News

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.

Footage from the incident, shared online, shows eight housekeeping staff dressed in white uniforms with pointy hats, marching through the pool deck.

The crew reportedly intended to represent “upside-down snow cones” as part of the festive celebration.

However, passengers were alarmed by the costumes’ resemblance to the attire historically associated with the white supremacist group.

The video, uploaded to Facebook by a passenger with the caption, “Is this appropriate for 2024?”, quickly gained attention, sparking widespread criticism.

P&O Cruises Australia responded promptly to the backlash, expressing regret over the unintended offense caused by the costumes.

“We regret if a recent incident on a Pacific Explorer cruise offended any guests,” a spokesperson said in a statement to news.com.au.

You can view the video here.

The cruise line emphasized that the crew had no malicious intent and were unaware of the resemblance when they selected their costumes.

The cruise line further clarified the situation:

“They live and work on the cruise ship, and they have to make do with what they’ve got,

“They are wearing their cleaning uniforms, and they’ve got something on their head that looks like an upside-down snow cone.

“They had no idea, they were horrified when management said to them, ‘please take those outfits off’.”

P&O Australia communications director Lynne Scrivens

The incident occurred during a voyage from Melbourne to Hobart in December 2024, as part of a holiday celebration on the Pacific Explorer.

While the costumes were meant to be light-hearted and festive, the unintended similarity to KKK attire was deeply upsetting to passengers and viewers online.

Passengers onboard reportedly reacted with shock and confusion as the staff paraded through the pool deck in their costumes.

The incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly in public events where unintended symbolism can lead to significant backlash.

Many online commenters called for cruise companies to implement stricter oversight of themed events and staff costumes to prevent similar missteps in the future.

P&O Cruises Australia has not announced specific actions in response to the incident but has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.

The cruise line will soon cease to exist, with Pacific Explorer sold to Resorts World Cruises.

The other two ships in the fleet will transfer to Carnival and become Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

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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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Carnival Cruise Line has made some under-the-radar adjustments to its minor guest policy that come into effect for all cruises from 1st February 2025.

The policy changes the rules on where minors may stay on a Carnival cruise ship, in relation to their relative or guardian onboard.

The age for travel hasn’t changed – anyone who wishes to cruise with Carnival who is under the age of 21 must still travel with someone aged 25 or over who is a relative or guardian.

There are only two exceptions to this rule – where the guests are legally married, or where they are in active military service. In both cases, documentation must be provided as proof.

The policy changes impact where minor guests can be booked.

Previously for guests aged 12 and younger, they would be permitted to stay in a cabin next door to their guardian or directly across the hall, provided it was not a balcony cabin.

However, that will now change and guests aged 14 or younger must now be booked in either the same cabin as their guardian, or a connecting cabin. Next door cabins without a connecting door will no longer be allowed.

Guests aged 15 to 17 may be booked into a separate stateroom than their guardian but it must be no more than 3 staterooms away – previously this applied to guests aged 13 to 17.

The policy for guests aged 18 to 20 remains unchanged – they can be booked anywhere on the ship provided their booking is linked to that of their guardian onboard.

Many Carnival guests look to circumvent these rules by booking cabins where the parent or guardian is ‘booked’ with the minor, but then swapping rooms onboard.

Apparently, Carnival is looking to crack down on this behaviour and stop room swapping from happening, with cabin stewards instructed to look out for signs of it and report it where necessary.

There are several reasons why guests may look to break the rules, including parents who just want a child-free room where connecting cabins aren’t available, or they want a bit of private ‘adult’ time without the noises audible through a connecting door.

Another common reason is to break rules on drinks packages. According to Carnival’s policies, all guests in the same room must book the same drinks package to prevent drink sharing, although minors don’t need a package with alcohol.

Splitting a two-parent, two-child family into rooms of one adult and one child each would allow one adult to buy a drinks package and potentially share it with their partner, without the second adult paying for it.

While Carnival is clearly looking to maintain safe environments for all guests onboard, including minors, it wouldn’t be surprising if drinks package sharing was one of the motivators behind the policy change.

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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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In a milestone that few could imagine, Mario Salcedo, affectionately known as “Super Mario,” has celebrated his 1,000th cruise c- all with Royal Caribbean International.

The achievement underscores his incredible commitment to life at sea, where he has spent the majority of the last two decades.

Salcedo marked this historic occasion aboard Explorer of the Seas during an 11-night voyage to Panama and the Southern Caribbean.

Departing from Miami on 5th January 2025, the sailing featured a celebration in the ship’s Royal Promenade with Salcedo, senior staff, and fellow cruisers in attendance.

“Join us in celebrating the extraordinary milestone of Super Mario completing his 1,000th sailing with Royal Caribbean,” read the announcement in the ship’s daily newspaper.

The event recognized Salcedo as a beloved member of the cruising community and the Crown & Anchor Society’s Pinnacle Club.

Salcedo’s first Royal Caribbean cruise was an 8-night sailing on Majesty of the Seas in 1994. Over the years, he has sailed across the globe on some of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic ships, from Liberty of the Seas to Harmony of the Seas.

He currently holds the record for the most cruises on several ships, including Explorer of the Seas, where this milestone voyage marked his 54th sailing.

At 51 weeks a year on cruise ships, Salcedo has essentially made the high seas his home. Even the industry shutdown during 2020 barely slowed him down; he resumed his lifestyle at sea as soon as restrictions lifted.

Reaching Pinnacle status – and beyond

Salcedo hit the coveted Pinnacle Club status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program years ago.

Pinnacle status requires 700 points, the equivalent of 100 seven-night cruises in a standard cabin. Today, he has amassed over 10,000 loyalty points.

As a Pinnacle member, Salcedo enjoys benefits such as complimentary internet, daily breakfast at specialty restaurants, and priority embarkation.

Every 350 points, Pinnacle members also earn free cruise certificates for Junior Suite cabins.

Salcedo’s dedication to cruising is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Spending approximately $100,000 annually, he prefers balcony cabins for comfort.

“I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land,”

Mario Salcedo, speaking to Condé Nast Traveler.

His favorite itineraries include Caribbean voyages, with Royal Caribbean’s private destinations Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay topping his list of ports.

Among Salcedo’s most unforgettable cruise memories is a unique “hurricane evacuation” sailing aboard Enchantment of the Seas in September 2017.

As Hurricane Irma threatened South Florida, Royal Caribbean offered the ship as a safe haven for shoreside employees and their families. Salcedo, the only paying guest onboard, cherished the opportunity to connect with Royal Caribbean’s shoreside team.

As he reflects on his 1,000 cruises, Salcedo has no plans of slowing down.

“As long as I’m in good health and having fun, I’ll keep cruising indefinitely,” he said. With countless friends made and memories created at sea, Salcedo continues to inspire others with his passion for cruising.

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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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Cruise Tails has announced a significant update to the rules for its November 2025 inaugural “Tails of the Seas” dog-friendly cruise, expanding the weight limit for participating dogs from 20 pounds to 28 pounds.

The decision allows slightly larger dogs to join the voyage, set to sail aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

The height restriction of 18 inches remains unchanged, and all dogs must still meet strict vaccination and health certificate requirements to ensure safety and compliance.

No official reason has been provided for the updated weight limit.

Some have speculated that it could be a response to difficulties in filling the cruise’s 250 dog-allocated staterooms.

However, it’s thought that demand is high for the cruise, and so it is equally likely that the logistics of allowing larger dogs has just been explored as planning for the cruise unfolds.

The new threshold now includes many popular dog breeds that were previously excluded, such as the French Bulldog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Beagle.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the United States, with a breed standard weight of up to 28 pounds – precisely the new maximum allowed.

Similarly, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Beagles fall into similar size categories and may now be eligible to join the fun.

Rules and restrictions

While Cruise Tails has relaxed the weight restriction slightly, it is maintaining other safety and operational measures to ensure the cruise runs smoothly.

• Limited Dog Spaces: Only 250 staterooms are available for passengers bringing dogs.
• Human-Only Zones: Restaurants, pools, and the casino remain off-limits to canine companions.
• Safety First: The strict size and weight limits were initially introduced to alleviate concerns about dogs potentially jumping overboard, and size limits have been retained for that reason.

The cruise line has emphasized that this inaugural voyage serves as a “proof of concept” to demonstrate the viability of dog-friendly cruising.

If successful, future sailings may include more relaxed rules and broader accommodations for travellers and their pets.

Passengers on the 6-night voyage can look forward to a line-up of dog-friendly events, including:

• Costume contests and parades
• Grooming workshops
• Puppy picnics
• Personalized “pet butlers” for each furry traveler

These activities are designed to make the journey enjoyable for both pets and their owners.

The Tails of the Seas cruise will depart Port Tampa Bay on 18th November 2025, visiting Key West, Florida, and the Mexican ports of Progreso and Cozumel.

The 85,619-gross-ton Margaritaville at Sea Islander has a double occupancy capacity of 2,114 passengers, though only a small fraction of staterooms will host canine guests.

The decision to expand the weight limit highlights Cruise Tails’ commitment to making this inaugural pet-friendly cruise inclusive of a broader range of dogs, especially breeds that are popular among pet owners.

If the voyage proves successful, it could pave the way for more pet-friendly travel options and potentially rewrite the rules of cruising for animal lovers.

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Disney Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of four Disney Fantasy sailings originally scheduled for late 2025, citing an unplanned change in the ship’s dry dock schedule.

Guests booked on the impacted cruises, departing 20th October, 2nd November, 7th November, and 12th November, 2025, have been notified and offered refunds alongside a rebooking discount.

The dry dock adjustment comes as a surprise, as Disney Fantasy was originally scheduled to re-enter service immediately following its planned 29th September maintenance period.

Guests received an official statement from Disney Cruise Line explaining the changes:

“Due to an unplanned change in the scheduled dry dock dates for the Disney Fantasy, your sailing is no longer available. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment this may cause and welcome the opportunity to assist you in rescheduling your sailing around the same timeframe.”

Passengers will be refunded in full, with payments returned to their original form.

In addition, Disney Cruise Line is offering a 20% discount on a future cruise booking.

However, the discount cannot be applied to blackout dates, including maiden voyages of new Disney ships, such as the Disney Destiny, debuting from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025.

Dry dock details

The Disney Fantasy, homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, typically operates 4- and 5-night Bahamian itineraries during the fall and winter.

The 13-night westbound transatlantic sailing from Southampton to Port Canaveral, originally scheduled for 20th October 2025, was to mark the end of the ship’s European summer season.

The transatlantic itinerary included stops in La Coruna and Vigo in Spain, as well as Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

The revised sailing is expected to maintain similar ports of call, though specific dates and details will be available for booking from 6th February, 2025.

The shift in dry dock dates raises questions about additional itinerary changes.

It is possible that Disney Fantasy will add more European cruises before entering the shipyard, allowing guests to enjoy extended opportunities to explore Europe onboard the 129,750-gross-ton, Dream-class ship.

Alternatively, the dry dock itself may require more extensive work than originally anticipated.

This could be due to necessary technical upgrades, cosmetic enhancements, or shipyard labour constraints.

Extended dry dock periods occasionally occur in the cruise industry but typically only affect one or two sailings, making the cancellation of four cruises particularly unusual if that’s the cause.

Guest rebooking opportunities

While the cancellations may be disappointing, Disney Cruise Line has reassured passengers that they will receive refunds and significant incentives to reschedule.

This ensures that travellers can still plan their dream vacations while enjoying the enhanced Disney Fantasy upon its return to service.

Guests hoping to book the revised transatlantic cruise or other Disney Fantasy itineraries for 2025 are encouraged to act quickly, as demand for the ship remains high.

The Disney Fantasy, which entered service in 2012, is a hallmark of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet.

The ship features beloved Disney-themed entertainment, dining, and onboard activities, ensuring that every voyage is filled with magic and unforgettable memories. Enough for me to book my own cruise onboard for summer 2025!

Its upcoming dry dock will undoubtedly enhance these offerings for future passengers.

As Disney Cruise Line continues to grow its fleet with new ships and expanded itineraries, temporary disruptions like these underscore the commitment to maintaining high standards.

While impacted guests may need to adjust their plans, they can look forward to an upgraded Disney Fantasy and the opportunity to rebook with exclusive benefits.

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Passengers on P&O Cruises’ Azura experienced an unexpected disruption during their Canary Islands voyage when a burst pipe caused flooding in multiple cabins.

The incident occurred in the early hours of 12th January 2025, just two days into the cruise, leading to evacuations and leaving affected passengers frustrated.

UK couple Marcus and Melissa, who document their travels on their YouTube channel Fly Drive Explore, were among the passengers impacted.

They were woken at around 2 am by alarms and discovered their cabin on Deck 8 Midship submerged in water.

Crew members promptly evacuated the couple and other passengers from an estimated 20 to 26 cabins, directing them to Brodies British Pub to wait while the flooding was addressed.

As they filmed the incident, the captain’s announcement confirmed the flooding was caused by a burst pipe connected to one of the ship’s swimming pools on Deck 15, which had impacted multiple levels of the ship.

Delayed updates and frustrated passengers

Marcus and Melissa waited nearly two hours before being assigned a dry cabin to sleep in.

The next day, they returned to their original cabin to find it still soaked, with fans running to dry the space and their belongings left unsecured.

Despite assurances of compensation, the couple was disheartened by the lack of clear communication from reception.

They were eventually informed they would remain in their new cabin on Deck 3 Forward, which they described as less than ideal due to its smaller size, two single beds, and location above the ship’s thrusters, which disturbed their sleep each morning.

“The service in reception was terrible; they didn’t even know what was going on,” Marcus explained, noting the incident has made them reconsider sailing with P&O Cruises in the future.

The 3,100-guest Azura is scheduled to enter dry dock in March 2025 for regular maintenance following its Canary Islands season.

The work will occur between its last Canary Islands sailing, ending 8th March, and its Mediterranean homeport season from Malta, beginning 27th March.

P&O Azura isn’t the only ship to encounter such issues.

In fact, the day after the Azura incident, a burst pipe aboard Norwegian Epic left passengers without water in cabins and restrooms during its Caribbean voyage from Port Canaveral.

Fortunately in that instance, the problem was resolved within an hour.

In December 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas faced a water leak on Forward Deck 10 during a 3-night roundtrip cruise to the Bahamas, forcing several passengers to relocate.

Water leaks and burst pipes, while rare, highlight the importance of responsive crew action and clear communication during onboard emergencies.

Though passengers on Azura and other ships ultimately found safe accommodations, incidents like these underscore the challenges of managing complex systems aboard massive cruise vessels.

And of course, once you’re in the middle of the ocean on a ship that could be sold out, or close to it, your options for relocating passengers can sometimes be very limited!

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Disney Cruise Line has revealed more details on some of its new ships that had previously been announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

We now know that the cruise line’s expansion will include a fourth Wish-class ship and three smaller, environmentally focused vessels, promising to bring new experiences and destinations to Disney fans worldwide.

The fourth Wish-class ship, joining the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny, is set to debut in 2027.

Like its predecessors, it will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) and accommodate 4,000 passengers, with a gross tonnage of 144,000. The ship will continue Disney’s tradition of blending immersive storytelling with state-of-the-art technology.

The three smaller ships, scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2030, and 2031, will introduce a new class of vessels to Disney’s fleet.

These ships will be 100,000 gross tons with the capacity for 3,000 guests, offering a more intimate cruising experience compared to Disney’s larger vessels.

Despite their smaller size, these ships will be approximately 20% larger than Disney’s original ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and will feature advanced designs to align with Disney’s sustainability goals.

Innovation and sustainability as a focus

The smaller ships will be equipped to use alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil and renewable methanol, with adaptability for future energy innovations.

In addition, the ships will utilize next-generation power and propulsion systems to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Shore power capabilities will also enable the vessels to run their onboard systems without engines while docked.

“Our team of Disney Imagineers is dreaming up this new class of ships to be as fuel and energy-efficient as possible,”

Philip Gennotte, Portfolio Project Management Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering.

This initiative aligns with Disney’s broader environmental goals for 2030, which include achieving zero waste to landfills and eliminating single-use plastics on wholly owned cruise ships by 2025.

The fleet expansion will allow Disney Cruise Line to broaden its global footprint.

Starting in late 2025, the Disney Adventure will homeport in Singapore, marking Disney’s first presence in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, a new ship, created in partnership with Tokyo Disneyland’s operator Oriental Land Co. Ltd., will homeport in Japan, offering voyages tailored to the Japanese market.

With the addition of smaller ships, Disney can explore destinations suited to mid-size vessels, enabling guests to experience unique locales inaccessible to larger ships.

Disney Cruise Line’s rapid growth is driven by its loyal fan base and commitment to family-focused cruising.

According to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, Disney pioneered the family cruise segment when it launched in 1998.

Today, 40% of Disney Cruise Line guests cite the company’s presence as their primary reason for choosing to cruise.

Despite its popularity, Disney remains a relatively small player in the global cruise industry, representing just 2.5% of the market as of late 2024.

With seven new ships planned, Disney is poised to significantly increase its market share and attract a wider range of travellers.

As Disney Cruise Line prepares to nearly double its fleet, the company is setting new standards for family-friendly cruising and sustainable travel.

From expanded itineraries to cutting-edge ship designs, the future looks bright for Disney’s loyal fans and newcomers alike.

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After an extraordinary 50-year career with Royal Caribbean, Captain Johnny Faevelen has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for one of the company’s most beloved leaders.

The Norwegian captain shared his resignation in an emotional Facebook post on 13th January 2025, explaining his decision to focus on his family.

“It is with mixed feelings I have handed in my resignation,

“I will be a 100-percent husband for my lovely wife, Sissel. I will be a 100-percent father for our two fantastic children, Erelend and Eirin. And I will be a 100-percent grandfather for my 4.5 grandchildren,”

Captain Faevelen (referencing his family including a fifth grandchild due this year)

The 51-year veteran joined Royal Caribbean’s Song of Norway in 1975 as a seaman at the age of 20.

By 1994, he had earned his captain’s hat aboard Nordic Prince.

Over the years, Faevelen has commanded some of the line’s most iconic ships, including Mariner of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.

Most recently, he has served as Master of Symphony of the Seas since 2024.

Messages of congratulations and admiration have poured in from crew members and former passengers.

Captain Rumen Yovchev of Radiance of the Seas wrote, “Captain Johnny, for me it was an honour to be your OF1, OFCS, OFC, and SCPT. Wouldn’t be in the position I am right now without your coaching, mentorship, role model, and friendship.”

Captain Johnny’s final sailing will be a 7-night roundtrip Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami, with visits to the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

His last day on board Symphony of the Seas will be 26th January 2025.

Faevelen is also known for his active social media presence, where he has nearly 150,000 TikTok followers.

A photo he shared of his last moments at the helm, set to Rod Stewart’s “Sailing,” featured the poignant lyrics, “I am sailing, home again, ’cross the sea.”

Spending 50 years with a single cruise line is a rare and remarkable achievement, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, exceptional leadership, and a passion for the sea.

Faevelen’s dedication to Royal Caribbean has left an indelible mark on both his colleagues and passengers, making his career a shining example of commitment and excellence in the cruising world.

Congratulations on your retirement, captain!

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Virgin Voyages has launched its 2026 Annual Pass, offering unparalleled access to the cruise line’s fleet and an exclusive one-week stay on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private retreat in the British Virgin Islands.

The announcement comes shortly after the debut of the 2025 Annual Pass, with the 2026 package unveiled early to give travellers additional time to plan their voyages.

You’d have to assume that the cruise line saw some success with the 2025 Annual Pass to be releasing the 2026 one already, whether that’s a lot of purchases or just good PR.

Priced at $199,000, the 2026 Annual Pass provides year-round access to any Virgin Voyages ship, including the upcoming Brilliant Lady, which will sail from Seattle to Alaska starting in May 2026.

However, the cruise line has recognised that the annual pass could offer better value, and so has announced that the 2026 version will include a range of further exclusive benefits.

These include:

• A week-long stay on Necker Island: Includes business-class flights, ferry transfers, and access to the 74-acre private paradise.
• Daily Moët champagne delivery on demand.
• A $10,000 shopping credit for onboard High Street shops on the ships.
• Birthday upgrades to RockStar Quarters suites.
• Four privately hosted Shore Things annually.
• Up to 10 cabana reservations per year at the Beach Club in Bimini.
• Personalized RockStar robes and Virgin Voyages’ signature Yellow Leaf Hammock.

The pass is valid for one year starting January 1, February 1, March 1, or April 1, 2026, depending on the chosen start date. Bookings must be finalised by March 31, 2026.

An industry first with buzz-worthy appeal

Virgin Voyages’ Nicole Huang, Senior Vice President of Sailor Experiences, explained the motivation behind the early release.

“After Richard Branson went on Good Morning America to talk about our Annual Pass, there was so much excitement and buzz. It’s truly an industry first, and there were long queues to learn more. Our voyage planners shared feedback of Sailors inquiring about 2026 now, so we thought ‘why wait?’ and added a few elements to make the package a little suite-r.”

And to help encourage sales of the annual pass, the cruise line has announced that any travel agents who facilitate a booking of an annual pass will be given a flat $10,000 commission.

Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis although, realistically, I’m not sure if they will sell out.

With its combination of luxury cruising and access to Necker Island, the 2026 Annual Pass sets a new standard for all-inclusive travel experiences. That’s true.

But it definitely seems like more of a PR move. Still, if you have a spare $199,000 sitting in your bank account, plus extra for your flights to and from cruise ports, then why not give it a go?

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A Royal Caribbean passenger’s relaxing cruise turned into a costly lesson after returning home to discover a $1,300 cell phone bill, stemming from a simple but expensive mistake. The incident…

UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line and France’s Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) are merging to form Ambassador Group, a new European cruise brand. The combined fleet will feature three mid-size ships…

Carnival is often changing up the packages and deals that it offers to guests and so it can be hard to keep track of what’s new, what’s old and even…