News

Just days after Coral Princess experienced a norovirus outbreak, another Princess Cruises ship, Sky Princess, has confirmed a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during its 14-night Caribbean voyage.

On 28th January 2025, the captain addressed guests via the ship’s public address system, informing them of the illness and urging passengers to practise diligent hand hygiene and self-isolate if experiencing symptoms.

Although not yet officially reported to the CDC, guests received written notification from Guest Services, confirming the outbreak and announcing an extensive deep clean that was scheduled for 29th January 2025, during the ship’s scheduled call in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The deep cleaning operation involved a thorough disinfection of all public areas and removal of all linens from affected staterooms.

A letter sent to all passengers encouraged them to disembark in Ocho Rios to allow cleaning teams to work efficiently.

“We recommend that you disembark the ship and enjoy time ashore during the cleaning operations. If you are unable to leave the ship, please vacate your stateroom when requested and enjoy one of the public areas onboard until staterooms are ready for occupancy again,”

Letter sent to guests

Princess Cruises also warned that some onboard facilities and services would likely be temporarily unavailable due to the additional sanitation procedures.

Remaining itinerary and next steps

Sky Princess, which departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 19, 2025, continued its sixth port call in Ocho Rios on January 29 before sailing toward:

• George Town, Grand Cayman
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Port Everglades, Florida

The ship will likely undergo another deep clean in Fort Lauderdale before its next scheduled departure on 2nd February for a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.

Passengers booked on that cruise should be prepared for a possible delay in embarkation if extended sanitation measures are required.

While the exact cause of the illness has not been confirmed, norovirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships.

The CDC describes norovirus as highly contagious, spreading through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, with symptoms including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever and body aches

Though most passengers recover within 1-3 days, they can continue to spread the virus for up to two weeks, making deep cleaning measures crucial.

Princess Cruises’ swift response aligns with CDC guidelines, which require heightened sanitation protocols when an outbreak affects 3% or more of passengers or crew members.

Sky Princess’ outbreak marks the seventh confirmed case of gastrointestinal illness aboard a cruise ship in January 2025, all of them homeported in the US. This is a significant increase from the average of two to three outbreaks in recent years.

Earlier this week, Coral Princess conducted a ship-wide deep clean while in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, after 59 passengers and 12 crew members fell ill. That case was reported to the CDC.

The Sky Princess case has yet to be reported, which could indicate that the outbreak was identified early and proactive sanitation measures are already being enforced.

With more ships reporting outbreaks this month than in previous years, cruise lines are likely to increase sanitation protocols and onboard safety measures to prevent further spread and reassure travellers.

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

Read more about me

In an unexpected slip, Royal Caribbean appears to have briefly revealed the name and details of its highly anticipated third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, on its website before…

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In an unexpected slip, Royal Caribbean appears to have briefly revealed the name and details of its highly anticipated third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, on its website before quickly taking the information down.

This accidental leak has fuelled excitement among cruise enthusiasts, offering an early glimpse into the next game-changing addition to the fleet.

But there will be many who will be non-plussed by the news as well, due to the falling popularity of the first Icon-class ship, Icon of the Seas.

According to the leaked information, Legend of the Seas will make her debut in Europe on 9th August 2026, before transitioning to the Caribbean for winter sailings.

The early itineraries, which were visible for a short time, revealed two major sailing regions:

Western Mediterranean Cruises

Roundtrip sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Ports of call: Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Provence (Marseille), and Florence/Pisa (La Spezia)

8-Night Southern Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruises

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Visiting Willemstad (Curaçao), Oranjestad (Aruba), and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay

Before the leak, speculation suggested that Legend of the Seas might homeport in Galveston, Texas.

However, the leaked schedules indicate that the ship will initially be based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a major hub for Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean itineraries.

While Fort Lauderdale appears to be its first U.S. homeport, additional deployments could be announced in the future, including the potential for sailings from Texas.

Of course, there’s also the chance that this leak was actually just using trial information and that it’s not accurate – though it would be surprising to see so much effort put in behind the scenes to upload itinerary data that was completely wrong.

The deck plans briefly available online matched those of its sister ship, Star of the Seas, indicating that Legend of the Seas will follow the same highly successful layout as the first two Icon-class vessels.

This suggests cruisers can expect cutting-edge amenities, innovative entertainment, and thrilling attractions that define the class.

Typically when new ships are announced, the deck plans are released incomplete with gaps for some of the new features that would be announced closer to launch. That’s likely the case with these deck plans too.

While nothing is officially confirmed, leaked pricing for US guests suggests that Legend of the Seas cruises will start at approximately $1,787 to $1,942 per person, including taxes and fees. UK pricing looks to be around £1,500 to £1,600pp for the European cruises.

These rates position the ship as a premium offering, which isn’t a surprise considering the pricing structure for

The Icon-class series has already revolutionised modern cruising, with Icon of the Seas debuting in January 2024 and Star of the Seas set to launch in August 2025 – earlier than originally planned.

Legend of the Seas will follow, continuing Royal Caribbean’s push for record-breaking, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced ships.

Although Royal Caribbean has not yet officially announced Legend of the Seas, this accidental leak has ignited excitement among cruise fans, many of whom are now eagerly awaiting a formal unveiling.

It’s worth noting that Royal Caribbean looks to be revisiting a classic ship name with Legend of the Seas.

The cruise line previously owned a ship by that name as part of the Vision Class. It sailed for the cruise line from 1995 until 2017.

She is now operating as Marella Discovery 2 for Marella Cruises.

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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 highly anticipated Star of the Seas will now debut sooner than originally planned, offering two additional cruises ahead of its official inaugural voyage. The cruise line confirmed that…

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Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated Star of the Seas will now debut sooner than originally planned, offering two additional cruises ahead of its official inaugural voyage.

The cruise line confirmed that the ship’s delivery has been expedited, allowing it to set sail on 23rd August 2025, a full eight days earlier than its previously rescheduled launch date.

As a result, two new showcase sailings have been added before the first full inaugural cruise on August 31.

The newly added voyages are both 4-night Bahamas cruises, departing from Port Canaveral on 23rd August and 27th August, 2025.

Each sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, with additional itinerary details yet to be confirmed.

These showcase sailings will not include the full inaugural cruise fanfare, but guests can still expect a celebratory atmosphere, warm welcomes from the crew, and the opportunity to experience the ship before the official maiden voyage.

Exclusive booking opportunity for inaugural guests

Royal Caribbean has extended an exclusive early booking window to passengers already booked on the 31st August inaugural sailing, allowing them to reserve one or both of the new showcase cruises.

Guests will be able to move their booking to an earlier date at no additional charge, with suite reservations held until 6th February to give passengers time to decide.

Those in Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony cabins can also switch sailings, though exact staterooms are not guaranteed.

Passengers who choose to sail on both a showcase sailing and the inaugural cruise can enjoy back-to-back voyages aboard the brand-new Icon-class vessel.

The second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is currently in the final stages of construction at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

She will follow in the footsteps of Icon of the Seas, which made waves when it debuted in January 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship.

Star of the Seas will feature many of the same revolutionary experiences, including:

• Thrill Island Waterpark – the largest at sea
• Crown’s Edge Ropes Course – an adrenaline-pumping attraction
• AquaDome – featuring awe-inspiring aerial and aquatic performances
• A variety of entertainment venues and dining experiences
• The Ultimate Family Townhouse – a three-story family suite with direct access to Surfside, the ship’s dedicated family neighbourhood

Once in service, Star of the Seas will homeport year-round in Port Canaveral, Florida, offering alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, each including a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

It’s good news for Icon-class fans although it seems like the popularity of the class has dipped since Icon of the Seas first launched, with guest review scores tumbling…

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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

A Florida deputy, Francisco Melo, was arrested at Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal A in Miami on January 23, 2025, for allegedly attempting to smuggle narcotics onboard Allure of the Seas….

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Celebrity Cruises has announced its highly anticipated entry into the river cruise market with Celebrity River Cruises, set to launch in 2027.

Expanding its signature luxury offerings, the brand will introduce a fleet of 10 transformative river cruise ships, initially focusing on Europe’s most iconic waterways.

Building on the sleek design and sophistication of Celebrity’s Edge Series ocean ships, the new river vessels will redefine the river cruising experience with an emphasis on elevated hospitality, immersive itineraries, and innovative ship design.

“We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand. Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.”

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group

Celebrity Cruises’ move into river cruising is driven by market trends, with Liberty noting that half of Celebrity’s guests have either experienced or intend to take a river cruise holiday.

Leveraging its loyalty programs across the Royal Caribbean Group brands, Celebrity aims to strengthen customer engagement and offer seamless vacation options across its portfolio.

The new river cruise line will focus on providing an immersive, premium travel experience that mirrors the luxury of Celebrity’s ocean voyages. Guests will enjoy:

• Intimate and cultural itineraries: Sail through the heart of historic cities and picturesque landscapes.
• Locally-inspired cuisine: World-class dining that reflects the regions visited.
• 360-degree views: Innovative ship designs will prioritise panoramic views for guests to take in the beauty of each journey.

“Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge Series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe. We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style. We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destination-rich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other.”

Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises

While exact itineraries and ship details have yet to be revealed, the initial fleet will target Europe’s iconic rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Seine, and Douro.

Each ship will cater to luxury travellers seeking intimate yet enriching cultural journeys.

With an emphasis on authentic local experiences and culturally immersive excursions, Celebrity River Cruises is expected to appeal to seasoned cruisers as well as new guests seeking a premium river cruise offering.

Celebrity River Cruises is poised to make waves in the river cruise market by combining its award-winning ocean cruise expertise with innovative designs tailored for river travel.

From the sleek and modern aesthetic of its ships to its signature personalised service, the brand aims to set a new standard for river cruising.

What do you think? Will you be interested?

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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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A Florida deputy, Francisco Melo, was arrested at Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal A in Miami on January 23, 2025, for allegedly attempting to smuggle narcotics onboard Allure of the Seas.

The 36-year-old deputy, who was heading on a themed “Groove Cruise” electronic music festival sailing, is accused of concealing approximately 60 MDMA pills in bags of Skittles, with plans to sell them during the voyage.

Melo, who’d been working at Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for six years, was apprehended after drug-sniffing dogs detected the pills in his luggage during a routine security screening at the port.

Investigators had been tracking him since December 2024, when an undercover operation revealed his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

In a sting operation, Melo reportedly sold 12 MDMA pills to an informant, tipping off authorities about his cruise plans.

This prompted a coordinated effort by the Miami-Dade Police Force, DEA, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Public Corruption Prosecution Unit to monitor him at the terminal.

Sheriff condemns betrayal

“As sheriff, it’s my duty to make sure that our community can trust our deputies to protect them and uphold the law. Narcotics don’t just harm those who use them; they devastate families and fuel crime. No one is above the law, and this office will not tolerate criminal behavior from anyone, especially those entrusted to enforce it.”

Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz

Melo has since been relieved of duty and charged with possession, sale, and trafficking of a controlled substance. He was released on bond pending further legal proceedings.

The cruise, a 4-night event aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, departed Miami on 23rd January and features high-energy EDM parties and artist-hosted activities.

The itinerary included a call at Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee, Haiti, on 25th January with the remaining days at sea.

While the 5,484 passengers onboard and others at PortMiami were never in danger, the cruise line worked closely with authorities to ensure safety.

Royal Caribbean has not commented on the arrest, but the incident highlights the robust security measures in place, including thorough screenings and document verification for all passengers and crew.

Authorities were prepared for Melo’s arrival after learning of his alleged activities and upcoming cruise.

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean prioritise passenger safety through stringent pre-boarding protocols, including security screenings, luggage inspections, and, in some cases, background checks.

For instance, passengers with outstanding warrants, such as a recent December 2024 case involving a man who owed $100,000 in back child support, may be detained upon disembarkation.

Onboard security teams are also trained to handle incidents during voyages, including confining disruptive passengers to their cabins or detaining them in the ship’s brig.

While criminal incidents are rare within the cruising community, the arrest of Francisco Melo underscores the importance of security measures at ports and aboard cruise ships.

Guests can rest assured that cruise lines work tirelessly with authorities to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all passengers.

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 ship Icon of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, celebrated her first anniversary of cruising on 27th January but new data shows her popularity has…

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Royal Caribbean’s ship Icon of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, celebrated her first anniversary of cruising on 27th January but new data shows her popularity has plummeted.

According to average customer review scores, Icon of the Seas has fallen from being the most popular ship in the fleet after six months of sailing, to being 14th in the list after one year.

Every year I check the review scores for the biggest cruise lines across the main review websites – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor.

I use all three to make sure that we get a good spread of scores, and that the average isn’t impacted by any biases on one website.

I then take the average score out of five for each ship and update my ranking articles – and was shocked to see such a dramatic fall for Icon of the Seas in 2025!

Some of the complaints about the ship, that have become more prominent as more and more guests experience her, include:

• The noise of the ship in general and how there aren’t many quiet places to unwind
• The “nickel-and-diming” onboard, as many features require an additional charge
• Unsurprisingly, the crowds

The ship is huge and it’s packed with attractions, but many guests feel like they can’t access them – a lot of reviews mentioned difficulty making dining reservations due to how popular each venue was.

It’s worth noting that the ship still has an overall positive score, with an average of 3.9 out of 5. However it’s still a significant drop from the 4.2 that the ship was averaging just six months ago.

The most popular ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, according to reviews, are most of the Oasis class, but it’s fascinating to see where both the newest ship Utopia of the Seas, and her slightly older sister ship Wonder of the Seas, also end up on the list.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships Ranked From Best To Worst (2025)

I was also shocked by some of the positions of the newest ships – take a look and let me know what you think!

The second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, is due to launch later in 2025 and it’ll be interesting to see where she places once she gets enough reviews to make her way onto the list.

Incidents in Icon of the Seas’ first year

Icon of the Seas made headlines several times during her first year of service, and while some incidents were minor, they may have contributed to her slipping reputation.

One of the most widely discussed events was a power outage that occurred during a Caribbean sailing in May.

Although backup systems quickly restored operations, the disruption left passengers stranded in common areas and restaurants for hours, sparking frustration that later showed up in reviews.

Despite these challenges, Royal Caribbean has continued to emphasize Icon of the Seas as a family-friendly destination, highlighting her unparalleled features such as the massive water park and record-breaking number of pools.

Time will tell if adjustments in operations and guest experiences can help her climb back up the rankings.

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

Celebrity Cruises has announced its highly anticipated entry into the river cruise market with Celebrity River Cruises, set to launch in 2027. Expanding its signature luxury offerings, the brand will…

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Resorts World Cruises has announced the cancellation of its remaining 2025 Dubai season from February 26 onwards, attributing the decision to operational issues.

The move comes as a disappointment to thousands of travellers who had planned voyages aboard the Resorts World One, a 1,856-passenger ship that only began sailing from Dubai on 1st November 2024.

In a letter sent to passengers on 22nd January 2025, the cruise line expressed regret for the disruptions.

“We regret to inform you that the Resorts World One departures from Dubai will be cancelled from 26 February 2025 onwards. We understand your disappointment and would sincerely like to apologise for the inconvenience caused, as the cancellation is necessary due to a change in the operational schedule,”

Cruises impacted

The initial cancellations affect a total of 20 voyages between 26th February and 11th April 2025, including popular itineraries such as:

• 2-night cruises to Doha on Wednesdays
• 2-night Sir Bani Yas sailings on Fridays
• 3-night voyages to Khasab and Muscat on Sundays

Resorts World One will honour its scheduled January and February sailings up to 23rd February 2025.

However, from 5th March to 1st June 2025, the ship will be repositioned to Mumbai, India, effectively halting its Dubai season early.

Compensation for passengers

Passengers on the cancelled sailings have been offered a full refund, covering cabin fare, port charges, and any pre-paid shore excursions.

Those who booked through travel agencies will need to contact their agents directly to process refunds.

In addition, affected guests can opt for a free cruise matching their cancelled itinerary on any departure up to 23rd February 2025.

However, this complimentary voyage offer covers only the fare; passengers remain responsible for port charges, gratuities, and shore excursions.

Keelung, Taiwan cruises also affected

The cruise line’s operational adjustments are also impacting itineraries from Keelung, Taiwan, to destinations in Japan.

Originally scheduled to begin a series of 2- to 5-night sailings on 30th April 2025, these departures have now been pushed back to 13th June, resulting in the cancellation of another 14 cruises.

The affected itineraries include:

• 2-night roundtrip sailings to Ishigaki
• 3-night roundtrip voyages to Naha and Miyakojima
• 5-night sailings to Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Naha
• 5-night itineraries to Osaka and Kochi

Passengers booked on the cancelled Keelung sailings have several options:

1. Cancel the cruise for a full refund.
2. Cancel and receive a cruise credit with a complimentary NTD 400 dining credit per person.
3. Transfer the booking to one of the 27 available sailings from Keelung starting 13th June 2025, and also receive a NTD 400 dining credit per person.

The cancellations and repositioning reflect Resorts World Cruises’ broader operational shifts.

While these changes aim to optimise the ship’s deployment, they also highlight the challenges cruise lines face in balancing logistics and guest satisfaction.

Because there are now going to be thousands of guests who likely don’t feel satisfied. The offer of a free cruise after the refund is generous, but guests may not have the flexibility to move dates at such short notice.

Travellers impacted by these changes can take solace in the compensation offers, though for many, the cancellations remain a significant disappointment.

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

Thirteen years after the Costa Concordia disaster, its disgraced captain, Francesco Schettino, is seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence. Schettino, who was convicted on multiple counts of manslaughter…

The first brand-new ship announcement of 2025 is here, as the Royal Caribbean Group has confirmed the formal order of a sixth Edge-class vessel for Celebrity Cruises, marking another milestone…

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P&O Cruises Australia has issued a formal apology following outrage over crew costumes that appeared to resemble Ku Klux Klan (KKK) attire during a Christmas-themed event onboard the Pacific Explorer….

Thirteen years after the Costa Concordia disaster, its disgraced captain, Francesco Schettino, is seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence.

Schettino, who was convicted on multiple counts of manslaughter and abandoning ship, has applied for a “semi-liberty” release under Italian law.

The provision allows individuals who have served at least half their sentence to request limited freedom.

A surveillance court in Rome is scheduled to review Schettino’s request on 4th March 2025, when judges will decide whether to grant his appeal or require him to remain incarcerated.

Schettino has reportedly demonstrated good behaviour during his imprisonment, earning privileges such as 45 days of annual leave and permission to work digitising judicial documents.

Still, any move to reduce his sentence is controversial, given his role in the Costa Concordia tragedy, which claimed 32 lives.

Survivor reactions and public controversy

The tragedy unfolded on 13th January 2012, when Schettino veered Costa Concordia off its planned route near the island of Giglio for a risky “salute” manoeuvre.

The ship struck submerged rocks, rupturing the hull and leading to the vessel capsizing with over 4,000 passengers and crew aboard.

For survivors, the idea of Schettino returning to his normal life stirs strong emotions.

“It’s sad to know that he could return home… Regardless of the judges’ decision, we are certain that Schettino will live the rest of his days with the weight of this tragedy on his shoulders. This is the greatest punishment for him.”

Vanessa Brolli, a survivor of the disaster

Schettino began serving his sentence in May 2017 after exhausting all legal appeals.

His conviction stemmed not only from the ship’s deviation from its route but also from his actions during the disaster, including abandoning the ship while passengers were still aboard.

The Costa Concordia, a 114,147-gross-ton cruise ship, remained partially submerged off Giglio’s coast for months after the accident.

In September 2013, a delicate and costly parbuckling operation brought the ship upright.

In July 2014, Costa Concordia was refloated and towed to Genoa for dismantling, a process that cost an estimated $1.2 billion USD, more than double the ship’s construction cost.

The final scrapping was completed in July 2017, just as Schettino began his prison term.

The Costa Concordia disaster not only led to significant changes in cruise ship safety protocols but also left an indelible mark on maritime history.

Survivors and victims’ families continue to grapple with the memories of that night, while the wreckage served for a long time as a stark reminder of the human cost of negligence.

As the court reviews Schettino’s bid for early release, the decision will reignite debates about justice, accountability, and the long-lasting impact of the tragedy.

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 first brand-new ship announcement of 2025 is here, as the Royal Caribbean Group has confirmed the formal order of a sixth Edge-class vessel for Celebrity Cruises, marking another milestone…

SeaDream Yacht Club, the boutique luxury cruise line, has made history by becoming the first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency for payments. Effective immediately, travellers can now use Bitcoin (BTC),…

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SeaDream Yacht Club, the boutique luxury cruise line, has made history by becoming the first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency for payments.

Effective immediately, travellers can now use Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and over 200 popular cryptocurrencies to book SeaDream’s ultra-luxury voyages to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Norway, and Northern Europe.

SeaDream’s adoption of cryptocurrency is facilitated through Coinbase Commerce, a leading cryptocurrency payment platform.

“SeaDream has always been an innovator, setting new standards in luxury travel. By accepting cryptocurrency, we are embracing a payment solution that is increasingly sought after by our guests”

Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club

The announcement was made during WAGMI Miami, a premier cryptocurrency conference in the United States. Moe Levin, founder of WAGMI Events, praised SeaDream’s forward-thinking approach.

He said: “SeaDream is not only the first cruise line but also the first major travel company to accept cryptocurrency – setting a new standard for the future of travel and payments.”

SeaDream is also rolling out an integrated cryptocurrency payment option on its website, SeaDream.com.

This will enable guests to book directly with cryptocurrency in a streamlined, secure process.

In addition to individual bookings, SeaDream is now the first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency for full-yacht charters.

This innovative move enhances convenience for charter guests, particularly those planning corporate incentives, weddings, or special events. Cryptocurrency payments eliminate currency exchange complexities and make transactions seamless for discerning clients.

SeaDream’s legacy of firsts

SeaDream Yacht Club has a strong track record of innovation in the luxury cruise industry, shaping and redefining yacht cruising since its inception in 2001.

Highlights of its pioneering achievements include:

• Starlink Internet: The first cruise line to install the fastest internet at sea across its fleet.
• Plant-Based Gourmet Menus: Leading the way with the largest plant-based menu at sea.
• Shore Power Connection: Implementing fleet-wide shore power for environmental sustainability.
• Unique Water Slides: Offering the only cruise ship water slides that take guests directly into the sea.

SeaDream’s decision to embrace cryptocurrency reflects its commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends and meeting the expectations of its tech-savvy clientele.

As the luxury travel industry evolves, SeaDream continues to set the pace by blending exceptional service, innovative features, and forward-thinking payment solutions.

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

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The first brand-new ship announcement of 2025 is here, as the Royal Caribbean Group has confirmed the formal order of a sixth Edge-class vessel for Celebrity Cruises, marking another milestone in the success of this innovative ship series.

The new vessel, set to debut in 2028, will be built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, continuing the strong partnership between the cruise company and the shipyard.

The Edge-class ships have become iconic in the cruise industry for their ground-breaking designs and guest-centric experiences.

Notable features include the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that transforms between a dining venue, a tender embarkation area, and an observation deck with breath=taking sea views.

The new vessel will be a sister ship to the forthcoming Celebrity Xcel, which will set sail in November 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Celebrity Xcel is already generating excitement with its new features, including guest-driven design innovations under the “Xcel Dream Makers” programme.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion.

“Celebrity Xcel will be the happy place of vacationers globally when she launches in November, and we’re thrilled to be making this commitment to bring her a sister ship in Edge 6.”

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises

A decade of Edge-Class excellence

The Edge-class journey began in 2018 with the debut of Celebrity Edge, followed by Celebrity Apex (2020), Celebrity Beyond (2022), Celebrity Ascent (2023), and the upcoming Celebrity Xcel (2025).

When the sixth Edge-class ship enters service in 2028, the series will have redefined premium cruising for a full decade.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted the importance of the Edge series.

“Each ship in this award-winning series has set a new standard for the industry, and Celebrity Xcel, sailing later this year, is no exception. Partnering with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to expand the Edge Series with Edge 6 is another milestone in our mission to deliver the world’s best vacations responsibly.”

Jason Liberty

Expanding the Royal Caribbean Group fleet

This new order brings Royal Caribbean Group’s active shipbuilding pipeline to six vessels across its three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.

Upcoming ships include Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship for Royal Caribbean International, which will debut in August 2025, and two additional Icon-class vessels slated for 2026 and 2027.

Additionally, a surprise seventh ship in the Oasis class has been ordered, with a planned delivery in 2028.

We also know that a new class of ship, currently named Discovery, is in the works – though no ship orders have been confirmed.

For Celebrity Cruises, the sixth Edge-class ship and Celebrity Xcel represent the brand’s immediate growth plans, with the focus on maintaining its premium positioning in the industry.

Details about the new ship’s name, homeport, features, and itineraries remain under wraps.

However, given the Edge series’ track record of innovation and success, expectations are high for a ship that will continue to elevate the cruising experience.

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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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