News

Cruising ducks have long been a light-hearted pastime at sea, with guests hiding and hunting small rubber ducks for others to discover.

But a prank twist on the tradition is now creating problems aboard Carnival Cruise Line vessels, leading to a warning from the company’s brand ambassador.

The issue isn’t with the ducks themselves, but with fake tags attached to some of them.

These labels use Carnival’s whale tail logo and claim that the finder is entitled to a complimentary drink.

“Congratulations! You have found one of our ducks! 1 free drink redeemable at the casino bar!” the tags read.

Carnival has confirmed that no such promotion exists, and staff have been put in the uncomfortable position of denying guests who believe they’ve won a free drink.

“This is not fair on the guest and it is not fair on the bartenders and bar servers who have to say ‘sorry, there is no free drink,’” explained brand ambassador John Heald, urging whoever is behind the prank to stop immediately.

Could Ducks Be Banned?

For years, Carnival has embraced the “cruising ducks” trend, making clear that the guest-led activity is a fun and welcome part of the onboard experience.

However, Heald warned that if prank ducks continue to cause confusion or disappointment, the line may be forced to rethink its stance.

Other cruise lines have already put restrictions in place.

For example, ducks are banned in Royal Caribbean’s Central Park neighborhoods after damage occurred from overzealous duck hunters searching through the landscaping.

Some Carnival fans suspect the prank may even be a deliberate attempt to force the company to clamp down on the ducks altogether.

“Looks like someone who doesn’t like the ducks and wants it canceled,” one guest commented.

One commenter even decided that this prank was fair considering the ‘cutbacks’ to the perks offered by the cruise line due to the upcoming change to Carnival Rewards, a comment which earned the ire of John Heald:

There Have Been Genuine Prize Ducks Previously…

While Carnival has never run an official duck giveaway, prize-oriented ducks have appeared on its ships before.

Jewellery retailer Effy has previously hidden sparkling ducks as part of a store promotion, with finders able to redeem them for prizes.

That event was independent from the cruise line itself, and Carnival stresses that no ducks hidden onboard today carry any real offers.

Some fans have suggested that Carnival could one day embrace the duck craze more formally, introducing official prize ducks offering treats like a free drink, onboard credit, or even the popular “ship-on-a-stick” trophy.

For now, though, guests should remember the ducks are strictly for fun – and any claims of freebies are simply not true.

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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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What should have been a smooth repositioning voyage has turned into an uncomfortable journey for some guests aboard Grand Princess, with technical issues impacting air conditioning and even toilet facilities.

The 16-night cruise left Los Angeles on 15th September 2025, as the 107,500-gross-ton ship shifted from her Alaska season to new Caribbean itineraries from San Juan.

Along the way, she is visiting ports including the Mexican Riviera, Costa Rica, Panama, and Aruba before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on 1st October.

Cooling Problems and Malfunctioning Toilets

As the ship moved from cooler northern climates to warmer regions, stateroom air conditioning systems struggled to keep up.

According to a letter distributed to impacted passengers, adjustments are needed in certain cabins to maintain comfortable temperatures.

At the same time, parts of the vessel’s plumbing system have been disrupted.

“Ongoing treatment to the system is causing temporary disruptions,” Princess Cruises explained, adding that engineers are working to restore full service as quickly as possible.

While not every cabin has been affected, the problems are widespread enough that the line is compensating guests.

Compensation for Guests

Cruisers with affected staterooms are receiving partial refunds covering the days they’ve endured the disruptions.

Taxes, port fees, gratuities, and extras such as drink packages are excluded, but the refunded amount varies based on each passenger’s cruise fare and the number of days impacted.

In addition, Princess Cruises is providing a future cruise credit worth 25% of the full fare.

The credit will appear in guests’ Captain’s Circle accounts after this voyage and must be used on sailings booked by 1st April 2026, for departures no later than 1st April 2027.

It is unclear whether the future cruise credit will extend to all passengers onboard or only to those whose staterooms were directly affected.

Should Every Technical Issue Mean Refunds?

While most guests are likely glad for some financial relief, the incident raises questions about when cruise lines should offer compensation.

Stateroom comfort is subjective – one guest may find 68 degrees (20 degrees centigrade) acceptable while another considers it too warm – but widespread failures such as non-functioning toilets clearly warrant attention.

Ultimately, reporting issues promptly is the best way for guests to ensure problems are addressed.

Cruise lines cannot resolve what they don’t know about, and engineering teams will always prioritize comfort and safety.

With luck, Grand Princess’s problems will be resolved before she completes her repositioning run in Florida on 1st October leaving guests with better memories of their journey.

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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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Sometimes cruise etiquette debates blow up online – from saving sun loungers to piling your plate too high at the buffet.

But the latest viral discussion? Where people are keeping their SeaPass cards.

And in this case, I think I might be one of the passengers being called out!

The Reddit Post That Sparked It

Over on Reddit’s r/Cruise forum, a passenger currently sailing on Independence of the Seas shared their frustration:

“I’m currently on Independence of the Seas and twice I’ve seen ladies reaching into their blouses to locate their SeaPass, which was stashed in their bras.”

The thread, cheekily titled “Ladies – Get a lanyard”, went on to describe the habit as “frankly disgusting for the crew members and for everyone who has them touch their drink glasses afterward. Please just buy a lanyard.”

The post quickly gained traction, with plenty of people jumping in with their opinions – both for and against.

Here’s the thing – it was posted on 21st September 2025. Guess who was onboard Independence of the Seas on that day, and who might have been tucking their SeaPass into their bra?

Me.

Is It Really That Gross?

I’ll admit it: I definitely tucked my cruise card into my bikini top while on Independence of the Seas last week. And honestly? I don’t think it’s that bad.

In my view, boobs are a whole lot cleaner than hands.

Think about it: how many people genuinely wash their hands with soap and water every single time they leave the bathroom, or before hitting the buffet? I know I do, but I know not everyone does!

Cruise lines even have staff stationed at the entrances of restaurants practically begging people to wash their hands. Compared to that, a card coming out of a bra doesn’t seem so unhygienic.

One Reddit commenter summed it up perfectly:

“People do not wash their hands so often that cruise ships have to almost beg them to before visiting the buffet. Boob sweat is the very least of your worries, my guy.”

Exactly.

The Pocket Problem

Of course, not everyone loves lanyards either. Some passengers hate how they bounce or sway, especially around their necks in the hot sun.

Wristbands might be a good alternative – Virgin Voyages already uses them, and Princess Cruises has the Medallion, which you can easily add to a wristband.

But really, a big part of this issue comes down to women’s clothing.

Why don’t more swimsuits, shorts, or dresses come with decent pockets? A bra isn’t always the most practical place, but sometimes it’s the only place.

One Redditor put it bluntly:

“‘Dear clothing designers, why don’t you make pockets in clothing for women so they don’t need to use their bra?’ There. Fixed it for you.”

Couldn’t agree more.

I actually found a swimming costume with built-in pockets, which would solve the whole problem neatly (and keep Reddit happy). This might be the solution we’ve been waiting for:

Tech Alternatives

Others in the thread called on cruise lines to modernise.

Why not offer NFC wristbands as standard, or even Apple Wallet integration? Disney Cruise Line already uses its “MagicBands”, and Virgin Voyages has its wearable “Sea Band.”

As one commenter put it:

“From the perspective of customer-centricity, it would be better for cruise lines to offer NFC wrist bands (in addition to cards). Give customers a choice.”

That would certainly prevent the need for bra storage!

Cruise Etiquette Debates Are Nothing New

This isn’t the first time cruise etiquette has gone viral.

Last year, a TikToker called out rows of “reserved” pool loungers on Utopia of the Seas, sparking another online debate about entitlement on cruise ships.

Controversy around lounger hogging isn’t new – and it’s something cruise lines are trying to tackle.

And chances are, it won’t be the last. Whether it’s towels on chairs, piling plates too high, or yes – stashing SeaPass cards in bras – social media loves to amplify these small quirks of cruise life.

But for me, at least, this latest storm in a teacup was a little different.

Because if that Reddit passenger spotted someone retrieving a SeaPass from their bikini top on Independence of the Seas this summer… there’s a good chance it was me.

And I stand by it.

Maybe People Disagree With Me…

Of course, I know not everyone will agree. It wouldn’t be the first time one of my choices at sea has caused a bit of controversy.

For example, I once wrote about leaving my kids onboard in the kids’ club while my husband and I went ashore.

Some cruise lines actually allow it – the staff are trained, the kids are safe, and we were never at risk of missing the ship. Still, that post caused a stir on Facebook, with plenty of parents lining up to tell me exactly what they thought of our decision.

Another time, I admitted to jogging on the promenade deck of Celestyal Journey, despite a “No Jogging” sign. Technically I broke the rule, but the cruise line’s own website described it as a jogging track!

I ran mid-morning when the ship was already bustling, and it felt harmless. But when I shared it online, the story snowballed and I was labelled “entitled” by some readers – to the point my own husband jokingly threw me under the bus in the comments.

So yes, I’ve been on the receiving end of cruise community backlash before. Maybe you’ll think I’m wrong about SeaPass storage too. That’s fine – part of what makes cruising interesting is that we all do it differently.

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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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Royal Caribbean has confirmed a major step in its shipbuilding strategy, securing a fresh order for its Icon Class series and extending its long-standing partnership with Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard.

On 23rd September 2026, the cruise line announced that Icon 5 will debut in 2028, while also extending its collaboration with Meyer Turku through to 2036.

The deal not only secures construction of future Icon vessels but also leaves the door open for a brand-new ship class in the coming years.

Icon Class Growth Continues

The Icon Class is Royal Caribbean’s flagship ship design, each vessel accommodating more than 5,600 guests at double capacity, and featuring themed neighbourhoods, advanced technology, and headline entertainment.

• Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship at 248,663 gross tons.
• Star of the Seas followed in August 2025.
• Legend of the Seas is due in summer 2026.
• Icon 4 is scheduled for 2027.
• Icon 5, now confirmed, will sail in 2028.

Royal Caribbean also holds conditional options for Icon 6 and Icon 7, potentially extending the class further if financing is approved.

Meyer Turku has already built 25 ships for Royal Caribbean since the mid-1990s, making the Icon project another chapter in a long and successful partnership.

New Land Destinations in Development

The expansion isn’t limited to ships. Royal Caribbean is heavily investing in private destinations and beach clubs:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau opens in December 2025.
• A Cozumel Beach Club is set for 2026.
• Perfect Day Mexico, a mega waterpark with the world’s longest lazy river, opens in 2027.
• A new destination on Lelepa, Vanuatu will follow in 2027.

These projects are designed to complement the Icon Class experience and extend the company’s reach both in the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

Discovery Class Ships in Design

Alongside the Icon order, Royal Caribbean is also designing a new Discovery Class of smaller ships.

These vessels will be able to access more intimate ports and are expected to eventually replace the line’s Vision and Radiance Class ships.

Details on the ship class are still sparse – but it has been talked about for some time, and so an official announcement on the first ship in the class is expected in the near future.

What’s Next

With Icon 5 now confirmed and Icon 6 and 7 under consideration, Royal Caribbean’s pipeline includes at least nine new ships and seven new destinations through 2028.

The announcement reflects the brand’s confidence in the Icon Class and demonstrates its broader strategy to dominate both at sea and ashore.

There are rumours that Royal Caribbean may be challenged on its hold of the largest cruise ship title, with speculation that the next ship class launched by MSC Cruises could be bigger.

But for now, it’s clear that the Icon Class is going nowhere, and mega ships will remain part of the plans for Royal Caribbean going forward.

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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

For many cruise passengers, driving to the port and leaving their car in a nearby lot is the easiest option. But for some unlucky guests sailing from Southampton earlier this…

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For many cruise passengers, driving to the port and leaving their car in a nearby lot is the easiest option.

But for some unlucky guests sailing from Southampton earlier this month, their return from holiday was met with shock – their vehicles were gone.

According to The Daily Echo, a total of 17 cars were stolen from a Southampton Cruise Parking Services facility on First Avenue in Millbrook between 9–10 September 2025.

The company advertises its lot as “indoor and secure” with locked warehouse parking, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, and shuttle service to the cruise terminal.

The website even promises, “We guarantee that your car will not leave our premises.” Unfortunately, 17 cars did just that – without their owners.

Police have not confirmed the makes or models of the stolen vehicles, nor whether specific types of cars were targeted.

An investigation is underway, and security protocols are being reviewed. Southampton Cruise Parking Services has yet to release an official statement.

Guests From Multiple Cruise Lines Affected

Southampton is one of Europe’s busiest cruise hubs, with ships from many major lines sailing the same week as the thefts.

During the affected days, vessels from Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea all departed the port.

It is not clear which guests – or which cruise sailings – were impacted. The cruise lines themselves are not responsible for the parking facility.

Guests whose vehicles were stolen will need to pursue claims through the parking operator, their insurance providers, and local authorities.

Protecting Your Car at Cruise Parking Lots

This incident is similar to a 2022 case in Norfolk, Virginia, when dozens of parked vehicles belonging to cruise guests were vandalised despite 24-hour security.

In most cases, ports and parking providers are not liable for theft or damage. The responsibility usually lies with the guest, making good insurance coverage essential.

Travellers are advised to remove valuables from sight, lock all doors and windows, and take photos of their vehicle’s condition when leaving it in a public or third-party facility.

These precautions can make any claims process smoother if the worst should happen.

Alternative Options for Cruise Travellers

While the theft of 17 vehicles from a Southampton parking facility is concerning, it’s worth noting that such incidents are exceptionally rare.

Cruise terminal car parks are generally considered safe, with security features such as CCTV, barriers, and locked compounds.

For many travellers, the convenience of parking right by the port still makes these facilities the most practical choice.

That said, there are alternative options for guests who want added peace of mind.

Coach transfers are popular for passengers living further afield, while those closer to the south coast may prefer the train, which runs directly into Southampton Central station just a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals.

Another possibility is to book a “cruise and park” package at a nearby hotel.

These typically include one night’s accommodation plus parking for the duration of your voyage, with a transfer to and from the port.

Because these car parks are attached to hotels – often a little further from the terminals – they are less obvious targets for organised theft. In theory, opportunistic criminals are less likely to target scattered hotel lots than a large, well-known cruise-only parking warehouse.

For many travellers, a combination of convenience, cost, and personal comfort will dictate which option to choose.

But whether parking at the port or considering alternatives, taking sensible precautions such as removing valuables from view and double-checking locks is always advisable.

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

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Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that a passenger who did not reboard Carnival Horizon in Bonaire last week deliberately chose not to return, rather than being a missing person in distress.

The guest, identified as 47-year-old Jessica Collins, left the ship on Wednesday, 17th September 2025 while the vessel was docked in Kralendijk, Bonaire, during an 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing.

According to Carnival, Collins left the ship with all her belongings in a backpack, even leaving behind a gratuity and thank-you note for her stateroom attendant.

She later texted a member of Carnival’s Care Team to say that she was safe and did not wish to be contacted again.

While local authorities continue to treat the case as a missing person report, the evidence strongly suggests Collins had no intention of returning.

Carnival Horizon continued her A-B-C itinerary to Aruba and Curaçao as scheduled, returning to Miami on time before beginning her next voyage.

Standard Procedures Followed

As with any guest who does not return by the posted all-aboard time, announcements were made to attempt to locate Collins on board before the ship departed.

Security photos show her dressed in casual attire with a fully packed bag, which at the time did not raise suspicion as many guests carry similar bags for long excursions or beach days.

After her initial disappearance, the photos were circulated online as guests and other cruise fans were concerned for her wellbeing, especially after some recent incidents on cruise ships (albeit in other destinations) where guests had gone missing while hiking, and ended up in medical distress or even passing away.

However, this latest confirmation shows that apparently Collins is well, and took this action deliberately to leave the ship.

Carnival is continuing to cooperate with the authorities in Bonaire, though the cruise line reiterated that this was not an accidental disappearance but rather a deliberate action.

Emigration Considerations

Choosing to abandon a cruise ship is not a legitimate or legal way to emigrate to another country.

While Collins’ motivations are unknown, the decision highlights questions around long-term stays on Caribbean islands.

In Bonaire, US citizens may enter without a visa but must apply for a residence permit to stay beyond the short-term limit.

Permits are typically valid for one year and renewable for up to five years.

Longer-term residency or Dutch citizenship requires meeting strict conditions such as language knowledge, financial independence, and renouncing other citizenships.

The incident serves as a reminder that while cruise holidays can spark a desire to relocate, official procedures must always be followed.

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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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What should have been a light-hearted moment on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship quickly became either a nightmare scenario or a comedy moment, depending on who was watching.

A short social media clip shows a female guest stuck at the low point of the Ocean Loops waterslide, unable to slide forward or back.

The clear section of the tube juts out dramatically over the side of the vessel, high above the ocean, creating a vertigo-inducing view that sparked panic among viewers.

Ocean Loops on Norwegian Ships

The Ocean Loops slide is a signature feature on three Breakaway-plus class ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore.

Riders must be between 120 and 300 pounds and at least 48 inches tall.

While the exact ship in the video was not identified, all three vessels were sailing in Alaska at the time the footage was posted.

The design of the slide makes it easy for guests to get caught at one particular upturn, sliding back into the clear section over the water.

Fortunately, the feature is built with a safety hatch close to that section, and crew are always nearby to help guests out.

Getting stuck isn’t unusual and is considered part of the experience by some thrill-seekers.

Emma Cruises recently posted about getting stuck in the same NCL waterslide twice in a row!

Viral Reactions

The 13-second video was uploaded to TikTok on 19th September 2025 and has already been viewed more than seven million times.

The comments range from light-hearted jokes to genuine panic.

Many viewers said they would suffer a panic attack in that situation, with comments such as “new fear unlocked” gaining thousands of likes.

Others pointed out how terrifying it would be to feel trapped over open water.

The viral reaction may have been heightened by recent waterslide issues elsewhere.

In August, a section of the Icon of the Seas “Frightening Bolt” slide cracked while in use, leading to repairs and a redesign of the affected section.

In contrast, the Ocean Loops video shows no malfunction or injury – just a guest stuck in the loop exactly as the ride sometimes allows.

Crew quickly help anyone in this situation exit safely through the hatch, making it more of a quirky memory than an accident.

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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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Carnival’s recent adjustments to its upcoming Carnival Rewards program have done little to calm the waters among loyal passengers.

Despite last week’s announcement aimed at addressing concerns, many cruisers continue to voice frustration and disappointment across social media and travel forums.

The new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the long-running Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club in June 2026, has been a flashpoint since it was revealed earlier this year.

While Carnival has confirmed that Diamond status will now be permanently locked in for those who reach it by 31st May 2026, many feel that the cruise line is still undervaluing years of loyalty – particularly from Platinum guests.

Diamond Safe, Platinum Left Behind

The permanent protection of Diamond benefits was hailed as a win for Carnival’s most seasoned cruisers.

However, Platinum members were left with a more limited concession: a 10,000 “star” bonus every two years, which translates to an automatic Gold status and a small head start towards requalifying.

For many, this simply isn’t enough. One long-time cruiser wrote:

“Shame on you Carnival, penalizing those of us who stayed loyal to you to obtain platinum status… Keep diamond and platinum grandfathered in and let your new loyalty program prove it’s the right move.”

Another passenger echoed the sentiment, saying:

“So disappointed in Carnival. We have worked so hard to get to Platinum working towards Diamond. We are at 151 [days] and there is no way we can get to 200 by May. However, if they would give us till 2028… that would be doable.”

Frustration Over Deadlines and Access

Several guests are also upset with the timing of the transition, pointing out that their milestone sailings fall just days after the May 2026 cut-off.

“My husband would’ve made it to Platinum on our June 2026 cruise, but the cut-off date is just 7 days before our cruise starts,” one traveller complained. “An extension would be extremely helpful!”

Canadian and Australian guests remain especially disheartened, as the program is still limited to U.S. residents. One Platinum member from Canada noted:

“Since we can’t get the Mastercard, we are unable to collect points for dollars spent. All this time we have been loyal – even when Covid hit we sailed with masks. One would hope Carnival will do something for us Canadians.”

Value of Loyalty in Question

Beyond technical details, many guests say the new structure undermines the spirit of Carnival’s loyalty program.

Several pointed out that the new money-spent model shifts focus away from days at sea.

“As silly as it sounds, we loved just working toward the different colors,” wrote one cruiser. “With the change, it is all about money spent and the days at sea seem to mean very little… With the loyalty program going away, so is our loyalty.”

Others expressed scepticism about Carnival’s reasoning, particularly regarding the number of Platinum members onboard.

“If operational challenges were truly a thing then Faster to the Fun wouldn’t be offered – for $210 mind you – on a 7-day cruise…Platinum should be extended lifetime as well.”

Looking Ahead

Carnival president Christine Duffy recently acknowledged the “passion and loyalty” of Carnival’s guests, insisting the line is listening.

But with the new program still nearly nine months away from launch, it’s clear that many long-time cruisers remain unconvinced.

One loyal guest summed up the prevailing mood:

“I have chosen Carnival each time and would love to continue, but also appreciate being recognized for my loyalty. There are other lines that status match and I may give them a try.”

As the competitive cruise market heats up, Carnival faces the challenge of balancing its desire to reward high-spending guests with the loyalty of long-time cruisers who feel left behind.

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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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Another case of overbooking has surfaced for Royal Caribbean, this time affecting Radiance of the Seas’ 16-night Panama Canal sailing from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, scheduled to depart on 4th October 2025.

To ease the situation, the cruise line has rolled out a series of tempting offers for affected guests.

The Cruise in Question

The popular itinerary includes visits to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán in Mexico, Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, Puntarenas in Costa Rica, Colón in Panama, Cartagena in Colombia, and George Town in Grand Cayman.

With the voyage oversold, Royal Caribbean notified booked passengers of four possible alternatives – three allowing them to still cruise (albeit with adjustments), and one designed for those willing to give up their booking entirely.

Full Refund Plus Double Future Credit

The most eye-catching offer was a full refund combined with a future cruise credit worth 200% of the fare paid.

In addition, the line pledged to reimburse non-refundable flights or hotel stays already purchased for the trip.

That’s way more than Royal Caribbean would usually offer for oversold cruises. Typically they would offer guests who cancelled a full refund as well as a 100% Future Cruise Credit – meaning they could cruise again in the future for free.

But a 200% credit, essentially meaning two free cruises? Sign me up!

Alternative Sailings

Guests were also given the option to transfer to a 13-night Panama Canal sailing aboard Serenade of the Seas.

That cruise departed San Diego on 19th September 2025 and concludes in Miami.

Though shorter and with fewer ports – Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puntarenas, and Cartagena – the cruise comes with a full refund of the original fare, plus $300 in onboard credit and reimbursement of any non-refundable travel expenses.

Downgrades With Perks

For those still eager to sail on Radiance of the Seas, two downgrade options were offered.

Guests in balcony cabins could move to an ocean view stateroom while receiving a 100% refund of their original fare, essentially granting them a free cruise.

Alternatively, balcony guests could accept an inside cabin, still with a full refund and an additional $300 onboard credit.

Keeping the Original Booking

Passengers who preferred not to make any changes were able to keep their original balcony reservations.

The cruise line gave guests until 12th September 2025 to respond, with any unaltered bookings remaining in place after 16th September.

Not the First Time

Royal Caribbean has faced several overbooking issues in recent months, with similar offers made to travellers on Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles in June 2025 and Allure of the Seas from Rome in May 2025.

While the causes of overbooking are not always clear, the line appears determined to make amends with compensation packages that many cruisers might find hard to refuse.

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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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A cruise passenger has sadly lost his life following a fall from the popular Mount Roberts trail overlooking Juneau, Alaska.

The accident happened on Tuesday, 16th September 2025.

Tragic Incident in Juneau

Authorities were alerted after 8 pm, when Alaska State Troopers received word that two hikers were in distress.

The men had been trekking along the steep Mount Roberts trail, a challenging route known for its sweeping views of the city and cruise port below.

Both men reportedly slipped from the trail and slid down the rugged mountainside.

Rescue crews from Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to reach one man, who sustained only minor injuries.

The second hiker, identified as 36-year-old Britain Pool of Texas, had fallen further.

Despite extensive efforts involving drones and specialist search equipment, he was found deceased from his injuries. His next of kin have been informed.

While both men were confirmed to be cruise passengers, the ship they were sailing on has not been identified.

Four vessels were in port that day – Viking Venus, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Caribbean Princess.

Previous Hiking Fatality This Summer

This is the second fatal accident involving cruise guests hiking near Juneau this year.

In early July, 62-year-old Marites Buenafe from Kentucky fell while on a trail in the same area.

A large search-and-rescue operation was launched, and her body was later located 1,700 feet below the route she had set out to hike.

The Mount Roberts trail, which climbs more than 3,800 feet in elevation over 4.5 miles, is considered demanding even for experienced hikers.

Conditions such as slick mud, uneven terrain, and steep drop-offs can make the route especially hazardous, particularly after heavy rainfall.

Hiking Safety in Alaska

Alaska’s scenic trails are a major draw for cruise visitors, offering once-in-a-lifetime views and encounters with local wildlife. However, safety should always be the top priority.

Experts recommend hikers bring essential safety gear even for short walks, including beacon lights or emergency signalling equipment, to aid rescuers in case of an accident.

Guests are also advised to assess their fitness and hiking experience before attempting challenging routes.

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