News

In a heart-breaking turn of events during an overnight call in Keelung, Taiwan, passengers aboard Diamond Princess awoke in the early hours of May 19, 2025, to the sound of a medical emergency being announced over the ship’s loudspeaker.

By morning, that distress call was revealed to be for none other than the ship’s captain, Michele Bartolomei.

Despite efforts to assist, the long-time Princess Cruises captain passed away suddenly from a medical emergency onboard.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who died onboard Diamond Princess earlier of a sudden medical emergency,” Princess Cruises confirmed in a letter to guests.

A Sudden Loss at Sea

The call for medical assistance was made around 2:30 a.m. local time, and a second announcement was delivered as passengers prepared to disembark for their scheduled excursions later that morning.

At the time, Diamond Princess was docked in Keelung, Taiwan, and not in need of emergency assistance at sea.

The vessel had departed Yokohama, Japan, on 16th May for a 9-night cruise, with port calls to Ishigaki and Naha still to come before returning on 25th May.

Following Captain Bartolomei’s untimely death, Staff Captain Salvatore Macera – himself a seasoned officer with the cruise line since 2000 – assumed command of the ship.

“Please be assured that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority,” Princess Cruises said in a statement to guests.

A Distinguished Career Remembered

Captain Michele Bartolomei was just shy of his 30th anniversary with Princess Cruises, having joined the company in 1995.

Born in Italy and later residing in British Columbia, Canada, he began his maritime career as a cadet on a coal cargo ship before transitioning to cruise ships.

An avid fisherman, Captain Bartolomei kept a fishing boat in the Pacific Northwest and spent 18 seasons sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage.

In more recent years, he had grown fond of deployments in Asia and Australia.

Captain Macera honoured his colleague, calling him “a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew.”

Tributes from current and former guests, crew members, and industry colleagues quickly poured in across social media, where many remembered him not only as a skilled mariner but also a warm and approachable leader.

Several shared photos taken with the captain during their voyages.

Princess Cruises offered their deepest condolences: “Our hearts are with Captain Bartolomei’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to them. We also stand in support of the entire Diamond Princess crew and all employees across our company who had the honor of working alongside him.”

Captain Bartolomei was just 52 years old.

His passing comes nearly one year after the death of Royal Caribbean’s Captain James MacDonald aboard Harmony of the Seas in a similarly tragic and unexpected incident.

For guests aboard Diamond Princess, the cruise continues – but with heavy hearts as they remember a captain who truly lived and loved life at sea.

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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 29-year-old man scaled the mooring ropes of Carnival Adventure and now faces three criminal charges and a court date in June.

After turning heads and sparking viral videos with a reckless act that saw him scaling the mooring lines of Carnival Adventure at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal on 17th May 2025, the man behind the stunt is now facing serious legal repercussions.

Dubbed “Spider-Man” on social media, the 29-year-old was seen dangerously clambering up the thick ropes tethering the 108,865-gross-ton ship to the dock. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media.

The stunt halted port activity and quickly drew the attention of New South Wales police, who coordinated with the ship’s crew to safely lower the ropes toward a police boat.

Officers then took the man into custody without incident.

Three Charges Filed Following Arrest

According to News.com.au, the man was formally charged with three offenses:

• Entering a cleared zone without being screened and cleared
• Entering a landside restricted zone without authorisation
• Entering a waterside restricted zone without authorisation

After being transported to Day Street Police Station, located just minutes from the cruise terminal, the man was released on conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on 11th June 2025.

While Carnival Cruise Line has not yet released a public statement, it is widely expected that the individual will be banned from future cruises with Carnival and potentially its sister brands.

Carnival enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to behaviours that endanger passengers, crew, or the ship itself.

Depending on the court’s ruling, the climber could face significant penalties, including imprisonment, house arrest, or fines.

The spectacle may have looked daring to some, but authorities and cruise experts stress that such stunts can easily turn fatal.

Had the man lost his grip, he could have fallen between the ship and the dock, risking serious injury, drowning, or being crushed. There have already been real-world examples of such tragedies in recent months:

In April 2025, a child accidentally fell between a Royal Caribbean ship and the pier at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Thankfully, they were rescued.

On December 26, 2024, an elderly guest fell from their motorized wheelchair into the water at St. Maarten and tragically passed away.

Moreover, the man climbed the ship’s mooring lines – crucial equipment designed to hold the ship in place.

While built to withstand extreme forces, they are not meant to support human weight. Had one snapped under tension, it could have caused serious injury or death, not just to the climber but to anyone nearby.

This incident ended without physical harm, but authorities are using it as a powerful reminder: actions like these have real-world consequences. Beyond the legal ramifications, the safety risks to the individual, crew, and vessel were enormous.

Cruise ports, terminals, and ships are secure maritime zones, and breaches are not treated lightly. As cruising continues to grow in popularity, law enforcement and cruise lines alike are making it clear – unauthorized access and reckless behaviour won’t be tolerated.

Let this serve as a warning to thrill-seekers: the ocean is no playground, and cruise security is no joke.

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Two senior cruise guests from Chile are suspected of stealing a valuable ring during a stop in Messina, Sicily.

According to the Flying Squad of the Messina Police Headquarters and the Maritime Border Police Office, the couple – aged 77 and 87 – allegedly walked out of a local jewellery shop with a ring valued at around €1,000 (approximately $1,100 USD) on 11th May 2025.

At the time, they were passengers aboard Celebrity Constellation, which was docked in Messina as part of its 11-night “Best of Italy & Croatia” cruise.

Theft Went Unnoticed Until Ship Had Sailed

The couple had reportedly asked to try on the ring before allegedly leaving the shop with it.

The theft wasn’t immediately detected by the store’s staff, and by the time the missing ring was discovered, Celebrity Constellation had already departed for Naples, its next port of call.

Messina authorities quickly notified their counterparts in Naples, who conducted a search when the ship docked.

Police reportedly found the missing jewellery item among the couple’s personal belongings.

A statement from Messina police confirms that the two suspects are presumed innocent pending trial.

The exact status of the couple – whether in custody, under bail, or returned to Messina – has not been made public. There has also been no official comment from Celebrity Cruises or its parent company, Royal Caribbean Group.

The 2,170-passenger Celebrity Constellation, a Millennium-class vessel launched in 2001, is currently operating round-trip sailings from Ravenna to Rome with port calls including Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Split in Croatia; Kotor in Montenegro; and several Italian destinations including Livorno, Naples, and Messina.

Following the Mediterranean season, the ship is due to reposition to Tampa, Florida, for the winter cruise season beginning in late 2025.

One of Several Cruise-Related Crimes This Spring

This incident is one of a growing number of unusual crime-related events aboard or connected to cruise ships in recent weeks.

• On 3rd May 2025, a MSC Virtuosa guest died after a physical altercation onboard during a two-night cruise from Southampton to Bruges. A 57-year-old man was arrested for murder, and later reports indicate a second person has also been detained.
• In mid-April, US Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted two female cruise guests at Long Beach Cruise Port in California attempting to smuggle more than 700 cartons of undeclared cigarettes. Travellers are permitted only 200 cigarettes without a special licence.

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Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise proved that seafaring heroism is alive and well this week after rescuing five refugees from a small, overcrowded raft drifting off the coast of Cuba.

The dramatic rescue occurred on 14th May 2025, as the ship sailed from Key West to Montego Bay, Jamaica, during a 6-night Western Caribbean voyage.

Guests onboard the ship captured video of the lifeboat being launched from the ship, and travelling out to meet the stranded boat.

While navigating south of Cabo San Antonio, Cuba, crew members aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Paradise spotted a makeshift vessel in distress, with around 15 people aboard.

The overcrowded raft appeared unstable and unfit for continued travel, prompting the ship’s bridge team to respond immediately.

Carnival’s crew deployed one of the ship’s lifeboats and managed to rescue five individuals who accepted assistance.

According to a statement from Carnival Cruise Line, the other occupants declined to board the ship but were given essential supplies, including food, water, and fuel.

“The Carnival Paradise team rescued five people south of Cabo San Antonio, Cuba on Wednesday after the ship’s officers spotted a small boat in distress,

“The five people who requested rescue were part of a larger group on board the small boat. The other occupants did not wish to join the ship but were given food and water.”

Carnival statement

The ship promptly alerted the United States Coast Guard, which will coordinate the transfer of the rescued individuals at a later point in the itinerary.

No Delay to Itinerary, Standard Protocol Followed

As per maritime law and Carnival’s own longstanding protocol, the rescued individuals were provided with food, water, medical attention, and temporary lodging.

Contrary to occasional misconceptions, they do not continue the cruise as guests.

The rescued group is expected to be transferred either during a port call or upon the ship’s return to Tampa, Florida, on 18th May 2025.

Cruise tracking data confirms that Carnival Paradise arrived on schedule in Montego Bay on 15th May and George Town, Grand Cayman, on 16th May before concluding the voyage.

This is not the first time Carnival Paradise has come to the rescue at sea. The ship has earned a reputation for doing the right thing in crisis situations – particularly in waters near Cuba, where such rescues have become more frequent in recent years.

• 2019: The ship made headlines for assisting a sailor north of Cozumel whose boat was sinking.
• July 2022: Crew rescued a group of 20 refugees in a damaged rowboat near Cuba.
• April 2024: 27 Cuban nationals were rescued en route to Roatán, Honduras, and brought safely aboard without disrupting the cruise itinerary.

Each incident has followed similar patterns of swift action, legal compliance, and compassion – with Carnival consistently liaising with relevant authorities for safe transfer and repatriation.

Despite the drama at sea, Carnival Paradise has continued her itinerary without delay. Guests onboard have praised the crew for their quick response and professionalism, reflecting Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to safety and maritime duty.

This latest act of rescue not only underscores the responsibility cruise lines bear on the high seas, but also the ongoing challenges facing migrants in the Caribbean. For Carnival Paradise, however, stepping in to save lives is simply part of the voyage.

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National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has announced its entry into European river cruising for the first time, unveiling two new immersive itineraries along the Rhine launching in April 2026.

The move marks a significant expansion for the expedition cruise leader, which is best known for its small-ship voyages to remote regions like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic.

The inaugural European river season will see the launch of Connect – a brand-new, 120-guest vessel built in 2025 specifically for scenic inland cruising.

The state-of-the-art ship will sail two distinct eight-day voyages: one from Amsterdam to Brussels and another from Cologne to Basel.

Bookings open to the public on 20th May 2025, while past guests can already reserve early.

“We’re delighted to bring National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ bold new vision of European river expeditions to our guests,

“These new itineraries are crafted with the same pioneering spirit that defines our global expeditions, offering deeply immersive and authentic experiences.”

Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions

Both sailings will feature veteran expedition leaders, expert field staff, and a dedicated National Geographic expert onboard.

Guests can expect private access to cultural landmarks, after-hours museum tours, and enriching excursions carefully curated in line with the co-brand’s ethos.

Itinerary One: Rhine River – Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights

Sailing between Cologne and Basel, this Rhine-focused itinerary takes in the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge and includes stops in Mainz, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Colmar. Highlights include:

• A private reception at Rheinstein Castle hosted by the castle’s lord
• Tastings of Riesling at St. Hildegard Abbey and historic wines in Strasbourg
• A private tour of Goethe’s home in Frankfurt
• Dining with students at Germany’s oldest university in Heidelberg

Itinerary Two: Holland and Belgium – Medieval History and Scenic Waterways

This sailing from Amsterdam to Brussels journeys through the waterways of the Low Countries, showcasing spring tulip blooms, historic cities and world-class art. Guests will enjoy:

• Strolls through Keukenhof’s world-famous tulip gardens
• After-hours access to the Kröller-Müller and Mauritshuis museums
• A progressive Belgian food tour in Antwerp
• Onboard dining infused with local flavours

A Strategic Shift into River Cruising

The launch marks the first time in its 50-year history that Lindblad Expeditions has operated voyages on Europe’s rivers.

The company currently sails destinations like the Amazon, Nile and Columbia Rivers but had not previously ventured into European inland cruising.

The addition of Connect also expands Lindblad’s fleet to 23 owned and chartered expedition vessels. While Connect is a chartered vessel, the ship is designed with wraparound panoramic windows and advanced technology, offering a fresh take on traditional river cruising.

According to Lindblad, these new itineraries aim to provide “expedition-style” immersion in cultural hubs, rather than simply focusing on leisure. “How you see it matters,” said Leahy, reinforcing the brand’s promise of meaningful travel experiences.

Anyone interested is invited to visit www.expeditions.co.uk to find out more.

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Imagine cruising through the Pacific Northwest and spotting a pod of orcas – sleek, graceful, and, strangely, wearing dead fish on their heads.

It sounds like a scene from a quirky nature documentary, but this surreal spectacle is no fiction. After nearly four decades of silence, scientists have confirmed the return of one of the orca world’s most baffling behaviours: the so-called salmon hat.

Once witnessed in the 1980s, the peculiar trend of balancing dead salmon on their heads has mysteriously re-emerged among orca pods in recent weeks.

Whether a form of play, social ritual, or cultural expression, no one knows for sure – but it’s turning heads in the marine biology community.

What Exactly Are Orcas Doing?

The behaviour is as unusual as it sounds. Rather than hunting or feeding, orcas have been spotted deliberately balancing dead salmon atop their heads – sometimes for extended periods.

According to researchers, the fish don’t appear to be randomly stuck or caught by accident; they’re placed with precision.

“It does seem possible that some individuals that experienced [the behaviour] the first time around may have started it again,” noted orca expert Andrew Foote.

So, what’s going on here? Is it playful mimicry? A social signal? An aquatic fashion statement? Theories abound, but for now, it remains one of the ocean’s oddest unsolved mysteries.

The salmon hat phenomenon first appeared in the 1980s before fading into obscurity.

Since then, it’s been largely absent from orca observations – until now. Marine biologist Deborah Giles described seeing it again as “a rarity,” raising questions about how and why it has returned.

Could this behaviour have been quietly maintained by a few pods or rediscovered anew? The answer could lie in the orcas’ social structure, or even environmental changes that triggered old habits.

Why Might Orcas Be Doing This?

Scientists aren’t sure – but they’ve got ideas.

Theories range from playful experimentation to complex social dynamics. It may help build bonds within a pod, demonstrate dexterity, or even establish status.

“Honestly, your guess is as good as mine,” said Giles. “We’ve seen mammal-eating killer whales carry large chunks of food under their pectoral fin, kind of tucked in… this could be something similar.”

There’s also the possibility that this is cultural behaviour – more ritual than randomness. The deliberate nature and social visibility of the action suggest something more than idle play.

Orcas are one of the few non-human species known to engage in cultural transmission – learning and sharing behaviours across generations.

They have unique dialects, localised hunting strategies, and now, possibly, a resurgent fashion trend.

“This isn’t just mimicry – it’s memory,” suggests Foote. “To see it revived after so many years indicates a deeper cultural layer we’re only beginning to understand.”

Such transmission also challenges our understanding of animal cognition and intelligence, aligning orcas closer to primates and even humans in their capacity for learned traditions.

The return of the salmon hat isn’t just an amusing anecdote – it’s a call to rethink how we study and protect these animals.

If orcas are capable of preserving and reviving cultural practices, then safeguarding their environment is about more than food supply or breeding grounds. It’s also about preserving space for the complex social behaviours that define their lives.

The 37-year silence and sudden reappearance of the salmon hat trend provide a compelling glimpse into the social memory, intelligence, and adaptability of these marine giants.

As research continues, one thing is clear: there’s far more to orcas than meets the eye – or the dorsal fin.

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In a find that sounds more science fiction than science, researchers have uncovered a bizarre and fearsome new creature deep in the Atacama Trench – nearly 26,000 feet beneath the waves.

Nicknamed ‘Darkness’, this newly identified predatory amphipod is part of a species so alien in appearance and so extreme in habitat that it’s reigniting curiosity about what else might lurk in the unexplored corners of our planet’s oceans.

The creature, formally named ‘Dulcibella camanchaca’, was discovered during the 2023 IDOOS expedition led by the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).

Found at 25,925 feet (7,902 meters) using a baited lander vehicle, the animal is now the deepest known predatory amphipod – and its biology is already challenging scientific assumptions about life under such extreme conditions.

The Alien World of ‘Darkness’

Measuring just under 4 centimetres long, Dulcibella camanchaca is no less formidable for its small size.

It uses blade-like raptorial appendages to catch smaller prey – other amphipods that inhabit the nutrient-scarce depths of the hadal zone.

Its body is sleek and agile, built to navigate the crushing pressure and total darkness of the Atacama Trench, where atmospheric pressure is more than 1,100 times that at sea level.

Named after the concept of “darkness” in Andean languages, the creature’s moniker honours both its eerie habitat and its stealthy nature.

“It’s a fast-swimming predator,” said Dr Johanna Weston of WHOI. “It thrives in one of the harshest environments on Earth – and we’re only just beginning to understand how.”

A Forgotten World Rediscovered

What makes this discovery so impactful is not just the creature itself, but the trench it calls home.

The Atacama Trench – also known as the Peru-Chile Trench – is one of the deepest places on Earth. Spanning over 5,900 kilometres along South America’s Pacific coast, this vast abyss remains one of our planet’s final frontiers.

Despite its remoteness and hostile conditions, scientists are beginning to understand the trench as a rich ecosystem rather than an empty void. With limited food and sunlight, its inhabitants have evolved in strange and specialised ways.

The rediscovery of Darkness only reinforces the notion that life in the deep sea is far more complex – and perhaps more widespread – than we’ve imagined.

The emergence of Dulcibella camanchaca from the depths of the Atacama Trench brings with it more questions than answers.

How did such a specialised predator evolve? Could its traits inspire innovations in robotics or deep-space exploration, where similar environmental challenges – low light, high pressure, extreme isolation – exist?

“This species represents not only a new species but a new genus,” noted Dr Carolina González of the Universidad de Concepción. “That suggests we’re looking at an entirely uncharted branch of evolutionary history.”

Its existence is also a reminder of how much remains unknown about our own planet.

With more than 95% of the ocean unexplored, there could be thousands – if not millions – of species like Darkness waiting to be discovered. As researchers from WHOI and IMO continue to study these extreme ecosystems, each new find helps fill in a chapter in Earth’s deep-sea story.

As technology improves, so too does our ability to explore the world’s hadal zones – regions deeper than 6,000 metres.

Remote-operated vehicles, high-resolution imaging, and baited traps are helping researchers reach previously inaccessible depths. But with discovery comes responsibility.

The deep ocean is not immune to human impact. Climate change, pollution, and proposed deep-sea mining could pose significant risks to these delicate, poorly understood ecosystems.

That’s why researchers like Dr González stress the urgency of ongoing exploration – not just for knowledge, but for protection.

Each new species is a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of life. And each scientific breakthrough offers a deeper appreciation of the marvels that exist just beyond our reach.

We continue to learn more about the incredible wonders of the ocean, and reinforce why we must make sure that the cruise industry continues to find ways to minimise its impact with new technologies and eco-friendly fuel sources.

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Billionaire tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg may have spent much of his early career downplaying displays of wealth, but it seems those days are long gone.

With a reported net worth exceeding $206 billion, the Facebook founder and Meta CEO has fully embraced the billionaire lifestyle – complete with a personal fleet of superyachts for whenever he wants to enjoy the cruising lifestyle in privacy.

Zuckerberg has now acquired his third luxury vessel: U-81, a massive and formerly covert shadow yacht built by Damen Yachting.

The purchase, revealed by The Yacht Report and supported by multiple insider sources, adds yet another high-spec asset to what’s quickly becoming one of the flashiest billionaire mini-fleets in existence.

Meet U-81: From Offshore Platform to Record-Setting Shadow Yacht

Originally built as an offshore support platform under the name Naghi 1000, U-81 underwent a full conversion by Damen in 2022, turning it into one of the largest and most sophisticated shadow vessels in the world.

Commissioned by New Zealand billionaire Graeme Hart to support his Amels megayacht ‘Here Comes the Sun’, U-81 was quietly put on the market in early 2025 and sold in an off-market deal. The buyer? Reportedly, Zuckerberg.

At 80.1 metres (262 feet) long and with an interior volume just under 3,000 GT, U-81 boasts a helipad, a toy and tender garage, space for over 40 support crew, and accommodation for up to eight guests.

Notably, once all equipment is offloaded, the garage converts into a full outdoor basketball court – a feature fit for any tech titan.

Powered by twin Caterpillar diesel-electric engines generating nearly 4,000 horsepower combined, U-81 offers both speed and efficiency. Its layout is designed for versatility, allowing it to serve either as a standalone superyacht or a fully outfitted shadow vessel.

A Growing Billionaire Fleet

Zuckerberg’s acquisition of U-81 follows his 2024 purchase of Launchpad, a 118-metre Feadship megayacht originally commissioned by a Russian oligarch but undelivered due to sanctions.

Around the same time, he also picked up Wingman (formerly Dapple), a 67-metre shadow yacht originally owned by Valve founder Gabe Newell.

While Wingman was more than adequate as a support vessel for Launchpad, the new addition of U-81 brings significantly more capability – and size – to the table.

Speculation now surrounds whether Zuckerberg plans to keep both shadow yachts (one for each hemisphere, perhaps) or offload Wingman in favour of this clear upgrade.

What Is a Shadow Yacht, and Why Does Zuckerberg Need One?

Shadow yachts, also known as support vessels, are often deployed alongside larger megayachts. They carry additional crew, water toys, tenders, and even helicopters, helping to keep the primary vessel uncluttered and service-focused.

For owners like Zuckerberg, these vessels represent flexibility, efficiency, and a way to elevate the onboard experience without compromise.

While specifics about U-81 remain scarce – especially since the ship was never offered for charter – it’s clear that it was built for someone who spares no expense.

Features like advanced launch systems, a helipad with built-in storage, and the ability to transform operational areas into leisure zones point to a yacht designed with elite cruising in mind.

From understated hoodies to multimillion-dollar watches and now a triad of superyachts, Zuckerberg’s transformation into a full-fledged luxury enthusiast has been nothing short of remarkable.

Though his public persona remains relatively low-key, his acquisitions paint a different picture.

With U-81 now reportedly in his possession, Zuckerberg’s floating fleet is worth an estimated $430 million – and that’s without factoring in his rumoured $300 million private island bunker in Hawaii.

His collection is no longer just impressive for a tech founder – it’s one that rivals the fleets of oligarchs and royals.

The summer yachting season is right around the corner, so it won’t be long before one (or all) of Zuckerberg’s vessels are spotted cruising through the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Maybe you’ll see him while you’re on a cruise?

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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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SeaDream Yacht Club has officially claimed the top spot for the finest dining experience at sea, as recognised by the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. The family-owned boutique cruise…

Royal Caribbean has officially revealed the next instalment of its 2026–2027 cruise deployment – and it’s headline news for Australian and South Pacific cruise fans.

Leading the programme is an extraordinary 25-night transpacific voyage aboard Quantum of the Seas, departing Los Angeles for Brisbane on 26th September 2026.

This epic sailing marks a bold start to the season, offering guests the chance to explore iconic ports across California, Hawaii, and French Polynesia before arriving Down Under.

Itinerary Highlights of the 25-Night Pacific Crossing

Guests aboard this once-in-a-lifetime voyage will enjoy calls to:

• Catalina Island, California
• Kona and Honolulu, Hawaii (with an overnight stay in Honolulu)
• Raiatea, Papeete (Tahiti), and Moorea, French Polynesia

Once in Australia, Quantum of the Seas will settle into a season of shorter cruises from Brisbane, ranging from 4 to 7 nights, perfect for families, first-time cruisers, and those looking for a quick tropical escape.

Anthem of the Seas to Homeport in Sydney

Joining Quantum in the region is Anthem of the Seas, which will be homeported in Sydney, offering 21 cruises between 3 and 11 nights. The itineraries will include classic New Zealand sailings, with ports of call such as:

• Wellington
• Napier
• Dunedin
• Milford Sound

Other cruises will head for the pristine beaches and island culture of the South Pacific, giving guests plenty of variety and flexibility.

“Australians know they can trust Royal Caribbean for getaways that combine convenience with nonstop adventure. This season, we’re continuing to raise the bar with more short getaways, weekend departures, and more ways to maximise island time across the top destinations of the South Pacific.”

Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director of Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand

He added that the 2026–2027 season will offer more frequent departures, shorter itineraries, and a wide range of options for different types of travellers – all while showcasing Royal Caribbean’s signature blend of excitement and innovation.

Both Quantum and Anthem of the Seas belong to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, known for offering some of the most cutting-edge amenities at sea, including:

• RipCord by iFly – a skydiving simulator
• FlowRider – a 12-metre surf simulator
• North Star – a glass observation capsule that rises high above the sea for panoramic views
• Two70 – a multi-level, multi-sensory performance venue with 270° ocean views

These attractions are paired with diverse dining, family-friendly programming, luxury staterooms, and spacious outdoor areas – turning each sailing into a floating holiday resort.

Singapore Announcements Round Out Deployment News

Royal Caribbean has completed its 2026–2027 deployment announcement series with the exciting news that Navigator of the Seas will be homeporting in Singapore for the first time.

From October 2026 to February 2027, the Voyager Class ship will offer a mix of 3- to 12-night cruises across Southeast and East Asia – bringing Royal Caribbean’s signature blend of thrills, dining and entertainment to even more Asian guests.

Sailings from Singapore will include short cruises to regional favourites such as Penang, Langkawi, and Phuket, perfect for first-timers and families.

For those seeking deeper exploration, a 10-night itinerary will journey through Thailand and Vietnam, including an overnight in Bangkok, and visits to Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

In February 2027, longer 11- and 12-night sailings from Singapore and Tokyo will explore Hong Kong, Taipei (Taiwan), and Tokyo, combining iconic Asian metropolises with Royal Caribbean’s bold onboard experiences.

Adventure Awaits Onboard Navigator of the Seas

Navigator is packed with attractions for all ages. Guests can look forward to:

• The Blaster and Riptide: Two thrilling waterslides
• FlowRider: The surf simulator
• Rock climbing wall and glow-in-the-dark laser tag
• Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium
• To Dry For: The first blow dry bar at sea

Dining options will range from Hooked Seafood and El Loco Fresh to Johnny Rockets Express and the Polynesian-inspired Bamboo Room. Original productions at the Royal Theater and ice skating shows at Studio B will bring top-tier entertainment to the region.

With this final deployment reveal, Royal Caribbean’s full 2026–2027 cruise line-up is now available for booking – spanning Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and now Southeast and East Asia.

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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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SeaDream Yacht Club has officially claimed the top spot for the finest dining experience at sea, as recognised by the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards.

The family-owned boutique cruise line’s SeaDream II received a coveted four-star rating for its onboard restaurant – one of only five cruise ship dining venues to be honoured globally and one of just three to earn four stars.

Now in its 67th year, the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards are regarded as the benchmark in luxury hospitality, with up to 900 individual criteria assessed by anonymous inspectors.

This year’s results reflect the growing appetite for intimate, authentic, and bespoke luxury travel experiences.

A Dining Experience Unlike Any Other

“Dinner in SeaDream II’s dining room is an unhurried ritual, where every course feels like a celebration,” reads the official Forbes review. “There are no rushed seatings or fixed schedules – just exceptional cuisine, impeccable service and the lingering pleasure of a meal that feels tailor-made for you.”

SeaDream’s culinary team is lauded for its focus on locally sourced ingredients and dishes crafted à la minute.

With a daily-changing menu and open seating, the line offers guests the freedom to dine when, where, and how they wish – whether under the stars, in the open-air restaurant, or in the elegant indoor dining room.

Guests can enjoy everything from freshly grilled seafood to globally inspired gourmet dishes, all enhanced by SeaDream’s famously personal service. In fact, with just 112 guests aboard and a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, each diner is treated as a VIP.

I have to say that I completely agree – when I sailed with SeaDream I definitely thought it was the best food I’ve ever eaten on a cruise.

And they have some fantastic vegan options – some of the best of any cruise line!

Additional Recognition for SeaDream II

In addition to the four-star dining accolade, SeaDream II itself received a “Recommended” rating from Forbes Travel Guide, making it one of just 14 cruise ships to be recognised in 2025.

The rating highlights not only its culinary excellence, but also the broader luxury yachting experience the vessel offers.

“From the moment you step aboard SeaDream II, you’ll feel less like a cruise passenger and more like a guest aboard a private yacht,” Forbes noted.

The ship is able to visit smaller, less tourist-heavy ports like Portofino, St. Barts, and Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, providing a more exclusive travel experience than traditional cruise lines.

“This recognition is a true reflection of the passion and precision our culinary team and crew deliver every day,

“We take great pride in offering nothing but the finest dining experience at sea.”

Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club

With its mantra “It’s Yachting, Not Cruising,” SeaDream Yacht Club distinguishes itself from larger cruise lines by offering a boutique experience aboard two casually elegant mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II.

Each accommodates a maximum of just 112 guests, with 95 crew members providing highly attentive service across seven- to 15-day voyages to hidden harbours and exclusive destinations.

Guests enjoy all-inclusive luxury, including premium wines and spirits, gourmet dining, a full water sports marina, crew gratuities, and curated shore experiences.

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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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