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Royal Caribbean Unveils Its First-Ever Two-Story Casino

Royal Caribbean is preparing to make waves with its latest onboard innovation. When Legend of the Seas launches next summer, the ship will showcase an entertainment upgrade unlike anything in the fleet so far, and it’s aimed squarely at guests who love the excitement of the casino floor.

A First for Royal Caribbean: Two-Deck Casino

Rendering of Royal Caribbean’s new two-story casino on Legend of the Seas, featuring a central bar, slot machines across two decks, table games, and a sports bar area.

The headline feature is a brand-new, two-level casino, the largest ever built for Royal Caribbean. This breaks away from the single-deck designs seen on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

The cruise line teased the reveal in a message to casino loyalty members, describing it as a major leap forward for gaming at sea. For players, the expansion brings a sense of scale and energy that feels much closer to land-based casinos.

What to Expect Inside

Renderings show a dynamic casino spread across two floors. On the lower deck, guests will find a central bar surrounded by table games and slot machines. Upstairs, the action continues with banks of slots and a sleek sports bar for watching the big game between spins.

A wide staircase will connect both levels, with elevators ensuring easy access for all. The layout is designed for flow and openness, making it feel far more spacious than the compact gaming rooms found on most ships.

Location and Layout on Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas
Legend of the Seas float out at shipyard

Although official deck plans haven’t been updated yet, the space is expected to stretch across Decks 3 and 4. Early layouts show a large unused area on Deck 3 that fits the concept perfectly.

The expansion could allow for new features like high-limit areas or dedicated non-smoking sections. With two stories of gaming, the venue is poised to feel less like a tucked-away lounge and more like a marquee attraction — one that echoes the glamour of casinos on land.

Why Casinos Are Growing on Cruise Ships

Casinos have always been part of the cruise experience, but Royal Caribbean has recently made them a bigger focus. In fact, the line has swapped out underused venues like Jazz on 4 in favor of non-smoking casinos on its Oasis Class ships.

The reason is simple: guests love to play, and the revenue boost is hard to ignore. Bigger casinos mean more gaming options, and they’ve proven to be a winning formula for both the cruise line and passengers who enjoy a flutter.

Casino Royale

Another Big Reveal: Hollywoodland Supper Club

The two-story casino isn’t the only big reveal. Royal Caribbean also filed a trademark for the Hollywoodland Supper Club, confirming the name of the ship’s themed dining-and-entertainment venue.

It joins the brand’s growing lineup of supper clubs, following the New York-inspired version on Icon of the Seas and the Chicago-style venue on Star of the Seas. Hollywoodland will pay homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood, from the 1920s through the early 1960s, with live music, themed cocktails, and classic style.

Final Word

When Legend of the Seas sets sail, it will offer guests two bold new ways to enjoy evenings at sea: a dazzling two-level casino and an immersive Hollywood-inspired supper club.

With these additions, Royal Caribbean is doubling down on big, high-energy venues designed to wow. For cruisers, it means the nights onboard promise to be just as unforgettable as the days exploring in port.

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Camila Alves McConaughey and Matthew McConaughey standing together against a wooden backdrop, alongside a night-time view of the illuminated Star Princess cruise ship sailing under a starry sky.

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Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves Named Godparents of New Star Princess

Princess Cruises has announced that Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, will serve as godparents of the brand-new Star Princess, carrying on a maritime tradition that has included the likes of Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.

The Hollywood couple will officially christen the ship during a naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on November 6, 2025, before Star Princess begins her first Caribbean season.

Camila Alves McConaughey and Matthew McConaughey standing together against a wooden backdrop, alongside a night-time view of the illuminated Star Princess cruise ship sailing under a starry sky.
Matthew and Camila McConaughey

“We’re honoured to be godparents of the Star Princess,” the pair said in a joint statement. “With Princess, it’s not just a vacation – it’s time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories. This ship’s got that spirit built right in, and we’re proud to be part of her story from the beginning.”

Why the McConaugheys?

The McConaugheys aren’t just bringing Hollywood glamour to the role. The couple are co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila, which is already featured across Princess Cruises’ fleet. Popular onboard cocktails include the 24K Gold Margarita, made with their tequila, as part of the line’s Love Line Premium Liquors collection.

Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha said the McConaugheys embody the energy and warmth the line wanted to showcase with its newest ship.
“Their passion for life, dedication to giving back, and unmistakable charisma make them the perfect pair to christen our newest ship,” Antorcha explained.

About Star Princess

Star Princess

At 177,800 tonnes and carrying more than 4,300 guests, Star Princess is the sister ship to the recently launched Sun Princess. She will debut in Barcelona on 4 October 2025 before crossing the Atlantic for her first Caribbean season from Fort Lauderdale.

The ship introduces several standout features:

  • The Sanctuary Collection – a private luxury zone at sea with an exclusive restaurant, an adults-only Sanctuary Club pool deck, and upgraded amenities.
  • The Dome – a futuristic relaxation and entertainment venue with panoramic views.
  • The Princess Arena – Princess’ most advanced theatre yet.
  • The Piazza – the dramatic, glass-fronted atrium at the heart of the ship.

Guests will also find more than 1,500 balcony staterooms, 30 dining and bar venues, and a wide choice of entertainment and activities.

Where She’ll Sail

After her naming ceremony, Star Princess will begin Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale on 7 November 2025. Later, she will sail through the Panama Canal to begin her inaugural Alaska season in summer 2026. Voyages are already on sale through 2027.

Princess Cruises describes the new Sphere Class ships as its most innovative yet, combining large-ship amenities with a more personalised, yacht-style experience. With the McConaugheys at the helm as godparents, Star Princess looks set to make a memorable debut.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Multiple Sailings After Ship Swap

Cruise lines are constantly tweaking their schedules, even years after itineraries are first released. Ports can become overcrowded, new opportunities arise, and ships often get moved around to make the most of demand.

This time, it’s Norwegian Cruise Line making big adjustments, with multiple ships affected in late 2026 and early 2027.

A photo of the Norwegian-Gem on the sea
Norwegian Gem

Four Ships Involved

Four vessels are caught up in the shake-up: Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Joy.

For some, it means a complete homeport swap, while for others, select departures have been pulled from the calendar. Either way, thousands of passengers will see their travel plans disrupted.

Gem and Dawn Switch Places

Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Dawn have effectively traded assignments. Gem had originally been scheduled to sail from Jacksonville from November 2026, while Dawn was due to operate from Tampa. Those roles have now been reversed.

The change means a drop in capacity for Jacksonville, as Dawn is slightly smaller than Gem and carries around 50 fewer guests at double occupancy.

To accommodate the swap, all cruises for both ships within the transition period have been cancelled. That means no Dawn sailings between 1 November 2026 and 28 March 2027, and no Gem cruises from 1 November 2026 through 4 April 2027. New itineraries will be released shortly.

Getaway and Joy Lose Short Sailings

While Gem and Dawn are moving homeports, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Joy will stay based in Florida. Even so, both ships are losing a handful of short sailings towards the end of 2026.

Getaway’s cancelled departures include 16, 20 and 25 November, as well as 14 and 18 December. For Joy, the 18, 21, 24 and 28 December sailings have been cut.

Norwegian says the changes are due to “port availability,” which can be particularly restrictive on shorter itineraries. In place of the cancelled trips, longer, more destination-focused cruises are being planned and should be available to book soon.

Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway

What Happens for Booked Guests

Guests who had already reserved spots on the cancelled cruises aren’t left empty-handed. With the first affected departure more than a year away, there’s plenty of time to make alternative plans. Norwegian is also offering future cruise credit, giving travellers the chance to put the value of their booking towards another sailing.

In some cases, passengers may even end up with more appealing itineraries once the replacements are announced.

Why Cruise Schedules Change

It may feel disruptive, but these kinds of changes are a normal part of cruise planning. Ship deployments are decided years in advance, and many factors can force adjustments, from new port developments and rising local taxes to guest demand and competing cruise lines.

Sometimes the decision is about maximising profits, but in other cases, it’s simply down to ports changing their availability or adding restrictions that cruise lines have to work around.

Looking Ahead

While cancellations are never good news for those affected, new itineraries are already in the works. Norwegian has said these will focus on longer, more immersive cruises, which could mean new opportunities for passengers to visit destinations that aren’t normally included on shorter routes.

So, while some holidaymakers will need to rearrange their plans, there could be even more exciting adventures waiting just around the corner.

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Norovirus Outbreak Hits Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas

More than 70 passengers have fallen ill during a Royal Caribbean cruise after a gastrointestinal outbreak was confirmed onboard Serenade of the Seas.

The cruise set sail from San Diego on September 19, 2025, for a 13-night trip through the Panama Canal, scheduled to finish in Miami on October 2.

Serenade of the Seas

So far, 71 passengers and one crew member have experienced symptoms linked to norovirus. With 1,874 travellers on board this sailing, that represents 3.79% of the guest count. Under U.S. rules, any outbreak affecting 3% or more of those on a ship must be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This marks the first norovirus incident reported on Serenade of the Seas since 2006.

Preventative Measures Onboard

Royal Caribbean has isolated sick passengers and the affected crew member. Cleaning protocols have been intensified, and stool samples collected to confirm the cause of illness.

Guests are also being encouraged to practice regular handwashing and get adequate rest to protect themselves from catching the virus.

Despite the situation, the ship has remained on schedule. Its last stop was Cartagena, Colombia, on September 29, before heading for Miami.

How Often Do These Outbreaks Occur?

While gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships attracts attention, outbreaks remain relatively rare. Cruise lines must report cases whenever 3% or more of the ship’s population is affected.

According to the CDC, there were just 14 reported outbreaks in 2023 and 18 in 2024. With the Serenade of the Seas outbreak, the total for 2025 now stands at 19.

Royal Caribbean has already had two other ships experience outbreaks this year, Radiance of the Seas in February and Navigator of the Seas in July. Its Silversea brand has also seen isolated cases, including an E.coli incident on Silver Ray in January, but not all of those required official reporting.

What This Means for Cruisers

Norovirus spreads quickly but is generally short-lived, and most people recover without complications. Cruise lines are experienced in managing outbreaks through cleaning, isolation, and health protocols.

Considering that tens of millions of passengers cruise each year, the chances of encountering an outbreak remain low.

Serenade of the Seas continues its voyage, with most guests unaffected and enjoying the journey through the Panama Canal.

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Marella Loses Out as TUI Sends New Ships to Mein Schiff Instead

Marella Cruises has been dealt a major blow after parent company TUI AG confirmed that two long-awaited new ships will no longer join the UK brand. Instead, the vessels will be built for TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff fleet, strengthening the group’s position in the German-speaking market.

Mein Schiff 7

What Was Announced

On 29 September 2025, TUI and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed a firm contract for two new InTUItion-class cruise ships, scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032. These had originally been announced earlier this year for Marella Cruises, which would have marked the first time the line operated brand-new builds rather than second-hand vessels.

The new ships will measure around 160,000 gross tons each, making them among the largest in the TUI Cruises fleet. They will be sister ships to Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow and will feature dual-fuel LNG and marine gas oil engines, advanced energy-saving systems, and full shore-power connectivity to meet environmental standards.

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero called the deal proof of “trust and successful collaboration” with TUI and Royal Caribbean, which co-owns the Mein Schiff joint venture.

Why Mein Schiff Is Getting the Ships

The decision highlights TUI’s strategy to focus growth on its German-speaking market, where demand for premium cruising has remained strong. Mein Schiff has expanded steadily and already has two InTUItion-class ships entering service before the end of the decade.

What It Means for Marella

Marella Explorer

For Marella Cruises, the news is a setback. The line had been preparing to refresh its fleet with purpose-built ships, but with the slots reassigned, it is left without a clear path to renewal.

Its current ships will remain in service well into the next decade:

Most of the fleet is nearing or past the 30-year mark. While refurbishments help, older ships struggle to match newer vessels on fuel efficiency, emissions, and modern amenities. This could make it harder for Marella to attract younger cruisers or compete with rival lines deploying state-of-the-art ships in the UK market.

Looking Ahead

TUI has not ruled out future newbuilds for Marella, but the timeline is uncertain. In the meantime, the brand will rely on refurbishments and its reputation for friendly service and all-inclusive offerings to stay competitive.

For loyal passengers, the news may be disappointing, but Marella continues to operate popular itineraries across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond. The bigger question is how the brand fits into TUI’s long-term plans as the group doubles down on Mein Schiff’s growth in Germany.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces Fee for Extra Entrées

Norwegian Cruise Line is making changes to the way guests dine on board, with a new charge that has raised plenty of debate among cruisers.

From 26 September 2025, anyone who orders more than one main course in the complimentary dining rooms will be asked to pay five dollars for each additional entrée.

In the past, passengers could freely sample two or three mains during dinner, with no cost attached. It was part of what many considered the classic cruise dining experience, where variety and indulgence were encouraged.

Formally set dining table on a NCL cruise ship, featuring white china, crystal stemware, and golden utensils, with place cards indicating early dining reservations, all atop a white tablecloth with a deep blue carpeted floor as backdrop.

Under the new rule, the first main course is still included in the fare, but any extra entrées will carry a small fee. The update has not been widely announced, appearing instead in small print at the bottom of dining room menus.

New Specialty Dining Policy

Alongside this change, Norwegian has also updated its approach to specialty restaurant bookings. Guests aged 13 and older who do not cancel or adjust their reservation at least two hours before the scheduled time will be charged a ten-dollar penalty. The same applies to anyone who arrives more than 15 minutes late. Until now, passengers had up to 24 hours to cancel without a charge.

Why the New Fees?

The cruise line has not issued an official explanation, but industry watchers believe the five-dollar entrée charge is designed to reduce food waste and make dining service more efficient. Others suggest it is aimed at discouraging the habit of ordering multiple meals simply to sample them. While some passengers may see the change as reasonable, others feel it is another example of cruise lines looking for ways to squeeze more revenue out of the experience.

For now, Norwegian is the only major cruise line to introduce a fee for extra mains. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC continue to let guests order as many main dishes as they like without an added charge. Whether Norwegian’s competitors will follow its lead remains to be seen.

A woman in a red and white summer dress stands smiling at the dockside with the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship moored in the background, under a bright blue sky with some clouds.

What It Means for Cruisers

For most guests, the change will make little difference as long as they stick to one main dish at mealtimes. However, those who enjoy ordering extra plates will now need to factor in the small charge. The stricter specialty dining policy also means passengers should pay closer attention to managing reservations to avoid unexpected fees.

Cruise dining has long been known for its sense of abundance and freedom, and this policy marks a notable shift in that tradition. Whether passengers view the five-dollar charge as a fair move to cut waste or as a disappointing cutback, it is already sparking conversation across the cruise community.

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Glass Panel Shatters on Utopia of the Seas in Sixth Royal Caribbean Incident

Glass has shattered once again on a Royal Caribbean ship, this time on Utopia of the Seas. The incident marks the sixth time in just four months that a panel has broken across the cruise line’s fleet.

The latest incident took place in the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 15 of Utopia of the Seas. Photos shared online show a panel above the Boardwalk neighborhood balconies completely fractured, though it stayed in its frame and did not fall. Crew members quickly roped off the area, and the panel will be covered and replaced. No injuries have been reported, and the ship’s itinerary is unaffected.

The image is split into two parts. On the left, a close-up shows a worker's hand reaching out from a scaffolding or maintenance platform next to a large glass window on a cruise ship. On the right, the full exterior of the Utopia of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, is shown sailing through the ocean under clear skies.

The exact sailing when the panel broke has not been confirmed, but the images surfaced on Friday, September 26, which suggests the break occurred during the three night “World’s Biggest Weekend” cruise from Port Canaveral. These short getaways visit Perfect Day at CocoCay or include both Nassau and CocoCay on the longer four night version.

A Pattern of Incidents Across the Fleet

While broken glass is not unheard of on ships, the frequency of recent incidents is beginning to draw attention. Symphony of the Seas alone has had three separate cases since early June.

A panel in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant shattered on June 8, raining shards onto the pool deck below. On June 29 a canopy in the adults only Solarium fractured while the ship was docking in Port Canaveral. And in early August, a panel near the miniature golf course on Deck 16 shattered, possibly due to an errant golf ball.

On August 7, Icon of the Seas made headlines when part of its Frightening Bolt waterslide fractured mid ride, sending water pouring down. One guest was injured in that incident, and the slide has since been repaired with a solid section of material.

Symphony of the Seas Broken Glass Coastal Kitchen
Symphony of the Seas – Broken Glass from the Coastal Kitchen

Even the brand new Star of the Seas has experienced problems. Just before its maiden voyage, a panel on Deck 15 shattered on August 26. Guests nearby reported hearing a loud pop as the glass broke without any obvious cause.

What Could Be Behind the Breakages?

Royal Caribbean has not linked the incidents together, and there are many possible explanations. Glass can break due to impacts, manufacturing flaws, or weather stress, and each case may have a different root cause. What has been consistent is how quickly crew members have secured the areas and made repairs, ensuring there has been minimal disruption to sailings.

For now, passengers can be reassured that the breaks are rare events on ships carrying thousands of guests each week. Still, with six incidents in such a short time, many cruisers will be watching closely to see if Royal Caribbean offers any further explanation.

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Rogue Wave Rocks Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas on Return From Bermuda

Passengers sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas faced a dramatic moment when the ship encountered a rogue wave on its return leg from Bermuda, leaving dining rooms in disarray but thankfully causing no injuries.

The 78,340-gross-ton vessel departed Baltimore on 20th September for a 5-night roundtrip cruise to Bermuda.

As the ship sailed back toward Maryland, it was suddenly struck by a powerful wave that caused it to list heavily for several minutes.

Viral Video Captures the Chaos

A viral TikTok clip shows carts of plates sliding across the floor, glassware shattering, and crew members bracing themselves while trying to stabilize service equipment.

Diners clutched onto tables and chairs to avoid slipping.

“The ship hit some waves the wrong way and tipped for a few minutes. Everyone was holding on as not to slip,” the passenger explained, adding that liquor bottles smashed in the bar area, leaving the floor covered in glass.

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Despite the frightening scene, no injuries were reported. Some guests stumbled or lost balance, and children were understandably frightened, but crew members were quick to cordon off slippery areas and reassure passengers.

“They are trained and experienced,” the passenger said. “They are more worried about safety rather than the mess.”

The video has already drawn over 6 million views, with a follow-up clip reaching 1.6 million, sparking thousands of reactions from curious cruisers and seasoned travellers alike.

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Some context from the previous video

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Crew Response Earns Praise

Vision of the Seas, built in 1998, is among the oldest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, carrying more than 2,000 passengers.

While equipped with stabilizers to minimize movement, even modern cruise technology cannot fully counteract the force of a rogue wave.

These rare waves are often defined as twice the height of surrounding seas, making them difficult to predict.

Guests onboard praised the crew for keeping calm under pressure, with one social media user applauding a staff member’s “impressive catch” of a sliding cart. Another noted that while clean-up must have been overwhelming, “safety clearly came first.”

For some travellers, the motion was even part of the charm. One frequent cruiser commented, “The rocking felt like being rocked to sleep like a baby.”

What Exactly Is a Rogue Wave?

A rogue wave is a massive, unpredictable wall of water that appears suddenly and is much larger than the surrounding waves.

Scientists typically define them as waves at least twice the height of the significant wave height – essentially double the average of the largest waves in that part of the sea.

The largest officially recorded rogue wave was a 58-foot wall of water detected off the coast of British Columbia in 2020, though much larger waves – up to 120 feet – have been reported in the past.

Unlike tsunamis, which are caused by seismic activity and threaten coastlines, rogue waves are single, isolated phenomena at sea, often formed when fast-moving waves catch up with slower ones and combine.

While rogue waves can be powerful enough to damage or even sink smaller vessels, most modern cruise ships are built to withstand them.

They may cause listing, broken glass, or interior damage, but captains and crews are trained to minimize risk and keep passengers safe.

Cruise Continues as Scheduled

Though dining areas needed quick clean-up and safety checks, the incident lasted only minutes and the ship continued its journey without delay.

Vision of the Seas safely returned to Baltimore at the end of the voyage and has since embarked on its next sailing, a 9-night cruise to Canada and New England that departed on 25th September.

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Virgin Voyages to Launch Three-Tier Fare Model With More Flexibility

Virgin Voyages is once again shaking up the cruise industry with a major change to how its sailings are booked.

Brilliant Lady

Beginning 7th October 2025, the adults-only cruise line will introduce VoyageFair Choices, a new three-tier fare system designed to provide guests with clearer pricing, more flexibility, and greater transparency.

The announcement follows a record year for the brand, which just launched its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, and continues to see strong demand for its kid-free voyages.

“Travellers expect clarity and choice from airlines and hotels, and Virgin Voyages is the first to bring that same simplicity and pricing model to cruising,

“This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print. We’re making it easier to book a voyage with confidence while knowing that once you’re onboard, the experience is unmistakably Virgin: elevated and unforgettable.”

CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu

Three New Fare Tiers

The VoyageFair Choices system will apply to Sea Terrace and below cabins, with three levels of booking:

  • Base – The lowest-priced, non-refundable option. Includes new Basic WiFi (social media, messaging, light browsing for one device), a 15-day dining reservation window, and no changes to names, cabins, or dates.
  • Essential – Closest to Virgin’s current pricing. Includes Classic WiFi (browsing and audio calls for one device), a 45-day dining window, the ability to adjust dates with a Future Voyage Credit, and name changes for additional guests.
  • Premium – Adds the most flexibility and perks. Includes Premium WiFi (streaming on two devices), a 60-day dining reservation window, a daily Bar Tab drinks credit, and priority support for pre-voyage booking.

For RockStar and Mega RockStar suites, the primary change is earlier dining access, now 120 days before sailing.

Virgin Voyages Perks

All other luxury inclusions – such as Richard’s Rooftop access, priority boarding, and curated in-room perks – remain unchanged.

Gratuities No Longer Included

Another change is how gratuities are presented.

Previously bundled into fares, service charges will now appear as a separate line item at the time of booking.

Guests can pre-pay at $20 per person per night or settle onboard at $22 per person per night. Once covered, no additional tipping is expected anywhere onboard.

Virgin emphasized that this is about transparency – the total cost of a voyage will apparently remain the same, but guests will now see exactly how service charges are applied.

What Remains the Same

Despite the new booking model, Virgin Voyages’ hallmark “Always Included Luxury” continues.

My first Virgin Voyages cruise

Every fare still includes more than $1,000 worth of value, such as specialty dining from world-class chefs, unlimited group fitness, WiFi, soft drinks, and cutting-edge entertainment.

John Lovell, Virgin Voyages Board Member and Senior Advisor, called VoyageFair Choices a model “built for the modern traveller” and said it was a natural next step for a brand that has already redefined what it means to cruise.

“2025 has been a record year. Virgin Voyages is now firmly on the map and the undisputed No. 1 cruise line. VoyageFair Choices is about opening our doors even wider, giving more travelers the chance to experience the joy, connection and freedom of sailing with us.”

CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu

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MV Gemini Crew Report Shocking Conditions During Drydock

A crew member working aboard the MV Gemini, operated by Miray Cruises, has reportedly raised serious concerns about their living and working conditions while the ship is in drydock.

According to an anonymous message shared with the Facebook page Crew Center, crew on the vessel – which has been in drydock for two weeks – say that internet, electricity, and water have been restricted to just two hours a day.

The crew member described the situation as “unbearable,” with temperatures inside the ship making it difficult to sleep.

“All doors are left open because of the extreme heat. Each room has four people inside. We don’t know when we will be allowed to leave, and we haven’t received our salaries for three months,” the crew member alleged.

“Please, don’t treat us like animals.”

At this time, these claims have not been independently verified.

Crew Reactions: “Normal” or “Not Acceptable”?

Responses from other seafarers and cruise professionals to the Crew Center post reveal mixed opinions.

Some industry veterans suggested that difficult conditions are not unusual during a drydock.

One commenter noted: “Of course you’re going to have days when the air conditioning will not be working, internet will take some time to use, [and] food is going to be a bit different than on a normal working schedule.”

Another wrote simply: “Dry dock is dry dock, it’s a dry for all – both crew and the ship itself.”

Others, however, were shocked by the severity of the claims – particularly regarding unpaid salaries.

“For three months without salary is a big NO! Report to ITF urgently!” wrote one commenter. Another added: “That’s not normal at all and far from acceptable. And I have done many dry docks, both cruise and cargo vessels. This must be stopped!”

MV Gemini

Some commenters urged crew members to seek support from maritime unions or authorities, including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Norwegian Seafarers’ Union.

What Happens in Drydock?

Cruise ships are required to undergo regular maintenance in drydock – a process where the vessel is taken out of the water for repairs, inspections, and upgrades.

This period is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with international maritime regulations.

For crew, drydock often means long working days, changes to food and accommodation services, and temporary interruptions to amenities such as air conditioning or internet.

However, conditions vary widely by company.

Several seafarers commenting on the post contrasted their own positive drydock experiences with other lines, where food, water, and crew welfare were reportedly prioritised.

About Miray Cruises

Miray Cruises, based in Turkey, has operated the MV Gemini for a number of years, using the vessel for both regional sailings and charter services.

The ship gained recent attention when Miray launched “Life at Sea Cruises,” a proposed three-year residential cruise programme, which ultimately faced delays and cancellations.

The company has not issued a public response to the recent allegations shared by crew on the MV Gemini.

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