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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, 56, of Swifts Green Road in Luton, was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 17th December 2024, following a nine-week trial.

Judge Alexander Mills handed down the sentence on 11th February 2025, after prosecutors detailed how Lester orchestrated a Ponzi-style scheme that left victims stranded at ports with no booked cruises.

A cruise scheme built on lies

Lester ran a fraudulent business selling so-called ‘cruise miles’ under the companies Cruisevoucher and later Cruisemiles, promising heavily discounted luxury cruises.

Customers would purchase these miles, which were meant to be exchanged for cruises through his website, but instead, their money was used to fund previous customers’ holidays.

Between 2009 and 2011, Cruisevoucher operated as a voucher-based system where customers paid in advance for cruises, often years ahead.

The money they spent was then used to pay for earlier customers’ bookings.

In 2011, Lester rebranded the company as Cruisemiles, shifting to a loyalty scheme where customers could buy miles to later exchange for cruise bookings.

However, as the scheme progressed, customers found that the number of miles required for bookings continually increased, making it harder to redeem them.

Meanwhile, Lester stopped booking cruises altogether, keeping the money for himself while luring in new victims through misleading offers and recruiting previous buyers as agents to sell more miles.

Many only discovered they had been scammed when they arrived at ports expecting to embark on their trips, only to be turned away by cruise lines that had no record of their reservations.

Victims from across the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan came forward after losing thousands of pounds in Lester’s scheme.

Complaints led the UK’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) to alert Essex Police in July 2013, triggering a decade-long investigation.

PC Leanne Smith, who worked on the case since 2014, described the operation as a “large and complex investigation”, involving financial tracking across multiple accounts.

“All their money leads back to Lester. His greed left hundreds of people thousands of pounds out of pocket,

“They were tricked into committing more and more money to his scheme, unaware that money was going directly into Lester’s pocket.”

PC Leanne Smith

Lester lived extravagantly using funds from his victims, splurging on online poker websites and other business ventures while marketing himself under various aliases, including Henry Lester, Les Richards, Lord Lester, Richie Lescovitch, and Barry Williams.

At sentencing, Judge Mills described him as a “professional gambler” who had been “living the high life in Las Vegas” while his victims faced financial losses.

Lester was handed two concurrent five-year sentences – one for fraudulent trading and another for money laundering.

The court has also scheduled an additional hearing on 20th October 2025, to determine whether any of the stolen funds can be recovered and returned to victims.

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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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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 notification on 12th February 2025, have left some passengers frustrated, as they now face completely different cruise experiences from what they originally booked.

One affected itinerary, the 14-night Mediterranean Adventurer voyage departing on 10th October 2026, has been transformed into a Search for the Northern Lights sailing.

Rather than heading to warm Mediterranean ports, the ship will now travel roundtrip from Southampton to Norway, visiting Trondheim, Tromsø, Alta, Molde, and Ålesund – locations renowned for their stunning views of the aurora borealis.

Similarly, the 12-day Canary Islands cruise scheduled to depart on 24th October 2026 has been changed to a European Capitals itinerary.

Instead of visiting sun-soaked islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria, guests will now sail from Southampton to Hamburg, Copenhagen, Skagen, Oslo, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, and Le Havre.

No explanation for the major itinerary changes

Princess Cruises has not provided a specific reason for the significant adjustments, leading to disappointment among passengers who had planned their holidays around the original itineraries.

One guest, who had been eagerly anticipating a Canary Islands cruise, voiced their frustration on social media: “Very disappointed. Yes, I can rebook, but the fares are so much higher now for my dates. I’ve already done both the Search for Northern Lights and European Capitals cruises.”

In its notification, the cruise line assured passengers that their embarkation and disembarkation in Southampton remain unchanged and that their cruise fare, promotions, hotels, and transfers will all be protected.

However, for guests seeking to switch to a different itinerary, price increases may present an issue.

Sky Princess, a 3,660-passenger Royal-class ship launched in 2019, is currently sailing in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

She will reposition to Southampton in March 2025 for European sailings before returning to Florida in November of that year.

Cruise line itinerary changes becoming more common

Cruise lines frequently revise itineraries for various reasons, including ship redeployments, unexpected dry docks, and port congestion.

Princess Cruises recently made similar alterations to the itinerary of its flagship vessel, Sun Princess, due to overcrowding in certain ports.

Passengers booked on the 29th July 2025 Rome to Barcelona sailing aboard Sun Princess were informed that Genoa, Italy, had been removed from the schedule and replaced with Málaga, Spain.

The adjustment also led to an earlier-than-planned call in Marseille, France, and a revised arrival time in Gibraltar, which impacted some pre-booked shore excursions.

Additionally, Sun Princess has altered its 2025 Greek Isles itineraries, with Santorini being dropped from some sailings due to overtourism concerns.

These changes are much smaller, and more typical of most cruise lines. For itineraries to completely change regions, sailing to different parts of Europe altogether, that’s something a lot less common and with much more of an impact on guests’ plans.

For now, disappointed Sky Princess guests must decide whether to accept the newly offered itineraries, rebook at potentially higher fares, or seek alternative cruise options.

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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 planned.

Celebrity Cruises has announced that two upcoming sailings aboard the Celebrity Solstice have been cancelled due to the more extensive repairs required.

While the ship had been scheduled to enter dry dock in February 2026 for regular maintenance, the cruise line revealed that additional servicing is necessary, prompting the rescheduling of dry dock dates and the cancellation of sailings on 15th January and 27th January, 2026.

“We have discovered that Celebrity Solstice requires additional servicing beyond planned repairs and maintenance, which extends her currently scheduled dry dock period,”

Communication sent by Celebrity Cruises

The ship will now undergo repairs earlier than originally planned to ensure the necessary updates and maintenance are completed.

In response to the cancellations, Celebrity Cruises is offering affected travellers several rebooking options.

Guests can opt for a 12-night sailing from Hong Kong on 3rd January 2026, before the ship enters dry dock, which will visit ports such as Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Ko Samui.

Alternatively, passengers can choose a sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong on 2nd March 2026, or the return voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore on 14th March 2026.

Both post-dry dock cruises will visit the same destinations as the cancelled January sailings.

For those who rebook on these replacement sailings, Celebrity Cruises will honour the original stateroom category price.

If the new sailing is priced lower, guests will only pay the reduced fare, and any difference will be refunded if applicable.

Additionally, guests who rebook will receive onboard credits ranging from $200 to $400, depending on their stateroom category.

Travellers who prefer not to rebook on one of the three alternative sailings can select any other Celebrity Cruises sailing, with any non-refundable deposit change fees being waived.

While these guests will still receive the onboard credit offer, their original fare will not be price-protected, except for the recommended replacement sailings.

If guests are unable to find a suitable replacement or choose not to rebook, they can opt for a full refund of all money paid for the cancelled sailing.

This will be processed automatically for those who do not reach out to Celebrity Cruises by 5th March 2025.

Celebrity Solstice, which debuted in 2008, is part of the Solstice class of ships. The 121,878-gross-ton vessel accommodates 2,852 guests and a crew of over 1,200.

While the repairs are necessary to maintain the ship’s high standards, Celebrity Cruises is committed to providing a smooth transition for guests impacted by the changes.

And the cruise line clearly feels that the repairs aren’t super-essential, since it is happy to continue sailing the ship for the next 10 months before the dry dock begins.

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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 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 evening of Saturday 8th February 2025, when a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck near the Cayman Islands, triggering multiple tsunami warnings across the region.

The quake, which occurred around 130 miles southwest of the Caymans, prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue advisories for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.

Tsunami surges of up to 10 feet were anticipated for Cuba, with smaller waves of 1 to 3 feet expected around the Cayman Islands.

Fortunately, by 8:25 p.m. EST, the NOAA lifted the warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, but the threat remained for the Caymans and Cuba for a little while longer.

Ultimately, the warnings were lifted everywhere, but not before they had caused widespread concern amongst the cruise community.

Several cruise ships, including Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit, were in the vicinity of the earthquake when it occurred.

Celebrity Summit, which was in George Town, Grand Cayman at the time, remained in port due to the tsunami advisories, with no immediate departure scheduled.

Other vessels, like Costa Cruises’ Costa Fascinosa and Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, were also sailing near the quake zone.

Passengers reported some rocking, but no major disruptions were noted, with vessels at sea generally safe from the quake’s direct impact.

The most significant risk posed by such earthquakes comes from potential tsunamis, which can cause dangerous coastal flooding and structural damage to ports.

However, cruise ships are designed to withstand seismic waves and are typically unaffected by quakes that occur beneath the ocean floor.

Greek island Santorini struck by multiple quakes

While the Caribbean begins to assess the effects of this seismic event, the volcanic island of Santorini in Greece is facing its own seismic challenges, as a series of earthquakes has rattled the region, leading to cancelled port calls by Viking Ocean Cruises.

Since 31st January, Santorini has experienced an unusual series of quakes, including a strong 5.3-magnitude tremor on 10th February, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.

The ongoing seismic activity, which has seen tremors ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 magnitudes, has caused concern about the potential for a larger, more destructive quake.

Thousands of residents and visitors have left the island, and the local government has closed schools and ordered evacuation drills at the island’s hospital. The situation has led Viking Cruises to cancel scheduled port calls for its 930-guest Viking Star.

The Viking Star, currently on a 10-night Greek Odyssey cruise, was originally scheduled to call at Santorini on 10th February. Instead, the ship will visit Chania, Crete.

The ship’s upcoming 14-night Cities of Antiquity cruise, which departs on 13th February, will also skip Santorini, with Crete taking its place once again.

Although other cruise calls to Santorini later in the year may proceed as planned – the island is due to be a mainstay of many Mediterranean itineraries during the summer – the current seismic situation makes the future of all upcoming visits to the island uncertain.

This disruption comes as Santorini and other popular Greek islands, such as Mykonos, are dealing with the additional challenge of new cruise passenger fees, introduced to combat the effects of over-tourism.

The newly implemented head tax of 20 euros per passenger in Santorini is expected to fund infrastructure improvements, as the island struggles to cope with the sheer volume of visitors, including over 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023.

As the volcanic activity continues on Santorini and the aftermath of the Caribbean earthquake unfolds, cruise lines, passengers, and local authorities alike are closely monitoring the situation.

While the earthquake threat in the Caribbean seems to have subsided for now, the ongoing seismic activity near Santorini remains a cause for concern.

For travellers planning to visit these stunning destinations, staying updated with the latest cruise news and port advisories is essential to ensuring safe and smooth travel experiences.

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Disney Cruise Line enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as the company has officially revealed its plans for 2026.

As the fleet expands to eight ships, travellers will have even more opportunities to explore destinations from Alaska to the Caribbean, and from Europe to the Far East.

While maintaining its signature experiences, Disney Cruise Line is also introducing exciting new ports for guests to discover alongside Mickey, Minnie and friends.

“Every flavor of vacation awaits Disney Cruise Line guests in summer 2026, from the pristine shorelines of Alaska to charming cobblestone streets in the British Isles,

“Each voyage will also include the signature entertainment, world-class dining, and unparalleled service that distinguishes every Disney Cruise Line vacation,”

Disney Cruise Line statement

The upcoming season marks a significant milestone for Disney Cruise Line, including the debut of Disney Magic in Alaska for the first time.

The ship will join Disney Wonder to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Last Frontier.

Both ships will set sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, from 16th May 2026, visiting popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

Meanwhile, Disney Dream will lead the cruise line’s European offerings following a transatlantic journey from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona from 2nd to 16th May 2026.

Once in the Mediterranean, the ship will call at destinations including Greece, Italy, Malta, Croatia, France, and Spain, making its inaugural visit to Cagliari, Sardinia, before transitioning to northern European itineraries from Southampton, England, with stops in Norway and Denmark.

Disney Dream has previously served the UK market, although her sister ship Disney Fantasy is the one sailing the UK in 2025.

Tropical getaways and Caribbean adventures

For those craving a sun-soaked escape, Disney Cruise Line will continue to operate numerous sailings from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including voyages aboard the brand-new Disney Destiny, which can accommodate up to 4,000 guests.

These itineraries range from short sailings to Disney’s exclusive private islands – Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – to extended cruises across the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Additionally, guests can explore these tropical adventures aboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, as well as the Disney Treasure, which remains the latest vessel to join the fleet.

Expansion into Asia

In Asia, the newly launched Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever Asian-based vessel, will commence operations in December 2025.

From 6th April 2026, the ship will offer 3- and 4-night cruises departing from Singapore, catering to the region’s growing demand for magical family getaways at sea.

Exclusive early access to 2026 bookings will be available for Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members beginning 10th February 2025, with general bookings opening to the public on 17th February.

Disney Cruise Line’s continued expansion aligns with its ongoing fleet growth strategy. Following the introduction of Disney Treasure in December 2024, both Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure will be completed by the end of 2025 at the Meyer Werft and MV Werften shipyards in Germany.

All three new vessels will showcase beloved Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters, along with immersive themes and attractions.

Guests can expect exclusive Broadway-style productions, including “Moana” on Disney Treasure, “Disney Hercules” on Disney Destiny, and the highly anticipated “Remember” on Disney Adventure.

Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will also introduce the first-ever Coco- and Lion King-themed theatrical dining experiences, while Disney Adventure’s entertainment offerings remain under wraps for now.

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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 February.

The illness resulted in symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

Radiance of the Seas was due to return on Saturday after calling at Cozumel, Roatán, Belize City, and Costa Maya.

The outbreak was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a press release, although the exact cause of the illness remains unknown.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) was notified of the outbreak on Tuesday, midway through the journey.

The agency reported that out of 2,164 passengers and 910 crew members, 89 guests and two crew members had been affected. Those who fell ill were promptly isolated, and stool samples were collected for testing.

The CDC noted that norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships, and laboratory tests are underway to determine whether it was responsible in this case.

Response and preventative measures

To prevent further spread, the crew on board increased their cleaning and disinfection protocols.

The CDC stated that it is remotely monitoring the response measures, including reviewing the ship’s sanitation and outbreak management procedures.

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the situation or whether it had affected the ship’s itinerary.

Norovirus is known to spread rapidly in enclosed spaces, such as cruise ships, through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

The illness typically results in acute gastroenteritis and can be particularly severe for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

As the investigation continues, passengers are advised to practice stringent hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection during future sailings.

There has been a higher-than-usual number of gastrointestinal virus outbreaks at the start of 2025, with Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Sea Cloud Cruises impacted.

This comes after 2024 saw a 10-year high number of outbreaks.

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Celebrity Cruises has announced an exciting new concept for its upcoming ship, Celebrity Xcel, with the introduction of ‘The Bazaar’.

This will be a multi-level, ever-evolving space designed to immerse guests in the cultures of their destinations through food, entertainment, and unique onboard experiences.

This one-of-a-kind venue will be the heart of the ship, transforming daily to reflect the regions guests are visiting.

Inspired by iconic festivals, The Bazaar will blend authentic cultural experiences with modern cruising, offering guests the opportunity to explore destinations in an entirely new way.

“The Bazaar is a truly one-of-a-kind space designed to seamlessly blend ship and shore and transform the way guests experience destinations. Celebrity Xcel intentionally extends the destination experience onboard through a continued authentic offering between ports of call, allowing guests to take the destination with them.”

Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge,

Four unique Caribbean-inspired festivals will be featured in The Bazaar, each celebrating a different port of call with locally influenced food, music, and activities.

From pop-up entertainment and live performances by local artists to craft workshops and culinary experiences, the venue will create a vibrant atmosphere that brings destinations to life.

When Celebrity Xcel transitions to Europe in 2026, The Bazaar will adapt to feature Mediterranean-themed festivals and marketplaces.

On sea days, Market at The Bazaar will allow guests to take home a piece of their travels, showcasing handcrafted goods and artisan experiences.

Passengers can interact with local craftspeople, learn traditional skills such as basket weaving, and purchase unique souvenirs, from embroidered textiles to handcrafted leather goods.

The rotating selection ensures that each visit to the market offers something fresh and reflective of the sailing’s itinerary.

For food lovers, the ship will introduce Mosaic, an open kitchen concept serving up regional delicacies inspired by the destinations visited during each voyage.

This dining experience will go beyond simply offering local flavours – it will provide an immersive cultural journey through food.

Additionally, an exclusive Chef’s Table experience will showcase dishes created by Celebrity’s global culinary team, each inspired by their native cuisine and paired with award-winning wines.

Guests seeking a more hands-on approach can join Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school, where they can learn to prepare signature regional dishes.

For a more casual dining experience, Spice will offer a rotating menu of small bites inspired by the ship’s ports of call.

Located along the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows, this inviting café provides the perfect setting to enjoy spectacular views while sampling local flavours.

In an innovative move, Celebrity Cruises is inviting guests to play an active role in shaping the onboard experience through its Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ programme.

Travellers will have the opportunity to vote on key elements of The Bazaar, from festival themes to menu items, making this a truly guest-driven space. Those interested can register to participate at the Dream Makers website.

Celebrity Xcel will embark on its maiden season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries that explore destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

In summer 2026, the ship will reposition to Europe for Mediterranean voyages ranging from seven to eleven nights, including overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

With The Bazaar at the heart of its offerings, Celebrity Xcel promises to redefine what it means to explore the world by sea.

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

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As the cruise industry continues its push toward sustainability and energy efficiency, a team of engineers has introduced a new solar energy system that could help cruise lines reduce their carbon footprint.

However, it could raise concerns for guests who prefer a certain stateroom feature.

A recent simulation study tested the feasibility of installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the balcony glass of staterooms aboard two Helios-class vessels, such as AIDAnova.

Each balcony would be equipped with two solar panels, featuring 48 cells and generating up to 250 watts of power at peak sunlight levels.

According to the study, the panels were designed not to obstruct passengers’ views – a key factor in ensuring guest satisfaction. However, the imagery provided with the study shows that they could still have an impact on your view down to the waters directly below.

The study simulated the performance of the PV system on two ships:

• A Caribbean-based vessel operating in March 2016, with abundant daily sunlight
• A Norwegian-based vessel sailing in August and September 2016, with more variable daylight conditions

Results showed that the panels could generate an average of 3.2 megawatts in the Caribbean and 3.8 megawatts in Norway – enough to power all the staterooms on a cruise ship.

“The transition to direct current (DC) onboard grids and the increased integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage can improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption,”

Patrick Schwager, lead researcher at DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Urban and Residential Technologies in Germany.

The full analysis was released in January 2025 in Science Direct and will be published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems in March 2025.

Cruise industry’s race to cut emissions

This solar energy study aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious goals to cut emissions by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and then by 80% by 2040, with the aim to reach net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.

Cruise lines are actively developing new technologies to meet these sustainability targets.

For example, Norwegian-based Hurtigruten is working on Sea Zero, an initiative to develop the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship powered by a 60-megawatt-hour battery system.

Additionally, Hurtigruten is experimenting with retractable sails fitted with solar panels, which could provide an additional 10% energy savings, along with air lubrication technology and advanced hull coatings that could reduce energy use by another 5-10%.

Cruise lines have been under increasing scrutiny from environmental advocacy groups, such as Extinction Rebellion, leading them to explore alternative energy solutions, including:

• Shore power – Ships plug into port electrical grids, allowing them to shut down their engines while docked. By 2030, all European Union ports will be required to offer shore power under the EU’s Fit for 55 program.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – LNG-powered ships produce 20-25% fewer emissions than traditional fuels. AIDAnova was the first LNG-powered cruise ship, debuting in 2018.
• Hydrogen and hybrid technologies – Some new ships are experimenting with hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid propulsion for cleaner cruising.

The future of solar-powered cruising

While solar panels alone won’t fully power a cruise ship, this new study suggests they could significantly supplement energy usage, particularly for staterooms.

With continued technological advancements and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, solar energy could play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable cruising.

But it will be hugely important that solar panels aren’t a detriment to the views offered by balcony cabins.

Or, would you be happy to have a partially-obstructed view in exchange for a more eco-friendly cruise ship?

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Dancing on pointe is challenging enough on a warm, well-lit stage, but French ballerina Victoria Dauberville took it to an entirely new level – performing on the bow of a cruise ship in Antarctica.

In a breathtaking display of artistry and endurance, Dauberville danced atop the bulbous bow of Ponant’s Le Boréal while surrounded by the icy, unforgiving waters of the Southern Ocean.

Captured by her boyfriend and photographer, Mathieu Forget, the performance quickly went viral, amassing 3.6 million views on TikTok and an astonishing 9.5 million views on Instagram.

The stunning visuals were so unbelievable that many social media users questioned if the footage was AI-generated.

However, additional videos posted by the couple proved the performance was very real, showing exactly how Dauberville was transported to the bow via a rigid inflatable boat (RIB).

For context, the Antarctic Peninsula, where Ponant’s Le Boréal operates, has an average temperature of 28°F (-2°C).

Performing en pointe on the exposed bow of a ship in below-freezing temperatures is a feat few would even dream of attempting.

However, Dauberville and Forget meticulously planned and trained for the moment, even preparing during a previous visit to South Georgia.

“We knew the conditions would be challenging, but we also knew that if we could pull it off, it would be spectacular,”

Mathieu Forget

A collaborative effort with Ponant’s crew

The performance was not just a spontaneous act – it required the full cooperation of the ship’s crew, who strategically positioned Le Boréal to provide the perfect backdrop of Antarctic ice and ocean.

Le Boréal, a luxury expedition cruise ship, is purpose-built for Antarctic voyages.

Weighing 10,944 gross tons and carrying up to 264 guests, the ship is known for its ice-strengthened hull and upscale design.

Dauberville’s dance not only showcased her remarkable talent but also highlighted the unique experiences offered by Antarctic cruises.

Ponant, a French luxury expedition cruise line, offers Antarctic voyages on three other sister ships – Le Lyrial, L’Austral, and Le Soléal – for those looking to explore this remote and pristine region.

More than just a performance, Dauberville’s dance is a powerful reminder that passion knows no boundaries – even at the literal ends of the earth.

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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 Minnesota man is facing a staggering $47,000 medical bill after seeking flu treatment aboard Norwegian Encore, a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, during a weeklong Caribbean cruise.

Mike Cameron and his girlfriend, Tamra Masterman, from Braham, Minnesota, had won a free cruise and set sail from Miami on 5th January 2025.

However, their dream cruise vacation took an unexpected turn when Cameron came down with the flu and needed medical care.

He spent three days recovering, only to later discover that his treatment had resulted in a whopping $47,000 bill.

The cruise line automatically charged two credit cards on file, maxing out both, leaving Cameron with an outstanding balance of $21,000 (and huge credit card debts that started immediately gathering interest).

The couple had purchased travel insurance through Norwegian Cruise Line, expecting it to cover up to $20,000 in medical expenses.

However, they have been struggling to get the insurance to pay out.

“The traveler’s (sic) insurance doesn’t want to pay it until we run it by our health insurance. The health insurance doesn’t want to pay it because it’s abroad,”

Tamra Masterman

This common insurance loophole has left them stuck in bureaucratic limbo, unsure how to resolve the debt.

Norwegian Cruise Line responds

In a letter to the couple, Norwegian Cruise Line defended its medical pricing, stating that its costs are “closely comparable to other cruise lines” and are “fair and reasonable” for medical services at sea.

However, when news outlets then reached out to the cruise line for comment, an NCL spokesperson said the cruise line is reviewing whether the charges are typical for flu treatment.

While cruise ship medical care is known to be expensive, a $47,000 bill for flu treatment is unusually high. Potential factors influencing the cost could include:

• Consultation fees
• Medication and IV fluids
• Laboratory tests
• Medical isolation protocols
• Overnight observation or monitoring

Cruise medical bills: a warning

This incident highlights the high cost of onboard medical care and the complexities of travel insurance.

Many passengers assume purchasing cruise insurance will cover emergencies, but insurers in countries such as the US often require health insurance claims to be processed first, which can be challenging when medical services are provided overseas.

Cruise passengers are advised to read the fine print on travel insurance policies, verify whether their health insurance covers international medical expenses, and consider purchasing additional medical coverage before sailing.

The best time to buy travel insurance is the day you book your cruise.

It’s typically best to use a comparison site too, as cruise lines’ recommended insurers may not give you the best prices or coverage.

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