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Cruising has long been popular among older travellers, but one of the world’s leading shipbuilders is taking things a step further – by designing a cruise ship specifically for passengers aged 80 and above.

Germany’s Meyer Werft Group has announced Serenity, a new ship concept tailored for the “80+” age group. T

he ship, still in the early stages of development, reflects growing demographic shifts in Europe and North America – with projections indicating that by 2100, the number of people aged 80 and over will equal the current number of people aged 65 and over.

Tim Krug, head of concept development at Meyer Werft, said, “Put simply, today there are ships for young, middle-aged and old, and in future there will be a need for a subdivided older target group.”

Krug is quick to clarify that Serenity will not resemble a nursing home at sea.

Rather, it will provide independent living with the convenience and accessibility of assisted living facilities.

This includes features such as widened corridors, thoughtfully designed walking routes, and enhanced opportunities for social interaction – all of which are intended to create an inclusive and comfortable experience for older passengers.

“It’s about providing the right amenities to promote wellbeing, movement, and connection,” Krug said.

Climate-neutral innovation

Notably, Serenity will also be designed as a 100% climate-neutral ship i an impressive commitment as the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.

The announcement aligns with Meyer Werft’s ongoing investment in green technologies.

The shipbuilder previously constructed AIDAnova, the first cruise ship powered entirely by liquefied natural gas (LNG), and Silver Nova, a hybrid vessel operated by Silversea Cruises that combines LNG with battery and fuel cell systems to cut energy consumption by 25%.

These innovations are part of wider efforts to meet the EU’s “Fit for 55” plan – aiming for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, including the introduction of zero-emission vessels within the same timeframe.

Further details of the Serenity ship concept – including visuals and a physical model – will be revealed at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the world’s largest cruise industry event, taking place in Miami from 7th to 10th April.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Seatrade will see thousands of cruise executives, suppliers, shipbuilders and press gather to explore the future of cruising.

Meyer Werft is expected to showcase not only the Serenity design, but also provide updates on several high-profile builds currently underway – including Disney Destiny, the third ship in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class, set for delivery in November 2025.

In addition to its ongoing work with Disney and Carnival Corporation, Meyer Werft’s Serenity concept hints at a shift in the industry toward more segmented cruise offerings – designed to reflect the diverse and evolving needs of travellers.

While traditional cruise lines cater to families, young adults, and multigenerational groups, Serenity could redefine premium cruising for a demographic often overlooked in ship design.

And as longevity increases and wellness remains a top priority, this thoughtful new direction could set the stage for an entirely new market in luxury cruising – one where serenity isn’t just the ship’s name, but a promise.

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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 travel blogger has gone viral after sharing jaw-dropping footage of her latest expedition cruise, as waves of 35 feet battered the windows.

Lesley Anne Murphy stunned social media with the footage of the so-called “Drake shake” – the notoriously rough sea conditions experienced while crossing the Drake Passage aboard Ocean Explorer, a polar-class expedition ship operated by Quark Expeditions.

The video she shared was so wild that it sparked arguments across social media from many who assumed it was fake – unfortunately the video gained traction just as April Fool’s Day pranks were circulating.

Murphy, a seasoned traveller and content creator, was en route to Antarctica on what she described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” voyage.

But the journey across the Drake Passage – the treacherous stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica – quickly turned from serene to savage.

Dubbed the “Drake shake” versus the rare “Drake lake” for calm crossings, Murphy’s viral video shows the ship being pummelled by waves estimated at 35 feet high.

Passengers can be seen gripping railings, sliding across floors, and bracing against walls as the vessel pitched and rolled violently for nearly 48 hours.

“Yes, we were safe and it was insane… and at times, even fun?” Murphy shared on social media. “1000% worth it for this trip of a lifetime!”

In one particularly intense moment, a flatscreen television is shown swinging back and forth in a stateroom – a stark reminder of how relentless the sea can be.

Viral reactions and wild seas

Murphy’s video has since garnered over 454,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments, with viewers expressing awe, terror, and admiration in equal measure.

The extreme footage has sparked curiosity and concern, prompting questions about ship safety, life jackets, and seasickness remedies.

While the Drake Passage is infamous for its turbulent conditions, Quark Expeditions reassures travellers that not all crossings are rough.

In fact, its official website notes, “Not all Drake Passage crossings are rough. Please do not be disappointed should you experience a smooth crossing.”

Still, it’s clear that this was not one of those occasions.

Despite the wild weather, guests were never in danger.

Ocean Explorer is specifically designed for polar expeditions, featuring an ice-strengthened hull and a unique inverted bow design to enhance stability and reduce wave impact.

The ship is rated for polar travel and accommodates just 138 guests in high comfort.

Its amenities include a two-storey library overlooking the bow (where the crashing waves made for a dramatic view), expansive observation decks, a sauna, a fitness centre, and tastefully appointed staterooms.

Onboard are also 15 zodiac boats used for up-close exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic, led by a team of expert expedition leaders.

Passengers were advised to remain in their cabins for an afternoon during the most intense part of the crossing – an understandable precaution when flatscreens are swaying and hallways resemble obstacle courses.

While the current Antarctic season is winding down, Ocean Explorer will resume expeditions in November. Its next scheduled sailing is an 11-night voyage departing Ushuaia, Argentina on 4th November 2025.

Pricing begins at $14,531 USD per person for a veranda stateroom, with solo cabins and suites starting around $18,084. Fares include expert-led expeditions and a complimentary Quark Expeditions parka.

For adventurous travellers like Murphy, the “Drake shake” was all part of the magic.

Though not for the faint of heart – or stomach – the reward of reaching the icy majesty of Antarctica made every lurch and crash worthwhile.

And for those with a taste for extreme cruising, it’s just another reason to add the White Continent to the bucket list.

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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 terrifying incident unfolded on a cruise around Africa this week, when a group of around 50 youths attacked cruise guests.

The incident occurred when Crystal Symphony made a visit to Mombasa in Kenya on 31st March 2025.

As a result of the incident, the ship cancelled the remainder of its stay in the port and left early, to avoid further risk to guests.

The attack occurred at the Pembe za Ndovu monument on Moi Avenue, a well-known Mombasa landmark made up of four large aluminum elephant tusks forming the letter “M.”

The site is popular with tourists and cruise passengers looking for a cultural photo opportunity or brief excursion into the city.

According to The Standard, the group of young assailants swarmed the area and began snatching valuables including mobile phones, handbags, and jewellery.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the psychological impact and disruption were enough to cause the ship to cancel the remainder of its visit.

Kenyan authorities respond

In response, Kenyan officials boarded Crystal Symphony shortly after the incident to personally apologise to the passengers and crew, and to reassure the cruise line of their commitment to tourist safety.

Police presence was also increased in the area around the attack in case of further disturbances.

While Mombasa isn’t generally flagged as a high-risk area in travel advisories, the US Department of State currently lists Kenya at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing incidents of mugging, pickpocketing, and street theft, particularly involving motorcycles.

The advisory warns that local police response may be limited, especially in busy or tourist-heavy zones, and that travellers should take personal safety precautions, such as staying in groups and avoiding the public display of valuables.

Crystal Symphony is currently in the midst of a 25-night voyage from Mumbai, India to Cape Town, South Africa, which began on 18th March.

The ship had already visited India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Seychelles without issue prior to arriving in Kenya.

After the attack, the decision was made to skip the remainder of the Mombasa stop, with the ship sailing early toward its next port of call in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The ship will also visit Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town, where the cruise ends on 12th April.

This incident adds to a string of port-related safety concerns that have cropped up in recent months. While isolated, these events can raise alarm among travellers.

In response to various threats over the past year, cruise lines have not hesitated to alter itineraries to avoid dangerous conditions. For example:

• Royal Caribbean cancelled multiple visits to Labadee, Haiti in 2024 due to political unrest.
• New Caledonia has seen itinerary changes amid local riots.
• Cunard’s Queen Anne even dimmed lights and closed decks overnight in pirate-prone waters near the Philippines.

Still, experts and cruise lines emphasise that cruise travel remains one of the safest ways to see the world, thanks to active monitoring of geopolitical situations and emergency protocols.

Crystal Symphony is the only cruise ship scheduled to visit Mombasa for the remainder of 2025. Its next visit is set for January 2026, with an overnight stop on the itinerary – though that visit may now be under review.

Other lines with occasional calls in Kenya include Azamara, Viking, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas, all of which cater to luxury or expedition-style cruising.

For cruise travellers, this serves as a reminder to stay alert in port, leave valuables onboard, and travel in groups when exploring unfamiliar destinations.

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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 popular Carnival ship has been hit with a less-than-stellar inspection health inspection score and, while the ship has passed, it must take immediate action to rectify some serious issues.

Carnival Sunshine underwent an inspection on 8th March as part of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) – a system designed to monitor the sanitation and hygiene practices aboard cruise ships calling on U.S. ports.

Sunshine received a score of 89 out of 100, just barely above the program’s passing threshold of 86.

26 violations noted onboard

According to the CDC’s official report, 26 separate violations were found during the inspection, including several serious infractions that raised immediate concern.

Among the most troubling:

• A crew member continued working while experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, a clear violation of standard health protocols.
• Cockroaches and fruit flies were found in various food service areas, including around dishwashing stations, under equipment, and even in the crew galley near rolling flour bins.
• Several refrigeration units were malfunctioning, allowing potentially hazardous foods like raw meatballs and sandwiches to rise above the required safe temperatures.
• Inspectors also cited worn and cracked gaskets on ice machines, leaking water lines, damaged flooring, and food-contact surfaces in visible disrepair.

While the ship technically passed the inspection with its 89 score, Carnival is required to submit a corrective action plan to address the issues found onboard.

The Carnival Sunshine inspection comes just weeks after Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas was also flagged during a VSP inspection.

Symphony received a lower score of 86 in February, with inspectors noting 57 violations, prompting Royal Caribbean to review its illness protocols and sanitation procedures fleetwide.

Cruise lines must implement corrective measures after inspections fall below expectations or result in widespread concerns. If problems persist, the CDC can conduct follow-up visits, which can impact public perception and even sailing schedules.

Carnival Sunshine had just returned to service in mid-February 2025 following a two-week dry dock in Marseille, France, where the ship received general maintenance and upgrades.

Despite her refresh, the 102,853-gross-ton vessel – originally launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996 and rebranded as Carnival Sunshine in 2013 – is clearly still facing operational challenges behind the scenes.

Currently homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, Sunshine is offering a series of Bermuda and Bahamas cruises, with the spring and summer 2025 season expected to be a busy one.

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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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Two cruise ships have experience unusual incidents with water this week in an odd coincidence.

The issues are completely unrelated but highlight how water can cause headaches for cruise goers in ways they might not have imagined!

The first ship impacted was Disney Magic, which suffered from a leak through the chandelier lights in the main atrium on Deck 5, dripping down into Deck 3.

It was a significant leak, with essentially an internal rain shower for the ship. A video of the shower was posted by a guest on Reddit.

The leak was significant enough that the poster claimed that some guests had to change rooms, and were compensated by the cruise line for the inconvenience, although they gave no further details.

The leak happened on 29th March, and while some guests expressed concerns about the ship, others have stated that leaks have happened in the past and been fixed relatively quickly.

While the leak was an issue, parts of the midship were closed off to guests, meaning guests who wanted to move from the front of the ship to the aft or vice versa on those decks were asked to move to another deck first in order to do so.

Carnival cruise begins under gloomy flood conditions

The second incident this week involved the Carnival Celebration, which began its voyage from PortMiami on March 30 under much gloomier circumstances – quite literally.

An unusually intense storm rolled through Miami-Dade County, dropping as much as 7 inches of rain in some areas – a staggering 11.5% of the region’s annual rainfall in just one day.

While the ship’s departure was only delayed by about 30 minutes, the weather wreaked havoc during and shortly after embarkation. Guests onboard documented extensive flooding in the upper decks as water pooled near bars and common areas.

One TikTok user described the surreal experience, explaining that rain combined with the ship’s early rocking motion caused water to flood down from Decks 17 and 18 into the pool area on Deck 16.

The crew quickly sprang into action, laying down piles of towels at elevator lobbies and deploying “wet floor” signs to warn guests, but with the rain coming down so hard and fast, efforts to sweep water away had little effect.

The ship’s sail-away party was cancelled, and the internet onboard went down temporarily as lightning flashed nearby. Visibility was so poor that the captain had to sound the ship’s horn repeatedly while navigating out of the port.

Despite the rocky start, no injuries or serious damage were reported, and the Carnival Celebration has since continued its planned itinerary to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands – hopefully leaving the storm clouds behind.

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

Read more about me

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One of the best-loved cruise brands aimed at British guests has revealed that it is considering adding two more ships to the fleet – but with a huge twist.

For the first time ever, the cruise line may build brand-new ships, rather than purchasing older ships and refurbishing them.

Marella Cruises offers All Inclusive cruise experiences as part of the TUI Group. There are currently five ships in the fleet, although all have been purchased from other cruise lines before being given a considerate renovation.

Despite the amazing work that Marella does with these ship refurbishments, the CEO of TUI Group has admitted that they are in discussions to potentially add two new builds to the fleet.

Speaking at TUI’s Capital Markets Day 2025, Sebastian Ebel highlighted how well Marella Cruises is doing and how there is definitely a market for expanding the fleet.

“We are in discussions with shipyards, and we are currently considering ordering two vessels based on a design customised for the UK market.

“New-build slots are tentatively available from FY31 onwards. We may secure a slot for two new ships, which would be a great step forward if we do it alone or if we do it as a joint venture, which is also something we are in discussion about.

“It may or may not happen, it is not a done deal but we are confident it is good to talk about it,”

Sebastian Ebel, TUI Group CEO

The current fleet

There are currently five ships in the Marella fleet, all of which have sailed previously for other cruise lines.

Several of Marella’s ships originally belonged to Celebrity Cruises, a premium brand under the Royal Caribbean Group.

Marella Voyager began life as Celebrity Mercury before transitioning to the German brand TUI Cruises, where she was renamed Mein Schiff 2 and later Mein Schiff Herz.

Similarly, Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2 started as Celebrity Galaxy and Celebrity Century, respectively, before being handed over to TUI Cruises and SkySea Cruise Line.

Marella’s fleet also includes two ships that originally sailed for Royal Caribbean International. Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2 were previously known as Splendour of the Seas and Legend of the Seas.

These ships were built in the mid-1990s and were part of Royal Caribbean’s expansion at the time.

They introduced ground-breaking features like glass-walled atriums and rock climbing walls, which Marella retained when they joined the fleet.

What sets Marella Cruises apart is its commitment to providing an All Inclusive experience for all guests. This means that dining, drinks, and even flights are all included in the price of the ticket, offering great value without the unexpected expenses often associated with cruising.

From relaxed dining options to cocktails by the pool, guests can enjoy a stress-free experience, knowing that they won’t have to worry about additional charges while onboard.

And if the cruise line does press ahead with the option to build two brand-new ships, it would represent a huge shift from tradition – and be extremely exciting for British travellers.

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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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