News

CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest river cruise operator, has announced plans for a new luxury vessel set to sail the Amazon River from early 2027.

The as-yet-unnamed ship will mark the company’s first new build since 2020 and its debut in South America, offering an immersive eco-tourism experience.

Designed to accommodate just 32 guests, the four-deck vessel will measure 49 metres in length and 15 metres in width.

Inspired by Amazonian culture, the ship’s décor will feature locally sourced wood, vibrant colours, and handcrafted artworks.

Guests will stay in 16 spacious suites, each with a private balcony, including two presidential suites designed to feel as if they are suspended between the sky and water.

Onboard facilities will include:

• A gourmet restaurant offering Brazilian-inspired cuisine
• A spa and fitness centre
• A sun deck for panoramic Amazonian views
• A conference room for educational sessions and expert talks

Sustainable innovation at the heart of the voyage

As part of its commitment to environmental protection, CroisiEurope is equipping the ship with the latest eco-friendly technologies. These include:

• Low-emission engines that meet the strictest environmental standards
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems to prevent pollution
• Solar panels that will allow the ship to switch off its generators at night, relying on battery power

Additionally, the cruise line will promote responsible tourism by ensuring that excursions are respectful of local communities and biodiversity.

Guests will have opportunities to interact with Amazonian communities, learn about conservation efforts, and support local initiatives.

Launching in 2027, the ship will homeport in Manaus, Brazil, and operate 12-day itineraries exploring the diverse landscapes of the Brazilian Amazon. Passengers will sail along:

• The Amazon River
• The Rio Negro
• The Solimões River
• The Arapiuns River
• The Tapajós River
• Routes extending as far as the Colombian border

The itineraries will include optional extensions, offering even deeper exploration of the Amazon’s unique ecosystems.

Bookings for this exclusive luxury eco-cruise will be available soon.

Related posts

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

Read more about me

Kimberly Burch, the fiancée of Faster Pussycat’s lead singer Taime Downe, has died after going overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas during The 80s Cruise. Burch, 56, went…

A cruise passenger was arrested in Oranjestad, Aruba, after attempting to bring a revolver aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, violating both cruise line policy and local laws. The…

Cruise guests planning to visit Split, Croatia, will need to reconsider their outfit choices before disembarking, as the city has introduced fines of up to €150 (£128/$162) for wearing beachwear…

A group of nearly 1,500 cruise passengers who endured a terrifying voyage aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria in May 2017 have won a $2.4 million settlement in a class-action…

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest flagship, Carnival Jubilee, had an unexpected start to its latest voyage when a small boat accidentally collided with the ship while it was still docked in Galveston, Texas on 1st March 2025.

The 7-night Western Caribbean cruise had only just begun when the smaller vessel sailed directly into the side of the 182,800-gross-ton cruise ship, leaving a visible scratch near her bow.

Eyewitnesses captured the aftermath of the incident on video, with one person questioning how the boat failed to avoid the massive cruise ship.

“Honestly though, how do you hit that?” asked one onlooker, while another added, “He went straight into it…I think he curved, and then went straight into it.”

Weather conditions at the time were reported to be clear and calm, ruling out strong winds or rough seas as a cause.

Instead, a mechanical failure or human error aboard the smaller vessel is likely to have played a role.

After the collision, the boat’s mast briefly became lodged under Carnival Jubilee’s bow, requiring assistance from a local pilot boat to free it.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and the smaller vessel remained afloat after the incident.

Cruise itinerary unaffected

Despite the unexpected encounter, Carnival Jubilee departed on schedule at approximately 4 pm CST en route to Roatan in the Honduras.

Her itinerary also includes Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and there are no expected disruptions to the voyage.

Cruise Director Kyndall “Fire” Magyar, who is on her final sailing before a break, confirmed via social media that everything onboard is running as usual, with guests enjoying the sailaway party without any interruptions.

While cruise ship accidents are rare, this is not the first time a small boat has collided with a much larger vessel.

In December 2024, a yacht crashed into Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas while it was docked in Nassau, Bahamas.

According to reports, the yacht lost power and drifted into the ship’s stern, sustaining a broken mast while the mega-ship remained undamaged.

Fortunately, the Carnival Jubilee incident appears to have resulted in only minor cosmetic damage, allowing guests to continue enjoying their holiday at sea without concern.

Related posts

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

Read more about me

A cruise passenger was arrested in Oranjestad, Aruba, after attempting to bring a revolver aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, violating both cruise line policy and local laws. The…

Cruise guests planning to visit Split, Croatia, will need to reconsider their outfit choices before disembarking, as the city has introduced fines of up to €150 (£128/$162) for wearing beachwear…

A group of nearly 1,500 cruise passengers who endured a terrifying voyage aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria in May 2017 have won a $2.4 million settlement in a class-action…

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A group of nearly 1,500 cruise passengers who endured a terrifying voyage aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria in May 2017 have won a $2.4 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Carnival Corporation.

The lawsuit, led by Debrah Jackson, accused the cruise line of knowingly sailing into the path of Cyclone Donna without offering guests the option to cancel or reschedule their trip.

On 27th February 2024, Justice Roger Derrington of the Brisbane Federal Court approved the settlement, marking a significant victory for the affected passengers.

The Pacific Aria, a 55,819-gross-ton vessel, set sail from Brisbane, Australia, on 5th May 2017, for a 7-night cruise to New Caledonia, with planned stops in Noumea, Lifou Island, and Port Vila.

However, Cyclone Donna had already begun forming in the South Pacific on 29th April, and by 3rd May, it had intensified to a Category 1 storm.

Two days later, as the cruise departed, Carnival Corporation maintained that the voyage could proceed safely.

But by 7th May, the storm had escalated into a Category 4 cyclone, with 145 mph winds and waves reaching 20 to 23 feet near Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Instead of visiting tropical islands, passengers found themselves stuck at sea, navigating massive swells.

When the ship reached Noumea, the island was already on lockdown due to the storm.

The remaining port stops were cancelled, leaving guests trapped onboard in brutal conditions.

Reports from passengers described:

• Severe ship listing for over an hour.
• Furniture and tables sliding across rooms.
• Flooding in some cabins and corridors.
• Extreme seasickness, forcing guests to remain in their staterooms

Legal battle ends with compensation for passengers

Jackson filed the lawsuit in 2023, claiming that Carnival Corporation knew or should have known about Cyclone Donna and failed to act responsibly.

The cruise line denied any wrongdoing, citing its booking terms, which state that itineraries can change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

However, rather than engaging in a prolonged legal battle, the company opted to settle.

As part of the $2.4 million agreement, each affected passenger will receive:

• $944 AUD (the median cruise fare paid).
• An additional $900 AUD in compensation.
• Lead plaintiff Debrah Jackson will receive an extra $2,000 AUD for initiating the case.

In total, $1.2 million AUD will go directly to passengers, while legal fees are capped at $1 million AUD.

Justice Derrington acknowledged that the cruise “was not as desired” and that it “became a rather unpleasant experience.”

This case is not the first time passengers have taken a cruise line to court over extreme weather incidents.

In January 2018, a Norwegian Breakaway cruise from the Bahamas to New York sailed into a bomb cyclone, leaving passengers fearing for their lives as the ship endured severe flooding and massive swells.

That lawsuit, involving nearly 200 guests, remains ongoing.

For now, however, passengers of the Pacific Aria voyage can finally put their legal battle behind them, even if they’ll never forget their “cruise from hell.”

Related posts

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

Read more about me

A cruise passenger was arrested in Oranjestad, Aruba, after attempting to bring a revolver aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, violating both cruise line policy and local laws. The…

Cruise guests planning to visit Split, Croatia, will need to reconsider their outfit choices before disembarking, as the city has introduced fines of up to €150 (£128/$162) for wearing beachwear…

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest flagship, Carnival Jubilee, had an unexpected start to its latest voyage when a small boat accidentally collided with the ship while it was still docked in…

New research by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise has highlighted the cruise destinations experiencing the most significant growth in demand over the past six years. The research was carried out…

Cruise guests planning to visit Split, Croatia, will need to reconsider their outfit choices before disembarking, as the city has introduced fines of up to €150 (£128/$162) for wearing beachwear in public.

The new regulation, aimed at preserving the dignity of Split’s historic core, bans tourists from walking around in swimsuits, lingerie, or going shirtless, even in peak summer heat.

The same fine will also apply to public alcohol consumption, meaning a passenger strolling the streets in both a swimsuit and with a beer in hand could be fined €300 (£256/$324).

This move follows a similar policy in Dubrovnik, Croatia’s busiest cruise port, which introduced fines for swimwear-clad visitors in 2020.

The sheer volume of tourists – over 1 million cruise visitors in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year – has prompted authorities to protect Split’s cultural integrity by ensuring tourists dress appropriately when away from the beach.

Bacvice Beach, the city’s most famous sandy shore, is just a short walk from the cruise port, making it a popular stop for passengers.

However, visitors heading to Old Town or other attractions post-beach must cover up to avoid penalties.

Cruise lines are advising passengers to wear swimsuits under their clothes or bring cover-ups to avoid unexpected fines.

Other European cities with dress code fines

Split is far from alone in enforcing strict dress codes for tourists. Other European cruise destinations have similar fines for inappropriate attire:

• Venice, Italy – Fines for swimwear range from €25 to €500 (£21 to £427/$27 to $540).
• Barcelona, Spain – Wearing swim attire away from the beach can result in a €300-€500 (£256-£427/$324-$540) fine.
• Sorrento, Italy – Authorities have cracked down on skimpy bikinis and bare chests to maintain the town’s reputation.
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain – Swimwear restrictions have been in place since 2014 to prevent excessive tourism-related disturbances.
• Albufeira, Portugal – A newly introduced fine (up to €1,500/£1,280/$1,620) targets topless tourists or those in swimwear away from designated areas.

Beyond dress codes, cruise passengers should also be aware of unique local laws.

For example, in Barbados, camouflage clothing is illegal, even for children, as it is reserved for military use. Several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago, enforce similar bans.

Cruise lines also have their own attire restrictions, particularly for dining areas and onboard venues.

Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, prohibits offensive clothing featuring nudity, profanity, violence, or inappropriate innuendo.

Most ships ban swimwear in restaurants, requiring passengers to change before entering indoor dining spaces.

Cruise passengers should review all pre-cruise materials provided by their cruise line to stay informed about local regulations and onboard policies – ensuring they enjoy their travels without any unexpected fines.

Related posts

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

Read more about me

A cruise passenger was arrested in Oranjestad, Aruba, after attempting to bring a revolver aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, violating both cruise line policy and local laws. The…

A group of nearly 1,500 cruise passengers who endured a terrifying voyage aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria in May 2017 have won a $2.4 million settlement in a class-action…

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest flagship, Carnival Jubilee, had an unexpected start to its latest voyage when a small boat accidentally collided with the ship while it was still docked in…

New research by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise has highlighted the cruise destinations experiencing the most significant growth in demand over the past six years. The research was carried out…

A cruise passenger was arrested in Oranjestad, Aruba, after attempting to bring a revolver aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, violating both cruise line policy and local laws.

The incident occurred on 26th February 2025, as the 226,838-gross-ton vessel, carrying 5,602 guests, was docked in Aruba’s capital city during an 8-night roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Reports from local news outlets state that Royal Caribbean’s security team uncovered the firearm during a routine screening process.

The unidentified male passenger was immediately detained, and local police were called to the scene, leading to his arrest and transport to a precinct for questioning.

Authorities are now investigating whether the firearm was brought aboard at the ship’s departure from Florida on 22nd February, or if it was purchased in Aruba during the ship’s 14-hour call.

Regardless of its origin, firearms are strictly prohibited aboard Royal Caribbean ships. The company’s policy explicitly bans rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, and other dangerous weapons, stating:

“For security reasons, our company policy does not permit guests to carry firearms onboard during their voyage or otherwise secure weapons for anyone on our vessels or at the pier.”

Beyond corporate policy, Aruban law strictly prohibits importing or exporting firearms or ammunition without a proper licence.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) also warns travellers that bringing firearms to the Caribbean can result in severe penalties.

The minimum fine for arriving in Aruba with a firearm is $1,500 (£1,180/€1,380), while a loaded weapon carries a $3,000 (£2,360/€2,760) fine. Jail time is also a possibility.

Did the passenger reboard the ship?

It remains unclear whether the passenger was permitted to rejoin the cruise or if he was detained in Aruba pending further legal action.

However, the rest of the voyage continued as scheduled, with Oasis of the Seas departing Aruba and proceeding to its next destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, before returning to Port Everglades on 2nd March 2025.

This is not the first time a Royal Caribbean guest has been arrested for carrying prohibited items.

In April 2024, a Virginia man, Tyler Wenrich, was arrested in Turks and Caicos after two bullets were found in his bag while sailing on Independence of the Seas.

Despite claiming they were forgotten from a previous trip, Wenrich spent three weeks in jail and paid a $9,000 fine (£7,090/€8,280), narrowly avoiding a 12-year mandatory sentence after a US congressman intervened.

While the US State Department warns travellers about strict gun laws in Turks and Caicos, no similar official advisory exists for Aruba – though this latest arrest may serve as a stark warning to future cruise passengers.

Cruisers are urged to thoroughly check their luggage before boarding to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items, especially firearms or ammunition.

As this case shows, even a simple oversight can result in arrest, jail time, and steep fines – a costly mistake for any holidaymaker.

Related posts

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

Read more about me

Cruise guests planning to visit Split, Croatia, will need to reconsider their outfit choices before disembarking, as the city has introduced fines of up to €150 (£128/$162) for wearing beachwear…

A group of nearly 1,500 cruise passengers who endured a terrifying voyage aboard P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Aria in May 2017 have won a $2.4 million settlement in a class-action…

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest flagship, Carnival Jubilee, had an unexpected start to its latest voyage when a small boat accidentally collided with the ship while it was still docked in…

New research by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise has highlighted the cruise destinations experiencing the most significant growth in demand over the past six years. The research was carried out…

New research by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise has highlighted the cruise destinations experiencing the most significant growth in demand over the past six years.

The research was carried out by looking at the cruise bookings and other internal data from the years 2018 to 2024, and it identified the destinations that have seen the most significant increases in demand from guests.

Over 40 destinations were studied, although the cruise line has only revealed the top 10 that have seen the biggest demand increases.

And the destination with the biggest increase in demand was the Canary Islands, followed by the Mediterranean and Hawaii in second and third place respectively.

The research, which delved into the shifting preferences of cruise travellers, identified the following destinations as the fastest-growing:

Canary Islands: the ultimate cruise hotspot

The Canary Islands have become the standout cruise destination, with their dramatic volcanic landscapes, picturesque beaches, and year-round pleasant climate attracting an increasing number of holidaymakers.

Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, attributes this rapid growth to several factors.

“The Canary Islands have grown from strength to strength as a cruise destination over the last six years. Having diverse enough islands to feel like you’ve visited several different destinations in one cruise, a balmy climate, and relatively short flight times to get to the sunshine are all reasons why this destination is a general favourite for the UK.

“Add to the fact that several major cruise lines, like P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises, have increased the number of Canary Island departures they offer and you can see why this growth is so substantial.”

Mediterranean: a timeless favourite

Cruises to the Mediterranean have always been popular, but demand has surged by 6,228% over the last six years. With a variety of fly and no-fly cruise options, accessibility remains a key factor in its sustained appeal.

According to Mills, ship deployment has played a crucial role in this growth.

“The Med almost always tops the polls as the most popular destination for UK cruisers. In recent years, part of the reason it’s seen such phenomenal growth is due to the quality of the ships the cruise lines have deployed from two of the largest Mediterranean ports: Barcelona and Rome.

“The fact that Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent have all been based in the Mediterranean this year is a reflection of how important this region is to the global cruising market.“

Hawaii: the appeal of island-hopping

Hawaiian cruises have seen a 2,935% rise in demand, with travellers increasingly drawn to the archipelago’s breath-taking volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and immersive cultural experiences. Many visitors combine their cruise with a stay in Honolulu, Hilo, or Kailua Kona.

We’ve seen a huge growth in the popularity of Hawaiian cruising in recent years, mainly due to the cruise and stay packages available, that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in this diverse and laid-back holiday destination. We also see many guests add a city stay to their cruise, whether that’s a visit en route or upon their return; Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are among the most popular options here.”

With shifting travel preferences and evolving financial factors, the cruise industry continues to adapt to demand. Mills believes that Greek island cruises are an emerging trend to watch.

As the cruise industry continues to expand, destinations once considered niche are becoming mainstream holiday choices.

With increasing options for tailored experiences, from boutique Greek island cruises to Hawaiian adventure packages, the sector is set for sustained growth in the years ahead.

Related posts

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

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas came to the aid of nearly a dozen distressed individuals on 26th February 2025, after spotting an overloaded, makeshift craft waving white materials, including…

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For most surfers, the waves provided by nature offer plenty of excitement, but professional surfer and content creator Ben Gravy had his sights set on something even more extreme.

Over President’s Day weekend, Gravy headed to Miami, Florida, to take on the wake of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.

The stunt, which Gravy documented on his YouTube channel, took place just outside of PortMiami’s harbour on 15th February 2025, as Royal Caribbean’s massive vessel completed a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing and prepared to embark on a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage.

“This could be the biggest moment of my novelty career,” Gravy exclaimed in his video, as the 250,800-gross-ton Icon-class flagship approached, sending large, choppy waves into the surrounding waters.

Gravy, who has over 206,000 YouTube subscribers, didn’t take on Icon’s wake without practice.

Before the record-breaking ship arrived, he warmed up on the waves created by MSC Seascape and Norwegian Bliss. Though Carnival Horizon was also in port that day, Gravy chose not to surf behind it.

As the massive mega-ship came into view, Gravy playfully compared her to the Death Star from Star Wars, humming The Imperial March while preparing to ride the wave.

When the ship’s horn blasted, the water surged around him, and the wake delivered just what he was looking for – a wave big enough to ride.

“That was nuts… I was standing in ankle-deep water and that was a head-high wave. I can’t believe it,”

A dangerous – but impressive – feat

While Gravy’s surfing stunt has been met with enthusiasm from fans, it’s important to highlight that this is not something to try at home.

As an experienced surfer, Gravy had a qualified support team with him and has completed similar stunts before, including chasing ferry waves in 2024.

However, cruise ship wakes are incredibly powerful and can be extremely dangerous.

In January 2025, a couple and their dog had to be rescued when their small boat was capsized by the wake of a cruise ship near Port Tampa Bay.

The vessels in port that day, Radiance of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas, are less than half the size of Icon of the Seas – yet their wake was still strong enough to sink a boat.

Gravy’s daring ride might have been thrilling, but for the average person, getting too close to a cruise ship’s wake could be a life-threatening mistake.

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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 Brilliance of the Seas came to the aid of nearly a dozen distressed individuals on 26th February 2025, after spotting an overloaded, makeshift craft waving white materials, including…

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Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas came to the aid of nearly a dozen distressed individuals on 26th February 2025, after spotting an overloaded, makeshift craft waving white materials, including a bucket, as a distress signal.

The ship was sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary from New Orleans when the vessel was sighted east of the Yucatán Peninsula, northeast of Cancún.

The crew quickly responded, altering the ship’s course and dispatching its pilot boat to assist.

Reports vary on whether 10 or 11 refugees were on board the struggling craft, but all were successfully rescued and brought onto Brilliance of the Seas in two trips.

The ship’s captain later confirmed that all individuals were safe and in good condition following the rescue.

Following the delay, comments from social media suggest that the ship diverted to Cozumel to drop the refugees off, cancelling the planned visit to Progreso.

Cruise vlogger Scottie J Travels captured a video of the pilot ship heading out to meet the refugee boat:

What happens to rescued refugees at sea?

When a cruise ship encounters and rescues refugees, immediate care is the top priority. The individuals would have been provided with medical attention, food, and water, and kept in a secure crew area under supervision.

While they are not detained or treated as prisoners, they are also not allowed access to public guest areas.

Maritime law requires ships to report such incidents to the nearest coastal authorities, ensuring proper legal protocols are followed.

The rescued individuals will likely be transferred to local authorities in Cozumel, where they will undergo processing under Mexican immigration laws.

In many cases, such individuals are repatriated to their home country, though specific legal outcomes depend on local jurisdiction and international agreements.

This is not the first time Brilliance of the Seas has been involved in a maritime rescue operation.

In 2016, the ship rescued 18 Cuban refugees who had been stranded at sea for over three weeks. Tragically, nine other individuals had perished before the cruise ship arrived.

The 90,090-gross-ton, Radiance-class ship currently homeports from New Orleans, offering 7-night sailings to the Western Caribbean through the end of March.

In April, Brilliance of the Seas will reposition to Europe for a scheduled dry dock before spending the summer in the Greek Isles.

In the autumn, the ship will sail from Boston before relocating to San Juan for the winter Caribbean season.

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

Read more about me

For most surfers, the waves provided by nature offer plenty of excitement, but professional surfer and content creator Ben Gravy had his sights set on something even more extreme. Over…

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A group of young women on a weekend getaway aboard Carnival Glory faced a frightening ordeal when a fire broke out on their cabin balcony during the ship’s 3-night Bahamas…

A ground-breaking new platform, The Cruise Globe, has officially launched, allowing cruise travellers to log, track, and share their entire cruising history with unprecedented accuracy – and it’s completely free!

In just one week, users have already logged over 50,000 cruises, demonstrating the platform’s instant appeal among cruise enthusiasts.

Designed as the world’s first visual logbook for cruisers, The Cruise Globe provides a seamless way to relive past voyages, track exact routes using historical AIS satellite ship tracking data, and generate detailed cruise statistics.

The project is the creation of three cruise and travel enthusiasts – Matthew Jones, Will Ellison, and Emma Le Teace.

Their combined expertise in marine technology, startup development, and cruise content creation has resulted in a one-of-a-kind interactive digital platform for cruisers.

Will Ellison, a naval architecture expert, has extensive experience in marine technology startups, while Matthew Jones has been instrumental in developing successful startups and has a deep family connection to Cunard.

Meanwhile, Emma Le Teace, known as Emma Cruises, brings her insider knowledge as one of the world’s leading cruise content creators.

Their previous success with The Cruise Maps, which offered personalised, accurate cruise route prints, paved the way for The Cruise Globe, which takes digital cruise tracking to the next level.

What The Cruise Globe offers

The platform delivers a range of innovative features, enabling users to:

• Log and visualise every past cruise with pinpoint accuracy using AIS satellite tracking technology.
• View personalised cruise statistics, including exact distances travelled.
• Fly through previous routes in immersive 3D, reliving every port and landmark.
• Explore ports in satellite view to zoom in on past destinations.

The overwhelming response to The Cruise Globe has already led to an expansion of the data validation team, doubling in size from four to eight members.

Co-founder Will Ellison has confirmed plans to introduce live ship tracking, future cruise mapping, and river cruise coverage by the end of the year.

Additionally, while The Cruise Globe is already optimised for mobile devices, plans are underway to develop a dedicated app to enhance accessibility and functionality.

Emma Le Teace expressed her excitement about the platform’s success:

“We know that cruisers love to keep track of their travels, often jotting them down in notebooks or spreadsheets. With The Cruise Globe, we’ve created a way for them to showcase their cruise journeys both visually and statistically in a beautifully interactive way.”

With its highly detailed tracking features and future expansion plans, The Cruise Globe is set to become the ultimate tool for cruise lovers, offering an unprecedented way to document, share, and relive their travels in real time.

Check out The Cruise Globe here to sign up (for free).

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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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Cruiseline.com has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Member Choice Awards, marking a decade of recognising the best in cruising.

Based on thousands of reviews from travellers who sailed in 2024, the awards highlight the top cruise lines, ships, and destinations, offering valuable insight into the cruise industry’s standout performers.

Royal Caribbean dominated this year’s rankings, earning nine top-category recognitions, including Best Mainstream Cruise Line, Best Cruise Ship, and Best New Cruise Ship of the Year.

Other cruise lines earning top spots include Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Viking River Cruises.

Top cruise line winners

Royal Caribbean was named Best Mainstream Cruise Line, while Viking Ocean Cruises took the title for Best Premium Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises led in the Luxury Cruise Line category.

Meanwhile, Viking River Cruises was recognised as the best for river sailings.

In more specific categories, Celebrity Cruises won Best Cruise Line for Food and Dining, while Royal Caribbean took top honours for Best Onboard Activities and Entertainment.

Best Cruise Line for Service also went to Royal Caribbean, and Best Staterooms was awarded to Celebrity Cruises.

Best cruise ships of 2025

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas claimed the Best Overall Cruise Ship award, despite average review scores showing its popularity starting to wane.

It also took the top spot for Best New Cruise Ship and led in categories such as Best Onboard Activities and Entertainment, Best Service, and Best Staterooms.

Other high-ranking ships include Utopia of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Celebrity Beyond, and Allure of the Seas, each earning recognition for their onboard experiences.

Top cruise destinations

The Best Cruise Port award went to Willemstad, Curaçao, with Skagway, Alaska, and Barcelona, Spain also ranking among the top destinations.

For private island getaways, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay took the number one spot, followed by Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Celebrating 10 years of cruise excellence

Jamie Cash, Chief Operating Officer of Cruiseline.com, highlighted the significance of the awards:

“This is the tenth year we have presented the Member Choice Awards, which celebrate excellence in cruising and serve as thanks to community members who shared their cruise feedback. We extend our congratulations to Royal Caribbean for their outstanding performance, as well as to all cruise lines, ships, and destinations that earned exceptional ratings from travellers.”

With a decade of recognising industry excellence, the 2025 Member Choice Awards offer a trusted guide for cruisers looking to book their next unforgettable voyage.

The results in full

Best Mainstream Cruise Line

1. Royal Caribbean
2. Celebrity Cruises
3. Princess Cruises
4. Holland America Line
5. Carnival Cruise Line

Best Premium Cruise Line

1. Viking Ocean Cruises
2. Windstar Cruises
3. Azamara Cruises
4. Cunard
5. Oceania Cruises 

Best Luxury Cruise Line

1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
2. Seabourn
3. Silversea Cruises
4. Crystal

Best River Cruise Line

1. Viking River Cruises
2. Avalon Waterways
3. AmaWaterways
4. American Cruise Line
5. Uniworld River Cruises

Best Cruise Line – Food and Dining

1. Celebrity Cruises
2. Royal Caribbean
3. Virgin Voyages
4. Viking Ocean Cruises
5. Holland America Line

Best Cruise Line – Onboard Activities and Entertainment 

1. Royal Caribbean
2. Celebrity Cruises
3. Carnival Cruise Line
4. Disney Cruise Line
5. Princess Cruises

Best Cruise Line – Service

1. Royal Caribbean
2. Celebrity Cruises
3. Holland America Line
4. Viking River Cruises
5. Disney Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line – Staterooms

1. Celebrity Cruises
2. Royal Caribbean
3. Disney Cruise Line
4. Viking Ocean Cruises
5. Holland America Line

Best Overall Cruise Ship

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Utopia of the Seas
3. Symphony of the Seas
4. Celebrity Beyond
5. Allure of the Seas
6. Celebrity Silhouette
7. Wonder of the Seas
8. Anthem of the Seas
9. Celebrity Ascent
10. Harmony of the Seas
11. Voyager of the Seas
12. Celebrity Edge
13. Independence of the Seas
14. Jewel of the Seas
15. Adventure of the Seas
16. Mariner of the Seas
17. Celebrity Apex
18. Carnival Jubilee
19. Carnival Spirit
20. Liberty of the Seas
21. Odyssey of the Seas
22. Celebrity Solstice
23. Quantum of the Seas
24. Sapphire Princess
25. Celebrity Summit
26. Mardi Gras
27. Celebrity Reflection
28. Freedom of the Seas
29. Oasis of the Seas
30. Regal Princess 

Best New Cruise Ship of 2025

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Utopia of the Seas
3. Queen Anne
4. Sun Princess

Best Cruise Ship – Food and Dining

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Wonder of the Seas
3. Celebrity Beyond
4. Utopia of the Seas
5. Celebrity Beyond

Honourable Mention:

6. Celebrity Ascent
7. Allure of the Seas
8. Celebrity Silhouette
9. Celebrity Summit
10. Voyager of the Seas

Best Cruise Ship – Onboard Activities and Entertainment

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Utopia of the Seas
3. Symphony of the Seas
4. Allure of the Seas
5. Harmony of the Seas

Honourable Mention:

6. Wonder of the Seas
7. Celebrity Ascent
8. Mariner of the Seas
9. Carnival Jubilee
10. Celebrity Beyond

Best Cruise Ship – Service 

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Vision of the Seas
3. Harmony of the Seas
4. Utopia of the Seas
5. Celebrity Silhouette

Honourable Mention:

6. Voyager of the Seas
7. Adventure of the Seas
8. Anthem of the Seas
9. Enchantment of the Seas
10. Independence of the Seas

Best Cruise Ship – Staterooms 

1. Icon of the Seas
2. Utopia of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond (TIE)
3. Symphony of the Seas
4. Anthem of the Seas
5. Celebrity Silhouette 

Honourable Mention:

6. Wonder of the Seas
7. Carnival Panorama
8. Odyssey of the Seas
9. Celebrity Edge
10 .Celebrity Ascent

Cruise Port Awards

The top-rated cruise ports and cruise line private destinations, as reviewed by our community, are:

Best Cruise Port

1. Willemstad, Curaçao
2. Skagway, Alaska
3. Barcelona, Spain
4. Cruise Glacier Bay, Alaska
5. Ketchikan, Alaska
6. Philipsburg, St. Maarten
7. Juneau, Alaska
8. Kralendijk, Bonaire
9. Oranjestad, Aruba
10. Roatan, Honduras

Best Cruise Line Private Destination

1. Castaway Cay, Bahamas (Disney Cruise Line)
2. Perfect Day At CocoCay, Bahamas (Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises)
3. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas (MSC Cruises)
4. The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas (Virgin Voyages)
5. Labadee, Haiti (Royal Caribbean)
6. RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Carnival & Holland America Line)
7. Harvest Caye, Belize (Norwegian Cruise Line)
8. Princess Cays, Bahamas (Princess & Carnival)
9. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Norwegian Cruise Line)

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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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