News

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is reintroducing its signature “Free at Sea” program, replacing the short-lived More at Sea offer that launched in 2024.

The return marks a return to a more familiar system for cruisers – but with some key distinctions depending on where you book.

While the core benefits are broadly the same worldwide, how guests pay for and receive the perks varies significantly between the US and UK markets.

What Free at Sea Includes

The revived Free at Sea package offers the same signature perks NCL guests have come to expect, including:

• Unlimited Open Bar with premium spirits and 100+ cocktails
• Specialty Dining Package (number of meals depends on sailing length)
• 150 minutes of Starlink WiFi per guest
• $50 shore excursion credit per port for the first guest in each stateroom
• Free 3rd and 4th guests on select sailings

The package is widely available, from short Caribbean breaks to longer European and transatlantic voyages. It may be restricted on some voyages, but for now appears to be available across the full range of ships and sailings.

US Guests: “Free” but With Daily Gratuities

For guests booking through Norwegian Cruise Line in the US, Free at Sea is technically included at no upfront cost, but gratuities apply for certain perks:

• $28.50 per person, per day for the drinks package
• $20 per person, per meal for specialty dining

Guests can choose to remove the drink and dining perks when booking if they prefer not to pay the gratuities – and still receive the Wi-Fi and shore excursion credit at no cost.

For travellers who plan to enjoy cocktails and specialty dining, the gratuities can still offer strong value compared to purchasing those packages separately.

UK Guests: Pay an Upfront Upgrade, No Daily Gratuities

For UK-based guests, Free at Sea works differently. Instead of daily service charges, travellers pay a fixed one-time upgrade fee, which varies by sailing length:

• 2-day cruises: £99 per person
• 3 – 4 days: £129
• 5 – 6 days: £199
• 7 – 8 days: £249
• 9 – 10 days: £309
• 11 – 12 days: £359
• 13 – 14 days: £409
• 15 – 16 days: £459
• 17 – 18 days: £519
• 19 – 20 days: £569
• 21+ days: £619

Discounted prices apply to third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom.

Once that upgrade is added, guests receive all Free at Sea perks – including drinks and dining – with no additional gratuities for these perks to pay onboard (but, just as with the US version, the regular daily gratuities will still apply).

However, unlike the US model, UK guests who do not purchase Free at Sea will not receive any of the included Wi-Fi or shore excursion credit.

You can buy WiFi separately, but for many people it won’t be worth the cost when you could pay a small amount extra to also get drinks, shore excursion credit and speciality dining.

Key Differences From “More at Sea”

When NCL replaced Free at Sea with More at Sea in 2024, the goal was to refine how perks were structured and priced – but the changes proved confusing for some guests.

The 2025 relaunch of Free at Sea simplifies things again while keeping some of the improvements introduced under More at Sea.

UK guests will only notice a difference in the number of speciality dining meals and WiFi minutes, which varied depending on your stateroom category under More at Sea as well as by sailing length. Now, only sailing length makes a difference.

For US guests, the gratuity costs for the drinks package would vary by sailing length but now will be a standard daily amount.

“Free at Sea Plus” Returning Soon?

Norwegian has suggested that this change also sets the stage for the return of an enhanced package, previously known as Free at Sea Plus.

When reintroduced (name still TBD), it’s expected to include additional benefits such as the beverage package being extended to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

The drinks package being removed from Great Stirrup Cay is a recent change that has disappointed loyal NCL fans.

Is Free at Sea Worth It?

For many guests, Free at Sea still represents strong value – particularly on longer sailings or for those who enjoy cocktails, specialty dining, and internet access.

But it’s not always the cheapest option.

The takeaway? Free at Sea is best for travellers who plan to use all its perks. For light drinkers or those who prefer main dining, opting out and saving the gratuities (in the US) or upgrade fee (in the UK) might make more sense.

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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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The family of Dulcie White, a 66-year-old Australian woman who fell overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas in October 2024, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the cruise line in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The family is alleging negligence and failure to conduct an adequate search.

Filed on behalf of White’s husband and daughter, the suit claims that the cruise line overserved alcohol to White despite clear signs of intoxication and later failed to properly locate or recover her after she went overboard.

White had been sailing with her daughter, Megan Klewin, on a 4-night Taylor Swift–themed Caribbean cruise that departed PortMiami on 21st October, 2024. The overboard incident occurred the following evening as the ship sailed near Nassau, Bahamas.

Allegations of Overservice

According to the complaint, White had purchased Royal Caribbean’s unlimited alcoholic beverage package and was served at least seven alcoholic drinks at three different venues – Sorrento’s Pizzeria, the Sand Bar, and Studio B – between 1 pm and 7 pm.

Klewin told local media that her mother was “completely intoxicated” and that another passenger had helped her back to their balcony stateroom. Klewin said she last saw her mother sitting on the balcony railing before realizing she had fallen overboard.

“This isn’t an accident; it’s an industry pattern. We’re putting the cruise lines on notice: the days of profiting from over-service while passengers die at sea are over,” said Spencer Aronfeld of Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, which is representing the family.

Dispute Over Search and Rescue Efforts

The lawsuit also claims that Royal Caribbean failed to conduct an adequate search once White was reported missing.

However, records and contemporaneous reporting from the incident indicate that the ship immediately activated its man-overboard protocol.

At approximately 9:40 pm on 22nd October, an “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” alert – the emergency code for a person overboard – was broadcast ship-wide. Searchlights were deployed, and rescue boats were launched to search the surrounding waters.

Royal Caribbean also alerted the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the U.S. Coast Guard, both of which dispatched aircraft and vessels to assist. The nearby Utopia of the Seas altered course to join the search effort.

Despite a 15-hour search, White was never found, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force eventually suspended operations.

Lawsuit Seeks Jury Trial and Damages

The wrongful death complaint seeks a jury trial and monetary damages as permitted under maritime and state law.

The filing alleges that Royal Caribbean failed in its duty of care by continuing to serve alcohol to an already intoxicated passenger and by not ensuring a more effective recovery operation.

Royal Caribbean has not yet commented publicly on the lawsuit.

Overboard Incidents Remain Rare

Passenger and crew overboards are statistically uncommon but continue to draw scrutiny across the cruise industry.

According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), roughly 20 to 25 such incidents occur worldwide each year across all cruise lines combined.

The Allure of the Seas incident was one of several high-profile overboards in recent years.

More recently, a passenger was reported missing from Norwegian Jewel on 21st October 2025, while crossing the Atlantic near the Azores, and on 27th October 2025, a crew member went overboard from Viking Star in the Aegean Sea.

Allure of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, sails under the Royal Caribbean International brand and carries more than 6,700 passengers at full capacity.

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Just days after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, government officials have set an ambitious goal to welcome tourists – including cruise visitors – back by December 15, 2025.

The announcement, made by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, comes as the country begins to assess the widespread devastation caused by the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island.

With tourism contributing billions annually to the economy – including more than $197 million from the cruise sector alone – the pressure to rebuild is immense.

“Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by December 15,”

Minister Bartlett.

A recovery task force has been established to coordinate efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. Work is already underway to restore key areas, including airports, ports, and hotel corridors across Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth.

Despite the optimism, the road ahead remains challenging. Hurricane Melissa brought sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, destroying homes, cutting power across the island, and leaving at least 19 people dead. More than 25,000 Jamaicans are still displaced.

Major Cruise Lines Step In With Millions in Aid

The global cruise industry – which relies heavily on Jamaica as a marquee Caribbean destination – has mobilized to provide immediate relief.

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Disney Cruise Line have each pledged $1 million in financial aid, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has committed up to $100,000 through the American Red Cross, including matched contributions from employees and passengers.

Carnival’s On-the-Ground Support

Carnival Cruise Line was one of the first to act.

The Carnival Horizon made a humanitarian stop in Ocho Rios on 4th November, offloading pallets of bottled water and essential supplies.

Guests onboard were invited to contribute additional donations, which the cruise line matched through its “Groove for St. Jude” fundraising event.

“The local infrastructure isn’t quite ready for visitors, but the ship will make a short visit to offload the goods,” said John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador.

Carnival Corporation has also partnered with the Miami Heat and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation to bolster long-term recovery assistance.

Royal Caribbean Delivers Relief to Falmouth

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas also diverted to Jamaica on 4th November – not to disembark guests, but to deliver over 120 pallets of bottled water, medical supplies, and non-perishable food.

The shipment was coordinated with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which is based in Kingston.

“The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The gesture drew praise from both guests and crew.

“Giving back to an island that has delivered to us for many years – RESPECT!” wrote one guest, while another recalled similar efforts after Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Disney’s $1 Million Pledge

The Walt Disney Company has likewise pledged $1 million to aid relief efforts through non-profits such as UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, and Good360, as well as to support Jamaican Disney cast and crew members.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who have experienced such terrible devastation from Hurricane Melissa,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “We hope this contribution and the ongoing support from our team will serve as a source of relief and comfort for those in need.”

Disney Cruise Line, which has visited Jamaica since 2013, has cancelled Disney Treasure’s 5th November call to Falmouth to avoid adding strain on the island’s recovery.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Joins In

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross and pledged to match a further $50,000 in public and employee donations.

“The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s important that we stand with our communities in times of need,” said Harry Sommer, NCLH president and CEO.

Jamaica’s Cruise Future and Tourism Outlook

Before the storm, Jamaica’s three primary cruise ports – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth – were expecting more than 60 ship calls through November and early December from major brands including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess, Virgin Voyages, and MSC Cruises.

Most of those visits have now been cancelled or rerouted. Cruise lines say they will not resume operations until Jamaica confirms it is safe to do so and essential infrastructure can support passengers and crew.

The U.S. State Department has also raised its travel advisory for Jamaica to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing the hurricane’s aftermath and disruptions to healthcare and utilities.

Still, Minister Bartlett remains optimistic that the island’s famous resilience – combined with global support – will see Jamaica’s tourism sector bounce back stronger.

“Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence,” he said.

With international aid arriving and major cruise lines stepping up, Jamaica’s recovery is underway – and if efforts continue at the current pace, the island may once again be ready to welcome the world by Christmas.

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Two Carnival Cruise Line passengers are suing the company, alleging that a bedbug infestation aboard Carnival Horizon left them with painful bites, emotional distress, and financial loss.

The lawsuit, filed on 28th October 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, comes from Catherine Shockley and William Maycock, who sailed aboard Carnival Horizon on its 15th February 2025 departure – an eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami.

Guests Claim Infestation and Negligence

According to the complaint, just two days into the voyage, both passengers began experiencing intense itching and clusters of insect bites on their arms and legs.

By the next morning, the bites had spread to their shoulders, hands, and faces.

Fearing bedbugs, Shockley reportedly inspected the cabin and discovered live insects, faecal stains, and eggs on the bedding – signs the plaintiffs claim showed an existing and untreated infestation.

The pair allege they notified crew members but were not relocated or given adequate assistance.

They further claim they saw nearby cabins being fumigated, suggesting the ship’s staff may have been aware of a wider problem.

“Plaintiffs suffered numerous intensely itchy bites resulting in large, painful welts that required medical treatment and medication, multiple dark splotches, loss of sleep, mental distress, loss of personal property and economic loss,” the suit states.

They are seeking damages for medical expenses, scarring, emotional trauma, and other ongoing impacts.

Carnival’s Bedbug Protocol

Carnival Cruise Line has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the company maintains a detailed pest-control protocol.

The process includes routine inspections of mattresses, bedding, drapes, and carpeting, with chemical treatments and re-inspections if evidence of infestation is found.

“If signs of infestation are present, the room is chemically treated along with all other cabins within that section,” the policy states. “Frequent re-inspection continues for the next several months.”

Carnival Horizon last underwent dry dock maintenance in 2021 and is scheduled for its next refurbishment in spring 2026, which will include “extensive pest control treatment.”

Bedbugs at Sea – Rare but Not Impossible

While unsettling, reports of bedbugs are not unheard of aboard cruise ships – or in hotels on land.

The insects, typically no more than a quarter-inch long, thrive in dark crevices, such as mattress seams or behind headboards, and can easily be transported in luggage.

Bedbugs are not linked to poor hygiene and do not transmit disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, reactions to their bites can vary widely, from mild irritation to severe allergic responses.

Carnival Horizon can carry up to 4,000 guests and 1,400 crew members and operates Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami year-round. The case could take months to move through the courts.

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Passengers booked on Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady received quite a scare this week after an email incorrectly informed them that their departure port had changed from Miami, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico – less than a week before embarkation.

The mistake affected up to 2,770 guests booked on the ship’s 12-night Caribbean sailing departing 8th November 2025, sparking widespread confusion on social media and among customer service representatives before the line issued a correction.

False Alarm Sends Guests Scrambling

“We wanted to let you know that the departure port for your upcoming voyage has been moved to a different location,

“Please update your travel plans accordingly to ensure a smooth embarkation experience,”

Email sent to guests

Cruisers immediately flooded social media seeking answers. Some reported that Virgin Voyages’ Sailor Services initially confirmed the change before retracting that statement minutes later.

“I just got off the phone with them. It’s accurate,” one Reddit user said.

Another shared: “The CS rep initially told me the email was valid and they were waiting on more information. But then came back and said that the email wasn’t valid and our itinerary is still set to leave from Miami.”

The inconsistency led many to suspect the company’s internal teams were also caught off guard by the false notification.

Virgin Voyages Issues Swift Apology

Within hours, Virgin Voyages sent out a follow-up email confirming that the original message had been sent in error.

“If your inbox got hit with something that looked a little… off? That was us. A good ol’ fashioned human moment,” the cruise line wrote in its correction.

“We apologize for the confusion, and appreciate your patience while we get things shipshape prior to your voyage!”

The company confirmed that Miami remains the departure port for Brilliant Lady and that there are no changes to the planned itinerary.

The ship will call at Aruba, Curaçao, Cartagena (Colombia), George Town (Grand Cayman), and Ocho Rios (Jamaica).

The Ocho Rios call may still be under review, however, as Jamaica continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island in late October. Jamaican officials have stated that they’re aiming to welcome cruise guests back from mid-December.

Brilliant Lady skipped what would have been her inaugural call there on 3rd November.

When Technology Goes Rogue

While the mix-up caused a brief panic, such email errors are not unheard of. Virgin Voyages has faced similar glitches before – including a case earlier this year where guests who weren’t even booked on Brilliant Lady’s New Year’s Ahoy voyage received itinerary change notices in error.

Other cruise lines have experienced the same issue. Celebrity Cruises, for example, mistakenly sent out false itinerary updates for Celebrity Beyond earlier this year, creating temporary confusion among passengers.

Ultimately, Virgin Voyages acted quickly to clarify the error – and Brilliant Lady’s next sailing will depart from PortMiami as originally planned, giving guests a much-needed reason to relax.

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Guests booked on Norwegian Star’s 27th September 2026 sailing from Southampton have been told they are getting an unexpected bonus: three extra days at sea, free of charge.

The extension follows a revision to the ship’s dry-dock schedule, with the vessel now spending longer at sea before heading to the yard for planned technical upgrades.

“Following a change in Norwegian Star’s scheduled dry dock for technical enhancements, your sailing has been extended from seven days to ten days,

“As part of this change, the itinerary has been adjusted.”

NCL communication to guests

Updated Ten-Day Itinerary

The original week-long voyage was due to visit Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, La Coruña and Oporto before finishing in Lisbon on 4th October.

Instead, the new ten-day route will add extra French and Spanish ports and finish three days later, on 7th October 2026:

• 27 Sep (Sun): Depart Southampton
• 28 Sep (Mon): Amsterdam (1 pm–9 pm)
• 29 Sep (Tue): Zeebrugge (8 am–6 pm)
• 30 Sep (Wed): Le Havre (8 am–9 pm)
• 1 Oct (Thu): Day at sea
• 2 Oct (Fri): La Rochelle (8 am–5 pm)
• 3 Oct (Sat): Le Verdon (7 am–6 pm)
• 4 Oct (Sun): Bilbao (8 am–5 pm)
• 5 Oct (Mon): La Coruña (9 am–6 pm)
• 6 Oct (Tue): Vigo (7 am–3 pm)
• 7 Oct (Wed): Arrive Lisbon

No Extra Cost for Passengers

Norwegian Cruise Line said that all existing fares, promotions and packages will remain fully protected, meaning guests will not pay more for the longer holiday.

Pre-paid service charges, beverage or dining packages will also stay at their original prices, while the number of specialty-dining meals and WiFi minutes will increase to match the extra sailing days.

Adjusting Travel Plans

Those who have already booked return flights or onward arrangements after the original 4th October arrival will need to adjust their plans.

With nearly a year’s notice, however, there is ample time for passengers to rearrange travel if needed.

Why the Schedule Changed

Norwegian Cruise Line has not disclosed the precise reason for the shipyard adjustment, though such changes are common.

Yard timetables can shift because of other vessels’ refits, labour or supply-chain constraints, or changes in dry-dock capacity.

The Norwegian Star, a 91,740-gross-ton ship carrying around 2,300 guests, will enter dry dock after completing this voyage before resuming service with a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Miami on 20th November 2026.

Passengers on that subsequent sailing are advised to stay alert for any further schedule tweaks.

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P&O Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, has quietly increased the cost of its onboard drinks packages – with prices now up by as much as 12% on some options.

The updated pricing came into effect in late October 2025 and was first spotted by guests browsing the cruise line’s website.

The company has not issued any formal announcement to booked passengers about the change.

New Prices and Package Options

P&O Cruises offers four drinks packages covering everything from soft drinks to premium spirits. The new daily rates per person are:

• Refresh – £16 (was £14.45): on-tap fountain soft drinks and juice only
• Alcohol-Free – £29 (was £26.95): soft drinks, coffees, teas, bottled juices, water, and mocktails
• Classic – £50 or £55 (was £48.85): most alcoholic and soft drinks, excluding premium brands
• Deluxe – £60 or £65 (was £60.50): all-inclusive, covering the full range of beverages

You’ll see that there are now two prices for the packages that include alcohol – Classic and Deluxe.

In a change for the cruise line, the price of these packages will vary depending on your sailing length. Guests sailing 15 nights or more will pay the lower prices (£50 per night for Classic, £60 per night for Deluxe) but on cruises of 14 nights or fewer, the higher prices will apply.

This means the Refresh package has risen by 10%, Alcohol-Free by nearly 8%, and Classic by either 2% or 12% depending on your sailing length.

The Deluxe package has slightly decreased by less than 1% if you’re on longer cruises. Otherwise it has risen by around 7%.

The small drop in the top-tier package price on longer itineraries suggests that P&O may be trying to encourage more passengers to opt for the all-inclusive option, which continues to represent the best value for those who regularly purchase premium drinks.

However, the vast majority of guests will be on sailings of 14 nights or fewer, and so will still be paying a higher price.

Factors Behind the Increase

Pricing for drinks packages can fluctuate depending on ship, sailing length, and itinerary demand. Typically, shorter or high-season sailings carry higher daily rates.

Guests who pre-book drinks packages before sailing can save up to 20% compared with onboard pricing.

Those who have already purchased packages for upcoming cruises will not be charged extra, as pre-paid rates remain locked in.

However, if you’re booked on a longer cruise and you have the Deluxe package, you may wish to consider cancelling it and rebooking it at the new lower rate.

A Wider Trend Across Carnival Brands

The quiet price adjustment follows similar moves elsewhere in the Carnival family.

Carnival Cruise Line recently increased the cost of its internet plans, prompting speculation that more price updates could be on the way across the group’s brands – including Princess Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Holland America Line.

While each brand operates independently, pricing changes often occur across multiple lines in the same period as part of wider corporate reviews or cost adjustments linked to supply prices and onboard demand.

P&O’s updated drinks package rates now bring it closer in line with comparable offerings across other major cruise lines.

I’ve got loads more information on P&O drinks packages and the P&O drinks menus, if you’d like to know more.

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Royal Caribbean International has announced its summer 2027 Europe season, featuring six ships sailing from ports across the continent – including an Icon-class vessel and several new itineraries.

Highlights include Mariner of the Seas’ first-ever deployment from Southampton, new ports such as Tangier, Morocco, and the debut of the Royal Beach Club Santorini, a new exclusive shoreside experience for select Mediterranean itineraries.

The season will also mark the first time guests can combine sightseeing across Santorini’s famous whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches with time at the Royal Beach Club Santorini, part of Royal Caribbean Group’s growing collection of land-based destinations.

Sales opened early to Crown & Anchor Society members on 29th October, and then opened to the general public on 30th October 2025.

New Shoreside Experiences and European Expansion

The Santorini beach club is part of the company’s “Ultimate Santorini Day,” blending guided tours of the island’s landmarks with a luxury beach retreat.

Details, including the exact location and entry costs, have not yet been disclosed, but the concept follows the model of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, opening in The Bahamas in December 2025.

Three ships – Rhapsody of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas – will visit the new Santorini club.

Royal Caribbean’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, confirmed earlier this month that the Santorini beach club will be open to guests sailing with both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Where Each Ship Will Sail in Summer 2027

Legend of the Seas (Icon Class)

The 5,610-guest Legend of the Seas, entering service in July 2026, will spend her second summer in the Mediterranean, sailing Western Mediterranean itineraries from both Barcelona and Rome.

Rhapsody of the Seas (Vision Class)

Carrying 2,040 passengers, Rhapsody of the Seas will operate from Athens, sailing 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises visiting Greece, Turkey, and Egypt – including calls to Royal Beach Club Santorini.

Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class)

Making her Southampton debut, the 4,000-guest Mariner of the Seas will offer a variety of cruises ranging from two-night short getaways to nine-night voyages. Destinations include Porto, Seville, and the Norwegian fjords, as well as stops in Denmark.

Explorer of the Seas (Voyager Class)

Based in Barcelona, Rome, Ravenna, and Athens, Explorer of the Seas will offer Eastern and Western Mediterranean itineraries, visiting Italy, France, Spain, and the Adriatic ports of Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece.

Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Class)

Operating from Rome, the 4,284-guest Odyssey of the Seas will sail 7-night Greek Island cruises, with calls in Mykonos and Santorini, where guests can experience the new Royal Beach Club.

Brilliance of the Seas (Radiance Class)

The 2,145-guest Brilliance of the Seas will homeport in Ravenna, sailing 7-night Greek Island and Croatia cruises, also featuring the Santorini beach club as a key highlight.

Reduced European Capacity

While the line-up of ships coming to Europe has been given the typical fanfare of a new season launch, it is worth noting that 2027 actually sees a reduction in capacity for Europe, in terms of ship size at least, when compared with 2026.

Brilliance, Explorer, Legend and Odyssey will all be returning to Europe in 2027 after a 2026 season sailing the continent, but two of the ships are changes. Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas are sailing in Europe in 2026, replaced by Rhapsody of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas.

That’s a drop in passenger capacity of around 5,500 berths – mainly due to the departing Harmony of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship that can host over 6,700 guests at maximum capacity.

However, the overall 2027 capacity will likely be similar, as there are more itineraries available – 51 cruises are offered for 2026, with 57 offered for 2027.

Expanding the Royal Beach Club Portfolio

The Santorini development is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s wider plan to grow its land-based experiences from two to eight destinations by 2028, following the model of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Upcoming projects include:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (The Bahamas) – Opening December 2025
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel (Mexico) – 2026
• Perfect Day Mexico – 2027
• Royal Beach Club Lelepa (Vanuatu) – 2028

With the addition of Santorini, Royal Caribbean is expanding its presence in Europe while offering guests new ways to combine authentic local exploration with premium resort-style relaxation.

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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 Australian family is demanding answers after 80-year-old Suzanne Rees was found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after being left behind by her cruise ship.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday, 25th October, when Ms Rees, from New South Wales, joined fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer on a guided hike to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest peak.

The vessel, which was on the first leg of a 60-day circumnavigation of Australia, departed the island at sunset before realising several hours later that one of its guests was missing.

When the ship returned, a large-scale search was launched involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), local police, and helicopters using spotlights to sweep the island through the night. Her body was discovered the following morning.

Queensland Police said a report into the “sudden and non-suspicious death” would be prepared for the coroner.

Daughter Accuses Operator of “Failure of Care and Common Sense”

Speaking publicly for the first time, Ms Rees’s daughter Katherine Rees said she was “shocked and saddened” that the Coral Adventurer had left “without my mum”, whom she described as healthy, active, a keen gardener and bushwalker.

“From the little we have been told, it seems that there was a failure of care and common sense,” she said.

She added that police had told the family it was a hot day when her mother began to feel unwell on the climb.

“She was asked to head down, unescorted. Then the ship left, apparently without doing a passenger count. At some stage in that sequence, or shortly after, Mum died, alone,” Ms Rees said.

She now hopes a coronial inquiry will “find out what the company should have done that might have saved Mum’s life”.

Search Effort and Investigation

A spokesperson for AMSA confirmed it was first alerted to the missing woman around 9 pm on Saturday by the ship’s captain. Search crews returned to the island but called off operations in the early hours before resuming at first light on Sunday, when Ms Rees’s body was found.

Witness Traci Ayris, who was sailing nearby, told the ABC that she saw search helicopters circling the island during the night.

“We knew she was dead because they called everyone back from the search immediately,” she said. “And no-one went to the spot that the chopper was hovering over until later that day when the police arrived.”

Ms Ayris described the mood among those nearby as “very sad in this paradise to have this tragedy occur. It should have been a happy time for that lovely lady.”

AMSA said it takes the safety of passengers and crew on commercial vessels “very seriously” and is working with Queensland Police and other agencies to investigate.

The Coral Adventurer’s operator, Coral Expeditions, confirmed that staff had contacted the family and were offering support.

“While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman’s family,” said Mark Fifield, the company’s chief executive. “We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation.”

Questions Over Cruise Procedures

The Coral Adventurer carries up to 120 passengers with 46 crew and operates small-boat tenders to transport guests to remote shore excursions.

The ship has since continued its voyage to Darwin, though an investigation will take place once it docks.

Every cruise I have sailed on has systems in place to help track guests who have gone ashore, to make sure nothing like this happens.

If someone doesn’t return to the ship, the ship may leave if it assumes they have gone exploring on their own, or via a third party tour, and not made it back to the ship.

But they would definitely make contact with the missing guest, or alert the authorities if they noticed an elderly guest hadn’t returned and was likely alone.

As the investigation continues, Ms Rees’s family says they hope her death will prompt a review of how expedition cruise operators monitor guests ashore.

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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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As Hurricane Melissa barrels toward Jamaica with destructive force, cruise lines across the Caribbean are rerouting ships and cancelling port calls to keep passengers and crew safe – while officials…

As Hurricane Melissa barrels toward Jamaica with destructive force, cruise lines across the Caribbean are rerouting ships and cancelling port calls to keep passengers and crew safe – while officials brace for what could be the strongest storm in the island’s history.

The Category 5 hurricane, packing sustained winds of more than 175 mph, is bringing catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges.

Jamaica’s government has declared a national state of emergency and mobilised resources as towns along the southern and eastern coasts prepare for impact.

Cruise Lines Divert as Safety Precaution

While the humanitarian focus remains firmly on Jamaica and its people, the storm’s wide reach has also forced cruise lines to alter itineraries across the region.

Ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line have each announced course changes to avoid the storm’s path.

Carnival confirmed adjustments to at least five vessels – Liberty, Celebration, Dream, Sunrise, and Vista – rerouting them away from Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean. Montego Bay, one of the country’s most popular cruise ports, has been removed from several itineraries as the hurricane approaches.

“Safety is our priority, and we continue to track conditions carefully, factoring in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and local port authorities,” Carnival said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, and Celebrity Beyond have each swapped their Eastern Caribbean routes for Western ones, calling at destinations such as Cozumel, Roatán, and Belize instead of St. Thomas, St. Maarten, or the Dominican Republic.

Royal Caribbean Group described the decision as a precautionary measure, with Chief Executive Jason Liberty emphasising that guest and crew safety “always comes first.”

Disney Cruise Line has also made significant changes. Disney Treasure will now sail to Cozumel and spend two days at the company’s private island, Castaway Cay, while Disney Wish has rearranged its Bahamian port visits to avoid deteriorating conditions later in the week.

Jamaica and Neighbouring Islands Brace for Impact

Forecasters warn that Melissa could bring up to 40 inches of rainfall in parts of Jamaica, raising the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Neighbouring regions – including the Turks and Caicos, eastern Cuba, and the Bahamas – are also under hurricane warnings as the storm is expected to track northeast later in the week.

Airports across Jamaica have suspended operations, and ships already at sea are steering well clear of the island and surrounding waters.

Cruise lines have stressed that itinerary adjustments are minor compared to the potential devastation ashore. In recent years, many have joined humanitarian relief efforts following major storms, and they are expected to assist again once port conditions allow.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists say Hurricane Melissa could be one of the most powerful storms to strike the Caribbean in decades.

Beyond the immediate threat, the storm is likely to disrupt tourism across the region, affecting not just cruise schedules but also hotels, flights, and local businesses that rely heavily on visitor spending.

For now, the focus remains on the safety of island residents and travellers alike.

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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

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