News

Royal Caribbean has introduced a new “Find My Kid” feature aboard its newest mega-ship, Star of the Seas, giving parents real-time tracking of their children’s whereabouts via the Royal Caribbean app.

Designed for young cruisers aged three to twelve, the service uses the colourful, waterproof Adventure Ocean WOW Band, which acts as a tracker that parents can monitor from their smartphones.

The feature is particularly appealing on the line’s largest vessels, like Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, which each carry up to 7,600 guests across 18 passenger decks packed with attractions.

Parents can enrol their children in the system once onboard by visiting the Adventure Ocean Kid’s Club on Deck 6.

WOW Bands cost $14.99 if purchased on the ship, but can be reused on future cruises without extra charge.

As well as location tracking, the bands can be set up to unlock stateroom doors, make pre-approved purchases, and display the child’s muster station in case of emergencies.

To use the tracker, parents connect to the ship’s WiFi, open the Royal Caribbean app, select the “Find My Kid” option, and view their child’s live location on the ship’s deck maps.

While WOW Bands are already available on several Royal Caribbean ships, the live-tracking function is currently exclusive to Star of the Seas.

However, a similar system, “Kidfinder,” was tested on Icon of the Seas in summer 2024, suggesting a wider rollout could follow.

When Should Children Roam Cruise Ships Alone?

The launch of live location tracking technology comes alongside an ongoing debate about the right age for children to explore cruise ships without supervision.

Views among parents are sharply divided, with some happy to grant freedom from as young as eight or ten, while others insist on waiting until late teens or even adulthood.

Cruise lines themselves do not enforce a specific minimum age for solo roaming, but their kids’ club policies offer a guide.

On most family-friendly lines, children can sign themselves out from around age 12 or 13, although some allow it as early as seven with parental consent.

These age thresholds often reflect the transition from supervised activities to more independent teen lounges, which may be unstaffed but still monitored by cameras.

Parental attitudes, however, vary widely. A significant minority (according to those I surveyed) would not allow even 17-year-olds to roam freely, citing concerns over safety and behaviour.

Others feel comfortable granting independence earlier, especially if their child is mature and familiar with the ship’s layout. Ships with built-in tracking systems, such as Princess Cruises’ Medallion or, now, Royal Caribbean’s WOW Bands, can make parents more confident in giving children space.

Some parents prefer to start small, allowing limited solo trips to fetch food or attend short activities before permitting full freedom.

Safety rules are also an important part of the conversation, from avoiding balconies and not trusting strangers to knowing muster stations and sticking with siblings. The ship’s onboard communication options can also influence decisions.

Ultimately, the right age is subjective, depending on a child’s maturity, the ship’s environment, and the family’s comfort level.

Tracking tools like “Find My Kid” are likely to sway the conversation, offering reassurance to cautious parents while enabling children to enjoy a taste of independence on the high seas.

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

Two Vietnamese cruise passengers have drowned in a tragic accident at Sarakiniko Beach on the Greek island of Milos after being swept into the sea by powerful winds on Friday…

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Two Vietnamese cruise passengers have drowned in a tragic accident at Sarakiniko Beach on the Greek island of Milos after being swept into the sea by powerful winds on Friday 8th August 2025.

The victims, a married couple in their 50s, were part of a cruise ship group that had disembarked earlier in the day at the island’s main port of Adamas.

According to Greek authorities, the 64-year-old woman was attempting to take a photograph on the island’s exposed northern shoreline when she was caught off balance by a strong gust and fell into the water.

Her 65-year-old husband jumped in to try to save her, but both were quickly overwhelmed by the turbulent sea conditions.

Local winds were recorded at up to 50 miles per hour (80kmph), well into gale force strength. Sarakiniko’s smooth white volcanic cliffs and lack of vegetation leave it highly exposed to the elements, and its beauty belies the hazards posed by sudden weather changes.

The couple’s bodies were later recovered by the Greek coastguard with the assistance of private boats and divers.

They were taken to a local health centre, where they were pronounced dead. The Vietnamese embassy in Greece confirmed the fatalities the following day, stating it was in contact with the victims’ families and working with Greek authorities and the travel company involved to assist with arrangements.

The embassy also urged Vietnamese nationals visiting Greece to stay away from cliff edges and avoid entering the sea during high winds.

Cruise Line Unofficially Named as Celestyal Cruises

Although the couple’s cruise ship has not been officially named, Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Journey was the only vessel in port at Milos on the day of the accident.

The 55,800-gross-ton ship, formerly Holland America Line’s Ryndam, is homeported from Piraeus (Athens) and was nearing the end of a seven-night Greek Isles itinerary.

Milos was her final port call before returning to Athens, and she has since departed on her next voyage.

The tragedy occurred as much of southern Greece faced severe weather. The country’s civil protection ministry issued alerts for wind speeds of up to 88kmph across the Aegean and Crete, along with warnings of a very high risk of wind-driven wildfires.

Ferry services between Athens and the Cyclades were heavily disrupted, with many sailings cancelled or delayed and travellers stranded at ports in Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio.

Giorgos Vallis, president of the Panhellenic Association of Yacht Crews, told state broadcaster ERT that authorities should consider restricting access to certain beaches during extreme weather to prevent accidents.

“When such phenomena occur, port authorities should close off the area to prevent people from taking photos or jumping from the rocks into the sea,”

While cruise lines take extensive precautions to safeguard passengers, accidents ashore can still occur, particularly in scenic but exposed destinations such as Sarakiniko Beach.

Visitors are urged to exercise caution in strong winds, keep well clear of cliff edges, and remain aware of changing weather conditions.

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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

Thousands of cruise guests embarking on P&O Cruises’ Ventura in Southampton on 9th August 2025 faced an alarming start to their holiday after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation of…

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Thousands of cruise guests embarking on P&O Cruises’ Ventura in Southampton on 9th August 2025 faced an alarming start to their holiday after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation of the ship and its terminal.

The incident unfolded at the Mayflower Cruise Ferry Terminal just as embarkation was underway for Ventura’s 14-night voyage to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands.

At approximately 11:46 am, Hampshire Constabulary officers responded after an unidentified man claimed to be in possession of an explosive device.

Swift Police Response

With heightened summer security already in place at the UK’s busiest cruise homeport, additional police were on hand to secure the area quickly.

A 200-metre (656-foot) cordon was established while bomb disposal experts searched a motor truck belonging to the suspect, as well as the surrounding area.

Ventura and the terminal building were evacuated “out of an abundance of caution” after being identified within the potential blast zone.

“The captain made an announcement that we were in the bomb zone and we had to get out,” one 28-year-old passenger told The Daily Echo.

By early afternoon, police confirmed there was no credible threat and the cordon was lifted.

“We are satisfied that there is no risk to the public,” a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said.

Statement from P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises later issued an official statement confirming the evacuation and thanking guests for their cooperation.

“Due to an earlier police incident and in an abundance of caution, we made the decision to evacuate Ventura and the passenger terminal. This incident has now been resolved and normal embarkation operations have resumed. The safety of our guests, crew and port staff is our highest priority and we are grateful for the co-operation of the authorities,”

P&O Cruises Statement

Impact on Other Ships in Port

Southampton was particularly busy during the incident, with Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, P&O Cruises’ Iona, and MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa also docked.

However, those ships were far enough from the Mayflower terminal to avoid direct disruption.

Only one cruise ship can berth at the Mayflower at a time, meaning Ventura was the sole vessel affected.

Departure Delay but No Itinerary Change

With embarkation temporarily halted, Ventura’s departure was pushed back several hours. Guests reported an expected sailing time of 6:15 pm, and by 6:30 pm cruise tracking data confirmed the 116,017-gross-ton vessel was making her way out of the harbour.

The delay is not expected to impact Ventura’s itinerary, with the ship still on track to reach her first scheduled port of call, Funchal, Madeira, on 13th August.

A related road closure at Dock 10 also caused temporary congestion within the port but has since reopened.

Suspect Taken into Custody

Guests watching from Ventura’s decks witnessed the arrest of the suspect, who was seen being detained by armed officers in the terminal car park.

Passenger Andy Palmer told The Mirror:

“I was enjoying an early lunch when I saw a guy being dragged out of his car by six armed policemen.”

The man was taken into custody, and depending on the charges, could face anything from a substantial fine to several years in prison if found guilty.

UK law treats bomb hoaxes as a serious criminal offence, citing the misuse of emergency resources and the potential panic such threats cause.

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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

It was a magical day at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on 9th August 2025, as Disney Cruise Line’s newest Wish-class vessel, Disney Destiny, floated out of Hall…

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It was a magical day at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on 9th August 2025, as Disney Cruise Line’s newest Wish-class vessel, Disney Destiny, floated out of Hall 6 for the very first time.

The highly anticipated moment marks the ship’s transition from dry dock to wet dock – a key milestone signalling that exterior construction is now complete.

While the LNG-powered ship was “floated up” back in March to allow early testing of engines and onboard systems, this is the first time she has floated freely in open water.

A Celebration Fit for Disney

Disney Cruise Line made sure the occasion was unforgettable.

As the 144,000-gross ton ship emerged into the sunshine, colourful fireworks filled the sky – aptly reflecting the fact that Disney remains the only cruise line to offer fireworks at sea.

Guests and shipyard workers – including me, as I had been invited to attend – were also treated to the debut of the ship’s signature theme song, an upbeat anthem repeating the lyrics: “This is your Destiny! Seize the moment, it’s your time.” The track perfectly ties into the ship’s “Heroes and Villains” theme.

To cap off the ceremony, Disney Destiny’s horn played the line’s signature tune, When You Wish Upon a Star, for the very first time – sending a nostalgic ripple through the crowd.

First Look at the Finished Exterior

The float out provided the first full view of the ship’s completed exterior. Leading the stern artwork is none other than Spider-Man, flanked by his famous Spider-Bots – making Disney Destiny the first cruise ship in history to feature a Marvel character in its hull art.

At the bow, Minnie Mouse takes pride of place, dressed in a special superhero outfit to match the ship’s theme. Minnie was also on hand in person to welcome the newest addition to the fleet.

What Happens Next?

Following her float out, Disney Destiny was successfully docked at the shipyard’s equipment pier for the first time. Meyer Werft praised the “precise and dedicated work” of its team and will now focus on completing the ship’s interior.

Sea trials are planned for the coming months before the ship makes her way to Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) ahead of her maiden voyage on 20th November 2025.

The inaugural sailing will visit both of Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas.

A Busy Year for Disney Cruise Line

Disney Destiny’s float out comes just months after Disney Adventure, the largest ship ever built for the line, emerged from the same shipyard on 19th April 2025 ahead of her debut in Asia this December.

And only a day before Destiny’s big moment, Meyer Werft hosted the steel-cutting ceremony for Disney Cruise Line’s fourth Wish-class ship, due to launch in 2027.

The event was attended by Captain Mickey himself, who pressed the ceremonial red button to begin the first cut of steel – shaping a symbolic ship outline to mark the start of construction.

I was even lucky enough to sign the piece of steel myself!

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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

Carnival UK has officially reversed the travel ban previously imposed on the editors of Sail Away Magazine, following weeks of controversy, confusion, and backlash from cruise fans and media professionals…

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Carnival UK has officially reversed the travel ban previously imposed on the editors of Sail Away Magazine, following weeks of controversy, confusion, and backlash from cruise fans and media professionals alike.

In a brief press release issued on 8th August 2025, Sail Away Magazine confirmed the travel restriction – originally applied across Carnival UK-managed brands P&O Cruises, Cunard, and Princess Cruises – has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

“We welcome this decision and regard it as a positive step forward,

“Our editors, Dan and Jay, are long-standing advocates for the cruise industry and have always championed cruising as the very best way to travel.

“Sail Away Magazine looks forward to working more constructively with Carnival UK in the future.”

Sail Away Magazine press release

While no further comment will be made by the publication, the reversal marks a significant turnaround from what many had seen as a worrying precedent for freedom of speech within the cruise sector.

What Happened: The Timeline of the Ban

The issue first emerged in early June 2025, when Sail Away editors Dan Wailing and Jay Cannon received a letter from Carnival UK stating they were banned from all Carnival Group brands for five years due to a pattern of complaints and reviews suggesting the cruise lines could not “offer the holiday [they] are looking for.”

“It is thus no longer appropriate for you to travel with us, or any of the Carnival group brands,” the letter stated, concluding with: “No further correspondence will be entered into on this matter.”

At face value, this appeared to be a blanket ban across all eight Carnival Corporation brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn, AIDA, and Costa Cruises.

Dan and Jay cancelled future bookings and charter arrangements, including a September sailing on Princess Cruises and a June voyage on Holland America’s Rotterdam, costing them thousands in deposits and production expenses.

However, by late June, Carnival clarified that the ban only applied to Carnival UK-managed brands – namely P&O Cruises, Cunard, and Princess Cruises (though Princess’ inclusion remains structurally ambiguous, as it operates under both US and UK management).

Why Were They Banned?

Dan and Jay are known for Sail Away Magazine, a cruise-focused publication with a print magazine, podcast, and YouTube channel reaching over 40,000 followers.

While supportive of cruising as a travel style, they are also known for their forthright reviews, which often touch on service cuts, guest complaints, and industry transparency.

Some of their most critical recent stories included:

• A negative review of Carnival Miracle, calling it “the worst cruise we’ve done”
• Publicising a reader poll that found 72% of cruisers believe standards have fallen under Carnival UK leadership
• Criticising P&O Cruises for a last-minute cancellation of Aurora
• Challenging Cunard’s decision to charge for room service
• A tense interaction with Carnival UK’s PR team, where they referred to staff as “delusional”

Carnival UK did not cite specific reasons for the ban, nor did they accuse the pair of defamation or misconduct.

The vague language in the original letter led many to see the move as retaliatory censorship rather than a commercial or safety-based decision.

A Question of Influence and Accountability

The ban sparked widespread debate across the cruise community and beyond. Should a company blacklist guests for being too honest – or critical – online? Does this send a message that public commentary could carry serious consequences for those in the travel media?

Supporters of Dan and Jay argued that their transparency helps push the industry forward.

What’s Next?

With the ban now lifted, Dan and Jay are free to cruise once again with P&O Cruises, Cunard, and Princess Cruises.

The reversal is being viewed as a win for independent media, but also a cautionary tale of corporate communication gone awry.

The incident raised broader questions around the boundaries between influencer marketing, editorial integrity, and customer relations in the age of social media.

While Sail Away Magazine has stated the matter is now closed, the legacy of the ban may well influence how other travel brands approach criticism – and how media creators choose to share it.

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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

A high-adrenaline ride aboard Icon of the Seas turned dangerous on the evening of 7th August 2025, when a clear panel on the ship’s Frightening Bolt waterslide unexpectedly shattered during…

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A high-adrenaline ride aboard Icon of the Seas turned dangerous on the evening of 7th August 2025, when a clear panel on the ship’s Frightening Bolt waterslide unexpectedly shattered during use, injuring one passenger and causing a water deluge onto the deck below.

The incident occurred in Thrill Island’s Category 6 Waterpark – the largest waterpark at sea – home to several record-breaking slides.

Frightening Bolt, in particular, is known for having the tallest drop at sea at 46 feet, a dramatic trapdoor launch, and a full 360° loop.

Unexpected Mid-Ride Malfunction

According to reports from fellow passengers and confirmed by Royal Caribbean, an unidentified male guest suffered “skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands” after the acrylic section of the slide broke while he was riding through the transparent tube.

When the clear portion shattered, water burst through the opening, soaking guests relaxing on the deck and creating slippery conditions. No additional injuries were reported.

“Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide,

“The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.”

Royal Caribbean statement

The surrounding area on Deck 15 was also temporarily closed as a safety precaution.

Icon’s Itinerary Continues

The 248,663-gross ton Icon of the Seas is currently wrapping up a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, which departed PortMiami on 2nd August.

Port calls included St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

It is unclear whether the slide will be reopened in time for the next sailing, another week-long cruise departing Miami on 9th August.

Slide Incidents Rare, But Not Unheard Of

Despite the shocking nature of this malfunction, waterslide accidents on cruise ships are extremely rare. Cruise lines are subject to rigorous safety regulations and all onboard attractions are inspected regularly for structural integrity and safety compliance.

Icon of the Seas, which entered service in early 2024, is one of the newest vessels in the Royal Caribbean fleet and is filled with high-tech amenities.

This incident, however, raises questions among some guests about possible manufacturing or installation faults.

That said, Royal Caribbean has stressed that the Frightening Bolt will remain closed until expert engineers can confirm it is safe to reopen.

Sister ship Star of the Seas is set to launch next week too and will also feature Frightening Bolt – there’s no word yet on whether the slide will be impacted on that ship.

Recent Similar Incidents

This is not the first structural failure involving glass on a Royal Caribbean ship this summer.

On 8th June 2025, a glass panel at Symphony of the Seas’ Coastal Kitchen shattered, narrowly missing nearby guests.

On 29th June, another glass panel in the ship’s Solarium roof broke while docking in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Cruise lines are expected to investigate all such occurrences thoroughly, not only to make immediate repairs but also to ensure similar incidents do not occur elsewhere across the fleet.

For now we can only wish the injured guest a speedy recovery, and hope that Royal Caribbean can identify the cause of the issue and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

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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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Guests onboard Celebrity Millennium faced an unexpected delay returning to Yokohama, Japan, on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, after a sunken vessel in the harbour required underwater inspections to ensure safe passage.

The 91,000-gross-ton cruise ship had been concluding a 12-night “Best of Japan” sailing, and the delay impacted not only debarking guests but also those scheduled to embark later that day.

With a passenger capacity of 2,138 per voyage, more than 4,200 passengers were potentially affected by the disruption, depending on how sold out each sailing was.

Three-Hour Delay Due to Submerged Obstruction

Satellite tracking data and guest reports confirm the ship slowed considerably upon approach to Yokohama, awaiting clearance from port authorities.

Underwater checks were required to ensure that debris from the sunken vessel would not interfere with the cruise ship’s arrival or pose navigational hazards.

Though Celebrity Cruises has not officially confirmed the cause, it’s believed to be linked to a fire-related incident on 4th August, when two fireworks barges caught fire in the harbour.

While there were no injuries reported, the burning barges may have left debris requiring removal or inspection.

Communication and Adjustments Onboard

Throughout the delay, crew members kept passengers informed and added extra activities to help ease the wait. Reports from onboard note that the delay lasted approximately 3 to 4 hours, with Celebrity Millennium ultimately arriving safely and without technical issues.

For guests awaiting embarkation, the cruise line sent email updates advising them to postpone arrival at the terminal to avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth boarding process.

“Our arrival time remains fluid, and we kindly ask that you delay your arrival to the port until we advise you of your new arrival time,

“We are committed to remaining in contact every hour so you can plan your arrival appropriately.”

Adjusted Arrival Windows

To manage the shifted schedule, Celebrity Cruises issued new arrival times for embarking guests.

For instance, those with an 11 am arrival slot were asked to arrive at 2 pm instead. The 1 pm group was shifted to 4 pm, and guests in the final arrival windows (2–3 pm) were advised to arrive no later than 5 pm.

“All guests should be checked-in and onboard by 6:00 PM and we’ll set sail at 7:00 PM,” the cruise line emphasised.

The smooth boarding process ultimately allowed the ship to set sail on time for its next 12-night cruise, visiting Japanese ports such as Shimizu, Osaka, and Hiroshima, along with a stop in Busan, South Korea.

No Damage to Ship

It’s important to note that Celebrity Cruises was never at fault with the incident, and that Celebrity Millennium did not suffer any damage during the delay.

There were no technical concerns with the ship itself. The delay was purely a safety precaution to ensure the harbour was free of obstacles.

The Millennium-class vessel has been sailing successfully from her Yokohama homeport this season and remains on schedule for upcoming voyages.

With no other cruise ships scheduled at Yokohama until Diamond Princess arrives on 15th August, port authorities now have ample time to fully clear and assess the harbour following the recent disruptions – whether due to the barge fire or recent tsunami-related activity in the region.

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MSC Cruises has made a big announcement regarding its onboard offerings, with a drinks package being dropped.

From 1st August 2025, the cruise line will no longer allow guests to book an Easy Plus Drinks Package.

There are still four other package options that guests can book – the Easy Package (Europe only), the Premium Extra Package, the Alcohol-Free Package and the Minors Package.

The change impacts all cruisers who booked from 1st August 2025 onwards. Any guests who have already booked an Easy Plus package prior to 31st July 2025 will have the package honoured, no matter their sailing date.

The Easy Plus package had already been removed from sailings in the Caribbean, North America and Pacific Ocean regions, along with the Easy package. Those changes were made in December 2024.

Easy Plus – What You Got

The Easy Plus Drinks Package has been a popular mid-tier option for cruisers seeking a balance between variety and value.

It included a broad selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages priced up to $10 (or the equivalent in other currencies), covering draught and bottled beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and more.

Guests also received a 10% discount on bottles of wine.

A standout feature of the Easy Plus package was its availability in specialty restaurants – something not offered with the lower-tier Easy Package.

This made it a go-to choice for guests who wanted to enjoy drinks in more venues across the ship, including the main dining room, buffet, bars, and à la carte restaurants.

While it wasn’t an all-inclusive package, Easy Plus was generally considered good value, especially when booked in advance at discounted rates.

Prices ranged from £47 to £57.50 per night on UK sailings, and they included gratuities – removing the need for additional service charges on drinks.

The package was already phased out from the North American market in late 2024, but had remained available for European and UK cruises – until now.

With its removal, guests looking for wider drink choices will now need to upgrade to the Premium Extra Package, or settle for the more limited selection in the Easy Package.

The shift may also complicate dining plans for those who frequently dine in specialty venues, as the Easy Package doesn’t cover drinks in those locations.

As ever, guests are advised to carefully consider whether a drinks package suits their habits – particularly as packages must be purchased for the full length of the cruise, and for every guest in a cabin, including children.

Other Package Options

With the Easy Plus Package being removed, guests will still have four drinks packages to choose from, each catering to different budgets and preferences:

Premium Extra Package

This is MSC’s top-tier drinks package, including all drinks priced up to $16 / €14 / £14. It features:

• Craft, draught and bottled beers
• Full range of wines and Champagne by the glass
• Premium brand spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, soft drinks and energy drinks
• Specialty coffees, hot teas, and hot chocolate
• 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles purchased onboard
• Available in all bars (except the Starship Club), restaurants (including speciality venues), Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and selected premium venues like the Raj Polo Tea Room and The Coffee Emporium.

Easy Package

A budget-friendly option, this package is only available in Europe and the Middle East with MSC, and includes:

• Heineken draught beer
• A limited selection of house wines, classic cocktails and mocktails
• House spirits, fruit juices, soft drinks, mineral water
• Classic hot drinks like espresso, cappuccino and tea

Drinks can be enjoyed in bars, the buffet, and the main dining room, but not in speciality restaurants or the Starship Club.

Alcohol-Free Package

Designed for adults who don’t drink alcohol, this package offers:

• Alcohol-free cocktails
• Sodas, fruit juices, flavoured water, energy drinks, mineral water
• Coffee drinks, hot teas, hot chocolate
• Soft-serve ice cream

Available throughout the ship, including Ocean Cay, but excludes speciality restaurants and the Starship Club.

Minors Package

Tailored for younger cruisers (ages 3 to 17 in Europe, 3 to 20 in North America and the Caribbean), this mirrors the Alcohol-Free Package and includes:

• Alcohol-free cocktails
• Sodas, juices, mineral and flavoured water
• Hot drinks and soft-serve ice cream

As with the Alcohol-Free Package, this can be used in most venues except speciality restaurants and the Starship Club.

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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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Guests currently aboard Celebrity Ascent have been informed that their final port of call – Santorini, Greece – will now be three hours shorter than originally scheduled.

The change has come as local port authorities attempt to manage an extremely congested day of cruise traffic.

The Celebrity Cruises vessel is sailing a 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona to Athens, with Santorini set as the final stop on Friday, 8th August 2025.

While the ship’s 3,950 passengers will still be able to step ashore at the iconic Greek island, the all-aboard time has been moved forward to 5 pm, instead of the initially published 8 pm departure.

“Increased Traffic Conditions”

The change was confirmed in a notice delivered to guests onboard:

“Due to increased traffic conditions at the port in Santorini, Greece, local authorities have requested an adjustment to our departure schedule. As a result, our time in Santorini will be updated, with our new departure time now set for 5:00 PM.”

The cruise line added that the decision is beyond its control but stressed that passenger experience remains a top priority.

The reduction in time ashore comes at the height of Mediterranean cruise season, with Santorini’s tender port operating at near-capacity on the same day.

Alongside Celebrity Ascent, three other ships – Norwegian Viva, Voyager of the Seas, and Star Flyer – are all due to visit on 8th August.

It’s clear why Voyager of the Seas has been prioritised over Celebrity Ascent – the Royal Caribbean ship is scheduled to remain at the port overnight, so could hardly be sent away on the 8th to return again the next day.

But it’s less clear why Celebrity Ascent has been chosen to disembark earlier than the NCL or Star Clippers vessels.

As a tender-only destination, the process of getting people on and off the ship takes more time and coordination, particularly when multiple ships are in port simultaneously.

Safety regulations and navigational logistics often require staggered arrivals and departures.

Shore Excursions Automatically Adjusted

Celebrity Cruises has confirmed that all shore excursions booked through the line will be automatically adjusted to the new departure time.

If a tour cannot be modified to fit the updated schedule, it will be refunded in full to the guest’s onboard account.

Despite the shortened visit, passengers will still be required to pay the full Greek port tax introduced on 1st August 2025 – €20 (approx. £17 / $23.13 USD) per person for summer calls.

Tender Port Warning

At the time of letting guests know about the changes to the Santorini timings, Celebrity Cruises also used the opportunity to remind guests about safety when using tender boats.

Santorini is a tender port, meaning that cruise ships are unable to dock directly at a pier.

Instead, the vessel anchors offshore, and passengers are transported to and from the island by smaller boats – known as tenders. These tender boats are typically operated either by the cruise line or local port services and can vary in size and accessibility.

Tendering is a common practice at ports where the harbour is too shallow, too small, or simply too congested to accommodate large cruise ships.

Because guests must step from the main ship onto a smaller, often moving vessel, cruise lines issue specific warnings for those with mobility difficulties.

Accessing a tender can involve navigating gangways, steps, and sometimes uneven surfaces – all of which can pose challenges for those who rely on wheelchairs, walking aids, or who are unsteady on their feet.

In some cases, cruise lines may advise certain guests not to tender at all, depending on sea conditions and the specific design of the tender craft.

Celebrity Cruises has reiterated its commitment to the safety of all guests and crew during tender operations and encourages passengers to reach out to Guest Services if they have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility or suitability for tendering.

Itinerary Otherwise Unchanged

The 141,420-gross-ton Celebrity Ascent has already completed successful calls in Valletta (Malta), and is on track to visit both Mykonos and Kusadasi before arriving in Santorini.

No other itinerary changes have been announced.

While losing time in Santorini is no doubt a disappointment – especially as it’s the final port of a highly anticipated cruise – Celebrity Cruises has expressed its appreciation for guests’ understanding.

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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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Two cruise ships – Regal Princess and Ambience – have been forced to make significant itinerary changes due to the powerful Storm Floris sweeping across northern Scotland and the Norwegian coast.

Both ships have cancelled or rearranged ports of call to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew.

Regal Princess Skips Scotland as Storm Approaches

Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess is currently sailing a 12-night UK voyage roundtrip from Southampton, having departed on Friday, 1st August 2025.

While the Royal-class ship was able to visit Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands as planned, she was forced to cancel her scheduled calls to Invergordon on Monday, 4th August and Stornoway on Tuesday, 5th August.

“Storm Floris is approaching the north of Scotland bringing high winds and heavy seas along our scheduled route…

“As a result, and as the safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority, we have made the necessary decision to cancel our calls.”

Letter sent to guests

Instead, Regal Princess will spend Monday at sea and visit Greenock (Glasgow) a day earlier than originally planned, on Tuesday from 8 am to 7 pm.

The itinerary will also include a newly added call to Liverpool on Wednesday, 6th August. All previously booked shore excursions for the cancelled ports are being automatically refunded.

The UK Met Office issued strong wind warnings for the region, noting that gusts of up to 80 to 90 mph could batter coastal areas of Scotland. Tendering or docking in such conditions would have posed significant safety risks.

Ambience Diverts from Norway’s West Coast

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience, meanwhile, is contending with the same storm system from across the North Sea.

The 70,285-gross-ton vessel departed Tilbury on Sunday, 3rd August on a 7-night Norwegian Fjords sailing.

To avoid the worst of Storm Floris, Ambience has replaced her scheduled call to Sandnes on 5th August with an earlier stop in Bergen – an area currently under a lower-tier yellow wind warning.

In addition, her visit to Alesund on 7th August will be extended, while calls to Haugesund and Stavanger have been cancelled altogether due to berth unavailability and safety concerns.

The revised itinerary now includes:

• 3 August – Depart Tilbury
• 4 August – Day at Sea
• 5 August – Bergen (formerly Sandnes)
• 6 August – Geiranger
• 7 August – Alesund (time extended)
• 8 August – Day at Sea (formerly Bergen)
• 9 August – Day at Sea
• 10 August – Return to Tilbury

Weather Warnings Across Both Regions

As Storm Floris moves eastward, the Met Office continues to monitor impacts across the UK.

Wind warnings remain in effect for parts of Scotland, including the Orkney and Shetland Islands, while the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued orange and yellow alerts for the west coast of Norway, including Stavanger and surrounding areas.

Wind gusts in Norway could reach 78 mph (35 m/s), especially in exposed coastal areas during the early hours of Tuesday, 5th August.

Cruise ships like Ambience and Regal Princess are well equipped to adjust to such conditions.

“While we may still experience some rough seas, this will enable us to proceed ahead of Storm Floris and shelter in the Firth of Clyde and the Irish Sea,” Princess Cruises noted in its letter to guests.

While some guests may feel disappointed by the missed ports, cruise lines continue to stress that guest safety is paramount. These types of itinerary adjustments are not uncommon during storm season, whether in the North Sea, the Caribbean, or the Pacific.

Both Princess Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line have promised to keep guests informed of any further changes.

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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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