News

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 cruise.

The incident occurred on 22nd February 2025, while the Carnival Glory was at sea after departing Nassau earlier that day.

According to reports, the fire started when a towel draped over a chair on a Deck 6 balcony began to smoulder before becoming engulfed in flames.

Photos of the aftermath show a severely damaged chair and video footage captured heavy smoke inside the cabin and adjacent hallway.

Crew members responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames before they could spread further. No passengers or crew were injured, and the ship’s operations remained unaffected.

Carnival Cruise Line has a highly trained fire response team on board every ship, with regular safety drills conducted to ensure preparedness for incidents like this.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, an internal investigation is expected to determine how it started and whether all safety measures were properly in place.

In a brief statement, Carnival confirmed:

“We have a very robust fire management system, including alarms, detectors, sprinklers and training. This matter was quickly handled and there were no injuries.”

Passengers unhappy with crew’s treatment

Although relieved that the fire was contained, one of the affected passengers, Tatianna Chuitian, expressed frustration over how she and her friends were treated in the aftermath.

Chuitian claims that while they were eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, they felt pressured by crew members while being questioned about the incident.

She described feeling bullied and alleged that the crew threatened to involve the FBI and Coast Guard if they were suspected of lying.

Additionally, the women claimed they were required to take pregnancy tests – something they suspected may have actually been a drug test.

However, medical professionals have pointed out that pregnancy tests are standard in emergency medical situations, as certain treatments may be harmful to unborn babies.

Further grievances include claims that they were not allowed to photograph their written statements, were pressured into signing waivers, and that all their belongings were damaged in the process.

Carnival Cruise Line has not addressed these allegations directly, citing the ongoing investigation.

Despite the incident, Carnival Glory remained on schedule and completed its cruise without further disruptions.

The 110,000-gross-ton Conquest-class ship has since departed Port Canaveral for its next voyage, a 4-night Bahamas itinerary.

An official investigation is expected to determine the cause of the fire and review how the situation was handled.

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

Captain Kate McCue, the cruise ship captain who has amassed a huge following on social media, has announced her shock departure from Celebrity Cruises. In a video shared to her…

Passengers aboard Allure of the Seas were surprised to discover two unexpected guests on their transatlantic voyage – a pair of burrowing owls that took up residence in the ship’s…

Virgin Voyages has issued a warning to its passengers, known as “Sailors,” about a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting cruise bookings. The cruise line recently sent an email advising guests…

The cruise industry could be facing a major shift following comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, suggesting that President Donald Trump plans to overhaul the tax system – including…

Captain Kate McCue, the cruise ship captain who has amassed a huge following on social media, has announced her shock departure from Celebrity Cruises.

In a video shared to her Instagram followers on 24th February, Kate announced that it was her last day with Celebrity Cruises. She also mentions having spent 22 years working for the Royal Caribbean Group, suggesting she’s leaving the wider organisation, although that’s not yet confirmed.

In her post, she explained that she was leaving due to some recent big life changes, and that the change of role was a part of them.

She didn’t further clarify any of the other life changes, although she did recently lose her cat Bug Naked who would cruise alongside her.

She did close out her statement on her post by confirming she wasn’t planning on stopping sailing, saying that she had too much salt in her veins to leave the sea behind.

And she teased that this would be the start of “Captain’s Log: New Seasons”, meaning she is likely to continue documenting her career as a cruise captain in her next role as well.

As part of the post, she shared a video with highlights from her 22 years working for the Royal Caribbean Group, having started as 2nd Officer before rising up to Captain.

And within a few hours she had thousands of comments from fans and colleagues, unanimously thanking her for her service, for being an inspiration to women in the cruise industry, and wishing her well for her next steps.

I wonder where she’ll end up?

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

Passengers aboard Allure of the Seas were surprised to discover two unexpected guests on their transatlantic voyage – a pair of burrowing owls that took up residence in the ship’s…

Virgin Voyages has issued a warning to its passengers, known as “Sailors,” about a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting cruise bookings. The cruise line recently sent an email advising guests…

The cruise industry could be facing a major shift following comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, suggesting that President Donald Trump plans to overhaul the tax system – including…

A couple planning their dream cruise aboard Carnival Horizon were left stunned when their booking was mysteriously cancelled – only to later discover an unexpected culprit behind the ordeal. The…

Passengers aboard Allure of the Seas were surprised to discover two unexpected guests on their transatlantic voyage – a pair of burrowing owls that took up residence in the ship’s open-air Central Park.

The Oasis-class ship departed Miami on 10th February 2025, embarking on a 12-night journey to Barcelona, Spain.

It’s believed that the owls boarded while the ship was docked in Florida.

Over the following ten days, they became an attraction among passengers, with many taking to social media to share updates on their unusual stowaways.

The burrowing owls quickly made themselves at home among the trees and plants in the Central Park neighbourhood, though some passengers also spotted them in other areas of the ship, including the Solarium and miniature golf course.

As the journey progressed, the presence of the birds sparked growing concern, as burrowing owls are considered a threatened species in Florida.

Given their status, Royal Caribbean took action to ensure their safe handling.

Efforts to capture the stowaways

Passengers shared that wildlife experts were consulted, and a plan was put in place to capture and care for the birds until a resolution was found.

One of the owls was successfully captured and placed in a temporary enclosure, receiving food and water.

The second owl proved more elusive at first…

“The crew member with a net is standing very patiently in Central Park hoping the owl will come into reach. The owl, currently located about 10 feet from my balcony, is not having it,”

Social media update from a passenger

Eventually the second owl was captured, but then escaped once more, with crew concerned that they wouldn’t be able to recapture it before reaching port.

Thankfully, follow-up reports show that the second owl was caught once more. Royal Caribbean confirmed that the birds were offloaded in Cartagena, Spain, where local wildlife authorities would process the necessary paperwork.

They will then be flown back to Miami for release into their natural habitat.

Remarkably, this isn’t the first time an owl has stowed away on a Royal Caribbean vessel.

Previous reports from passengers detail similar incidents aboard Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, with owls taking up residence in Central Park.

In March 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife was called to assist in safely capturing an owl aboard Symphony of the Seas, ensuring it could be released back into the wild.

Given that burrowing owls typically prefer open, sparsely vegetated landscapes such as prairies and grasslands, it is surprising that they continue to be drawn to the lush greenery of Central Park.

However, their presence on multiple voyages suggests that the enclosed but naturally landscaped environment of the ship provides an attractive shelter for them.

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

Virgin Voyages has issued a warning to its passengers, known as “Sailors,” about a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting cruise bookings. The cruise line recently sent an email advising guests…

The cruise industry could be facing a major shift following comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, suggesting that President Donald Trump plans to overhaul the tax system – including…

A couple planning their dream cruise aboard Carnival Horizon were left stunned when their booking was mysteriously cancelled – only to later discover an unexpected culprit behind the ordeal. The…

Royal Caribbean is making history by reviving a retired ship name for the first time, confirming that its third Icon Class vessel will be called Legend of the Seas. The…

The cruise industry could be facing a major shift following comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, suggesting that President Donald Trump plans to overhaul the tax system – including targeting cruise lines that have long enjoyed exemptions from US taxation.

During an interview on Fox News, Lutnick pointed to the absence of US-flagged cruise ships, using it as an example of companies avoiding taxation.

“You ever see a cruise ship with an American flag on the back?” Lutnick asked.

He went on to explain that most cruise ships register under foreign flags – often referred to as “flags of convenience” – in order to benefit from lower taxes and more relaxed labour laws.

“None of them pay taxes … every supertanker. None pay taxes … all foreign alcohol. No taxes. This is going to end under Donald Trump.”

Howard Lutnick

Lutnick’s remarks triggered an immediate reaction from the financial markets, with cruise stocks tumbling on Thursday morning as investors worried about the potential impact of new tax policies.

• Royal Caribbean saw its stock fall as much as 9.3% in early trading before settling at a 7% decline by the close of the market.
• Norwegian Cruise Line and Viking Cruises both dropped 7%.
• Carnival Corporation, which took the smallest hit, was down 5%.

Despite the market dip, industry analysts were quick to downplay the likelihood of any immediate changes.

Steven Wieczynski, a leisure industry expert, noted that this is not the first time lawmakers have suggested revising the tax structure for cruise lines.

“This is about the 10th time in the past 15 years that a politician has floated this idea, and every time it has failed to gain traction,” Wieczynski stated.

The tax loophole explained

Although major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, are headquartered in the US, they are incorporated in foreign nations such as Panama and Bermuda.

This allows them to avoid US corporate income tax on earnings generated outside of the country.

Instead of paying traditional corporate taxes, cruise companies contribute to the US economy through port fees, passenger taxes, and regulatory expenses, amounting to $2.5 billion annually. This represents roughly 65% of the total taxes that cruise lines pay worldwide.

Will cruise passengers be affected?

For now, travellers are unlikely to see any price hikes. Even if tax changes were to be enacted, cruise lines would find ways to offset costs – potentially shifting the burden onto passengers through increased fares or service fees.

Additionally, most business conducted on cruise ships happens in international waters, making it difficult for the US government to directly impose new taxes.

The only US-flagged large cruise ship currently in operation is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which sails in Hawaii.

Due to its US registration, it must comply with American labour laws, making it significantly more expensive to operate than foreign-flagged vessels.

At this stage, there is no official proposal to change the tax system for cruise lines, and Lutnick’s comments have yet to be followed by any concrete policy announcements.

For now, cruise companies and investors alike are likely to monitor developments closely, but unless formal legislation is introduced, it remains business as usual for the industry. But it’s good to be aware that change could be on the horizon.

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 couple planning their dream cruise aboard Carnival Horizon were left stunned when their booking was mysteriously cancelled – only to later discover an unexpected culprit behind the ordeal. The…

Royal Caribbean is making history by reviving a retired ship name for the first time, confirming that its third Icon Class vessel will be called Legend of the Seas. The…

Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for the launch of Disney Adventure, and fans can look forward to an exciting line-up of immersive experiences when the ship debuts in December…

As anticipation builds for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, a new arrival has stolen the spotlight – the ship’s official canine crew member, Sailor, has been…

Virgin Voyages has issued a warning to its passengers, known as “Sailors,” about a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting cruise bookings.

The cruise line recently sent an email advising guests on how to spot scams and protect their reservations from unauthorised third parties.

The alert comes after reports of fraudsters attempting to resell bookings at discounted rates or falsely claiming to be authorised agents.

Virgin Voyages has stressed that all official bookings should only be made through the cruise line’s website, registered travel advisors (referred to as “First Mates”), or the Sailor Services team.

One of the most common scams involves individuals posing as passengers who can no longer sail and offering to sell their bookings at a steep discount.

While the offer may seem tempting, Virgin Voyages has confirmed that these transactions are not legitimate. The cruise line does not facilitate the resale of reservations, and guests should avoid third-party deals.

Another scam involves fake special offers posted on social media. These fraudulent promotions often contain spelling errors, vague details, or suspicious sender names.

Virgin Voyages urges passengers to verify any deals they see online by checking with official sources.

Additionally, some fraudsters attempt to access guests’ bookings by obtaining their reservation ID. If scammers gain access to this information, they could modify or cancel bookings without the passenger’s knowledge.

Virgin Voyages advises guests to treat their reservation details as confidential and not to share them on social media or with unauthorised individuals.

To help prevent passengers from falling victim to scams, Virgin Voyages has outlined key measures:

• Book through official channels – Guests should only make reservations via the cruise line’s website, accredited First Mates, or the Sailor Services team.
• Beware of unverified social media deals – Fraudulent promotions are common on social media platforms. Passengers should double-check any “too good to be true” deals before making payments.
• Protect booking details – Reservation IDs should never be shared online or with third parties to prevent unauthorised changes.
• Avoid suspicious calls – Virgin Voyages will never request payment or personal details over the phone. If a passenger receives such a call, they should hang up immediately and contact the cruise line directly.

The rise of cruise scams

While these warnings may seem like common sense, cruise-related fraud is on the rise. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using counterfeit emails, fake contact numbers, and well-designed promotions to deceive travellers.

Similar scams have targeted other cruise lines, with fraudsters impersonating customer service representatives or offering fake discounts on upgrades and shore excursions.

Even in port, passengers have fallen victim to dishonest taxi services or excursion scams, such as a recent case involving a Royal Caribbean guest at Port Canaveral.

Passengers should remain vigilant when booking cruises and purchasing add-ons. Any unsolicited offers or deals requiring immediate payment should be treated with caution.

Virgin Voyages encourages Sailors to verify all details directly through their official channels and to avoid engaging with unauthorised sellers.

As scams evolve, the cruise industry continues to reinforce security measures to protect guests. For now, the best defence is awareness, ensuring that travellers book through trusted sources and keep their personal information private.

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

The cruise industry could be facing a major shift following comments from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, suggesting that President Donald Trump plans to overhaul the tax system – including…

A couple planning their dream cruise aboard Carnival Horizon were left stunned when their booking was mysteriously cancelled – only to later discover an unexpected culprit behind the ordeal. The…

Royal Caribbean is making history by reviving a retired ship name for the first time, confirming that its third Icon Class vessel will be called Legend of the Seas. The…

Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for the launch of Disney Adventure, and fans can look forward to an exciting line-up of immersive experiences when the ship debuts in December…

A couple planning their dream cruise aboard Carnival Horizon were left stunned when their booking was mysteriously cancelled – only to later discover an unexpected culprit behind the ordeal.

The incident, which unfolded on 17th February 2025, was first shared online by the affected passenger, who detailed how their eagerly anticipated June 2025 sailing was abruptly refunded without warning.

The booking had been made over a month earlier, and everything seemed in order. Flights were booked, childcare was arranged, and the couple were eagerly counting down to their first cruise together.

But when an unexpected refund of $1,900 appeared in their bank account, they knew something was amiss.

Checking their Carnival Cruise Line account, they discovered the reservation was gone. A call to customer service only deepened the confusion – Carnival claimed the couple had cancelled the cruise themselves.

“I called this morning and they said our cruise was cancelled directly from our account at 9:30am on Thursday, 13th February,” the passenger explained.

However, both the husband and wife were at work at the time and had never attempted to cancel.

Worse still, Carnival’s customer service team refused to reinstate their original stateroom at the price they had paid, instead offering a lower-category interior cabin.

The situation took a bizarre turn when a commenter on the online post suggested an unlikely culprit: the husband’s ex-fiancée.

The shocking truth behind the cancellation

After spending hours on the phone with Carnival Cruise Line, the couple uncovered what had really happened.

The husband’s ex-fiancée, who had once joined him on a Carnival cruise, was still listed as the emergency contact on his cruise account.

Somehow, she had been able to log in using her email and cancel the trip without the couple’s knowledge.

It remains unclear how she retained access, but her involvement was enough for Carnival to reverse course.

In the end, after further calls with the cruise line, the couple received a free upgrade to a better cabin and a $300 onboard credit, which they plan to use for a snorkelling excursion.

While Carnival’s policy states that emergency contacts have limited access to alter a booking, the situation raises questions about security loopholes that might allow someone to interfere with another person’s reservation.

Generally, cancellations can be made without penalty if they occur before the final payment date, which for Carnival Horizon sailings longer than six days is 91 days before departure.

The couple’s refund suggests that their final payment deadline had not yet passed.

Carnival’s terms and conditions state that they may communicate with anyone contacting them from a provided contact number concerning a booking.

However, this incident highlights the importance of regularly updating contact details, particularly when an old emergency contact may no longer be trustworthy.

The unusual case serves as a cautionary tale for cruise travellers – especially those who may have forgotten to update account details after past relationships.

While most people will never face this kind of unexpected cancellation, it’s always worth double-checking emergency contacts and login credentials to ensure no unwanted access to personal travel plans.

As for this couple, their dream cruise is still set to sail – but now, they’ll be enjoying it with an upgraded stateroom and some extra spending money, thanks to one ex’s failed attempt at revenge.

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 is making history by reviving a retired ship name for the first time, confirming that its third Icon Class vessel will be called Legend of the Seas. The…

Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for the launch of Disney Adventure, and fans can look forward to an exciting line-up of immersive experiences when the ship debuts in December…

As anticipation builds for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, a new arrival has stolen the spotlight – the ship’s official canine crew member, Sailor, has been…

A British conman who scammed more than 180 cruise passengers out of over £400,000 has been sentenced to five years in prison for fraudulent trading and money laundering. Richard Lester,…

Royal Caribbean is making history by reviving a retired ship name for the first time, confirming that its third Icon Class vessel will be called Legend of the Seas.

The original Legend of the Seas debuted in 1995 as part of the Vision Class, a significantly smaller ship at 70,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of around 2,000 guests. The new Legend of the Seas will be in an entirely different league, coming in at 250,800 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 7,000 passengers.

After more than two decades of service, the original ship was sold in 2017 to what is now Marella Cruises, where it was renamed Marella Discovery.

Now, Royal Caribbean is bringing the Legend name back – this time, on one of its most advanced and ambitious ships yet.

Set to launch in July 2026, Legend of the Seas will begin sailing in Europe, offering 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona, Spain. This will be the first time guests can enjoy sailings on an Icon-class ship in Europe.

Ports of call will include some of the region’s most famous cities across France, Italy, and Spain, giving passengers the chance to explore historic landmarks and scenic coastal destinations.

Once the summer season wraps up, the ship will relocate to Florida in November 2026, where it will homeport from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

From there, Legend of the Seas will operate 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, including stops at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, as well as Aruba, Curaçao, and Jamaica.

Royal Caribbean’s Chief Marketing Officer Kara Wallace explained that selecting a name for the third Icon Class ship was no small task.

“The Icon Class as a name really sets a really high bar… so we needed a third name that really fit with that… Legend is, not only fitting of the class, but an homage to everything that came before it.”

The Icon Class has been a game-changer for Royal Caribbean, breaking records and redefining the cruise industry with Icon of the Seas and its upcoming sister ship Star of the Seas.

The demand for these ships has been off the charts, and Royal Caribbean expects Legend of the Seas to continue that momentum.

Wallace also noted that launching the ship in Europe first was a strategic move to meet the growing demand from international guests eager to sail on an Icon Class vessel.

“Our guests across Europe have been asking for an Icon Class ship to be based there, and this was the right time to bring it,

“The ship will come straight from delivery into Europe, taking what is going to be a legendary ship and bringing it to legendary destinations.”

What to expect on Legend of the Seas

While Royal Caribbean has not released full details about what will set Legend of the Seas apart from its predecessors, Wallace confirmed it won’t be an exact copy of Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas.

“We’ll tweak things as we learn and as we go along to make them both fresh, interesting, but also deliver on the experiences that our guests are asking for,” she said.

One confirmed change is that the Supper Club venue will have a Hollywood theme, differing from the New York-inspired version on Icon of the Seas and the Chicago-themed version coming to Star of the Seas.

However, Legend of the Seas will not be larger than its sister ships.

Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider has previously stated that all Icon Class ships will remain 1,198 feet long, meaning Royal Caribbean won’t be making each successive ship slightly bigger as it has done with previous classes.

The build process for Legend of the Seas has been underway for more than a year.

The first steel was cut in January 2024, officially marking the start of construction, and the keel was laid in October 2024, a major milestone in the ship’s assembly.

Next steps will include the float out, where the ship touches water for the first time, followed by sea trials before its official delivery.

Since its launch in early 2024, Icon of the Seas has become a ground-breaking success for Royal Caribbean, setting new standards in cruise entertainment, dining, and family-friendly experiences.

According to Wallace, guest satisfaction scores for Icon of the Seas have been the highest in the company’s history – not just for Royal Caribbean, but across the entire hospitality industry.

However, this runs counter to the average review scores on independent websites, which place Icon of the Seas fairly low down the list when compared to other ships in the fleet.

Much of Icon’s appeal comes from its neighbourhood-based design, bringing innovative spaces such as Surfside, Thrill Island, and the AquaDome to life.

With Legend of the Seas now confirmed as the third Icon Class ship, Royal Caribbean continues to build on the success of its most ambitious cruise line expansion to date.

Sailings for Legend of the Seas will open for booking later this week, with Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members gaining early access before general bookings begin on 20th February 2025.

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

Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for the launch of Disney Adventure, and fans can look forward to an exciting line-up of immersive experiences when the ship debuts in December…

As anticipation builds for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, a new arrival has stolen the spotlight – the ship’s official canine crew member, Sailor, has been…

A British conman who scammed more than 180 cruise passengers out of over £400,000 has been sentenced to five years in prison for fraudulent trading and money laundering. Richard Lester,…

Guests booked on two 2026 sailings aboard Sky Princess have been informed of major itinerary changes that completely overhaul their planned voyages. The unexpected revisions, announced via a Voyage Amendment…

As anticipation builds for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, a new arrival has stolen the spotlight – the ship’s official canine crew member, Sailor, has been born.

The news was shared on 14th February 2025, in a heart-warming social media announcement from Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

He introduced the world to the golden retriever puppy set to take on the role of Chief Dog Officer aboard the upcoming Icon-class ship.

“What a wonderful day! Look who arrived into the world. Sailor, the family dog for Star of the Seas,”

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean

Sailor is the second Chief Dog Officer in the fleet, following in the paw prints of Rover, her sister aboard Icon of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean had previously hinted that Star of the Seas would have its own canine ambassador, details about the puppy’s breed, gender, and origin had been kept under wraps until now.

Training for a life at sea

Being part of the Star of the Seas crew is no small task, and Sailor will undergo a carefully structured training programme before she officially joins the ship.

“She will spend a few months with her Mom, then to her trainer, then she will stay with me a little so I can get and give lots of hugs and love,” Bayley explained. “Then onto Icon to meet her sister Rover for some orientation before joining Star, her home.”

Like Rover, Sailor comes from Eagleridge Goldens, a reputable golden retriever breeder in Polk City, Florida, known for raising champion-line retrievers.

The breed is a natural choice for Royal Caribbean’s at-sea ambassadors – golden retrievers are known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and adaptability, making them ideal for ship life.

Sailor will have to be ready for her role sooner than expected, as Star of the Seas is now scheduled to set sail earlier than originally planned.

The ship will operate two pre-inaugural “showcase” cruises in late August before officially debuting on 31st August 2025.

Ahead of welcoming guests, Sailor will board early to familiarise herself with the ship’s layout and daily operations.

With a capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, Star of the Seas will be a bustling environment, and this early introduction will help her adjust before the ship’s first official sailing.

Once in service, Star of the Seas will be homeported year-round in Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Each cruise will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

Depending on the sailing, passengers will also visit destinations such as Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and San Juan.

For the early showcase voyages, the ship will only call at CocoCay, with two days at sea for guests to explore its world-class features.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, Star of the Seas is in the final stages of its build, with upcoming sea trials and final outfitting before its handover to Royal Caribbean.

With its cutting-edge design, state-of-the-art amenities, and now an adorable new crew member, Star of the Seas is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cruise debuts of 2025. Though Sailor’s debut has upstaged it a little, for now at least.

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 British conman who scammed more than 180 cruise passengers out of over £400,000 has been sentenced to five years in prison for fraudulent trading and money laundering. Richard Lester,…

Guests booked on two 2026 sailings aboard Sky Princess have been informed of major itinerary changes that completely overhaul their planned voyages. The unexpected revisions, announced via a Voyage Amendment…

One cruise passenger’s thrill-seeking adventure at a private island took a disastrous turn, leading her to take legal action against Royal Caribbean. Jessica Haro was sailing on Icon of the…

A premium cruise line has revealed that it is cancelling multiple cruises almost a year out, because the ship’s dry dock repairs are going to be more extensive than previously…

One cruise passenger’s thrill-seeking adventure at a private island took a disastrous turn, leading her to take legal action against Royal Caribbean.

Jessica Haro was sailing on Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, when it stopped at Perfect Day at CocoCay on 20th December 2024.

The private island, known for its beaches and water attractions, was the final destination before the ship completed its seven-night roundtrip cruise from Miami.

Looking to make the most of her visit, Haro joined a 75-minute guided jet ski excursion, Perfect Day at CocoCay Guided Wave Jet Tour – Driver. Marketed as beginner-friendly, the tour allows participants as young as 16 to operate a jet ski, whether solo or with a passenger.

However, the experience took a devastating turn when, according to Haro, one of the tour guides struck her jet ski at high speed, resulting in severe injuries.

She claims the guide attempted to pass her but instead crashed into her from behind, sending his jet ski over hers and directly onto her body.

Haro suffered multiple spinal fractures and internal injuries that she says will have lasting consequences, requiring ongoing medical treatment.

Seeking justice and compensation, she has filed a federal lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, demanding more than $5 million in damages, including medical expenses and legal fees.

Claims of negligence and safety concerns

The lawsuit, filed on 10th February 2025 by Haro’s attorney, Justin Shapiro of Lessfield & Partners, argues that Royal Caribbean was responsible for the accident.

It states, “In the course of the jet ski tour, Royal Caribbean’s tour guide, who was hired to protect Ms. Haro, suddenly and recklessly crashed his jet ski into the rear of Ms. Haro’s jet ski at a high rate of speed while trying to pass her.”

The suit also highlights Haro’s lack of experience with jet skis, saying she had trusted the cruise line’s description of the excursion as suitable for novices.

Royal Caribbean requires all jet ski participants to wear life jackets and sign a liability waiver before the excursion.

The waiver acknowledges the risks of operating a personal watercraft and releases the company from responsibility in case of accidents.

The cruise line also prohibits alcohol consumption before the activity and advises against participation for guests with certain medical conditions.

Previous legal battles over jet ski incidents

This is not the first time Royal Caribbean has faced a lawsuit over a jet ski excursion at CocoCay.

A similar case arose in 2013 when a passenger on Monarch of the Seas claimed they were injured in a jet ski crash during a tour on the island, before it was known as Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In that case, Royal Caribbean attempted to dismiss responsibility by citing the liability waiver signed by the passenger.

However, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the waiver could not exempt the company from claims related to negligence.

Despite these legal disputes, jet ski accidents at CocoCay remain rare. The island hosts over 2.5 million visitors annually, and the excursion continues to receive positive reviews from participants.

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 premium cruise line has revealed that it is cancelling multiple cruises almost a year out, because the ship’s dry dock repairs are going to be more extensive than previously…

A series of earthquakes has caused concern for cruise passengers, with one popular island destination removed from itineraries for now due to the ongoing disturbances. The Caribbean was rocked on…

The Scottish firm Clydebuilt has revealed an overhauled design of its planned residential cruise ship Dark Island, just three years before the luxury ship could set sail on her maiden…

More than 90 passengers and crew aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship fell ill with a gastrointestinal illness during a weeklong voyage that departed from Tampa, Florida, on 1st…