News

With the grand opening of Celebration Key just around the corner, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald has shared fresh details about what guests can expect when the private Bahamian destination officially opens on 19th July 2025.

In a Facebook video posted on 8th July, Heald responded to a wave of guest questions, offering clarification on everything from walking distance and accessibility to food options and included amenities.

Walking or Riding? Accessibility Options Explained

Heald confirmed that the walk from the ship to Celebration Key will take roughly 10 minutes, and Carnival will offer transportation for guests who need it.

While guests with mobility scooters are encouraged to ride down the flat pier, a limited number of accessible carts and trams will be available.

There will be four ADA-compliant golf carts with side ramps, each holding up to three guests, according to Heald, along with 14 larger trams seating up to 12 people.

Considering some Carnival ships host up to 4,000 guests, and the limited capacity of these trams, Heald emphasized the importance of walking when possible, especially on busy sailings. “If you can walk, please walk it,” he urged.

Dining: One Free Meal – (Plus You Get a Cookie)

Each guest will receive one complimentary meal at any of the 14 quick-service food outlets located throughout Celebration Key.

The process is simple: guests present their Sail & Sign card, which will be scanned to redeem the meal – no gratuity required.

Menu items include burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, salads, and vegan options like falafel.

Every order comes with fries and a large cookie, which Heald jokingly described as “mandatory.”

Guests can also purchase additional meals or opt for premium sit-down restaurants. One such venue, Gill’s Grill, will serve lobster, shrimp, salmon, and Caribbean seafood.

There will also be a coffee and doughnut shop – reportedly “the best in the world,” according to Carnival’s senior VP of hotel operations – and a whimsically named “Sunshine Swings” bar.

Despite Heald cheekily calling it a swingers bar, to be clear, this is where guests can sip cocktails from swinging bar stools – not a venue for those who are wearing upside down pineapple clothing.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Beyond food, Heald reassured guests that Celebration Key will include ample complimentary amenities:

• Shaded seating areas
• Beach chairs and umbrellas
• Towels (though “please return them”)
• Access to the massive lagoon and beach area
• Free-flowing freshwater stations
• The ability to return to the ship at any time

Heald also reminded cruisers that guests are welcome to bring their own pool noodles or floats – a subtle nod to recent pricing controversies – and that excursions, while available, are completely optional.

The destination will be fully cashless, with purchases available via Sail & Sign card or a personal credit card.

More Updates to Come

Heald closed his update by promising behind-the-scenes footage when he visits Celebration Key on opening day. “Once you get there, I don’t think you’ll want to leave,” he added, teasing more looks at restaurant interiors, ADA features, and the lagoon itself.

Celebration Key is exclusive to Carnival Cruise Line guests for now.

Sister brands under Carnival Corporation, such as Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, will not yet be calling at the new destination, though that could change in future.

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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

Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas has returned to Vancouver just two hours after setting sail on what was supposed to be a 7-night Alaska cruise, with guests still onboard…

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Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas has returned to Vancouver just two hours after setting sail on what was supposed to be a 7-night Alaska cruise, with guests still onboard and uncertainty clouding the rest of the voyage.

The ship had departed Sunday evening for a scenic Inside Passage itinerary but was back at the dock within hours.

Passengers noted engine-related trouble, though onboard systems unrelated to propulsion remain fully operational.

No injuries or safety concerns have been reported, and guests have not been permitted to leave the vessel.

This marks the second consecutive sailing where Serenade of the Seas has faced propulsion problems.

On its previous cruise, technical limitations forced the cancellation of both a scheduled port call at Icy Strait Point and a day of scenic cruising.

While the cruise line acknowledged “speed restrictions from a technical issue” at the time, no specific mechanical details were disclosed.

Impact on Itinerary Still TBC

The ship had been scheduled to call in Sitka, Alaska, on Tuesday 8th July, but given its current location and lack of departure progress, it is unlikely that original itinerary will be maintained.

Royal Caribbean has not issued a public statement regarding the current technical issue or plans for an adjusted sailing, though guests onboard are expecting further updates.

While unexpected problems can happen, this latest setback has sparked comparisons to past incidents aboard Radiance of the Seas, a sister ship that suffered repeated engine issues in 2024, culminating in a last-minute cruise cancellation after passengers had already boarded.

At just over 90,000 gross tons, Serenade of the Seas is one of the smaller ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, accommodating around 2,500 passengers.

The vessel has spent much of the year tied to the line’s ambitious Ultimate World Cruise, but is also deployed for seasonal Alaska itineraries during the summer months.

As of Monday afternoon, the ship remains docked in Vancouver. It is unclear whether the sailing will proceed on a revised schedule or face further disruption.

Guests booked on upcoming cruises will be watching closely to see if the issue proves persistent or is resolved in short order.

More updates will follow once Royal Caribbean confirms the next steps for the voyage.

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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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Crew members aboard the luxury cruise ship Azamara Onward have been unexpectedly confined to the vessel following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness during the current sailing.

As a result, they were not be allowed to go ashore when the ship visited the tender port of Saint Tropez, France, on Saturday, 5th July 2025.

The restriction was confirmed in an internal communication from the cruise line’s human resources department:

“Sadly, based on our current OPRP status, crew will not be allowed to ride in tenders with guests tomorrow.”

The term OPRP refers to “operational prerequisite program,” which governs food safety and sanitation measures when a health-related incident occurs onboard.

Though the outbreak appears to be relatively contained – with fewer than 10 guests reported to be in isolation due to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea – the cruise line has enacted strict measures.

Reasonable Measures, or an Overreaction?

Azamara Onward can accommodate up to 826 guests, meaning the number of symptomatic passengers represents less than 1.5% of guests onboard.

It’s unclear whether any crew members have been affected.

However, the total ban on shore leave for all crew appears to be a pre-emptive effort to avoid any potential cross-contamination between guests and crew during tender operations and on land.

While safeguarding guest health is understandably a top priority, the decision has raised concerns among crew members and observers alike.

Onboard staff work long hours across extended contracts and often rely on occasional hours ashore for rest and mental well-being – especially in picturesque ports like Saint Tropez, a coveted stop along the French Riviera.

Critics of the policy have noted that more moderate steps could have been taken.

Proposals such as assigning separate tenders for crew, sanitizing boats between transfers, or even restricting shore leave only for crew working in food service or housekeeping may have served the same goal with less impact on morale.

Nevertheless, Azamara appears committed to keeping the outbreak contained.

There’s currently no indication of additional measures planned for Azamara Onward’s next 8-night voyage to Civitavecchia (Rome).

The 30,277-gross-ton ship was in the middle of a 10-night one-way Mediterranean cruise that departed Barcelona on June 27 and had already called at Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Marseille before the incident.

The vessel is carrying approximately 370 crew members.

While this latest incident is minor compared to past outbreaks on larger ships, it’s a reminder of how seriously cruise lines must continue to treat onboard illness – even in relatively isolated cases.

For the crew, however, being confined to the ship amid calm seas and sunny Riviera coastlines is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow.

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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

Norwegian Cruise Line has begun notifying travel agents that it will cancel dozens of sailings for two of its most popular ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima, due to upcoming…

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Norwegian Cruise Line has begun notifying travel agents that it will cancel dozens of sailings for two of its most popular ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima, due to upcoming fleet redeployments.

A total of 41 voyages between November 2026 and March 2027 are affected, disrupting early-booked holiday travel plans for many guests.

The cancellation period spans five full months: Norwegian Breakaway cruises from 8th November 2026 through to 28th March 2027, and Norwegian Prima sailings from 15th November 2026 through to the same March date have all been removed from the schedule.

The cruise line has not yet revealed where the two ships will be redeployed or what new itineraries may replace the cancelled voyages.

According to the official notice sent to travel advisors, all impacted guests will receive a full refund automatically returned to their original form of payment.

Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a 10% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) as a goodwill gesture, which passengers can apply to a future sailing.

Direct communication is currently being sent out to guests affected by the change.

Entire Seasons Removed From the Schedule

The most visible impact of the cancellations is the removal of Norwegian Breakaway’s entire winter Caribbean season from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The 145,655-gross-ton vessel had been scheduled to transition from its Boston-to-Bermuda itineraries in early November 2026 into a series of Southern Caribbean roundtrip sailings.

Those included alternating 7-night voyages to popular ports such as Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, and St. Lucia, as well as holiday cruises over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Similarly, Norwegian Prima’s winter schedule out of New Orleans has also been entirely cancelled.

The 143,535-gross-ton ship, fresh off a short autumn season from Port Canaveral, was slated to begin roundtrip Western Caribbean voyages from New Orleans starting November 15, 2026.

These sailings would have included stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Norwegian’s private island destination of Harvest Caye in Belize. Affected cruises again include major holiday season departures.

While no explanation has been offered for the redeployments, it’s not unusual for cruise lines to shuffle ships to meet changing market demands, fleet expansion strategies, or dry dock schedules.

Norwegian Cruise Line has not announced any broader changes to other deployments during the same period.

The change also comes at a notable time for both homeports.

San Juan recently reopened its cruise pier to accommodate larger vessels, and New Orleans saw record-breaking cruise traffic in early 2025.

Losing two high-capacity ships from these ports during the winter peak season is a significant shift.

Guests hoping to rebook an NCL cruise with their FCC may still find comparable itineraries available elsewhere in the fleet, though popular dates may fill quickly.

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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

Crew members aboard the luxury cruise ship Azamara Onward have been unexpectedly confined to the vessel following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness during the current sailing. As a result, they…

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Explora Journeys has just rolled out a very tempting updated loyalty programme, which could tempt other cruisers to consider switching allegiances.

The luxury cruise line has launched phase two of its Explora Club loyalty programme, giving members new perks, the ability to track their points and tier levels online, and a broader Status Match offer that now includes Oceania Cruises.

The update comes at a time when Carnival Cruise Line’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club is under heavy fire.

In June 2025, the cruise giant announced that it would scrap lifetime loyalty status starting in 2026 and replace it with a two-year rolling window based on cruise nights and onboard spend.

Carnival loyalists quickly voiced their frustration, with many claiming they feel abandoned by a programme they spent years working toward. Some are now considering alternatives – and Explora is ready to welcome them.

However, Carnival is not one of the cruise lines where status match applies for Explora Journeys – although there is a way around that.

Perks Without the Pressure

Unlike Carnival’s new system, which will force guests to maintain activity to keep their status, Explora Club allows guests to retain their tier indefinitely once achieved. This alone may be enough to sway disillusioned cruisers looking for long-term recognition.

The Explora Club has five membership levels: Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Members earn points based on cruise nights, onboard purchases, and select excursion bookings – and those points never expire.

Guests can now track their status in real time via the updated “My Explora Account” portal, a highly requested feature that makes it easier to manage and understand rewards at each level.

At the base Classic tier, travellers gain access to exclusive offers, priority booking windows, and a personalised member dashboard.

Silver members (1–5,000 points) unlock extras like birthday gifts and savings on future bookings.

Gold status (5,001–20,000 points) adds perks such as turndown surprises, while Platinum (20,001–50,000) includes bridge tours, laundry service, and Journey Experience Credits.

At the top, Diamond status (50,001+ points) offers serious incentives: complimentary week-long sailings for two, private suite upgrades, VIP transfers, and invitations to exclusive events like the President’s Journey and Chef’s Kitchen.

Points, Perks, and Status Matching

Explora’s loyalty programme awards 100 points per night at sea, with bonus multipliers depending on the suite booked – Ocean Suites earn 1x, Penthouses 2x, Residences 3x, and Owner’s Residences an impressive 10x multiplier.

The cruise line has also expanded its Status Match programme, allowing cruisers with loyalty levels from 11 participating cruise lines to match their status when joining Explora Club.

Brands included are:

• MSC Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Ponant
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Scenic Luxury Cruises
• Seabourn
• Silversea Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Now also: Oceania Cruises

Matched tiers apply immediately on a guest’s first sailing with Explora Journeys, making it easier than ever to enjoy elevated benefits without starting from scratch.

Carnival guests will note that they are unable to match directly with Explora Journeys, but if they are Platinum or Diamond level, they can join an MSC cruise first to take advantage of their own status match programme, and then they can match their new MSC status to Explora Journeys.

With so many passengers reconsidering their cruise line loyalty, Explora Journeys has timed this loyalty refresh perfectly. For guests unimpressed by Carnival’s upcoming changes, the journey to better perks may now be just one booking away.

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Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that the soft-drink fountains on its North-American ships will soon sparkle with Coca-Cola once more.

The line first moved to Pepsi in January 2020 but says it will “welcome back” Coke later this summer, making the world’s best-known cola its preferred partner for carbonated drinks, sparkling waters, zero-sugar and low-calorie options.

Carnival’s president, Christine Duffy, hailed the reunion of “two iconic brands that celebrate fun, family, friendship, food and fabulous memories,” adding that the new agreement will elevate the on-board dining and bar experience.

Dagmar Boggs, who heads foodservice for Coca-Cola in North America, returned the compliment, promising “the perfect drink for every moment of the journey – from an ice-cold Coca-Cola with lunch to a Topo Chico by the pool”.

Although a precise start-date is still “late summer”, the roll-out will vary by ship depending on existing Pepsi stock and delivery schedules.

Vessels based in the United States and Canada will change first, while Carnival’s European deployments and its Australian fleet will continue pouring their current sodas until they reposition.

The Definitive Carnival Coke List

Alongside classic red-can Coke, cruisers will soon see Coke Zero, Diet Coke and their caffeine-free counterparts.

Sprite and Sprite Zero, Fanta Orange and Barq’s root beer are also back; the latter pairs neatly with vanilla soft-serve from Swirls for impromptu floats.

Powerade returns in lemon-lime and fruit punch, plus zero-sugar fruit punch and Mountain Blast, all in 20-ounce bottles.

Sparkling-water fans will have Topo Chico in tangerine, lime and blackberry.

Those seeking protein can reach for 14-ounce bottles of Fairlife Core Power in chocolate or vanilla.

Club soda, tonic and ginger ale remain available through Coca-Cola’s distribution network.

An extra treat is reserved for Texan and Louisiana sailings: Dr Pepper will be stocked on ships out of Galveston and New Orleans, and Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald hopes to extend it to other homeports.

Pepsi-Preferring Guests

Travellers loyal to the “other” brand need not despair.

Carnival’s beverage policy still allows each guest to bring an unopened 12-pack of cans on embarkation day, so Pepsi drinkers can pack their own.

Alternatively, they can purchase individual Pepsi products ashore and carry them back on board at ports of call.

A Carnival-Only Change – For Now

The new partnership covers only Carnival Cruise Line. Sister brands inside Carnival Corporation, such as Princess, Holland America, Cunard and P&O Cruises, will stick with their existing drink contracts unless they decide otherwise.

For now, though, Coke fans have cause to celebrate: before the end of the summer, the Fun Ships’ bars and buffets will once again serve that familiar red-label fizz, leaving passengers to decide whether it pairs better with a Guy’s burger, a BlueIguana taco or simply a sunny day at sea.

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Just before docking in Port Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday 29 June 2025, a glass panel on the roof of Symphony of the Seas’ Solarium unexpectedly shattered, startling nearby guests but thankfully causing no injuries.

Passengers on the 228,081-gross-ton ship heard a loud “pop” overhead as the tempered panel – part of the crystal canopy above the adults-only Solarium – fractured without warning.

The broken panel extended over both the deck 15 lounge chairs and a bathroom entrance on deck 14.

Guests on board took to social media to report the incident, with several noting how close they were to the breakage.

“I was close by, it was a loud pop!” wrote one cruiser, while another remarked: “Again!!! We were right under the last glass breakage on 6/8. Every time docking in Florida.”

Photos taken by passengers showed the panel shattered but largely intact, with no visible shards scattered across the decks below.

This is likely due to the use of tempered safety glass, which is designed to break into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp pieces when compromised.

Second Glass Breakage in Under a Month

This marks the second glass-related incident aboard Symphony of the Seas this month, with a similar situation having occurred on 8th June.

During that earlier incident – also while docking in Port Canaveral – a glass wall panel at the Coastal Kitchen restaurant on deck 17 shattered, sending fragments down to a lower deck.

A quick-thinking waiter, Nitin Kumar, reportedly noticed the glass starting to crack and rushed to clear the area just before the panel gave way.

Crew members promptly closed and drained the affected pool to remove debris, and the glass was replaced within 24 hours.

What’s Causing the Panels to Fail?

While Royal Caribbean has yet to release an official statement regarding either event, many guests and observers are speculating that ship vibrations during complex docking manoeuvres may be to blame.

Both incidents happened while the vessel was navigating into Port Canaveral – movements that often involve sharp turns and engine adjustments that can cause significant vibrations.

Though hot summer weather in Florida has also been floated as a possible factor, experts suggest that temperature alone is unlikely to cause tempered glass to fail.

Instead, a combination of structural stress and ship movement is a more probable explanation.

Despite the unusual nature of these two incidents, no injuries have occurred, and crew responses have been swift and efficient.

Clean-up teams secured both affected areas quickly, and the ship’s schedule remained uninterrupted.

Symphony of the Seas is currently homeporting out of Cape Liberty in New Jersey and is operating 7-night sailings to Florida and The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean is likely to investigate the cause of the repeated breakages to prevent future incidents, particularly as some guests are beginning to express concern.

Nonetheless, cruisers booked aboard Symphony should feel reassured. Tempered glass is used across the industry for safety, and the line’s prompt response in both cases demonstrates that safety protocols are working as intended.

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Cruise guests visiting Nassau, Bahamas with Royal Caribbean can now plan an exclusive, beachside escape as bookings officially open for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, set to open in late December 2025.

The new beachfront destination promises an upscale island experience just minutes from Nassau Cruise Port, offering two beaches, three pools, ten bars, and a range of premium upgrades – all curated for relaxation, fun, and luxury.

Day Pass Pricing and Options

Royal Caribbean is offering a variety of all-inclusive passes depending on guest preferences and age:

• Family Pass (No Alcohol)
  • $129.99 – Guests aged 13+
  • $109.99 – Guests aged 4–12
  • Free – Children aged 3 and under
• Adult All-Inclusive (Open Bar)

All passes include access to loungers and umbrellas at the resort, as well as use of towels and lockers. There’s WiFi at the resort which is also included, as well as dining and the roundtrip ferry transportation needed to reach the resort.

However the pricing is dynamic and will likely vary depending on the ship and sailing dates. Expect these prices to be a guide – they may cost more, or there may be sale offers bringing the prices down.

Not a Cruise Exclusive

While Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first beach club Royal Caribbean is set to open, it is not the first privately-owned destination – the cruise line already operates two private destinations – Labadee in Haiti, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In a first for the cruise line, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is not exclusively for the use of cruise guests.

Local Bahamian residents will be permitted to also use the facilities in the resort by purchasing their own day pass.

Upgrades for Every Travel Style

In addition to standard passes, guests can enhance their day with exclusive rentals:

• Private Beach or Poolside Cabanas with dedicated attendants
• Day beds and reserved seating
• The Ultimate Family Cabana – a multi-level oasis with a slide, frozen drink machine, and luxury service

Guests who book a private area will get their day passes included – up to a total of 12 passes for the Ultimate Family Cabana.

For those looking for a more lively, party-centric vibe, the second-floor Party Deck at the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar offers a high-energy scene with:

• Ocean views
• DJ entertainment
• Dedicated poolside service

This is a private space available for booking that comes with up to 12 day passes included, although an additional six can also be bought for a maximum capacity of 18 guests.

Available to All Royal Caribbean Sailings Calling in Nassau

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be open to all Royal Caribbean guests whose itineraries include a stop in Nassau, which means a wide variety of ships and homeports are eligible.

This includes weekend getaways aboard Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, weeklong voyages on Icon of the Seas from Miami, and sailings from Cape Liberty on Odyssey of the Seas, among others.

Since Nassau is one of the most frequently visited ports in the Caribbean, access to the exclusive club will be available to thousands of guests each week.

Because space is limited and demand is expected to be high, day passes are likely to sell out quickly – particularly on peak sailings.

Royal Caribbean recommends that interested guests secure their reservations as early as possible to ensure they don’t miss out on the experience.

More to Come: Cozumel and Lelepa Next in Line

While Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first of its kind for Royal Caribbean, it’s only the beginning of the cruise line’s plans for exclusive beachfront destinations.

Next in line is the Royal Beach Club Cozumel, currently scheduled to open in 2026. This new location will bring the same upscale, all-inclusive experience to the western Caribbean, offering a new way to enjoy one of Mexico’s most popular cruise ports.

Looking even further ahead, Royal Caribbean will debut its third Royal Beach Club on the South Pacific island of Lelepa in Vanuatu.

Slated to open in early 2027, the Lelepa club will be the cruise line’s first such destination in the Southern Hemisphere. These upcoming locations highlight Royal Caribbean’s continued investment in elevating the guest experience – not just onboard, but onshore as well.

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What could have become a devastating tragedy turned into a story of bravery and quick action aboard Disney Dream on Sunday, 29th June 2025, when a young girl fell overboard and was rescued by her father, who leapt in after her.

The ship was enjoying a day at sea, sailing back to Fort Lauderdale on the final leg of a 4-night Bahamas cruise, when the call of “Man Overboard – port side!” rang out across the ship’s public announcement system.

Crew immediately sprang into action. Life preservers were thrown into the water and the ship’s rescue pilot craft was launched within minutes.

Thanks to the quick manoeuvring of the 130,000-gross ton ship and the crew’s training, both guests were back onboard in under 30 minutes.

“We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions… This incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

Disney Cruise Line spokesperson

The father and daughter were not seriously injured, and both were able to re-join the ship safely.

How Did It Happen?

The girl reportedly fell from Deck 4, which includes the jogging track and promenade. This deck does not have guest staterooms, but is open to the sea via viewing areas protected by solid bulkheads and high railings.

It’s not yet known how she managed to fall overboard. Investigations will likely include:

• Reviewing surveillance footage
• Inspecting the deck railings
• Interviewing witnesses
• Ensuring safety standards were being followed

There are reports on social media that the father had placed the girl on a railing for a photograph before she fell, but this are unverified and should not be taken as fact at this stage.

Training That Saves Lives

Disney Cruise Line, like all major cruise lines, conducts frequent emergency drills to ensure their crew can react calmly and effectively in emergencies.

In fact, crew training drills were observed just two weeks ago aboard Disney Magic by guests.

Earlier this year, Disney Fantasy coordinated a successful airlift evacuation for a critically ill guest mid-ocean – a testament to the crew’s professionalism and preparation.

Despite the incident, Disney Dream arrived in Fort Lauderdale on schedule on Monday, 30th June, and its next cruise – a 5-night Bahamian itinerary – departed without delay.

That voyage includes calls to:

• Nassau
• Castaway Cay
• Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

A Reminder for Cruise Safety

This dramatic event is a stark reminder that, while rare, overboard incidents can and do happen – but also that training, preparedness, and calm leadership can make the difference between life and death.

Most importantly, it serves as a tribute to the father’s bravery and the crew’s swift response, which saved two lives in less than half an hour.

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

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The well-known cruise reviewers Dan Wailing and Jay Cannon are no longer banned from sailing with Carnival Cruise Line, after the company stated that its earlier letter “only” covered three UK-managed brands – Cunard, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises.

A team leader at P&O Cruises’ guest-relations department sent the clarification nearly two weeks after the pair had gone public with what they believed was a blanket ban from all eight brands in the Carnival Corporation group.

“The letter you received only refers to Cunard, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, no other Carnival brands,”

The late correction has left the Sail Away Magazine founders angry and out of pocket. They’ve written an article about the latest confirmation on their ban and the impact it’s had on them.

Because they thought the ban applied worldwide, they cancelled a September holiday on Princess Cruises and pulled out of a mid-June charter on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, losing deposits and filming costs.

Dan and Jay are now asking Carnival UK for a public explanation of how the mix-up happened and why the ban was imposed.

“It’s now clear that our ban does not include Carnival Cruise Line, but only Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Princess Cruises. Some believed Carnival Cruise Line was behind it, but this came directly from P&O Cruises, who decided to extend the ban across the two other lines, claiming they can’t offer us “the holiday [we] are looking for.” We will continue to push for clarity on the reasons behind this ban across these three cruise lines.”

Dan & Jay

What happened first

• 9 June 2025: Carnival UK wrote to Wailing and Cannon saying they had “clearly demonstrated that we cannot offer the holiday you are looking for”, and therefore could not travel with “any of the Carnival group brands” for five years. The letter added that “no further correspondence will be entered into on this matter.”
• 10-14 June: The two influencers released a podcast and YouTube video describing the ban. Other cruise fans, YouTubers and travel writers shared the story, calling it an extreme response to negative reviews.
• Last week: PR staff at Holland America, based in Seattle, told the couple they were not on its no-sail list. That led Wailing and Cannon to contact the other brands directly, sparking the fresh statement from P&O Cruises.

Why were they banned at all?

Dan and Jay – whose print magazine, podcast and YouTube channel reach more than 40,000 cruise fans – are known for frank and honest reviews.

Recent stories criticised:

• Cuts to room-service perks on Cunard ships
• A last-minute cruise cancellation by P&O Cruises on Aurora
• Results of a reader poll suggesting cruise standards had fallen under Carnival UK president Paul Ludlow

After calling their first Carnival Cruise Line voyage on Carnival Miracle “the worst cruise we’ve done”, they received the June letter.

They believe P&O Cruises pushed for the ban, though they have not sailed with that line since November 2023. The clarification that the ban does not cover Carnival Cruise Line suggests that they may be right.

Carnival UK has not explained the specific reason, and has yet to comment on Monday’s clarification.

Carnival ownership isn’t obvious

It doesn’t help that the structure of the Carnival Corporation isn’t the clearest.

Carnival Corporation is the main company that encapsulates all Carnival brands. And originally, Dan and Jay thought the ban came from them and covered all of those brands.

It’s now clear that the ban has instead been issued by Carnival UK – a smaller entity which covers the UK brands, specifically Cunard and P&O Cruises.

But what about Princess Cruises?

It definitely has different management branches in the UK and US but is broadly the same company.

However Princess UK is not listed as being part of Carnival UK, so Dan and Jay’s ban covering Princess Cruises as well as Cunard and P&O Cruises is even more confusing.

What’s next?

Dan and Jay say they will keep asking for answers while continuing to post cruise news and reviews.

For now, the pair remain barred from Cunard, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises until at least 2030 – but they are, once again, free to book with Carnival Cruise Line and the group’s other brands, including Holland America, Seabourn, AIDA and Costa.

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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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