News

Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas has encountered technical difficulties, leading to the cancellation of its cruise scheduled for 9th November 2024.

The ship, based in Shanghai, was set to embark on a 4-night journey with stops in Jeju, South Korea, and Nagasaki, Japan.

Passengers affected by this cancellation have been notified and offered compensation for the inconvenience.

As well as a 100% refund of the cruise fare and any associated fees, including any packages purchased, guests will be given a 50% future cruise credit to use against another sailing, provided it’s booked within the next 12 months.

Guests will also be reimbursed up to $200 US for domestic travel fees and $400 for international travel, for anything non-refundable. Guests will need to provide receipts for these claims.

The technical issues emerged during the ship’s current 7-night cruise, which included visits to Kyoto and Yokohama.

Consequently, the Spectrum of the Seas is delayed in returning to Shanghai, as it remains docked at Yokohama Daikoku Pier for necessary repairs. The cruise line has expressed regret for the disruption, acknowledging the effort passengers put into planning their trips.

“Unfortunately, due to a technical concern on our current sailing, we will be delaying our return to Shanghai (Baoshan), China. As a result, we will need to cancel our sailing altogether.

“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news.”

Notification sent to booked guests

It hasn’t been a week of smooth sailing for Royal Caribbean, as another ship in the fleet has suffered a short-term itinerary adjustment.

Explorer of the Seas was crossing the Atlantic when she was hit by an unexpected wave caused by a squall, meaning the subsequent Caribbean cruise has been shortened by 30%.

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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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While Royal Caribbean has now resumed sailings to its private resort of Labvadee on the island of Haiti, it hasn’t given the destination a full vote of confidence – shore excursion options have been limited.

The cruise line marked its return with the arrival of the Adventure of the Seas on 8th October 2024.

Despite the celebratory return, Royal Caribbean has limited the number of available shore excursions, reflecting a cautious approach to the ongoing situation in Haiti.

While the island itself is considered relatively safe, excursions extending beyond the immediate vicinity of the cruise port have been curtailed.

While many of the excursions are listed on the website and can be booked through the app, some guests have since been contacted to notify them that their booked excursions were cancelled.

As we return to visiting Labadee, we’re phasing the rollout of some of our tours and temporarily adjusting our tour offerings. As a result, we’ve cancelled your excursion and issued a full refund to your original form of payment,”

Letter sent to a guest by Royal Caribbean

Labadee, a private island destination managed by Royal Caribbean, is located on the northern coast of Haiti.

Known for its stunning landscapes and exclusive amenities, Labadee is a key highlight in Royal Caribbean’s cruise itineraries. The island offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, attracting a diverse range of passengers seeking a memorable Caribbean experience.

In early 2024, Royal Caribbean suspended visits to Labadee due to escalating safety concerns in Haiti. A significant prison break, involving inmates convicted of serious crimes, along with increasing gang violence and civil unrest, prompted the cruise line to prioritise the safety of its passengers and crew.

Initially, the company cancelled select shore excursions, but the severity of the situation led to a complete suspension of visits by 14th March 2024. This hiatus lasted several months, impacting Royal Caribbean’s operations and its passengers’ travel plans.

The return to Labadee was marked by the arrival of the Adventure of the Seas, signalling a cautious yet optimistic step forward for Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has implemented comprehensive safety measures to ensure the well-being of its guests, including enhanced security protocols and close monitoring of the situation in Haiti.

Labadee is generally regarded as safer than other Haitian destinations, thanks to Royal Caribbean’s vigilant monitoring and operational control.

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean may adjust its excursion offerings as the situation in Haiti evolves. The cruise line remains committed to providing memorable experiences while prioritising safety.

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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 Spectrum of the Seas has encountered technical difficulties, leading to the cancellation of its cruise scheduled for 9th November 2024. The ship, based in Shanghai, was set to…

On 7th November 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas was unexpectedly hit by a sudden squall, resulting in hurricane-force winds that caused a massive wave, resulting in the ship…

Crystal Cruises has confirmed the order of a third luxury ocean ship from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, set to enhance the company’s renowned fleet. This new vessel, which will accommodate 690…

Marella Cruises has announced the return of its popular “Electric Sunsets” themed cruise, this time with a fresh 90s vs 00s theme, set for November 2025. The UK-based cruise line,…

On 7th November 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas was unexpectedly hit by a sudden squall, resulting in hurricane-force winds that caused a massive wave, resulting in the ship tilting dramatically.

The sudden tilt caused chaos onboard, as loose items were sent flying. As a result, at least one person was injured and the ship had to turn back to the Canary Islands to drop them off, before it could resume its transatlantic voyage.

Guests were asked to return to their cabins after the incident for three hours, so that a full ship count of passengers and crew could be taken.

You can see the tilt of the ship here, as guests slide along the floor:

The squall, characterised by a sudden gust of intense wind or a localised storm, struck the ship with little warning. Passengers described scenes of disarray, with items flying across dining areas and individuals sliding across corridors.

Explorer of the Seas is engineered to withstand rough conditions, featuring design elements that enhance its stability and safety. The crew’s training and preparedness for such events were crucial in managing the situation.

Several cruisers onboard the ship have posted updates to social media, unanimously praising the crew for their communication and quick action.

These guests shared their thoughts plus some photos of the damage:

It’s now anticipated that the ship will complete her transatlantic cruise on 17th November, reaching Miami three days later than originally scheduled.

Once that’s confirmed it will likely have a knock-on effect on the 10-day Caribbean cruise set for 14th November.

While it can’t be embedded, this video on Facebook shows more of the damage.

If the ship is damaged (and there are rumours of stabiliser damage) then repairs may be needed, although for now it sounds like the ship has managed to escape without significant issue.

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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

Crystal Cruises has confirmed the order of a third luxury ocean ship from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, set to enhance the company’s renowned fleet. This new vessel, which will accommodate 690…

Marella Cruises has announced the return of its popular “Electric Sunsets” themed cruise, this time with a fresh 90s vs 00s theme, set for November 2025. The UK-based cruise line,…

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of its unique 20-day Alaska to Hawaii cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun, originally scheduled to depart on 20th June 2025. This cruise, which…

On 5th November 2024, a critical medical airlift was conducted for a crew member aboard Celebrity Edge, a cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. The incident took place off the…

Crystal Cruises has confirmed the order of a third luxury ocean ship from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, set to enhance the company’s renowned fleet.

This new vessel, which will accommodate 690 passengers at double occupancy and measure 61,800 gross tons, will continue Crystal’s tradition of high-end design and unique guest experiences.

The ship’s design will mirror her sister ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, featuring a promenade that wraps around the entire perimeter, offering panoramic ocean views.

The ship’s interiors will be crafted by acclaimed architectural firms, promising refined décor, luxurious materials, and top-notch craftsmanship.

For food lovers, the new ship will bring an impressive range of dining options, including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, and Beefbar, the creation of renowned restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi.

The ship’s culinary offerings will also feature dishes crafted in collaboration with famed Italian chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo.

Additionally, Crystal’s exclusive onboard entertainment will include Casino de Monte-Carlo, launching this month on Crystal Symphony and in December on Crystal Serenity.

The ship will offer all-suite accommodation with private verandas, including suites specifically designed for solo travellers. With one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise industry, guests can expect personalised service and a comfortable, spacious experience.

“Exercising this option and agreeing to build a third ship together showcases the trust and partnership between my family and Fincantieri, dating back to Sitmar Cruises and evolving through Silversea to our present vision with Crystal”

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group

The announcement of this new ship comes two years after A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal Cruises, marking a period of growth and fleet expansion under its leadership.

The delivery of the third Crystal ship is currently tentatively set for 2032.

About Crystal Cruises

With over 30 years of history, Crystal Cruises is a leader in luxury voyages.

Since its acquisition by A&K Travel Group in 2022, Crystal has entered a new era, reimagining its service to blend sophistication with innovation at sea.

The company’s two flagship vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, feature spacious, beautifully crafted suites, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, and award-winning entertainment.

Crystal Cruises sets itself apart with exclusive shore excursions and partnerships with Abercrombie & Kent, providing travellers with unique access to cultural experiences worldwide.

Dining on board is a highlight, with Umi Uma, the only Nobu dining experience at sea, showcasing Michelin-star cuisine. With a focus on impeccable service and timeless elegance, Crystal continues to set the standard for luxury travel.

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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

Marella Cruises has announced the return of its popular “Electric Sunsets” themed cruise, this time with a fresh 90s vs 00s theme, set for November 2025. The UK-based cruise line,…

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of its unique 20-day Alaska to Hawaii cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun, originally scheduled to depart on 20th June 2025. This cruise, which…

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Marella Cruises has announced the return of its popular “Electric Sunsets” themed cruise, this time with a fresh 90s vs 00s theme, set for November 2025.

The UK-based cruise line, part of TUI, also revealed plans for a brand-new “Country Rhythms” cruise in February 2026. Both themed cruises will be available for booking from 14 November 2024.

In its fifth year, Electric Sunsets is introducing the new 90s vs 00s theme, offering a unique music showdown at sea.

Guests can look forward to performances by top acts including B*Witched, The Honeyz, and DJ SASH!, alongside Ibiza in Symphony, a 10-piece orchestra. Additional artists will be announced in 2025.

This three-night adult-only cruise, tailored to fans of 90s and 2000s music, will take place aboard Marella Voyager from 1 to 4 November 2025. Departing from Palma, the journey includes stops in Valencia and Cartagena, ending in Malaga.

In February 2026, Marella will launch its first-ever country music cruise, “Country Rhythms,” featuring “The Dolly Show,” the UK’s top Dolly Parton impersonator.

Country music enthusiasts can expect themed entertainment such as line dancing classes, a new production show, and a best-dressed competition.

“We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of our themed cruises for 2025 and 2026. We are especially excited to be revealing our first ever country themed cruise, ‘Country Rhythms’ alongside Electric Sunsets, which has become synonymous with our cruise line.

“Thanks to our recent market research, we believe these tailored themed cruises connected to country music and 90s/00s will encourage those who are new to cruising to consider Marella Cruises for their future holidays. These themed cruises will also offer returning customers a refreshing alternative to our regular Mediterranean sailings, adding a unique experience to their journey.”

Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Marella Cruises

The Country Rhythms cruise will offer two adult-only sailings aboard Marella Explorer 2.

The first, a four-night cruise, departs on 5 February 2026 from Malaga, with stops in Gibraltar, Arrecife, and ending in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.

The second, a five-night cruise, will cover the same route but conclude in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

With these exciting itineraries, Marella Cruises aims to attract a new wave of guests looking for unique themed cruise experiences.

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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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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of its unique 20-day Alaska to Hawaii cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun, originally scheduled to depart on 20th June 2025. This cruise, which…

On 5th November 2024, a critical medical airlift was conducted for a crew member aboard Celebrity Edge, a cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. The incident took place off the…

Utopia of the Seas, a flagship of Royal Caribbean and the world’s second-largest cruise ship, was unable to dock at Nassau, Bahamas, on 5th November 2024, due to severe weather…

Luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse I is currently undergoing urgent repairs in Galveston, Texas. This vessel, which can accommodate 228 passengers and has a gross tonnage of 17,545, requires maintenance…

On 5th November 2024, a critical medical airlift was conducted for a crew member aboard Celebrity Edge, a cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises.

The incident took place off the coast of New South Wales, Australia.

The Celebrity Edge, a 130,818-gross-ton vessel, was on a 4-night roundtrip voyage from Sydney to Hobart.

The airlift operation was a coordinated effort involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

A rescue helicopter, supported by an additional aircraft, was dispatched to ensure the crew member received the necessary medical attention.

The crew member’s medical condition exceeded the capabilities of the ship’s onboard medical facilities, necessitating the urgent airlift.

While cruise ships are equipped with medical professionals trained to handle various health issues, certain emergencies require external intervention for adequate care.

In cases where onboard medical capabilities are insufficient, cruise lines work with maritime authorities to arrange air or sea rescues.

It’s the second sea rescue in just two weeks for cruise ships operating out of Australia.

On 24th October 2024, the Pacific Explorer had a guest onboard who suffered a heart attack, and had to be rescued and transported to Cairns Hospital.

And just two weeks prior to that, the same ship required a medical evacuation for another passenger onboard.

Med evacs are typically rare on cruises but there have been increasing reports of them recently, including back-to-back rescues on the same ship within two days.

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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

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of its unique 20-day Alaska to Hawaii cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun, originally scheduled to depart on 20th June 2025. This cruise, which…

Utopia of the Seas, a flagship of Royal Caribbean and the world’s second-largest cruise ship, was unable to dock at Nassau, Bahamas, on 5th November 2024, due to severe weather…

Luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse I is currently undergoing urgent repairs in Galveston, Texas. This vessel, which can accommodate 228 passengers and has a gross tonnage of 17,545, requires maintenance…

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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the cancellation of its unique 20-day Alaska to Hawaii cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun, originally scheduled to depart on 20th June 2025.

This cruise, which was to travel from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, has been cancelled due to fleet redeployment.

Guests and travel advisors were informed of the decision directly, although specific details regarding the redeployment were not provided.

The itinerary was designed to offer a distinctive travel experience, beginning in Vancouver and concluding in Honolulu. It included stops in Alaska, such as Ketchikan, Ice Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka, and Whittier, with scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier.

The journey was to continue to the Hawaiian Islands, featuring port calls in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and finally Oahu.

The itinerary was eagerly anticipated as usually cruises go to either Alaska or Hawaii. For cruises to both regions, you’d typically be looking at much longer world cruise segments.

The good news is that, despite the cancellation, a similar itinerary in reverse, from Honolulu to Vancouver, remains available for booking. However, it was not flagged as an alternative option by NCL for impacted guests, so it may yet be cancelled.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a history of altering or cancelling voyages due to fleet redeployment. In recent years, the line cancelled nearly all of Norwegian Spirit’s summer 2024 Alaska cruises and several Western Caribbean voyages on Norwegian Escape in early 2025.

The cancellation has prompted varied reactions from the cruise community. Guests who were booked onto the cruise have, understandably, expressed disappointment, while travel advisors are working to accommodate changes and provide alternatives.

As a bonus for affected guests, they will all be offered a 10% discount on a future cruise booking, provided it’s taken between 11th November 2024 and 31st December 2025.

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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

On 5th November 2024, a critical medical airlift was conducted for a crew member aboard Celebrity Edge, a cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. The incident took place off the…

Utopia of the Seas, a flagship of Royal Caribbean and the world’s second-largest cruise ship, was unable to dock at Nassau, Bahamas, on 5th November 2024, due to severe weather…

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Utopia of the Seas, a flagship of Royal Caribbean and the world’s second-largest cruise ship, was unable to dock at Nassau, Bahamas, on 5th November 2024, due to severe weather conditions.

Winds reaching up to 50 knots forced the vessel to alter its planned itinerary, highlighting the challenges of maritime travel in adverse weather.

Passengers aboard the Utopia of the Seas shared their experiences on social media, providing real-time updates on the situation and how the high-speed winds were causing the sudden itinerary change.

The ship was originally on a 4-night itinerary with Nassau as a key stop. However, the inclement weather necessitated a change in plans, leading to speculation among passengers about a possible rescheduled visit.

The decision to skip Nassau was influenced by the challenges associated with docking a vessel of Utopia’s magnitude in adverse weather. It shows that even the biggest ships in the world can be impacted by winds!

The ship is expected to remain near Nassau before proceeding to its next scheduled stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. The cruise is set to conclude at Port Canaveral, Florida, on 8th November.

While the itinerary change may have been disappointing for some passengers, it reflects the cruise line’s prioritisation of safety over adherence to schedule.

Tropical storms have hit the headlines in the past couple of months around the Caribbean, due to the damage they’ve caused across the region and into mainland USA.

Utopia of the Seas has been impacted in recent days too, with the prior cruise forced to cancel a trip to Perfect Day at CocoCay, instead sailing to Labadee.

They’ve also wreaked havoc on cruise itineraries, with a couple of key lessons for anyone planning a Caribbean cruise. If you’re going to sail during hurricane season, anticipate last-minute changes, and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance with cruise cover!

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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

Luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse I is currently undergoing urgent repairs in Galveston, Texas. This vessel, which can accommodate 228 passengers and has a gross tonnage of 17,545, requires maintenance…

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Luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse I is currently undergoing urgent repairs in Galveston, Texas.

This vessel, which can accommodate 228 passengers and has a gross tonnage of 17,545, requires maintenance to replace one of its two Azipod propulsion units.

These units are crucial for the ship’s navigation through the icy waters of Antarctica, a region where the ship is set to return in November.

Repair work commenced on 28th October 2024 and is expected to last between two to six weeks.

The urgency of the situation is being addressed by coordinating with the Azipod manufacturers and utilising a chartered cargo plane so that the new Azipod can be delivered and fitted as quickly as possible.

Last month, the cruise line was forced to cancel three cruises between October and November that would’ve repositioned the ship, due to the propulsion issues.

The ship was initially set to reposition from the Caribbean to Argentina, starting with a 13-night cruise from Nassau, Bahamas, on 24 October 2024, and concluding in Bridgetown, Barbados, on 5 November. It was then scheduled for a 12-night journey from Bridgetown to Rio de Janeiro, followed by a repositioning leg from 16 November to 27 November.

Despite these challenges, Scenic Eclipse I is preparing for its upcoming Antarctic season and will hopefully be ready to serve the guests in time.

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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

Popular British cruise line Fred. Olsen has announced its Summer 2026 collection is now on sale, with a new Freedom Fare Price Promise to tempt guests to book early. The…

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