has not been specified which of the ship’s waterslides was involved in the incident. Carnival Sunshine features three slides as part of its WaterWorks park on Deck 10 aft. The yellow Twister slide offers a solo ride experience, while the green and blue Speedway Splash slides allow guests to race side by side on parallel tracks.

Although these attractions are curved rather than vertical drop slides, riders can still build considerable speed before entering the runout braking section at the end. All three slides are equipped with similar splashdown and stopping areas designed to manage water flow and safely decelerate guests.

Water levels in runout zones can fluctuate depending on several factors, including how quickly riders are sent down, how much water is displaced during splashdown, and the volume of water being pumped through the slide system. When guests exit the slide, water is also naturally carried out of the runout area.

Carnival Cruise Line advises that height and weight restrictions apply to WaterWorks attractions, though specific limits may vary by ship and slide type. Onboard signage is typically used to detail those requirements. It is not clear from the filing whether any operational guidelines or rider restrictions were breached in this case.

Ward is seeking a jury trial and is requesting compensation for medical expenses already incurred, as well as damages for future losses, pain and suffering.

Previous Waterslide Injury Claims

The lawsuit reportedly references prior claims made against Carnival Cruise Line involving similar waterslide injuries, highlighting that such cases are not uncommon in the industry.

Waterslide attractions have become a major feature on many modern cruise ships, marketed as family friendly highlights. However, they have also been the subject of legal scrutiny when mechanical failures or operational issues are alleged.

In a separate high profile case, a guest was injured aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas when a waterslide component failed mid ride, drawing widespread attention to onboard safety procedures and ride maintenance standards.

As cruise ships continue to introduce ever larger and more complex water parks at sea, legal cases such as Ward’s are likely to intensify debate over where responsibility lies when injuries occur on attractions operated and supervised by crew members.

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Princess Cruises has secured a new Guinness World Record after selling 3,410 margaritas in just eight hours aboard Regal Princess during a port call in Cozumel, Mexico, on Tuesday 17th February 2026.

The record-breaking effort took place while the ship was docked in the popular Mexican cruise destination, with guests and crew coming together to surpass the previous benchmark of 2,728 margaritas sold within the same timeframe.

“Today, aboard Regal Princess in Cozumel, our guests and crew came together to set a new Guinness World Record for the most margaritas sold in an 8-hour period,” Princess Cruises announced on Facebook.

“The official count is 3,410 surpassing the existing record of 2,728. Raise a glass, we did it!”

The achievement was later confirmed by Guinness World Records, with an official adjudicator verifying the attempt. A certificate presentation was held on board Regal Princess, complete with confetti and photographers to mark the occasion.

Record Attempt Held During Overnight Call

The timing and location of the record attempt were fitting. Cozumel, one of Mexico’s busiest cruise ports, is closely associated with tequila, the key ingredient in a margarita. Tequila is produced from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico.

Princess Cruises serves Pantalones Organic Tequila on board its ships, the same brand used in the record-breaking cocktails. The cruise line previously made headlines in November 2025 when its newest vessel, Star Princess, was christened with a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila instead of the traditional champagne ceremony.

Regal Princess was operating a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing at the time of the record. The voyage departed Galveston on Sunday 15th February and included an overnight stay in Cozumel from 9am on Tuesday 17th February until 5pm on Wednesday 18th February.

Following the extended Mexican port call, the ship was scheduled to visit Roatan on Thursday before returning to Texas on Sunday 22nd February.

While it remains unclear whether off-duty crew members were permitted to purchase margaritas to contribute to the total, the final count exceeded the previous record by 682 drinks, along with countless salted rims and citrus garnishes.

“Ritas for the record is officially in the books,” the cruise line confirmed.

The previous Guinness World Record for margaritas sold in eight hours was set on 15th September 2024 at the Motel Mexicola restaurant in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia. The attempt coincided with Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

Cruise Ships No Stranger To World Records

The margarita milestone is far from the first time a cruise ship has entered the record books. Cruise lines increasingly use world record attempts as a way to engage guests and generate onboard excitement.

MSC Cruises, for example, has hosted multiple record attempts across its fleet. In March 2025, crew members aboard MSC World America set the record for the longest line of LEGO ships ever created ahead of the vessel welcoming its first paying guests.

Other notable cruise-related records include Carnival Cruise Line’s largest piñata by volume, filled with 8,000 pounds of candy and set in Philadelphia on 2nd November 2008.

Royal Caribbean also claimed the record for the fastest marathon run on a ship, completed in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 47 seconds aboard Ovation of the Seas in December 2024. Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages organised the largest gathering of merpeople, bringing together 457 participants in Bimini on 4th November 2022.

With creative onboard programming becoming an increasingly important part of the modern cruise experience, Regal Princess’ margarita milestone demonstrates how cruise lines continue to find new ways to entertain guests while making headlines at sea.

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Royal Caribbean has unveiled the full dining line-up for Legend of the Seas, confirming that the new Icon Class ship will launch this July with 28 venues spanning 24 global cuisines, immersive supper clubs and a host of new complimentary concepts.

Set to debut on 4th July 2026, Legend of the Seas will be the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s ground breaking Icon Class, currently the largest class of cruise ships in the world. The ship will introduce several new dining themes while also bringing back guest favourites across both complimentary and speciality venues.

AquaDome Market And Complimentary Favourites

Legend of the Seas will offer a wide selection of complimentary options, including quick service outlets and full service dining rooms.

For grab and go bites, guests can choose from Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Surfside Bites and Basecamp.

The latest news is that the AquaDome Market will feature six food stands, five of which are brand new concepts for the cruise line:

• Seoulmate serving Korean rice bowls (new)
• Cajun Kitchen offering New Orleans gumbo (new)
• Adobo specialising in street tacos (new)
• La Española presenting Spanish style bites (new)
• Simply Pressed with smoothies and juices (new)
• Crème de la Crêpe serving French style crêpes

The Pearl Cafe will operate 24 hours a day with salads, sandwiches, sweet treats and coffee. Sorrento’s will once again provide pizza from lunchtime until late into the evening, while Sprinkles will offer unlimited soft serve ice cream.

For sit down dining included in the cruise fare, guests can visit The Surfside Eatery, Windjammer and the main dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

New Immersive Dining Concepts On Board

Among the headline additions are two reimagined immersive dining experiences designed to combine theatre and cuisine.

The Hollywood Supper Club will deliver a multi course experience inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. The venue promises a tribute to the silver screen, with each immersive and innovative course paired with grand cocktails designed to match the glamour of the setting.

The Royal Railway: Legend Station will take guests on a five course culinary journey along the ancient Silk Routes, following Marco Polo’s travels from China to Italy. While Royal Railway is not a new concept, this will be the first time it features on an Icon-class ship.

Diners will begin in China with Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai garnished with delicate caviar, before moving through Turkey for lamb chops and on to India, Persia and Italy as part of the themed adventure. Royal Caribbean says the experience is designed to appeal to all ages and appetites.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi will also return, serving both lunch and dinner.

Speciality And Extra Charge Dining

In addition to the complimentary venues, Legend of the Seas will feature a broad range of speciality and à la carte options.

Izumi in the Park will serve sushi and Japanese street food to go from a Central Park window throughout the day. Trellis Bar will offer upscale American bites and drinks in the same neighbourhood.

Pier 7 will focus on Californian coastal cuisine with an all day brunch concept, and children will eat free when dining with paying adults. Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade will serve American bar favourites for lunch and dinner.

Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille, will operate for both lunch and dinner, while Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will serve classic Italian dishes. Hooked Seafood will bring New England style seafood to the ship.

Celebration Table will provide a VIP experience featuring family style pre fixe menus for private gatherings.

Suite guests will have access to exclusive dining at Coastal Kitchen, offering California Mediterranean fusion cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and The Grove, which will serve Mediterranean meze for lunch and dinner.

For those with a sweet tooth, Desserted will offer extravagant milkshakes with towering toppings, Sugar Beach will stock sweets and chocolates, and Starbucks will provide speciality coffees and pastries.

European Debut Followed By Caribbean Season

Legend of the Seas will enter service on 4th July 2026 with a seven night sailing from Rome, calling in Spain, Italy and France. After a summer season in Europe, the ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter 2026 to 2027 season.

From Florida, the vessel will operate six and eight night Caribbean itineraries, with every sailing including a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

With 28 venues and a strong focus on immersive dining and global flavours, Legend of the Seas is set to further expand Royal Caribbean’s already extensive culinary offering when it joins the fleet next summer.

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River cruises are sometimes misunderstood. For couples in particular, there can be assumptions that they lack privacy, flexibility or romance, or that the experience is too structured or too focused on the ship itself.

In reality, river cruising offers a slower, more immersive way to travel, with smaller ships, central docking locations and a pace that lends itself well to exploring together.

To clear up some of the most common myths, Katherine Greaves, Head of Cruise Product at Riviera Travel, has shared her perspective on what river cruising is really like for couples and why so many of these assumptions miss the mark.

Myth 1: River cruise dining is all about shared tables

One of the most common worries about river cruising is that the smaller ship environment means a forced social atmosphere, especially at mealtimes. Some couples assume that dining will be formal, structured or focused around large communal tables, with little opportunity for quiet, private meals together.

In practice, dining on a river cruise is designed to be flexible, allowing guests to choose the style of experience that suits them best, whether that means being social or keeping things more intimate.

“A common misconception is that river cruise dining is overly formal or centred around large communal tables. In reality, river cruise ships offer flexible dining arrangements, including tables for two, allowing couples to enjoy meals together in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

“Whether enjoying regional cuisine inspired by the destinations visited or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, dining becomes a shared experience that feels unhurried and personal.”

Rather than being locked into one way of dining, couples can choose what feels right for them, whether that is meeting other travellers or enjoying meals together in a quieter setting.

Myth 2: River cruises do not offer enough privacy

Another assumption is that smaller ships automatically mean less personal space and fewer opportunities to enjoy time alone together. Because river cruise ships carry fewer guests, some people imagine that everything feels shared or exposed.

In reality, these ships are designed to balance sociable spaces with areas that feel calm, quiet and private, both in cabins and in public areas.

Katherine says:

“Despite their smaller size, river cruise ships are thoughtfully designed to provide privacy and tranquillity. Cabins are comfortable and well laid out, many with French balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the scenery directly inside.

“Quiet lounges, sun decks and intimate public spaces give couples plenty of opportunities to unwind together and enjoy time alone while watching life along the river drift by.”

The focus is on creating an environment that feels relaxed rather than busy, with space to retreat as well as space to socialise.

Myth 3: River cruising means following a strict schedule

Some travellers picture river cruises as tightly organised, with little room to make your own choices once you are on board. The idea of a fixed timetable of excursions and activities can make it sound more like a guided tour than a flexible holiday.

While river cruises do include organised experiences, they are not designed to remove choice or independence from the day.

“While river cruises include guided excursions and onboard talks, couples have complete freedom over how they spend their time. Activities are optional, allowing guests to explore independently, relax onboard or simply enjoy the changing scenery.

“This gentle flexibility makes river cruising ideal for couples who prefer a slower pace and the freedom to tailor each day to their own interests.”

This approach means couples can decide when they want structure and when they would rather take things at their own pace.

Myth 4: River cruises are not romantic

When people think of romantic travel, they often picture beach resorts or city breaks, not necessarily a cruise ship. River cruising can sometimes be seen as practical or cultural rather than atmospheric or intimate.

However, the setting and pace of river travel create a very different kind of experience, one that naturally lends itself to spending quality time together.

Katherine explains:

“River cruising offers a naturally romantic setting in a relaxed and understated way. Travelling through vineyards, historic towns and city centres, often along routes that visit some of the world’s most romantic destinations, creates an intimate and appealing backdrop for couples

“The slower pace of river travel allows couples to unwind, spend quality time together and enjoy exploring romantic destinations without feeling rushed, making the experience feel calm, comfortable and particularly well suited to couples.”

Rather than being about grand gestures, the romance comes from the scenery, the destinations and the unhurried rhythm of the journey.

Myth 5: River cruises focus more on the ship than the destinations

Ocean cruising is sometimes associated with the ship itself being the main attraction, with destinations playing a secondary role. This can lead to the assumption that river cruises work the same way.

In fact, river cruising is built around close, easy access to the places you are visiting.

As Katherine puts it:

“River cruises place destinations firmly at the heart of the experience. Ships dock in the centre of towns and cities, allowing couples to step straight into historic streets, local markets and cultural landmarks.

“This close connection to destinations means more time exploring and less time travelling, making it easy for couples to experience each place together without the usual logistical challenges.”

The result is a style of travel where the journey and the destinations are closely connected, rather than competing for attention.

Myth 6: River cruises feel crowded or impersonal

Cruising is sometimes associated with busy public spaces and a sense of being one of many. For couples looking for a calmer experience, this can be a concern, especially when thinking about shared lounges, decks and dining areas.

River cruises operate on a much smaller scale, which changes the atmosphere on board.

“With fewer guests onboard, river cruises offer a calm and sociable atmosphere without ever feeling overwhelming. Public spaces are designed to feel welcoming rather than busy, allowing couples to find quiet corners whenever they wish.

“This intimate scale creates a relaxed environment where couples can enjoy both shared spaces and peaceful moments in equal measure.”

The smaller number of guests helps create a setting that feels personal without being isolating.

Myth 7: River cruises lack depth or cultural immersion

Another misconception is that river cruises offer only surface-level sightseeing, with limited opportunity to really understand the places being visited. Some people assume that the convenience of the format comes at the cost of meaningful cultural experiences.

In reality, river itineraries are often built around history, local life and regional traditions.

“River cruising offers a rich cultural experience, with itineraries that follow historic trade routes and waterways central to local life. Expert-led excursions, regional cuisine and onboard talks provide valuable insight into the history and traditions of each destination.

“For couples, these shared cultural experiences create meaningful memories and a deeper connection to the places they explore together.”

This focus on context and local detail is a key part of what defines the river cruise experience.

Final word

For couples who value time together, easy access to destinations and a relaxed pace, river cruising offers a style of travel that is often very different from what people expect at first glance.

“These seven reasons show how river cruises are perfectly suited to couples, combining intimacy, cultural depth and effortless travel. By removing the stresses of planning and embracing a slower, more scenic pace, river cruising allows couples to focus on enjoying each other’s company while discovering destinations in a truly rewarding way.”

So if you’re looking for your next adventure as a couple, you should definitely consider a river cruise as one of your options – and Riviera Travel could be your ideal partner.

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Thousands of passengers were left stranded in Hong Kong after StarDream Cruises cancelled Star Voyager’s Valentine’s getaway sailing on 13th February 2026 due to unexpected technical difficulties.

The 2,395-guest ship had been scheduled to operate a two-night round trip from Hong Kong to Xiamen, China, returning on 15th February.

However, the Asia-based cruise line pulled the sailing at the last minute, with guests already gathered at the Kai Tak and Tsim Sha Tsui cruise terminals awaiting embarkation.

“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to a technical issue, today’s Star Voyager is not able to set sail,” StarDream Cruises wrote in a letter to booked passengers.

“We understand today’s cancellation will affect your travel plans and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the company added.

The cruise line did not publicly disclose the specific technical fault that forced the cancellation.

Guest Frustration Grew After Hours Of Waiting

While cancellations are never welcome news, frustration intensified because of the timing of the announcement. By the time passengers were informed, many had already been waiting for hours inside the terminal.

It’s reported that the announcement was made at around 9 pm on embarkation day, long after guests had expected to be on board and settling into their cabins. A formal letter confirming the cancellation was then issued at 11:45 pm.

Passengers described chaotic scenes at the terminal, with large crowds left standing for extended periods and little immediate clarity on what was happening.

“I was only given a bottle of water,” one man told the South China Morning Post. “Of course, there were issues with how this was handled. I was standing until my legs were sore.”

“I booked the Palace Suite, which allows us to board the ship first. However, we were forced to squeeze together at the waiting area like refugees,” another passenger complained.

Crew members eventually distributed bottled water, and dinner vouchers valued at HK$200, approximately $25 USD, were handed out later in the evening in an effort to ease tensions.

Compensation Options Offered To Affected Guests

In the days following the cancellation, StarDream Cruises confirmed compensation options for impacted travellers.

Guests were given the choice to transfer their booking to any other two- or three-night sailing aboard Star Voyager departing on or before 30th August 2026. Rebookings were to be honoured free of charge, even if the new sailing carried a higher fare. In addition, affected cabins were to receive a HK$200 onboard credit as a goodwill gesture.

This was on top of compensation previously outlined, including HK$200 per guest and HK$500 to cover transportation costs linked to the disrupted departure.

Alternatively, passengers could opt for a full refund while still retaining the HK$200 per guest payment and HK$500 transportation allowance.

For those willing to sail with the 2025-launched brand again, StarDream Cruises also offered a 50 per cent discount on any new two- or three-night Star Voyager sailing departing on or before 30th August 2026.

Uncertainty Around Subsequent Sailings

At the time of writing, there had been no confirmed impact on Star Voyager’s subsequent departures.

According to cruise tracking data, the 77,441-gross ton vessel is next scheduled to depart on 20th February for a 2-night cruise, suggesting that the 3-night cruise departing 15th February and the 2-night cruise departing 18th February were also cancelled.

If that is the case, hopefully issues are resolved quickly and the ship can get back to sailing ASAP.

Get the best price on your cruise…

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has secured a major long term shipbuilding agreement with Italian yard Fincantieri that will see a new vessel delivered for each of its three cruise brands by 2037.

The deal covers one ship apiece for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reinforcing the group’s strategy of expanding all segments of its portfolio, from contemporary megaships to ultra luxury cruising.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2036 and 2037, although individual brand timelines vary.

The new order ensures continued access to shipyard capacity well into the next decade, a critical move in an increasingly competitive global cruise market.

Fourth Ship Confirmed For Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Class

For Norwegian Cruise Line, the agreement adds a fourth vessel to its forthcoming, as yet unnamed class. The first ship in this new series is due to enter service in 2030 and will mark the largest class ever constructed for the brand.

At approximately 225,000 gross tons, the ships are expected to rival Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class in scale. Each vessel in the series is projected to carry around 5,100 guests at double occupancy, placing them firmly in the mega ship category and signalling Norwegian’s continued focus on high capacity, amenity rich designs.

Meanwhile, the ships for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will expand two new classes that are set to debut in the coming years.

Oceania’s new vessel will be a sister ship to Oceania Sonata, which is scheduled to launch in 2027 as the first in the Sonata class. Regent’s addition will mirror Seven Seas Prestige, currently slated to debut in December 2026 as the inaugural ship in the Prestige class.

“Together with Fincantieri, a trusted partner for decades, we continue to advance a disciplined approach to fleet growth that builds on the strength of our brands, defines the future of cruising and elevates the guest experience for years to come,”

“This agreement secures access to valuable shipyard capacity through the end of 2037, supporting our long-term growth while maintaining financial discipline and driving sustainable shareholder value.”

John W. Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCLH.

Seventeen Ships On Order Across The Fleet

With this latest agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings now has 17 ships on order across its three brands.

For Norwegian Cruise Line, the orderbook includes Norwegian Luna in 2026, Norwegian Aura in 2027, a Prima Plus class vessel in 2028, followed by new class ships arriving in 2030, 2032, 2034, 2036 and 2037.

Oceania Cruises is preparing for Oceania Sonata in 2027 and Oceania Areitta in 2029, with additional Sonata class ships planned for 2032, 2035 and 2037.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will welcome Seven Seas Prestige in 2026, with further Prestige class vessels due in 2030, 2033 and 2036.

Unhappy Investors

The scale of the orderbook demonstrates the company’s confidence in long term demand and its intention to compete across contemporary, premium and ultra luxury segments. However, the expansion comes at a time of mounting pressure from one of the company’s largest shareholders.

Despite committing to significant fleet growth, NCLH is facing a public challenge from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has built a stake of more than 10 per cent in the business. In a letter to the board and an accompanying presentation titled “Norwegian Now”, the firm argued that the cruise operator has underperformed rivals despite favourable industry conditions.

“The case for change at Norwegian is as compelling as any we have ever seen,” wrote Partner John Pike and Portfolio Manager Bobby Xu. “We believe the gap between Norwegian’s current performance and what it should be achieving under capable leadership represents one of the clearest value-creation opportunities in the public markets.”

Elliott claims the company has fallen behind competitors such as Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation, citing rising costs, missed revenue opportunities and what it describes as inconsistent strategic execution. The investor believes the stock could reach $56 per share, roughly 159 per cent higher than recent trading levels, if changes are implemented.

The firm has also criticised the recent appointment of John W. Chidsey as chief executive officer on 12th February 2026, noting that while he has previously led Subway and Burger King and served on NCLH’s board, he does not have executive cruise industry experience.

Elliott is calling for new independent directors with sector expertise and has suggested recruiting experienced cruise leaders, including former Royal Caribbean executive Adam Goldstein. It has warned it may take its case directly to shareholders at the company’s annual meeting in March 2026 if progress is not made.

The leadership debate unfolds as NCLH continues to report mixed financial results. The company generated approximately $2.1 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, down around 3 per cent year on year, before rebounding to roughly $2.5 billion in the second quarter and a record $2.9 billion in the third quarter. By comparison, Royal Caribbean Group reported around $17.9 billion in revenue for 2025, while Carnival Corporation posted record annual revenue of approximately $26.6 billion.

As NCLH prepares to release its annual earnings on 2nd March 2026, the combination of an expanding newbuild pipeline and intensifying investor scrutiny sets the stage for a pivotal year for the cruise operator.

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Celebrity Cruises cancelled the 16th February 2026 departure of Celebrity Infinity after a technical issue and power failure on the previous voyage left the ship requiring further repairs.

Guests due to embark in Piraeus on Monday were informed that the 11-night Best of Greece itinerary would no longer operate, with the line confirming that additional time is needed to complete assessments and necessary work on the 90,940 gross ton Millennium Class vessel.

In a notification sent to booked passengers, the cruise line explained: “During our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while our experts have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs.

“After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the February 16th, 2026, sailing.”

The cancelled cruise had been scheduled to call at Mycenae, Crete and Rhodes, alongside ports in Cyprus and Turkey, before returning to Piraeus on 26th February, with disembarkation planned for the following day.

The decision follows a power loss at the end of the previous sailing, which resulted in an early disembarkation for guests. While Celebrity Cruises has not detailed the root cause of the failure, passengers onboard at the time reported hearing the “bravo bravo bravo” emergency announcement, a code commonly associated with a fire onboard. The company has not confirmed whether a fire occurred.

Because the entire 11-night voyage has been cancelled rather than shortened, it suggests the scope of repairs may be significant or require specialist parts or technicians before the ship can safely resume service.

Celebrity Infinity, which can accommodate 2,170 guests at double occupancy and carries around 1,000 crew, has reported no injuries in connection with the incident.

Generous Compensation For Affected Guests

Given the short notice, Celebrity Cruises has outlined an extensive compensation package for impacted travellers.

“While we can’t give you back the time you invested in your vacation, we are committed to ensuring you feel fully supported as you adjust your plans,” the email to guests stated.

All passengers booked on the 16th February sailing will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and any pre-paid amenities such as drinks packages, internet access, shore excursions or spa treatments. Refunds will be returned to the original form of payment within 14 business days, although processing times may vary depending on individual banks.

In addition, guests will be issued a future cruise credit worth 100 per cent of the cruise fare paid, excluding taxes and pre-paid extras. The credit will be valid on any Celebrity Cruises sailing departing within the next year and can be used across the fleet, not solely on Celebrity Infinity or on Greek itineraries.

For travellers who arranged flights through the cruise line, updated arrangements will be provided directly. Those who booked flights independently can claim reimbursement of up to $200 for domestic flight change fees or up to $400 for international flight changes.

The line is also offering reimbursement for up to two hotel nights at a maximum of $300 per night, along with a $100 per guest per day allowance for up to two days to help cover incidental expenses such as meals and local transport. Guests must submit receipts in order to be considered for reimbursement.

Questions remain over the ship’s next scheduled departure on 27th February, a 10-night itinerary. If repairs are completed in time, the sailing could proceed as planned, but further adjustments may be required if work extends beyond the current timeframe.

Similar Incident Reported In 2025

The latest disruption echoes an incident in July 2025 when Celebrity Infinity suffered a small fire that led to a power outage and significant itinerary changes. On that occasion, multiple ports were cancelled while the ship underwent repairs before returning to normal operations.

While it is not yet confirmed whether the current technical failure is related to a fire, the similarities in reported symptoms have raised questions among guests. Celebrity Cruises has said further updates will be provided once more information becomes available.

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Deaf Land & Sea Travel has confirmed details of its Deaf Super Cruise 2027, a week-long Caribbean sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas departing Port Canaveral on 14th February 2027.

The seven-night cruise will run from 14th to 21st February 2027 and is designed specifically for the deaf community, with American Sign Language interpreters provided by Royal Caribbean and dedicated onboard events hosted by the Deaf Land & Sea Travel team.

The sailing will visit four ports across the Western Caribbean, combining popular destinations with Royal Caribbean’s private island experience.

Caribbean Itinerary And Onboard Experience

The cruise will depart Port Canaveral, Florida on 14th February 2027. After a day at sea, Star of the Seas will call at Costa Maya, Mexico, followed by Roatan, Honduras.

The itinerary continues with Cozumel, Mexico before another sea day. On Day 7, guests will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas. The ship is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral on 21st February 2027.

Fares start from $1,885pp based on double occupancy for an Inside stateroom. Oceanview cabins start from $1,995pp, Central Park Balcony staterooms from $2,255pp, and Ocean View Balcony staterooms from $2,355pp.

Plans are also in place for a Super Bowl viewing party on embarkation day, giving guests the opportunity to watch the big game at sea.

Deaf-specific events and special guests will be announced at a later date, but this is an excellent opportunity for deaf cruisers to come together and share an incredible cruise holiday experience.

Founded To Serve The Deaf Community

Deaf Land & Sea Travel was established in 2010 by Gina Davis, who has built her career around improving travel access for the deaf community.

Born prematurely and deaf from birth, Davis grew up in a family involved in hospitality, with relatives managing motels and a travel agency. After graduating high school near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she went on to study at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating in 1989 with a degree in Business Administration and Data Processing.

She later relocated to Florida, where she was crowned Miss Deaf Florida for 1989 to 1990. It was during this time that she identified a lack of specialist travel services tailored to deaf travellers.

Davis initially launched Great Deaf Vacations before rebranding the business as Deaf Land & Sea Travel as it expanded. The agency now offers a range of cruise and land-based holidays, supported by a growing team focused on accessible and inclusive travel experiences.

Alongside the 2027 Deaf Super Cruise, the company is also promoting a November 2026 sailing on Disney Destiny from Fort Lauderdale, with fares starting from $1,505pp.

Visit DeafLandandSea.com if you want to book!

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