News

A search is underway after a crew member went overboard from Viking Star while the ship was sailing in the southern Aegean Sea on Monday, 27th October 2025.

The incident occurred at 11:31 am local time, when the crew member was seen entering the water as the 47,800-gross-ton ship travelled between Crete and Sicily during a seven-night Mediterranean voyage.

“The ship’s emergency response was immediately activated, and an extensive search operation was launched, in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard,” Viking Cruises said in a statement.

Photos taken from nearby show a smoke flare deployed into the sea to mark the location of the incident, alongside several life rings tossed overboard to aid in the search.

Ship Released from Search

Marine tracking data indicates that Viking Star circled the search area for several hours before being released from the operation at approximately 6:00 pm local time.

“The Italian Coast Guard has jurisdiction over the operation and is continuing the search. At 6:00 pm local time, the Italian Coast Guard released the ship from the search efforts; it will now proceed on its journey,” the cruise line confirmed.

It is standard protocol for a cruise ship to assist in an initial overboard search until local rescue authorities take over. Specially equipped vessels and aircraft are typically better suited to prolonged search operations.

Viking Star’s next port of call was Messina, Sicily, where she arrived on Tuesday, 28th October. The itinerary will then continue to Naples on 29th October and Civitavecchia (Rome) on 30th October for disembarkation.

According to the ship’s manifest, Viking Star is carrying 925 guests and 471 crew members. She can accommodate up to 930 passengers depending on occupancy.

“We are deeply saddened by what has occurred. Our thoughts are with the family of our crew member, and we will continue to support them during this difficult time,” Viking added.

A Difficult Week for the Cruise Industry

This latest tragedy follows a series of distressing incidents across multiple cruise lines in recent days.

On Sunday, 26th October, a crew member aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia died following an onboard accident while the ship was en route from Southampton to Tenerife. The line has not released further details but confirmed that the individual’s family and colleagues are being supported.

Less than a week earlier, on 21st October, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel conducted a 10-hour search near the Azores after a person went overboard during a repositioning voyage from Barcelona to Miami. The search was ultimately unsuccessful.

Overboard and onboard fatalities are extremely rare, but each case prompts detailed investigations to ensure safety procedures are properly followed.

Viking Star continues to operate in the Mediterranean year-round, visiting ports in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Croatia as part of her regular itineraries.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

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…

A crew member has died following an accident onboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, the cruise line has confirmed. The incident occurred on Sunday, 26th October 2025, while the ship was sailing…

A new cruise designed specifically for Muslim travellers is set to make history when it departs from Port Klang, Malaysia, on 29th November 2025. The ship, named M/V Piano Land…

It was a landmark day for Royal Caribbean Group, as the cruise giant celebrated three major shipbuilding milestones at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – one for…

Royal Caribbean Group has announced a major update to its loyalty programmes that will soon allow passengers to earn and apply points interchangeably across its three cruise brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

The new initiative, called Points Choice, was unveiled by Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty during the company’s latest earnings call and will launch in early 2026.

The change means that for the first time, guests will be able to decide where to allocate the loyalty points they earn – regardless of which cruise line they sail with.

Loyalty Points Across All Three Brands

“Building on the success of status match, I’m excited to announce Points Choice, the next evolution in how guests earn and apply loyalty points across our family of brands beginning in early 2026,” said Liberty.

Until now, points earned under Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society were kept separate, even though passengers could already match their tier status between the brands.

Under the new system, passengers who sail with any Royal Caribbean Group line can choose which programme their points contribute to.

For example, a Royal Caribbean guest sailing on Celebrity Cruises for the first time will be able to apply the points from that voyage to either the Crown & Anchor Society or Captain’s Club – whichever programme they prefer.

However, points already earned will not be transferable between brands. Points Choice will only apply to cruises departing after the official launch date in 2026.

All three loyalty schemes will retain their current benefits, and the existing Status Match programme will remain unchanged, meaning members will still enjoy tier-matching across all three cruise lines.

Strengthening Loyalty Across Brands

Liberty said the new initiative reflects Royal Caribbean Group’s goal of deepening customer loyalty and encouraging repeat business across its portfolio.

“This initiative further strengthens the overall value of our loyalty proposition, deepening engagement across our portfolio and reinforcing our commitment to putting the guests at the centre of our orbit as our ecosystem expands,” he explained.

He added that the change creates “a virtuous cycle of demand, value and advocacy… one that drives both short-term performance and enduring growth.”

Long-Term Strategy for a Unified Loyalty Platform

Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley had previously hinted that the company was working on improving cross-brand loyalty benefits.

Speaking earlier in 2025, Bayley said: “You’ll see over the coming months and year or two that things will continue to improve in terms of accessibility, simplicity, making it easier to sail between the brands, get offers, this type of thing.”

He added that the long-term goal was to create “a one platform database of our loyalty members for Royal Caribbean Group,” suggesting that Points Choice may be the first step toward a fully integrated loyalty ecosystem across the company’s brands.

More details – including the precise exchange rates, eligibility, and programme rules – will be announced closer to the official rollout in 2026.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

A search is underway after a crew member went overboard from Viking Star while the ship was sailing in the southern Aegean Sea on Monday, 27th October 2025. The incident…

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…

A crew member has died following an accident onboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, the cruise line has confirmed. The incident occurred on Sunday, 26th October 2025, while the ship was sailing…

A new cruise designed specifically for Muslim travellers is set to make history when it departs from Port Klang, Malaysia, on 29th November 2025. The ship, named M/V Piano Land…

Royal Caribbean Group has announced plans to open the Royal Beach Club Santorini in summer 2026, marking a major expansion of the company’s growing portfolio of exclusive land-based destinations.

Set to welcome guests from both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, the new beach club will combine the iconic volcanic scenery of Santorini with the cruise company’s signature hospitality and service.

Guests visiting the island will be able to enjoy what Royal Caribbean calls the “Ultimate Santorini Day” – combining time at the new beach club with tours of the island’s most famous spots.

That’ll include the whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches of Oia, and the bustling cafés, boutiques, and galleries of Fira.

“A Bold Step Forward”

“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini – one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations – is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028,”

“We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems – from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach club culture – creating a balanced, authentic island experience.”

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, added: “Santorini is an incredible destination that our guests love to explore, and with this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for.”

Spreading Out the Crowds

One of the new destination’s key goals is to help reduce congestion on the island – an issue that has long been a concern for Santorini locals and visitors alike.

Royal Caribbean Group says the Royal Beach Club Santorini will introduce a new system to better distribute passengers across the island by offering three starting locations for excursions, allowing guests to explore without adding to bottlenecks in popular tourist areas.

The move comes as part of the company’s wider effort to support sustainable tourism while creating what it calls “authentic, balanced island experiences.”

Expanding Royal Caribbean Group’s Destination Portfolio

The Santorini project follows the December 2025 debut of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas – the first in the line’s new beach club collection.

It also joins a growing list of Royal Caribbean Group’s land-based destinations, including:

• Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas)
• Labadee (Haiti)
• The Cormorant at 55 South (Chile, 2026)
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel (Mexico, 2026)
• Perfect Day Mexico (2027)
• Royal Beach Club Lelepa (Vanuatu, 2028)

By 2028, the company expects to grow its shore-based portfolio from two to eight destinations worldwide.

The opening of Royal Beach Club Santorini is set to further cement Royal Caribbean Group’s presence in Greece, a country that continues to rank among the most in-demand destinations in Europe for cruise travellers.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean Group has announced a major update to its loyalty programmes that will soon allow passengers to earn and apply points interchangeably across its three cruise brands – Royal…

A search is underway after a crew member went overboard from Viking Star while the ship was sailing in the southern Aegean Sea on Monday, 27th October 2025. The incident…

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…

A crew member has died following an accident onboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, the cruise line has confirmed. The incident occurred on Sunday, 26th October 2025, while the ship was sailing…

A new cruise designed specifically for Muslim travellers is set to make history when it departs from Port Klang, Malaysia, on 29th November 2025.

The ship, named M/V Piano Land (the former Oriana for P&O Cruises), is being billed as the world’s first fully Muslim-friendly cruise – offering 100% halal-certified food, alcohol-free beverages, dedicated prayer rooms, and onboard guidance for prayer times. Even afternoon tea will be served halal.

Operating under a partnership between Astro Ocean Cruise and Hwajing Travel & Tours, the ship supports Malaysia’s ambition to become a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism.

The 1,760-passenger vessel will sail a series of short itineraries, including a three-day, two-night route between Penang and Port Klang, and a four-day, three-night voyage covering Penang and Langkawi.

“A Huge Step Forward” for Muslim Travellers

Speaking to Metro, Hassan Bulbul, a Leicester-based travel content creator and winner of Halal Travel Influencer of the Year, said he welcomed the initiative.

“This is amazing – I’m really excited for it because the one thing I’ve not been able to do yet is go on a cruise,

“The biggest thing stopping me is that the majority of cruises unfortunately don’t have Muslim-friendly facilities.”

Bulbul, who regularly documents the challenges of travelling as a Muslim, said access to halal-certified food remains the biggest obstacle when planning holidays.

“As Muslims, we need to have our food halal certified, so there’s a lot we can’t eat or that need to be made in a certain way.“

He recalled struggling to find suitable food during visits to Venice and Barcelona, and said it can also be difficult to locate nearby mosques or prayer spaces in some European cities.

“We don’t expect every country to change everything in accordance with us, it just makes things easier and it feels a bit more welcoming,,”

Dining, Wellness and Family Experiences

Onboard Piano Land, guests can expect menus showcasing halal international cuisine, including Hong Kong-style roasted duck and an array of mocktails served across the ship’s restaurants and lounges.

In addition to its religious facilities, the cruise will feature children’s clubs, family entertainment, spa treatments, and wellness workshops promoting mindful living.

Bulbul said the launch is an important milestone for inclusivity in travel.

“This is a huge step forward for the halal travel industry,

“Catering for Muslim guests doesn’t affect non-Muslims it just opens cruising up to more people. Hopefully the success of this ship will inspire other lines to do the same.”

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

It was a landmark day for Royal Caribbean Group, as the cruise giant celebrated three major shipbuilding milestones at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – one for…

A picturesque autumn cruise through Canada and New England has turned sour after dozens of passengers aboard Oceania Cruises’ Insignia fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms linked to norovirus. The Insignia…

A 77-year-old cruise passenger from the United States has been deported from Italy after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in…

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic came to the aid of dozens of people in distress after spotting an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea on the night of 22nd October…

A crew member has died following an accident onboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, the cruise line has confirmed.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 26th October 2025, while the ship was sailing from Southampton at the start of a 14-night voyage to Barbados.

In a statement, P&O Cruises said it was supporting those affected.

“We can confirm the death of a crewmember following an accident on board Arvia yesterday,

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends both on board and at home, and we are providing every possible support to them.”

P&O Cruises spokesperson

The company has not released details about the crew member’s identity or role, citing respect for the family’s privacy.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the accident has not been disclosed. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and ensure that all safety procedures were followed.

The 185,600-gross-ton ship, which entered service in 2022, remains fully operational.

The itinerary is continuing as scheduled, with a call in Tenerife on Tuesday, 28th October, followed by St Maarten, St Kitts, and St Lucia before reaching Barbados on 7th November.

Arvia carries up to 6,685 passengers and 1,700 crew members and is the newest and largest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet.

Rare Tragedy at Sea

Accidents resulting in fatalities among cruise ship crew are rare but not unprecedented.

In March 2024, two crew members aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam were killed by a steam leak in an engineering space while the ship was docked at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

More recently, Diamond Princess captain Michele Bartolomei died of a medical emergency in port in Taiwan in May 2025, and Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas captain James MacDonald passed away following a heart attack in Cozumel, Mexico, in April 2024.

While investigations into such cases are standard procedure, they are a reminder of the complex and often demanding environments in which cruise crews work.

P&O Cruises said it continues to offer support to the ship’s team, who are assisting investigators and comforting one another following the loss.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

A new cruise designed specifically for Muslim travellers is set to make history when it departs from Port Klang, Malaysia, on 29th November 2025. The ship, named M/V Piano Land…

It was a landmark day for Royal Caribbean Group, as the cruise giant celebrated three major shipbuilding milestones at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – one for…

A picturesque autumn cruise through Canada and New England has turned sour after dozens of passengers aboard Oceania Cruises’ Insignia fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms linked to norovirus. The Insignia…

A 77-year-old cruise passenger from the United States has been deported from Italy after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in…

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic came to the aid of dozens of people in distress after spotting an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea on the night of 22nd October 2025.

The dramatic rescue took place during the early stages of the ship’s 11-night round-trip cruise to the Greek Isles and Italy, which had departed from Civitavecchia (Rome) just a day earlier.

Guests onboard said the 4,070-passenger vessel stopped suddenly after the small boat was sighted, and that the rescue operation lasted several hours.

“We had to stop in the middle of the Med and rescue 67 migrants that were in a 30-foot sailboat,” one passenger wrote on Reddit. “It took a few hours for the crew to get them onboard.”

The Norwegian Epic, which measures in at 155,873 gross tonnes, would have been sailing southeast towards Santorini, the first scheduled port of call, when the operation took place.

A Law of the Sea

Under international maritime law – specifically the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention – ships are legally and morally obliged to assist anyone in distress at sea, provided doing so does not endanger passengers or crew.

Once safely aboard, rescued individuals are typically given food, water, medical checks and temporary shelter in a restricted area away from paying guests.

They are then handed over to local authorities at the next available port.

Although Norwegian Cruise Line has yet to issue an official statement, passengers praised the crew’s professionalism and compassion throughout the ordeal.

Port Change and Missed Call

The humanitarian diversion did have an operational consequence: the ship’s planned call to Santorini on 23rd October was cancelled.

Guests awoke to find the Epic docking at a mainland Greek port instead, where the 67 refugees were transferred to the Greek Coast Guard.

“We were supposed to hand them over in Santorini, but the authorities wanted them brought to the mainland,” the same cruiser explained. “I’m a bit disappointed to miss Santorini again, but it’s understandable.”

After completing the handover, the Norwegian Epic resumed her planned route and made her expected call at Piraeus (Athens) on 24th October, with Mykonos, Valletta, Syracuse, Salerno, Livorno, and Cannes to follow, before returning to Rome on 1st November 2025.

Not the First Rescue

It’s not the first time a cruise ship has diverted to help migrants in the Mediterranean, where small, overcrowded vessels regularly get into difficulty.

Cruise lines – particularly those operating between Italy, Greece, and Malta – have frequently participated in rescues at sea over the years, often in coordination with European coastguards.

While some passengers expressed disappointment over the missed port, most agreed that the crew did exactly what was required – putting human life above all else.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

A search lasting more than ten hours has ended after a person went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025, during…

A shocking video showing two teenagers climbing between balconies on a cruise ship has gone viral, sparking fierce debate online about passenger safety – and whether private balconies should even…

Luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a light on the dark – quite literally – as it embraces noctourism, the growing travel trend centred on discovering destinations after sunset. “The…

An investigation has shed new light on the terrifying man overboard incident that took place aboard Disney Dream on 29th June 2025, when a five-year-old girl fell 50 feet from…

A 77-year-old cruise passenger from the United States has been deported from Italy after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in Ravenna.

The man, who had travelled from Tennessee with his son to join a cruise holiday, was stopped during routine screening when the terminal’s X-ray machine revealed a 6.35mm Browning semi-automatic pistol.

Authorities confirmed that the weapon was fully loaded, with a magazine inserted and one round already chambered – meaning it could have fired.

The traveller told officials that he held a valid gun licence in the United States and had simply “forgotten” that the firearm was in his bag.

Strict Firearm Laws in Italy

Italian gun laws are among the strictest in Europe, and firearm permits are rarely issued to tourists, regardless of documentation from their home country.

Bringing a weapon into the country without prior authorisation can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

In this case, Italian police seized the weapon, charged the man with illegal firearm possession, and promptly deported him.

A similar incident occurred earlier this year in Japan, when a 73-year-old American passenger was arrested at Kobe Cruise Terminal for attempting to board with a handgun in his luggage.

A Costly Mistake

The passenger’s deportation meant the abrupt end of his holiday – and possibly more lasting consequences. Cruise lines strictly prohibit weapons of any kind onboard, and carrying one can lead to a lifetime ban.

Even if the guest genuinely forgot about the gun, cruise operators must assume zero tolerance for such security breaches.

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, banned two passengers for life in 2024 after they smuggled a gun onto a ship and boasted about it on social media. Earlier this year, another cruiser was arrested in Aruba while attempting to board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas with a firearm.

Even toy weapons, such as replica or Nerf-style blasters, are forbidden as they could easily cause confusion or alarm.

Security staff at ports and onboard ships are trained to treat any potential weapon as a real threat until proven otherwise.

Possible Ship Identified

Authorities have not confirmed which cruise ship the man had been due to board.

However, local reports suggest it was a vessel sailing from Ravenna to Croatia and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) – an itinerary that matches Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation, which departed on 20th October 2025.

That sailing is an 11-night voyage through Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy, making it the most likely match.

By contrast, Celebrity Eclipse and Mein Schiff 6 both visited Ravenna earlier in October but did not continue to Rome. The next cruise call to the port is scheduled for 5th November 2025, when Norwegian Viva arrives – hopefully under calmer circumstances.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic came to the aid of dozens of people in distress after spotting an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea on the night of 22nd October…

A search lasting more than ten hours has ended after a person went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025, during…

A shocking video showing two teenagers climbing between balconies on a cruise ship has gone viral, sparking fierce debate online about passenger safety – and whether private balconies should even…

Luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a light on the dark – quite literally – as it embraces noctourism, the growing travel trend centred on discovering destinations after sunset. “The…

It was a landmark day for Royal Caribbean Group, as the cruise giant celebrated three major shipbuilding milestones at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – one for Royal Caribbean International and two for Celebrity Cruises.

The event saw the steel cutting for Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis-class ship, the delivery of Celebrity Xcel, and the steel cutting for Celebrity Xcite, the sixth vessel in Celebrity’s acclaimed Edge-class series.

Together, the achievements mark a powerful demonstration of the company’s continued investment in design innovation and sustainable shipbuilding across its brands.

Construction Begins on Seventh Oasis-Class Ship

Royal Caribbean officially began construction on its next Oasis-class vessel on 23rd October 2025, when the first piece of steel was cut – a symbolic first step in the creation of what will become one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

The yet-to-be-named ship will debut in 2028 and continue the legacy of the record-breaking class that began with Oasis of the Seas in 2009.

Representatives from Royal Caribbean Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique attended the steel-cutting ceremony, which marked the moment the design phase moved into physical construction.

The Oasis class revolutionised modern cruising with its “neighbourhood” concept, dividing the ship into themed districts such as Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

Although few details have been revealed about the seventh ship, it is expected to build on this evolution with new experiences and sustainability features.

Over the coming years, the shipyard will assemble its massive hull blocks, install internal systems, and complete sea trials before delivery in 2028.

Celebrity Cruises Welcomes Celebrity Xcel and Begins Building Xcite

At the same time, Royal Caribbean Group’s premium brand, Celebrity Cruises, officially took delivery of its newest Edge-class ship – Celebrity Xcel – and announced the start of construction for her sister ship, Celebrity Xcite.

The 140,600-gross-ton Celebrity Xcel is the fifth ship in the Edge series and will accommodate up to 3,950 guests.

Like her sisters, she features Infinite Veranda staterooms, the Magic Carpet – a cantilevered platform that moves between decks – and the elegant three-deck Grand Plaza.

The ship also continues Celebrity’s push toward cleaner energy use, designed to be methanol-capable to reduce emissions.

“Each ship in the Edge Series has reimagined what’s possible at sea through elevated design and experiences that deepen the connection to the destinations being visited,”

“With Celebrity Xcel now joining the fleet and Celebrity Xcite on the horizon, we’re continuing to set new standards for excellence and innovation alongside our trusted partners at Chantiers de l’Atlantique.”

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge, ship’s captain Kyriakos Matragkas, and the vessel’s 1,600 crew members attended the handover ceremony, celebrating the completion of construction that began in June 2024.

The same day, the steel-cutting ceremony for Celebrity Xcite marked the formal start of the sixth Edge-class ship’s build, with delivery set for 2028. This ceremony also marked the reveal of the ship’s name.

A Celebration of Innovation

All of Celebrity’s Edge-class ships have been constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, beginning with Celebrity Edge in 2018. Shipyard General Manager Laurent Castaing praised the long-running collaboration, noting that “Celebrity Xcel and the entire Edge Series are the result of close teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence.”

The shipyard is also responsible for building Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, highlighting the close partnership between the French yard and Royal Caribbean Group that spans both its mainstream and premium brands.

Setting Sail Into the Future

Celebrity Xcel will debut ahead of schedule, departing Port Everglades on 9th November 2025 for a four-night preview cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, followed by her maiden five-night voyage on 18 November to Cozumel and Bimini, Bahamas.

From late 2025 through spring 2026, she will operate 7-night Caribbean itineraries, before repositioning to Barcelona in summer 2026 for Mediterranean sailings.

Her second winter season will be based in Miami from November 2026.

As for Celebrity Xcite, her design details and itineraries are yet to be announced, but she will continue the Edge-class tradition of luxury innovation when she joins the fleet in 2028 – coinciding with the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis-class giant.

Together, these three milestones underline Royal Caribbean Group’s continued dominance in shipbuilding and innovation, with both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises preparing to deliver the next generation of experiences at sea.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

A picturesque autumn cruise through Canada and New England has turned sour after dozens of passengers aboard Oceania Cruises’ Insignia fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms linked to norovirus. The Insignia…

A 77-year-old cruise passenger from the United States has been deported from Italy after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in…

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic came to the aid of dozens of people in distress after spotting an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea on the night of 22nd October…

A search lasting more than ten hours has ended after a person went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025, during…

A picturesque autumn cruise through Canada and New England has turned sour after dozens of passengers aboard Oceania Cruises’ Insignia fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms linked to norovirus.

The Insignia departed Montreal on 16th October 2025 for an 11-night voyage to Boston, but by 20th October, 74 of the 637 guests and one crew member out of 391 had reported illness, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Health officials have since confirmed norovirus as the cause.

Cruise Itinerary and Response

The 30,277-gross-ton vessel is operating an autumn foliage itinerary calling at Quebec City, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Corner Brook, Sydney, Halifax, and Saint John, before visiting Portland, Maine, and concluding in Boston on 27th October.

The outbreak was reported while the ship was sailing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Once cases were detected, the crew immediately activated its outbreak prevention protocols – isolating affected guests in their cabins, increasing sanitation of public spaces, and switching dining services to crew-assisted stations to limit shared contact points.

High-touch areas such as railings, lift buttons, and door handles are receiving enhanced cleaning, and crew are following strict hygiene procedures.

As the number of cases surpassed reporting thresholds – equivalent to 11.6% of passengers – Oceania Cruises alerted US health authorities as required.

“VSP [Vessel Sanitation Program] is remotely monitoring the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures,” the CDC confirmed in a statement.

The CDC notes that illness counts are cumulative and may fluctuate if new cases emerge before the voyage ends.

Understanding Norovirus

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, responsible for vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. It spreads rapidly in close-contact settings such as cruise ships, schools, and care facilities, where even small traces of contamination can transmit infection.

While symptoms typically last only one to three days, the virus can linger on surfaces and remains infectious even after recovery, making containment difficult in shared environments.

Passengers are urged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or after using the toilet. Alcohol-based sanitiser, the CDC warns, is less effective against norovirus.

A Challenging Year for Cruise Health

The Insignia outbreak marks the first norovirus incident of 2025 for Oceania Cruises but adds to a growing list of cases across the industry this year.

The CDC has now logged 15 confirmed norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships in 2025, plus additional cases of other gastrointestinal illnesses.

Earlier in the year, Holland America Line’s Volendam reported infections in January, followed by further monthly cases through May. Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas also faced outbreaks during the summer and early autumn.

Including unrelated incidents of E. coli, Ciguatera seafood poisoning, and three outbreaks with unconfirmed causes, 2025 has already seen 20 total cruise illness events, surpassing the 18 recorded in 2024.

Staying Safe Onboard

Health authorities recommend that guests who experience vomiting or diarrhoea immediately inform the ship’s medical team and remain in isolation to prevent spreading the virus.

Norovirus can disrupt even the most well-maintained ships, but with quick reporting and cooperation from passengers, outbreaks can often be contained before they spoil the entire voyage.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

A 77-year-old cruise passenger from the United States has been deported from Italy after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in his backpack at the Porto Corsini Cruise Terminal in…

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic came to the aid of dozens of people in distress after spotting an overcrowded sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea on the night of 22nd October…

A search lasting more than ten hours has ended after a person went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st October 2025, during…

A shocking video showing two teenagers climbing between balconies on a cruise ship has gone viral, sparking fierce debate online about passenger safety – and whether private balconies should even…

Luxury cruise line Seabourn is shining a light on the dark – quite literally – as it embraces noctourism, the growing travel trend centred on discovering destinations after sunset.

“The night has always held a special allure, and our after-dark experiences invite guests to see the world in ways that are both rare and unforgettable,

“From stargazing in the most remote corners of the globe to exclusive evenings at world treasures like Ephesus, these are the kinds of moments our guests remember most and remind them why travel is so powerful,”

Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn

The ultra-luxury line is leaning into the fascination of the night sky and the mystery of evening adventure with a carefully curated collection of new and returning After-Dark Experiences for its 2026 season.

After-Dark Highlights

Among the signature events that define Seabourn’s nocturnal offerings are:

An Evening at Ephesus – A hallmark Seabourn event, where guests enjoy a private classical concert beneath the stars in the ancient Odeon theatre.

Baining Fire Dance – A rare opportunity to witness this sacred tribal ceremony in Papua New Guinea’s Baining Mountains, traditionally performed only for significant life milestones.

Stargazing at Sea – Led by expedition experts in remote regions such as the Kimberley in Australia and the South Pacific.

Northern Lights Viewing – Guided evenings beneath the aurora borealis in Alaska, Greenland, and the Arctic.

Nighttime Shore Excursions

Seabourn’s evening excursions have also been expanded to showcase the atmosphere, wildlife, and culture of each destination in a new light. Highlights include:

• An Evening at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Hobart, Tasmania, where guests meet nocturnal species by torchlight.
• Night Snorkelling in Kona, Hawaii, to witness the mysterious marine life that emerges after dusk.
• Hong Kong by Night Tram Tour, offering a glittering perspective of the city’s iconic skyline.

Dining Beneath the Stars

Culinary experiences will also take on a nocturnal twist across Seabourn’s fleet.

Earth & Ocean transforms into an elegant al fresco dining destination, inviting guests to dine under the open sky.

The Colonnade Terrace will offer nightly regionally inspired, bistro-style dinners in an outdoor setting.

Select itineraries aboard Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation feature “Dinner Under the Stars” at The Retreat, offering a romantic and exclusive dining experience.

Solis, Seabourn’s new fine dining concept, will continue to impress with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and ocean-view terrace seating on the same ships.

For those who prefer privacy, in-suite dining remains available around the clock, with the option of a full multi-course meal from The Restaurant served on guests’ private verandas.

With its latest collection of experiences, Seabourn is not just redefining luxury cruising – it’s proving that some of the most magical moments at sea happen long after the sun goes down.

Related Posts

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

Read more about me

An investigation has shed new light on the terrifying man overboard incident that took place aboard Disney Dream on 29th June 2025, when a five-year-old girl fell 50 feet from…

Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, is set to make a dazzling entrance when she debuts in November 2025 – complete with brand-new theatre productions, immersive festivals, and lively late-night…

Cruise visits to the glamorous ports of the Côte d’Azur – including Cannes and Villefranche-sur-Mer – are set to become far more limited from 2026, as French authorities move to…

Cruise holidays are meant to be relaxed, but there’s one part of the evening routine where punctuality still matters – the main dining room. Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that…